Chapter 250

Re-forging the Diamond Polishing settled a major matter on Wang Ping's mind. He knew the opportunity was rare, so he struck while the iron was hot and asked another long-standing problem that had troubled him.

"Master, on my cultivation path, there is a technique that benefits me immensely; it has saved my life several times. This technique is called the Refining God Secret, which I obtained by chance while slaying enemies in the lower realm."

"However, the technique only has the first layer; the rest is lost. I do not know, Master, whether you know its origins? As for this subsequent technique, has it ever been circulated in the spiritual realm? Where should I go to seek it?"

""Refining God Secret?" Upon hearing this, Jiang Mingyuan showed a hint of surprise for the first time, fell silent for a moment, then slowly said, "The name of this technique, I have indeed heard of it. Speaking of which, it is not a technique created by the native inhabitants of the spiritual realm.""

Wang Ping's mind tightened; he focused his attention and listened quietly.

"It is said that in ancient times, a powerful being of the demon race, whose power participated in creation, once wandered through myriad worlds, seeking the Dao of immortals. In a strange realm known as the Mysterious Underworld Great World, he chanced upon this method."

"The beings of the Mysterious Underworld Great World mainly cultivate the soul; their soul method is unique, exquisite and profound, directly pointing to the essence of the Great Dao. He comprehended it for ten thousand years in that world, obtaining the Refining God Secret. It is said that when his Refining God Decision reached perfection, he could slay immortals as a mortal."

Jiang Mingyuan's voice carried reminiscence and admonition: "However, precisely because it originates from another realm, its method of operation and visualization path do not perfectly match the physique and soul structure of our spiritual realm's human cultivators, nor the very laws of heaven and earth of the spiritual realm itself."

"In the early stages of cultivating this method, progress is indeed rapid, and the refinement of the soul far exceeds that of peers. However, once one reaches a high level, especially when attempting to break through the crucial stages of Void Refinement and Union, obstacles easily arise, and it may even provoke a backlash from the alien realm's Dao, with the intensity of inner demons far exceeding the ordinary, extremely perilous."

He looked at Wang Ping, his gaze seeming to perceive the essence of his soul: "Therefore, although this technique is recorded in our human race's Imperial Capital Secret Vault, due to its hidden dangers, it is listed under 'Cautious Cultivation,' with few choosing it as their primary technique. Moreover, only the first three layers exist."

As for the technique obtained in the lower realm, the first layer is still usable, but the second and third layers are basically incomplete; do not cultivate it.

"Since you were able to successfully cultivate this secret in the lower realm, and I see your soul is stable and clear like glass, it must be that your soul's nature has some degree of affinity with it… or perhaps you have encountered something else that offsets part of the hidden danger."

Wang Ping felt a shudder in his heart; he never expected the Refining God Secret to have such origins and hidden dangers. The existence of the Silver Stone Gate, he naturally would not reveal, but the master's speculation might also be close to part of the truth.

Jiang Mingyuan gave a clear answer, but then immediately changed the subject,

"If you want to obtain it, you need to complete the Purple Robe Disciple Hell-level Difficulty. Therefore, the acquisition difficulty is extremely high. It cannot be exchanged for points or spirit crystals; instead, a vast amount of 'Merit' points is required, and one must also undergo strict review by the Human Race Elder Council, confirming the cultivator's mindset, contribution to the human race, and sense of belonging to the spiritual realm, before it can be granted."

"\"Merit... \" Wang Ping silently noted the term. This is more universally exchangeable than Dao Academy points, and it better reflects a cultivator's overall value to the human race."

Only by participating in tasks such as border defense battles, exploring extraterritorial hazardous lands, and eliminating major threats can one obtain it.

"\"Since you need it, this is also what your path requires. \" Jiang Mingyuan said, \"If you accumulate enough Merit, you can go to the Imperial Capital Secret Vault to apply; however, if you fulfill the following conditions, I can directly apply on your behalf. \""

"\"What conditions? \""

"\"How about breaking the eternal record of the Heaven-Reaching Tower during the Golden Core stage? \""

"\"Golden Core stage Heaven-Reaching Tower record? The ninth layer? \" Wang Ping instantly recalled."

"\"How is it? Do you have confidence? \""

"\"Disciple is willing to give it a try! \" Wang Ping replied in a deep voice, his inner goal becoming clearer."

"\"Good! If you can do it, I will personally exchange for the second layer of the Refining God Secret for you. \""

At that moment, Jiang Mingyuan's eyes twitched slightly, as if sensing something; he looked toward outside the palace and spoke in a calm tone: "It seems that, as the newly appointed head instructor's inner-door disciple, you cannot stay low-key. Guests have come to visit, all are your senior fellow disciples. Go, get acquainted; it will also benefit your future walks in the Dao Academy. When your cultivation makes another breakthrough, return here, and then I will assign you specific tempering tasks."

"Yes, junior disciple takes his leave." Wang Ping performed a salute and respectfully withdrew from the Question Dao Palace.

Just after returning to his cave abode, Wang Ping saw two splendid streaks of escape-light descending from the horizon; their radiance condensed, revealing a male and a female figure.

The male wore the same purple-sashed immortal robes as him, his stature tall and straight like a pine, his features handsome, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes; the corner of his mouth naturally held a hint of unrestrained, carefree smile, his gaze bright and penetrating, giving an impression of trustworthiness.

He stepped forward, clasped his hands, and spoke in a clear, enthusiastic voice: "Are you Junior Brother Wang Ping? I am Luo Qingyang, and this is Junior Sister Qin Xue. I heard that you recently set an astonishing record and even gained the head instructor's favor, being taken into the inner door; we were delighted upon hearing it and came specially to congratulate you. Sorry for the intrusion; I hope you will not hold it against me."

The female beside him also wore purple robes, but her demeanor was utterly different. Her appearance was pure and exquisite, like a secluded orchid in an empty valley, her brows and eyes bearing a hint of aloof coolness, as if keeping people at a distance.

Yet her gaze toward Wang Ping held neither contempt nor arrogance, only pure curiosity and a hint of cautious appraisal. Upon hearing Luo Qingyang's introduction, she also gave a slight nod, her cool voice sounding like jade beads falling on a plate: "Qin Xue, I have met Junior Brother Wang Ping."

Wang Ping did not act arrogantly; he returned the salute with clasped hands and spoke gently: "So you are Senior Brother Luo and Senior Sister Qin. I, Wang Ping, have just entered the inner mountains, my experience is shallow; in the future, I will need your guidance and support on the path of cultivation."

Seeing his modest and unpretentious attitude, Luo Qingyang's smile grew warmer, and he waved his hand, saying:

"'Junior Brother, you are being too modest. Upon entering the Dao Academy, you managed to leave an unprecedented record in the Sea of Will; such determination and perseverance make us all feel ashamed and deeply admire you.'

"'The purple-robed disciples are few in number, all being the focus of the institute; inevitably we will often meet and exchange Dao arts.'

"'Today, I happen to be heading with Junior Sister Qin to the Human Emperor City to handle some trifles, and on the way we will stroll through the East Market to see if there are any novelties; I wonder if you would be interested in joining us? It would also serve to familiarize you with the scenery of our human race's central lands.'

Wang Ping's thoughts turned like lightning; his master had just told him to make acquaintances among his fellow disciples, and this opportunity had arrived at his door. Luo Qingyang's attitude was sincere, and although Qin Xue was aloof, she was not unapproachable.

Moreover, he had long yearned for the Human Emperor City; this was a perfect chance to go and see it, perhaps even to search for world stones or other items beneficial to cultivation. Without further hesitation, he readily agreed:

"'It is exactly what I wish for, and I dare not ask for more. To have senior brothers and sisters accompany and guide me is my honor. Then I will trouble you.'