Chapter 327: Breakthrough and Commission

Three days later, above Canghai Peak.

The spiritual energy clouds and mist in the sky began to gather and expand continuously, yet they could never break beyond the five-li range.

The spiritual energy vortex dissipated, and oppressive black tribulation clouds churned and gathered, beginning to brew the Jin Dan Lei Jie.

"What a pity... the range of weather spiritual energy triggered by Qingzhao's breakthrough to the Jin Dan is only five li; the upper limit is merely a lower-grade Jin Dan."

The quality of the achieved Jin Dan is closely linked to a cultivator's future potential, so naturally, the higher the better.

True Person Nalan Xi gazed upward, speaking with a tone of some regret.

"On the great Dao of cultivation, breaking through every major realm is fraught with countless difficulties; if Fellow Daoist Gu can successfully break through to the Jin Dan stage this time, she will already be one in ten thousand," Qin Ming said lightly.

"Fellow Daoist Qin makes a valid point; among the cultivators pursuing the Dao in the Southern Wild Immortal Realm, there are as many as carp crossing the river, yet those who can successfully reach the Jin Dan step number only a handful."

"Not everyone possesses the good fortune and talent that Fellow Daoist Qin does, achieving an upper-grade Jin Dan, hehe!"

"Next comes the all-important Lei Jie; whether she can pass this trial depends entirely on her destiny."

A trace of worry revealed itself in Nalan Xi's gaze.

Boom-crack! Golden Lei Ting descended continuously; on Canghai Peak, a graceful figure in a green robe flashed into view, constantly employing secret techniques to resist the Lei Jie.

As time passed, the power of the Lei Jie grew stronger and stronger.

After one stick of incense, the thunder had struck nine times.

The tribulation clouds in the sky completely dispersed, and suddenly a massive surge of spiritual energy gushed forth between heaven and earth, beginning to nourish Gu Qingzhao, who had survived the Lei Jie.

Suddenly.

Boom! A pressure of spiritual energy from the Jin Dan stage radiated from her body, descending upon the Yunze Xiancheng, allowing numerous cultivators to feel the might of a Jin Dan True Person.

A moment later, she landed back within her cave dwelling to consolidate her cultivation.

Inside the cave dwelling, Gu Qingzhao was surrounded by a layer of ethereal spiritual essence; she kept her eyes tightly closed as fluctuations of Jin Dan-stage magic power emanated from her.

Her entire person exuded an undeniable aura of noble cold beauty; at a glance, she resembled a legitimate Qingxia Xianzi who had stepped out of a painting.

Usually calm and composed, her heart at this moment was exceedingly excited.

"Finally, I have reached the Jin Dan."

"I have just barely caught up to Fellow Daoist Qin's pace."

Having crossed the heavenly moat of the Jin Dan, from now on she could also be counted among the ranks of high-stage cultivators.

Inside Canghai Xiancheng.

Numerous rogue cultivators cheered wildly, and the entire immortal city was immersed in an atmosphere of lively celebration.

After several hundred years, another cultivator had achieved the status of Jin Dan True Person within Canghai Xiancheng.

This held considerable significance; for these rogue cultivators, it was a tremendous encouragement.

"So it is Gu Gezhu Gu of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge."

"Gu Gezhu Gu is not only as beautiful as a heavenly fairy, but her cultivation has also broken through to the Jin Dan; truly, she is a rare and extraordinary woman in this world."

"Given the foundation of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge, Gu Gezhu Gu achieving the Jin Dan was only a matter of time."

"Now, the influence of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge in the Southern Wild Immortal Realm will rise once again."

Qin Ming and Nalan Xi, watching from afar, also simultaneously broke into smiles.

"It seems that from now on, we will have one more fellow Daoist among us," Nalan Xi said with a bright smile.

Qin Ming nodded and laughed, "It seems that since I, Qin Mou, came to this Xiancheng this time, I won't be able to leave for a while; with Fellow Daoist Gu successfully breaking through to the Jin Dan, we must celebrate in any case."

"However, we must wait until she emerges from closed-door cultivation."

"Come to think of it, it was Fellow Daoist Gu who helped organize and manage my own Jin Dan grand ceremony back when I was Qin Mou."

"More than ten years have passed, and finally, it is her turn to have her own celebration."

As he spoke, he was filled with emotion.

At this moment, the Shi Tian Shu, hearing the commotion, poked out its head and, quite ruining the mood, said, "What? Having a celebration?"

"Can I eat at the banquet again? I want to sit at the children's table."

Qin Ming: "..."

For the next few days, Qin Ming temporarily settled down to reside within the Xiancheng.

Nalan Xi arranged a cave dwelling for him in an excellent location on Canghai Peak, situated within a third-grade upper-tier spiritual vein environment.

During this leisure time, Qin Ming also took the opportunity to visit the Feng family and Lu Wanjun, and went to the Mirror Jing Xue Ge to chat with Master Huangfu and Shopkeeper Liao.

From their mouths, he learned that Gu Qingzhao's breakthrough to the Jin Dan stage had already shaken the highest echelons of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge's headquarters, and even the Grand Gu Gezhu would come to the Xiancheng to celebrate this grand event. Half a month later.

Qin Ming and Nalan Xi were deeply exchanging cultivation experiences inside the main hall.

On this day.

A green rainbow flew out from the cave dwelling on Canghai Peak, instantly landing before the two of them.

Only when the escaping light dissipated did Gu Qingzhao's figure appear; although she wore plain gauze clothing, it could not hide her unique temperament and exquisite figure.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Gu, on achieving the Jin Dan and advancing on your immortal path!"

"Congratulations, Qingzhao; from now on, I no longer need to hold up this Canghai Xiancheng all by myself."

Qin Ming and Nalan Xi stepped forward, smiles on their faces, bowing with clasped fists to offer their congratulations.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoists Qin and Fellow Daoist Nalan."

On Gu Qingzhao's usually cold countenance, a rare beautiful smile also appeared, and she returned a bow to the two of them.

Afterwards, the three of them continued to exchange thoughts inside the main hall.

One month later.

Gu Qingzhao's Jin Dan grand ceremony was held as scheduled in Canghai Xiancheng, celebrated by all under heaven, and the Mirror Jing Xue Ge distributed many benefits to the rogue cultivators within the city.

Representatives from the major powers arrived to offer congratulations and witness the ceremony.

Qin Ming also saw the Chief Gu Gezhu of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge, who was Gu Qingzhao's third uncle, Gu Qinghe.

He was a middle-aged cultivator with a stern and meticulous appearance, possessing early-stage Jin Dan cultivation; he wore a black wide-sleeved robe patterned with pythons and a silk headscarf adorned with dragon-shaped jade ornaments, his gaze deep and wise.

He gave people the impression of possessing profound cultivation and refinement.

"Come, Third Uncle, let me introduce you; this is Daoist Friend Qin Ming," Gu Qingzhao introduced.

A slight smile appeared on Gu Qinghe's face as he greeted Qin Ming warmly: "The renowned True Person Wangyue of the Wei State, I have long heard of your name; Daoist Friend Qin, today you must do me the honor of drinking a few more cups."

The intelligence of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge was highly accurate; Gu Qingzhao had long known the specific details of the battle at the Taihu Ruins in the Liang State.

It was said that if not for Qin Ming turning the tide by slaying the three-stage late-period Toad Ancestor and decisively repelling the surprise attack by the Modaoliu Sect, the current trajectory of the war would be truly uncertain.

Therefore, even though he held the noble position of Chief Gu Gezhu of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge, he did not dare to put on airs before Qin Ming, appearing extremely polite and low-key.

"Hehe! Daoist Friend Gu Qinghe, you are truly too polite."

Qin Ming also engaged in some friendly banter with him.

Subsequently, the celebration began; as the announcer called out their names, the various powers of the Southern Wild Immortal Realm took the stage one after another, continuously presenting congratulatory gifts.

To curry favor with Gu Qingzhao, this newly promoted Jin Dan cultivator, all sorts of rare treasures emerged endlessly.

When it was Qin Ming's turn, he unhurriedly took out two jade bottles and placed them on the table.

The receiving cultivator in charge of the gifts stood stunned for a long while before finally summoning the courage to shout at the top of his lungs: "True Person Wangyue from Wangyue Island presents one bottle of Dust-Extinguishing Pills and one Longevity Fruit Pill! Congratulating True Person Gu on achieving Jin Dan; may your Immortal Dao be evergreen!"

Whoosh~ As soon as the words fell, they caused a stir among the cultivators present; giving an entire bottle of third-stage pills, plus the scarce third-stage mid-grade Longevity Fruit Pill.

Its value went without saying, nearly overshadowing all the other gifts present, maximizing both the substance and the grandeur of this grand gathering.

Gu Qingzhao, seated in the main seat at the head, could not help but show a change in expression.

A ripple appeared in her calm heart, her beautiful eyes flashing as she wondered what he was thinking.

After the Jin Dan grand ceremony concluded.

Inside a private room on the seventh floor of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge.

Qin Ming sought out Gu Qingzhao alone.

Before Qin Ming could even speak, Gu Qingzhao thanked him first:

"Thank you, Daoist Friend Qin; such a valuable gift today truly makes me feel ashamed."

"If not for the Conjoining Jin Dan provided by Daoist Friend Qin, I would never have achieved today's success; now accepting such a heavy gift from you makes me feel truly uneasy."

Qin Ming smiled faintly, raised his hand to interrupt her, and said calmly: "Daoist Friend Gu is too polite; I act this way because I actually have a request, so there is no need for you to mind these mere pills."

"Regarding the achievement of Jin Dan, Daoist Friend Gu also had her own opportunities and fortune; the pills were merely an aid."

"Oh? If Daoist Friend Qin has any matter, just speak; if I can help, I will certainly do my utmost," Gu Qingzhao said with slight surprise.

Qin Ming said: "Previously, did I not tell Daoist Friend Gu that I plan to travel to the Great Jin Immortal Dynasty to seek new opportunities and, in the process, broaden my horizons?"

"Once I go, it is unknown when I will return."

"Now that I have calculated the timing, it is about right; I would like to ask you to help look after the affairs of Wangyue Island for a while."

Upon hearing this, Gu Qingzhao instantly fell silent; she had not expected that just as she had broken through to Jin Dan, Qin Ming was about to leave.

(End of Chapter)