Chapter 70: Underlying Currents Before the Eve

Observing Xu Xuan's expression and movements, Elder Lu smiled gently. "If achieving the ninth level of body refinement were so easy, then why would so many cultivators in the world only reach the seventh level before stepping onto the path of cultivation? Remember, the deeper one's foundation in body refinement, the greater one's potential and fortune in the future. But for ordinary people, after reaching the seventh level, each step becomes increasingly difficult, with every bottleneck harder to overcome—even more so than the stages within the Qi Refining period."

So that's how it is.

Xu Xuan suddenly understood; the memories he had absorbed from his previous life were incomplete, leaving gaps in his knowledge of such fundamental matters.

"Elder Lu, you said I have good aptitude?"

Xu Xuan feigned disbelief.

"Good? It's nothing short of perfect!" Elder Lu seemed almost regretful. "In our sect, there are many talented disciples, but none whose natural constitution can compare to yours. If you could reach the eighth level of body refinement before entering the Qi Refining period, your path in cultivation would stretch much farther."

Hearing this, Xu Xuan was nearly certain that, through his training in the Nine Transformations of Dragon and Snake, his physical body had approached perfection.

The nine breakthroughs in the Nine Transformations of Dragon and Snake do far more than merely increase physique and strength—they refine and transform the body itself. By practicing these extraordinary and extreme techniques, Xu Xuan's bones, muscles, and even internal organs were continually transformed, achieving the optimal state for a human body.

Simply put, he had attained a perfect physical form.

Ordinary people could hardly imagine that such a miraculous body refinement technique existed, capable of perfecting one's innate constitution to such a degree.

"Elder Lu, your praise is undeserved. I will not fail your expectations," Xu Xuan replied respectfully.

"With your physique, though your spiritual aptitude is average, pursuing the martial path would suit you well. I suppose you have no real masters, but perhaps I can introduce you to a martial expert in the future," Elder Lu said, stroking his beard with a smile.

Xu Xuan's heart skipped a beat. He hurried to explain, "I came from a poor family and had no cultivation methods nor strength. Until one day, in the mountains, I met a strange man who set my bones and taught me some knowledge and body refinement methods. Without him, I would not have achieved what I have today."

Elder Lu nodded, showing no suspicion. After all, even the best constitution would be wasted without proper cultivation techniques.

Xu Xuan had deliberately said this to explain his lack of achievements before age fifteen. Now, with Elder Lu believing he had guidance, there would be no further mention of introducing him to a master.

After a few more questions about his background, Elder Lu found no inconsistencies and was satisfied with Xu Xuan's calm and mature demeanor. Xu Xuan also noticed that Elder Lu's attitude had improved markedly after learning of his exceptional constitution.

"Good. With you accompanying Qiner in the secret realm, I am reassured," Elder Lu said at last, stroking his beard with a smile. His fondness for Xu Xuan was clear and final.

Then Elder Lu summoned Senior Brother Lin and Yu Qin.

Senior Brother Lin entered respectfully, casting a sidelong glance at Xu Xuan, secretly sneering. Yu Qin was visibly nervous, her gaze often drifting to Xu Xuan, showing her concern.

"Greetings, Master," they said, standing to the sides.

Senior Brother Lin was surprised to see his master's gentle expression, eyes filled with delight, rather than the expected coldness and anger, leaving him puzzled.

"Qiner, I will not interfere with your choice of protectors. Three days hence, Xu Xuan and Lin Feng will accompany you into the secret realm," Elder Lu said warmly, clapping his hands with a smile.

"Yes, Master." Yu Qin was momentarily stunned, then gladly agreed, her beautiful eyes turning to Xu Xuan with a hint of joy.

Xu Xuan met her gaze and smiled in return.

Senior Brother Lin, however, was utterly bewildered, his eyes nearly popping out in disbelief. How could this be?

"Master, this Junior Brother Xu has just entered the inner sect and is only at the level of a common body refiner. Is it appropriate for him to join us in the secret realm—" Senior Brother Lin ventured cautiously.

"Hmph! Are you questioning my decision?" Elder Lu's gaze turned cold, cutting him off.

Lin trembled, feeling an overwhelming pressure, and immediately knelt. "I dare not!"

Xu Xuan, watching from the side, was secretly astonished at the vast difference in treatment between the master's direct disciples and those merely registered in name.

"Once inside the secret realm, you two must do your utmost to protect Qiner. If anything happens to her, you will answer for it," Elder Lu said calmly, closing his eyes to begin his cultivation.

The three quietly withdrew, Xu Xuan and Yu Qin exchanging glances full of encouragement and happiness. Senior Brother Lin, however, left with a face full of resentment, his heart stewing in indignation, teeth clenched and expression cold. "Master is far too partial to Junior Sister. Allowing a mere commoner to enter the secret realm as her companion? Humph! We'll see how things go!"

Xu Xuan felt the hostility in Lin's gaze as he left, but paid it no mind.

Returning to his northern cliff chamber, Xu Xuan gathered his strength, preparing thoroughly for the opening of the secret realm in three days.

"As long as I can enter the secret realm and cultivate a little, I am certain to break through to the ninth level of body refinement in a short time. Then, no matter what path I choose, I will have the perfect foundation," Xu Xuan suppressed his excitement, full of anticipation for the journey ahead.

During these three days, disciples from the Wind Feather Sect and the Starfall Sword Sect—both on Star Feather Mountain—were also preparing, making the most of this rare opportunity to enter the secret realm.

...

The night before the opening of the secret realm.

In the silver-lit spirit hall of the Wind Feather Sect, Yang Xiaoqian sat cross-legged, her graceful figure shimmering with faint light. Beside her, a handsome, refined youth placed his palms on her shoulders, channeling a stream of azure energy, infusing her body and aiding in the digestion of medicinal power.

"Junior Sister Yang, after taking this Spirit Qi Pill, your cultivation will near the second level of Qi Refining. Once inside the secret realm, breaking through will be easy," Le Feng said with a gentle smile.

After a moment, he withdrew his energy and embraced the increasingly charming beauty. Months apart had only made Yang Xiaoqian more radiant and alluring.

Yet, as she leaned in the arms of this nearly perfect youth, with a bright future ahead, Yang Xiaoqian's mind inexplicably conjured the image of another young man: cold eyes like dead water, an indifferent, mechanical face—yet strangely captivating. In a daze, she seemed to return to his embrace, resisting the oppressive might of Wanfu Mountain...

"Junior Sister, what are you thinking?" Le Feng leaned in to her snowy neck, breaking her reverie.

"Just suddenly missing home," Yang Xiaoqian forced a smile, her heart inexplicably troubled and chaotic. Why, at this moment, did she suddenly think of that boy?

Suppressing the thought, she mocked herself: just a mediocre, humble youth. There would be no further intersection; he would only look up to her ever-receding figure, until she disappeared from sight...

Meanwhile, in another grand spirit hall on Star Feather Mountain.

"Senior Brother Yun, it's a rare honor to enter the secret realm with you. Wanfu Mountain pledges to serve you loyally," Wanfu Mountain declared, his slightly greasy face full of smiles.

This display made Senior Brother Fei beside him somewhat displeased, casting a sidelong glance.

"Wanfu Mountain, I've never seen anyone so shameless. You pestered me for days for this spot. Still, now that you've reached the second level of Qi Refining and acquired a magic weapon, you'll be useful," Senior Brother Yun Yuanhang replied with a faint smile.

"Hehe, of course. When you enter the secret realm and display your might, let those sword cultivators from Starfall Sword Sect eat dirt," Wanfu Mountain replied obsequiously, making Yun Yuanhang and Fei laugh.

"My main goal in the secret realm is to break through to the seventh level of Qi Refining and gather some rare treasures. Unless the sword sect disciples provoke us, I won't bother with them," Yun Yuanhang said, a hint of arrogance in his tone.

Fei reminded him with a smile, "It's said that the strongest junior of the sword sect is a woman named Yu Mo, with extraordinary mastery of swordsmanship. And the newly risen Nie Han is a once-in-a-century genius..."

Yun Yuanhang nodded. "Yu Mo is indeed a worthy opponent. As for Nie Han, he doesn't concern me."

"Hmph, Nie Han only had second-level Qi Refining cultivation during that bandit suppression. Not worth mentioning," Wanfu Mountain blustered, though remembering Chu Han's strength made him secretly uneasy.

Under the same bright moon, elsewhere on Star Feather Mountain.

A tall, heroic man with a sword on his back stood at the peak, facing the cool night breeze.

In the moonlight, his face was as chiseled and hard as marble, his expression cold and domineering, standing like a statue.

"Nie Han, are you contemplating the sword again?" came the voice of a graceful woman behind him, her features pure and beautiful, eyes like autumn rain—her temperament surpassing any female disciple on Star Feather Mountain.

"No, I'm searching for my next stepping stone," the man replied, his voice cold and confident. "With every opponent I defeat who is stronger than me, my swordsmanship advances."

"Since entering the sword sect, every opponent you've challenged has become a stepping stone. Is your next target Le Feng from the Wind Feather Sect? I look forward to it, but I'm also afraid."

"Afraid of what?" he asked, for the first time startled.

"I'm afraid that one day... even I will become your stepping stone," she sighed softly.

(Two chapters today. As a fellow reader said: casting a few recommendation votes every day is good for body and mind~)