Nine Transformations of the True Spirit.

More than twenty days passed quickly. Chen Yuan put down the jade slip in his hand, slowly opened his eyes, stood up and walked out of the training room.

Today is the day of fighting.

Over the past twenty days, he has been trying to figure out the experience of forming a baby that he learned from Zhang Wushan and Shipingshan.

His cultivation level could no longer improve at all, so practicing was useless. He took this opportunity to gain some insights into the experience of forming a fetus, so as to avoid being in a rush when the time comes.

The only pity is that these experiences in forming a baby are relatively superficial, and the important points are not mentioned. It is like scratching an itch through a shoe, making him feel like he is seeing flowers in the fog.

But he was just a casual cultivator after all, and it was already very good to have experience as a reference, and he didn't dare to expect too much.

Chen Yuan was thinking about the various aspects of forming a baby in his mind, and walked out of the courtyard somewhat carelessly. Zhang Wushan happened to come out of his residence as well.

The two of them walked together and came to the welcoming pavilion on the top of the mountain, where Taoist Liu and Yuan Shixiong were already waiting.

After everyone greeted each other, they fell silent again and waited quietly.

Everyone present had different thoughts, but no one cared about this losing battle.

About a quarter of an hour later, a beam of light descended from the sky, revealing Yuan Xiang's figure.

He was still wearing the same loose, plain white robe as before, but his face was full of majesty, no longer as easy-going as before.

He glanced at them and said calmly, "Since everyone is here, let's get going."

It was not until today that he finally displayed some of the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

After saying that, he turned around and fled, and everyone immediately took off their lights and followed closely behind him.

Yuan Shiying did not show up today. Yuan Xiang was about to leave Fengyuan Mountains. As the eldest elder of the Yuan family, he had to stay in the clan to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the situation.

Wherever Yuan Xiang went, the formation curtains retreated on their own, and everyone passed through the Yuan family's protective formation unhindered, flying all the way to the west.

The Fengyuan Mountains are still some distance away from the border of Renzhou and Ningzhou. After more than an hour, they flew more than a thousand miles before Yuan Xiang slowed down his speed and left his light behind.

Chen Yuan followed him and returned to the ground from the clouds.

Looking around, you can see mountains upon mountains, with towering ancient trees and peaks hundreds of feet high. Occasionally there are a few thousand-foot peaks that reach into the sky. It is much more majestic than the Fengyuan Mountains and can even be compared with the Chongde Mountains.

Taimang Mountains, the description of this place emerged in Chen Yuan's mind. This mountain range is about a thousand miles long, stretching between Ningzhou and Renzhou. It is vast and boundless, but the spiritual energy is thin, becoming the natural boundary between the two states.

That spiritual stone vein was discovered in the Taimang Mountains.

The group landed on the top of a mountain that was over 400 feet high, where more than a dozen monks were already waiting.

There are more than a dozen courtyards and attics scattered on the mountain, arranged in an orderly manner and protected by formations. It is obvious that these monks live here for a long time.

The leader was a middle-aged cultivator with spiritual energy surging in his body and the cultivation base of the late Jindan stage. The dozen or so people behind him were all foundation-building cultivators. They stood with their hands hanging down and looked respectful.

Chen Yuan looked at the middle-aged cultivator and his name emerged in his mind: Yuan Shizhen, the second elder of the Yuan family, who was responsible for guarding the spirit stone mine.

During a previous chat, Yuan Shiying had mentioned that according to the agreement among the three families, each of them had to send out personnel to guard the spirit stone mines together to prevent other cultivators from stealing the spirit stones and to prevent the other party from secretly making moves. This fight continued until today.

After seeing Yuan Xiang, Yuan Shizhen clasped his fists and bowed: "Greetings, Master."

Yuan Xiang waved his hand: "Second Elder, there is no need to be so polite. Is there anything unusual about the spirit stone vein?"

Yuan Shizhen shook his head: "Everything is normal. I send people to inspect the mines every day. Every three days, I personally inspect them. The people from Shifeng Mountain have no chance to tamper with them."

Yuan Xiang praised: "Well done, after today's duel, you can return to your clan and receive your rewards."

"Thank you for the generous reward, Patriarch!" All the foundation-building cultivators responded in unison.

Yuan Xiang said: "Second Elder, please follow me. The others will wait here. When the fight is over, we will all return to the clan together."

"Yes!" A group of foundation-building monks clasped their fists and bowed, then dispersed.

Everyone followed Yuan Xiang, riding on their light of escape, and flew towards the north of the spirit stone mine.

About half a minute later, Yuan Xiang descended and landed on an extremely steep mountain.

The mountain is about six hundred feet high, with steep cliffs on three sides, and the other side is also extremely steep and difficult to climb.

A hundred feet west of this mountain, there is also an extremely steep mountain with cliffs on all sides, which is more than ten feet higher.

Between the two mountains is a deep canyon with a large river rushing through it. The muddy river water hits the protruding rocks, stirring up white foam all over the sky.

This is where the Yuan family fought with the Lion Peak Mountain and Cangjian Palace.

At this time, there was no one on the opposite mountain. Yuan Xiang frowned slightly and said lightly: "It seems that we are a little early. Let's wait for a while."

After saying this, he sat cross-legged on a piece of bluestone and closed his eyes to rest.

The crowd dispersed, some closed their eyes to meditate, some admired the mountain scenery, some looked down at the roaring river, and so on.

Chen Yuan stood in front of a cliff. The cliff below was filled with thick fog and he couldn't see the bottom at a glance.

If a mortal takes a step forward, no trace of his body will be left.

Zhang Wushan walked slowly to his side and kicked a piece of gravel with his toes, which rolled down the cliff silently.

"Brother Chen, this fight is dangerous, so you better be careful. If things don't go well, don't force it." Zhang Wushan whispered.

Since his unsuccessful persuasion more than 20 days ago, he has never tried to persuade Chen Yuan again.

According to the agreement among the three families, Nascent Soul cultivators are not allowed to interfere in the fight unless they voluntarily admit defeat or their lives are in danger.

Zhang Wushan was worried that Chen Yuan would take a risk for the chance to conceive a baby and would refuse to admit defeat. Even if his life was not in danger, he would be seriously injured.

The sword cultivator's magical powers are extremely powerful. Once the sword is swung, the victim will either die or be injured.

Chen Yuan said calmly: "Brother Zhang, don't worry. I won't joke with my life. If the defeat is certain, I will admit defeat."

Zhang Wushan was relieved and said with a smile: "Brother Chen's words make me feel relieved. There is no rush to form a baby..."

He was not worried that Yuan Xiang would hear what he said, so he advised Chen Yuan a few more words before turning around and leaving.

Chen Yuan stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the cliff below his feet with a calm expression. It seemed that he really listened to Zhang Wushan's words and put down the fight.

About two quarters of an hour later, Chen Yuan suddenly turned his head to look west and saw several rays of light flying from the horizon.

Yuan Xiang slowly opened his eyes, stood up, and said calmly: "Everyone follow me."

Chen Yuan and others rode on their light beams and followed Chen Yuan to the top of the canyon.

A moment later, the rays of light arrived above the canyon, stopped ten feet away, and several figures appeared.

The leader had spiritual energy surging from him, and a huge pressure emanated from him. He was actually a cultivator in the early Nascent Soul stage.

This man was of sturdy build, dressed in black, and looked very much like an ordinary warrior. He was about forty years old, with a full beard and a rough appearance.

Under the pressure from the Nascent Soul cultivator, Zhang Wushan and the others all turned pale.

Only Chen Yuan looked calm, and the pressure on him seemed to have no effect. Yuan Xiang snorted coldly, and the pressure from the Nascent Soul cultivator suddenly dissipated, offsetting the pressure from this person, and everyone's faces returned to normal.

The head of the Yuan family, who had always been very easy-going in front of everyone, finally showed some of his true colors at this moment.

The two Nascent Soul cultivators released their Qi recklessly. The sky suddenly darkened, dark clouds gathered, strong winds blew everywhere, sand and rocks flew everywhere, and the river below roared angrily, causing huge muddy waves one after another.

Yuan Xiang said coldly: "Master Mu is so powerful, showing off in front of the younger generation. Is this how Lion Peak Mountain got its reputation?"

Sect Master Mu smiled and restrained his aura: "Patriarch Yuan has misunderstood. I am just saying hello to Patriarch Yuan."

Yuan Xiang snorted coldly and restrained his anger.

The strong wind gradually dissipated, the river gradually calmed down, the dark clouds dispersed, and the sky brightened.

Sect Master Mu took a deep look at Chen Yuan. Chen Yuan was the only Jindan cultivator who did not show any discomfort under his pressure.

Everyone noticed this and looked over with different looks.

Yuan Xiang nodded approvingly, and his contempt for Chen Yuan faded away.

Yuan Shixiong was very surprised, but Yuan Shizhen was better.

He was stationed at the spirit stone mine and didn't know Chen Yuan's origins. He only knew that he was a person sent by the Haoran Sect to participate in the battle. It was normal for him to have some strength.

There was a hint of fear in Taoist Liu's eyes. He boasted of his extraordinary strength, but under the pressure of the Nascent Soul cultivator, it was very difficult for him to resist.

However, Chen Yuan, a casual cultivator of unknown origin, is like a spring breeze and should not be underestimated.

Only Zhang Wushan knew that Chen Yuan was a physical cultivator with a strong body. He was not afraid of pressure and his expression remained unchanged.

Unlike the people in the Yuan family, the people around Sect Master Mu just glanced at Chen Yuan lightly and then looked away.

Chen Yuan looked calm and ignored everyone's gazes.

Sect Master Mu raised his hand and said with a smile, "Sorry to have kept Fellow Daoist Yuan waiting for a long time. This is Elder Yan from the Hidden Sword Palace, who has come to supervise this battle."

Next to Sect Master Mu stood an old man in a green robe, with a calm expression. He bowed and said, "Yan Jun from Hidden Sword Palace."

There were two cultivators following behind him. Like Elder Yan, they just glanced at Chen Yuan indifferently.

Yuan Xiang's eyes narrowed slightly, and he returned the greeting: "Yuan Xiang, the head of the Yuan family."

Elder Yan said calmly: "There is no time to lose, let's start the fight."

Yuan Xiang and Sect Master Mu were both stunned. This Elder Yan's swift and decisive actions were obviously beyond their expectations.

Sect Master Mu laughed out loud: "Elder Yan is indeed a sword cultivator, and he speaks quickly. This is good, it will end sooner and we can receive the spirit stone vein sooner."

"Nephew Zeng, you will be in the first fight. You don't have to hold back, but don't hurt anyone, lest Patriarch Yuan accuses me of bullying people too much."

"Disciple understands." A cultivator following behind Sect Master Mu responded.

He looked much older than Sect Master Mu, with grey hair and an old voice, but in front of Sect Master Mu, he regarded himself as a junior.

Yuan Xiang frowned: "Master Mu is so arrogant. He has already taken possession of the spiritual stone mine before the battle even begins."

Sect Master Mu smiled and said, "I am just confident in the fight, and the Yuan family is also confident, so why not make a bet."

"If the Yuan family wins, I will give the head of the Yuan family five Chengyang Pills."

"If our sect and Cangjian Palace win, the Fengmo iron that Patriarch Yuan has treasured for a long time will be given to me, how about that?"

Yuan Xiang's face darkened, and he avoided answering. He turned to look at Yuan Shixiong and said, "I'll have to trouble the Second Elder for the first fight. Remember, don't force yourself."

"Yes, patriarch." Yuan Shixiong responded in a deep voice and walked out of the crowd.

"Haha, if Patriarch Yuan is afraid, then stop making noise." Sect Leader Mu laughed sarcastically and raised his hand to invite him, "Elder Yan, please!"

Elder Yan nodded slightly and flew to the opposite mountain top with Sect Master Mu.

Yuan Xiang's face looked very ugly, but he didn't dare to bet with Sect Master Mu after all. He snorted coldly, flicked his sleeves, turned around and flew back to the top of the mountain.

The others also turned back to the top of the two dangerous peaks, facing each other from afar. Only Yuan Shixiong and the monk named Zeng remained above the canyon.

Zhang Wushan and Chen Yuan stood together and whispered, "Brother Chen, the people in the Hidden Sword Palace are all sword cultivators. Influenced by their skills, most of them are resolute and ruthless in fighting. Don't be careless."

Chen Yuan nodded, his eyes passed Yuan Shixiong and the cultivator surnamed Zeng, and fell on the two green-robed cultivators behind Elder Yan on the opposite mountain peak.

These two should be the true disciples of Cangjian Palace and his opponents in today's battle.

At this time, Yuan Shixiong and the monk surnamed Zeng above the canyon slowly retreated, dozens of feet apart. After saluting, they used their magic weapons and attacked the opposite side.

"Wait a minute!"

But at this moment, Sect Master Mu and Elder Yan spoke out at the same time and turned to look to the east.

Yuan Xiang also turned his head to look over, with a look of confusion on his face.

Yuan Shixiong and the monk surnamed Zeng didn't understand what was going on, but they still stopped.

Everyone followed the gaze of the three Nascent Soul cultivators and a moment later, a beam of light flew in from the sky, stopped above the canyon, and a figure appeared.

This was a middle-aged Confucian scholar with a smile on his face and a surging aura. He was also a Nascent Soul cultivator.

Elder Yan flew into the sky and asked coldly, "What is your name, and why are you here?"

He stared at the middle-aged Confucian scholar, his eyes as sharp as swords, and his body was filled with sword intent.

Those present had no doubt that as long as the middle-aged Confucian scholar's answer did not satisfy him, thousands of swords would be fired at the next moment, and the sky would collapse and the earth would split.

Yuan Xiang looked at the middle-aged scholar, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

Elder Yan had obviously regarded the spirit stone mine as his own, and naturally would not allow anyone else to disrupt this battle.

He knew that the Yuan family would lose in this fight, so he hoped that the uninvited guest would cause some trouble.

The middle-aged Confucian scholar ignored the sword intent emanating from Elder Yan, as if it was just a gust of spring breeze passing by his face.

His eyes swept across the crowd, paused at Chen Yuan and Zhang Wushan, frowned, and finally stopped at Elder Yan.

He clasped his fists and bowed, smiling, "Is it Elder Yan Junyan of the Hidden Sword Palace who is here? I am Yang Liqian."

Elder Yan narrowed his eyes, and his gaze became sharper, as if to pierce Yang Liqian's body: "So it's Elder Yang from Haoran Sect. Elder Yang came here today, could it be that you want to intervene in the fight between the three families?"

Suddenly, a faint humming sounded in the air, like the sound of a flying sword trembling slightly, and it reached everyone's heart.

There was a hint of vigilance in Sect Leader Mu's eyes. Although most of the profits from this spirit stone mine belonged to Cangjian Palace, Shifeng Mountain could also get a considerable share, which was why he was so concerned about it.

Previously, the Haoran Sect wanted to get a hold of the spirit stone mines, but was blocked by the Cangjian Palace and could only fight for it through the Yuan Family. Does this mean they have to do it themselves?
Yang Liqian smiled and said, "Elder Yan has misunderstood. This spiritual stone vein was discovered by your sect, Shifeng Mountain, and the Yuan family cultivators. It has nothing to do with Haoran Sect. Yang has no intention of intervening in the battle. He is only here for friend Chen." (End of this chapter)