"Not good! It's the Blood-Refining Demonic Blade!"
The moment the burly demonic cultivator saw the blade embryo, his expression changed drastically. He abandoned the Heart-Piercing Golden Needle on the ground and turned to flee.
Unfortunately, without any defensive artifacts, he was no match for the blade embryo, which had power nearing that of a second-tier artifact. In merely a dozen breaths, Elian had severed his head with a single strike.
Meanwhile, the emaciated demonic cultivator used his protective artifact to flee, managing to escape hundreds of meters in no time.
However, his cultivation was ultimately weaker, and he barely made it out before Elian intercepted him at the edge of Linghu Isle.
The two clashed using their artifacts. Earlier, the two had failed to defeat Elian together, and now, alone, the old man was at an absolute disadvantage.
Within just over ten moves, Elian found an opening. He broke through the small black bell artifact with the blade embryo and then cleaved the old man in two with a single sword strike.
After the battle ended, Elian collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.
Killing three late-stage Qi Refining demonic cultivators was no easy feat, especially since the Crimson Iron Blade Embryo was a second-tier artifact meant to be wielded with true essence.
Although he had barely managed to activate it using his abundant spiritual energy, it came at a great cost. Just three uses of the blade consumed 60% of his spiritual energy.
However, the results were immediate. The blade first destroyed the Heart-Piercing Golden Needle, then slew the ninth-level Qi Refining cultivator, and finally shattered the emaciated old man's black bell. Each strike was decisive and effective.
After resting for a quarter-hour to recover some of his spiritual energy, Elian stood up, destroyed the corpses of the three demonic cultivators to leave no traces, and began to inventory his spoils.
Although he had slain three demonic cultivators, the actual gains were modest.
Most of their treasures were filled with demonic energy, which could cloud the mind if used recklessly. As such, Elian decided against keeping any of the demonic artifacts left by the three.
The only usable item was the Heart-Piercing Golden Needle, which, like the green shield, was a pure and orthodox artifact. By removing the demonic intent left behind by its former owner, it could be safely refined and used.
After the demonic cultivators were killed, their spiritual consciousness in the storage bags became rootless. Elian spent half a month opening the three storage bags.
Unfortunately, most of the contents were blood crystals, demonic pills, and other items meant for demonic cultivation, which were of no use to him. Selling them was not an option either, as it would aid the enemy, so he destroyed them on the spot.
The only true gain was the hundred or so spirit stones from their storage bags, which amounted to a decent fortune.
These matters aside, on the very night of the battle, Elian hurried back to Qingyuan Mountain and sought out Chen Changxuan, who was in secluded cultivation near the spiritual spring.
He reported the attack by the demonic cultivators with a serious expression.
"These three were late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, and they even had a Six Ghost Talisman. They might have some notable background."
"I'm worried..."
Chen Changxuan frowned slightly as he listened, but after a moment, he relaxed and shook his head.
"In Yu County, only that Elder Zhang is capable of crafting Six Ghost Talismans."
"If that's the case, then their origins are clear. Elder Zhang has six late-stage Qi Refining disciples. We killed two when eradicating the demonic threat earlier, and now you've slain three more. The remaining one isn't worth worrying about."
Hearing this, Elian let out a sigh of relief.
But upon further thought, he voiced another concern with some trepidation.
"I've killed four of Elder Zhang's disciples. Will he come after me himself?"
Chen Changxuan smiled and shook his head.
"Elder Zhang is a cunning and suspicious man. Three years ago, he suffered a major defeat at my hands and is likely still recovering from serious injuries. I doubt he has the courage to step onto Chen family territory."
After a moment's hesitation, Chen Changxuan took out a talisman from his robe.
"Still, to be on the safe side, take this talisman. It will ensure your safety."
"This..."
Elian was stunned. He hadn't expected the patriarch to hand him such a valuable talisman.
The talisman, known as the Blazing Heavenly Sword Talisman, was created by the previous patriarch at great cost, sealing his divine ability within to serve as the family's ultimate safeguard.
This treasure was a top-tier second-tier talisman, capable of killing even late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. When the family faced a great crisis in the past, the patriarch had chosen to sell his life-bound artifact rather than part with this talisman, demonstrating its immense value.
Handing the talisman to Elian, the patriarch spoke solemnly.
"This talisman is the last safeguard of our family. Use it wisely."
"That said, if Elder Zhang dares to act against you, don't hesitate to use it. As long as you're alive, everything else can be regained over time."
Elian hesitated briefly before accepting the talisman.
He wasn't one to be overly modest—he understood that he was the person in the family most in need of this talisman.
With the Blazing Heavenly Sword Talisman in hand, Elian felt more secure. Returning to Linghu Isle, his cultivation progressed more smoothly.
In the blink of an eye, seven months passed.
On this particular day, Elian sat cross-legged before a pill furnace on the central island of Linghu Isle, his expression tense as he watched the furnace.
After half an hour, he formed a hand seal and opened the furnace. Inside, a single Naqi Pill spun gently.
"It's done."
Elian smiled and exhaled slowly.
A year ago, the Chen family decided to train him as the next family alchemist, especially after the passing of the Sixth Elder, accelerating the process.
Thanks to Elian's talent for alchemy, the Sixth Elder's notes, and the full support of the family, Elian quickly became a first-tier low-grade alchemist with little difficulty.
Later, he even used his own funds to send family cultivators to Yuyang Market to purchase materials for practice, which allowed him to improve rapidly.
The Naqi Pill in the furnace was his first successful first-tier mid-grade pill. Although only one pill had formed, it marked his breakthrough to a first-tier mid-grade alchemist.
Ordinary alchemists often took nearly ten years to reach this level. Elian's ability to advance in just one year highlighted his exceptional comprehension and talent.
"With more practice, I'll improve my success rate."
"The family's Naqi Grass will mature in four years. I must aim to reach first-tier high-grade alchemy by then."
With this thought, Elian carefully stored the Naqi Pill, tidied up the alchemy room, and left.
Soon after, it was time for the year-end gathering. Elian returned to Qingyuan Mountain with his two siblings to celebrate the New Year with the family.
This year, the elders had fewer matters to handle. After a brief year-end meeting to summarize the family's gains, the gathering concluded.
...
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