The Land-Clearing Campaign Ends, Tianqin Makes Plans

----- Cold Crow Mountain, two years later

Senior Cultivator Wufeng's short halberd shone brightly, and the second- Second-Tier Supreme-Grade Thunderbone Eagle locked onto by his gaze had no courage to resist. The power emanating from the cultivator in front of him was enough to make the beast tremble with fear and almost lose control of its bladder.

Despite the blood still stained on his face and bits of flesh from the soldiers, and the bits of flesh from the cultivators clinging to his beak, he showed none of the arrogance he had displayed when facing a group of Foundation Establishment and Qi Refinement cultivators.

However, even though this beast transformed into lightning and fled, Senior Cultivator Wufeng still showed no intention of holding back. The short halberd in his hand glowed with spiritual light, and with a light stroke, a sharp beam of light tore through the void and shot out.

The leader of the Thunderbone Eagle could clearly feel the approaching force behind him, but he had no choice but to flap his wings violently, hoping to escape with his life.

But how easy is it to dodge the techniques of those who cultivate to the Golden Core stage?

The sharp light easily caught up and then effortlessly sliced open the Hardness neck of the Thunderbone Eagle, which had cultivated for a thousand years and was on the verge of forming its Core Formation.

The blade was so sharp that the beast didn't even let out a terrified scream. After a few bone fragments splattered, its enormous head fell to the ground along with a trail of blood.

Several disciples who served Senior Cultivator Wufeng rushed over without being urged, immediately taking out various utensils to collect Essence Blood and spiritual materials, unwilling to waste the slightest bit.

His movements were so skillful and meticulous that it was immediately clear he shared the same humble origins as Senior Cultivator Wufeng.

Following closely behind the disciples of Senior Cultivator Wufeng, the state army soldiers were even more fearless, and led by military officers whose courage had surged, they launched a surprise attack on the Thunderbone Eagle, who were already terrified.

At this moment, the spirit boats moved with incredible speed, and soon blood blossoms bloomed everywhere in the air.

After casually dealing with a Second-Tier Supreme-Grade Demon Beast, Senior Cultivator Wufeng showed no sign of pride.

This is because the battle to open up the land has come to an end, but he still hasn't made many contributions. Not only is he not outstanding among the Golden Core cultivators, but even the achievements of the two Pill Masters, Yue Lin and Yuan Buwen, are not much inferior to his.

This caused Senior Cultivator Wufeng to feel anxious, because in recent days, Cloud Horn Prefecture Court that since no prefecture was willing to allocate land to house Fearless Tower, Fei Nanying intended to cede territory from Ding Prefecture Senior Cultivator Wufeng had originally planned to establish his sect.

As for the reason, Senior Cultivator Wufeng himself knew very well: it was simply because his skills were not high and his record was poor.

Despite joining the state government so early, after all these years, all he's gained is an empty plot of land, his skills haven't improved much, and he's even lost his most prized Law Treasure.

The fact that Yuan Buwen, a top-tier False Core, had brought his clan to Ding Prefecture already greatly displeased Senior Cultivator Wufeng. He was unwilling to accept that half of his foundation had been taken away, so he had been working even harder these past few days.

Once the thought arose, it became increasingly uncontrollable.

His expression darkened, and he asked Zhou Yun beside him in a low voice, "How many Second-Tier Supreme-Grade Demon Beast within a radius of five hundred miles still need to be dealt with?"

The latter knew his master was anxious, so he picked up the map and examined it carefully before saying, "Master, according to the intelligence, there's another one two hundred miles to the south, but that's a territory allocated by the Double Brightness Alliance, and it's already been cleared out by Fellow Daoist Jiang and his men."

Two years have passed, and those places rife with miasma and venomous insects have long been cleansed by cultivators with their blood and lives.

Although in just a few short years, it is still far from turning barren land into fertile land, but it is much safer than at the beginning.

As cultivators from all directions ventured into Cold Crow Mountain, they could even glimpse the approximate outline of Bearfall Peak, the Third Tier spiritual land where the Tianqin Fei Household's ancestor, Tianqin, cultivated. This was almost unimaginable back when Yao Qi roamed freely and miasma was rampant.

Therefore, at this point, the Double Brightness Alliance, which oversees all parties, naturally does not want to lag behind and only earn a little money from transporting supplies.

Harvesting a few more Second Tier Demon Beast is a win-win situation. It won't result in any major losses, and it will also improve appearances and avoid giving others cause for criticism.

However, Senior Cultivator Wufeng felt a little annoyed and muttered to himself, "Kang Dabao returned to his home mountain and requested to cultivate, leaving behind Jiang Qing, who is no pushover either. Even Yuan Jin's military skills are not much inferior to that Tie Liuyun, and he has been showing off with that damned Azure Jue Guard for the past year or two. Was the Chongming Sect leader of Chongming Sect just a minor Qi Refinement? How come his judgment in choosing disciples is better than mine?"

As soon as the Senior Cultivator Wufeng finished speaking, Zhou Yun, who was standing to the side, immediately felt a chill emanating from him.

Knowing that his master was depressed, he immediately made up an excuse and rushed ahead of the state soldiers to harvest the lives of the Thunderbone Eagle, thus escaping a period of complaints.

It took Senior Cultivator Wufeng and his troops quite a while to wipe out the demons in the area. This group of Thunderbone Eagle did not actually occupy the place; they just happened to be passing by and were wiped out by Senior Cultivator Wufeng Shangxiu.

For a long time before the Fei Household stepped forward and established the Third Tier grand formation over a vast area spanning thousands of miles from Bearfall Peak to Hong County, similar incidents would likely occur frequently.

As for whether the cultivators can be relocated as soon as possible, allowing them to cultivate the barren land with peace of mind, helping them settle down and take root here, and having them wholeheartedly provide resources here.

Even for the Ying Prefecture Fei Household, this was a major test.

However, Senior Cultivator Wufeng had no time to worry about the Fei Household. He had actually been in control of the Spirit Vein at the Hongyi Sect in Ding Prefecture for several years, and had even fought several times with Xie Yi.

However, due to prolonged neglect, the produce from the sacred mountain has become pitifully scarce.

Senior Cultivator Wufeng knew that if things were left to their own devices, let alone earning enough to establish a sect, he didn't know when he would be able to raise funds and refine better Law Treasure. Naturally, he was anxious.

At that moment, he suddenly realized that such outstanding military achievements were hard to come by anyway, so he might as well not bother looking for them.

After figuring this out, he entrusted the state soldiers to a few disciples led by Zhou Yun, and then went to Bearfall Peak to seek Fei Tianqin to return to the mountain and establish a foothold.

Senior Cultivator Wufeng had only traveled for less than half an incense stick's time on his short halberd when his Divine Sense detected someone nearby, so he stopped to look.

They saw a star-studded flying boat. Jiang Qing, who was standing at the stern of the flying boat, and the old man beside him also realized that this Golden Core senior was there. They immediately led a group of prominent figures off the boat to pay their respects.

"Greetings, senior!"

Seeing the mass of fallen Senior Cultivator Wufeng Feng's gloom finally dissipated somewhat. Seeing that Jiang Qing, who could speak with the two upper-level cultivators of the Fei Household, was among them, his face regained a rare amiable expression towards lower-level cultivators, and he asked gently, "Young friend Jiang, are you on your way to pay your respects to Senior Fei?"

Jiang Qing straightened up and replied calmly and without arrogance, "What you say is true, senior. Five months ago, I had the honor of discussing swordsmanship with Ancestor Tianqin. The Ancestor has the magnanimity to accept my humble learning, and he has even remembered the foolish insight I shared at that time. That's why he sent someone to deliver a message the day before yesterday, asking me to go to Bearfall Peak today to discuss it again."

"Good lad!" Senior Cultivator Wufeng exclaimed inwardly. He himself, a Golden Core cultivator, dared not discuss the Dao in front of Fei Tianqin. This Jiang Qing was just a minor True Cultivator who might not even become False Core in the future, yet he could talk so eloquently in front of that old bird.

After the initial gasp, a mix of emotions washed over me.

Even though he knew that Jiang Qing had mastered the Sword Essence, even if he wasn't very skilled, at least in terms of swordsmanship, he had already surpassed countless mediocre Golden Core cultivators like himself.

But Senior Cultivator Wufeng still felt his cheeks burning, and then the faint smile on his face gradually crumbled. He could only force a smile and reply, "I see."

The old man, unwilling to appear weak at this moment, changed the subject and asked in a calm voice, "Young friend Jiang, are you not yet acquainted with the fellow Daoists behind you?"

"These are all meritorious officials whom the juniors wish to take to pay respects to Ancestor Tianqin." Jiang Qing gestured to his attendants, who understood and stepped forward to bow and recommend themselves.

"Bian Hu of the Stone Mountain Sect greets Your Excellency!"

"Xu Liuxian of the Cold Mountain Sect greets Senior!"

"Hongshan Yangxun and Yanghuang greet you, seniors!"

Senior Cultivator Wufeng looked them all over and found quite a few familiar names among them.

Bian Hu of Shishan Sect needs no further introduction. Back then, Kang Dabao forced him to join the group, and the fact that he, a dignified pseudo-elixir master, served as a deputy to a mid-stage true cultivator was a legendary tale.

In truth, Chongming Sect was able to make this happen thanks to the efforts of his disciple, Zhou Yun.

However, since joining the Double Brightness Alliance in the past year or two, the Stone Mountain Sect has indeed made a fortune. Just look at how Bian Hu was able to use advanced Law Treasure when he quelled the demon horde last time; it's clear that they have profited quite a bit.

Xu Liuxian was also quite good. Over the years, he had grasped some of the true meaning of the Bright Yang Fire Art, and his Foundation Establishment cultivation was approaching its peak thanks to the resources he had acquired.

He was not present at the last time when the merits were reported at Bearfall Peak, but Senior Cultivator Wufeng heard from the military report presented by Jiang Qing that Xu Liuxian fought two Second-Tier Supreme-Grade Demon Beast alone, fought to the death, and killed one of them.

If this is not an exaggeration, then this person might, in another sixty years, earn a sliver of hope of forming False Core.

As for Hongshan Yangxun and Yanghuang, I have never heard of them. They are only at the mid-stage of cultivation, or perhaps they are rising stars who have emerged from the vassals of Chongming Sect.

These two brothers seem to have a rebellious bone running down the back of their heads, a sign of betrayal. I wonder if Kang Dabao and his group can see it.

"However," Senior Cultivator Wufeng thought with trepidation upon seeing such a lineup. He did not Chongming Sect, which was merely a Foundation Establishment sect with only six or seven True Cultivators to maintain appearances.

Not only could Kang Dabao command tens of thousands of cultivators and dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators within his jurisdiction with ease when he was in charge, but even when he was not there, Jiang Qing and Yuan Jin, working together, could still manage this force with remarkable skill, which was quite frightening.

If Senior Cultivator Wufeng had such a following when he was in Ding Prefecture, how could he have been so easily Xie Yi and humiliated by Jie Yi and his gang of scoundrels?!

"If we encounter that young Kang again, we'll probably have to ask him about the secret to his growth. It's not entirely without reason that this boy has earned the favor of the Earl of Nan'an and the Fei Household."

The thought that he, a dignified Golden Core cultivator, had fewer capable subordinates than his juniors made Senior Cultivator Wufeng feel even more embarrassed. He could no longer even manage a smile, and so he and the other cultivators walked in silence to the foot of Bearfall Peak.

Although the route from Hong County to Bearfall Peak is a desolate wasteland, the Fei Household has already begun developing Bearfall Peak, a Third-Tier Middle-Grade spiritual land. In the past year or two, the place has been bustling with activity day and night.

A thousand feet above the Bearfall Peak, a burst of purple flames and lightning surged. Even after the peak changed hands, Fei Tianqin did not discard it and continued to use it.

Did this old bird also move a thousand-year-old peach forest to the summit? Half of it has already been charred and twisted by lightning, and electric sparks are still flying from the cracks in the bark.

The golden silk sashes around the waists of the Fei Household cultivators fluttered in the wind, while eight array masters were nailing red copper compasses into the scorched earth. Every time the compasses touched the earth's veins, a ring of scarlet spiritual patterns would explode.

From the foot of the mountain to its waist, the muffled roars of the Azure-Eyed Si could be heard everywhere. One after another, strong beasts, each several meters long, carried various kinds of spirit ore and crushed the cliffs, leaving spiderweb-like cracks in their hoofprints on the precipice.

The Azure-Eyed Si clan, whose entire clan had been captured by the Fei Household cultivators to serve as pack animals, was rather unlucky. Each of the overseers, chosen by the She Mountain Hall family's sons, wore fierce and menacing expressions, holding the standard Law Artifact, the nine-section whip.

Whenever they swung their whips, the golden bells at the tips struck the horns of the Azure Si Beast, causing the ten-foot-tall beast to spew out white mist, which suddenly increased their speed as they climbed the heights while carrying heavy loads.

A huge platform was carved out in the middle of the mountainside by Gao Xiu, who then drew in earth fire and springs and set up rooms for various crafts.

The sweat on the foreheads of the worshippers and the shouts of the attendants standing by their sides went unheard. As soon as the baskets of raw stones were brought up, they were immediately refined into various spiritual materials for use on this peak.

The timing of their arrival was coincidental. After verifying the seals and reaching the foot of the mountain, they witnessed the formation of a crucial location.

"Add three more bushels of Purple Cloud Sand!" The roars of several weapon masters on the mountainside drowned out the booming sound from the cauldron. Two non-clan True Cultivator rushed over carrying vermilion wooden buckets. Just as the crimson crystal sand was splashed into the earth fire pool, the entire cauldron burst forth with dazzling golden light.

The coiled dragon patterns on the cauldron moved like living things, condensing the wisps of green smoke refined from the remnants of demonic Demon Beast into substance, transforming them into nine talismans that hung on the cauldron. The cauldron was suppressed for a while, until the group of Alchemist could no longer hold back and the lid was blown off, and pieces of clear tortoise shell flew out of the cauldron.

At the same time, several Second Tier array masters who had been waiting for a long time arrived with serious expressions, stepping on the jade array diagram. The elder in the lead held an array plate in his sleeve, activated the tortoise shell, and led it to his front.

With a quick glance, he clearly saw that there was exactly one piece, no more and no less, which was exactly the number of stars in the heavens. He then summoned the cultivators to his side. With their combined efforts, in just a few breaths, the array masters assembled the Armillary Heaven Grand Formation in mid-air.

As soon as the grand formation was completed, the team of talisman masters attached to the cliff felt the chaotic spiritual energy in the peak instantly clear. They then hurriedly used the Essence Blood of Third Tier Demon Officer as ink to carve the mountain-suppressing incantation on the cliff.

The vermilion brushstrokes were fine and soft, yet wherever they touched, the rocks crumbled away, and even the dark golden veins of Spirit Vein appeared and disappeared intermittently.

At this moment, a small mishap occurred. One of the talisman masters, whose skill was slightly inferior, accidentally triggered the overflowing spiritual energy, and his entire body, along with the talisman brush, suddenly exploded into dust.

At this point, even the life of Second Tier talisman master was worthless. Before the blood mist below the formation had even dissipated, pale-faced substitutes, riding on flying Law Artifact, filled the gaps.

As the last talisman master finished his final stroke, a dazzling, mystical light enveloped the area from the mountaintop to its foot.

The process may seem long, but in reality, the cultivators had practiced it countless times, and it was completed in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. The people around Jiang Qing could only see the excitement; even Senior Cultivator Wufeng, Golden Core cultivator, was not particularly knowledgeable.

Seeing that they couldn't figure it out, Jiang Qing, who had just returned from the capital, could see some of the tricks and kindly explained, "This is to attach Rock Golden Body to this peak. From now on, the impure spiritual energy of the peak will be cleansed in a short time, and even those below the Golden Core stage can cultivate safely."

Furthermore, the peak is nourished by Spirit Vein year after year, making it increasingly resilient and difficult to break. Even if the outer formation is breached, the cultivators inside can still rely on the various strategic locations to continue defending against enemies.

Xu Liuxian's eyes flashed with admiration, but as he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on the peak. "After nearly two hundred years of cultivation, this is the first time I've heard of such a method."

Jiang Qing was not arrogant, and said in a warm tone, "No wonder you haven't mastered it, Brother Dao. Although this method is not difficult to obtain, it is extremely damaging to the Spirit Vein and requires a large number of talents who have entered the Hundred Arts. After spending a lot of time and effort to refine it, it often has to be abandoned after hundreds of years. Even among the Golden Core sects in Shannan Circuit, how many are willing to do that?"

All the cultivators agreed, and even Senior Cultivator Wufeng picked up on Jiang Qing's words to comfort himself, "No wonder I haven't seen this before; after all, this method has long been abandoned in Mountain South."

Now that the Rock Golden Body had been completed, the cultivators no longer lingered. They traveled together to the mountaintop, where, beyond the peach grove, there were already palaces.

Although the palace was large, it was not luxurious; instead, it had a Gu Su feel. After the Ying Mountain Army in front of the palace verified the seals, they released their crossed halberds, the spiritual barrier dissipated, and when everyone stepped into the hall, a high-ranking cultivator was already waiting for them.

Yang Baoshan saw smiles on Jiang Qing and the others' faces, but when he saw that Senior Cultivator Wufeng was also among them, he was somewhat surprised. "Oh, Fellow Daoist Wufeng is here too?"

When Fei Nanying returned to Xuanwei City to cultivate, the task of opening up the land was entrusted to Chu Yanran. After Chu Yanran broke through the barrier and took leave to go into seclusion, the task fell to Yang Baoshan.

Senior Cultivator Wufeng was indeed very envious, but he knew he was not capable of competing with him, so he bowed and greeted him, "Fellow Daoist Yang, I have come specifically to request an audience with Senior Fei."

Since he was a fellow cultivator of the same level, Yang Baoshan couldn't be too disrespectful. After returning the greeting with a cupped hand, he said, "Please wait a moment, fellow Daoist. I'll go and inform the senior first."

The cultivators bowed and thanked him. After about half a pipe's worth of time, Yang Baoshan emerged from Fei Tianqin cultivation spot. However, when he spoke to Senior Cultivator Wufeng, his expression was strange. "I want to let you know, fellow Daoist. Senior said he has important business with Young Friend Jiang, so please wait outside for a moment."

After Yang Baoshan finished speaking, everyone could see the veins throbbing on Senior Cultivator Wufeng's neck, and even Jiang Qing was surprised. The room fell silent for a moment.

After a few breaths, Senior Cultivator Wufeng, who still dared not retaliate, calmed down and replied gently, "Thank you for your trouble, Fellow Daoist Yang. Wufeng will follow your instructions, Senior."

After that, the atmosphere in the room finally relaxed. Jiang Qing bowed respectfully to Senior Cultivator Wufeng again before stepping forward.

Yang Baoshan would not neglect his fellow Daoist, and sat down with Senior Cultivator Wufeng, to brew tea and chat. The rest of the crowd could only stand by and watch. Even Bian Hu, the so-called Pill Master, showed no sign of resentment and simply stood silently with the few Foundation Establishment beside him.

As Senior Cultivator Wufeng drank his tea, he glanced sideways and saw that the True Cultivator named Yang Xun was glancing at the tea table. Displeased, he snorted coldly.

The latter was immediately struck in the chest like a heavy hammer blow; the sound of breaking ribs made everyone standing there shudder, but none of them dared to move.

Even Yang Xun himself, despite bleeding from the corners of his mouth and experiencing severe internal pain, only dared to hastily swallow a few pills, and under the concerned gaze of his own brothers, he regulated his own breathing, daring not to harbor the slightest resentment.

Yang Baoshan could tell that Senior Cultivator Wufeng his anger. Although he secretly mocked the latter for being petty, he had no intention of standing up for this junior he had never met before.

As the tea boiled again, he steered the conversation elsewhere.

Senior Cultivator Wufeng wasn't afraid of incurring people's wrath; before long, he was chatting and laughing with Yang Baoshan again.

Yang Xun couldn't bear to hear their conversation. As he closed his eyes to regulate his breathing, he only remembered the cold snort he had heard and Jiang Qing's departing figure. Thinking of his own experiences, he thought to himself, "Old thief Wufeng, you are not as good as Jiang Qing now, but it won't be long before you are not as good as him."

His innermost thoughts were beyond the comprehension of others; he was lost in his own worries, almost falling into a deep sleep despite the excruciating pain.

"Young Jiang, come here quickly!" Fei Tianqin transformed into a size of over ten feet, and upon seeing Jiang Qing, a hint of joy appeared in his eyes.

Before the latter could even offer its greetings, it was interrupted by the old bird. With a flap of its wings, the already imposing feathers shot out, each one seemingly imbued with a layer of sharp Sword Qi.

Despite the great distance, Jiang Qing still sensed a hint of familiarity in it. He immediately exclaimed in surprise, "Did the Ancestor glean this sword intent from the 'Ten Discourses on Qingfuzi's Sword Classic'?"

Fei Tianqin: "Haha, absolutely! What you told me last time about that Sword-Sharpening Stone and the Empty Sword Orchid was nothing but empty talk to me. It's nothing compared to the 'Ten Discourses on Qingfuzi's Sword Classic' that you gave me!!"

Only now do I realize that all these years I've discussed the Dao with those high-ranking sword masters, yet gained nothing, because their cultivation and understanding were too complex and complicated, unlike this concise and essential sword scripture. It wasn't until you, young man, gifted me this scripture that I finally grasped a sliver of the true meaning of the sword path.

However, what I'm using now can hardly be called sword intent; at most, it's just a matter of drawing inferences from similar cases and making occasional breakthroughs."

No wonder Fei Tianqin was happy. You see, he had been stuck at this level for hundreds of years. Without a breakthrough, he had indeed learned a lot of other skills, but none of them could compare with what he had learned before.

Therefore, although he had only discussed the Dao with Jiang Qing for a while and had only managed to slightly increase the power of his powerful Technique Method, Fei Tianqin was still overjoyed and hurriedly summoned Jiang Qing over.

Jiang Qing was deeply grateful to the Fei Household and was overjoyed to see that the Fei Household patriarch could benefit from his kindness.

This old bird certainly had the virtue of not being ashamed to ask questions, but as soon as the question was asked, Jiang Qing felt that he either couldn't answer it or found it difficult to express. So he frankly and openly cupped his hands and replied apologetically, "Reporting to the ancestor, I'm afraid this humble one is beyond my ability."

"Oh, haha, I was indeed too hasty." Fei Tianqin seemed to have just realized his mistake, and his tone carried a hint of apology. "But it's alright. I know quite a few powerful sword cultivators. I'll invite them over later to discuss the Dharma, and you'll always benefit from it. At that time, I'll also invite you. Who knows, with your aptitude, I might even be able to find you a Middle-Grade Golden Core cultivator as your master."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing Fei Tianqin's words, Jiang Qing's smile vanished, and he bowed solemnly, saying, "Ancestor, you jest! I have my own master and senior brother!"

"Heh, did I, Ancestor, say something wrong?!" Fei Tianqin said sarcastically, but without anger. He simply added, "You and your senior brother are just too honest with yourselves!"

If he were to abandon his possessions and go to Ying Prefecture to see my brother, with his diligent guidance, his future prospects for Core Formation stage would already be clear. If you were willing to stay in Ying Prefecture and become Nanxi's son-in-law, and go to the Liangxi battlefield to gain experience and broaden your horizons, your progress would be much faster than before.

Don't think that a few years won't have much of an impact. You don't know that cultivators have extremely short lifespans. If you don't strive for progress now and instead stagnate later, how desperate will you be?! You're all ignorant fools, only hindering your own future."

Although the old bird's words were harsh, they contained genuine concern. However, this contradicted Jiang Qing's intentions, as the latter only bowed twice without responding.

Fei Tianqin his appearance, Fei Tianqin knew that he could not persuade him any further.

However, it didn't dwell on it and asked Jiang Qing to explain many of his questions about cultivation. In this respect, it was far superior to ordinary Golden Core cultivators. It would answer Jiang Qing's questions without even thinking.

This discussion took three days. Jiang Qing's doubts were mostly resolved, and he was satisfied. Even if a small part remained, he only needed to go back and slowly ponder it to gain some understanding.

After this, he naturally showed much more respect to the old ancestor with the flat hair before him. However, it was only then that Jiang Qing remembered and asked, "Ancestor, is Senior Wufeng still waiting outside?"

Logically speaking, Senior Cultivator Wufeng was at least True-Grade Golden Core cultivator, but Fei Tianqin's words showed no respect whatsoever, only a sneer, "Am I not worthy to make him wait? It's not like I invited him, so what does it matter?"

In his heart, the old bird's words were quite to Jiang Qing's liking, but he knew the gravity of the situation and still advised, "Senior Wufeng seems to have something urgent."

Fei Tianqin glanced at Jiang Qing upon hearing this before slowly saying, "Young man, you must understand that in this world, geniuses should enjoy all the good things, while mediocre people should be left behind. If it were the exact opposite, it would be against all reason."

"A genius who falls behind may not realize their potential and will simply fade into obscurity. A mediocre person, even if they have all the advantages, will remain mediocre and waste their resources. This is the principle I, your ancestor, uphold, and it is also an unchanging principle throughout the entire Great Wei Immortal Dynasty and the entire cultivation world."

This principle doesn't need to be explained; it's already a common understanding. But this is the first time Jiang Qing has heard someone speak so bluntly, like this old bird.

After listening, he seemed to ponder for a while, and after a long pause, he bowed his head in respect.

After saying this, the old bird felt there was nothing more to explain to Jiang Qing, so he simply said, "Things here are almost done. Let's prepare to return."

Your family has accumulated some resources in the past year or two, enough for you to cultivate diligently for a while. Use them as you see fit, don't be shy. If your lazy senior brother dares to utter a single word of dissent, then report it to your ancestor."

"Thank you for your kindness, Ancestor!"

Jiang Qing didn't linger; after bowing, he turned and left. Fei Tianqin, just as he had said, didn't take Senior Cultivator Wufeng seriously at all, and didn't even bother to summon him after Jiang Qing left.

He walked to a corner of the secluded meditation area, flapped his wings, and summoned the spirit barrier, revealing the now much rosier-faced Daoist Peng. Peng's expression immediately became respectful. "Greetings, Senior!"

"Hmm, such a large amount of Demon Beast Blood Qi is enough to restore your Golden Core cultivation in just a few years. If it weren't for my fear of you, the ancestor, and my reluctance to consume the Blood Qi of other cultivators, you would probably have already fully recovered your cultivation by now."

"This junior wouldn't dare!!"

"Ha," Fei Tianqin scoffed, "Stop pretending. I don't feel filial piety towards my ancestor; I only feel disgust."

Despite being humiliated, Daoist Peng remained silent and did not get angry.

"Alright, Ancestor, I've done everything I promised you. As long as you tell me the whereabouts of the Crimson Realm Life-Prolonging Pill, I'll consider setting you free." As Fei Tianqin spoke, he summoned a wisp of life essence trapped in the glass lamp, which nearly made Daoist Peng jump up.

"Senior, that pill is in Pu Honggu!"

"You little brat, you dare to mess with me! That junior is already nearing the end of his life, how could he have preserved the pills until now?!" Enraged, Fei Tianqin flapped his wings, and even though Daoist Peng had already returned to the Golden Core realm, he still had no power to struggle or fight back, and was sent flying.

It couldn't help but be furious. If this fellow had spoken up earlier, it wouldn't have wasted two years here. Even at the risk of Bai Canhong's intervention, it would have already begun plotting to seize the pill!

The newly formed Golden Core was unstable and on the verge of shattering. Daoist Peng hurriedly cried out, "Senior, please forgive me! Pu Honggu, without my method of refining the core, will certainly not be willing to part with it. He will certainly not be willing to let the medicinal power be reduced by more than half and swallowed whole!!"

"Oh?!" Fei Tianqin was about to ask, but then changed his mind, pressed his cold, sharp toe against Daoist Peng's Dantian, and asked in a cold voice, "Boy, how long will it take you to refine another Crimson Realm Life-Prolonging Pill?!"

Startled, Daoist Peng shuddered and hurriedly replied, "Back then, I was coerced by Pu Honggu and had my Blood Qi extracted for nearly two hundred years!! In such a rush, how could I possibly have obtained it?!"

"Is it because you lack Blood Qi, or is it because preparing other medicinal ingredients takes so long?" Fei Tianqin's voice remained icy cold.

Daoist Peng's heart tightened even more, and he said bluntly, "Apart from Blood Qi, everything else is easy to obtain! If Blood Qi are abundant, it only takes three to five years to refine it!!"

Fei Tianqin slowly lifted his toe from Daoist Peng's Dantian, thinking to himself, "That makes things easier. There's still time to make two preparations."

It carried away the glass lamp, abandoned Daoist Peng, and turned away, muttering to itself, "My brother is the head of the family, so he cares about the clan's reputation and rarely commits murder or takes human pills. I am different; I am a feathered beast. As long as my brother can live, I can kill demons and humans alike."

The Fei Tianqin had this thought, murderous intent seemed to overflow from Bearfall Peak, spreading throughout the various spiritual lands that had just been cleansed.

(I'll update earlier tomorrow since it's a holiday. By the way, could those of you who read pirated versions please support me a little? The current performance is really a bit lacking.)