Starting as a Talisman Master

Currently reading: Chapter 93 Late Stage of Breaking Through the Realm, Divine Sense Transformation (Fifth Update), latest chapters available here.

Spring goes and autumn comes, and the seasons change.

In the blink of an eye, more than half a year had passed quietly in this secluded cave halfway up the mountain in Taiqing Immortal City.

In the spirit field in the backyard of the cave, the Concentration Fruit and the Earth Vein Ginseng, which were originally only withered and broken roots, have long been revitalized and fully ripened under Lu Chi's daily watering and catalysis.

In the quiet room, Lu Chi sat cross-legged on a futon, his body enveloped in a layer of dark, deep blue water.

For the past six months, he has kept a low profile and almost completely cut off all contact with the outside world.

With the help of the [Immaculate] and [Azure Law] talents, he not only refined all the essence fed back by the two great medicines, but also devoured the waste pills that he had bought in large quantities at low prices in this immortal city like ordinary candy.

Those mottled poisons that would have caused ordinary cultivators to have blocked meridians and go into qi deviation were instantly stripped away and eliminated once they entered his pure and flawless body, leaving only the purest spiritual energy, which continuously flowed into his limbs and bones.

On this day, inside the quiet room, the dark and deep blue water ripples around Lu Chi suddenly receded inward.

As if by natural order, the invisible barrier between the mid and late stages of Qi Refining quietly dissolved under the daily erosion and permeation of the profound water magic power, as deep as the abyss.

Qi Refining Level 7.

As the saying goes, "When water is full, it overflows," and after a period of dormancy and accumulation, he finally truly entered the late stage of Qi Refining.

Lu Chi did not immediately stop practicing, but instead guided the violent magical power within his body to circulate through his eight extraordinary meridians for several cycles.

He could clearly feel that the magical energy vortex in his dantian had increased several times compared to when he was at the sixth level, and the originally dark blue Xuan Shui magical energy had become viscous and heavy, almost like a physical substance.

If one were to use the "Golden Light Leaf-Cutting Finger" or activate the "Mysterious Abyss" flying sword at this moment, its power would be far beyond what it was before.

The most significant and alarming change was not his physical body or magical power, but the nascent form of his divine consciousness in his Niwan Palace.

As his cultivation level advanced to the late stage of Qi Refining, the nascent form of divine consciousness that had been lingering deep within his sea of ​​consciousness, which had been somewhat hazy and turbid, suddenly expanded outwards like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.

Its texture became increasingly refined and clear, as if it had transformed from a wisp of mist into an invisible tentacle.

With a slight thought, Lu Chi's consciousness instantly left his body.

Ten zhang, thirty zhang, fifty zhang... until it spread to more than a hundred zhang, the control of that divine sense gradually reached its limit.

Within this hundred-foot radius, even with his eyes closed, the subtle rhythms of the surrounding spiritual energy, the rising and falling dust in the air, and even the slow growth of the second-tier purple thunder bamboo roots deep in the soil of the backyard, all appeared vividly and dynamically in his mind.

Lu Chi slowly opened his eyes, a gleam of brilliant light flashing in them.

However, he had no intention of leaving the pass.

Over the next two months, Lu Chi continued his arduous cultivation. In addition to accelerating the ripening of the remaining second-tier spirit seeds to stabilize his realm, he also focused his attention on the earth fire chamber that came with his cave.

The cave dwellings in Taiqing Immortal City are not only rich in spiritual energy, but the quality of the earth fire and the control of the formations are also far superior to those in Qingque Mountain Market.

With the help of the weapon-forging experience provided by the [Weapon Tomb], and the large amount of spiritual materials he bought with his abundant spirit stones, he began to try to forge magical artifacts day and night.

Accompanied by the daily clanging of iron in the fire chamber, the heavy magic hammer was swung again and again, and the fire essence was used to quench impurities.

He not only successfully forged more than a dozen high-quality mid-grade magic weapons to exchange for spirit stones, but his own physical cultivation realm also underwent a natural transformation under this extreme pressure and the constant nourishment of second-tier spiritual plants.

"Buzz".

With the final hammer blow, a mid-grade magic weapon, a flying shield, took shape. Lu Chi casually tossed it aside and stood up.

He didn't use any magic power; he simply clenched his fist, and a series of cracking sounds like popping beans emanated from his knuckles.

Five layers of body tempering.

Lu Chi slowly closed his eyes, carefully experiencing the changes deep within his body.

The "Azure Vein Jade Bone Technique" is divided into three parts. Now that he has reached the fifth level of body tempering, it means that he has not only perfected the first part, "Iron Flesh," making his skin and flesh exceptionally tough and difficult to injure by ordinary weapons, but he has also officially entered the second part, "Azure Vein."

At this moment, the tendons and veins in his body were strong and long, like old vines with intertwined roots, or like a coiled dragon lying in wait.

The vital energy hidden deep within the flesh and blood also becomes increasingly powerful.

With just a thought, it can suddenly surge through the limbs and bones, bringing an extremely astonishing explosive force.

Lu Chi had a vague sense of understanding.

If he were to encounter a Qi Refining Stage 7 cultivator like Ge Jiuzhang again at this moment, even without using top-grade talismans and divine sense techniques, he would be confident that he could kill the opponent in close combat with his physique that has reached the "Blue Vein" realm and the advantage of the "Mysterious Abyss" flying sword.

However, after two months of seclusion, although his progress was rapid, Lu Chi gradually noticed a slight stagnation.

He got up and went to the backyard. Looking at the spirit herbs swaying gently in the wind in the spirit field, he pondered for a moment and immediately understood where the problem lay.

Ultimately, it's because his cultivation level is different now than before.

The dantian capacity and spiritual energy required by the physical body of a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator are far superior to those of a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator.

Even if it were just a low-grade second-tier spiritual plant or an ordinary discarded pill, if he consumed it when he was at the fourth or fifth level of Qi Refining, it would be like a timely rain after a long drought.

However, when applied to someone at the seventh level of Qi Refining and the fifth level of Body Tempering, the efficiency of the improvement is naturally greatly reduced, like a clay ox sinking into the sea, unable to make much of a splash.

"Ordinary resources are no longer enough to fill this body..."

Lu Chi muttered to himself, but he was not discouraged.

Since the resources and medicinal potency at hand are insufficient, then we should go out and purchase more second-tier spirit seeds and top-grade waste pills.

This Taiqing Immortal City is backed by Taiqing Palace, one of the three top sects, and is rich in natural resources and attracts many cultivators.

Second-tier spirit seeds, which are rare and tightly controlled by the three major families in the Qingque Mountain market and are rarely seen, are not considered top-secret possessions in the large shops of this immortal city.

As long as you have enough spirit stones, it's not difficult to buy second-tier spirit seeds and better-quality waste pills.

"Perfect timing. After being in seclusion for more than half a year, it's time to go out and get some fresh air, and see what the winds are blowing in Taiqing Immortal City."

Lu Chi slightly circulated his magical power, dispelled the cave's grand formation, and strode towards the bustling immortal city at the foot of the mountain.

This time, he did not use the "Shadow Transformation Record" to deliberately change his appearance.

He is now at the seventh level of Qi Refining, and has also cultivated body techniques to the fifth level of Body Tempering. In addition, his divine sense has undergone a transformation, so he has gained some confidence in protecting himself in the outer city of Taiqing Immortal City.

Moreover, if we were to find an opportunity to return Senior Yunchen's remains to Taiqing Palace, wearing a false mask of secrecy would be a poor choice and would easily arouse suspicion and investigation from such top-tier sect law enforcement cultivators.

Dressed in a blue robe, with a handsome face, Lu Chi entered the wide lapis lazuli streets of Taiqing Immortal City in his most authentic form, moving at a leisurely pace.

The immortal city remained bustling with activity, its streets shimmering with spiritual light. From the shops lining both sides of the street, the rich aroma of elixirs and the soft chimes of magical artifacts wafted out from time to time.

Lu Chi's purpose for this trip was very clear: to head straight for the "Taiqing Treasure Pavilion," a vast shop in the center of the Immortal City directly operated by the outer gate of the Taiqing Palace. This kind of top-tier shop, backed by a major sect, had an excellent reputation. As long as you provided enough spirit stones, it wouldn't be difficult to buy second-tier spirit seeds or high-tier waste pills.

Upon entering the Treasure Pavilion, one is greeted by a refreshing and invigorating aura. The first-floor hall is extremely spacious, with many independent cultivators coming and going, but they all consciously keep their voices down, not daring to make a loud noise here.

Lu Chi was browsing the spirit plant area on the first floor, selecting a few decent second-tier low-grade water-type spirit plants, when he suddenly heard a series of gentle footsteps coming from the sandalwood staircase leading to the VIP room on the second floor.

The usually arrogant manager of Baibaoge, who possessed the cultivation level of the eighth level of Qi Refining, was now walking ahead with a beaming smile and a slight bow, like a guide.

Behind the shopkeeper, a young cultivator dressed in a moon-white Taoist robe slowly walked down.

The young man had a cold and stern face. He had a long, unsheathed jade sword hanging at his waist. The cuffs and collar of his Taoist robe were embroidered with the unique water and cloud patterns of the inner sect of Taiqing Palace.

What's even more unsettling is the immense spiritual pressure that he exudes unintentionally, resonating subtly with the surrounding spiritual energy.

A Foundation Establishment stage cultivator! And an inner disciple of the Taiqing Palace!

The rogue cultivators who were selecting items in the hall stopped what they were doing upon seeing this scene, and respectfully retreated to the sides, holding their breath and bowing their heads.

"Uncle Song, please wait. I will have someone personally deliver that batch of second-tier Golden Thread Lotus to your inner sect cave early tomorrow morning," the shopkeeper said respectfully.

The young man, addressed as "Uncle-Master Song," remained indifferent, merely nodding slightly: "Thank you for your trouble."

Lu Chi stood at the edge of the crowd, his eyes slightly lowered, a hint of surprise in his heart.

After being separated for more than half a year, the inner disciples of Taiqing Palace unexpectedly met again on this trip.

Seeing that the young cultivator was about to step out of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, he did not hesitate, put down the spiritual seed in his hand, and silently transmitted a wisp of sound into the other's ear:

"I have a matter concerning your sect's inner circle that I dare not reveal. I humbly request that you speak with me privately."

The young man in the moon-robed robe paused almost imperceptibly as he stepped out the door.

He didn't turn around to look, nor did his aura fluctuate in the slightest. Only a clear, calm voice echoed in Lu Chi's mind:

"Come out with me."

After saying that, the young monk went straight into the street outside.

Lu Chi walked out of the shop with a calm expression, following behind the moon-white figure at a leisurely pace.

Once the intense dizziness subsided, the once bustling immortal city and the blue brick and white walls on both sides had all disappeared.

Instead, there was a vast, white void, utterly silent, with not a sound to be heard.

The young man in the moon robe who was originally walking dozens of feet away was now standing less than three feet in front of him with his hands behind his back, looking down at him indifferently.

"A formation? No, that's not right..."

Lu Chi felt a chill run down his spine, and the powerful divine sense in his Niwan Palace, far surpassing that of his peers, instinctively began to circulate.

In an instant, he saw through the illusion and reality of this world.

This is not a formation at all, but a "divine consciousness illusion" constructed in his mind by the opponent forcibly interfering with his five senses with the powerful divine sense of the Foundation Establishment stage.

What gave him a subtle sense of confidence was that, as his transformed divine sense probed the area, he vaguely sensed that the seemingly unbreakable void space was not actually without its boundaries.

He only needs to transform the divine consciousness in his sea of ​​consciousness into a sharp blade and thrust it out fiercely, and he can instantly tear apart this illusion and forcibly break free.

But of course he wouldn't do that.

Lu Chi quickly concealed the clarity in his eyes, deliberately making his breathing more rapid, revealing just the right amount of awe and fear that a Qi Refining cultivator would feel when facing the pressure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Without hesitation, he bowed deeply and respectfully, saying, "Junior Lu Chi greets Senior Taiqing Palace!"

Seeing that Lu Chi could still barely speak clearly under such divine pressure, the young cultivator's eyes flashed with a very faint strange light, but his tone remained as cold as a spring:

"Within the Taiqing Immortal City, if you dare to bother me with trivial matters, your end will be anything but pleasant. Speak, what is it?"

Lu Chi straightened up, solemnly clasped his hands, and said, "I dare not conceal anything from you, senior. In my early years, I accidentally found a meditation cave in a remote and desolate place. The owner of the cave was an inner disciple of your sect."

"This junior originally intended to return the senior's remains and identity tokens to the Taiqing Mountain Gate, but the Taiqing Palace has high and deep thresholds. As a rogue cultivator, I am afraid that I cannot even enter the mountain gate, let alone entrust them to the wrong person."

"Today, I had the honor of witnessing the brilliance of your esteemed inner disciples at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, which is why I dared to follow you here. I hope that you, esteemed elder, will personally welcome the spirits of your clan's sages back to their ancestral home!"

Upon hearing this, the young cultivator's previously indifferent brows furrowed slightly, and the wariness in his eyes lessened, replaced by a scrutinizing look.

"While some of my Taiqing Palace inner disciples have perished while traveling, they are few in number. What was the name of the senior you found?"

Without the slightest hesitation, Lu Chi uttered two words: "Yun Chen".

"Senior Brother Yun Chen?" The young cultivator's voice remained calm as he gave him a deep look, the scrutiny in his eyes gradually turning into solemnity.

He remained silent for a few breaths, then suddenly waved his sleeve.

The vast white void surrounding them receded like a tide, and the clamor of voices and carriages from the immortal city returned to their ears.

"This matter is of utmost importance."

The young cultivator's expression was solemn, his gaze fixed on Lu Chi, and his tone exuded an unquestionable authority.

"Now that you have found Senior Brother Yun Chen's remains and keepsake, come with me back to the Taiqing Palace to see Junior Sister Yun in person. If everything is verified, the sect will naturally reward you handsomely; but if there is even the slightest falsehood..."

He stopped there, but his unspoken meaning was already clear.

Lu Chi lowered his head and obediently replied, "This junior understands, and there is absolutely no falsehood in my words," but a slight thought stirred in his heart.

The "Junior Sister Yun" mentioned by the young cultivator also happens to have the surname Yun.

In the cultivation world, although there are many people with the same surname, in top sects like Taiqing Palace that emphasize inheritance, the most common situation is that they are of the same lineage or that cultivation families stick together.

Recalling the subtle reaction of this senior when he heard the name "Yun Chen," a guess immediately popped into Lu Chi's mind.

Could this Junior Sister Yun be a blood relative of Senior Yun Chen? Or perhaps a descendant of the same clan?