In the northern expanse of the Bottomless Abyss, a complex array of white stone mountains sprawled out, covering the vast horizon.
Each ivory peak cradled numerous vibrant mountain lakes.
From a bird's eye view, these peaks appeared like massive white dragons, stretched lazily across the land, their forms glistening with iridescent scales.
Within these picturesque lakes sat floating palaces, each radiating an otherworldly aura, hinting at the divine.
This revered land was known as the domain of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple.
Xu Xinlan, the esteemed Temple Lady of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple, sat in counsel with senior cultivators from the Temple.
"The Purple Heaven Holy Land possesses the secrets of Nether Qi Extraction," she declared.
"Of our three major factions, they suffered the least during the recent demonic beast tide onslaughts."
"Now, they intend to reveal the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets and, in return, demand a multitude of benefits. Such a cunning strategy they have woven." Casually, Xu Xinlan fanned herself with her radiant silk fan as she conveyed her insights.
The cultivation method of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple imparted a distinct chill, an emotionless demeanor, to every member, from the esteemed Temple Lady to the humblest disciples.
Moreover, they were unburdened by worldly desires.
While the relationship between the Purple Heaven Holy Land and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple was warmer compared to their ties with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, it was still a bond of convenience more than anything. And the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple was not one to yield easily when significant interests hung in the balance.
"The demonic beast tide invasion threatens the very fabric of the Immortal Martial Continent, endangering innumerable souls!" Miao Qiong, a powerhouse of the Dao Palace realm, declared in an icy voice, "How dare the Purple Heaven Holy Land exploit the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets for mere personal gain and hoarding? They ought to share it openly!"
A voice interjected, "Indeed, the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets should be shared freely!"
"We must join forces with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and press the Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
One by one, the prominent members of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple expressed their unanimous accord.
Yet, deep down, Xu Xinlan and her cohorts knew the reality. The idea that the Purple Heaven Holy Land would share the secret without a price was pure fantasy.
Their heightened demand was nothing more than a stratagem for negotiation.
...
Time seemed to slip away subtly.
In the Grand Hall of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
"We've received word," Ji Mingxiu began, examining the transmission jade token he held. "The Jade Lake Heavenly Temple has accepted our invitation for the meeting."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "But they've set a condition – we must unconditionally hand over Jiang Chen's Nether Qi Extraction Secrets to them."
"What? Give it away for nothing?" Mo Yu's voice dripped with disbelief. "The women of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple must be dreaming!"
Ji Mingxiu nodded slowly, "Exactly. Offering it without any compensation isn't feasible. They undoubtedly recognize that. It's a game – they're waiting for our counter-move."
Mo Yu's eyes narrowed, "And the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace? Do they share this sentiment?"
Ji Mingxiu, with a measured tone, said, "Both the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple demand the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets without compensation."
"Moreover, as a sign of goodwill, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace has pledged to freely share a hereditary formation that can isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi."
Taking a breath, he added, "They've also declined our proposal to change the meeting venue, insisting we gather at the Verdant Leaf Giant Peak."
"A formation to isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi?" A ripple of disbelief swept the hall.
"Can the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace truly hold such a formidable power?" Another voice chimed in.
Expressions of surprise echoed across the hall, painting every face with a similar shade of astonishment.
Even Jiang Chen was visibly startled.
"A formation to isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi..." Mo Yu mused aloud.
"Our insiders from Purple Heaven Holy Land within the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace have neither encountered nor seen evidence of such a formation."
With furrowed brows and a rhythmic drumming of his fingers on his chair's armrest, he proposed, "Perhaps we should ask them to unveil the actual formation, just to verify its authenticity."
"That seems reasonable." Ji Mingxiu nodded. Turning to Jiang Chen, he inquired, "Jiang Chen, your take on this?"
On the surface, it seemed a simple consultation with Jiang Chen. In reality, Ji Mingxiu was creating a platform for Jiang Chen to engage with the two mighty figures of the Void Tribulation realm.
With other cultivators present, it wasn't a matter of trust. Discussions concerning the Void Tribulation realm were best kept under wraps!
"Give me a moment to reflect," Jiang Chen said, a contemplative expression crossing his features.
Silently, he'd already exchanged insights with Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
The formation designed to isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi wasn't a myth; it was relatively well-known in the Everlasting Baseless Immortal Domain.
Two distinct versions existed: one forged by the wisdom of human cultivators and the other birthed by the Nether Demon Clan itself.
The divergence between the two was stark.
A light sparked in Jiang Chen's eyes. "I recall it now!"
"I encountered details about the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi formation in an ancient manuscript."
"It described two types: one devised by cultivators and another, an innate Nether Demon Clan formation."
With growing clarity, he continued, "We should request a closer look at the formation held by the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace. It might give us a chance to discern any ties between them, the demonic beast tide, and the Nether Demon Clan."
"That's a brilliant plan!" Ji Mingxiu nodded, appreciation evident in his eyes.
"Then I'll urge the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace to present the formation for our examination," he continued, his eyes radiating approval.
"Yet, they'll certainly be hesitant to disclose the formation's finer details," he cautioned. "Jiang Chen, do you believe you can discern its true nature even then?"
"No problem!" Jiang Chen declared, flashing a confident smile and nodding.
With the immense experience and knowledge of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning to lean on, their insights became his own.
Whatever they knew, he was privy to!
Indeed, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning hadn't just encountered the formation isolating the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi—they had mastered it!
Ji Mingxiu's face brightened. "That's heartening to hear!" he acknowledged, nodding in agreement before swiftly initiating talks with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace.
Surprised glances were thrown in Jiang Chen's direction, eyes widening in disbelief.
Nobody had foreseen that Jiang Chen, already privy to the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets, was also familiar with a formation that could isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi.
In the eyes of many, his stature grew. He seemed even more formidable, wrapped in an aura of mystery.
Prompted by Ji Mingxiu, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace soon conceded. They agreed to let the Purple Heaven Holy Land inspect their wares.
For the evaluation, they'd furnish a segment of the formation's structural method, the associated mnemonics, and visual representations of the formation designed to isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi.
Moments later, a pale cultivator emerged at the entrance of the Holy Land Grand Hall, identifying him as an inner sect disciple.
"Greetings, Esteemed Holy Lord!" Trembling from head to toe, he promptly knelt, presenting a peculiar mirror aloft with both hands.
Every eye turned his way, and the realization dawned on them: this disciple was an embedded spy from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace within the ranks of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Still, this revelation wasn't shocking.
After all, they had also positioned their own agents deep within the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace.
With a swift "whoosh," a gust of wind brushed through the hall.
Almost instantly, the mirror from the turncoat disciple's grip was seized by Ji Mingxiu.
And just as abruptly, the betrayer disintegrated, transforming into myriad particles that faded into the vastness of the heaven and earth.
A note from AlphaWIA:
Chapters 208-210: [https://twitter.com/DaoistAlphaWIA]
If you're enjoying my work, consider supporting me:
Patreon (Membership) [https://www.patreon.com/AlphaWIA]
Ko-fi (One time support & Membership) [https://ko-fi.com/alphawia]
In the northern expanse of the Bottomless Abyss, a complex array of white stone mountains sprawled out, covering the vast horizon.
Each ivory peak cradled numerous vibrant mountain lakes.
From a bird's eye view, these peaks appeared like massive white dragons, stretched lazily across the land, their forms glistening with iridescent scales.
Within these picturesque lakes sat floating palaces, each radiating an otherworldly aura, hinting at the divine.
This revered land was known as the domain of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple.
Xu Xinlan, the esteemed Temple Lady of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple, sat in counsel with senior cultivators from the Temple.
"The Purple Heaven Holy Land possesses the secrets of Nether Qi Extraction," she declared.
"Of our three major factions, they suffered the least during the recent demonic beast tide onslaughts."
"Now, they intend to reveal the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets and, in return, demand a multitude of benefits. Such a cunning strategy they have woven." Casually, Xu Xinlan fanned herself with her radiant silk fan as she conveyed her insights.
The cultivation method of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple imparted a distinct chill, an emotionless demeanor, to every member, from the esteemed Temple Lady to the humblest disciples.
Moreover, they were unburdened by worldly desires.
While the relationship between the Purple Heaven Holy Land and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple was warmer compared to their ties with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace, it was still a bond of convenience more than anything. And the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple was not one to yield easily when significant interests hung in the balance.
"The demonic beast tide invasion threatens the very fabric of the Immortal Martial Continent, endangering innumerable souls!" Miao Qiong, a powerhouse of the Dao Palace realm, declared in an icy voice, "How dare the Purple Heaven Holy Land exploit the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets for mere personal gain and hoarding? They ought to share it openly!"
A voice interjected, "Indeed, the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets should be shared freely!"
"We must join forces with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and press the Purple Heaven Holy Land!"
One by one, the prominent members of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple expressed their unanimous accord.
Yet, deep down, Xu Xinlan and her cohorts knew the reality. The idea that the Purple Heaven Holy Land would share the secret without a price was pure fantasy.
Their heightened demand was nothing more than a stratagem for negotiation.
...
Time seemed to slip away subtly.
In the Grand Hall of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
"We've received word," Ji Mingxiu began, examining the transmission jade token he held. "The Jade Lake Heavenly Temple has accepted our invitation for the meeting."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "But they've set a condition – we must unconditionally hand over Jiang Chen's Nether Qi Extraction Secrets to them."
"What? Give it away for nothing?" Mo Yu's voice dripped with disbelief. "The women of the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple must be dreaming!"
Ji Mingxiu nodded slowly, "Exactly. Offering it without any compensation isn't feasible. They undoubtedly recognize that. It's a game – they're waiting for our counter-move."
Mo Yu's eyes narrowed, "And the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace? Do they share this sentiment?"
Ji Mingxiu, with a measured tone, said, "Both the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace and the Jade Lake Heavenly Temple demand the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets without compensation."
"Moreover, as a sign of goodwill, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace has pledged to freely share a hereditary formation that can isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi."
Taking a breath, he added, "They've also declined our proposal to change the meeting venue, insisting we gather at the Verdant Leaf Giant Peak."
"A formation to isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi?" A ripple of disbelief swept the hall.
"Can the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace truly hold such a formidable power?" Another voice chimed in.
Expressions of surprise echoed across the hall, painting every face with a similar shade of astonishment.
Even Jiang Chen was visibly startled.
"A formation to isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi..." Mo Yu mused aloud.
"Our insiders from Purple Heaven Holy Land within the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace have neither encountered nor seen evidence of such a formation."
With furrowed brows and a rhythmic drumming of his fingers on his chair's armrest, he proposed, "Perhaps we should ask them to unveil the actual formation, just to verify its authenticity."
"That seems reasonable." Ji Mingxiu nodded. Turning to Jiang Chen, he inquired, "Jiang Chen, your take on this?"
On the surface, it seemed a simple consultation with Jiang Chen. In reality, Ji Mingxiu was creating a platform for Jiang Chen to engage with the two mighty figures of the Void Tribulation realm.
With other cultivators present, it wasn't a matter of trust. Discussions concerning the Void Tribulation realm were best kept under wraps!
"Give me a moment to reflect," Jiang Chen said, a contemplative expression crossing his features.
Silently, he'd already exchanged insights with Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
The formation designed to isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi wasn't a myth; it was relatively well-known in the Everlasting Baseless Immortal Domain.
Two distinct versions existed: one forged by the wisdom of human cultivators and the other birthed by the Nether Demon Clan itself.
The divergence between the two was stark.
A light sparked in Jiang Chen's eyes. "I recall it now!"
"I encountered details about the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi formation in an ancient manuscript."
"It described two types: one devised by cultivators and another, an innate Nether Demon Clan formation."
With growing clarity, he continued, "We should request a closer look at the formation held by the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace. It might give us a chance to discern any ties between them, the demonic beast tide, and the Nether Demon Clan."
"That's a brilliant plan!" Ji Mingxiu nodded, appreciation evident in his eyes.
"Then I'll urge the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace to present the formation for our examination," he continued, his eyes radiating approval.
"Yet, they'll certainly be hesitant to disclose the formation's finer details," he cautioned. "Jiang Chen, do you believe you can discern its true nature even then?"
"No problem!" Jiang Chen declared, flashing a confident smile and nodding.
With the immense experience and knowledge of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning to lean on, their insights became his own.
Whatever they knew, he was privy to!
Indeed, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning hadn't just encountered the formation isolating the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi—they had mastered it!
Ji Mingxiu's face brightened. "That's heartening to hear!" he acknowledged, nodding in agreement before swiftly initiating talks with the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace.
Surprised glances were thrown in Jiang Chen's direction, eyes widening in disbelief.
Nobody had foreseen that Jiang Chen, already privy to the Nether Qi Extraction Secrets, was also familiar with a formation that could isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi.
In the eyes of many, his stature grew. He seemed even more formidable, wrapped in an aura of mystery.
Prompted by Ji Mingxiu, the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace soon conceded. They agreed to let the Purple Heaven Holy Land inspect their wares.
For the evaluation, they'd furnish a segment of the formation's structural method, the associated mnemonics, and visual representations of the formation designed to isolate the Nether Demon Spiritual Qi.
Moments later, a pale cultivator emerged at the entrance of the Holy Land Grand Hall, identifying him as an inner sect disciple.
"Greetings, Esteemed Holy Lord!" Trembling from head to toe, he promptly knelt, presenting a peculiar mirror aloft with both hands.
Every eye turned his way, and the realization dawned on them: this disciple was an embedded spy from the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace within the ranks of the Purple Heaven Holy Land.
Still, this revelation wasn't shocking.
After all, they had also positioned their own agents deep within the Imperial Extreme Heavenly Palace.
With a swift "whoosh," a gust of wind brushed through the hall.
Almost instantly, the mirror from the turncoat disciple's grip was seized by Ji Mingxiu.
And just as abruptly, the betrayer disintegrated, transforming into myriad particles that faded into the vastness of the heaven and earth.
A note from AlphaWIA:
Chapters 208-210: [https://twitter.com/DaoistAlphaWIA]
If you're enjoying my work, consider supporting me:
Patreon (Membership) [https://www.patreon.com/AlphaWIA]
Ko-fi (One time support & Membership) [https://ko-fi.com/alphawia]
