Chapter 842

After Bai Yuxian left, Li Mufeng, who was sitting there, looked up at the north of the sect and soon entered into meditation again.

Before long, Li Mufeng suddenly noticed a sound coming from a cave dwelling not far away and immediately stood up and turned his gaze.

He saw a middle-aged man in white robes walking out of the cave dwelling. The person was none other than Chen Xuanxin, who had been in seclusion to heal his injuries for a long time since the battle at "Nanyue Market."

"Greetings, Uncle Li!"

In the great battle for Nanyue Market against the "Jiuyuan Sect" a few years ago, Chen Xuanxin was accidentally ambushed by the "Jiuyuan Sect" Master Yue Wuji with a fourth-grade talisman, which caused his natal magic treasure to be damaged and his injuries to be quite severe.

In the years after the battle, Chen Xuanxin had been healing his injuries in Li Mufeng's cave dwelling with the help of the sect's "Spirit Machine Spring," and it had already been more than seven years.

Seeing Chen Xuanxin not far in front of him, whose complexion was clearly much better than before, a smile appeared on Li Mufeng's face. He waved his hand at him and greeted him to sit down on the side.

"Xuanxin, how are your injuries? When will you be confident in going into seclusion to impact the Nascent Soul realm?"

Hearing Li Mufeng's concerned inquiry, Chen Xuanxin shook his head helplessly and replied, "Reporting to Uncle, although my injuries have improved after refining the elixirs, it will still take time to slowly recuperate to fully recover. Coupled with polishing my magic power, I fear it will take at least thirty or forty years before I am confident in starting to impact the Nascent Soul realm.

My lifespan is now approaching four hundred years. Even if my path is smooth in this life, I fear I will only have one or two chances to impact the Nascent Soul realm. It will not be easy to achieve the Nascent Soul Great Dao.

Uncle, I actually heard what you and Uncle Bai said just now inside.

Now that my injuries will take decades to recover, since you intend to let Junior Brother Song integrate into the sect, why not give this Nascent Soul Nourishing Pill to Junior Brother Song first? He can also try to form his Nascent Soul sooner."

Hearing what Chen Xuanxin said, Li Mufeng was silent for a moment, and then a gratified smile suddenly appeared on his face.

"This is what your Senior Brother Yao also said to me when he was here back then. Hearing what you said reminds me of him again."

Seeing Li Mufeng mention the late Master Yao Qianshu, Chen Xuanxin also sighed and said, "Senior Brother Yao's talent was no worse than mine back then, yet he still struggled to face the Nascent Soul Great Dao. Although I also have a firm heart and am dedicated to the Dao, I still dare not say I can do better than Senior Brother Yao.

Junior Brother Song can cultivate to the ninth layer of Core Formation so quickly; his cultivation talent should not be below mine. If you are thinking for the sect, Uncle, you should consider him first."

Li Mufeng nodded slightly and then explained calmly:

"Xuanxin, I know what you mean. As a sect elder, I am very gratified that you can put the sect first regardless of your own path.

However, Bai and I have already decided that the Nascent Soul Nourishing Pill is to be left for you.

Over the years, you have made great contributions to the sect whenever it faced difficulties. No matter what, the sect should prioritize supporting you.

Otherwise, if we break the sect's rules at will, we won't be able to explain it to others. Don't decline this; just rest and prepare for the Nascent Soul formation."

"Mm! Since Uncle has already made a decision, then this disciple dare not say more. I am just a little worried about Junior Brother Song."

Just as Chen Xuanxin was about to speak, he was stopped by Li Mufeng, who shook his head at him again, "Don't worry. Qingming's matter has not been decided by the sect yet. I will discuss it slowly with Junior Sister Bai when the time comes.

Now, among the several late-stage Core Formation cultivators in the sect, neither Tonghe nor Fengping has much hope of forming their Nascent Soul. Currently, only Qingming and you have the chance to impact the Nascent Soul realm. You don't need to remind us; we can see it clearly.

If Qingming is willing to integrate into the sect, we will naturally consider supporting him in forming his Nascent Soul in the future. But after all, his lifespan is more abundant than yours. Even if he doesn't get this Nascent Soul Nourishing Pill, he will certainly wait for other spiritual items for Nascent Soul formation.

You don't need to worry about this! You have been in seclusion healing your injuries recently and are not clear about some matters in the sect. The reason Junior Sister Bai wants Qingming to integrate into the sect at this time is not because of your Nascent Soul formation.

It is because in the Taiyuehu to the south, it is very likely that a monster beast has already crossed the lightning tribulation, and it probably won't be peaceful in the future.

Therefore, the sect has to make some considerations in advance to take precautions."

"A monster beast crossed the lightning tribulation? Could it be that there is another Nascent Soul Monster Emperor in Taiyuehu? Is this true?"

Like human cultivators, monster beasts need to cross the heavenly lightning tribulation to advance to the Nascent Soul realm, only then can they transform into human form and achieve the Nascent Soul Great Dao.

Originally, on the edge of Taiyuehu near the State of Song, there were only some Core Formation Monster Kings, and the threat to the "Xiaoyao Sect" of the State of Song was far less than that of the monster race in the Fuyun Mountain Range to the north.

If another monster beast forms a Nascent Soul in "Taiyuehu" near the State of Song, it will inevitably break the original balance.

This is not good news for the "Xiaoyao Sect," which is developing prosperously.

Hearing what Li Mufeng said, a look of solemnity suddenly appeared on Chen Xuanxin's face.

Seeing this, Li Mufeng replied seriously, "It is certain that a monster beast crossed the tribulation in the lake some time ago, but it is still uncertain whether this monster successfully crossed the tribulation.

Junior Sister Bai and Fellow Daoist Zheng of the Star Sect have already gone to the lake to investigate. According to the situation on the spot, the probability of the other party successfully transforming is very high."

After finishing, Li Mufeng paused and continued, "Although we relied on Junior Sister Bai's successful Nascent Soul formation to repel the northern monster race and also seized Nanyue Market from the Jiuyuan Sect, allowing the sect's strength to improve a lot in a short time, the dangers around us have not been completely eliminated.

Once these enemies recover their strength and come back, they will certainly bite us. The future development of the sect probably won't be so smooth.

Once there is another enemy in the south, the northern monster race will certainly unite with them. Coupled with the Jiuyuan Sect, a hungry wolf, watching from the side, the pressure we need to face in the future will still be significant."

Hearing Li Mufeng's analysis, Chen Xuanxin's face became increasingly solemn.

After leaving Bai Yuxian's residence, Song Qingming went directly to the sect's "Merit Pavilion" and exchanged the merits in his hand for some items he needed for his upcoming retreat.

After doing all this, Song Qingming came to the residence of his nephew, Song Xinyu, to visit him, as he had already retired from the sect.

Song Xinyu's lifespan had already exceeded two hundred and twenty years, and normally, there were only about twenty more years left before the limit for a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

However, because he had impacted the Core Formation realm twice, his meridians and internal organs were damaged, so Song Xinyu's lifespan was clearly not as long as other normal cultivators who passed away.

Having felt his internal vitality beginning to decline a few years ago and feeling that he was no longer capable, Song Xinyu had directly applied for retirement from the sect's General Affairs Hall.

Now with graying temples and silver hair, he was sitting upright outside his cave dwelling, earnestly teaching several children in their teens who had just come up the mountain.

Seeing Song Qingming walking from afar, Song Xinyu hurriedly put down the bamboo slips in his hand, gave a few instructions to those children, and then took the initiative to step forward and bow to Song Qingming.

After meeting, Song Qingming smiled and nodded slightly at him, and the uncle and nephew sat down at the stone table on the side with great tacit understanding.

"Seventh Uncle, I heard you returned from outside last time. I wanted to take Linxi to Mount Funiu to visit you.

It's just a coincidence that she was in seclusion to break through her cultivation, so it never happened. I didn't expect you, Seventh Uncle, to come to me first."

"Oh! Not long before I left, I heard from Yuanfang that Linxi had just broken through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. I didn't expect her to break through her realm again so soon.

This child's cultivation talent is quite good, even faster than our cultivation speed back then. It seems she has great potential for Core Formation in the future. It's also thanks to your good teaching all these years.

Next time when I go to Mount Funiu, I will ask Yuanfang to invite you to the family school to give lectures to the children on the mountain and share some joy."

Hearing Song Qingming's praise, a smile appeared on Song Xinyu's face as he replied, "Since Seventh Uncle has ordered, this nephew will certainly not dare to decline.

When Linxi comes out of seclusion, I will definitely take her back to visit, and I won't keep you waiting long."

After replying to Song Qingming, Song Xinyu seemed to suddenly think of something in his heart and asked Song Qingming, "Seventh Uncle, there is a matter I heard inadvertently. I don't know if it's useful to you.

Some time ago, I heard from Ruoxu that something big seemed to have happened in Taiyuehu south of the sect, and even Uncle Li and Uncle Fang had taken the sect's law enforcement team to Taiyue Market.

Now that the sect has just been peaceful for a few years, it won't be going to war with the Jiuyuan Sect again, right!"

Hearing the news from Song Xinyu's mouth, Song Qingming was slightly stunned and then shook his head directly at him, "After the last great battle between the sect and the Jiuyuan Sect ended, both sides signed a contract, so there shouldn't be any action so soon.

Last time I passed by Taiyuehu, I saw many monster beasts besieging the market in the south. It is estimated that the monster beasts in Taiyuehu are restless again, not a big deal."

"Oh! That's good!

Seventh Uncle, thanks to the family's help all these years, the lives of the mortals at the foot of the mountain are getting better and better. These children were all sent up from below.

Last time Linyun and Linduan participated in the Nanyue Market battle and didn't come back alive, and even Yuanrong was injured and couldn't get up. I don't want to send these children to the battlefield again."

After Song Xinyu finished speaking, his gaze shifted to the children not far away.

Since receiving support from Song Qingming and the family, Song Xinyu had set about concentrating the descendants left behind by family cultivators at the foot of "Mount Guyang" in one place, giving them a relatively wealthy and peaceful environment to survive.

With the special care of the cultivators on the mountain, the Song-surname mortals at the foot of the mountain had also developed very well over the years, and several more Song-surname children were discovered to have spiritual roots and were brought to "Mount Guyang" to cultivate.

Although these children's innate spiritual roots were not as good as Song Linxi's, with diligence and the care of the teachers on the mountain, they would also have a chance to reach Foundation Establishment in the future.

Seeing these young children, Song Xinyu's eyes were also full of hope.

Seeing this situation, Song Qingming also felt a trace of gratification in his heart. He smiled and waved his hand gently, taking a white porcelain bottle from his body and placing it on the stone table.

"Seventh Uncle, is this elixir for Linxi?"

"No, this is for you.

Some time ago, your aunt happened to find spiritual medicine and refined a furnace of longevity-extending elixirs. Although it is not a high-tier spiritual elixir, it should be able to add five or six more years of lifespan to you.

Xinyu, these children are still relatively young, and you will need to teach them more in the future. Thank you for your hard work."

In the cultivation world, longevity-extending elixirs have always been relatively scarce.

Even in the "Xiaoyao Sect," those qualified to enjoy this kind of elixir are mostly sect Core Formation elders with outstanding merits.

Seeing the longevity-extending elixir that Song Qingming suddenly took out, a trace of emotion appeared on Song Xinyu's face, and he nodded solemnly at Song Qingming in front of him.

After giving the elixir to Song Xinyu, Song Qingming chatted with him for a while before standing up to say goodbye and leaving "Mount Guyang."

After returning to the family, Song Qingming gave some instructions to Song Yuanfang and others, and soon chose to go into seclusion.

As spring passed and autumn came, two years passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, high in the sky above the summit of "Mount Funiu," a burst of clouds and mist suddenly surged, revealing a trace of five-colored glow.

Song Qingming, who was in seclusion in his cave dwelling, suddenly felt a change in the surrounding spiritual energy, then slowly put away the magic power beside him, stood up, and walked out of the cave dwelling.

Just after walking out of the cave dwelling, Song Qingming looked up and immediately discovered the anomaly in the sky, and then flashed to the outside of a cave dwelling not far away.

Just after Song Qingming arrived, another streak of light flew from not far from the summit and landed beside Song Qingming. It was Huang Siyuan, who had also noticed the anomaly. Two years passed in the blink of an eye. After a period of seclusion, Huang Siyuan, with the help of elixirs, successfully broke through, and her cultivation improved again, reaching the sixth layer of Core Formation.

Looking at the "five-colored glow" in the sky not far away, a trace of envy appeared in Huang Siyuan's eyes, "Husband, has Qingyu successfully broken through her cultivation?"

Song Qingming smiled slightly at Huang Siyuan upon hearing this, "Not bad, it looks like it should be a success.

Before Qingyu went into seclusion this time, I saw that her magic power polishing was not yet perfect, and I thought it would be difficult for her to succeed this time.

I didn't expect her to surprise me this time!"

"Qingyu's cultivation speed over the years is not slower than yours, Husband. Plus, having inherited the fortuitous encounter of that sword-cultivation senior, I'm not surprised that she could succeed this time.

I just thought I had caught up with her, but I didn't expect to fall behind by a big step again. It seems that in this life, I am destined to only follow behind you siblings."

Seeing this, Song Qingming took the initiative to hold Huang Siyuan's jade hand and smiled, "Being lucky enough to follow behind others can save some worry. I actually hope that one day I can follow behind you two and share some of your light!"

While the two were talking, the "five-colored glow" hovering in the sky gradually dissipated, and then a heroic figure walked out of the cave dwelling.

"Seventh Brother, Sister-in-law! I didn't expect you both to be here."

(Checked for errors, none found!)

Seeing Song Qingyu walking over quickly with a happy face, Huang Siyuan hurriedly smiled and greeted, "Congratulations, Qingyu, your cultivation has advanced another step.

It's rare that you came out of seclusion today; I must cook myself to celebrate."

"Hehe! Then I'm in for a treat today."

After the three greeted each other, they soon came to the "Hui Xian Pavilion" at the summit and enjoyed Huang Siyuan's excellent spiritual culinary skills.

During this period, Song Qingming and the other did not forget to ask about Song Qingyu's experience of breaking through her cultivation this time, only to learn that her successful breakthrough to the late stage of Core Formation was indeed somewhat lucky.

Two years ago, after Song Qingyu went into seclusion, relying on an elixir given by Senior Sister Li Xuanyi, she spent more than a year and finally managed to polish her magic power to a perfect state.

But in the process of breaking through, the situation Song Qingyu faced was not so smooth, and she tried to break through twice in succession, but both ended in failure soon after.

Until she wanted to give up, she risked trying to use the seal sealed in her body during her third breakthrough, and only then did she muddle through this hurdle. This result also made Song Qingyu secretly rejoice in her heart.

"Seventh Brother, I told you before that besides the subsequent Nascent Soul cultivation method of the Xuanming Sword Art, there were also three sealed runes in that seal.

During my last breakthrough, I succeeded in breaking through the realm in one fell swoop after trying to open a rune. At first, I didn't expect this rune to help me break through."

"Oh! This rune actually has the ability to help you break through your cultivation. In this way, that Senior Ling really left you a very important inheritance. You were right not to choose to hand it over to the other party."

When Song Qingming returned to the family and learned about Song Qingyu's matter, he was also anxious for her.

If Huang Siyuan hadn't come out of seclusion early at that time and discovered the sword intent left by Song Qingyu, Bai Yuxian and the others wouldn't have been able to find her in time.

In that case, it would be hard to say whether Song Qingyu could have held on until Huang Siyuan and the others arrived to rescue her.

Hearing Song Qingming's affirmation, Song Qingyu smiled slightly at the corner of her mouth and nodded, "Seventh Brother! You are right. This seal and rune were directly attached to my natal magic treasure at that time. I could feel that it seemed to be my destined fortuitous encounter.

If these things were forcibly taken away by others, I fear my path in this life would be cut off, and I would have no chance to go further.

If that were the case, what meaning would there be in living? It would be better to fight to the death to seek a glimmer of survival."

"Qingyu, since this rune is useful for your breakthrough, you should not use it easily in the future. Wait until you impact the Nascent Soul realm later, and try it then; perhaps it will also be useful to you."

"Husband is right. You must keep this seal well, Qingyu. When you form your Nascent Soul in the future, it might be of great use. You must not waste it again."

Song Qingyu, who had already thought of this, heard the exhortations of Song Qingming and the other and hurriedly nodded seriously, "Seventh Brother, Sister-in-law, don't worry. I have already thought about this, and I will definitely not use it randomly in the future.

Regardless of whether this rune is helpful for my Nascent Soul formation in the future, since it was placed together with the Nascent Soul cultivation method, it was definitely not left by Senior Ling for me to use in the Core Formation stage.

I was also a bit anxious this time when breaking through the realm, so I tried it boldly.

I didn't expect that a mistake would lead to my success. I don't know whether I should be happy or regretful that I used up a rune like this!"

"As long as it can be helpful to you, it is not a waste, and there is no need to regret it.

Moreover, if you hadn't tried, you wouldn't have known the result. Knowing the use of this thing early is not a bad thing for you."

Huang Siyuan on the side echoed, "Husband is right. No matter how good the fortuitous encounter is, it's useless if you don't know how to use it.

Moreover, helping you advance to the late stage of Core Formation early can also help you save a lot of cultivation time. These are visible benefits, so what's there to regret.

However, Qingyu, you are so anxious to break through to the late stage of Core Formation, is it because of the agreement with Senior Sister Li?

You two aren't hiding any secrets that you don't want to tell us, are you!"

Hearing what Huang Siyuan said, Song Qingyu's face changed for a while, and she replied somewhat awkwardly, "I did agree with Senior Sister Li to go to the East Sea for a tour.

Seventh Brother, Senior Sister Li didn't let me say much about this matter. Why don't you stop asking."

Seeing Song Qingyu's embarrassed look, Song Qingming sighed with a smile, "This is a matter between you and Senior Sister Li. It doesn't matter whether you tell me or not. Just think it through yourself."

After all, Song Qingyu's cultivation had reached the late stage of Core Formation, and her strength was not weak among Core Formation cultivators. She also had many experiences of traveling outside.

Regarding her wanting to travel with Li Xuanyi, although Song Qingming was somewhat worried in his heart, he still quickly persuaded himself to let go and nodded at her without asking further.

After answering Song Qingyu, Song Qingming changed the subject and directly brought up the matter of Bai Yuxian suggesting that he integrate into the sect some time ago, wanting to hear the opinions of the two women face-to-face.

After Song Qingming slowly explained the reason, Huang Siyuan didn't have many thoughts, feeling that as long as Song Qingming could get the sect's support for Nascent Soul formation, it wouldn't be a bad thing to integrate into the sect directly.

On the contrary, Song Qingyu's face became embarrassed, and she couldn't help but ask, "Seventh Brother, if you integrate into the sect, Sister-in-law will definitely have to go too. Then I will be the only one left at home. You shouldn't want me to integrate into the sect together, right?

If we all leave, I fear Mount Funiu will be in chaos. If we regret it then, it will be too late?"

"If Qingyu is willing to go with us, that is naturally possible. It's just that if there is no one to watch the house, I fear it won't work!

Even if the three of us choose to integrate into the sect directly, someone still needs to sit in Mount Funiu. Otherwise, with so many people at home, I fear Yuanfang alone won't be able to suppress it for long.

Husband still needs to discuss this with the sect first!"

Hearing the two women's suggestions, Song Qingming nodded slightly, picked up the spiritual tea on the table and took a sip, then said:

"Whether I can successfully form my Nascent Soul or not, whether to integrate into the sect is indeed something we need to consider.

Senior Sister Bai has already personally stated this matter to me on behalf of the sect. I fear this matter won't drag on for long, and sooner or later, I will have to give the sect an answer.

Recently, I have also carefully weighed this matter, and after thinking about it, I have decided not to integrate into the sect for the time being."

"What? Seventh Brother, if you do this, will the sect..."

Seeing Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan looking at him in astonishment, Song Qingming nodded calmly:

"I know what you are worried about. Actually, I originally intended to integrate into the sect directly, but later, I figured out one thing and slowly changed my mind.

If I integrate into the sect now, I will inevitably face competition with Senior Brother Chen for the opportunity to form the Nascent Soul. This is not a good thing for either of us.

Not only me, but you, Qingyu, and Siyuan might encounter such things in the future. With the sect's current foundation, it is impossible to support all of us to impact the Nascent Soul realm.

Therefore, I feel that integrating into the sect rashly now is not necessarily beneficial to the three of us in the future."

"This... Seventh Brother, what you said seems to make some sense."

At first, Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan were both focused on letting Song Qingming have a better cultivation environment to impact the Nascent Soul realm, so they didn't think about what disadvantages there would be for Song Qingming to join the sect.

Now, after hearing Song Qingming's explanation, they suddenly realized that after integrating into the sect, the situation each of them faced would be different from now.

Since Foundation Establishment, the three of them had supported each other for many years. Being in the family, they had long been in sync on all matters and would not have any gaps.

But after integrating into the sect, the matters they would face in the future would not be something they could decide on their own.

After Song Qingming integrates into the sect, if he wants to get the sect's support to form his Nascent Soul, whether it is the spiritual items for Nascent Soul formation or other things, he must face competition with Chen Xuanxin, who also wants to form his Nascent Soul.

In the future, Song Qingyu and Huang Siyuan will also encounter rising sect geniuses like Xu Ziyan and Yun Nishang.

Once there is a competitive relationship, no matter who finally gets the sect's support, it will be very easy to cause gaps between the two sides, which are difficult to avoid.

At that time, being in the sect, even if Song Qingming has the heart to support the two of them, if others in the sect feel it is unfair, his words alone will certainly be difficult to be effective.

Seeing the two women gradually falling into deep thought, Song Qingming said slowly:

"I haven't decided on this matter yet. If you think it's inappropriate, I will consider it carefully!

There is one more thing. The family has too many enemies now, and I am often a little worried. I plan to go to the East Sea in a while to find a relatively stable place.

At that time, I will send a portion of the clansmen over.

On one hand, it can be considered as finding another foothold for the family, so as not to be crowded in Qinghe County.

On the other hand, it is also to guard against any changes in the family in the future, so as not to implicate all the clansmen, and it can also preserve some hope for the family's future revival."

"Seventh Brother, you mean you want to split the family!"

Hearing what Song Qingyu said, Song Qingming smiled and nodded, "Mm! That is indeed what I mean. It can also be considered as leaving a way out!"

"I agree with this. No matter what happens in the future, it will definitely not be wrong for us to prepare early!"

(Time flies, 2024 has ended in the blink of an eye. I wish everyone good health and happiness in the new year! Happy New Year's Day, Happy New Year!... Let's ask for monthly tickets!) (End of chapter)