Li Qingshan stood alone in the Heaven-Class Stone Garden of Yaoguang Stone Workshop, the fervor and clamor surrounding him caused by the birth of the Kirin Immortal Medicine Seed seemed to be isolated by an invisible barrier.
In his hand, the seven-colored immortal light, which had been wrapped in layers of restrictions, had been withdrawn, transforming into a palm-sized, radiant object which he calmly stored into the Bitter Sea.
However, inside and outside the garden, countless scorching, greedy, shocked, and awe-inspiring gazes were focused on him as if they were real, almost piercing through him.
The air was as heavy as lead, filled with a sense of impending doom.
The Kirin Immortal Medicine Seed, a supreme celestial treasure that would make even the Life Forbidden Zone take notice, has only just begun to spread the shockwaves from its appearance in the world.
"Holy Son!" The white-haired elder of Yaochi Stone Workshop was so excited that he wanted to say something, but was stopped by a calm look from Li Qingshan.
Li Qingshan's gaze swept across the entire area. Although the aura of the Immortal Platform Secret Realm had been concealed, its profound and unfathomable majesty caused everyone who met his eyes to involuntarily feel a chill and subconsciously avoid his gaze.
He needed no words; his actions spoke volumes. This item belonged to the Jade Pool Holy Son.
He did not linger in the stone archway. He nodded slightly to the elder and then walked out.
The crowd parted like an invisible tide, automatically creating a wide path.
Wherever he went, there was complete silence, with only countless complex gazes following his retreating figure.
As soon as they stepped out of the stone archway, Black Emperor, who had been waiting outside, immediately rushed up, his dog face full of flattery and eagerness, and whispered, "Woof!"
Qingshan Kid! No, Big Brother!
Brother! Let me see that Qilin Seed!
Just one glance! This emperor is the most knowledgeable about the Immortal Medicine. Back in the day, the Great Emperor ...
Li Qingshan ignored its noise and continued walking straight towards the Jade Pool Holy Land's residence in the Holy City.
Seeing this, Black Emperor was so anxious that he scratched his head, but he didn't dare to really use force. He could only follow along obediently, constantly muttering various "grand plans" of "resource sharing" and "joint cultivation," trying to get a share of the pie.
Its appearance caused the lips of some people secretly observing from afar to twitch, but no one dared to underestimate this Big Black Dog that could walk side by side with the Jade Pool Holy Son.
Meanwhile, throughout the Holy City, undercurrents surged and discussions abounded.
"Incredible!"
That's incredible!
Li Qingshan, the Jade Pool Holy Son, is defying the heavens!
They even cut out the complete seed of the Immortal Medicine!
" The Qilin Divine Medicine! An exclusive item of the Ancient Emperor!"
I've heard that eating this can grant you instant immortality, allowing you to coexist with the world!
"Pshaw, becoming an immortal on the spot is an exaggeration, but living a second life and continuing the path to Lifetime emperor is absolutely possible!"
This is the true sustenance of Great Emperor!
"Compared to them, what are the other holy sons and daughters?"
The Ji Family's Divine King Body is said to be invincible among the younger generation of the Eastern Wasteland?
That descendant of the Jiang Family is unfathomable!
"None are as good as far away"
"And that Yaoguang Holy Son, shrouded in holy light all day long, so mysterious! I think he's just putting on a show!"
" The Jade Pool Holy Land has truly struck gold this time!"
With this child around, for the next ten thousand years, they will likely dominate all other holy lands!
Teahouses, taverns, streets, and alleys—similar discussions spread like wildfire.
Li Qingshan's reputation was elevated to an unprecedented height, which in turn boosted the prestige of Jade Pool Holy Land.
Of course, there were also some sour comments.
"Hmph, the tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind! Li Qingshan is so high-profile, repeatedly unearthing precious treasures. Does he really think the Holy City is his backyard?"
"Indeed! What kind of divine object is the Qilin Seed? How could a mere junior at the First Heaven of the Immortal Platform of the Immortal Ascension Realm possibly protect it? I think it's more of a curse than a blessing!"
"Just wait and see. Countless old monsters are eyeing him. Whether he can even leave the Holy City alive is a question."
"I heard that someone has already made secret contact over there," someone said in a low voice, making a throat-slitting gesture, their eyes filled with fear and a hint of excitement.
" The Human World?" The person next to him gasped. " The Assassin Divine Dynasty! If they were to make a move, even Mighty Figure at the Second Heaven of the Immortal Platform might perish!"
Deep within the Ji Family's stone archway, in a quiet room shrouded in Void array patterns.
Ji Haoyue stood with his hands behind his back, clad in silver armor. The flickering Void behind him reflected on his cold and stern face.
" The Kirin Immortal Medicine Seed —I never imagined that such a legendary celestial treasure would actually appear in the world."
Ji Haoyue's voice carried a hint of dryness he himself was unaware of, "His Source Arts has actually reached such an unfathomable level?"
This insight is probably no less than that of the Source Heavenly Master from back then.
Beside him, an elder of the Ji Family said in a deep voice, his tone heavy with a hint of barely perceptible killing intent. "Haoyue, this boy can no longer be judged by ordinary standards."
His cultivation has progressed rapidly, and he is now at the Immortal Platform Secret Realm. His combat power is unfathomable, and he is suspected of touching the Eight Forbidden Domain.
Now, with the addition of the Qilin Divine Seed, it's like a tiger with wings.
Given time, they will surely become a major threat to the Ji Family's path to imperial power!
"Whether or not," a fierce glint flashed in the elder's eyes, and a replica of the Void Mirror loomed behind him, "While it hasn't fully matured, let's use our hidden strength to..."
Ji Haoyue whirled around, her silver armor clanging, her gaze piercing the elder like a celestial sword, interrupting him. "Seventh Ancestor! Watch your words! My Ji Family are descendants of the Void Emperor, and we act with integrity and uprightness. Why resort to such underhanded tricks?"
What he earned through his own abilities was his opportunity.
The path to becoming an emperor depends on one's own invincible belief and strength, not on stifling geniuses!
I, Ji Haoyue, have my own invincible path. In the future, on the Emperor's Road, I will defeat him honorably and openly with the Void Scripture, and seize his Fortune!
Even so, the clenched fists in his sleeves and the lingering seriousness in the depths of his eyes showed that the pressure from Li Qingshan was like an invisible mountain, already pressing down.
In the Jiang Family's residence in the Holy City, there was an ancient hall that exuded a trace of Saint-level aura.
Jiang Yifei, dressed in a blue robe, sat before a jade table, his fingertips unconsciously caressing a piece of warm jade, his expression complex and unreadable.
" The Qilin Seed, the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Sword," he muttered to himself, his brows furrowing more with each name he uttered. "This Jade Pool Holy Son truly possesses heaven-defying luck, and his methods are astonishing."
Tingting is such a lucky girl, to have such a master.
He thought about the importance his family placed on Jiang Tingting, Taiyin Physique, and the subtle connection between her and Li Qingshan.
Overall, they are friends, not enemies.
Furthermore, the resources Li Qingshan possesses and the terrifying potential he has demonstrated are enough to make the Jiang Family examine him with the highest standards, even treating him as an equal power.
"Pass down the order," Jiang Yifei instructed the figure behind him who seemed to blend into the shadows, "Increase your attention to the Jade Pool Holy Son, but make sure to maintain good relations and avoid offending him easily."
Inside the Yaoguang Holy City's headquarters, there was a palace that shone with holy light, yet concealed endless depths and coldness within.
The Yaoguang Holy Son was bathed in a hazy holy light, his face blurred, except for his eyes, which were like two black holes that swallowed light.
His aura was peaceful and sacred, as if True Immortal had descended to earth. However, if someone with a keen sense of spirituality were present, they would be able to perceive that beneath that supremely divine and holy light, there was a faint, eerie fluctuation that seemed capable of devouring the very essence of all things and freezing one's soul.
" The Immortal Platform Secret Realm is now as stable as a mountain, Source Heaven Book has also received its true teachings."
Seeds of the Immortal Medicine, Longevity and Nirvana, Dragon-Patterned Black Gold, Imperial Material for Slaughter.
The voice of the Yaoguang Holy Son was calm and even, yet carried a cold indifference as if looking down on ants. " Li Qingshan, your growth has been too fast."
It was so fast, it transcended the realm of chess pieces; so fast, it made the "Tao" within me feel hungry and yearning.
He slowly raised his right hand, and in his palm, a faint, yet profoundly deep, dark light quietly emerged, writhing like a living thing, radiating a primal and greedy desire to devour all special constitutions and divine origins in the world.
"The sensations from the Heaven-Devouring Demonic Art are accurate."
He seemed to be whispering to some being hidden deep within the holy light, "There is something about him that stirs my very being. It is not a specific physique, but rather something purer, more ancient, almost like the very essence of the Dao."
It's far more tempting than those so-called King Body or Divine Body, and there's also the Qilin Seed. If I could devour its source of immortality, my Dao foundation would be incredibly stable, and I might even be able to glimpse a trace of the secrets of immortality!
"Holy Son,"
A hoarse voice, like a chilling wind from the depths of hell, echoed from the shadows within the hall, and a blurry figure materialized, "This young man has already made a name for himself, possessing a great treasure, and is now the target of everyone's wrath."
Should we send our subordinates to contact Human World and, before they leave the Holy City, set up a trap to kill them?
"As long as a sufficient price is paid, it can be made to disappear silently."
The Yaoguang Holy Son remained silent for a moment, his holy light rippled slightly, as if he were weighing his options.
After a long silence, he spoke softly, his voice still calm, yet carrying a chilling undertone. "No, not for now."
Why? Because now is the perfect opportunity!
With the Assassin Divine Dynasty's intervention, no one can trace it back to us!
The voice from the shadows carried a hint of confusion and urgency.
"Idiot!"
The Yaoguang Holy Son coldly rebuked, causing the surrounding holy light to dim. "He is currently at the height of his power, the focus of everyone's attention. If he were to suddenly die, would Jade Pool let it go so easily?"
We will do everything in our power to investigate!
At that time, even those with "outstanding reputation" in the Human World may still leave behind some clues.
It would be a losing proposition to prematurely expose our existence for a fruit that is not yet fully ripe.
He paused, his tone carrying a coldness and patience that regarded all things as chess pieces on a chessboard. " The Great Emperor's legacy seizes the Fortune of heaven and earth, and delves into the mysteries of the universe. Most importantly, it requires patience and timing."
Let him continue to grow, let him attract all the attention, and let him endure all the open and hidden attacks.
What we need to do is hide in the shadows, observe quietly, and wait for his most glorious, yet most vulnerable, moment.
"The meaning of the Holy Son is,"
"He is now the target of everyone's hatred; we are not the only ones who want to kill him."
Why don't we give it a push?
The Yaoguang Holy Son's lips curled into a cold smile. "Slightly embellish the news about him in the Holy City," he said, and quietly released it.
"Of course, someone will go and test him, wear him down, and even force him to reveal more of his trump cards."
"The best time for us to act and reap the most ripe fruit will be when he leaves the Holy City, after a series of battles, when he is exhausted both physically and mentally, or when he feels he is at his safest."
His words were calm, yet they revealed an absolute ruthlessness and domineering attitude that viewed geniuses as resources and controlled destiny.
"Understood! I'll arrange it right away!"
The figure in the shadows understood, a chilling smile on their face, and slowly vanished.
" Li Qingshan, grow well. Everything you have will eventually become nourishment for me to reach the pinnacle."
The Yaoguang Holy Son murmured to himself, his figure completely merging into the endless holy light, and the palace returned to a deathly silence of "holiness."
Besides these top powers, many other sects, ancient families, and major religions within the Holy City are also secretly discussing and adjusting their strategies towards the Jade Pool Holy Land.
The name Li Qingshan, along with the appearance of the Kirin Immortal Medicine, truly carries the weight to stir up the winds and clouds of the Eastern Wasteland.
Meanwhile, the hidden schemes in the " Human World " have been quietly launched through a highly secretive channel, with their target being none other than Li Qingshan, the Jade Pool Holy Son!
The reward was so high that it moved even some Mighty Figure who had been hiding for years.
Back at Jade Pool's residence in the Holy City, in a quiet and heavily guarded courtyard.
Li Qingshan set up layers of restrictions, including not only the Jade Pool Formation, but also a maze he created himself using the " Source Heaven Book " combined with his own Dao patterns, enough to prevent cultivators below the Second Heaven of the Immortal Platform from spying on him.
Black Emperor was pacing anxiously outside, trying everything he could to break through, but to no avail. He could only grumble and curse as he lay at the courtyard gate, acting as a temporary "gatekeeper."
Inside, Li Qingshan sat cross-legged, not immediately studying the Qilin Seed that had shaken the world, but first introspecting on himself, examining his gains and his own condition.
"It appears glamorous on the surface, but in reality, it harbors deadly dangers."
Li Qingshan's eyes were deep and unwavering, showing no trace of smugness.
He knew full well the principle that possessing a treasure is a crime, Kirin Immortal Medicine Seed was the biggest target.
Moreover, he keenly sensed that several malicious gazes, like venomous snakes, were lurking in the shadows.
Even with cultivation at the first level of Immortal Platform, one is still insufficient when facing the foundation of a sacred land and certain Old Gu.
His consciousness sank into the depths of the Bitter Sea, passing the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold sword, the jade box sealing the Qilin Seed, and another jade box containing the "remnant root of the humanoid Immortal Medicine " that he had sealed with even more secretive means.
Finally, he landed on that mysterious " Stone Gate " in his sea of consciousness, seemingly infinitely high, which had accompanied him through countless realms.
Above.
The Stone Gate remains ancient and simple, bearing the marks of time, as if it has existed since time immemorial.
It is usually silent.
However, it happened today.
For the first time, the Stone Gate actively transmitted a stream of information far clearer than ever before, directly imprinting it on the very essence of his soul:
[Countdown to next start: 81 days]
Information flowed in like a tide, and then the Stone Gate returned to silence.
But in Li Qingshan's perception, it was different from its previous completely dormant state; it now possessed a kind of "active" energy, as if it were "ready to unleash its power."
The blurry lines on the door seemed to become slightly clearer, as if a colossal beast, long buried in the dust, was slowly opening its eyes.
Eighty-one days! This time the notification came so many days early!
A thought struck Li Qingshan!
Was the Stone Gate giving me advance warning as my cultivation level increased?
However, in any case, this is a completely new world!
Different civilizations, different cultivation systems, different resources!
This is of immeasurable value to me in perfecting myself and accumulating knowledge and experience!
The time difference between the two most important worlds allows for rapid growth.
A glint shone in Li Qingshan's eyes.
But before we cross over, we need to clear away the trash and secure our rear!
There's no need to linger in the Holy City any longer; it's time to leave.
But before leaving, we need to teach those lurking guys a "deep" lesson. It would be best to lure them out of their hole and wipe them all out, especially that venomous snake from the Ruthless One Lineage of the Yaoguang Holy Land!
We need to make them feel the pain so they won't dare to easily extend their claws again for a while.
Back at Jade Pool, a message needs to be sent to the Queen Mother of the West to explain the situation, garner her support, and lay the groundwork for her upcoming "journey."
My thoughts raced, and plans took shape and became more detailed in my mind.
The sense of crisis brought by the Qilin Seed intertwined with the sense of opportunity that the Stone Gate was about to open again, making his blood boil for the first time, while his Dao heart became increasingly clear and transparent, illuminating the path ahead.
He refocused his attention on the sealed Qilin Seed.
" The Immortal Divine Medicine contains the laws of longevity. While its medicinal properties can certainly prolong life and allow one to live a second life, for me, this seed in the process of Nirvana is perhaps more valuable than the fully matured Immortal Medicine."
Li Qingshan's gaze was deep as he looked inward at the Qilin Seed enveloped in chaotic energy within the Bitter Sea. He realized in his heart. "Observing its complete process from annihilation to rebirth, comprehending the ancient path of the Qilin, and glimpsing the mystery of life's Nirvana —this is its greatest value to me."
The elixir of Immortal Medicine originates from the realm of Immortal King; simply consuming it is tantamount to buying the box and returning the pearl—a blatant waste.
With a slight thought, waves surged within his Bitter Sea. Wisps of life essence and fragments of Dao principles emanated from the Kirin Immortal Medicine Seed. Though extremely faint, they carried a unique Daoist charm of Nirvana and rebirth, actively merging into his Immortal Platform Secret Realm and his entire body.
In an instant, my consciousness seemed to be cleansed, leaving me with a state of ethereal clarity.
"Incredible!"
Li Qingshan thought to himself, "Although it cannot directly improve one's cultivation level, the benefits of this Nirvana Daoist essence for enlightenment, understanding the origin of life, and breaking through bottlenecks far surpass those of ordinary sacred medicines!"
More importantly, this is a continuous and long-term process of understanding, directly pointing to the mysteries of immortality and the second life!
He did not greedily absorb the essence, but carefully comprehended the principles of life and death, prosperity and decline within it. Then, he slowly restrained his aura, maintaining this subtle state of nourishment and comprehension.
He viewed the seed as a living "source of the Tao," rather than a disposable consumable.
The clamor of the Holy City and the murderous intent from the outside world were temporarily kept outside the barrier.
Outside the villa, the Holy City lights were just coming on, and beneath the hustle and bustle, danger lurked.