Qian Capital, Eighth Heaven Immortal Court, Great Ying Road, Phoenix Pu District, Jiang Gao Street, South Liang Ward.
Behind the Myriad Immortals Pavilion lay the Profound Pill Sect's compound.
Han Yi sat cross-legged in his cultivation chamber.
A sword artifact orbited him: the Seven Stars Kunwu Sword.
The blade itself was a pale violet, but at this moment, a faint crimson aura enveloped it.
The Seven Stars Kunwu Sword spun faster and faster, maintaining a three-meter distance from Han Yi. It resembled a coil of crimson-tinged violet light, three meters in radius, suspended around his body.
Suddenly, the crimson glow intensified. A sword's hum arose, beginning as a low thrum and escalating into a piercing wail. A violent wind erupted within the spacious chamber, shattering wooden chairs and screens under invisible pressure.
Crash!
Boom!
The Seven Stars Kunwu Sword shot skyward, blasting through the roof and soaring hundreds of meters into the air before abruptly plummeting back down. It slammed into the chamber floor before Han Yi, quivering violently.
Outside the Meditation Chamber, Inner and Outer Sect disciples of the Profound Pill Sect, along with hired mortal servants, showed no surprise. They seemed accustomed to such occurrences, merely pausing briefly in their footsteps. As they passed each other, they murmured about how Elder Han had taken several days longer than usual to damage his dwelling this time.
Inside the Meditation Chamber, Han Yi sheathed the Seven Stars Kunwu Sword.
Behind him, his single sword artifact had transformed into two: his most familiar and beloved Green Ripple Sword, and the Seven Stars Kunwu Sword.
For his current level of cultivation, his Core Sword Artifact had evolved from a Top-Grade Magic Artifact into a Low-Grade Magic Treasure. After all, the only enemies capable of truly pressuring Han Yi were rare Peak Foundation Establishment cultivators and Golden Core cultivators.
Nevertheless, he still stored the Thunder Swamp Sword, Fire Mist Sword, and Phoenix Feather Sword in his Storage Ring, just in case.
The Seven Stars Kunwu Sword had briefly slipped from his control earlier because Han Yi had achieved a breakthrough in another skill:
Li Fire Sword Manual (Return to Simplicity 1/100)
Six months had passed since his return to the garrison. Han Yi had finally advanced this Sword Manual to the Return to Simplicity stage. Combined with the breakthrough in his Ninefold Soul Tower upon his return, he now possessed six skills that had reached this advanced level:
Sword Control Technique, Light Body Technique, Li Fire Sword Manual, Ninefold Soul Tower, Wind Wall Technique, Fire Shield Technique.
These breakthroughs comprehensively covered all core aspects of his cultivation: combat skills, defensive techniques, movement arts, and spiritual power.
However, the breakthrough in his Ninefold Soul Tower still hadn't restored the third layer; it remained a Dual Heaven structure. Moreover, even after the breakthrough, the Ninefold Soul Tower remained powerless against the bizarre black pearl within his Sea of Consciousness.
Unable to resolve the issue, Han Yi abandoned his efforts.
"Next, I'll continue cultivating the Li Fire Sword Manual. At its deepest levels, this manual is absolutely astonishing."
Over the past six months, Han Yi's understanding of the Li Fire Sword Manual had deepened considerably, and he now fully grasped the terrifying boost it provided to his combat prowess.
He reviewed his current skills once more.
As he progressed, Han Yi constantly adjusted his initial plans to align with his evolving goals. For instance, he rarely used the Aura Concealment Technique anymore, having acquired the superior Disguise Technique, which encompassed all its functions and more.
As for the Talisman Crafting Art, he simply had no time to spare on it. Even the Alchemy Technique had been neglected for far too long, let alone talisman crafting.
The Immortal Path stretched endlessly before him, a long and arduous journey.
Han Yi sheathed his sword artifact, pushed open the door, and headed toward the Myriad Immortals Pavilion. Two months prior, after Qin Wuxian had recovered from his injuries, he had left the pavilion, instructing Han Yi to spend a day or two each month overseeing the place and deterring any troublemakers.
Just now, Liu Ruyan had sent him a Divine Sense Transmission, informing him that a cultivator was looking for him. Since Han Yi had just achieved a breakthrough, he decided to make a trip to the Myriad Immortals Pavilion anyway.
Myriad Immortals Pavilion, fourth floor.
Han Yi brewed tea, but this time it wasn't Immortal's Drunkenness. He had switched to a superior Immortal tea called Longing, known for its ability to stir emotions. The first time he drank it, Han Yi even recalled vivid scenes from his past life, further refining his mental state through this profound experience.
However, like Immortal's Drunkenness, Longing's special effects only lasted for the first few brews. After that, it retained only its pleasant fragrance, with no extraordinary properties.
Instead of Liu Ruyan, an aloof cultivator stood before Han Yi: Ding Jiansheng of the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect.
"Fellow Daoist Ding, welcome to my humble abode. Please, have some tea," Han Yi said with a smile, offering him a cup of Longing.
Ding Jiansheng took a sip, his brow furrowing slightly, yet his expression remained impassive—a true testament to his ingrained aloofness.
However...
Despite his unchanging demeanor, Ding Jiansheng spoke with genuine sincerity to the fellow cultivator who had defeated him in combat.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Han."
"Fellow Daoist Han, have you achieved another breakthrough?" As Ding Jiansheng asked this, a piercing, subtle light flickered in his eyes, as if his gaze were composed of countless condensed strands of Sword Qi. Any Qi Refining or even Early Foundation Establishment cultivator meeting his gaze would have felt their hair stand on end, sensing imminent danger.
"Ah, Fellow Daoist Ding noticed," Han Yi said with a grin.
"Indeed. I experienced a sudden epiphany, perhaps sensing your impending arrival and being drawn by your Sword Intent, which triggered my breakthrough."
For the first time since his transmigration, Han Yi cracked a joke, a rare display of his exceptionally good mood.
Ding Jiansheng's face remained impassive as he shook his head.
"A breakthrough is a breakthrough. Even if my Sword Intent played a role, it possesses no such mystical power."
His gaze sharpened on Han Yi, a palpable Sword Intent gradually rising between them. "Fellow Daoist Han, may I request a spar?"
Han Yi waved his hand dismissively.
He wasn't a battle maniac. He simply wanted to cultivate diligently, grind his Proficiency, and reap the rewards gradually. This steady sense of progression was what truly captivated him. As for fighting, he would avoid it whenever possible.
Moreover, with his recent breakthrough in the Li Fire Sword Manual, Han Yi's combat strength had surged significantly. Ding Jiansheng, still at the Mid-Foundation Establishment stage, held little appeal as an opponent.
"Today, let's just drink tea. No sparring."
Ding Jiansheng shook his head regretfully. Respecting Han Yi's wishes, he didn't press the matter.
Ding Jiansheng hadn't come seeking a martial duel. He had simply felt a surge of competitive itch upon seeing Han Yi earlier.
"Fellow Daoist Han," Ding Jiansheng said, looking directly at Han Yi, "your Sword Control Technique has already reached the Transformation Realm. Our Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect collects Sword Manuals and Techniques from across the realm. By imprinting your Sword Control Technique on Scarlet Cloud Mountain and leaving a sword imprint, you can obtain a Sword Manual or Technique of equivalent rank."
"Fellow Daoist Han, would you be interested in visiting the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect?" Ding Jiansheng asked, revealing the true purpose of his visit.
Han Yi's hand paused momentarily as he brewed tea, his eyebrow arching slightly in surprise. He had heard of the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect before.
Located east of Qian Prefecture, beyond the Myriad Demon Mountain Range, lay the newly established Immortal Kingdom of Great Yong. As one of the Three Great Sects of Great Qian, the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect earned its name from the fact that eighty to ninety percent of its cultivators practiced sword cultivation.
Unlike the Sword Immortals of Sword Cliff in the far north of the Jade Balance Realm, the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect did not focus on Spirit Sword techniques, but rather on ordinary Sword Manuals and Techniques.
Within the Sect's territory stood a unique Immortal Peak called Scarlet Cloud Mountain. Over countless years, the mountain's cliffs, ancient trees, and even the very stones and soil had been nourished by sword qi, imbuing them with Sword Intent. If brought to the mortal world, these materials would be invaluable treasures for practitioners of mortal sword arts.
Scarlet Cloud Mountain is accessible only to cultivators of the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect, unless invited by the sect itself.
Invited cultivators can leave behind a new Sword Technique or Manual on the mountain and receive an equivalent exchange in return.
This is due to the mountain's inherent mystique.
Legend has it that Scarlet Cloud Mountain existed before the Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect. Some even claim it's not a mountain at all, but a semi-immortal artifact surpassing Spirit Qi, serving as the sect's very foundation.
Han Yi was genuinely surprised that Ding Jiansheng had invited him to Scarlet Cloud Mountain.
While he had long harbored a keen interest in this Sword Mountain and genuinely wished to witness its wonders, the timing simply wasn't right.
"Your sect's Scarlet Cloud Mountain is renowned throughout the world," Han Yi said. "It would be this Han's honor to behold it."
Ding Jiansheng's eyes lit up slightly. If Han Yi accepted, he would have completed his mission.
Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect disciples traveling abroad are tasked with inviting any cultivators they encounter who possess previously unseen Sword Manuals or superior Sword Techniques to Scarlet Cloud Mountain, where they can leave behind a sword imprint.
If successful, Han Yi would also earn Sect Merit, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement.
"However, Fellow Daoist Ding, as you can see, I'm currently tied up and unable to leave. I'll have to postpone my visit until later."
The Scarlet Cloud Sword Sect was located east of Qian Prefecture, a round trip requiring at least two months. With Qin Wuxian's departure, Han Yi couldn't abandon the Profound Immortal Pavilion and venture out alone.
Moreover, since the Southern Dipper Divine Palace's assassination attempt and learning about the Sect's precarious situation—including internal threats from the Southern Dipper Divine Palace, Blood River True Person, and the Ten Thousand Methods Sect—Han Yi was reluctant to wander about carelessly.
Even rival sects would hesitate to wreak havoc in Qian Capital, fearing the wrath of the Six Ministries of Great Qian.
The Six Ministries were no idle bureaucrats. Notice how the Southern Dipper Divine Palace had secretly deployed Formation Arts in the mountain forests between two wards to avoid direct conflict with the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom.
Strictly speaking, this land now belonged to Great Qian. Even the Two Great Holy Lands would choose to bide their time rather than provoke them.
Ding Jiansheng's eyes showed a hint of regret, but he didn't press the matter.
Moments later, Ding Jiansheng took his leave. Han Yi sat thoughtfully on the fourth floor of the Profound Immortal Pavilion. For safety's sake, he decided it was best to wait until he broke through to the Golden Core Stage before venturing out. According to his plan, he should have a breakthrough opportunity within the next ten years.
However, even this plan wasn't foolproof.
Breaking through from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core required condensing a Golden Core within the Spirit Sea. This process involved transforming liquid Mana into a solid state, constantly compressing it, and enduring a trial by tribulation. Only by successfully navigating this ordeal could one achieve success.
In the Cultivation World, while Foundation Establishment cultivators were plentiful, Golden Core cultivators were rare. This pivotal step marked the transition from fundamental cultivation to true mastery, transforming a cultivator into a True Person on the Immortal Path.
After seeing Ding Jiansheng off, Han Yi left the fourth floor of the Profound Immortal Pavilion and returned to the garrison. His cultivation chamber had already been restored by the ever-obliging Outer Sect disciples, who had grown accustomed to his frequent disturbances.
However, the garrison's limited space left little room for Han Yi to freely grind his proficiency. He would have to make do with what he had.
Three days later, Han Yi's cultivation was interrupted. Instead of anger, his face turned grave. Whatever could disrupt his training must be no trivial matter.
Upon arriving at the Myriad Immortals Pavilion, he found Liu Ruyan looking visibly distressed.
"Senior Brother Zhuo Qun has gone missing," Liu Ruyan said, her words sending a jolt through Han Yi's heart.
Zhuo Qun was one of the six Foundation Establishment cultivators who had accompanied Qin Wuxian to the Great Qian Immortal Capital. Though his cultivation was only at the Mid-Foundation Establishment stage, he was a venerable 150 years old. Over more than a century, he had amassed extensive experience in management, commerce, and interpersonal relations.
Qin Wuxian had assigned him to Jinyun Immortal City, the largest Immortal City in the northernmost part of Qian Prefecture.
Jinyun Immortal City bordered the Myriad Demon Mountain Range, but several relatively safe trade routes had been carved out in that area, leading directly to major Immortal Cities in Great Qin.
Recognizing the immense business opportunities and the formidable challenges, Qin Wuxian had dispatched Zhuo Qun, his most experienced subordinate, to oversee the operation.
"How did he disappear?" Han Yi asked.
"We don't know. We only received a message from Wei Tushen today, saying Senior Brother Zhuo Qun vanished yesterday without a trace—just vanished into thin air."
Wei Tushen was Zhuo Qun's disciple, a Qi Refining cultivator at the Ninth Layer.
"I've already activated the Transmission Formation to inform the Sect," Liu Ruyan continued. "Martial Uncle Zhuge instructed me to tell you to proceed to Jinyun Immortal City immediately to investigate this matter. He will follow closely behind."
Liu Ruyan's gaze fixed on Han Yi, leaving him no room for refusal.
Each of the ten Profound Immortal Pavilions, where the Profound Pill Sect stationed its Garrison Elders, was equipped with a Second-Tier Transmission Formation. However, these formations were only capable of transmitting messages, not cultivators.
Legend had it that only Fifth-Rank or higher Transmission Formations could transport cultivators, and each activation required Top-Grade Spirit Stones. In Great Qian, such formations were only found in the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom and the Two Great Holy Lands, making them prohibitively expensive even for the Profound Pill Sect.
"Martial Uncle Zhuge will likely need about twenty days to reach Jinyun Immortal City, while Junior Brother Han, you should arrive within ten. During these ten days, you must investigate carefully and avoid recklessness. If provoked, present your Patrol Envoy Token and seek protection from Great Qian."
"Junior Brother Han, please be careful in all things," Liu Ruyan said, a hint of worry in her eyes. Over the past year and a half, she had grown fond of this junior brother—younger than her but far more powerful—who was gentle, unassuming, and an ideal fellow sect member. Naturally, she wished him no harm.
Han Yi nodded, his expression solemn but composed. "Senior Sister Liu, please brief me on the situation in Jinyun Immortal City."
An hour later, Han Yi soared from the Profound Immortal Pavilion aboard his Immortal Boat. The vessel traversed the Ninth Layer Immortal Court, streaking toward the Immortal City's side gate.
As Han Yi's Immortal Boat departed from the Profound Immortal Pavilion, he failed to notice a rogue cultivator disguised as a Qi Refining Third Layer cultivator pushing up the brim of his bamboo hat, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
"Heh, that brat's finally gone. Otherwise, I would've had to sneak in there."
The hat-wearing rogue cultivator gathered the few Low-Grade Magic Artifacts displayed on his stall, turned, and disappeared into a nearby alley. When he emerged, his appearance had transformed into that of an elder with an immortal-like demeanor. Instead of summoning a Magic Artifact, the elder levitated directly into the sky. Only after reaching a great height did he release his Immortal Boat and set off in pursuit of Han Yi.
However, as he left the Immortal City, the elder grew increasingly uneasy. The target's Immortal Boat ahead was accelerating at an alarming rate. In less than the time it took for an incense stick to burn, it had already surpassed the range of his Divine Sense, leaving him dumbfounded.
Moments later, he was forced to halt. A thoughtful expression crossed his face as his elder's visage reverted to his true form: a rugged-faced middle-aged cultivator named Yan Bu. Beyond his rogue cultivator identity, Yan Bu harbored another: he was an assassin of the Black God Tower.
The Black God Tower, one of the Jade Balance Realm's largest organizations, spanned the territories of Great Qin, Great Qian, Great Yong, and countless other major and minor powers.
Unlike the Fragrant Teachings' overt evil sect practices, the Black God Tower operated with far greater secrecy, specializing in assassinations and covert operations. They dared to target even Divine Transformation Dao Lords, provided the price was right.
In the Tower's history, three True Monarchs once daringly collaborated to assassinate a Dao Lord—an act of audacious recklessness. Though they ultimately failed to kill him outright, they managed to cripple him through treacherous means. Severely wounded, the Dao Lord retaliated by slaying two of the True Monarchs. The third True Monarch—the Tower Master, a Nascent Soul cultivator who had inherited the title of Black God True Monarch—fled the scene.
Following that battle, the Black God Tower surged to become the most formidable organization in the Jade Balance Realm. While their overall strength might not have been the greatest, their audacity was unmatched.
Yan Bu had accepted a dark contract from the Tower to assassinate a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator named Han Yi, ranked ninth on the Heavenly Secrets Qianlong Rankings. According to his profile, Han Yi possessed both exceptional strength and potential.
However, Yan Bu felt no apprehension. Direct confrontation was beneath him; the Black God Tower excelled in poisoncraft, a skill that earned them their infamous name. He believed that, given the right opportunity, he could even poison a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
If he couldn't catch up, there was truly nothing more he could do.
"According to the intelligence reports, his opponent's strength is at least on par with a newly advanced Golden Core cultivator," Yan Bu muttered to himself.
"This mission won't be easy."
"Still, to eliminate a Dry Dragon Prodigy—especially one ranked in the top ten—would be both a challenge and an opportunity for me. No matter how long it takes, it'll be worth it."
A flicker of excitement and anticipation gleamed in Yan Bu's eyes. He had encountered such prey before, taking eight years to kill it back when he was at the peak of Foundation Establishment. That triumph had cleared his thoughts, allowing him to break through to the Golden Core stage in one fell swoop.
Meanwhile, Han Yi, traveling at full speed, sensed an unfamiliar Divine Sense sweep over him from behind. He merely frowned and ignored it, pouring his own Divine Sense into reinforcing the Immortal Boat.
This wasn't his usual Human Immortal-grade vessel; he had temporarily borrowed an Earth Immortal-grade Immortal Boat from the Profound Immortal Pavilion. Its control center featured a staggering 199 slots for Spirit Stones.
With every slot filled and Han Yi channeling his full Divine Sense, even Yan Bu struggled to close the distance.
Ten days later, the Immortal Boat slowed as Jinyun Immortal City came into view, less than five kilometers ahead.