The spiritual energy surged like a flood bursting its banks, rushing through the newly widened riverbed. His dantian and qi sea expanded accordingly, and the spiritual energy became more condensed and profound.
He slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them. Feeling the surging power within him, he knew—he had successfully broken through to the fifth level of Qi Refining!
After his breakthrough, Fu Shaoping experienced a qualitative leap in all aspects:
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Divine sense: It has become more solid, and its range of perception has nearly doubled.
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Spiritual power: The total amount has doubled, the circulation is smoother, and the explosive power is stronger.
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Swordsmanship: He has gained a deeper understanding of the "Little Thunder Sound Sword Technique," and the power of the third move, "Thunder Shatters the Sky," has increased exponentially.
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Movement Technique: The "Wind Control Technique" has become increasingly proficient, with speed and agility greatly improved.
He stood up, gripped his sword, and casually slashed out. The sword light flashed like thunder and disappeared in an instant, and the distant boulder silently cracked open.
Fu Shaoping nodded in satisfaction, and with Xiaobai in tow, pushed open the closed-door formation.
The sun was shining brightly outside, and a new chapter awaited him to write.
The eerie winds of the Burial Abyss were like knives, howling upwards from the bottom of the abyss. Fu Shaoping, Zhou Kai, Lin Wan'er, and Zhao Yan stepped into this ancient ruin side by side.
The "bewitching array" at the entrance dissipated rapidly like mist under the guidance of the array flag in Zhao Yan's hand. They stepped into the abyss, where the ground beneath their feet was cracked black earth, and the air was filled with a faint smell of blood and decay.
"Be careful, every inch of this land may hide danger," Fu Shaoping warned in a low voice, his divine sense spreading outwards like an invisible spider web. He quickly detected a familiar, chilling aura on a broken black sword—exactly the same as that of "Shadow Pavilion."
Further in, an abandoned altar came into view. The altar was stained with undried blood, and several men in black were surrounding the corpse of a recently deceased monk, seemingly performing some kind of evil ritual.
"Attack!" Fu Shaoping gave the order and his figure flashed out like a ghost.
Zhou Kai followed closely behind, letting out a roar as his fists slammed into the nearest enemy like heavy hammers. Lin Wan'er chanted incantations, and a soft white light enveloped the entire team, calming their minds. Zhao Yan swiftly set up a "Spirit-Trapping Array" on the ground, trapping several men in black in place.
Fu Shaoping's sword flashed like lightning, each strike precisely aimed at the enemy's vitals. He and Zhou Kai worked in perfect harmony, one responsible for killing, the other for drawing fire. Soon, all the men in black lay dead in pools of blood.
They found a black jade slip on one of the leaders. Probing it with his divine sense, Fu Shaoping's expression turned grave: "They're looking for an evil artifact called the 'Soul-Devouring Bone Bell,' which is said to corrupt a cultivator's soul."
Even more shocking is that the "Shadow Pavilion" mentioned in the jade slip is actually Mo Chenzi, an elder who defected from the Qingyun Sect a hundred years ago!
Following the clues on the jade slip, they found an ancient tomb deep at the bottom of the abyss. The tomb door was tightly closed and covered with ancient runes. It took Zhao Yan a full half hour to decipher the triple trap array and open the tomb door.
The tomb passage was dark, with long-extinguished soul lamps embedded in the walls. Fu Shaoping, who was walking at the front, suddenly stopped. His sword trembled slightly, and an ominous premonition welled up in his heart.
"Here it comes." He whispered.
As soon as he finished speaking, an ancient corpse clad in iron armor leaped out of the darkness, its eyes bloodshot and radiating a chilling aura.
Instead of retreating, Fu Shaoping advanced, his longsword crackling with lightning, unleashing the "Thunderous Sword" technique, infused with the essence of wind. The sword light pierced the ancient corpse's heart like lightning, pinning it to the wall.
Deep within the ancient tomb, atop a stone platform, hangs a completely black bone bell. Its surface is covered in eerie runes, emanating an unsettling aura—this is the "Soul-Devouring Bone Bell."
However, the guardian of the bone bell is a powerful soul-bone beast. It resembles a giant wolf but is composed of bones, and its eyes are two burning soul flames. It can directly attack the soul, causing everyone great distress.
"I'll hold it off, you guys figure something out!" Zhou Kai roared as he charged forward, using his body to withstand the Soul Bone Beast's attacks.
Lin Wan'er closed her eyes and chanted an ancient incantation. A pure white light descended from the sky, enveloping the Soul Bone Beast and temporarily suppressing its soul fire.
"Now!" Seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Fu Shaoping channeled all his spiritual energy into his longsword, unleashing the strongest strike of "Thunderclap Breaks the Sky".
The sword light struck down like lightning, and the Soul Bone Beast let out a shrill howl as its massive body was cleaved in two.
Just as everyone was about to take the bone bell, a cold voice suddenly rang out in the tomb: "Thank you for getting rid of the guardian beast for me."
Everyone turned around abruptly, only to see the black-robed protector appear at the tomb entrance at some unknown time, a sinister smile on his lips. He raised his hand and waved it, instantly binding Zhou Kai and Zhao Yan with dozens of black chains.
Fu Shaoping roared and drew his sword to meet the attack. However, the black-robed protector's cultivation was far superior to his. In just three moves, Fu Shaoping was forced to retreat repeatedly, his chest heaving.
In the critical moment, Fu Shaoping suddenly crushed the communication talisman of Qingzhu Daoren.
With a flash of golden light, Daoist Qingzhu arrived in mid-air! With a casual palm strike, he repelled the black-robed protector. Then, with a wave of his sleeve, countless green bamboo shadows intertwined in the air, forming a massive "Spirit-Locking Array," trapping the black-robed protector within.
"You all step back, let me handle this," said Daoist Qingzhu.
Fu Shaoping knew this was a good opportunity to learn, so he didn't leave but observed carefully from the side. Every move and stance of the Green Bamboo Taoist contained profound truths, from which he benefited greatly.
Under the suppression of Qingzhu Daoist, the black-robed protector gradually weakened. Fu Shaoping seized an opening and pierced the black-robed protector's throat with his sword.
After the battle, Daoist Qingzhu sealed the "Soul-Devouring Bone Bell" and entrusted it to Fu Shaoping to take back to the sect. He was very satisfied with the team's performance and promised to reward them handsomely upon their return.
As he left the Burial Abyss, Fu Shaoping glanced back at this perilous land. He knew that the true enemy—Mo Chenzi—was still lurking in the shadows, waiting for his next opportunity to strike.
But he also knew that as long as the four of them worked together, no difficulty could stop them from moving forward.
Inside the Qingyun Sect Elder Council, the atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Fu Shaoping respectfully presented the "Soul-Devouring Bone Bell," sealed in a jade box, to the center of the hall with both hands.
When Daoist Qingzhu opened the jade box, an extremely cold aura instantly spread out, and the expressions of several elders in the hall changed simultaneously.
"This is the 'Soul-Devouring Bone Bell,' an ancient evil artifact," Qingzhu Daoist said in a deep voice. "It's fortunate that Shaoping and the others discovered it in time; otherwise, the consequences would have been unimaginable."
Fu Shaoping then handed over the black jade slip and gave a detailed report of what had happened in the Burial Spirit Abyss. When the name "Mo Chenzi" came out of his mouth, a collective gasp filled the hall.
"It really is him!" A white-haired elder slammed his fist on the table in anger. "The traitor who defected a hundred years ago has become a menace today!"
After some discussion, the elders quickly made a decision:
The "Soul-Devouring Bone Bell" will be handed over to the Pill Hall and Weapon Hall for joint sealing and research.
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The "Shadow Suppression Task Force" was established, with Fu Shaoping's team responsible for tracking Mo Chenzi's clues.
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Fu Shaoping was granted permanent access to the second floor of the Sutra Repository to help him enhance his strength.
After the meeting, Qingzhu Daoist kept Fu Shaoping and the other three behind.
"You've done a great job." He smiled at the four young men. "The sect will not forget your contributions."
He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious: "But Mo Chenzi is cunning and his cultivation is unfathomable. You must be careful and remember not to underestimate him."
The following day, a grand award ceremony was held in the sect's main hall. Fu Shaoping received a large amount of spirit stones and pills, and was allowed to choose another cultivation technique from the second floor of the Scripture Pavilion. Zhou Kai, Lin Wan'er, and Zhao Yan also received generous rewards. After the ceremony, Fu Shaoping immediately went to the Scripture Pavilion. This time, he did not choose an offensive cultivation technique, but instead selected the seventh move of the Azure Origin Sword Art—"All Things Return to One." This move emphasizes concentrating all power into a single point for an instantaneous burst, and is the key to breaking through bottlenecks and defeating enemies.
At the same time, Zhao Yan also discovered an important clue from the subtle details on the black jade slip: Mo Chenzi might be searching for a rare item called "Returning Soul Wood" to repair his damaged soul. This rare item only grows in one place—the Valley of Withered Spirits.
Before leaving, Fu Shaoping keenly sensed that someone was secretly watching him. He pretended not to know, but after returning to his cave, he set up several clever counter-traps around the area.
That night, the trap was triggered. Fu Shaoping easily subdued the intruder, who turned out to be a hidden disciple of the "Shadow Pavilion".
After interrogation, Fu Shaoping obtained astonishing information: Mo Chenzi was indeed active in the Kuling Valley and had already laid a trap, waiting for him to take the bait.
Fu Shaoping immediately reported the situation and applied for a batch of high-level talismans and array plates. He solemnly handed a "Thunderfire Talisman" to Zhao Yan: "This is our trump card. Use it to set up the 'Thunderfire Trapping and Killing Array' at the critical moment."
Lin Wan'er also distributed several bottles of pills to everyone: "These are 'Heart-Clearing Pills' and 'Heart-Protecting Pills,' which can stabilize the mind and protect the sea of consciousness."
Everything was ready, and all that remained was for Fu Shaoping to go into seclusion to consolidate his cultivation.
In the Valley of Withered Spirits, a meticulously designed trap awaits them. Fu Shaoping's team, however, is prepared to turn the tables on them.
The Valley of Withered Spirits was filled with a chilling wind.
Fu Shaoping's team quietly infiltrated. According to the plan, he and Zhou Kai attracted attention from the front, while Lin Wan'er and Zhao Yan went around to the flank to prepare to set up the "Thunder and Fire Trapping Kill Formation".
Deep within the canyon, Mo Chenzi stood with his hands behind his back, waiting for his prey to take the bait. As soon as he finished speaking, countless men in black surged out from all directions.
"Attack!" Fu Shaoping gave the order and stood shoulder to shoulder with Zhou Kai to meet the enemy.
He unleashed "Bamboo Shadow Illusion," his sword flashing like rain, instantly slaying several people. Zhou Kai, on the other hand, charged forward like an iron tower, unstoppable by anyone.
Just as the enemy was about to encircle them, Zhao Yan successfully activated the "Thunder and Fire Trapping and Killing Formation".
"boom!"
Lightning and flames intertwined to form a massive net, trapping dozens of men in black within its grasp. Lin Wan'er then unleashed a "Soul Purification Spell" to cleanse the evil energy within the formation.
However, the real test has only just begun.
“A decent formation,” Mo Chenzi’s voice was like a nightmare, “but it’s useless against me!”
He raised his hand and waved it, instantly enveloping the entire area with a terrifying aura. The light barrier of the trapping and killing formation distorted violently, actually being suppressed by his own power!
"I'll deal with him!" Fu Shaoping roared and charged forward alone.
"Thunderous Sword - Third Form!"
The sword light struck down like thunder, but was easily deflected by Mo Chenzi with a single finger.
"A mere grain of rice dares to rival the brilliance of the moon?" Mo Chenzi sneered, flicking his fingertip and sending a jet-black beam of light piercing through the air.
Fu Shaoping barely dodged the attack using his "Wind Control Steps," the finger beam grazing his shoulder and leaving a bottomless black hole in the ground.
"Shaoping, be careful!" Lin Wan'er exclaimed as a healing light enveloped Fu Shaoping, repairing the wound on his shoulder.
Zhou Kai roared and charged at Mo Chenzi, but was blasted away by an invisible force. Zhao Yan desperately maintained the trapping and killing formation, his forehead covered in cold sweat.
Fu Shaoping knew that a direct confrontation would be futile. He took a deep breath, activated the "Mind-Calming Technique," and banished all fear and distracting thoughts.
If the heart remains unmoved, what can the wind do?
He closed his eyes, focusing his consciousness intently, capturing every fluctuation of spiritual energy around Mo Chenzi. Gradually, he discovered the flaw in the opponent's technique—before each move Mo Chenzi made, there would be a brief stagnation in his dantian.
It's now!
Fu Shaoping suddenly opened his eyes, poured all the spiritual energy in his body into the longsword without reservation, and unleashed his ultimate move - "All Things Return to One"!
This sword strike no longer pursues fancy moves, but focuses on one point: fast, accurate, and ruthless!
Mo Chenzi seemed not to have expected Fu Shaoping to discover his weakness, and hastily raised his hand to defend himself.
"Ding!"
With a crisp sound, Fu Shaoping's longsword pierced through Mo Chenzi's protective aura, leaving a shallow bloodstain on his chest!
"What!" A look of disbelief flashed in Mo Chenzi's eyes.
Seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Fu Shaoping once again slashed at Mo Chenzi's right hand, which was holding the bone bell.
Mo Chenzi was forced to retreat, and the "Soul-Devouring Bone Bell" almost slipped from his grasp.
"Retreat!" Fu Shaoping decided immediately. He knew that this sword strike was the limit, and continuing to fight would inevitably lead to defeat.
Zhao Yan understood immediately and withdrew the trapping formation. The four of them reunited and, under Lin Wan'er's cover, quickly broke out of the valley.
Mo Chenzi watched their departing figures, his eyes filled with murderous intent: "Fu Shaoping, you're very good. Next time we meet, I'll make you wish you were dead!"
A thrilling confrontation temporarily ended with a narrow victory for Fu Shaoping's team. But they all understood that this was only the beginning of a long war with Mo Chenzi.
After the battle at the Valley of Withered Spirits, Fu Shaoping's team narrowly escaped death and deeply realized the vast gap between them and Mo Chenzi. Upon returning to their sect, Daoist Qingzhu personally healed their wounds and highly praised Fu Shaoping's ability to discern weaknesses.
"Your swordsmanship is lacking not in technique, but in 'intention'," Qingzhu Daoren enlightened. "Sword intention is the foundation. Without sword intention, no matter how exquisite the swordsmanship is, it is just a castle in the air."
Therefore, Fu Shaoping went into seclusion again and began his arduous cultivation:
Refining his sword intent: Every day he stood on the cliff of Green Bamboo Peak, using bamboo as his sword and the wind as his enemy, comprehending "the resilience of bamboo and the formlessness of the wind", and integrating it into his swordsmanship, making his swordsmanship more and more calm and restrained.
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To perfect his technique, he repeatedly deduced and refined "All Things Return to One" and "Thunder Sound Sword," attempting to combine the strengths of both to create his own new sword style.
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Addressing weaknesses: Zhou Kai, Lin Wan'er, and Zhao Yan also went into seclusion to hone their skills, address their own shortcomings, and improve the team's overall combat effectiveness.
A month later, Fu Shaoping emerged from seclusion, his demeanor completely transformed. His sword was no longer blatantly sharp, but rather like a deep well, seemingly calm, yet unfathomably profound. (End of Chapter)
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