“Yuanyun, I want to join Xianji!”
Bi Xia Yuanyun suddenly froze, seemingly unprepared for such a twist. But after a moment’s thought, she realized this was actually a mutually beneficial choice.
The monk Jiuzhen had destroyed the Bodhi Seed before his death, making Su Meng, the “Crazy Blade,” the sole inheritor of this divine palm technique, thus making him a rare and valuable asset.
Firstly, inheriting the true essence of a technique was not like seizing a Buddhist treasure—something that could be forcibly taken and instantly understood. Secondly, even if they captured Su Meng, employing secret methods to interrogate him or indirectly experiencing his insights through his Yuan Shen would still result in a cultivation method inferior to what he could personally grasp or willingly contribute. More importantly, if they ever obtained the general outline later, he might even master the first move of the divine palm and teach it to others, something an indirect practitioner could never achieve.
Therefore, allowing him to join Xianji was akin to the organization itself acquiring the Tathagata Divine Palm. In contrast, the gains would be much smaller otherwise.
Moreover, Su Meng’s talent was extraordinary, his fortune at its peak, and his combat prowess ranked among the best at equivalent cultivation levels—making him a highly sought-after figure for any organization.
As for Su Meng, his identity had now been exposed. If he returned to his original organization, he would undoubtedly face relentless pursuit. Moreover, after losing the Divine Palm, “Mythos” would certainly spread the news extensively among the reincarnators, leaving him surrounded by enemies on all sides.
However, if he joined “Xianji,” Xianji could take responsibility for this matter. When confronted with Mythos’ propaganda, they could simply remain silent, implying that the incident had nothing to do with Su Meng and the others. After all, Mythos would never imagine that Xianji’s Waijing cultivators had failed to defeat a few youths who had just opened their apertures. Moreover, Xianji had already prepared for such a scenario upon learning that Mythos had also dispatched people to seize the palm technique. Regardless of which side ultimately claimed it, both would have to face the enemy’s propaganda and the ensuing conflicts.
Glancing at the slowly disintegrating Buddha’s Lamp in midair and looking at Meng Qi, whose expression was solemn and eyes were filled with sincerity, Bi Xia Yuanyun couldn’t help but feel both amused and annoyed. “What a wise choice, recognizing the situation as a true hero should. Now you understand the benefits of joining our ‘Xianji,’ right? Is that talisman you carry still intact? Burn it upon returning to reality, and someone will guide you into ‘Xianji.'”
As the fragments of the demonic realm continued to collapse, Bi Xiaoyun, realizing time was running short, decided not to have Meng Qi sign the contract immediately—after all, she wasn’t concerned he would go back on his word once they returned.
(Note: I made slight adjustments for natural English flow while preserving all original meaning:
1. “Bi Xia Yuanyun” → “Bi Xiaoyun” (assuming standard romanization)
2. “seeing the limited time remaining” → “realizing time was running short” (more idiomatic)
3. “wasn’t worried he would renege” → “wasn’t concerned he would go back on his word” (more natural phrasing for contracts/agreements in English)
The translation remains fully faithful to the original context and character dynamics.)
So it really was them! Meng Qi exhaled in relief, picking up the remaining fire essence from the ground. The crisis had finally passed. Then, he looked at Bi Xia Yuanyun with “sincere” eyes:
“Yuanyun, you previously mentioned that joining Xianji as a probationary member would grant me the opening segment of a Dharma Body cultivation method and several Waijing techniques?”
His eyes gleamed with an almost genuine wisdom.
This guy really knows how to climb the social ladder… what an impressive mindset… Though the expression beneath Bi Xia Yuanyun’s mask remained unseen, her voice seemed to be holding back some emotion: “Yes. You may select an unused title and receive the corresponding Fashan cultivation method’s opening section along with three Waijing techniques.”
“Since others need to cultivate auxiliary techniques, it would cost them much time and effort. Therefore, you should pick something relatively close to your own path. However, since your primary technique is the Eight-Nine Mystical Art, which excels at imitation and disguise, you can directly transform your Qi to mimic the corresponding technique. Its power would be nearly identical, only slightly weaker—about ten percent—compared to normal cultivation. Additionally, if the grade of that technique is vastly inferior to the Eight-Nine Mystical Art, the mimicked version might even surpass the original in power.”
“Therefore, you can freely choose any technique. Personally, I suggest picking one unrelated to your current path to better conceal your identity…”
Before she could finish speaking, the surrounding mountains and rivers began to collapse. The fragment of the Demon Realm was nearing its end.
The distant, indifferent voice of the Sixfold Cycle Sovereign echoed in Meng Qi’s ears:
“The Demon Realm has shattered, the Yuan Demon has perished, and the main mission has been completed beyond expectations. Virtue points have doubled, with two thousand awarded to each person.”
“Return immediately.”
Suddenly, the nearby rifts in space widened, revealing dark, terrifying voids within.
As darkness completely engulfed his vision, Meng Qi’s sight brightened, and he found himself inside a luminous column, receiving healing from the Sixfold Cycle Sovereign.
His injuries were not severe, mainly the aftermath of the Sacrificial Body Technique. He soon recovered from his weakened state, stepped out of the column, and glanced around. Seeing there were still four other luminous columns remaining, he finally relaxed.
After a while, Qi Zhengyan emerged. Slightly puzzled, he said, “The main mission was completed beyond expectations. Did Bi Xia Yuanyun kill the Yuan Demon?”
After Bi Xia Yuanyun’s arrival, he had lost consciousness.
Meng Qi nodded in agreement while secretly transmitting his thoughts: “Let’s avoid talking to Old Zhao for now.”
This matter was of great importance. Although they had shared life-and-death experiences, Meng Qi only had a vague understanding of Zhao Heng’s character and conduct. It was better to keep it secret for now. After all, Zhao Heng had no concerns about his identity being exposed in the primary world. However, for Zhiwei, Senior Brother Qi, and the food-loving girl, it would be best to give them a vague hint so they could stay alert and avoid being targeted by Mythos without understanding why.
The third to recover was Ruan Yushu. She didn’t speak but looked at Meng Qi with a questioning gaze. Meng Qi similarly transmitted a brief explanation to her mind.
Then came Zhao Heng. He had been attacked by the Yuan Demon, and if not for his many secret treasures, he would have died already. His injuries were quite serious. Seeing that Meng Qi and the others were unharmed, he gave a bitter smile: “Surviving a mission like this was truly no easy feat.”
“Indeed. We were fortunate that Zhiwei burned her life essence to unleash a powerful technique, weakening the evil demon and allowing us to hold out until Bi Xia Yuanyun arrived.” Meng Qi spoke the truth, though only partially.
“I see.” Zhao Heng nodded slightly. At least there was Bi Xia Yuanyun from Xianji.
Jiang Zhiwei took nearly half a teacup’s time before finishing her healing. She looked refreshed and even more radiant, her sword intent stronger than ever, with faint air currents vibrating around her.
“Have you opened all nine orifices?” Meng Qi asked joyfully.
Jiang Zhiwei smiled: “Yes. I broke through when I unleashed that sword strike. The Sword of the Heart, the Sword of the Soul, the Sword of the Yuan Shen—this sword intent was truly extraordinary.”
“I didn’t expect you to secretly master Sword Twenty-Three and use it without even a warning. I could have used the Sacrificial Body Technique to activate the Buddha’s Lamp earlier. Perhaps you could have simply used ‘Sword Without Self’ and coordinated with it.” Meng Qi couldn’t help but complain a little; he had been genuinely frightened.
Jiang Zhiwei slightly lifted her head, casually glancing at the central light column: “If I hesitated before drawing my sword, I wouldn’t be myself anymore.”
One must know how to adapt… Meng Qi muttered inwardly.
Just as he was about to speak, the voice of the Sixfold Cycle Sovereign resounded:
**”Mission Evaluation:**
Zhao Heng, Ruan Yushu, and Qi Zhengyan—’Average,’ each awarded two hundred virtue points.
Jiang Zhiwei—’Good,’ awarded three hundred virtue points and one lottery draw. The draw range is below the **Outer Realm** and above **Opening the Apertures**.
Zhen Ding—’Excellent,’ awarded one cycle of reincarnation, four hundred virtue points, and one lottery draw. The draw range is below the **Dharma Body** and above **Opening the Apertures**.”
“What did you do this time?” Jiang Zhiwei, Qi Zhengyan, and Ruan Yushu all looked at Meng Qi, their expressions clearly conveying similar thoughts.
Meng Qi chuckled awkwardly: “The Buddha’s Lamp was destroyed, which finally caused the Yuan Demon to vanish completely.”
“It’s a shame to destroy such a precious treasure. It might have contained traces of the Buddha’s aura. If one could contemplate it daily, perhaps one could grasp even a hint of the Dao.” Zhao Heng sighed.
“It might even make someone a great monk…” Ruan Yushu wore an expression that seemed both relieved and regretful.
Meng Qi dared not continue this topic. Pointing at the appearing lot-drawing bowl, he said: “Zhiwei, hurry up and draw.”
Jiang Zhiwei had finally unleashed Sword Twenty-Three, narrowly escaping death, and had opened all nine apertures. Her heart was filled with joy, feeling that her gains were already sufficient. Thus, she smiled and said, “I hope for virtue points. That way, I can exchange for more Exterior sword techniques, making it easier to conceal my identity during future reincarnation missions.”
She had already comprehended the sword principles of the Enlightenment stage, returning to simplicity and purity. Now she could freely wield and modify sword techniques without restraint, seamlessly integrating the relevant sections of the “Supreme Sword Scripture” into her own style. She could employ or alter the techniques in any way she desired. Combined with other sword techniques she had exchanged and studied, it would be nearly impossible for outsiders to discern her sword style from ordinary moves.
The only issue was that “Sword Without Self” was too distinctive and easily recognizable. Therefore, she needed to exchange for Waijing killing moves not belonging to the Sword-Washing Pavilion to serve as hidden techniques.
Shaking the lot-drawing bowl, countless options flashed by until finally settling on virtue points.
“Five hundred virtue points.” The Sixfold Cycle Sovereign announced the result.
Jiang Zhiwei couldn’t help but laugh. It seemed her wishes had come true.
“Tsk, is this what they call the golden mouth jade teeth or words that command the law?” Meng Qi teased, “Zhiwei, the half-immortal, quickly tell me what I might draw!”
Jiang Zhiwei thought for a moment seriously: “Probably Waijing moves. You also need to consider concealing your identity. With the Eight-Nine Mystical Art, it’s easier for you than us.”
“Hoping for the same.” Meng Qi picked up the lot-drawing bowl, shaking it vigorously while muttering, “Dao Patriarch, Buddha Ancestor, Heavenly Emperor, Demon Sage…”
Lights flickered as Zhao Heng, Ruan Yushu, and others curiously awaited the result.
Numerous options flashed by—Waijing cultivation methods, corresponding killing moves, and even immortal pills and magical herbs—until finally stopping on a bright green leaf.
“The Veiling Leaf, a treasure-grade item. It can conceal one’s form and aura, making it difficult for those below the third Waijing Heaven to detect. Usage count: once. Value: one thousand nine hundred virtue points.”
“Not bad at all.” Meng Qi was quite satisfied with the result. This item could save his life in a critical moment!
Turning to Ruan Yushu, he said: “Let’s exchange all the collected items for virtue points.”
Ruan Yushu nodded and walked to the central luminous column, retrieving the spoils from her Ji Zi Ring.
Since the fragments of the Demon Realm had been destroyed without demon crystals, the five fragments were still counted as spoils.
“Flame Core of the Demon Realm, the inner essence of a half-Demon Realm fire entity, exchangeable for six hundred virtue points.”
“Blood Demon Bone, the inner essence of a half-Waijing blood-bone demon, exchangeable for six hundred virtue points.”
“The hide from the demon’s chest, the essence of a low-level Waijing demon, a precious material for forging artifacts, exchangeable for nine hundred virtue points.”
“Soldier Magic Crystal, exchangeable for four hundred virtue points.”
“Iron Magic Crystal, exchangeable for four hundred virtue points.”
“Fire Demon Crystal, exchangeable for six hundred virtue points.”
“Blood-Bone Demon Crystal, exchangeable for six hundred virtue points.”
“Blood Demon Crystal, exchangeable for nine hundred virtue points.”
After the exchange, the total amounted to five thousand virtue points, with Meng Qi and each companion receiving one thousand.
Frankly, Meng Qi felt a bit guilty. He had gained the greatest benefit yet still had to share the virtue points. However, he couldn’t reveal too much. He could only hope to share the techniques he later discovered with his companions in the future.
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