I, who was turned into a woman by the Jade Maiden Master, want to rebel against the Heavenly Gang.

At this moment, Ruan Yan interjected, "It's actually the 'Cloud Ze Immortal Palace'? That's a top-grade formation."

Qin Rufeng quickly asked, "What exactly is so powerful about it? Please enlighten me, Senior Sister Ruan."

Ruan Yan smiled and said, "I dare not accept such praise; I only know a little bit about it."

Qin Rufeng bowed again and said, "Please enlighten me, Senior Sister."

“In that case, I’ll explain.” Ruan Yan seemed to have suddenly gotten into the zone, and slowly paced around as she spoke, “This formation has a water and wood spiritual root, but its source is still water.”

"As the saying goes, water flows downhill, avoiding high places; an army avoids strength and attacks weakness. Water is shaped by the terrain, and an army is shaped by the enemy. Therefore, there are no constant formations in warfare, just as there are no constant shapes in water. One who can adapt to the enemy's changes and achieve victory is called a master strategist."

"The Five Elements have no constant dominance, the Four Seasons have no constant position, the days have varying lengths, and the moon has its waxing and waning..."

"The Cloud Palace Array is based on water. Water gives rise to wood, and wood forms the array. Water can be ever-changing, and wood can be used as soldiers."

Qin Rufeng looked puzzled. "What do you mean simply?"

Ruan Yan smiled and said, "Simply put, you can create a lush, wetland. The terrain can be changed in countless ways as you wish."

"Plants and trees can all be used as weapons. Moreover, water benefits all things. You can incorporate other spiritual elements, such as spirit beasts, spells, and traps, into it."

"For example, wood can produce fire, so you can even implant fire elemental spells into this water-wood formation. You can also place corresponding mischievous spirit beasts in the environment of lakes and forests."

"This is your own world. Born of water and wood, yet it is full of myriad things and ever-changing."

Qin Rufeng was overjoyed upon hearing this, "This is absolutely brilliant. Thank you so much, Senior Sister Ruan, for clearing up my doubts."

At this moment, Nangong Yue asked Qin Rufeng, "So, should we change it or not?"

"Change!" Qin Rufeng answered decisively.

However, Nangong Yue pretended to be troubled and said, "Since it's so good, wouldn't I be losing out?"

Qin Rufeng asked anxiously, "Hey? Why is Senior Sister raising the price on the spot?"

Nangong Yue smiled and said, "What I mean is... we'll have to pay more."

Qin Rufeng: "Do you want spirit stones?"

Nangong Yue stared intently at Qin Rufeng and said, "I want you..."

These words made Ruan Yan, who was standing to the side, smile with delight as if she were shipping the couple, and even Gan Mingyue, who had a serious expression, showed a gossipy look.

Qin Rufeng took a half step back and quickly offered a way out, saying, "What does Senior Sister want me to exchange?"

Nangong Yue said, "I want to draw that talisman."

Qin Rufeng was in a difficult position. "Could we change it to another one?"

"No trade." Nangong Yue was the type who wouldn't let go once she was in the right. Now that she had grasped Qin Rufeng's weakness, she wouldn't give in.

"What? You don't want it? Then forget it."

Qin Rufeng: "I want it."

Nangong Yue: "Then you agree."

Qin Rufeng blushed and said, "I'll only let you draw the talismans."

“Of course,” Nangong Yue said with a smile. “I wouldn’t be too greedy.”

After saying that, she handed the manual of the "Cloud Ze Immortal Palace Formation" to Qin Rufeng. Rufeng also gave her the [Flame Spirit Stone].

Qin Rufeng thought to himself, "This Nangong Yue is quite straightforward. She's easy to get along with... but she's a bit mentally unstable."

Chapter 85 Don't panic, this is very stable.

Qin Rufeng was happily waiting outside the palace, unaware that her master, Liu Bailian, was almost crying inside the Jade Maiden Palace...

At this moment, the aloof fairy was kneeling before Sect Master Shen Yuchen, almost pleading: "Master, this is impossible. Rufeng's cultivation is still shallow, and she has only been in the sect for a short time."

Shen Yuchen kept his eyes half-closed and remained silent...

Liu Bailian remained kneeling, refusing to rise, "Master..."

"Saintess Xuanwu, we are currently in a meeting." Shen Yuchen's voice was gentle, but it contained an undeniable sense of pressure.

Even her most beloved apprentice didn't show her any respect this time.

Liu Bailian immediately changed her words, saying, "Sect Master, please reconsider."

Shen Yuchen frowned and sighed, "Ah, Liu'er..."

She couldn't maintain her serious demeanor and changed her address back to Liu'er, "Rufeng is your disciple. This means she is also a disciple of the Jade Maiden Sect."

"As disciples of the Jade Maiden Sect, we should obey orders. If necessary, it is only natural to die for the sect."

"Liu'er, you should know how good you are to her."

"The elixirs, magical artifacts, and various medicinal herbs and supplements you used are all resources of the sect. The cultivation techniques you passed on to her were also passed on to you by this sect master."

"Ru Feng has received so many benefits from the sect, shouldn't he contribute to the sect?"

Shen Yuchen's words were all reasonable, and Liu Bailian was speechless...

Shen Yuchen continued, "If you had always treated her as a maid, that would have been fine. But you have already taken her as your disciple and guided her onto the path of cultivation."

"The path of cultivation... is fraught with peril, a mountain of knives and a sea of ​​fire, a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood! It's a path where you're almost guaranteed to die!"

"How can you not let her gain experience? Which person who achieves the Great Dao hasn't gone through countless hardships? Some things are unavoidable; she must experience trials to reach her goal."

"How can a carp transform into a dragon if it doesn't leap over the Dragon Gate?"

"Moreover, I'm not just doing this to train Ru Feng. It's because her adaptability at the Qingyun Gathering was the strongest among everyone."

"She wasn't the only one sent on this mission. The other new recruits weren't as experienced as her."

The words spoken were all reasonable. Liu Bailian had no way to refute them.

After Liu Bailian was dismissed, the sect leader sent someone to summon several newcomers from outside the main hall.

After entering the main hall, Qin Rufeng learned that her visit was a mission officially assigned to her by the sect.

Qin Rufeng, Nangong Yue, Ruan Yan, and Gan Mingyue formed a team to search for information about the Xuantian Sect in Lanfeng Mountain in the western part of the South Ring Road.

The Xuantian Sect, though its name sounds respectable, is actually a demonic sect. It was once a major sect in the southern part of the Flowing Cloud Realm.

The various righteous sects in the Southern Ring once joined forces to fight against the alliance of demonic sects, and only by winning the battle did they achieve the current situation.

Some demonic cultivation sects were destroyed, while others scattered. The Xuantian Sect was the most powerful remaining force among the scattered demonic cultivation sects.

Having nowhere to stay in the South Ring Road, they fled to the West Ring Road.

However, traces of the Xuantian Sect were recently discovered in Lanfeng Mountain in the western part of the South Ring Road.

Qin Rufeng and his group's mission was simply to investigate... merely to scout out the situation at Lanfeng Mountain.

The reason for sending a few newcomers was mainly to avoid alerting the enemy. Since the Jade Maiden Sect and the Profound Heaven Sect had fought before, anyone with a bit of experience from the Profound Heaven Sect would likely recognize them.

Even if you've heard of these newcomers, you might not recognize them.

Another point is that it's better to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. If there are any remnants of demonic cultivation, their cultivation level won't be very high. It's perfect for these newcomers to practice on.

Between the South Ring and the West Ring lies a "Void Sea," and to cross it, one's cultivation must at least reach the Golden Core Realm.

Moreover, the so-called "ring" is simply a clockwise flowing force of the Dao. This force is a mixture of spiritual entropy, with extremely uneven concentration. It is unpredictable and elusive.

Entering the West Ring from the South Ring is a natural progression and still requires the Golden Core realm. Going against the flow from the West to the South requires at least the Flowing Cloud realm cultivation.

The name "Flowing Cloud Realm" implies a cultivation level where one can freely traverse the Flowing Cloud Realm.

Back then, all the major righteous sects eradicated evil completely... no, they were determined to eliminate it entirely. Therefore, all the remaining members of the Xuantian Sect with cultivation levels above the Golden Core stage fled across the Void Sea to the Western Ring and disappeared without a trace.

The discovery of traces of the Xuantian Sect in Lanfeng Mountain now should be attributed to the remnants of demonic cultivators whose cultivation level was below the Golden Core Realm and who were unable to escape.

This task is perfectly suited to be assigned to a few newcomers.

In terms of cultivation, Nangong Yue and Gan Mingyue, both at the peak of the late Foundation Establishment stage, were strong enough to deal with the remnants of the demonic cultivators.

In addition, Ruan Yan is calm in the face of adversity and adept at covert operations. Qin Rufeng is quick-witted, resourceful, and highly adaptable.

The four-person team was led by the steady and reliable Gan Mingyue.

Even such a powerful combination was only used to scout out the situation of the demonic cultivators and did not intend to wipe them out.

Therefore, this operation was basically similar to accumulating sect contribution points. Its unwavering stability, if compared to the history of Earth, is like Emperor Yingzong of Ming's northward expedition through Juyong Pass—it was so stable that no accidents were possible.

So apart from Liu Bailian causing a ruckus for a while without regard for her image, everyone else was overjoyed.

After the mission was announced, Nangong Yue was overjoyed, and Gan Mingyue was also eager to get started. Ruan Yan, however, remained calm and composed.

Only Qin Rufeng was a little worried... She had just obtained such good things as the Profound Yin Thunder Technique and the Cloud Marsh Immortal Palace, and was also at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. It was the perfect time for her to cultivate at home. She was unwilling to go out and train at this time.

However, since it was a mission sent down by the sect... and judging from Master's expression it seemed he tried to stop it but failed, then of course he could only accept it calmly.

Due to the tight schedule, Qin Rufeng made some quick preparations before setting off.

That very night, Liu Bailian summoned Qin Rufeng to the Jingxin Pavilion and handed her a precious sword.

This sword is very heavy. The scabbard, made of black metal, accounts for about 70-80% of its weight. The blade appears to be an ice blade.

Liu Bailian said, "Ru Feng, time is of the essence, and there's no time to teach you any more techniques. So I'll give you a magic weapon."

"This sword is named [Azure Moon Hidden Dragon]. The scabbard is made of millennia-old cold iron and a branch of the Jianmu tree. The blade is formed from the scabbard."

"Millennial cold iron can absorb and gather the spiritual energy of heaven and earth on its own. And metal can generate water, so it can produce icy sharp blades."

"And water nourishes wood. Jianmu possesses the power of endless life. It can split an ice blade into sixty-four pieces and endow the blade with the properties of wood."

"Because metal overcomes wood, the cold iron scabbard can enclose the branch of the Jianmu tree and maintain its shape."

"Because water nourishes wood, the Jianmu tree can also be continuously regenerated."

"Because metal generates water, the blade remains sharp and resilient. Even if it is broken, it can regenerate."

"Metal and wood are balanced by water, therefore this sword has the three attributes of metal, wood and water."

Chapter 86 Too many treasures and cultivation techniques (This last part is a nonsensical string of characters and doesn't translate directly.)

Liu Bailian said earnestly, "Ru Feng, among the five elements, you are weaker in earth and wood. And your wood elemental root has no means of attack. If you encounter an opponent with an earth elemental root, it will definitely be troublesome. This magic weapon can solve your immediate problem."

Qin Rufeng quickly thanked him... and stayed with his master that night to cultivate until the next morning.

That night, Qin Rufeng replenished his yin energy and his qi and blood flowed smoothly. Ignoring his fatigue, he returned to his room and began meditating to regulate his breathing.

She felt something was strange; this time, her cultivation had not only yielded primordial yin, but also a large amount of spiritual energy. And it was her master's spiritual energy…

I remember the Jade Cauldron Manual of Joyful Union contains a method called "Gathering Spirit to Replenish Spirit," but it's an incomplete version and can't be practiced. Could it be that Master has filled in the missing part and can even practice it in reverse?

In the afternoon, Yan Qingping came to find Qin Rufeng again... her expression was also full of worry and reluctance.

Qin Rufeng reassured her, "Don't worry, this mission is very simple. It's just about accumulating sect contribution points."

"While I'll be away, please ask Sister Qingping to take good care of Master. Although she has profound cultivation, she is not good at some everyday matters."

"Don't worry, I will definitely serve the Holy One well." Yan Qingping nodded first, then sighed and said, "Actually, I'm more worried about you."

"I should give you something for your long journey. But I am ostracized in the Taihua Sword Sect and I don't have any magical treasures to give you."

"Besides, time is of the essence. Even if I teach you some more complex spells, you won't have time to carefully comprehend them. In that case, I'll teach you the [Sword Control Technique] instead."

Qin Rufeng: "Sword control technique?"

"Sounds simple, doesn't it?" Yan Qingping said with a smile, "but it can make up for one of your weaknesses."

"Oh, which weakness is it?" Qin Rufeng suddenly became interested.

Yan Qingping said, "Ru Feng, you are not good at flying."

"Although you have the Phoenix Wings, they consume too much spiritual energy and are more like a combat movement technique than an ability to stay airborne for long distances and for extended periods."

"Similarly, the Lotus Steps technique creates a foothold and a place to step in the air; it is not a flight technique."

"You also have a jade disc, but its movement speed is too slow. It can only be considered a tool, not a magic weapon."

"Generally speaking, to achieve long-term flight, long-distance travel, and a relatively high speed... you would need a decent magic weapon. Or even a sect-level magic weapon of the flying boat level."

“However, this is not a problem for the Taihua Sword Sect,” Yan Qingping said proudly. “This sword control technique can give any sword the function of a flying magic weapon.”

"It only requires one initiation to make it permanently usable, and it won't affect the sword's inherent attributes. However, it can only be used by the person who initiated the initiation."

"Don't you have a greatsword? That would be perfect."

"Wonderful!" Qin Rufeng exclaimed with delight. "It seems like a simple spell, but it's actually very useful."

Yan Qingping laughed and said, "Then what are you waiting for? Why aren't you taking off your armor?"

Qin Rufeng then revealed her snow-white, smooth shoulders and back...