Shengui Changsheng: Start from Zhenwuwei and add some points to cultivate immortality

It shares the same origin as the local earth god temple and the ancestral hall in Qingrong Town! It's a method used by the Netherworld Cult!
Fu Shaoping's heart tightened, and he subconsciously gripped the hilt of his sword. The faint warmth emanating from the Ice Heart Mirror confirmed his judgment.

"It's a variant of the 'Soul Extraction and Blood Refining Array'!" Zhou Meng's face turned ashen as he crouched down to examine it closely. "The array was only recently destroyed; the culprit shouldn't be far off! Be on guard!"

The team members immediately dispersed, forming a defensive formation back to back, and released their divine senses to search every corner of the valley.

Fu Shaoping also focused his senses and suddenly noticed a very faint spiritual energy fluctuation coming from a dense thicket on the right side of the valley, carrying a deliberately suppressed chill!

"To the right!" He and Zhou Meng shouted almost simultaneously!
Before the words were even finished, several jet-black arrows suddenly shot out from the bushes, accompanied by mournful ghostly howls, heading straight for the group! At the same time, three figures shrouded in black robes pounced out like phantoms, wielding short staffs made of white bones, exuding a powerful and sinister aura! The leader was clearly a Foundation Establishment cultivator, while the other two appeared to be at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Refining!
"Form ranks! Prepare for battle!" Zhou Meng roared, a giant axe appeared in his hand, and earthen-yellow spiritual power erupted as he faced the black-robed man in the Foundation Establishment stage!
"clang!"

The giant axe and the bone staff clashed head-on, creating a shockwave! Zhou Meng staggered, clearly at a disadvantage.

The other team members also faced their opponents. The two black-robed men, who were at the late stage of Qi Refining, used strange methods. With a wave of their hands, they summoned several illusory ghostly figures that emitted disturbing shrieks. At the same time, black mist swirled around them, carrying corrosive and poisonous properties, causing the disciples of Team C to scramble and panic.

Fu Shaoping faced off against a black-robed man at the eighth level of Qi Refining. This was the first time he had truly faced an enemy of the Netherworld Sect!
The man in black robes let out a strange laugh, pointed his white bone staff, and a condensed black aura shot towards Fu Shaoping's face like a venomous snake, with a pungent stench!
Fu Shaoping dared not take the attack head-on, and used the Flowing Cloud Step to evade it. At the same time, he drew his longsword and attempted to use the "Rising Sun" technique, but his opponent's movements were strange, and the black aura had the effect of interfering with spiritual sense, making it difficult for him to pinpoint an opening.

"Heh heh, a mere fifth-level Qi Refining brat, dares to come here to die?" The black-robed man's attack intensified, his black energy transforming into several tentacles that coiled around him from different directions.

Fu Shaoping's mind raced, realizing he couldn't defeat the opponent by force. He abruptly activated the "Yi Wood Azure Origin Technique," and a stream of pure azure spiritual energy burst forth from his body, transforming into a slightly thin azure wood spiritual shield in front of him!

"Chichi..."

The black tentacles struck the spirit shield, producing a corrosive sound. The spirit shield flickered violently, but ultimately managed to block the attack!
"Huh? A wood-based technique?" The man in black robes was slightly surprised, then grinned maliciously. "Let's see how many hits you can withstand!"

He swung his white bone staff repeatedly, and even more and thicker black energy surged forth!

Fu Shaoping fought and retreated, relying on the Azure Wood Spirit Shield and Flowing Cloud Steps to maneuver. He discovered that the Azure Wood Qi did indeed have a certain restraining effect on the Yin and Evil Black Qi, but the difference in cultivation level was too great, and the spirit shield was barely holding on, while his internal energy was being rapidly depleted.

This can't go on like this!

His gaze swept across the battlefield. Captain Zhou Meng was struggling against the Foundation Establishment stage black-robed man, while the other team members were also entangled in their own dangers. They had to break the stalemate!

He took a deep breath, abandoning his defensive stance. Seizing a gap in the black-robed man's attack, he abruptly withdrew his spiritual shield, his body drifting forward like a willow catkin amidst the dissipating black energy, simultaneously focusing all his attention on the tip of his sword!
The first rays of dawn break! My will and my sword unite!
This time, he did not pursue extreme speed, but combined that unstoppable momentum with the vitality of the Yi Wood Azure Qi! The sword light was no longer a pure, dazzling rosy light, but carried a faint blue hue, like the first ray of vibrant dawn breaking through the sky!

This sword strike took the black-robed man by surprise! He hadn't expected this Qi Refining Level 5 kid to dare to get close, and he certainly hadn't expected the sword strike to be so peculiar, causing him to feel a slight, almost imperceptible, sense of stagnation!
"puff!"

The sword flashed, and although it failed to seriously injure the man in black robes, it precisely slashed his arm that was wielding the staff, leaving a deep wound that exposed the bone. The cyan sword energy then invaded, bringing a double pain of burning and life-erosion!
"Ah!" The man in black robes screamed, and his attack slowed down.

Now! Fu Shaoping pressed his advantage relentlessly, his flowing energy techniques naturally circulating, his sword moves changing into a continuous barrage of attacks, wrapping around the wounded man in black robes like flowing clouds!

The subtle shift in the battle situation here immediately affected the entire battlefield. With the pressure eased, Zhou Meng roared and swung his giant axe wildly, temporarily reversing the disadvantage. Seeing Fu Shaoping fight against overwhelming odds, the other team members' morale soared, and they erupted in a counterattack!
Seeing that things were hopeless, especially since Fu Shaoping's sword energy, which contained vitality, made him wary, the Foundation Establishment stage black-robed man made a feint, forced Zhou Meng back, and let out a sharp shriek!
Without hesitation, the three men in black robes simultaneously used their escape techniques, transforming into three wisps of black smoke and fleeing into the depths of the valley!

"Chase!" Zhou Meng was not about to let them go and led his team in hot pursuit.

However, the black-robed man's escape technique was strange, and he quickly disappeared into the dense forest.

Zhou Meng couldn't catch up and stopped angrily to check on his team members' injuries. Fortunately, no one had died, but many were injured and their internal energy was greatly depleted.

He walked over to Fu Shaoping, looked at the pale-faced but bright-eyed newcomer, patted him hard on the shoulder, and a rare smile appeared on his scarred face: "Good lad! You've got guts! Your swordsmanship is not bad either! Thanks to you this time!"

The other team members also gathered around, their gazes towards Fu Shaoping completely changed, now filled with recognition and admiration. With only a fifth-level Qi Refining cultivation, he had directly restrained and even injured an eighth-level Qi Refining evil cultivator; this courage and strength were enough to earn their respect.

Fu Shaoping, panting, shook his head: "Captain, you flatter me. It was everyone working together to fight the enemy."

Zhou Meng nodded, his expression turning serious again: "We cannot linger here! Clean up the scene immediately and report the situation and the characteristics of the heretical cultivators to the sect! The activities of the Netherworld Cult are becoming increasingly rampant!"

The team members sprang into action.

Fu Shaoping stared at the direction the black-robed man had disappeared in, then at the withered corpses on the ground, feeling no relief whatsoever. This was his first direct confrontation with the Netherworld Cult, and although he hadn't been at a disadvantage, it had given him a more direct understanding of the cult's eeriness and power.

The patrol route was indeed fraught with danger at every turn. But his sword was honed to become sharper and sharper with each battle.

After clearing the battlefield in the valley, briefly burying the victims' remains and marking the area, Team C quickly withdrew from Black Wind Ridge. Zhou Meng urgently transmitted the news of the encounter with the Netherworld Cult's evil cultivators and their escape route back to the Beacon Tower using the unique communication method of the Mountain Patrol Division.

On the return journey, the atmosphere was heavy. Although the enemy had been repelled, the audacity of a Foundation Establishment cultivator leading two late-stage Qi Refining evil cultivators to so brazenly kill and set up formations on the outskirts of the Qingxuan Sect was alarming. The team members traveled in silence, each circulating their internal energy to heal their wounds or recover their true qi, their gazes towards Fu Shaoping now showing genuine respect. In the cultivation world, strength reigns supreme, and Fu Shaoping had proven himself in combat, no longer a newcomer needing protection. Upon arriving at the Beacon Tower, they handed over the mission, giving a detailed report of the encounter. The elder on duty, upon hearing that a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Netherworld Sect was involved, became grave and immediately dispatched additional manpower to search towards Black Wind Ridge, while also reporting to the Discipline Hall.

Fu Shaoping returned to his cave late at night. He didn't rest immediately, but sat cross-legged, carefully recalling the battle of the day. The scene of his confrontation with the black-robed man at the eighth level of Qi Refining replayed clearly in his mind.

“The Azure Wood Qi does have a restraining effect on Yin and evil forces, but the difference in cultivation level is a fatal flaw… The combination of ‘Rising Sun’ and the Azure Origin Technique, while novel in its conception, disperses its power. Unless it is used unexpectedly, it is difficult to achieve success…” He calmly analyzed the gains and losses. “The Thousand Flowing Clouds are still useful for close combat, but lack a decisive killing move… The defense relies solely on the Azure Wood Spirit Shield, which is too weak…”

He realized that although he had advanced to the inner sect and mastered a new technique, his methods were still somewhat limited, and he lacked an effective trump card when facing enemies with higher cultivation levels. And the enemies of the Netherworld Sect were clearly not always weaker than him.

"We must improve our cultivation level as soon as possible and integrate our existing methods to form a stronger combat force."

In the days that followed, Fu Shaoping's life became more structured and fulfilling. During the day, he patrolled with Team C, their patrol area no longer limited to Black Wind Ridge, but rotating to various areas surrounding the sect. During the patrols, he no longer passively followed, but actively used his divine sense to perceive the environment, seeking advice from Zhou Meng and other veteran members on techniques for tracking, reconnaissance, and dealing with various emergencies. His caution, keenness, and rapid learning ability gradually earned him the trust of the entire Team C.

In his spare time, he devoted all his time to cultivation. With the aid of large doses of Qi Condensation Pills and the Spirit Gathering Array in his inner sect cave, his cultivation steadily improved, making solid progress towards the sixth level of Qi Refining. At the same time, he persevered in his arduous training:
He cultivated the "Yi Wood Azure Origin Technique" to a higher level, making the Yi Wood Azure Qi more refined. The thickness and toughness of the Azure Wood Spirit Shield he condensed were significantly enhanced, and it could even initially conjure a few azure vines to entangle and interfere.

The cultivation of the "Three Forms of Sunset Glow" was of paramount importance. He was no longer satisfied with simply performing the "Rising Sun Glow" or practicing the "Thousands of Flowing Clouds" breathing techniques alone, but began to try to combine the two. He practiced his sword under the waterfall outside the cave, enduring the impact of the water flow to hone the stability of his sword moves; he moved through the bamboo forest, maneuvering within a small space to improve the variability and precision of "Thousands of Flowing Clouds".

He failed time and time again, and was exhausted time and time again, but he never tired of it. Gradually, the cyan color representing the vitality of Yi Wood in his sword light became more and more obvious. Sometimes it burst forth like the morning glow for a moment, and then it turned into continuous and dense changes like flowing clouds. Although it was far from being perfectly integrated, it had already taken shape and its power far exceeded that of a single sword move.

That day, Fu Shaoping was browsing the mission hall, hoping to find a suitable mission to practice on with decent pay, and to earn some contribution points along the way. His gaze swept over the mission columns and suddenly stopped on a Class C superior mission.

[Mission: Eliminate the miasma-infested demonic toads of the Blackwater Swamp]

Location: Blackwater Marsh, southeast of the sect

[Description: Recently, demonic toads have been gathering, spewing poisonous miasma, threatening passing cultivators and surrounding villages. A second-tier (equivalent to early Foundation Establishment) demonic toad leader is suspected to have appeared.]

[Requirement: Exterminate the horde of demonic toads and obtain the poison sac of the demonic toad leader.]

[Recommendation: Disciples in the late Qi Refining stage should travel in teams and bring antidote pills.]

[Reward: 300 contribution points, 50 low-grade spirit stones.]

Blackwater marshland, miasma, poisonous toads… Fu Shaoping's heart stirred. The *Yi Wood Azure Origin Technique* mentions that the Qi of Yi Wood has miraculous effects on detoxification and healing, and perhaps this mission could be a good opportunity to test it. Moreover, fighting against demonic beasts equivalent to the early Foundation Establishment stage, although it involves a group and is extremely risky, is also an excellent opportunity to hone practical combat skills and push one's potential.

He's currently at the peak of the fifth level of Qi Refining, just one step away from the sixth, and his skills are much more diverse than when he first entered the inner sect. Perhaps... he could give it a try?
Just as he was weighing the pros and cons, a somewhat familiar voice sounded beside him: "Junior Brother Fu is also interested in this mission?"

Fu Shaoping turned his head and saw Zhao Gan. After some time apart, Zhao Gan's aura had become much more solid, seemingly approaching the sixth level of Qi Refining. A complex smile played on his face, his former arrogance gone.

"Senior Brother Zhao," Fu Shaoping said, bowing.

Zhao Gan glanced at the quest log and said, "This quest is no easy task. The Blackwater Marsh has a harsh environment, the demon toads are highly poisonous, and there's even a second-tier leader. I originally wanted to find a few familiar fellow disciples to team up with... If Junior Brother Fu is interested, why don't we go together? We can look out for each other."

Fu Shaoping was slightly surprised that Zhao Gan would take the initiative to invite him. It seemed that the great changes in the sect and his own experiences had indeed changed this man quite a bit. After a moment's thought, considering the risks of the mission, he decided that forming a team would be more prudent, so he nodded and said, "If Senior Brother Zhao does not mind, I am willing to go."

"Great!" Zhao Gan's face lit up with joy. "I'll go find two more senior brothers at the seventh level of Qi Refining, and we'll set off in three days. How does that sound?"

"can."

Three days later, at the edge of the Blackwater Marsh.

The group of four had assembled. Besides Fu Shaoping and Zhao Gan, there were two inner disciples at the seventh level of Qi Refining: one named Sun Hao, who was burly and skilled in earth-based defensive techniques; and the other named Chen Lin, a female cultivator who was meticulous and proficient in water arrow techniques and simple healing spells.

After the four got to know each other, they cautiously stepped into the Blackwater Swamp. The swamp was muddy, filled with miasma, and the air was thick with a putrid stench and a faint, sweet, fishy smell—the scent of the demonic toad's poisonous miasma. Their vision was obstructed, and their spiritual senses were also somewhat affected.

Fu Shaoping silently activated the Yi Mu Qing Yuan Technique, and a faint azure halo enveloped his body, quietly dissolving the invading poisonous miasma. Sun Hao and Chen Lin nodded in approval, thinking to themselves that this new disciple was indeed quite skilled.

They hadn't gone far when they encountered several scattered attacks from first-tier demonic toads. These toads were enormous, with thick skin and flesh, and they spewed venom, but they were quickly eliminated with the help of the four of them.

As they ventured deeper, the number of demonic toads increased, and their venom became more potent. Some even mutated toads appeared, capable of lurking in the mud and launching sudden attacks. (End of Chapter)