Chapter 176: 176. Chapter 176 Multiple Divine Techniques, Comprehensive Enhancement!

176. Chapter 176 Multiple Divine Techniques, Comprehensive Enhancement!

Character: Liyang left.

This time, it is a real departure.

Having resolved a heartfelt matter, his more than one‑hundred‑year foundation, overseen by numerous disciples led by the ancient sect elder, is being aided by Xiao Zhangqing in secret; together with his public threats, it can basically ensure that, without mishaps, Character: Liyang Zhenren City will enjoy a peaceful thirty years.

He no longer has to worry and linger in covert observation.

He will depart the Da Yu Cultivation World, retreat tens of thousands of li away, and when he returns he will inevitably hold the rank of Nascent Soul True Lord! Then, whether it is the Seven Star Sword Sect or Xingyue Palace, they must act according to his orders!

……

Xiao Zhangqing, seeing Character: Liyang leave, still uneasy, swept the cave residence and its surroundings with his spiritual sense; only after finding no trace of Character: Liyang did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Character: Liyang's final admonition gave him something to ponder.

He did not expect that the other party was forced to leave the Da Yu Cultivation World to break through the Nascent Soul Realm; within Da Yu, aside from the two major Nascent Soul sects, other cultivators have no way out.

Until now, he truly had not imagined that the Seven Star Sword Sect and Xingyue Palace would be so "narrow‑minded", joining forces to prevent any new Nascent Soul forces from emerging in order to retain absolute authority in Da Yu.

This move is indeed a bit excessive.

After all, before this, Xiao Zhangqing's breakthrough of the Foundation Establishment Realm in Nanshan Fang, and his planned Core Formation breakthrough in Character: Liyang Zhenren City, were both publicly recognized as permissible.

Aside from one's own enemies, the "officials" will not hinder your breakthrough.

For example, over the past hundred‑plus years, the number of cultivators who have used Character: Liyang Zhenren City's third‑tier spiritual veins to break through the Core Formation Realm has exceeded double digits.

Those who fail to breakthrough, or form false cores, are countless.

Whether resident cultivators of Character: Liyang Zhenren City or incoming Scattered Cultivators, as long as they register at the Lord's Mansion, have their identities verified as non‑criminal cultivators, they may, after paying Spirit Stones, lease a third‑tier spiritual vein and boldly attempt a breakthrough.

Even the Character: Liyang Zhenren City authorities will intervene to protect cultivators breaking through within the city, refusing to allow any interference.

He did not expect that upon reaching the Nascent Soul level, the rules would change entirely.

"The path of cultivation truly gets harder the higher one climbs,"

Xiao Zhangqing thought to himself.

"But..."

He looked down at the six newly acquired treasures, five of which can extract Divine Techniques, greatly beneficial to him.

"Fortunately, the cheat‑enabled me knows no fear!"

Soon, Xiao Zhangqing locked himself in the training chamber, eager to personally test the wondrous effects of the five pieces of equipment one by one.

First was the Bamboo Sword True Person… no, the Jade Green True Person's signature weapon, a sword of third‑tier supreme quality.

The sword is named "Jade Clear Bright Light Sword".

Aside from the loss of its spirit when the Jade Green True Person fell, the blade bears no other damage; its power can still be fully unleashed.

If it were only for that, Xiao Zhangqing would not have immediately chosen this sword and taken it without hesitation.

A sword wielded by a mid‑Core Formation cultivator—one who can only barely reach late Core Formation after taking pills—might surpass Xiao Zhangqing's current strength, but is unlikely to help him much.

Just as Character: Liyang thought the "Jade Clear Bright Light Sword" was merely decent, sellable for a good price, without intending to keep it or deem it especially precious.

But Xiao Zhangqing, through the system's briefing, clearly knows the sword's true origin! 【Jade Clear Bright Light Sword】

【It is a third‑tier supreme sword with a long history, having passed through three owners. The first owner was extraordinary, with excellent sword‑path talent and keen insight, ultimately a sword cultivator who broke through the Nascent Soul Realm. Using this sword, he roamed the world before the Nascent Soul stage, earning great fame; the sword witnessed his growth and accompanied his discovery of many sword‑path killing techniques. The latter two owners, though also sword cultivators, were each inferior to the previous. The second reached Core Formation Perfection and even challenged the Nascent Soul Realm, but ultimately failed; the third was mediocre, only at mid Core Formation.】

【Equipment Requirement: Core Formation Realm mana】

【Equipment Effect: Sword‑path talent boost (purple), Star‑Plucking, Constellation‑Swapping Sword Technique (third‑tier mid‑grade – fourth‑tier high‑grade)】

The sword has few skills, only two.

But each skill makes Xiao Zhangqing feel a bit dazzled.

First is the sword‑path talent boost, a talent Xiao Zhangqing has never possessed before; although he previously had several sword‑path skills, such as the initial Six‑Direction Sword Technique and later the Qingxiao Sword Formation carried by the Qingxiao Eleven Swords, both were fairly impressive sword‑path abilities.

Especially the Qingxiao Sword Formation; if cultivated to its peak, it can reach fourth‑tier level, still highly useful in the Nascent Soul Realm.

Regrettably, Xiao Zhangqing's own cultivation was insufficient before; his sword‑path talent was mediocre, and even after acquiring the Qingxiao Sword Formation over the years, he could only wield it at third‑tier low‑grade power.

Much like the fake‑core elder Zhou Songbai of Luoxia Sect back then.

Now he finally unlocked the sword‑path talent skill.

And it is directly "purple"! Previously, Xiao Zhangqing's highest talent was only blue.

A purple talent, by Xiao Zhangqing's comparison to spirit‑root grades, corresponds to the level of an "Earth Spirit Root".

In the Cultivation World, that is truly a one‑in‑ten‑thousand talent! As for the second skill, it also left Xiao Zhangqing astonished.

Star‑Plucking, Constellation‑Swapping Sword Technique, whose initial damage already reaches third‑tier mid‑grade! In other words, if Xiao Zhangqing can use this skill, it can directly threaten mid‑Core Formation cultivators with its sword technique! For a long time, Xiao Zhangqing has been "yin‑dominant, yang‑waning", his Soul Transformation secret arts deterrence far surpassing spell techniques.

Now that he has this Star‑Plucking, Constellation‑Swapping Sword Technique, Xiao Zhangqing has filled the gap in his spell techniques.

"The only problem now is, can I equip it?"

Xiao Zhangqing looked at the equipment requirement column, which demanded "Core Formation Realm mana".

If the requirement were Core Formation cultivation level, Xiao Zhangqing would have no chance to equip it now.

He is only at mid Foundation Establishment level.

But mana of the Core Formation Realm—there is a loophole, a gap to exploit.

Because Xiao Zhangqing possesses a fragment of the Longevity Stone, whose effect is similar to an "external pill", he can convert his stored mana into the solid mana of a Core Formation cultivator.

"Hoo~"

He inhaled deeply, activated the Longevity Stone fragment, circulating the technique to spread the solid mana throughout his body, then summoned the system interface of the Jade Clear Bright Light Sword.

"Equip!"

Buzz! With a low shout from Xiao Zhangqing, a strange sensation erupted as countless "memories" of practicing the Star‑Plucking, Constellation‑Swapping Sword Technique flooded his mind, as if he had acquired decades to centuries of sword‑path experience.

At the same time, Xiao Zhangqing felt his mind undergo a great change, forcibly strengthening his "root bones"! A strong discomfort made him feel ten thousand strands of sword qi ready to burst forth within him! His body, flesh, and mana all seemed to take the shape of a sword.

He seemed to have become a born "Sword Person"! Enduring the discomfort, Xiao Zhangqing felt only excitement.

Because he knew he had successfully exploited the loophole in the Jade Clear Bright Light Sword's equipment condition! Using the Longevity Stone fragment's special mana conversion, he successfully equipped the sword.

Buzz~!

After a full incense‑stick's worth of time, the massive sword‑technique cultivation, the infusion of energy, and the strengthening of the sword bone finally concluded.

The instant Xiao Zhangqing opened his eyes, sword light flickered in his pupils, and even the mana that overflowed the cultivation chamber, once his thoughts shifted, all turned into sword qi!

"So strong…"

Xiao Zhangqing pinched his fingers, and powerful strands of un‑released sword qi began to circulate at his fingertips.

"That Jade‑like Real Person, have you cultivated the Pluck Stars, Swap Dipper Sword Technique?"

"Or, does anyone in the current Seven Star Sword Sect manage to cultivate it successfully?"

Xiao Zhangqing suddenly thought of a question, feeling somewhat curious.

This sword technique should have been the strongest sword‑path killing move comprehended by the first owner of this Jade‑Clear Bright Sword, a sword cultivator of Nascent Soul True Lord level.

Cultivators in the Core Formation Early Stage, even those in the False Core Realm, if they possess sufficiently high sword‑path talent, can successfully cultivate this technique and instantly wield the destructive power of a Core Formation Mid Stage, giving them the capital to fight beyond their rank.

Its upper limit can even reach fourth‑rank superior! What does fourth‑rank superior mean? Not only in the Da Yu Cultivation World, but even if several neighboring cultivation realms were combined, it would still be enough to dominate and rank among the strongest! "Seven Star Sword Sect, Pluck Stars, Swap Dipper Sword Technique… this technique must be the hallmark skill of the Seven Star Sword Sect, right? Or perhaps the first owner of the Jade‑Clear Bright Sword was a Nascent Soul elder of the Seven Star Sword Sect?"

Considering this possibility, Xiao Zhangqing felt a strange unease.

If the Pluck Stars, Swap Dipper Sword Technique truly is the Seven Star Sword Sect's unsheathed secret, a hallmark skill only the most core, most talented disciples can grasp, then later, when Xiao Zhangqing meets members of the Seven Star Sword Sect and crushes them with their own hallmark skill, would that be too comical? "It doesn't matter; in the Cultivation World, whoever has the bigger fist has the stronger argument. As long as my strength is sufficient, the legitimate Pluck Stars, Swap Dipper Sword Technique belongs to me!"

"Perhaps in the end, the glory of this sword technique will have to be reforged by me, Xiao—someone!"

Xiao Zhangqing felt no embarrassment at all.

His sword technique wasn't stolen; it was earned through his own 'effort'! Open and honest!

In comparison, the Seven Star Sword Sect, together with Xingyue Palace, have ruled the Da Yu Cultivation World for over a thousand years, severely suppressing the development of other Scattered Cultivators, sects, and cultivation families, and forbidding any third party from establishing a Nascent Soul sect.

Such conduct is truly despicable.

……

After adding the Jade‑Clear Bright Sword to his inventory, Xiao Zhangqing didn't pause for a moment, letting the system register the remaining pieces of equipment one by one.

The reason Xiao Zhangqing tested the Jade‑Clear Bright Sword first, besides deeming its two skills relatively important, was that the sword's equip conditions were uncertain; he might not have been able to equip it.

He had already reviewed the equip conditions of the other Magic Treasures, and they all met his requirements, so they could be equipped directly.

First is the damaged Twin‑Wing Magic Treasure.

In Character: Liyang's eyes, this Magic Treasure was completely useless; its grade was indiscernible, and aside from sensing a faint aura of a high‑grade demonic beast and a respectable pressure, it had no other effect.

If its material weren't relatively decent, Character: Liyang would have discarded it long ago.

After the system's appraisal, Xiao Zhangqing naturally discovered the Twin‑Wing Magic Treasure's merits.

"It is forged from the feathers of a Fourth‑rank Great Roc Demon King. Although the owner of these Twin Wings isn't a Nascent Soul True Lord, it was crafted by a Nascent Soul True Lord for his most beloved junior as an escape‑aid!"

"It was a privilege of a top‑tier second‑generation immortal. Unfortunately, whatever misfortune befell them, even with this escape‑treasure from an elder, they were captured, and the Twin‑Wing Magic Treasure was smashed to pieces."

After Xiao Zhangqing added the Twin‑Wing Magic Treasure to his inventory,

after roughly a dozen breaths, he fully assimilated it and could handle it with ease.

He then activated the new skill, Great Roc Riding the Wind, in the cultivation chamber; a fierce, biting gale surged, and his figure vanished in an instant, reappearing elsewhere in the blink of an eye.

It wasn't teleportation, but speed pushed to the extreme—so fast that even his shadow was gone! "At this speed, most Late Core Formation cultivators are far behind, aren't they?"

Xiao Zhangqing felt a thrill.

No wonder it was forged from Fourth‑rank Great Roc Demon King feathers.

His mana is still weak now, only at the level of Core Formation Early Stage.

If he later succeeds in Core Formation, reaching Mid and even Late Core Formation, his mana will grow stronger and his speed will increase further.

Like the Pluck Stars, Swap Dipper Sword Technique, the speed of Great Roc Riding the Wind, when cultivated to the extreme, can also dominate in the Nascent Soul Realm! …

After the Twin‑Wing Magic Treasure, Xiao Zhangqing experienced the Li Fire Five‑Beast Fan that Character: Liyang had used for many years.

The Five‑Beast Fan's pedigree needs no explanation.

This counterfeit, cheap version is made from the feathers of five third‑rank avian demonic beasts, none of which are of strong bloodlines or precious species.

One could say the materials are more than a grade lower than those of the Twin‑Wing Magic Treasure's Great Roc Demon King.

Because of the low‑end raw materials, the potential of this Li Fire Five‑Beast Fan is limited; even though Character: Liyang, nostalgic, has nurtured it for over a hundred years after Core Formation, its effect remains modest.

Xiao Zhangqing values this Li Fire Five‑Beast Fan not because he hopes to nurture it into a true Five‑Beast Fan's power.

Character: Liyang spent over a hundred years on it, only to eventually abandon it, so Xiao Zhangqing naturally wouldn't waste effort on such a fruitless endeavor.

What Xiao Zhangqing truly values is simply the skill of this Magic Treasure.

Earth‑grade Fire Spirit Root, Li Fire True Secret (Great Completion)

Xiao Zhangqing currently possesses a Heaven‑grade Water Water Spirit Root, and his primary cultivation method leans toward the water spirit root.

He has no intention of changing his cultivation method.

However, a Magic Treasure that can directly elevate a spirit root to Earth‑grade feels a shame to ignore.

Better safe than sorry, Xiao Zhangqing decided to acquire it first.

Moreover, Xiao Zhangqing is somewhat interested in the Li Fire True Secret technique; it's Character: Liyang's hallmark skill.

That old fellow is quite sly; if one day I master his hallmark skill, it would be an interesting thing.

……

Afterward, Xiao Zhangqing's gaze turned cautious yet eager as he removed the Giant Hammer Magic Treasure.

Its grade isn't high, only a third‑rank middle grade.

However, this Giant Hammer Magic Treasure has been 'repaired'.

Although now whole and undamaged, and can be activated without hindrance with respectable power, a close look reveals obvious repair marks in its middle section.

It seems a sword‑type Magic Treasure brutally cut a huge gash into it.

Later, even a master artificer using precious ore iron to restore it left visible traces.

According to the system's description, the Giant Hammer was originally a third‑rank superior, but after being damaged and repaired, it dropped one minor grade.

If it is an ordinary cultivator, they usually do not like this kind of magic artifact that has undergone repair and experience, feeling it is hard to nurture and its potential is limited.

But Xiao Zhangqing does not care about these.

The more experienced it is, the more useful it is for him.

This giant hammer Magic Treasure provides Xiao Zhangqing with three skills.

Among them, the most useful, which Xiao Zhangqing values the most, is only one.

That is 【Body Tempering Level +2】 (effective before the fourth stage).

Xiao Zhangqing currently also cultivates a body cultivation method, the 'Dragon Transformation Body Forging Method'! Moreover, his body cultivation level has already reached the second stage middle grade, equivalent to his physical strength being able to withstand a Foundation Establishment mid-stage cultivator.

Nowadays, with the buff from this giant hammer Magic Treasure, Xiao Zhangqing's body cultivation attainment directly crossed two levels in a row, reaching the third stage lower grade! This time.

Even with the system cheat, Xiao Zhangqing cannot adapt to it in a short while.

This is equivalent to his cultivation level jumping directly from mid-Foundation Establishment to early Golden Core.

Such a huge increase is not inferior to truly completing a Golden Core formation process.

Of course.

Body cultivation and spell cultivation are completely different; even if breaking through from the second stage to the third stage, there will not be heavenly and earthly phenomena, wind and cloud changes like in spell cultivation.

The commotion will be much smaller.

But even so.

Xiao Zhangqing receiving this skill cannot fully adapt to it in a short while, or even a day or two.

This secluded meditation took a full seven days before he completely recovered. (End of chapter)