Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 214 Sacrifice
Luo Qing.

On the high platform made of jade, Xu Xuan sat in the main seat, with Wang Xiwei and Wen Sian sitting on the side. The three of them watched the alchemy competition below quietly, commenting softly from time to time.

On the bluestone platform below, twelve mid-grade crimson alchemy furnaces were lined up in a row. They were all forged from blood, fire and refined iron. The flame used was the true Qi-refining fire that Xu Xuan had exchanged from Qinglifang, the [Hongying Fire].

True fire is good at burning, extremely stable in nature, and easy to drive, so it can be used in any alchemy tool. Its applicability is better than that of Bing and Ding fires. However, in terms of alchemy alone, Ding fire, which is good at burning wood and stone, is better to use.

The [Chen Liu Fire] in the sect was created by Chen Hui, and its nature is close to light, making it difficult to refine medicinal properties. As for the [Xiao Ming Poison Fire], it specifically burns the soul, and its temperature is unpredictable, making it difficult to refine pills. Therefore, Xu Xuan went to exchange for this true fire for use in the sect.

There are a total of twelve people below, ranging from the late fetal breathing stage to the first and second levels of Qi Refining. There is no restriction on cultivation level in the alchemy competition. They have first undergone various examinations of physical properties, alchemy theory, and trials. This time they have entered the final competition, and the standard is to refine the Healing Qi Powder.

Some people opened the furnace one after another, and most of them only saw a burst of black smoke coming out. A few people opened the furnace and saw the medicine disintegrate, but it was either because the fire was not right or the medicinal strength was insufficient.

Some people even had their alchemy furnaces explode. Under layers of pressure, the [Red Fire] turned dark black, and it rushed up with a loud rumbling sound.

"When true fire enters the furnace, it can produce the ultimate fire under pressure."

Xu Xuan seemed to be lost in thought. He looked away from the exploded alchemy furnace and looked at Zhang Yiwan below. She was wearing a light purple dress. The alchemy furnace in front of her did not look mysterious at this moment. There was no light from the flames or the aroma of medicine.

Now the competition within the sect has entered its final stage. Two people who are good at Qi Refining and one person who are good at Fetal Breathing have been selected through the battle of wits. They have all been promoted to true disciples, given magical instruments and elixirs, and their treatment has been improved and they have been given intensive training.

Qi Zhengyi's performance was very eye-catching. He swept through all the disciples of Taixi with a big spear. Now he was following behind Liu Xingfang, standing quietly, like an iron tower.

As for refining equipment, Houhuotang has accumulated many good talents over the years, and with Wen Guang, Wang Xiwei and Wang Qiyun as the presidency, a total of three people have been promoted to Qi refining and are enjoying the treatment of true inheritance.

After being promoted to the true disciple, one can practice on the sacred peak. He does not have to squeeze with the inner disciples at the foot of the peak. The food and resources are much more abundant. Every year, he can enjoy the raw fruits of the [Earth Fire Noon Yuan Tree], and he can study the skills and secret techniques at will.

Most of the disciples in the sect compete with each other in fighting and refining weapons, but when it comes to refining pills, there are really few who are capable. Until now, no one has been able to refine a qualified Qi-recovering powder, so they have to withdraw one after another.

Soon, there were only two people left in the field, Zhang Yiwan and Qi Xiu Yu. Both women were wearing purple skirts and had different auras.

Zhang Yiwan was like cold dew on a leaf, with an air of "keep away from strangers", while Qi Xiu Yu was more coquettish, and from time to time she looked at the scarred man who was half asleep on the edge of the platform with sparkling eyes.

Xu Xuan had a strange look on his face as he glanced at Liang Yong and Qi Xiu Yu calmly. It seemed that these two people were really involved with each other.

"Zhang Yiwan is still in the late stage of fetal breathing, while Qi Xiuyu has already reached the third level of cultivation and is practicing the Ding Fire technique. I wonder what the result will be?"

Even though Xu Xuan had seen the manifestation of luck in the list and knew that Zhang Yiwan was extraordinary, he still couldn't help but have some doubts at this time. The gap in cultivation was right in front of him.

The crimson alchemy furnace opened, and the healing energy emitting a bright white light slowly rose up. It was exactly at the fetal breathing level. A look of pride appeared on Qi Xiuyu's face, but it was suppressed in an instant.

She looked at Zhang Yiwan beside her, and scanned her body imperceptibly, confirming that she was an ordinary late stage fetal breathing. Qi Xiu Yu felt a surge of joy in her heart.

'I was the only one promoted.'

She glanced at Liang Yong on the stage, but the other party didn't look at her at all. Instead, he looked at her with boredom. Qi Xiu Yu couldn't help feeling a little angry, but she hid it well and always had a beautiful smile on her face.

She had been in the Shouqing Camp for many years, and had spent countless days and nights with Liang Yong. She had repeatedly asked him to give her more food, but Liang Yong was always vague and even strictly forbade Qi Xiu Yu to act in his name.

'He was just playing around.'

Thinking of this, Qi Xiu Yu felt even more regretful. He joined the Shouqing Camp precisely for the protection of this foundation-building guardian. This man looked rough, but in fact he was a master who pretended to be confused.

After several battles, many people in the camp were replaced, and many fellow disciples died on the banks of the Li River. Liang Yong was unreliable, and Xu Fayan, the current head of Dongmi, had a strange temperament and was difficult to get along with.

After much thought, she decided to change her path, so she concentrated on studying alchemy, hoping to win the competition and enter Luo Qing's spiritual peak.

On the high platform, Xu Xuan looked down and saw that Zhang Yiwan still hadn't refined it.

"Do you want to end the competition?"

Wang Xiwei, who was standing by, asked in a low voice. Xu Xuan was silent for a while, and saw that Zhang Yiwan's alchemy furnace was still motionless.

"This"

There were inevitably some noises around. Most of the inner disciples watching below did not know Zhang Yiwan. Seeing that she was still struggling up there, they started to talk about it.

Zhang Yiwan looked at the alchemy furnace with a calm gaze. The fire inside was very weak, but she controlled it as if it were her own arm. From the beginning to the end, she did the opposite and weakened the firepower to achieve the most stable effect.

She quickly entered a state similar to meditation, with her mind completely focused on the changes in the fire, and even completely forgot that she was in a competition.

When the alchemy furnace was opened, the fire that had been pent up for a long time was no longer restrained and burned fiercely. The bright white medicinal powder emerged from the furnace, exactly the same as the one refined by Qi Xiu Yu.

"The alchemy competition is over, and six people have successfully refined their elixirs. Among them, Qi Xiuyu and Zhang Yiwan's medicinal powders are of perfect medicinal properties and can be promoted to the true sect."

As the announcement was made, Xu Xuan nodded slightly, and Wang Qiyun on the side sent people to bring three golden and red altars.

The three altars were used to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth, immortals and saints, and ancestors. There were three hundred people present, most of whom were inner disciples. They all looked serious and looked upwards.

Burning incense and opening the altar, Xu Xuan followed the procedures and performed the actions that had been arranged long ago. He did not have any reverence in his heart, but his expression was solemn. Only when he saw the master's name, his heart made a muffled sound.

The elders and true disciples were at the front. Xu Xuan glanced at them silently, his gaze lingering for a moment on Wen Sian, Liu Xingfang, Wang Chengyan, Liu Xingfang, Qi Zhengyi and Zhang Yiwan.

At the end of the ritual, accompanied by the sound of chanting, the clear energy in Xu Xuan's sea of qi moved slowly and went downwards.

The first one was Liu Xingfang. The seal script [The law of catastrophe comes naturally] fell and poured into his sea of consciousness, turning into a silver-white pool of lightning, with thousands of lightning bolts surging in it.

"[The Law of Robbery comes naturally], embracing the power of punishment to cultivate strength, upholding the righteous law so that the sword is bright, fostering good and killing evil, holding things in balance to enhance the Dao and increase magical power. Controlling the [Heaven's Heart Thunder Pool], one can summon the law to judge and punish, acting on behalf of Heaven's will."

Liu Xingfang below was slightly startled. Xu Xuan used the clear energy to say that it was the ancestor's secret method. Liu Xingfang immediately understood and did not show any surprise.

According to Xu Xuan, this seal script requires people to follow the old laws of the Thunder Palace, emphasizing power and the right to judge and punish, almost like an immortal general of the Thunder Palace.

This seal script contained the most pure energy and was the most powerful. As for the rest of the people, Xu Xuan felt something in his heart, and the pure energy slowly connected with the invisible destiny.

Xu Xuan slowly looked at Wen Sian. Through the clear air, he could see the blood light surging on the other person's body, perhaps due to the Fu Yi bloodline.

As the clear air surged, seal characters gradually emerged and fell into Wen Si'an's consciousness.

"[Fu Yi Xuan Body], the dragon and the snake transform, equally divide the yin and yang, eliminate turbidity and stop evil, purify the blood, trace directly to the source, there is the Fu Yi Shenzang born within, close to the five virtues and in the right position."

Xu Xuan was stunned. He clearly felt that the seal on Wen Sian was broken at this moment, and even his bloodline had changed, becoming more refined. There seemed to be hundreds of scorching stars hidden in his body, and the aura of dragons and snakes slowly came through the clear air.

"There's no need to wait for Qionghe to take her to the ancestral land. The seal will be broken."

Wen Sian had a feeling at this time, and Xu Xuan used his clear energy to convey his message, saying that it was an opportunity left by the ancestor. She immediately understood and remained silent.

'No creature with a natal purpose was born.'

Xu Xuan's mind sank. The effect of the condensed seal script did not meet his expectations. It was not even his natal item. He did not know why.

Next came Wang Chengyan, Qi Zhengyi and Zhang Yiwan. These three people received the seal very quickly, but still didn't notice it. Their breathing was normal and there was no sign of anything strange.

Xu Xuan connected with the clear energy, and the voice changed, sounding in the hearts of the three people without any warning.

"Master Chi Ming of Da Chi Guan has left a legacy for future generations. Anyone who receives this opportunity must not reveal it, otherwise they will lose their lives and die on the spot."

Xu Xuan hadn't revealed himself, but instead used the name of the Grandmaster. As expected, the three people below were a bit surprised. Their expressions towards the altar were even more respectful, clearly treating it as a manifestation of the Grandmaster's spirit. "[Swordsmith], imitating the refining method to create hundreds of weapons, imitating the ancients with authenticity. The more objects are refined, the more freedom one can achieve in the forging, disintegration, and casting of the objects."

This was the seal script that Wang Chengyan had received. Xu Xuan felt delighted. This seal script was extremely useful. It could enhance the refining of weapons and imitate ancient artifacts. The more weapons he refined, the higher his realm would be. He was almost destined to become a master of refining weapons.

Looking at Qi Zhengyi and Zhang Yiwan, the clear energy in Xu Xuan's sea of qi moved slightly, and he slowly sensed it.

"[Heavenly Thunder Victory], Heavenly Thunder does not injure, drawing the thunder into the body can constantly temper one's life. The stronger the thunder within one's body, the more powerful one's physique and weapon skills will be."

This is the seal script Qi Zhengyi received, which blesses his physique and skills, and is completely related to fighting.

As for the seal script that Zhang Yiwan received, just as Xu Xuan expected, it was mainly used to help with alchemy, but it also had some other uses.

"[Ji Ji makes the elixir], when water and fire are in harmony, the nature of things becomes clear, and all medicines are attracted to it. It is easy to form the elixir embryo, which can nourish descendants and cultivate talents of the Tao."

The first part was fine, but the last few words "raise descendants" made Xu Xuan feel a little strange. He didn't know how the two were connected.

"Let's train these two first. Since they have the Qing Qi to control them, there's no need to worry about them showing any abnormalities. But let's not tell them about the ancient stele for now."

The seal script now increases the spiritual roots, but it is not manifested externally, but takes effect secretly. As long as no one pays close attention to the speed of cultivation, there will be no problem.

After the ceremony, all the cultivators dispersed and went to receive their rewards after getting a place. Several new true disciples flew to Tianqing Peak on the wind, and under the leadership of Xu Xuan, they burned incense and knelt down in the ancestral hall.

Those who had already practiced Qi cultivation had chosen their spiritual peaks and were preparing for the various trivial matters before moving in. The only two remaining disciples who had practiced fetal breathing were brought to the Juzhen Palace by Xu Xuan.

Zhang Yiwan and Qi Zhengyi were both a little nervous. Being summoned personally by the Sect Leader was a great honor, but they couldn't help but have some doubts in their hearts.

In the hall, Xu Xuan slowly sat on the main seat, looked at the two people below, and said in a deep voice:
"You two have already achieved fetal breathing. Have you ever thought about what kind of Qi training method you can use? What are your plans for the future?"

Qi Zhengyi below was cheered up, with some surprise and joy on his face. The Sect Master was asking about his path, and many disciples in the sect dreamed of getting his guidance.

He had previously obtained an opportunity during the festival and had already decided to practice thunder magic. At this time, his mind was clear and he had made up his mind.

"Reporting to the Master, I wish to practice the sect's 'Shangyang Tianwei Fa' and then join the Qingying Guard to do my utmost to protect the sect."

"Yes, your father is Qi Xiuli? I met him back then. He was in charge of Baishi. He was a man who knew how to advance and retreat, and he was not afraid of losing his temper. Now that you have joined the Shouqing Camp, don't let your father down."

Qi Zhengyi, who was below, heard this and his blood rushed to his head. He was extremely excited and said in a deep voice:

"The disciple understands."

He had a different personality from his father. Originally, he wanted to join the Shouqing Camp, but Qi Xiuli used his connections to get him into the Wangqi Hall. The father and son had a quarrel over this.

"The headmaster has agreed to let me go, so now he has no excuse."

Qi Zhengyi breathed a sigh of relief, but he couldn't help feeling sad when he thought of his fellow disciples in Wangqi Hall.

Zhang Yiwan on the side seemed not to have thought about these key points yet. She had been refining elixirs and seeking medicine to prolong her grandmother's life. Now that her goal had been achieved, she had not made a decision on the matter of refining Qi. The voice of the ancestor that sounded during the previous ceremony made her even more confused.

Xu Xuan looked at Zhang Yiwan. The woman was a little panicked. She pursed her lips and said softly:

"Reporting to the master, I still don't know which method to choose."

"In that case, I will make the decision for you. I will practice the 'Eternal Bright Candle Method'. Although this method is of the third rank, it is the way of Ding Fire and is suitable for alchemy. Are you willing?"

Xu Xuan looked down. The third-grade technique almost required Zhang Yiwan to give up her Taoist path and focus on refining pills for the sect. He wondered what she thought about it.

"Master, I am willing to do so."

"Think carefully, this is a third-grade technique, and reaching the foundation-building stage is already the limit."

"Disciple understands. If I practice a higher-level technique, I'm afraid I won't be able to live up to the expectations of my master. I just need to practice this technique so that I can focus on refining pills."

Zhang Yiwan's face showed some relief. She was different from Qi Zhengyi. In her opinion, it was enough to build a foundation in this life. She was not good at fighting, so it was natural for her to choose a method suitable for alchemy.

"Since you have such intention, I won't try to persuade you any further."

Xu Xuan smiled and looked at the two of them.

"Go get the skills and spiritual objects, and break through the Qi Refining as soon as possible."

The two people below received the order and left together, each with their own thoughts. They walked out of the hall, exchanged a few words, and then left separately, seeming unfamiliar.

Xu Xuan sensed the two of them with his spiritual awareness and sighed softly. Sure enough, most of these new disciples had no affection for him. He just hoped that there would be no grudges between them in the future.

"The matter of the South China Sea has been resolved. My dragon body is in seclusion. I am afraid that I can try to break through in ten years or so."

Xu Xuan's inner voice sounded, calling Tiantuo.

These days he had carefully asked the old demon about his connection with Mingze, but all he got were vague answers. In the end, Tiantuo even said bluntly that he had forgotten, making it difficult for Xu Xuan to ask anything useful.

Xu Xuan's mind instantly returned to the sea of qi. Tian Tuo, wearing a golden and white Taoist robe, stood beside the Taiyin Dao platform and asked:

"You taught me the seal script, do you have any feedback?"

Xu Xuan sensed silently and called out the immortal scroll. There was only one more name recorded on it, which was Liu Xingfang, but there were no other names.

"It seems that only the seal characters that condensed by themselves can be engraved on this immortal scroll."

Xu Xuan felt something, looked at Tian Tuo beside him, and said in a deep voice:

"Now that the seal script has been passed down, the only question is, where can I find the technique?"

Tiantuo pondered for a moment, leaned against the white jade platform, and sighed:

"Since the [Catastrophe Heart Pool] and [Thunder Lake] were born from the venerable position of [Yuehe], and are the base point for the connection between the two thunders of Shezhen, that Supreme Lord Shangyue must have some kind of technique."

"His lineage is in the North Sea. You should pay more attention to things coming from this side. According to your luck, he should be able to find it. If that doesn't work, wait until your dragon body achieves the Purple Palace, and then go to the North Sea to seek it yourself."

Tian Tuo also had some doubts at this time. Xu Xuan heard this and thought about it, and sighed:
"The situation in Longshen isn't peaceful either. I originally wanted to use the Fire Crow to escape disaster, but I ended up getting dragged into the conflict in the South Sea."

As he spoke, Xu Xuan slowly raised his head and looked at Tiantuo with a serious gaze.

"Today, I have something to ask you."

With a serious tone and expression, he looked at Tian Tuo who was lying beside him and said in a deep voice:

"Was it a coincidence or a necessity that you came to me?"

Tian Tuo slowly stood up, his golden eyes bright, as if he had not expected Xu Xuan to ask this question. A smile gradually appeared on the corner of his mouth. He looked at the blood-red sea of flowers floating in the sky and said softly:

"All."

The atmosphere suddenly became heavy. Xu Xuan looked up at the white jade palace above. He felt the pure air slowly flowing.

(End of this chapter)