Chapter 85: The Serpent's Lair in the Mountain Forest (Part One)

Upon reaching the ninth transformation of the Dragon-Serpent, the bright region within the Sea of Memories expanded to a radius of fifty miles. This marked a further advancement in the restoration of his past life's memories. The gleaming star that Xu Xuan had just entered contained crucial fragments, specifically those concerning the breakthrough to the "Tenfold Body Refinement" and the insights gained from it.

In his previous life, Xu Xuan had little interest in the path of physical cultivation at the beginning. His drive to break through the ten levels was mostly to fulfill his father's dying wish. Perhaps only when he finally ascended to the pinnacle did he realize that the most primitive and ancient path of physical cultivation was, in fact, the strongest.

"Do you now understand the Tenfold Body Refinement?" The remnant soul from his past life maintained a mysterious spiritual connection with him.

He laughed heartily. "So, the tenth level of body refinement actually belongs to the realm of ancient physical cultivators. No wonder the records in this world only mention nine levels, and no one has ever entered the tenth."

Xu Xuan felt an immense relief once this puzzle was solved. "I will never give up on reaching the Tenfold Body Refinement." The voice that had echoed in his mind for so long repeated itself again and again. Now, with the mystery unraveled, Xu Xuan was ready to attempt this legendary realm.

"The process for breaking through the tenth level is detailed in this star’s memory, but..." Xu Xuan frowned slightly as a difficulty occurred to him.

The remnant soul from his past life smiled in silence.

To ascend to the tenth level of body refinement and step onto the ancient path, one had to personally comprehend the tenth transformation after mastering the nine transformations of the Dragon-Serpent.

The tenth transformation—one must comprehend it on their own!

Previously, Xu Xuan had followed the memories and insights from his past life, and everything progressed naturally. But this tenth transformation was different.

"The tenth transformation depends on each person's physical attributes and insights. Your current physique is fire-oriented, unlike your past life. So you must personally comprehend a tenth transformation that fits yourself, thus breaking through the barrier of the Tenfold Body Refinement."

The remnant soul’s words extinguished Xu Xuan’s final hopes.

The nine transformation techniques of the Dragon-Serpent ultimately focused on the changes between dragon and serpent, but did not truly achieve the metamorphosis from serpent to dragon.

Yet the tenth transformation was the true metamorphosis, the shedding of the serpent skin for the dragon, and Xu Xuan understood its power deeply from memory. Even in his previous life, when he already had the cultivation of the fifth level of Qi Refinement, breaking through the tenth level of body refinement was a breathtaking experience.

But how could one comprehend this on their own?

Xu Xuan drew a deep breath, striving to remain calm. Since he had chosen this path, he would not abandon it.

"Fortunately, your perception is not lacking. With memories from two lifetimes, it’s not impossible to comprehend it yourself." After a long while, the remnant soul smiled faintly.

Though Xu Xuan’s innate talent was mediocre, his perception was decent. As he absorbed more of his past life’s insights, his perception would gradually improve.

Innate talent is determined by the body, and cannot be carried over even through reincarnation. But perception is different and can be inherited from a previous life.

If Xu Xuan could comprehend the tenth transformation himself, he would break free from the shadow of his past life and forge his own path of physical cultivation.

"As long as you can take this first step, you'll have a chance to surpass your previous self." With these meaningful words, the remnant soul slowly faded into the Sea of Memories.

Only Xu Xuan remained in the desolate, lifeless sea of stars.

After a moment of hesitation, he stepped onto the second newly formed bright star.

This star contained memories of breaking through from the Qi Refinement stage to the Spirit Refinement stage as an immortal master, including numerous mystical arts and divine abilities.

Though these insights seemed irrelevant to Xu Xuan’s current path, they allowed him to accumulate vast experience, understand the strengths and weaknesses of other cultivators, and increase his odds of survival in the cultivation world.

He spent a long time in the Sea of Memories, absorbing countless scattered fragments, enriching his knowledge all the more.

...

The next morning, Xu Xuan awoke to a pure, calming scent from a young maiden, only to find his head half resting on Yu Qin's slender waist. She sat cross-legged, motionless, cultivating.

"Xu Senior Brother... you’re awake!"

Yu Qin’s cheeks flushed instantly, nervous and at a loss.

Xu Xuan sat up, noticing her delicate brows knit slightly in pain. The spot where he’d been leaning was numb and her blood flow almost blocked.

"Did I press against you the whole night?" Xu Xuan could easily imagine what had happened. Seeing her shy silence, he shook his head, "You’re too silly."

"I... I was afraid to disturb you, Senior Brother."

Yu Qin lowered her fair head, her crescent lashes trembling like butterfly wings, charming and aggrieved.

"Alright, rest now. I’ll keep watch." Xu Xuan, not noticing her expression, leapt lightly down from the tree.

The matter of the tenth transformation occupied all his attention.

Watching Xu Xuan below, practicing the Dragon-Serpent Nine Transformations, Yu Qin closed her slightly reddened eyes and leaned against the tree trunk, gradually drifting into sleep.

Even after mastering the ninth transformation, Xu Xuan continued to consolidate his cultivation.

Especially the ninth transformation, whose spiritual intimidation exceeded the limits of flesh and blood. It needed repeated refinement to achieve perfection. Otherwise, using it would not only astonish the world but also drain his energy and blood continuously.

To avoid disturbing Yu Qin and the others, Xu Xuan kept a certain distance and practiced the "Intimidate" technique with utmost precision.

Soon, that mysterious spiritual force grew within him, circulating like a gentle stream.

Xu Xuan began with the finest control, keeping the intimidating aura very faint and confined within ten meters around him.

He glanced at Yu Qin sleeping in the tree, undisturbed.

Relieved, he focused on controlling the subtle power, alternating between meditation and practice.

This method proved effective. After two or three days, Xu Xuan not only consolidated his realm but also gained smoother, more precise control over the Intimidate technique's power.

Every increment in precise control greatly increased the endurance of the ninth transformation’s power.

Previously, he could maintain it for four or five breaths; now, after this round of consolidation, it lasted for dozens of breaths.

Still unsatisfied, Xu Xuan pushed for higher limits. The secret realm’s environment was excellent for cultivation and he would not waste the opportunity.

Meanwhile, Yu Qin’s progress was astonishing as well, her mana increasing rapidly.

With her extraordinary talent and the advantages of the secret realm, she would likely reach the fourth level of Qi Refinement within half a month.

Xu Xuan could not help but sigh at the importance of talent.

Fortunately, the ancient path he pursued placed little emphasis on talent, so he did not feel regret.

One evening, as Xu Xuan slowly cultivated, his body shifting like a dragon-serpent, Le Feng came from the tent opposite.

"Senior Brother Le, is there something you need?" Xu Xuan immediately stopped, noticing Le Feng’s cultivation had broken through to the fifth level of Qi Refinement with the help of the secret realm.

"In recent days, three disciples from the Sword Sect have been sneaking around the forest, clearly having found something," Le Feng lowered his voice, pausing slightly.

"It’s just three Sword Sect disciples. With you and Senior Brother Jia here, and with our numbers, we can take the initiative. No need to fear." Xu Xuan replied without hesitation.

Now that Le Feng had broken through to the fifth level, he was second only to Senior Brother Yun Yuanhang before entering the secret realm. Of course, since everyone was cultivating in the secret realm, the others’ progress was uncertain.

"But their leader is Yu Mo, the top junior of the Sword Sect, whose cultivation has likely reached the seventh level of Qi Refinement, an upper-tier immortal master," Le Feng’s expression was grave.

Yu Mo!

Xu Xuan’s heart tightened. This was a figure equal to Yun Yuanhang, and a sword cultivator at that.

"So, you mean…?"

"I had Senior Brother Jia investigate. There is indeed something odd in this forest, and the spiritual energy here is richer. Deep inside, there is a cave with many 'Strange Scale Stones,' more valuable than ordinary purple rock ore. Moreover, spiritual energy leaks from the cave, and who knows what opportunities or heavenly treasures lie deeper within."

When Le Feng finished, Xu Xuan’s eyes lit up. He hadn’t expected such fortune in the forest where they camped.

"But there are poisonous snakes in the cave, even demonized ones! Senior Brother Jia didn’t dare explore further, and Senior Brother Yun is occupied elsewhere. Still, we can’t let the Sword Sect seize this opportunity. With our five members, we may be able to contend with Yu Mo’s group, or at least share some of the spoils."

Le Feng added, seeking their agreement.

Xu Xuan immediately understood that Le Feng was inviting him and Yu Qin to join forces, thus gaining enough strength to share the spoils with the Sword Sect trio.

(Two requests for recommendation)