Projection of the Heavens: I prove my immortality through slaughter.

In the battle against the Lava Fire Python, Lin Xuan narrowly won by touching the threshold of "Starfall," but he also paid a considerable price. The scorching and violent demonic power of the Foundation Establishment stage demon beast's dying counterattack invaded his meridians, like a bone-deep sore, extremely difficult to dispel. His internal organs were shaken, and his spiritual power was almost exhausted, causing his condition to plummet to its lowest point.

He forced himself to find a deep underground cave that was completely covered by vines. The entrance was only wide enough for one person to pass through, but the inside was surprisingly spacious and dry.

To be on the safe side, he set up a triple warning barrier at the cave entrance and key points inside the cave—the outermost layer was a simple spiritual energy disturbance, the middle layer was a divine sense warning, and the innermost layer was connected to a small-area explosion talisman to ensure that nothing went wrong.

Once the setup was complete, he finally breathed a sigh of relief, sat cross-legged, and took out a healing pill. As the pill dissolved, its gentle medicinal power began to nourish his damaged meridians and internal organs. At the same time, he circulated the "Star River Qi Refining Technique," carefully guiding the power of the stars in the heavens, like the most patient craftsman, slowly washing away and erasing the remaining foreign demonic power within his body.

The process was slow and painful; the demonic power was stubborn, and each expulsion aggravated his injuries. In the cave, there was no sun or moon; only his even breathing and the faint starlight around him indicated the passage of time. Sweat soaked his green robe, only to evaporate under his body heat, repeating this cycle over and over.

It took seven days and seven nights before he finally coughed up a mouthful of foul-smelling blood. His face turned from pale to rosy, the last trace of the strange demonic power in his body was completely eliminated, his injuries were fully healed, and his condition not only returned to its peak, but his meridians also benefited from the misfortune, seemingly becoming wider and more resilient in the confrontation between the power of the stars and the demonic power.

After emerging from seclusion, Lin Xuan did not rush to continue his aimless exploration. The Lava Fire Python's demon core was incredibly hot and powerful, making it a top-tier material for crafting fire-attribute magical artifacts; the three Vermilion Fruit Grasses were also extremely valuable. However, these external resources were not his most pressing needs at the moment.

He knew all too well that in this perilous Blood Refining Secret Realm, especially in the upcoming battle for the core area, cultivation was the most crucial element! Only with greater strength could he gain the absolute initiative, and even... control the entire situation, when facing formidable rivals like Leng Feng and Liu Bai, and when vying for the possible "Earth Vein Spirit Milk"!

He calmed his mind and carefully recalled all the records about the Blood Refining Secret Realm in the sect's jade slip. He focused on one piece of information—in the core area of ​​the secret realm, there was a special zone formed by the impact of an ancient meteorite, where a strange spiritual plant called "Star Grass" grew.

This herb doesn't directly provide a large amount of spiritual power like ordinary elixirs. Its true wonder lies in its ability to greatly enhance a cultivator's sensitivity to and absorption of the power of the stars! For cultivators who practice stellar attribute techniques, this is undoubtedly a supreme elixir tailor-made for them, and its value even surpasses many pills that can directly improve cultivation!

"If I can find the Star Grass, combined with the rich spiritual energy of this world that far surpasses that of the outside world, and the wonders of the Star River Qi Refining Technique, my cultivation will surely advance by leaps and bounds, and I might even break through the bottleneck of the late stage of Qi Refining in one fell swoop!" Lin Xuan's eyes were burning with determination as he made up his mind.

He no longer lingered in the outer areas, no longer coveting the ordinary spiritual herbs. With his powerful divine sense, comparable to that of the early Foundation Establishment stage, he possessed a detailed map of the battlefield, allowing him to avoid the territories of powerful demonic beasts and the chaotic battles between cultivators. His figure moved like smoke, stealthily heading straight towards the core area of ​​the secret realm.

The deeper one ventures into the core area, the thicker the spiritual energy in the air becomes, almost solidifying, but along with it comes an even more dangerous aura.

The demonic beasts he encountered were at least at the ninth level of Qi Refining, and some were even at their peak. Occasionally, he would sense the aura of a Foundation Establishment demonic beast from afar, which was as deep as an abyss, making Lin Xuan feel apprehensive and causing him to detour even further away.

The number of cultivators has also increased significantly, and the battles have become more intense and brutal. Often, it is a matter of life and death for a slightly better spiritual herb.

Lin Xuan clearly sensed Leng Feng's pure and sharp sword intent soaring into the sky several times, and also caught Liu Bai's unpredictable and bewitching magical fluctuations. Clearly, these top disciples of the outer sect had a clear goal and were also making their way towards the core area with all their might.

Along the way, relying on his superior divine sense, he acted like a detached observer, or like the most cunning hunter, avoiding several unnecessary conflicts. He also managed to collect several medicinal herbs of considerable age to fill his storage bag.

Three days later, after crossing a swamp filled with poisonous miasma, the scene before them suddenly changed.

This place seems to be a forgotten fragment of a star field, the land is scarred and covered with meteorite craters of all sizes and depths, the largest of which is over a hundred feet in diameter and bottomless.

The air was no longer filled with the stench of blood and wildness, but with a pure, vast, and cold aura of stars, completely out of place in the other areas of the secret realm.

Especially when night falls (the secret realm also has a day-night cycle, but it is slightly blurry), the night sky here appears exceptionally clear and deep, with countless stars seemingly within reach, and the starlight sprinkled down is several times more intense than in other places, even condensing into faint, shimmering dewdrops in the craters on the ground.

"This is it! The Meteorite Scar!" Lin Xuan was overjoyed. His powerful divine sense swept across the strange area like mercury, not missing a single energy fluctuation.

Persistence pays off. Finally, at the bottom of a small meteorite crater, located in a shady place and only a few meters in diameter, he discovered a small patch of strange grass growing close to the crater wall.

They were no more than three inches tall, their entire bodies a deep, azure blue. Their leaves were not of ordinary shape, but rather like miniature starlight, with clearly defined veins, as if carved from the purest sapphire. The surface of the leaves was naturally covered with specks of light, like real stars, which flickered slightly with each breath. A gentle breeze blew, and the blades of grass swayed, creating subtle, wind-chime-like ripples of starlight.

It is indeed Star Grass! And there are five of them! Judging from their shape and the star power they contain, they are at least three hundred years old!

Even with Lin Xuan's resolute Dao heart, he couldn't help but catch his breath, and his eyes burst with barely suppressed joy. But he immediately suppressed his excitement, his figure blending into the shadows, silently concealing himself behind a huge meteorite with molten traces, his aura perfectly integrated with the surrounding environment.

Almost the instant he concealed himself, a whooshing sound came from the other side, and two figures simultaneously discovered the Star Grass, their faces instantly filled with ecstasy and greed.

"Star Grass! Hahaha, my luck is finally on my side!" A tall, thin disciple sped up even faster.

"Bullshit! Everyone gets a share!" Another short, stocky disciple roared, trying to keep up.

Like hungry wolves pouncing on their prey, the two rushed toward the small meteorite crater, each afraid of being a step too slow. Clearly, they both understood the value of the Star Grass.

"Get out of my way! This is mine!"

"You're asking for it! Take this!"

Faced with self-interest, the bonds of brotherhood crumbled like cicada wings. The two instantly clashed at the edge of the pit. The tall, thin disciple wielded a curved blade, its light gleaming like the moon, while the short, stocky disciple brandished a pair of dark steel claws, their claws whistling fiercely. The clash of magical light and the sounds of weapons striking each other were deafening, and the shockwaves from the collision of spiritual energy continuously kicked up the surrounding rubble and dust.

Like the most patient hunter, Lin Xuan observed coldly from behind the boulder, his divine sense discerning every movement, the flow of spiritual energy, and even the changes in their emotions. He was waiting, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

Both disciples were at the eighth level of Qi Refining, their strengths roughly equal, and they fought fiercely, quickly both sustaining injuries. The tall, thin disciple's arm was torn open by the steel claws, bleeding profusely; the short, stocky disciple was struck in the thigh by the blade's energy, immediately hindering his movement. Finally, the tall, thin disciple spotted an opening, his blade flashing unpredictably, breaking through the steel claws' defense and striking the short, stocky disciple squarely in the chest!

"puff!"

The short, stocky disciple screamed as a deep, bone-revealing wound appeared on his chest, gushing blood. He staggered a few steps, his eyes quickly losing their light, and he collapsed heavily to the ground.

The tall, thin disciple also paid the price. His forced change of move caused a backlash of spiritual energy, his face turned pale, and a trace of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth. But looking at his fallen opponent and the Star Grass that was within reach, a victor's savage smile appeared on his face. He panted and reached out to grab the few azure grasses.

Just as his fingertips were about to touch the leaves of the Star Grass—

A silver fingertip beam, condensed to its utmost perfection and without the slightest leakage of energy, seemed to emerge from nothingness, moving faster than thought, and silently disappeared into the back of his head.

The tall, thin disciple's sinister smile froze instantly, transforming into utter bewilderment and terror. His outstretched hand froze in mid-air, and then his body went limp, collapsing to the ground with a thud, lifeless.

Lin Xuan's figure then emerged from behind the boulder like a ghost, his steps unhurried. Without even glancing at the two still-warm corpses, he swiftly and skillfully dug out the five Star Grasses along with some starlight soil around their roots, placed them in a specially made jade box, sealed it, and stored it in his storage bag. The entire process was fluid and without the slightest hesitation.

Having done all this, he didn't linger. With a flash, he disappeared into the crater area as if he had never existed.

They found a new crevice deep inside the mountain, concealed by natural barriers, and set up an even more stringent restriction.

Lin Xuan sat cross-legged, adjusting his breathing until his mind was completely calm, like a still well. He carefully took out a jade box, opened it, and inside lay a Star Grass, radiating an alluring azure starlight.

He picked it up, and instead of the texture of grass and wood, it felt warm and smooth like jade, with a touch of coolness. The starlight on the blades of grass seemed to come alive, flowing down his arm and conveying a sense of intimacy and a desire to merge with it.

Without hesitation, Lin Xuan put the Star Grass into his mouth.

The spiritual herb requires no chewing; the moment it enters the mouth, it transforms into a cool, sweet, yet strangely warm elixir that flows down the throat and instantly into every part of the body.

But an even stranger feeling followed—he felt as if his soul was being gently lifted up by some force, establishing an incredibly clear and intimate bridge with the myriad stars in the night sky!

Previously, the power of the stars in the universe, which required deliberate practice and focused concentration to slowly activate, was now converging on him at an unprecedented speed, as if summoned by a king! It pierced through thick mountain rocks, ignored all obstacles, and joyfully surged into his body!

The swirling star within his dantian, which had been slowly rotating, suddenly accelerated and expanded wildly, as if injected with boundless power! The cultivation barrier of the seventh level of Qi Refining crumbled instantly before this vast and pure stellar power, like ice and snow under the sun, failing to form even the slightest resistance!

Qi Refining Level 8!

It's a matter of course!

And this is just the beginning!

The medicinal power of the Star Grass continued to work, acting like a powerful fuse, constantly attracting and gathering more stellar energy. Combined with the already incredibly dense spiritual energy of the core area of ​​the secret realm, it was like all rivers flowing into the sea, greedily absorbed and refined by him, transforming it into pure stellar spiritual power through the "Star River Qi Refining Technique"!

His cultivation level was rising at a speed visible to the naked eye and with unprecedented efficiency!

Qi Refining Level 8: Early Stage, Mid Stage, Late Stage, Peak Stage...

When the medicinal power of the first Star Grass was about to be exhausted and the speed of cultivation growth slowed down slightly, Lin Xuan did not hesitate and immediately took the second one!

An even more powerful and pure stellar power erupted, like a second tsunami, once again propelling his cultivation level upwards!

"boom!"

A roar that only he could hear seemed to come from his sea of ​​consciousness. His dantian expanded again, the size of the star vortex increased dramatically, and the speed of rotation was faster. The stellar spiritual power within it became more condensed and pure, and its color changed from bright silver to a deeper star blue, as if it had turned into a liquid galaxy, flowing endlessly in his dantian and emitting a faint sound of tides!

Qi Refining Level Nine!

A powerful sense of strength surged through his body, but his will remained steadfast, and he did not become intoxicated by it. Feeling the still-surging medicinal power within him and the continuous influx of stellar energy, he knew that this was far from his limit!

He calmed himself down and continued to consume the third and fourth Star Grass!

His body seemed to have become a bottomless pit, or a star furnace being frantically poured into, greedily and efficiently devouring all energy.

The meridians are passively expanded and tempered by repeated violent energy surges, becoming increasingly resilient and wide, faintly gleaming with the luster of stars.

Under the cleansing power of the most primordial stars, impurities were further expelled from the body, bones became more lustrous, and blood and qi were like mercury syrup, shimmering with a faint precious light.

Even his already powerful divine sense was passively tempered and nourished under this state of rapid enhancement and extreme energy abundance. Although its coverage area did not expand significantly, its perception became more acute and refined.

When the medicinal power of the fourth Star Grass was completely absorbed and refined, his cultivation level had firmly reached the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining! He was only one step away from the Great Perfection realm!

At this moment, within his dantian, the swirling star had grown so vast that it occupied more than 80% of the entire dantian space. As it slowly rotated, it exuded a boundless, ancient, and majestic aura! His sea of ​​qi was spinning like a real galaxy, with spiritual energy surging and roaring. Compared to when he was at the seventh level of Qi Refining, its total amount and purity had increased more than tenfold! This was a qualitative leap!

He felt his body brimming with boundless power. With a slight thought, his spiritual energy moved as easily as his own arms, as if he could shatter mountains with a single punch or pierce through the void with a single finger! The "Star Finger" technique, which previously required his full strength, was now at his fingertips, and its power was even greater than before.

"Just one step away!"

A resolute glint flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. Without any hesitation, he took out the last Star Grass, which also had the most concentrated starlight, and swallowed it!

The release of this last medicinal power was like the last straw that broke the camel's back, or like a spark that ignited a prairie fire! It brought not only immense stellar power, but also a sense of perfection, an opportunity to completely connect and integrate the powers of the previous four medicinal herbs!

"Buzz—!"

The swirling star within his dantian, which had already reached its limit and was trembling slightly, suddenly compressed itself to the extreme. All the spiritual power was compressed to near solidity at this moment, and then it exploded, completing its final essential transformation!

The star vortex appears to have shrunk in size since its peak, but its rotation has become more stable and slower, with a weighty texture and a flawless structure, like the most harmonious creation in the universe.

The starlight it emitted was no longer dazzling, but restrained and profound, as if containing endless mysteries. The spiritual energy completely transformed into a viscous, star-shimmering liquid, as solid and heavy as mercury, flowing with an overwhelming and irresistible power.

Qi Refining Level Nine, Great Perfection!

Only one step away from Foundation Establishment!

The spiritual energy within his body had already accumulated to the limit of the Qi Refining stage, and there was no way to advance further!

Lin Xuan slowly opened his eyes. The piercing light in his eyes was gone, replaced by a deep, unfathomable calm, as if containing the entire starry sky. With each opening and closing of his eyes, only a faint starlight flowed. The entire narrow crack in the mountain seemed to brighten for a moment when he opened his eyes, before returning to its original state.

He gently clenched his fist, feeling the surging, condensed, and perfectly harmonious stellar spiritual power within his body. A sense of "perfection," "power," and "control" welled up within him. At this moment, his consciousness, spiritual power, and physical body had all reached the pinnacle of the Qi Refining stage and were perfectly integrated.

Now, if he were to face that lava fire python again, he wouldn't need to fight hard, or even use a killing move that touches the edge of "Starfall". A perfect "Star Finger" would be enough to accurately break through its defense and kill it instantly!

Even when facing top outer sect disciples like Leng Feng and Liu Bai, he was absolutely confident that he could end the battle within a few moves!

"It's time to meet those 'old friends' and the legendary 'Earth Vein Spirit Milk'."

Lin Xuan stood up, completely concealing all his aura, as if returning to his original state, looking no different from an ordinary person who had never cultivated. He took a step forward, and his figure disappeared beyond the crack like a wisp of smoke, leaving no trace.

Having reached the pinnacle of his cultivation, the path ahead was now clear. This Blood Refining Secret Realm held no more secrets or obstacles for him.