Chapter 348: Eighth-Tier Golden Source?

"Yuchan Sister, this Wenmeng Star Pattern should greatly enhance your cultivation efficiency, allowing you to rapidly restore your star power and divine soul energy." Xu Jin handed Ning Yuchan two jade tablets inscribed with the third-tier upper and seventh-tier upper Wenmeng Star Patterns.

The Wenmeng Star Pattern was perfectly suited for cultivators like Ning Yuchan, who toiled in solitude.

He had not given her the eighth-tier lower pattern because most people grasp star patterns at an excruciatingly slow pace.

Xu Jin estimated that even with the seventh-tier upper Wenmeng Star Pattern, Ning Yuchan could only initially engrave the third-tier upper version before gradually comprehending the seventh-tier pattern.

She'd be lucky to engrave the sixth-tier Wenmeng within half a month!

"Especially for you, it's extremely useful—it could cut your daily rest time down to about one and a half shichen."

Indeed, this remark held the greatest appeal for Ning Yuchan.

"Really?"

"Try it and you'll see."

"Then I'll take them."

"Yuchan Sister, I have another star pattern that can subtly and continuously enhance your strength—if used well, it could double your divine soul cultivation base. But this pattern has a problematic origin and carries inherent risks. If anyone discovers you're practicing it, you'll face execution, even the annihilation of your sect or clan."

"However, as long as you don't display it, the risk is minimal."

"If you wish to learn it, I'll teach you."

"If you fear the risk, just pretend I never mentioned it." Xu Jin said.

"Risk? In this era, do we cultivators face no risk by refusing to learn?"

"Countless others die in battle!"

"If it boosts my strength, a little risk is worth it!"

"Even if discovered, if my power is strong enough, I can fight my way back!" Ning Yuchan said.

"So you want to learn it, Yuchan Sister?"

"Have you learned it yourself?" Ning Yuchan suddenly asked.

"I have."

"Then why ask?"

Ning Yuchan glared at Xu Jin, then lowered her head. "Why mention risk anymore? When I heard you were dead, I planned to slaughter that sixth-tier star domain."

Ning Yuchan's voice grew quieter, until finally, it vanished entirely.

Seeing her demeanor, Xu Jin's heart skipped a beat.

Suddenly, he understood—this was the boldest confession a girl could make.

The foolishness of his past life must not carry into this one.

In university, a girl had always invited him to movies and voluntarily copied notes for him. Once, when he teased her while she was at the laundry room, she actually washed his clothes by hand!

Back then, Xu Jin had felt smug, thinking he'd gained an advantage.

He'd happily gone off to play games, utterly at ease!

Years later, when he finally understood, she was already married to someone else—he regretted it bitterly.

Taking a deep breath, Xu Jin mustered courage, took Ning Yuchan's hand, and pressed it into his palm.

Ning Yuchan's face flushed crimson instantly, yet she offered no resistance.

On the contrary, she was utterly compliant.

Emboldened, Xu Jin pulled her fully into his arms.

Her slender body stiffened at first, then melted limply against him.

Soft jade, warm fragrance.

But good moments never last—just as Xu Jin dared to make a further move, the Star-Picking Token flashed violently, three rapid pulses in succession.

It was Hou Yunzhang summoning him for a meeting.

This was the manifestation of power.

In the two previous major battles, Xu Jin had demonstrated overwhelming strength, proving himself the supreme core fighter.

If he disagreed with any decision made by the others, they gained nothing but humiliation.

Cui Chongguang, Li Zhen, and Hou Yunzhang had survived for years on the Star River battlefield—their wits were still sharp; they wouldn't do anything foolish.

"This star pattern is unusual. I'll take you into a dream to learn it—first, become familiar with it."

Then Ning Yuchan fell into deep sleep, still nestled in Xu Jin's arms.

Fifteen minutes later, Xu Jin awakened Ning Yuchan and swiftly headed toward the Domain Lord's council hall.

Long after, the blush faded from Ning Yuchan's face; she steadied her mind and began comprehending the star pattern.

Ning Yuchan was decisive—after comparing, she chose to first study the Wenmeng Star Pattern.

The Wenmeng Star Pattern could be learned and engraved within two or three days, and would begin taking effect immediately.

But the Chengpo pattern might require much longer.

In the Domain Lord's council hall, when Xu Jin arrived, Cui Chongguang, Li Zhen, Hou Yunzhang, and others finally exhaled in relief.

Not only because of Xu Jin's immense power, but also because Ning Yuchan, the second-strongest in the entire team, had just sent them a message: Qi Tian Sheng's decision was her decision.

As for Domain Lord Ji Cheng, he had also, under Ji Xiuchuan's explanation, come to understand Xu Jin's previous actions.

Especially upon hearing Xu Jin had slain a sixth-tier mid-stage cultivator in a single strike, he was awestruck—and even more impressed.

After all, he himself, a sixth-tier ninth-layer peak cultivator, had never achieved such a feat.

Soon, the attendees relayed the situation in Huashi Star Domain to Xu Jin and placed the decision squarely before him.

If Xu Jin believed he could again severely cripple the sixth-tier alien races in Huashi, they would delay evacuation.

If not, they must fully prepare for a full retreat.

Xu Jin was no longer the hot-headed youth he once was—he now considered matters comprehensively.

He was confident he could handle sixth-tier opponents.

But according to Domain Lord Ji Cheng, this star domain had been connected to the alien ancestral realm's cave heaven for over ten days, and the connection could succeed at any moment.

Once the ancestral cave heaven connection was complete, the situation would become extremely perilous.

First, many native alien cultivators trapped at sixth-tier ninth-layer peak would immediately break through to seventh-tier—Xu Jin's opponents would shift from sixth-tier to seventh-tier.

Seventh-tier and sixth-tier were entirely different!

Second, once the ancestral cave heaven connection succeeded, this star domain would be fully linked to the outside world, allowing reinforcements—the subordinate forces of the Sacred Clan emissary—to flood in endlessly through the channel.

At that point, even if Xu Jin were made of iron, how many nails could he hammer?

"Domain Lord Ji, my suggestion is to prepare for evacuation while not abandoning offensive opportunities. We must prepare both sides simultaneously—I'll lead a force to attempt an assault, to see if we can weaken the alien forces and prevent the connection to their ancestral cave heaven."

"If things go awry, all human beings within Huashi Star Domain must retreat immediately." Xu Jin said.

Upon hearing this, Ji Cheng glanced again at Qi Tian Sheng.

Though a youth, his decision carried an air of seasoned prudence that deeply impressed him.

Suddenly, Ji Cheng thought of his unseen son-in-law.

How much of this young man's caliber did his unseen son-in-law possess?

Ji Cheng knew of the marriage contract between Xu Jin and Ji Hongli—it had been told to him by Ji Bang.

But Ji Bang had not revealed anything further.

Too many people knowing a secret meant it was no longer a secret.

"Good. I'll arrange it immediately."

As he spoke, Ji Xiuchuan glanced at his Star-Picking Token and turned pale. "Young Master, disaster! Scouts report: the three alien clans have begun moving! The Earth Spirit King has led a large elite force toward Hongli City, and another elite alien force has reached the Star Gate leading to the Star River passage and is setting up defensive formations!"

"This Earth Spirit King intends to exterminate every human in Huashi Star Domain!" Ji Cheng roared, then turned to Ji Xiuchuan. "What's their strength?"

"Scouts dared not approach closely, but there are at least two or three sixth-tier, and dozens of fifth-tier."

"The sixth-tier aliens heading for Hongli City must number over ten!" Ji Xiuchuan said.

"It seems Jin Fan must have betrayed us long ago, colluding with other alien clans. Otherwise, the Earth Spirit King couldn't have arrived so perfectly timed!"

"And thank heaven—"

Ji Cheng glanced at Xu Jin, still shaken.

Had Xu Jin and his reinforcements not arrived, Hongli City might have fallen into Jin Fan's treacherous hands, and the tens of thousands of humans from Chen Guo who had migrated into Huashi Star Domain over the years would have been enslaved or slaughtered. "Have the four sixth-tier aliens arrived yet?" Ji Cheng demanded.

"According to timing, they should be arriving soon—but they haven't yet. They say they're still en route."

Hearing this, Ji Cheng sneered. "Daring to delay? Send orders: if they don't arrive within fifteen minutes, treat them as failing to meet deadline—execute them without question!"

These four external sixth-tier aliens had their divine soul origins controlled by Ji Cheng.

"Yes, I'll send the orders immediately."

"Two issues: under current conditions, holding Hongli City is not a problem. I've managed Hongli City for years—we have many heavy siege weapons from Chen Guo. Defense is secure. The critical issue is eliminating the elite alien force holding the Star Gate."

"Two issues: under current circumstances, holding Hongli City is not a problem! I've managed Hongli City for so many years, and we have plenty of heavy siege equipment from Da Chen—defending the city is no issue; the key is stopping the elite alien forces at the Star Gate.

"Otherwise, we cannot retreat at all!"

As he spoke, Ji Cheng looked at Xu Jin. "Young Master Qi, could you lead a team to the Star Gate and eliminate this elite alien force?"

"Only by removing them can we maneuver freely!" Ji Cheng said.

"Only by eliminating this elite alien force can we maneuver freely!" Ji Cheng said.

"Then, among the experts present, choose anyone except me." Ji Cheng said.

Xu Jin did not speak immediately, but turned to Ji Xiuchuan. "Counselor Ji, how accurate is the intelligence from that front?"

"Uncertain. At least two or three sixth-tier, but four is possible. However, there cannot be more than five."

"Because the total number of sixth-tier aliens in Huashi Star Domain is fixed!"

"A few days ago, when we attacked the altar at Huolín City, we found six sixth-tier cultivators trapped at the altar, with over a dozen guarding it—including the Earth Spirit King himself."

A few days ago, when we attacked the Fire Scale King City where the altar was located, we discovered that six sixth-rank experts were trapped within the altar, and over a dozen guards protected it—back then, the Earth Spirit King was also there.

At this moment, the Earth Spirit King has emerged with his men.

The number of sixth-rank outsiders he can bring is also very limited!

"In that case, I'll take Deputy Director Ning along—sufficient." Xu Jin said.

Upon hearing this, Ji Cheng said nothing, but Li Tian grew anxious: "Brother Qi, this force is too weak! If there's any danger, it could mean death and soul annihilation—why not bring a few more to provide backup?"

Li Tian was naturally anxious at the thought of Xu Jin being alone with Ning Yuchan.

"Deputy Director Ning is fearless and aggressive, with exceptional breakthrough capability—she pairs perfectly with me. Don't worry, I'm confident!"

Li Tian was left speechless and turned to Domain Lord Ji Cheng, but Ji Xiuchuan whispered something to him—likely mentioning Xu Jin's battle record—prompting Ji Cheng to immediately agree.

"Young Master Qi, if you need any supplies or elixirs, just name them—I'll provide whatever we have!" Ji Cheng said.

"No need. Domain Lord Ji, just hold Red Carp City. Don't worry about me—I'll be back soon."

With that, Xu Jin bowed to the assembly and left the council hall at once.

Those inside watched Xu Jin's retreating figure, each silently stunned.

"Back in a moment?"

"Back in a moment!"

How immense must his confidence be!

But considering Qi Tiansheng's past battle records, such confidence was entirely warranted!

As Xu Jin flew out of the Domain Lord's mansion, Ning Yuchan, who had received the starlight message, arrived promptly.

The two set off together—though Xu Jin still had to instruct Ji Hongli to help her father defend the city.

"Sister Yuchan, here's a set."

After slaying the Golden Snake King, whose body was enormous, five sets of sixth-rank supreme-grade Golden Scale Armor were forged from its scales; three went to Xu Jin according to contribution.

The Grand Preceptor had delivered them all to Xu Jin.

Xu Jin kept one for himself, now gave one to Ning Yuchan, and still had one left.

As for the armor Ji Hongli wore, it was purchased by the Ji family—made from the scales of a late sixth-rank Golden Snake, a sixth-rank superior-grade Golden Scale Armor.

One could say the harvest from that expedition in the Fifth-Rank Spiritual Weapon Domain was enormous, the returns staggering—over twenty sets of sixth-rank defensive star-artifacts were forged, instantly boosting the Chen Guo's fifth- and sixth-rank strength by a great margin.

"Sixth-rank supreme-grade star-artifact?"

While flying, Ning Yuchan stared in shock at the full set of star-artifacts Xu Jin produced.

Defensive star-artifacts of fourth rank were most common; Ning Yuchan used a fourth-rank one, replacing it after every major battle.

Fifth-rank ones existed too, but were expensive—Ning Yuchan couldn't afford them.

Sixth-rank defensive star-artifacts were in extremely high demand; most couldn't buy them even if they tried.

Especially sixth-rank superior-grade defensive star-artifacts—they were exceedingly rare even at auctions.

These were life-saving treasures; even against seventh-rank experts, they could withstand one or two direct hits.

Yet now, Xu Jin pulled out a set of sixth-rank supreme-grade defensive star-artifact.

"Do you have one?"

Ning Yuchan didn't ask where it came from—she only cared whether Xu Jin had one himself.

Xu Jin activated his intent, and the sixth-rank supreme-grade Golden Scale Armor materialized; seeing this, Ning Yuchan accepted it without hesitation.

"Here, I'll carry you—while we fly, refine it!"

"Alright."

Ning Yuchan leapt onto Xu Jin's back with ease, wrapping her arms around him.

"Have you cultivated the Golden Source Star Pattern?" Ning Yuchan suddenly asked, as she rode on his back.

"Cultivated?" Xu Jin was puzzled—why was she asking this?

"Engraved it. The Grand Preceptor gave me the latest seventh-rank version, but I've only engraved up to sixth-rank superior so far—I haven't had time to comprehend it yet!"

"Focus on comprehending this from now on."

Ning Yuchan handed Xu Jin a jade tablet, leaving him confused.

"What's this?"

"Seventh-rank superior Golden Source Star Pattern."

"Seventh-rank superior?"

Xu Jin was stunned. "Where did you get this?"

"A few days ago, I barely defeated a Golden Star Gatekeeper and earned a Golden Star. I then advanced the seventh-rank Golden Source Star Pattern to seventh-rank superior—and even extrapolated part of the eighth-rank inferior version. Unfortunately, it's still far from eighth-rank inferior!"

Xu Jin's eyes widened sharply.

No wonder he'd noticed Ning Yuchan's Golden Source Star Pattern fluctuating so powerfully—now he understood.

She'd even extrapolated part of the eighth-rank version?

Is Ning Yuchan this strong?

If she obtained one more Golden Star, she'd almost certainly extrapolate the eighth-rank inferior Golden Source Star Pattern.

Her combat power would skyrocket again!

A massive, dramatic leap!

"Sister Yuchan, keep pushing—try to earn another Golden Star, even a Brilliant Star. The eighth-rank Golden Source Star Pattern rests on you!" As he praised her, Xu Jin gave two firm, bouncy taps on her firm rear.

Ning Yuchan blushed furiously. "What are you doing?"

She scolded him, yet tightened her arms around him all the more.

(End of Chapter)