Chapter 434: The Conditions of the Luo Shui Marquis

Xu Jin received a message from Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao via the Mandarin Seal while pursuing the Earth Divine Dao's true essence.

It said Dong Zhao had been safely retrieved, and all other disciples had returned safely; no need to worry.

Upon receiving this message, Xu Jin was finally at ease.

With this Fire Divine Dao essence as a foundation, the Grand Master's probability of breaking into the ninth rank increased dramatically.

Even if he fails to break through, the Grand Master's combat power will surge again.

At that point, regardless of others, Xu Jin himself could stand taller by three inches.

His backer had grown even stronger.

Coupled with his own rising strength, Xu Jin felt the day when he would roam the world unchallenged was no longer far off.

Advancing the Can Dou Platform, Xu Jin swiftly closed in on the scent of the Earth Divine Dao essence.

He sensed he was drawing ever closer to that Earth Divine Dao essence.

Who had taken it?

As long as it wasn't Ju Xuan who took it, Xu Jin had confidence he could seize it back.

But if it had been taken and preliminarily refined and stored in a Nirmāṇakāya space, Xu Jin would likely never recover it.

If the opponent had a substitute life opportunity, they would almost certainly teleport away immediately.

After acquiring an Earth Divine Dao essence, most people, upon being slain, would use their substitute life opportunity to teleport away.

All elite contenders filtered down to this stage were no fools.

After a dozen breaths, Xu Jin's flight speed abruptly slowed.

His heart tightened—he instantly landed, and as he touched ground, he activated his invisibility, suppressing his aura to its absolute limit.

Three breaths later, a massive eighth-rank aura surged overhead, sweeping past in an instant, its divine sense radiating in all directions—clearly searching.

Xu Jin detected Ju Xuan's aura; Ju Xuan also detected Xu Jin's.

Fortunately, Xu Jin had hidden quickly—otherwise, he would have been forced into a confrontation right then.

As Ju Xuan flew over Xu Jin's head, Xu Jin saw a cluster of earth-yellow, treasure-like divine light in Ju Xuan's arms.

That must be the Earth Divine Dao essence.

Ju Xuan had taken it.

It was bad news—and good news.

The good news: for now, at least within the Seven Kill Secret Realm, Ju Xuan of the Golden Pillar race could not refine these Divine Dao essences—not even preliminarily.

That meant Ju Xuan could only carry the essence with him.

As long as Ju Xuan was killed once, the essence would drop.

Unlike others who stored it in a Nirmāṇakāya space—killing them wouldn't make it drop.

The bad news: killing Ju Xuan was extraordinarily difficult.

Xu Jin already had a preliminary plan to deal with Ju Xuan.

The Ten-Thousand Refinements Cold Ice Pearl was one method; he had amassed considerable quantities of Nine Heavens Thunder Rhythm, Earth Core Earth Rhythm, and Heaven-Earth Fire Rhythm—if unleashed all at once, there was a chance to kill Ju Xuan.

A decent chance.

But the only problem: could he land the hit?

No matter how powerful the attack, if it missed, it was useless.

Ju Xuan's speed was astonishingly fast.

So he still needed an opening.

Worse, these three special forces of his required long periods to accumulate—if he missed, they'd be gone for good.

So Xu Jin, at once, avoided Ju Xuan.

He still needed an opportunity.

Currently, within the Seven Kill Secret Realm, Xu Jin knew of at least five other seventh-rank experts from various factions.

If someone were to sneak in while Ju Xuan was locked in battle, things could get messy.

He still had to wait for the right moment.

Now that the Earth Divine Dao essence had fallen into Ju Xuan's hands, the only known unclaimed Divine Dao essences left were the Wood and Space essences.

Of these two, the Wood essence was almost certainly already claimed.

The two seventh-rank experts from Zhen'e Star Palace—one Wood, one Fire—had not been seen near the Fire Divine Dao essence.

They likely went together to search for the Wood Divine Dao essence.

Du Wei of the Wood Spirit Palace was also probably pursuing the Wood Divine Dao essence.

The Wood Divine Dao essence was likely already claimed.

Possibly even preliminarily refined.

In the next instant, Xu Jin activated the Can Dou Platform, faintly sensing the weakest Space Divine Dao essence and pursuing it.

Suddenly, Xu Jin realized: if Ju Xuan had taken the Earth Divine Dao essence, then Ye Feng of the Cangming Star Palace had likely been eliminated.

He didn't know whether Ye Feng had died in battle or left after exhausting his substitute life opportunity.

Almost certainly he hadn't died outright—he'd left after using his substitute life opportunity.

Because if he'd encountered Ju Xuan, an eighth-rank, and used his substitute life opportunity, returning would be suicide.

Ye Feng wasn't that foolish.

Thus, within the entire Seven Kill Secret Realm, only six remained: Ju Xuan (eighth-rank), Xu Jin, and Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie—these three were confirmed.

Meanwhile, Abatai and Yuxi of Zhen'e Star Palace, along with Du Wei of Wood Spirit Palace, were competing for the single Wood Divine Dao essence—the outcome unknown.

But one of them would likely die and leave.

Because Xu Jin's Can Dou Platform lacked the Space Law Star, his sense of the Space Divine Dao essence was extremely weak, requiring frequent course corrections.

This pursuit lasted a full half-hour.

Half an hour later, Xu Jin suddenly sensed the Space Divine Dao essence moving toward him, while Ju Xuan's massive eighth-rank aura also rapidly intensified in his perception.

Xu Jin was startled—he instantly landed and activated invisibility.

Five breaths later, Ju Xuan's figure passed overhead again, two radiant, profound, gem-like auras glowing in his arms.

The Space Divine Dao essence—Ju Xuan had taken it too.

Ten breaths after Ju Xuan departed, Xu Jin prepared to rise and leave—but as he moved, the Mingji Star Pattern trembled, and the Heaven-Earth Sensing Star Art delivered a warning.

Startled, Xu Jin remained hidden, suppressing all aura, staying perfectly still.

A few breaths later, Ju Xuan appeared near Xu Jin's position, circling and searching, then glanced suspiciously around before leaving.

He had sensed an aura moments before, but upon approaching, found nothing.

This had happened twice now.

He'd already pulled off one feint.

Yet again, he found nothing.

He could only leave.

Xu Jin exhaled in relief and began planning his next move.

The Wood Divine Dao essence—there was no longer any chance for it.

After so long, whoever had claimed it had almost certainly preliminarily refined it and stored it in a Nirmāṇakāya space.

Once killed, the possessor would simply leave.

There was no point chasing it anymore.

Suddenly, Xu Jin's heart tightened.

He remembered another major problem: guarding the gate.

The requirement to pass the sixth trial was to kill the seventh-rank illusionary form of the Seven Kill True Lord within thirty days, obtain a Divine Dao essence, then re-enter the Seven Kill Palace.

Under these conditions, could Ju Xuan still guard the gate?

Even if guarding the gate now meant Ju Xuan could no longer acquire more Divine Dao essences—

Just like Xu Jin: if he were killed, his Thunder Divine Dao essence would remain safely stored in his Nirmāṇakāya space and wouldn't drop; after using his substitute life opportunity, he'd simply leave.

But Ju Xuan could monopolize the Seven Kill True Lord's further inheritance.

For Xu Jin, who sought the complete Seven Kill True Lord's inheritance, this was critical.

Previously, as a provisional disciple of the Seven Kill True Lord, the inheritance he received was already several degrees superior to that of the State Dao Academy or Lingji Star Palace.

Then, as a formal disciple of the Seven Kill True Lord, would the inheritance be even more refined?

This was what Xu Jin desperately needed.

At this thought, Xu Jin made his decision: since other Divine Dao essences were out of reach, he would enter the Seven Kill Palace first.

Become a formal disciple of the Seven Kill True Lord first, then consider everything else.

In the next instant, Xu Jin instantly stepped onto the stars and surged toward the direction of the Seven Kill Palace.

Half an hour later, Xu Jin arrived near the Seven Kill Palace.

But dozens of li away, he abruptly halted.

He was clever, analytical, and strategic—but others weren't fools either.

Especially Ju Xuan.

Before the gate of the Seven Kill Palace, Ju Xuan of the Golden Pillar race sat cross-legged, the two Divine Dao essences in his arms glowing like the moon.

Seeing Xu Jin suddenly appear dozens of li away, Ju Xuan lifted his eyelids, his voice booming like thunder: "Want to enter the Seven Kill Palace? Looks like you've acquired a Divine Dao essence too!"

"But unfortunately, you have no chance!"

"This Seven Kill inheritance is mine!" Ju Xuan sneered.

Watching Xu Jin appear over ten li away, he made no move.

Because he was only guessing—he feared Xu Jin might be a decoy.

What if someone else slipped into the Seven Kill Palace while he chased Xu Jin?

So, just hold the position.

As for danger?

It's far better than the Fifth Trial.

In the Fifth Trial, he was surrounded by so many that he died twice, using up both his Substitute Death chances!

But in this Sixth Trial, there are barely any humans left!

Without further thought, Ju Xuan turned his attention inward, channeling stellar energy to heal his wounds.

Earlier, when he slew Ye Feng of the Cangming Star Palace, though he cut him down twice, he still suffered minor injuries.

Now was the perfect time to recover.

Watching this, Xu Jin felt immense difficulty.

Whether he wanted to kill this man or break through his blockade to enter the Seven Kill Palace, it was extremely hard.

As he pondered, a presence slowly approached from behind.

He turned to see Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie standing behind him, waving from afar.

Xu Jin flew over and bowed. "Marquis."

"I've scouted the area—I've figured out the situation."

Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie said, "Of the five Divine Dao Intentions, Ju Xuan claimed two. The Fire one was sent away by us; the Wood one was taken—and sent away—by the Zhen'e Star Palace.

Abatai, Yuxi, and Du Wei of the Wood Spirit Palace fought fiercely over the Wood Divine Dao Intention.

In the end, Abatai and Yuxi joined forces, cutting Du Wei down twice, and seized the Wood Divine Dao Intention.

But Du Wei was no pushover.

In desperation, Abatai and Yuxi were both severely wounded.

They arrived here half an hour ago.

After seeing Ju Xuan guarding the palace gate again, they immediately left—they're escorting the Wood Divine Dao Intention back to the Star Palace."

Xu Jin stared in shock at Luo Shui Marquis.

But Luo Shui Marquis merely said calmly, "Are you wondering how I know all this so clearly?

I've had both official and personal ties with these two.

Just now, Yuxi asked me to help him leave.

Unfortunately, Abatai has already partially refined the Wood Divine Dao Intention and stored it in his Nirmāṇakāya space.

Otherwise, I might have broken our friendship and slain Abatai to seize the Wood Divine Dao Intention.

With two Divine Dao Intentions, the State Advisor can surely achieve a hundred percent breakthrough!" said Song Shoujie.

Xu Jin was stunned.

This Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie was truly a man of pure motives.

Earlier, for the sake of the so-called greater good, he'd treated Xu Jin as expendable.

Later, he decisively had Dong Zhao return the Fire Divine Dao Intention, showing no interest in claiming it.

Now, he was even willing to betray friendship to seize the Wood Divine Dao Intention, to aid the State Advisor's breakthrough!

His actions were truly guided solely by Chen Guo's interests.

At least, so far.

Xu Jin's initial dislike and resentment toward this man had now vanished completely.

"According to my judgment, Ye Feng of the Cangming Star Palace went to compete for the Earth Divine Dao Intention—but now it's in Ju Xuan's hands.

That means Ye Feng has likely been eliminated.

Currently, only the Thunder Divine Dao Intention and the Gao Jie Marquis Hou Ziang remain unaccounted for."

Suddenly, Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie's gaze fixed on Xu Jin. "Brother Qi, if I'm not mistaken, the Thunder Divine Dao Intention should be in your possession, correct?"

At these words, Xu Jin instantly went on guard, darting over ten meters away from Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie, watching him warily.

This reaction made Song Shoujie shake his head with a wry smile.

"Brother Qi, no need for this!

We're from the same sect.

If it's in your hands, it's effectively in Chen Guo's hands.

Unless you can't hold onto it, I won't strike against you!

Besides, you've already refined it and stored it in your Nirmāṇakāya space—what use would it be for me to attack?"

Hearing this, Xu Jin relaxed inwardly—Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie's words were indeed candid.

But what impressed Xu Jin even more was Song Shoujie's analytical and judgmental prowess.

Of Ye Feng of the Cangming Star Palace and Hou Ziang of the Wood Spirit Palace, Song Shoujie had deduced their fates with nothing but reasoning.

Impressive!

No wonder he was Chen Guo's youngest Military Lord!

"Brother Qi, my point is this: right now, only you, me, and Ju Xuan remain in the Seven Kill Secret Realm. Ju Xuan guards the palace gate—getting the Seven Kill Legacy will be extremely, extremely difficult!" said Luo Shui Marquis.

His words carried hidden meaning; Xu Jin sensed it and asked, "What do you mean, Brother?"

"Brother Qi, have you considered one question?"

"Brother, please speak."

"During the Fifth Trial, though we killed Ju Xuan twice, has he revealed all his cards?" asked Luo Shui Marquis.

"An Eighth-Rank expert must still have hidden strengths!" Xu Jin nodded.

"Exactly! And I know you have hidden strengths too!

But you don't have a hundred percent chance of breaking into the Seven Kill Palace, do you?" said Luo Shui Marquis.

"Please clarify, Brother."

"Brother Qi, I still have two Substitute Death chances!

I can give everything—my full strength—to help you. But I need you to promise me one condition!

If you agree, you must activate the Star Tower and swear a Great Dao Oath." said Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie.

"What is the condition? Please tell me," Xu Jin asked.

"Brother Qi, I've experienced the difficulty of breaking through to Seventh Rank. But I'll tell you this: the difficulty of breaking through to Eighth Rank is several times greater than Seventh Rank.

Among ten Seventh-Rank cultivators, one or two might succeed.

Breaking through to Ninth Rank is even harder!

Currently, there are only six Eighth-Rank Peak cultivators in the world—and not one has broken through to Ninth Rank.

It's said that Tianyang Star Lord has been at Eighth-Rank Peak for over a hundred years—and still hasn't broken through!

You've seen how hard it is!

Ninth Rank is beyond my reach for now, but I aim to break through to Eighth Rank in the future.

You've already learned the Seven Kill True Lord's legacy. Even the legacy granted to a mere registered disciple is already several levels superior to what we can learn for breaking through Seventh or Eighth Rank.

Then what of the legacy granted to a direct disciple?

It must be dozens of percent superior!

My condition: I will give you my full support.

If you can pass the Sixth Trial and obtain the direct disciple legacy of the Seven Kill True Lord,

Then, in the future, as long as it doesn't endanger your life, you must find a way to pass it on to me, to aid my breakthrough to Eighth Rank!

What do you say?"

Having finished, Luo Shui Marquis Song Shoujie fixed his gaze on Xu Jin, waiting for his answer.

(End of Chapter)

After speaking, Lord Song Shoujie of Luoshui fixed his gaze on Xu Jin, waiting for his answer.

(End of chapter)