Having been given a second chance at life, I choose to join the Demonic Sect!

Duanmu Fei sized up Jiang Qingxin and found that she couldn't see through her. She knew that Jiang Qingxin's cultivation level at its peak must have been above her own.

"What do you desire by joining my Joyful Union Sect? And what are you willing to give in return?"

Consort Duanmu knew that someone like Jiang Qingxin must have ulterior motives for joining the Hehuan Sect.

I'm not afraid of those who have ulterior motives, but I'm afraid of those who claim to have no other desires.

Of course, Consort Duanmu also wanted to know what value Jiang Qingxin had, after all, the Hehuan Sect wasn't a junk collector, and they didn't accept just anything worthless.

"I am a seventh-grade alchemist. Although I am currently unable to refine high-grade pills for the Hehuan Sect, I can provide guidance to your sect's alchemists!"

Jiang Qingxin was very proud of her status as a seventh-grade alchemist.

She was once hailed as the number one alchemy prodigy in the Central Sacred Continent and the youngest seventh-grade alchemist in history.

"As for what I want, it's naturally a physical body to restore my strength!"

What else could Jiang Qingxin want besides a physical body?
"With your strength, obtaining a physical body shouldn't be difficult. Don't you already have a very good one?"

When Duanmu Fei finished speaking, she glanced at Qin Lin'er, clearly indicating that the "physical body" she was referring to was Qin Lin'er.

Duanmu Fei felt that with Jiang Qingxin's strength, it should be easy for her to seize a body from a Golden Core or Nascent Soul stage cultivator; she had no shortage of bodies.

"I'm not used to using other people's bodies, and I don't even want them."

"Besides, what would happen to my naturally stunning beauty if I used someone else's body?"

Jiang Qingxin's answer actually reflects the common thoughts of many powerful beings who are unwilling to possess the bodies of others.

Putting aside other people's physical bodies, whether they are used to using them or not.

It is said that if someone possesses a body with poor physical aptitude, it will affect their innate constitution and hinder their recovery of strength.

For example, if someone at the Void Refinement stage possesses a body whose physical constitution can only be cultivated to the Nascent Soul stage, it would be extremely difficult for them to regain their previous Void Refinement stage strength.

Moreover, if one possesses another's body, one must use that person's physical appearance.

This is absolutely unacceptable to some female cultivators who are extremely confident in their appearance.

"Uh~"

Qin Lin'er's face flushed with embarrassment, and she said in a low voice:
"Teacher, can you please stop making a fool of yourself?"

Qin Lin'er thought that it was one thing for Jiang Qingxin to be narcissistic in private, but she shouldn't be so narcissistic at a time like this, okay?

It's bad enough that she embarrasses herself, but she also drags me down with her. How despicable!
"If you are indeed a seventh-grade alchemist, our Hehuan Sect would naturally welcome you to join us. However, just in case, it would be best to verify your qualifications!"

Duanmu Fei was somewhat skeptical that Jiang Qingxin was a seventh-grade alchemist, because a seventh-grade alchemist corresponds to the Integration Stage.

A person in the Integration Stage is not necessarily a Rank 7 Alchemist, but a Rank 7 Alchemist is definitely in the Integration Stage.

In the top sects, those at the Integration Stage are either the first or second patriarch.

Now that a seventh-grade alchemist in the Integration Stage suddenly wants to join the Hehuan Sect, it's no wonder that Consort Duanmu is suspicious.

"You can doubt my abilities, but you cannot doubt my identity as an alchemist!"

"Summon a seventh-grade alchemist over here, I'd like to discuss the Dao with her!"

Jiang Qingxin was furious when she realized that her identity as a seventh-grade alchemist was being questioned.

"!!!"

Consort Duanmu's face turned awkward, because the Hehuan Sect did not have any seventh-grade alchemists.

The old ancestor of the Hehuan Sect who reached the first level of the Hehuan stage was only able to do so by chance, and he was not an alchemist.

Since she wanted to inspect the goods, Consort Duanmu immediately picked up the Inquiry Machine and started calling for people.

Although the Hehuan Sect does not have any seventh-grade alchemists, there are still a few Void Refinement stage elders in the sect's forbidden area who are sixth-grade alchemists.

Upon learning of the situation, several sixth-grade alchemists and Void Refinement stage elders from the Hehuan Sect immediately broke through their Void Refinement stage to inspect the goods and determine their authenticity.

"Fellow Daoist, you are truly a seventh-grade alchemist!"

The leading red-robed Void Refinement stage elder glanced at Jiang Qingxin and asked a question.

"nature!"

Jiang Qingxin was somewhat displeased that some sixth-grade alchemists were treating her like merchandise.

Subsequently, the Red-Clothed Ancestor and several other sixth-grade alchemists challenged Jiang Qingxin, posing some tests on her alchemy skills.

They challenged Jiang Qingxin on every aspect, from the formula and timing of the fire to the techniques and tips. In short, they asked whatever challenge they could think of, treating Jiang Qingxin like an encyclopedia of alchemy.

Duanmu Fei herself was not an alchemist, and listening to the chatter of this group of alchemists made her sleepy.

After Duanmu Fei took a short rest, Jiang Qingxin and the others finished their work.

"We have learned a great deal today, thank you for clearing up our doubts, fellow Daoist!"

The red-robed patriarch and several other sixth-grade alchemists thanked Jiang Qingxin one after another.

"Consort Duanmu, the other party should be a seventh-grade alchemist, or at least very close!"

"You may join the Hehuan Sect!"

The old ancestor in red transmitted his voice to Consort Duanmu, informing her of Jiang Qingxin's evaluation and agreeing to let her join the Hehuan Sect.

The Red-Clothed Ancestor felt that Jiang Qingxin's current situation prevented her from refining high-level pills.

However, Jiang Qingxin can refine pills, guide them, and answer their questions. This alone is enough to prove her value!

However, they needed someone to play the villain, and Duanmu Fei, the junior and the nominal sect leader, was naturally the most suitable candidate.

"Since you wish to join the Joyful Union Sect, how about you make a vow?"

Consort Duanmu felt that it would be better to have some guarantees before Jiang Qingxin joined the Hehuan Sect.

What if the other party takes the benefits and then sneaks away?
The Red-Clothed Ancestor and other sixth-grade alchemists were quite supportive of Consort Duanmu's request.

If Jiang Qingxin doesn't cooperate, the Red-Clothed Ancestor and the others will immediately turn hostile and attack her, capturing and killing her.

After all, this is a demonic sect, and they all eat meat, not vegetables!
Jiang Qingxin had considered Duanmu Fei's conditions before coming, so she readily agreed and made a vow.

With Jiang Qingxin making her vow, Duanmu Fei and the group of Void Refinement stage elders were relieved.

After Consort Duanmu finished playing the villain, the Red-Clothed Ancestor immediately began to play the good guy, announcing:
"From this day forward, Your Excellency will be a disciple of my Joyful Union Sect. I hereby declare that Your Excellency shall henceforth enjoy the service of a Rank Six Alchemist (Void Refinement Stage)!"

The treatment of a sixth-grade alchemist in the Hehuan Sect may not sound like much, but it is actually incredibly high.

It should be noted that half of the Hehuan Sect's resources are used to support the Void Refinement stage elders in the forbidden area.

The remaining 50% of resources are what's responsible for the normal operation of the sect.

Jiang Qingxin is now also receiving treatment at the Void Refinement stage, which is quite a good treatment.

Jiang Qingxin also has to pay a price for such high treatment.

"As for Fellow Daoist Jiang's matter of rebuilding his physical body, we will do our utmost to assist him!"

The red-robed ancestor assured Jiang Qingxin of his promise to help her solidify her physical body, and then inquired:
"Does Your Excellency have any other requests?"

In order to keep Jiang Qingxin in check and take advantage of her value, they will try their best to satisfy her whenever possible.

"Tell her to keep an eye on her disciple. That little scoundrel Cao should stay away from my disciple and not make a move on my disciple Lin'er!" Qin Lin'er pointed at Duanmu Fei and stated her first request.

"Hahaha!"

Upon hearing Jiang Qingxin's request, the red-robed patriarch and the others couldn't help but laugh.

As for Jiang Qingxin's small request, they naturally—would not grant it.

They felt that if Cao Meng were to take down Jiang Qingxin's disciple, it would actually be a good thing, as it would completely bind the other party to the Hehuan Sect.

With Jiang Qingxin becoming a respected figure in the Hehuan Sect, Consort Duanmu quickly announced:

"From this day forward, Qin Lin'er, an inner disciple, will be the chief true disciple of the Hehuan Sect, with the same status and treatment as a direct disciple!"

This matter quickly caused a huge uproar.

It should be understood that the true disciples of the Hehuan Sect are those whose aptitude surpasses that of the inner disciples, but is still somewhat inferior to the personal disciples; they are considered reserve personal disciples.

Now, out of the blue, a chief disciple has suddenly appeared, with a status equivalent to a personal disciple. This is extremely strange.
Central Territory Holy Continent...

While the top sects of the Eastern Dao Continent are still vying for territory there, the Corpse Yin Sect has already established a branch in the Central Sacred Continent—Corpse Yin City!

Corpse Shadow City is the base of the Corpse Shadow Sect in the Central Sacred Continent. Although it is named after a city, it is actually a country.

Corpse Shadow City has three female city lords: Chi Liyu's blood-clad maid, purple-clad maid, and white-clad maid!
In addition, there are more than fifty branches of the Corpse Yin Sect stationed in this Corpse Yin City.

In the early years, a first-class imperial dynasty in the Central Sacred Continent, possessing a half-step Tribulation Transcending stage, wanted to attack Corpse Yin City.

Ultimately, under the methods of the Corpse Yin Sect, that imperial dynasty suffered a zombie outbreak, and all its people were turned into fierce zombies. Even the half-step Tribulation Transcending Ancestor became a zombie slave in Corpse Yin City!
At that time, the top sects, holy lands, and divine dynasties of the Central Sacred Continent were terrified by the courage of the first-class imperial dynasty.

You should know that even the top forces in the Central Sacred Continent don't dare to touch Corpse Yin City, so where does a first-rate force get the courage?

Although Corpse Shadow City's strength is only so-so, the Corpse Shadow Sect behind it is incredibly powerful!

If the Corpse Yin Sect wasn't powerful, would they have allowed it to carve out a territory and monopolize the Eastern Dao Continent?
Today, the top holy lands, major sects, and divine dynasties of the Central Sacred Continent have all gathered in Corpse Shadow City.

They were only attracted here because the Corpse Yin Sect sent them an invitation, saying that a batch of valuable treasures were for sale.

"Fellow Daoists, my Corpse Yin Sect has recently acquired some treasures and wishes to trade with you all!"

"This item is called 'Asking the Immortal's Secret.' Don't underestimate it just because it's only a first-tier spiritual artifact; it represents a revolution of a new era..."

To put it simply, it's a multi-functional sound transmission jade talisman!

The maidservant in charge of the event from the Corpse Yin Sect introduced the Inquiry Immortal Mechanism to the people from the Central Sacred Continent while continuously demonstrating its operation.

This batch of divine clues was a portion that Chi Liyu had stolen from Cao Meng.

"Fellow Daoists of the Corpse Yin Sect, just make your offer directly! My Heavenly Mystery Pavilion will take them all!"

After witnessing the function of the Inquiry into the Immortal Insight, the people of Tianji Pavilion were the first to express their opinions.

His Tianji Pavilion's biggest business is intelligence.

If they had this divine clue, their Heavenly Mystery Pavilion would be even more powerful.

Therefore, their Heavenly Mystery Pavilion must buy this batch of Immortal Inquiry Machines in order to study the refining method of the Immortal Inquiry Machines and equip all the disciples of the sect with them.

"There are only 500 Immortal Inquiry Machines in total this time, which will be sold in five batches, and the highest bidder will win!"

"Starting bid: 100,000 high-grade spirit stones per set, or items of equivalent value!"

The Corpse Yin Sect is holding an auction this time to test the price range that the natives of the Central Region are willing to pay for the Immortal Inquiry Machine.
"Two hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion!"

"Two hundred and fifty thousand in the Boundless Holy Land!"

Tianji Pavilion made the first offer, and Wuji Holy Land immediately followed suit, since everyone was thinking of buying a batch of Wenxianji to study the refining technology and then produce them themselves.

……

"Five hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion!"

The people from Tianji Pavilion gritted their teeth and quoted a price of 500,000 high-grade spirit stones.

"Fellow Daoists, our Heavenly Mystery Pavilion will only compete in this round. If you continue to fight, our Heavenly Mystery Pavilion might just reveal some secrets to embarrass you!"

To prevent other major sects, holy lands, and imperial dynasties from driving up prices, the people from Tianji Pavilion directly made harsh threats.

Despite the threat posed by the Tianji Pavilion, a top-tier paparazzi organization, the various sects still gave them face.

After all, the Tianji Pavilion's paparazzi team knows too much information and secrets. If they fall out with them and reveal some secrets that are detrimental to them, it won't be fun!

"The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion is really generous! They're spending 500,000 high-grade spirit stones to buy 100 low-grade first-tier spirit weapons. I wonder how much information you'll have to sell to make that back!"

Because the Boundless Holy Land failed to obtain this batch of Immortal Inquiry Secrets, it severely mocked the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.

"Then I would like to ask the fellow Daoists of the Boundless Holy Land to give my Heavenly Mystery Pavilion your support!"

The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion didn't care at all about the mockery from the Boundless Holy Land.

They spent 500,000 high-grade spirit stones to research the technology of asking immortals. Once the technology is developed, the entire Heavenly Mystery Pavilion will be equipped with it, which will be like adding wings to a tiger.

The remaining four rounds of bidding were respectively won by Wuji Holy Land, Daqian Divine Dynasty, Holy Demon Sect, and Jiang Clan with high prices.

……

Eastern Region Dao Continent Corpse Yin Sect...

"Reporting to the master, the total revenue from the five hundred Immortal Inquiry Machines has exceeded three million high-grade spirit stones!"

Through the Inquiry Machine, Chi Liyu had already learned about the auction of 500 Inquiry Machines from her three maids.

"The total cost of five hundred Immortal Inquiry Machines is only five high-grade spirit stones. Selling them now would yield a profit of six hundred thousand times."

"interesting!"

Thinking of this, Chi Liyu couldn't help but laugh at the natives of the Central Sacred Continent, who had strength and wealth but had never seen anything good.

Of course, Chi Liyu also knew that the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion had spent a lot of money to buy the Immortal Inquiry Machine in order to study the method of using it.

Forget about selling it for that astronomical price later, but you can still make dozens of times more profit!
……

On the last day before the start of the celebration, Consort Duanmu summoned all the high-ranking members of the Hehuan Sect in the council hall to give instructions.

"Dear fellow disciples, tomorrow is the celebration. It's fine for everyone to fight behind closed doors on ordinary days."

But if someone tries to trip me up behind my back at a time like this, don't blame me, Consort Duanmu, for turning my back on them without hesitation.

As Duanmu Fei spoke, her gaze turned to Han Sijing:
"Senior Sister Han, don't you think so?"

Duanmu Fei knew that among everyone present, the one most likely to trip her up was her old rival, Han Sijing.

"Sect Master, you'd better keep an eye on your disciple Cao Meng. He's been harassing the guests these past few days, or our Hehuan Sect won't be able to explain it to them!"

Han Sijing thought Duanmu Fei was crazy. How could she possibly cause trouble at such a crucial moment? Did she really think she was stupid?
The most likely culprit to cause trouble is Cao Ze, Duanmu Fei's apprentice!
"Senior Sister Han, don't worry, I'll keep that rebellious disciple in check!"

"However, Senior Sister Han also needs to manage herself and her people!"

Consort Duanmu also felt that Cao Meng was a disappointment, and decided to go and beat him up later as a warning.

Afterwards, Consort Duanmu gave some instructions to some high-ranking officials to prevent any unexpected events from ruining the big plan the next day.

The high-ranking officials present all gave their assurances, after all, everyone knew that Duanmu Fei was a half-step Void Refinement stage cultivator, and her beatings were incredibly painful. (End of Chapter)