The Search for Immortality

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Volume 4 Chapter 64: Blood Duel

"Ascension Pill," meaning once consumed, one ascends to immortality. Though its actual effect is less dramatic, it remains one of the most treasured pills in the cultivation world.

It is well known that once cultivators reach the Condensed Core Stage, they can no longer rely on external items to increase Spirit Qi. Instead, they must slowly absorb the Spirit Qi of heaven and earth to strengthen themselves.

Since once a cultivator reaches the Condensed Core Stage, their body becomes increasingly aligned with the Heavenly Way, they can only absorb the purest energy from the heavens and earth. The energy contained in external objects, such as spiritual pills, inevitably carries some impurities, no matter how carefully crafted, making them unsuitable for a Condensed Core Stage cultivator to absorb.

But nothing in the world is absolute. There are exceptions to every rule, and the "Ascension Pill" in Xu Qingfan’s hand is one such exception.

As Immortal Zizhen just mentioned, this "Ascension Pill" comes from the "Medicine King Valley," which is quite unique in the cultivation world. It doesn’t offer extraordinary cultivation methods for its disciples but instead focuses on enhancing one’s cultivation through the art of alchemy.

However, as previously stated, once one reaches the Condensed Core Stage, spiritual pills and such external aids can no longer assist a cultivator. To break through from the Lingji Stage to the Condensed Core Stage, a powerful and pure form of Spirit Qi from the heavens and earth is required, which spiritual pills lack.

Therefore, although "Medicine King Valley" is based in the cultivation world, it doesn’t have many experts within its gates. While there are many Lingji Stage cultivators, those who reach the Condensed Core Stage have always been very few throughout history. For example, in the current Medicine King Valley, only the current Valley Master, Gongsun Qian, has reached the Condensed Core Stage.

Those in "Medicine King Valley" who manage to reach the Condensed Core Stage do so largely thanks to the effect of the "Ascension Pill" that Xu Qingfan now holds.

The "Ascension Pill" is considered the essence of thousands of years of alchemy knowledge from "Medicine King Valley." It is made by refining numerous spiritual herbs with the Nanming Li Fire, eliminating impurities over many decades. The result is more akin to a condensation of the heavens’ Spirit Qi than a mere spiritual pill. Past Condensed Core Stage cultivators of "Medicine King Valley" have relied on the "Ascension Pill" to successfully advance beyond the Lingji Stage. Even those below the Real Golden Core Stage can use it to greatly enhance their internal Spirit Qi.

However, crafting the "Ascension Pill" is extremely troublesome, requiring countless millennia-old spiritual herbs and over a hundred years to continuously refine and remove impurities. That’s why, despite "Medicine King Valley" being famed for its unparalleled knowledge of medicine, only one or two pills are typically created in several centuries. This scarcity explains why "Medicine King Valley" rarely has more than one or two Fake Golden Core Stage cultivators over the generations.

Even though cultivators in the cultivation world know how greatly beneficial the "Ascension Pill" is for their power, they never consider crafting it, as it is not only something only "Medicine King Valley" can produce, but also because of the incredibly complicated process involved.

When Xu Qingfan had lost hope of advancing to the Condensed Core Stage, he often imagined that one day, by some stroke of luck, he would obtain a magical pill that would greatly enhance his power and help him smoothly break through to the Condensed Core Stage.

However, Xu Qingfan also knew that the "Ascension Pill" was the treasured artifact of the Medicine King Valley, not something easy to obtain. So it was just a daydream.

But Xu Qingfan never expected that one day he would actually possess an "Ascension Pill." Although he had already reached the Condensed Core Stage, this pill could still help him quickly advance from the middle stage of the Fake Golden Core Stage to the late stage, saving him decades of effort.

Realizing this, Xu Qingfan’s initial thought of refusing the precious "Ascension Pill" vanished instantly. He quietly accepted the pill into his sleeve and bowed to Immortal Zizhen in gratitude.

For a cultivator, improving one’s level of power is of utmost importance, rendering politeness unnecessary. Moreover, Xu Qingfan had helped Immortal Zizhen escape a predicament; this "Ascension Pill" was something he deserved.

Seeing Xu Qingfan accept the "Ascension Pill," Immortal Zizhen nodded with a smile and said lightly, "If you have no other matters after coming down the mountain, stay at Qingxu for a while, and refine this ‘Ascension Pill.’ The cultivation world is in turmoil now, and having more power means more security."

Hearing Immortal Zizhen’s words, Xu Qingfan hesitated slightly. Liu Huaxiang’s third wish wasn’t urgent, and given the dangerous state of the cultivation world, along with his eagerness to test the pill’s effects, he respectfully replied, "Since you suggest this, I will obey."

Immortal Zizhen nodded with a smile, embodying a senior’s demeanor, and said, "In that case, you may go. Mo Ziliang will arrange a place for your retreat."

Xu Qingfan bowed once more to Immortal Zizhen and prepared to leave.

As Xu Qingfan reached the temple entrance, he hesitated slightly, then turned to Immortal Zizhen and asked, "Esteemed elder, there is something I do not understand and seek your guidance on."

Immortal Zizhen inquired, "What is it? Feel free to speak."

With a frown, Xu Qingfan asked, "Although I am a disciple of Jiuhua Gate, due to a series of fortunate coincidences, I have not practiced Jiuhua’s cultivation method. How did you see through my identity as a Jiuhua disciple?"

Immortal Zizhen was slightly surprised, seemingly not expecting Xu Qingfan to ask this question, but still smiled and explained, "Though I have been in secluded cultivation for many years, I was friends with your martial uncle, Li Xuhan. The unique ‘Indefinite Sutra’ of Jiuhua is rarely seen in the cultivation world, and only the sect leader or the sect leader’s successor can practice it. Others may not recognize it, but how could I fail to? Even though this Formless Spirit Qi is the weakest and least noticeable among the four Spirit Qis in your body, I could see it at a glance. Old Liu Huaxiang would never pass on this sacred Jiuhua Mountain cultivation method to outsiders."

Upon hearing Immortal Zizhen’s explanation, Xu Qingfan trembled and exclaimed in shock, "Formless Spirit Qi? Indefinite Sutra?"

Of course, Xu Qingfan was well aware of the name ‘Indefinite Sutra.’ Even amid countless diverse devil cultivation methods from millennia past, this method is ranked in the top ten in the entire cultivation world. Its profound mysteries need no further elaboration.

It is said that once one has progressed slightly in this cultivation method, they can transcend the five elements. When executed, it has no color, shape, or substance. Even an opponent with the same or slightly higher cultivation level would be unaware when attacked by the ‘Indefinite Sutra,’ leaving them defenseless.

Furthermore, despite its profound nature, this ‘Indefinite Sutra’ is the foundation for another method, ‘Substitute for Heaven,’ which is recognized as one of the cultivation methods closest to the Heavenly Way in the cultivation world.

It can be said that half of the Holy Land Jiuhua Mountain’s reputation was built upon the ‘Indefinite Sutra’ and ‘Substitute for Heaven.’

But for Xu Qingfan, something more important was that although the "Indefinite Sutra" was mysterious, it could only be cultivated by the Master of Jiuhua.

"Putting aside how Martial Uncle Liu learned the cultivation method of the ‘Indefinite Sutra,’ why did he pass it on to me?"

After repeatedly confirming with Immortal Zizhen, Xu Qingfan found himself in a daze, thinking silently.

Considering that he was suddenly appointed as Jiuhua’s Deacon Elder, a recognized successor to the sect leader, Xu Qingfan couldn’t help but wonder, "Could it be that Sect Master and Martial Uncle Liu had already decided to make me the next leader of Jiuhua?"

When he became Deacon Elder, he considered this possibility, but Liu Huaxiang’s remark, "Although every sect leader was previously a Deacon Elder, not every Deacon Elder becomes the Master of Jiuhua," dispelled Xu Qingfan’s surprise.

But now, knowing that the cultivation method he had been practicing was the "Indefinite Sutra," his belief that he was secretly chosen as the next Master of Jiuhua became increasingly certain.

If it were someone else, knowing they were secretly chosen as the Holy Land sect leader would bring immense joy, even if secretly relished. However, when Xu Qingfan thought of becoming the next Master of Jiuhua, his heart felt not just joy but also helplessness and confusion.

The joy is undeniable; everyone wishes to be valued and acknowledged, and Xu Qingfan is no exception.

But by Xu Qingfan’s nature, he did not wish to become the Master of Jiuhua. Although it was a great honor, setting aside the current state of the Jiuhua Gate, Xu Qingfan was not someone who liked being constrained. Becoming the Master of Jiuhua would mean being confined to Jiuhua Mountain for hundreds of years, often disrupted by worldly affairs and bearing heavy responsibilities, which was not what Xu Qingfan desired.

Traveling or cultivating, living freely without any worries, that’s what Xu Qingfan truly desires.

Besides, in Xu Qingfan’s opinion, Jiuhua Mountain actually has many disciples better than him. Not to mention Jin Qinghan Feng Qingtian; even Li Yuhan, in terms of talent and ability, surpasses Xu Qingfan. So, even while serving as Jiuhua Deacon Elder, Xu Qingfan never thought he would become the next Master of Jiuhua.

But upon discovering that what he was cultivating was the "Indefinite Sutra," everything seemed possible.

"Forget it, these are just my own assumptions; things might not be as I think. Right now, the most important thing is to cultivate and fulfill Martial Uncle Liu’s last wishes. Other matters can wait until the right time."

Xu Qingfan sighed gently in his heart and then thought silently.

…

Watching Xu Qingfan leave "Qingxu Hall" with a dazed expression, Immortal Zizhen had a faint smile on his face, muttering to himself, "Interesting, this Xu Qingfan is to be the next Master of Jiuhua, yet he’s unaware. And from the look on his face earlier, he doesn’t even know Liu Huaxiang’s true identity. Li Xuhan, what are you thinking, and why are you doing this?"

After a long pause, a hint of loneliness appeared on Immortal Zizhen’s face, and he softly said, "I truly can’t guess your thoughts; I’m still not as good as you."

A gentle sigh echoed continuously within "Qingxu Hall."

Immortal Zizhen thought that the situation of "Qingxu Gate" this time was very similar to what happened at Jiuhua fifty years ago. However, he couldn’t save Jiuhua Mountain like Li Xuhan did, and felt sorrowful in his heart.

Meanwhile, Xu Qingfan, after leaving "Qingxu Hall", had calmed down and decided not to overthink about the future but to focus on cultivation first. The confusion on his face gradually disappeared.

Upon leaving "Qingxu Hall", he saw that Mo Ziliang had been quietly waiting outside for quite a while. As soon as he saw Xu Qingfan come out, he immediately smiled and said, "Taoist Friend Xu, Uncle Master Zizhen has arranged a retreat location for you."

Xu Qingfan nodded and replied with a smile, "Thank you for the trouble."

Then, without further politeness, they, guided by Mo Ziliang, flew towards the retreat location arranged for Xu Qingfan.

The retreat location Mo Ziliang arranged for Xu Qingfan was within a bamboo grove, protected by a barrier outside and had a serene and elegant landscape inside. Xu Qingfan was quite pleased after viewing it.

After bidding farewell to Mo Ziliang, Xu Qingfan entered the bamboo hut, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began to meditate peacefully. Once his mind was calm and serene, Xu Qingfan took out the "Ascension Pill" that Immortal Zizhen had given from his sleeve, consumed it, and began to refine it.

This retreat lasted for a full three months.

Meanwhile, outside Ronghua Mountain, two people in purple robes were silently waiting.