Great Immortal With Boundless Mana

Chapter 156: Passing Through (Three More for Monthly Votes!)

After Gao Xian returned, he had been studying the Soul Refining Pearl and didn't have time to find Zhang Chunjiang.

After more than ten days of contemplation and research, he had completely mastered the explosive power of his divine consciousness. His swordsmanship and spells were also adjusted to their optimal state.

It would take at least another two to three months for Zhu Qiniang to return. According to his agreement with Zhang Chunjiang, the task had to be completed within three months, which would be too late by the time Qiniang returned.

Zhu Ying drove the Qingluo carriage and arrived smoothly at the entrance of the Shangong Hall.

Attendant Zhang Qing hurriedly greeted them when he saw the Qingluo carriage enter. Zhang Chunjiang might not take Gao Xian and Zhu Qiniang seriously, but he couldn't be disrespectful.

The green curtain was lifted, and Gao Xian gracefully descended from the carriage.

Zhang Qing breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that only Gao Xian was present. His expression also relaxed a bit.

He cupped his hands and bowed, "Mr. Gao, please come in quickly."

"Is Master Zhang here? I've come to find him."

"He is. Please wait a moment. I will inform him."

Zhang Qing let Gao Xian into the elegant room and arranged tea and snacks for him before hurriedly going to report in the back.

In the backyard, Zhang Chunjiang, who was enjoying watching the fish, was surprised when he heard that Gao Xian had come. "Could this kid have really killed the evil spirit?"

Da Jiangfang was not close to Lianyun City, and Zhang Chunjiang had a bad relationship with Huang Dapeng from Da Jiangfang.

He sent Gao Xian there because he heard that the evil spirit in Da Jiangfang was powerful and even Huang Dapeng couldn't handle it.

As for whether Gao Xian actually went there and what he did in Da Jiangfang, Zhang Chunjiang didn't care.

After all, Gao Xian was just a small Qi Refining cultivator. It was easy for him to deal with Gao Xian, but he wouldn't go out of his way to do anything for him, let alone arrange for someone to deal with him.

When Zhang Qing brought Gao Xian in, Zhang Chunjiang finally glanced at him.

To Zhang Chunjiang's surprise, Gao Xian seemed to have more vitality after not seeing him for a few days.

Especially his eyes, which were shining like stars, but also had a deep and indescribable meaning.

These subtle changes in his aura and charm also reflected Gao Xian's progress in cultivation.

Zhang Chunjiang was also somewhat surprised. He used his Qi Observation Technique to sense the spiritual energy in Gao Xian's meridians and found that Gao Xian had already advanced to the eighth level of Qi Refining.

It was just a few days ago that Gao Xian was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining! In such a short time, he had actually advanced by one level. His divine consciousness was also very strong!

"This kid cultivates quite fast," Zhang Chunjiang observed. He also felt a bit wary in his heart.

Helping Xu Lingyun deal with Gao Xian was just friends helping each other. Of course, after Xu Lingyun fulfilled his promise, he would share some benefits with Zhang Chunjiang.

Now it seemed that he had promised too casually.

Besides Zhu Qiniang by Gao Xian's side, Gao Xian himself was also very talented, especially in terms of his powerful divine consciousness.

Judging from Gao Xian's appearance, he had a good chance of reaching Foundation Building.

If that were the case, the situation would be a bit troublesome.

Zhang Chunjiang wasn't afraid, but he realized that what was originally a casual matter would now require a lot of effort. His mood was not good.

Gao Xian, whose divine consciousness far surpassed Zhang Chunjiang's, could even keenly perceive the subtle changes in Zhang Chunjiang's emotions without deliberately displaying it.

He didn't understand why this old man had such strong ill intentions towards him before even saying a word. He cursed the old man's whole family in his heart and felt that this matter probably wouldn't work out!

In this world, things were just like that. If it weren't for Zhang Chunjiang causing trouble for him, he wouldn't have met Yun Qiushui or obtained the Soul Refining Pearl.

As Old Zhou said, calamities and fortunes coexist. As long as he was strong enough, bad things could turn into good things!

Gao Xian cupped his hands and bowed, "Master Zhang, I have already exterminated the evil spirit in Da Jiangfang. According to our agreement, Master Zhang has lost, so shouldn't you give me the method for Foundation Building?"

Zhang Chunjiang's face darkened as he said, "You say you've exterminated the evil spirit. What proof do you have?"

After much consideration, he decided to suppress Gao Xian ruthlessly.

When doing things, one couldn't leave loose ends. Since he had already offended Gao Xian, he had to crush him and not give him a chance to turn things around.

The several elders in the inner sect of Lianyun Sect could do whatever they wanted. It wasn't easy to deal with a small Qi Refining cultivator!

When he made the bet with Gao Xian, he had already calculated that even if Gao Xian could kill the evil spirit, as long as he didn't acknowledge it, it would be fine.

Anyway, there wouldn't be any physical evidence or witnesses to kill the evil spirits.

On the other hand, if Gao Xian can really get Huang Dapeng to help him, what's the harm in letting him win once?

Obviously, Gao Xian couldn't invite Huang Dapeng. He was destined to lose this round.

Gao Xian had anticipated this. It wouldn't be normal for the other party to just give him the Foundation Building technique. He agreed to the bet not because he trusted Zhang Chunjiang, but because he wanted to occupy the moral high ground and follow the rules.

If Zhang Chunjiang didn't fulfill his promise after completing the bet, then it would be Zhang Chunjiang's problem. If things really escalated, he would have something to say!

Gao Xian calmly said, "If no one is harmed in Dajiangfang, it naturally proves that the evil spirits have been eliminated."

"How can this be considered evidence? Perhaps the evil spirits are hiding, or perhaps they have left..."

Zhang Chunjiang shook his head, "Kid, you're not thorough in your actions, so it's no wonder I'm blaming you."

"I've learned my lesson."

Gao Xian arched his hand and turned to leave. Since Zhang Chunjiang made it clear that he wanted to play dirty, it would be meaningless to continue to argue.

Seeing Gao Xian's departing figure, Zhang Chunjiang was a little confused. What did this kid mean by leaving like this?

After leaving Shangong Hall, Gao Xian took a Qingluo carriage directly to the Scripture Hall.

Since the road to Shangong Hall was blocked, there was still Nanping Song.

This late Foundation Building elder didn't have much time left, so he didn't have many concerns.

The fundamental secret technique of the sect was the "Mysterious Sky Nine Techniques," which was never passed on. The "Great Five Elements Technique" was not a secret transmission of the sect, but a complete set of techniques. Its characteristic was being moderate and easy to learn.

Therefore, there were at least tens of thousands of cultivators in Liyun City who practiced the Five Elements Technique.

From his experience, as long as it was a rule controlled by humans, there would inevitably be loopholes.

Not to mention rules made by computers, which also had many loopholes.

However, exploiting loopholes was a technical skill. If done well, it would be a shortcut, but if done poorly, it would be easy to fall into a pit.

Gao Xian preferred to do things according to the rules. It was safer that way.

Accumulating good deeds to obtain the Foundation Building technique was the right path. No one could find fault with it. If Zhang Chunjiang refused to reason and blocked his path, then he couldn't let himself be suffocated. Of course, he had to try to exploit the loopholes.

Of course, a risk assessment had to be done before that. Weighing the pros and cons.

In that great hall, Gao Xian saw Nanping Song.

The sun in August was big and poisonous.

But Nanping Song was sunbathing on a recliner, still wearing a long robe. His wrinkled old face was full of ease and comfort.

Gao Xian walked over and respectfully saluted, "Senior Nan, I'm disturbing your peace again. I'm sorry."

"Hehe..."

Nanping Song slightly opened his old eyes and glanced at Gao Xian. He smiled with a somewhat complicated meaning, "You came at the right time. I was just idle and wanted to find someone to talk to."

There was no point in beating around the bush with this cunning old fox. It was better to be direct.

Gao Xian said directly, "Senior Nan, I want to obtain the Foundation Building technique of the Great Five Elements Technique, but I don't have a way. I ask Senior Nan to teach me."

"It's difficult. If the outer disciples want to obtain the Foundation Building technique, they can only go through the Shangong Hall."

"The Shangong Hall is a bit troublesome."

Gao Xian respectfully said, "Please help me find a solution, Senior Nan. Just tell me how many spirit stones are needed."

Nanping Song looked deeply at Gao Xian. This kid was quite generous, directly asking him to name a price.

Deer Horn Powder and Heavenly Essence Pill were really profitable. If he were a few decades younger, he might have tried to snatch Gao Xian for himself.

Although he didn't handle matters, he knew that Xu Lingyun, Zhang Chunjiang, and a few others were deliberately making things difficult for Gao Xian.

Every sect and faction was like this. Internal conflicts for the sake of benefits would inevitably divide into factions and never unite.

Old people suppressing newcomers was even more common. Zhu Qimang suddenly appeared, so young and yet so strong-willed, not understanding the concept of sharing benefits. Everyone disliked her. Coupled with Gao Xian's formidable alchemy skills, it made people jealous.

But this was also a good thing, greatly benefiting him.

Nanping Song pondered for a moment and said, "Ten thousand spirit stones should be enough to clear the obstacles and help you obtain the Foundation Building technique."

"Thank you, Senior Nan."

Immediately, Gao Xian reached out and took out a storage bag, respectfully handing it to Nan Pingsong.

Nan Pingsong was quite satisfied with Gao Xian's straightforwardness and nodded, "You can go back and wait for the news."

After Gao Xian left, Nan Pingsong opened the storage bag and scanned it with his divine sense. Inside, there were exactly one hundred high-grade spirit stones.

He chuckled, "This kid really came prepared, I'll have to give him less..."

Nan Pingsong knew very well that if it weren't for Zhang Chunjiang deliberately making things difficult, Gao Xian would easily be able to obtain the Foundation Building technique.

It was precisely because of Zhang Chunjiang's villainous character that he was able to sell it at such a high price.

He could ask for more, but Gao Xian was quite capable and couldn't be treated like a fool.

Ten thousand spirit stones would be enough to satisfy Gao Xian's needs. Asking for too much would not only strain their relationship, but also greatly offend him.

After Gao Xian returned home for only two days, someone came to his door and delivered a jade slip.

He checked it with his divine sense and indeed, it was the Five Elements Foundation Building technique, including the cultivation methods from the first to the tenth level of Foundation Building.

Gao Xian breathed a sigh of relief. He was now wealthy and didn't care about the ten thousand spirit stones, but he was afraid that Nan Pingsong would take the money and not deliver. That would be troublesome.

After confirming that there were no problems with the jade slip, Gao Xian immediately closed himself off to comprehend it.

After two days, Gao Xian mastered the Five Elements Foundation Building technique and the jade slip turned into powder.

Although he couldn't Foundation Building yet, he now had a clear view of the path ahead after Foundation Building, which was greatly beneficial to his cultivation.

After all the twists and turns, Gao Xian finally obtained the Foundation Building technique. The worry that had been hanging over him could finally be put down, and he could finally focus on alchemy.

Seeing Gao Xian start the pill furnace, Da Niu was the most excited.

For this past month, he had been feeling uncomfortable. Compared to doing nothing, Da Niu preferred the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that came from refining pills.

Gao Xian was willing to guide Da Niu in pill refining. If Da Niu could refine pills independently, it would save him a lot of effort.

However, Da Niu was lacking in talent. Furthermore, his pill refining skills were probably enhanced by the Wind and Moon Treasure Mirror, resulting in extraordinary effects. This was not something that could be achieved through hard work alone.

Gao Xian once again entered the rhythm of pill refining, cultivation, and rest, leading a very regular daily life.

Occasionally, he would read some idle books and play with the little black cat to relax.

As for Zhang Chunjiang and Xu Lingyun, there had been no movement. Gao Xian would visit the Xu family from time to time at night, but he didn't discover anything.

Zhang Chunjiang and Xu Lingyun's true homes were on the Jinxia Peak. Not only was it too far away, but it was also protected by powerful sect formations.

Entering the Jinxia Peak was too risky and unnecessary.

Gao Xian no longer had any awe for early Foundation Building cultivators, but he also didn't want to easily provoke Foundation Building cultivators.

The earth-shattering sword strike by Yun Taihao at the Feima Gathering left a deep impression on Gao Xian.

No matter how you looked at it, he was far inferior to the Gold Core cultivator Yun Taihao. It was better for him to be more honest in front of Yun Taihao.

In early October, the weather had noticeably turned cooler.

The leaves of the Golden Chestnut trees on the Jinxia Peak had a touch of crimson. The Golden Chestnut trees could absorb the spiritual energy of the earth's veins and their leaves never fell throughout the year.

However, as the seasons changed, the golden leaves of the trees would undergo some color variations.

The autumn leaves of the Golden Chestnut trees had a golden hue with a tinge of red, which was quite beautiful. Thousands of Golden Chestnut trees spread along the mountain peaks, creating an unforgettable sight of intense autumn colors.

During his free time from pill refining, Gao Xian liked to sit in the courtyard and admire the autumn colors of the Jinxia Peak, as well as observe the changes in the grand formation.

Through the Flower Discerning Mirror, he could see the spiritual energy of heaven and earth being transformed into orderly mana within the formation.

Even though he didn't understand formations, after observing for a long time, he could still grasp some of the principles.

Gao Xian didn't have a mentor to guide him, but he had a powerful divine sense, the extraordinary spells bestowed by the Wind and Moon Treasure Mirror, and the dialectical thinking he had learned in his previous life.

In his understanding, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was a kind of invisible particle energy, which could be seen as a special form of solar energy.

Cultivators absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth through cultivation, and then transformed it into mana that their bodies could directly control.

Formations, magical tools, talismans, and spells were all the same in principle. They all converted the spiritual energy of heaven and earth into mana, but the medium of conversion was different.

The formation is the most complex, as it requires the use of a large number of magical tools and the establishment of a stable connection with the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

Gao Xian believes that the formation is a large and complex magical tool that has strict requirements for its application environment. It has the highest level of technical content and the greatest power.

Gao Xian's overall research on the Jinxia Peak formation is not to break the formation, but to try to learn something from it, preferably to find a backdoor to the formation, so that he knows where to escape if something goes wrong.

While Gao Xian was pondering the changes in the formation, he heard some movement in the front yard. He turned his gaze and saw Zhu Qiniang at the front gate through the Flower Mirror, which penetrated through the walls.

After being away for a few months, Zhu Qiniang's skin had darkened a bit, and her face had become thinner. Her gorgeous golden robe was dim, indicating that she was not in a good state.

However, Zhu Qiniang's eyes were exceptionally sharp, and there was a strong and intense killing intent emanating from her.

Zhu Qiniang didn't stop in the front yard and went straight to the courtyard. When she saw Gao Xian sitting under the tree, her tense face softened.

"You're back."

Gao Xian stood up and greeted her. He looked up and down at Qiniang, and couldn't help but furrow his brows slightly, "You have a heavy aura on you!"

Zhu Qiniang shook her head and remained silent. This matter was a bit complicated, and she couldn't explain it clearly for a while.

Da Niu, who was in the alchemy room, heard the commotion and hurried out to greet Zhu Qiniang. However, he was intimidated by her intense killing intent and didn't dare to get too close.

Gao Xian also felt that Zhu Qiniang was a bit intimidating now. Originally, she was just deep and indifferent, but now she exuded a strong and cold killing intent.

In terms of combat power, Zhu Qiniang had clearly become stronger. However, from the perspective of cultivation, it was not a good thing to be so sharp and full of killing intent.

Gao Xian also felt that something was not quite right. The killing intent on Qiniang's body also had a hint of cold and eerie, faintly resembling the aura of evil spirits.

Zhu Qiniang said to Gao Xian, "I'm glad you're okay. I've been worried about you."

"I'm fine, everything went smoothly."

Gao Xian held Qiniang's hand and said, "Let's talk in the room."

With Da Niu present, many things were inconvenient to say and do.

The two returned to the main room, and Zhu Qiniang activated the formation to seal off the inside and outside. Only then did she let out a long sigh of relief.

"I was still tricked by Xu Lingyun. The group of monsters in the Nanluo Mountains was contaminated by some demonic energy and lost their sanity. They only knew how to kill recklessly."

"To kill such monsters, it's inevitable to be contaminated by the aura. The few Foundation Building cultivators who were with me prepared special pills to dissolve the aura."

As Zhu Qiniang talked about this, her expression became gloomy. "I was the only one who didn't know anything and was unknowingly contaminated by the aura. By the time I realized something was wrong, the aura had already invaded my body and consciousness."

Gao Xian comforted her, "Xu Lingyun has been an elder for decades and is very familiar with these things. He deliberately wanted to calculate us, so we inevitably suffered. Fortunately, these conspiracies and tricks are not significant. Let them be smug for a couple of days."

He said to Qiniang, "The most urgent matter is to help you remove the aura."

"There's no need to rush, just buy some Yuqing Pills," Zhu Qiniang said indifferently. "With three to five years of recuperation, I should be able to completely remove the aura."

This kind of eerie and sinister aura adheres to the cultivator's body like a highly toxic substance. If not handled carefully, the aura will continuously erode the cultivator's body, mind, and soul, eventually causing the cultivator to undergo a transformation or even directly turning into an evil spirit.

This little trick by Zhang Chunjiang has at least delayed her cultivation for several years. It's not very harmful, but extremely annoying.

Whenever Zhu Qiniang thought of these things, she couldn't help but burst with killing intent. She really wanted to draw her sword and go find Zhang Chunjiang right now.

Gao Xian grabbed Zhu Qiniang's hand and said, "No need to go through all that trouble, I can resolve the aura."

"Hmm?" Zhu Qiniang looked puzzled. Gao Xian was powerful in spells and alchemy, but resolving the aura was not his strong suit.

Gao Xian didn't explain. He pulled Zhu Qiniang into the bedroom and said, "Take off your clothes, let me check..."

Zhu Qiniang looked at Gao Xian with suspicion. The aura was not an external injury, so why did she need to undress?

"I can't deceive you," Gao Xian said when he saw that Zhu Qiniang didn't move.

Without waiting for Zhu Qiniang to finish speaking, Gao Xian said earnestly, "Your condition is very serious, we can't wait any longer. Relax..."

(I am the author of this chapter~ Everyone, is it reasonable to exchange 12,000 votes for a new month?)

(End of this chapter)