Chapter 167: Ji Qing Returns, Wind Thunder Sect In Uproar!
“Fellow Daoist Ji… defeated a Golden Core? And even killed True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect?”
Zhao Xiaozhu’s voice was trembling.
It wasn’t fear, but excitement.
A Golden Core!
She dreamed of forming a Golden Core.
From Foundation Establishment to Golden Core was a qualitative leap.
Only by forming a Golden Core could one become an ancestor, and be considered a hegemon in the Barren Domain.
Like Wang Xuan before them, if he hadn’t come from a Heavenly Human prominent family, would he dare to cause trouble for a Pill Shop?
Heavenly Human prominent families, that was only because they had produced Heavenly Humans.
And Heavenly Humans were on par with Golden Cores!
Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two knew Ji Qing was strong; how could someone ranked Black Robe Nine Stripes not be strong?
But they could never have imagined that Ji Qing could defeat a Golden Core, and even kill True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect?
That was the Zhou Tian Sect, not some small sect, but a great Spirit Transformation sect on par with the Wind Thunder Sect!
As soon as the news came out, the Wang Family did not hesitate and immediately admitted defeat.
After all, to offend a cultivator with Heavenly Human combat power who could kill a Golden Core over a Pill Shop was simply unwise.
That was why Wang Xuan came with fifty thousand Spirit Stones to apologize.
Zhao Xiaozhu looked at Wang Xuan.
The Wang Family’s apology this time was sincere.
Fifty thousand Spirit Stones was certainly not a small amount.
It had definitely covered the previous losses of the Pill Shop, and far exceeded them.
As for making the Wang Family establish their might?
That was not yet the case.
The Wang Family was also a Heavenly Human prominent family.
Moreover, Ji Qing had already killed True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect.
Where was the need to establish might?
“I accept your apology, Wang Xuan, now scram.”
“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhao.”
Wang Xuan breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Zhao Xiaozhu accepted the apology, the matter would be over.
Recalling the stern look of the Heavenly Human Old Ancestor in his family early that morning, Wang Xuan couldn’t help but have his thoughts churn.
The Heavenly Human Old Ancestor had said, “At all costs,” to obtain Zhao Xiaozhu’s forgiveness.
Furthermore, Wang Xuan had vaguely sensed a hint of fear.
Yes, it was a hint of fear in the Heavenly Human Old Ancestor’s tone.
This caused a storm to rise in Wang Xuan’s heart.
Was the Old Ancestor fearing Ji Qing?
In Wang Xuan’s heart, his own Old Ancestor was omnipotent.
Even if Ji Qing had Heavenly Human combat power, so what?
Could he be compared to his own Old Ancestor?
However, the Wang Family’s Old Ancestor did not care about Wang Xuan’s thoughts.
Because the Wang Family’s Old Ancestor knew True Person Chong Yi.
In fact, those who achieved Golden Core True Person status, generally, among the major sects, everyone knew a thing or two about each Golden Core and Heavenly Human expert.
It was precisely because of this that the Wang Family’s Old Ancestor was extremely wary.
True Person Chong Yi had a Magic Treasure!
A Golden Core True Person with a Magic Treasure and one without were two different matters.
But, True Person Chong Yi, who had a Magic Treasure, was still killed by Ji Qing.
What this meant, the Wang Family’s Old Ancestor understood perfectly.
Wang Xuan left with his people.
Ling Shuang Ren couldn’t help but be overjoyed and said, “Xiaozhu, I told you, Brother Ji would never disappoint us. I didn’t expect him to do something so earth-shattering in Quan City, even Heavenly Human prominent families are rushing to offer us apologies.”
“Yes, these Heavenly Human prominent families are arrogant. When Fellow Daoist Ji was present, they could still restrain themselves, but after Fellow Daoist Ji went to Quan City, these Heavenly Human prominent families revealed their true colors. Now, just with the news returning, the Wang family has come to apologize. Ji Qing’s current fame is something we can hardly imagine.”
Mu Yunxia also said with emotion.
Zhao Xiaozhu, however, thought of a deeper level.
She couldn’t help but ask, “Do you think, Fellow Daoist Ji can be ranked Ten Stripes upon his return this time?”
“Ten Stripes?”
Ling Shuang Ren and Mu Yunxia were slightly stunned.
Then they seemed to recall something.
Their entire bodies became excited.
Ten Stripes!
That was Ten Stripes!
Without Zhao Xiaozhu’s reminder, they hadn’t even realized it.
Ji Qing could truly go for a Ten Stripes rank assessment.
If successful…
The three of them dared not to think about it anymore.
The Black Robe Ten Stripes of the Wind Thunder Sect held a very special status.
In a sense, even Golden Cores and Heavenly Humans were far inferior to the shock brought by Black Robe Ten Stripes.
However, everything would have to wait until Ji Qing returned.
…
Wind Thunder Sect, Elder Qi’s courtyard.
After the previous incident with Ji Qing, Qing He had become a little “low-key”.
So what if she was Elder Qi’s concubine?
Ji Qing, with his Black Robe Nine Stripes, had a far higher status than her.
Even Luo Xiong was stimulated by this.
He had been practicing martial arts frantically recently.
One day, Luo Xiong returned.
However, Luo Xiong, who was usually steady, had a hint of dejected feeling about him at this moment.
Qing He frowned: “Luo Xiong, in just one year, are you discouraged because you couldn’t reach Black Robe Seven Stripes? Black Robe Seven Stripes is not that easy to break through. Even if you accumulate for a few years, you might not be able to achieve the rank.”
Luo Xiong looked up at Qing He and said weakly, “Is that so? But Ji Qing was able to go from Black Robe Nine Stripes to defeating a Golden Core in one year, yet I can’t even reach Black Robe Seven Stripes…”
As soon as he finished speaking, Qing He’s expression was astonished.
“Luo Xiong, what… what did you just say? Ji Qing defeated a Golden Core?”
Qing He’s eyes widened.
“You don’t know?”
“The entire Wind Thunder Sect is already spreading the word that Ji Qing defeated a Golden Core in Quan City, killing True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect with only a Dao Foundation. That was a genuine Golden Core True Person…”
Upon hearing this, Qing He’s heart churned with even greater shock.
Defeating a Golden Core?
Killing a Golden Core True Person?
If it weren’t for Luo Xiong, she would never have believed it.
“Luo Xiong is outside? Come in.”
Elder Qi’s voice came from inside the room.
Qing He and Luo Xiong exchanged glances.
Finally, the two pushed open the door and respectfully walked in.
Inside the room, Elder Qi opened his eyes.
“Luo Xiong, tell me in detail the news you just received.”
“Yes, Master…”
As Elder Qi finished listening to Luo Xiong’s report, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he suddenly asked, “Luo Xiong, you said Ji Qing killed True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect?”
“Yes, it was True Person Chong Yi.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely certain, even the Zhou Tian Sect has confirmed it…”
Elder Qi took a deep breath, then looked at Qing He.
“Qing He, when Ji Qing returns to the Wind Thunder Sect, go and deliver a gift to him on my behalf. Let it be ten thousand Spirit Stones.”
Elder Qi said.
“What, ten thousand Spirit Stones?”
Qing He couldn’t help but ask, “Elder, even if Ji Qing can defeat a Golden Core and possesses Heavenly Human combat power, you are at Heavenly Human Perfection and have the hope of becoming a Martial Saint.”
Qing He couldn’t understand.
Even if Ji Qing truly possessed Heavenly Human combat power.
Even if he truly killed a Golden Core True Person.
But so what?
Compared to Elder Qi, he was still far inferior.
Elder Qi didn’t need to give Ji Qing a gift at all, and furthermore, it was ten thousand Spirit Stones.
The last time Elder Qi appeared at the Pill Shop, it was only ten thousand Spirit Stones.
What qualification did Ji Qing have?
Elder Qi shook his head and said, “You don’t know True Person Chong Yi, but I do. True Person Chong Yi, even I would have to be wary of him, because he had a Magic Treasure! And despite having a Magic Treasure, he was still killed by Ji Qing…”
Elder Qi didn’t need to say the rest.
“What, a Magic Treasure?”
Qing He and Luo Xiong were both shocked.
A Magic Treasure!
Only a very small number of Golden Core True Persons possessed Magic Treasures.
And a Golden Core True Person with a Magic Treasure and one without were entirely different matters.
No wonder even Elder Qi would give Ji Qing a gift.
“I understand…”
“Alright, you may go.”
Elder Qi waved his hand.
Qing He did have talent.
Luo Xiong’s talent was actually not bad either.
Both of them had a slight hope of achieving Heavenly Human status.
But Ji Qing was different.
Compared to Ji Qing, they were worlds apart.
Although Ji Qing had not yet returned to Quan City, the news about Ji Qing in Quan City had spread rapidly.
After all, this matter could not be hidden.
And most importantly, this matter brought great honor to the Wind Thunder Sect!
Such a glorious matter, the Wind Thunder Sect naturally had to publicize it extensively and would not suppress the news.
They would even fan the flames and spread the news widely.
Therefore, the entire Wind Thunder Sect was shaken.
Even Heavenly Desolation City knew about Ji Qing, and knew that Ji Qing, with only a Dao Foundation, had defeated a Golden Core, and even killed True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect!
This news had a huge impact.
It also shook Heavenly Desolation City.
After all, Heavenly Desolation City was not only home to the Wind Thunder Sect.
There were two other great sects which were also Spirit Transformation Orthodox Lineages.
Moreover, there were many Nascent Soul and Golden Core Orthodox Lineages.
Especially the martial arts sects, they all immediately investigated Ji Qing’s origins.
For example, the Golden Dragon Holy Land, a Martial Saint Sect.
This was the foremost martial arts sect in Heavenly Desolation City.
As a result, after investigation by the Golden Dragon Holy Land, Ji Qing had visited the Golden Dragon Holy Land before.
Unfortunately, the Golden Dragon Holy Land had not taken him seriously.
The other Martial Saint Sects in Heavenly Desolation City also conducted thorough investigations and found that Ji Qing had indeed visited these Martial Saint Sects.
The result was without exception, due to Ji Qing “bringing his craft” at the time, having cultivation, and already being at Dao Foundation, he could only be assigned to the outer sect.
This led to Ji Qing eventually going to the Wind Thunder Sect.
For a time, these Martial Saint Sects regretted it immensely.
Although these were all Martial Saint Sects, with Martial Saints presiding over them.
But Ji Qing’s ability to defeat a Golden Core meant he likely had the strength of Black Robe Ten Stripes.
The other sects were well aware of the “gold content” of Black Robe Ten Stripes in the Wind Thunder Sect.
He was undoubtedly a seedling for Nascent Soul or Martial Saint.
So a top expert like this was turned away by them?
All these Martial Saint Sects were reflecting.
Were they being too harsh on cultivators who had already “learned a trade”?
Why couldn’t someone like Ji Qing be accepted as an inner sect disciple?
Ji Qing didn’t know, because the events he caused in Quan City had shaken Heavenly Desolation City, and even those Martial Saint Sects had begun to “reflect.” The impact was unimaginably vast.
After leaving Quan City, Ji Qing had been on the road the entire time.
Finally, he returned to Heavenly Desolation City.
Within the city were the Pill Shops of Zhao Xiaozhu and others.
Ji Qing thought for a moment, deciding that the mission was more important. It wouldn’t be too late to find Zhao Xiaozhu and the others after he submitted his mission.
Thus, Ji Qing headed straight for the Mission Hall.
As Ji Qing stepped into the Mission Hall, he encountered an inner sect disciple.
The other party was instantly stunned.
“Ji… Senior Brother Ji is back?”
Obviously, the other party recognized Ji Qing.
“Swish.”
As soon as the words were spoken, countless gazes in the Mission Hall fell upon Ji Qing.
These gazes were complex.
They included surprise, eagerness, admiration, reverence, and doubt, among others.
“It’s Senior Brother Ji!”
“It really is Senior Brother Ji who’s back!”
“Senior Brother Ji’s name is now famous throughout Heavenly Desolation City. No, even within the Zhou Tian Sect, Senior Brother Ji’s reputation has greatly increased. I heard there’s a bounty for killing Senior Brother Ji in the Zhou Tian Sect’s Mission Hall, and the reward is very generous.”
“Hahaha, the Zhou Tian Sect and our Wind Thunder Sect have always been at odds. Now that Senior Brother Ji has killed a Golden Core Elder of the Zhou Tian Sect, they naturally hate Senior Brother Ji intensely.”
“Senior Brother Ji has Heavenly Human combat power. No matter how much the Zhou Tian Sect hates him, they are helpless. Are Nascent Soul True Monarchs going to step in?”
“To defeat a Golden Core while still in the Dao Foundation stage! How many years has it been since such a Heavenly Talent was born?”
Ji Qing naturally heard the discussions of many cultivators in the Mission Hall.
It turned out that the news of what he did in Quan City had returned to the Wind Thunder Sect and was now spreading, known to everyone.
This was normal.
News like this couldn’t be hidden.
Ji Qing strode directly to the Elder stationed at the Mission Hall.
“Disciple Ji Qing greets all Elders.”
Ji Qing still bowed respectfully.
“Ji Qing, you’re finally back. Are you here to submit your mission?”
“Yes.”
Ji Qing immediately began submitting his mission.
He had to hand over some evidence from Quan City.
And an explanation for the Quan City incident.
These were all necessary.
Thus, the stationed Elders began to evaluate Ji Qing’s mission.
They would base their mission evaluation on the various pieces of evidence Ji Qing submitted, combined with some information from Quan City.
Mission evaluations were divided into Ordinary, Excellent, and Perfect.
Each evaluation was directly related to the mission rewards.
Therefore, extreme caution was required.
The stationed Elders deliberated for a long time before finally reaching a conclusion.
One of the Elders spoke, “Disciple Ji Qing, you were decisive and your evidence was conclusive. You brought order to Quan City and even slew a True Person of the Zhou Tian Sect’s Golden Core stage, upholding the prestige of our Wind Thunder Sect. Therefore, you are awarded a Perfect evaluation for this mission! You have earned ten thousand Merit Points!”
Ji Qing was somewhat surprised.
Ten thousand Merit Points?
Actually, completing this mission this time was, at best, excellent.
There were even deductions.
After all, he had killed and plundered quite a bit in Quan City.
He didn’t believe the stationed Elders were unaware of this.
As expected, Ji Qing immediately heard a telepathic message from an Elder: “Ji Qing, your killing and plundering in Quan City, and your year-long cultivation at the Netherworld Spring, consuming a large amount of Netherworld Water, would normally have resulted in deductions. However, considering your feat of slaying True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect, which was truly not easy, we have given you a Perfect evaluation.”
“Thank you, Elder!”
Ji Qing immediately bowed to the Elders.
It seemed the Elders knew about everything he had done.
Even his little schemes of cultivating at the Netherworld Spring had been seen through by the Elders.
But by slaying True Person Chong Yi.
These minor matters were no longer a concern for the Elders.
“By the way, are you continuing your town guarding duty, or concluding it?”
The Elder asked again.
“Conclude.”
Ji Qing no longer wished to continue guarding Quan City.
After all, there was no more profit to be made.
The Elders did not insist.
Quan City was now orderly and relatively stable, so any inner sect disciple with Black Robe Seven Stripes or higher could be assigned to guard it.
Ji Qing left the Mission Hall, holding his Identity Token.
He had already checked; he had 100 Merit Points before going to Quan City.
As a Black Robe Nine Stripes inner sect disciple, he received 90 Merit Points each month, totaling 1080 Merit Points per year.
Adding the 10,000 Merit Points from the perfect mission evaluation, he now had a total of 11,180 Merit Points.
In truth, this was already a very large sum of Merit Points.
Ji Qing hadn’t thought about how to use the Merit Points yet and wasn’t in a hurry.
He then left the Wind Thunder Sect and arrived at a Pill Shop in Heavenly Desolation City.
“Whoosh.”
As soon as he landed, he was immediately spotted.
“Brother Ji!”
Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two quickly ran out.
Upon seeing Ji Qing, all three wore expressions of pleasant surprise.
“Brother Ji, you’re finally back.”
“Brother Ji, did you really defeat a Golden Core?”
“Quickly tell us about Quan City, especially how you defeated a Golden Core and displayed your might…”
Zhao Xiaozhu’s eyes were full of anticipation.
Defeating a Golden Core.
How exciting must that have been?
Zhao Xiaozhu, an Alchemist and already well-off, could have lived a stable life refining pills and cultivating, but she most admired the battles of martial artists and was extremely eager for any combat.
Let alone Ji Qing defeating a Golden Core.
She wished she could have gone to Quan City to witness Ji Qing’s great battle against the Golden Core True Person.
Unfortunately, she had missed it.
However, now that Ji Qing was back, she could hear his firsthand account and satisfy her curiosity.
“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.”
In a short while, more people began to arrive.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, congratulations.”
Ji Qing focused his gaze.
He saw it was the Black Water Daoist.
This was someone from his hometown.
He hadn’t seen the Black Water Daoist in a long time.
“Fellow Daoist Black Water, please come in for a chat.”
The Black Water Daoist also presented a gift.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, please do not refuse.”
The gift presented by the Black Water Daoist was extremely valuable.
It was an Enlightenment Pill.
An Enlightenment Pill, as the name suggests, could induce a state of enlightenment.
Of course, the state of enlightenment induced by an Enlightenment Pill was likely less than a tenth as effective as true enlightenment.
However, for many cultivators, it was still very good.
Ji Qing was currently at Dao Foundation Perfection.
What was he lacking?
It was precisely the comprehension of Heaven and Man Unity.
This required enlightenment.
Therefore, the Enlightenment Pill sent by the Black Water Daoist was definitely thoughtfully chosen.
“Fellow Daoist Black Water, there’s no need. I haven’t had any major joyous occasions, why would you give a gift?”
“Fellow Daoist Ji, isn’t this a great joyous occasion? You defeated a Golden Core with your Dao Foundation cultivation, this is a monumental joyous event!”
Just then, Qing He and Luo Xiong also arrived.
Qing He looked at Ji Qing with a complex expression.
But she still presented a gift.
“Ji Qing, this is Elder Qi’s gift of ten thousand Spirit Stones for you!”
Qing He said.
“Elder Qi’s gift for me?”
Ji Qing’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Elder Qi was his nominal Master.
But everyone knew they had no affection for each other as “master and disciple.”
Ji Qing hadn’t expected Elder Qi to bestow ten thousand Spirit Stones upon him as a gift.
Elder Qi was currently desperate for Spirit Stones to repair his Foundation.
He was actually willing to give him Spirit Stones?
Clearly, Ji Qing had underestimated the impact of his “defeating a Golden Core.”
Not only Qing He and Luo Xiong arrived.
Some others, whom Ji Qing knew or didn’t know, also arrived successively at the Pill Shop to present gifts to Ji Qing.
Ji Qing spent the entire day welcoming and seeing off guests.
Qing He, Luo Xiong, and the Black Water Daoist had all left.
Ji Qing looked at the fully packed Storage Bag of gifts and fell into deep thought.
He felt something was amiss.
“Fellow Daoist Zhao, Fellow Daoist Mu, and Fellow Daoist Ling, the scale of today’s event is truly grand. So many people have come to give gifts, it’s almost like a promotion to Heavenly Human! Even though I defeated a Golden Core, I am ultimately still just an inner sect disciple. With so many people coming to give gifts, each with Golden Core or Heavenly Human backgrounds, they are not necessarily weaker than me, are they?”
“So, what exactly is going on here? Could there be a reason I’m unaware of?”
Ji Qing’s words caused Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two to exchange glances.
The scale of today’s event was indeed immense.
They had never seen anything like it.
If one were to speak of defeating a Golden Core, it wasn’t unheard of in the Barren Domain.
But Ji Qing’s current situation was far more exaggerated than anything they had seen before.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, can you describe your battle with True Person Chong Yi in detail?”
Ling Shuang Ren suddenly spoke.
“True Person Chong Yi…”
Ji Qing thought for a moment and then recounted it in detail once more.
“Wait, Fellow Daoist Ji, you said True Person Chong Yi had a Pagoda?”
“Yes, the Pagoda was in his Storage Bag.”
Ji Qing waved his hand and produced the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two stared intently at the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
Their eyes were filled with shock.
“This… is this a Magic Treasure?”
“That’s right, it’s a Magic Treasure! True Person Chong Yi was actually a True Person who possessed a Magic Treasure?”
Suddenly, Ling Shuang Ren burst into laughter.
“Hahaha, I understand, everything is clear now, so that’s how it is…”
Seeing Ling Shuang Ren’s demeanor, everyone became curious.
Seeing Ling Shuang Ren’s appearance, everyone became curious.
“Fellow Daoist Ling, tell me what happened? What have you learned?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, I can probably guess why so many people have come to give you gifts. It’s not just because you defeated a Golden Core cultivator, but because you were able to kill a Golden Core True Person who wielded a Magic Treasure.”
“Fellow Daoist Ji, do you know what is above the Inner Sect Disciples of the Wind Thunder Sect?”
Ji Qing was slightly taken aback.
Above Inner Sect Disciples?
He knew that the Wind Thunder Sect had Outer Sect and Inner Sect divisions.
Even if Inner Sect Disciples were promoted to Heavenly Human or Golden Core.
They would still be Inner Sect Disciples.
If they couldn’t break through within a certain period as Inner Sect Disciples, they would then become Elders or Stewards.
Dao Foundation and Foundation Establishment cultivators were Stewards.
Golden Core and Heavenly Human cultivators were Elders.
Zhao Xiaozhu seemed to understand as well.
Her gaze at Ji Qing was filled with pleasant surprise.
“True Disciple! Fellow Daoist Ji, above Inner Sect Disciples are True Disciples!”
“True Disciple?”
Ji Qing had truly never heard of it.
He had been in the Wind Thunder Sect for quite some time.
He only knew of Outer Sect and Inner Sect, and had never heard of True Disciple.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, the Wind Thunder Sect does indeed have True Disciples. The status of a True Disciple is even higher than that of an Inner Sect Elder! A True Disciple represents the future of the sect, and will surely become the backbone of the sect in the future, either succeeding to the position of Sect Master or becoming a Supreme Elder.”
“However, it is too difficult to become a True Disciple. It is said that the Wind Thunder Sect has not produced a True Disciple in a thousand years.”
“Legend has it that the sect has an unwritten rule: if one’s Black Robe assessment reaches ‘Ten Rank’, they have a high chance of being taken in as a True Disciple of the sect! And the tenth level checkpoint in the Wind Thunder Tower has long been challenged, with the guardian being a Golden Core True Person, and one who wields a Magic Treasure at that.”
“Therefore, basically no one attempts to get ranked ‘Ten Rank’ anymore, assuming it’s impossible for anyone to achieve ‘Ten Rank’. But Fellow Daoist Ji is different. You killed True Person Chong Yi who wielded a Magic Treasure. In the eyes of those Heavenly Human and Golden Core cultivators, Fellow Daoist Ji has a high chance of being ranked ‘Ten Rank’, and would most likely become a True Disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect. They are sending gifts in advance to build rapport and foster good relations.”
Hearing Ling Shuang Ren’s words, Ji Qing suddenly understood.
He understood.
Everything was clear.
True Disciple!
So they valued True Disciple!
No wonder even Elder Qi sent a gift.
That person was at Heavenly Human Realm Perfection!
His status was lofty.
However, Elder Qi failed in his attempt to break through to Martial Saint. If he could not become a Martial Saint in the future, and if Ji Qing successfully achieved the ‘Ten Rank’ rank, then Elder Qi’s status would be inferior to Ji Qing’s.
This was the real reason.
Moreover, even if Ji Qing failed the rank assessment and did not become a True Disciple.
It wouldn’t matter.
Ji Qing already possessed Heavenly Human combat power.
His chances of advancing to Heavenly Human in the future were very high.
Once he advanced to Heavenly Human, his strength would be terrifying.
Befriending Ji Qing was not a loss.
“Ten Rank… True Disciple…”
Ji Qing originally didn’t have much expectation for the ‘Ten Rank’ rank assessment.
However, things were different now.
He greatly desired to undergo the ‘Ten Rank’ assessment.
The various treatments for a True Disciple.
Were definitely far superior to those of Inner Sect Disciples.
Ji Qing naturally had to give it a try.
To see if he could achieve ‘Ten Rank’ and be promoted to True Disciple?
“It seems Fellow Daoist Ji has made up his mind.”
“Fellow Daoist Ji, this is your share of the profits from the Pill Shop for one year, a total of forty-five thousand Spirit Stones.”
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately presented Ji Qing’s share of the profits.
Ji Qing nodded and accepted the Spirit Stones without being polite.
He had a lot of Spirit Stones now.
Over a million!
However, no one would complain about having too many Spirit Stones.
Moreover, these were Spirit Stones that Ji Qing rightfully deserved.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, when will you go for the rank assessment?”
Zhao Xiaozhu was filled with excitement.
She seemed more thrilled than Ji Qing.
“No rush, I’ll rest for a few days first.”
Thus, Ji Qing returned to his residence.
Days passed.
It was strange, ever since Ji Qing returned to the Wind Thunder Sect, many people had high-profilely sent gifts.
Then Ji Qing fell into complete silence.
Even those Heavenly Human prominent families and Golden Core True Persons, Heavenly Human Elders, and others who sent gifts.
All fell silent.
As if waiting for something.
As a result, the Wind Thunder Sect fell into a very strange silence.
Along with it, the rumors about Ji Qing gradually subsided.
This situation lasted for seven full days.
Seven days later, Ji Qing left his courtyard.
Before leaving, he sent a Communication Talisman to Zhao Xiaozhu and others.
There were still only four words.
“Rank assessment, come quickly.”
Zhao Xiaozhu was immensely excited.
“Hahaha, hurry, Brother Ji is going for the rank assessment!”
Ling Shuang Ren and Mu Yunxia also immediately put down their tasks and rushed to the Wind Thunder Tower.
This was the rank assessment for ‘Ten Rank’.
It was an extremely significant event throughout the entire Wind Thunder Sect.
How could they miss it?
…
“Master, Ji Qing has gone to the Wind Thunder Tower, it seems he’s going for the ‘Ten Rank’ rank assessment!”
Luo Xiong immediately informed Elder Qi.
“Swish.”
Elder Qi opened his eyes.
“He has finally reached this step… Come, let’s go and see!”
Elder Qi couldn’t hold back either.
Not only Elder Qi, but almost all Heavenly Human and Golden Core Elders of the Wind Thunder Sect, they all moved upon hearing the news, almost all heading to the Wind Thunder Tower.
At this moment, Ji Qing stood before the Wind Thunder Tower.
Zhao Xiaozhu, Ling Shuang Ren, and Mu Yunxia had all arrived.
They even waved at Ji Qing.
The three of them had extremely excited and expectant looks in their eyes.
Ji Qing swept his gaze.
Not just Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two.
He also saw Qing He, Luo Xiong, and Elder Qi!
Keep in mind that Elder Qi, after damaging his foundation while attempting to break through to Martial Saint, was either in seclusion or on his way to seclusion.
Now, he actually came to the Wind Thunder Tower specifically?
The purpose was self-evident.
It was definitely for him!
Not just Elder Qi, but also many Golden Core True Persons and Heavenly Human Elders.
Had all arrived at the Wind Thunder Tower.
They were even releasing “goodwill”.
They were basically treating Ji Qing as an equal.
The arrival of so many Golden Core and Heavenly Human cultivators further confirmed Ji Qing’s judgment from Ling Shuang Ren.
If he achieved the ‘Ten Rank’ rank, it was likely related to the legendary True Disciples.
Otherwise, it wouldn’t have attracted so many Golden Core and Heavenly Human cultivators.
Now, Ji Qing was the center of attention.
He walked step by step to the Elder in charge of the Wind Thunder Tower.
“Elder, this disciple is prepared to undergo the ‘Ten Rank’ rank assessment.”
Ji Qing took out his Identity Token.
This Elder actually recognized Ji Qing.
After all, who in the entire Wind Thunder Sect didn’t know Ji Qing now?
He took a deep look at Ji Qing.
“Ten Rank? Are you sure?”
“Sure.”
The Elder nodded.
“It has been a long time since the sect produced a Black Robe cultivator with ‘Ten Rank’. I hope you succeed this time! Go in…”
Ji Qing nodded.
He flew towards the Wind Thunder Tower.
Regardless of how much he was the center of attention.
Only by passing the ‘Ten Rank’ assessment would he have a chance to become a True Disciple.
If he didn’t pass, then everything would be over, and there would be nothing more to say.
Watching Ji Qing fly into the Wind Thunder Tower, many people were even more excited than Ji Qing.
“Brother Ji, you must succeed!”
Ling Shuang Ren silently prayed in her heart.
“If Fellow Daoist Ji successfully achieves the ‘Ten Rank’ rank, hehe, then I can also gain some prestige…”
This was Zhao Xiaozhu.
“Fellow Daoist Ji once, in the Immeasurable Domain, from being a mere Jianghu martial artist, gradually ascended to the pinnacle of cultivation in the Immeasurable Domain, founded the Heavenly Martial Sacred Land, and later drifted across the sea to the Barren Domain, soaring to unprecedented heights… Fellow Daoist Ji, this elder believes that ‘Ten Rank’ will not be a difficulty for you…”
This was Black Water Daoist.
He understood Ji Qing the best and had the most confidence in him.
Others might not know Ji Qing’s past, but Black Water Daoist knew it very clearly.
In the Immeasurable Domain, Ji Qing was already a legend.
After arriving in the Barren Domain, Ji Qing’s performance was equally astonishing.
“If this child can pass the ‘Ten Rank’ assessment and be promoted to True Disciple, perhaps he can help this old man redeem an Origin Pill… With that, the damaged foundation in my body can be fully restored. I hope this child can truly succeed in the ‘Ten Rank’ assessment and be promoted to True Disciple…”
Elder Qi also stared at Ji Qing with radiant eyes.
He ardently desired for Ji Qing to be promoted to True Disciple.
After all, only True Disciples were eligible to redeem Origin Pills.
Even he, an Inner Sect Elder, was not qualified to redeem Origin Pills.
If Ji Qing could be promoted to True Disciple, he would put in all his effort to ask Ji Qing to redeem an Origin Pill for him.
At this moment, regardless of whether they knew Ji Qing or not.
All eyes were on Ji Qing.
Various discussions could be heard.
However, Ji Qing paid no attention.
His gaze was solely on the Wind Thunder Tower.
“Whoosh.”
Ji Qing finally stepped into the Wind Thunder Tower.
The same familiar feeling.
He felt his vision darken, as if he were in a pitch-black void.
Slowly, Ji Qing saw light.
Blinding light filled Ji Qing’s vision.
“This is…”
Ji Qing looked up, but found it difficult to discern what was within the light.
However, Ji Qing felt a terrifying pressure, giving him a suffocating feeling.
“Clang.”
Ji Qing did not hesitate in the slightest.
He drew his sword!
Exerting almost all his strength, Ji Qing drew his saber, unleashing a hundred-zhang saber qi!
The terrifying saber qi surged, seemingly about to tear through space.
It fiercely struck into the dazzling light.
“Bang.”
A muffled thud came from within the light.
Ji Qing peered closely.
The light vanished.
In its place stood a mountain peak.
This mountain peak seemed to be a Great Seal.
It actually grew with the wind, transforming into a mountain peak.
The mountain peak emanated a green light.
And behind the mountain peak was a woman.
She possessed the aura of a Golden Core.
Clearly, this was a Golden Core True Person!
It seems the rumor was indeed true.
The “Ten” checkpoint is a Golden Core True Person.
Furthermore, Ji Qing also saw the Great Seal that resembled a small mountain.
A Magic Treasure!
Without a doubt, this Great Seal was a Magic Treasure!
Such a Magic Treasure, capable of transforming into a mountain peak?
No wonder no one had been able to pass the ten rank assessment for so long.
With a checkpoint of this difficulty, for someone at the Dao Foundation or Foundation Establishment level to pass?
That would be akin to a fool’s dream.
It was a double suppression in terms of Cultivation and Magic Treasure!
Those who passed the ten assessment generally gave up.
Preferring to aim for Promotion to Golden Core or Heavenly Human.
Rather than waste time on the ten assessment.
However, Ji Qing was different.
His hundred-zhang saber qi struck the Great Seal, and though it didn’t break it,
it prevented the Great Seal from crushing him.
At the same time, a white light surged from Ji Qing’s body.
Saber Domain!
Ji Qing’s Saber Domain surged, instantly enveloping the Great Seal.
It also enveloped the figure of the woman.
“Hum.”
Saber qi erupted.
Tens of thousands of saber qi, whistling and constantly shredding within the Saber Domain, what a terrifying scene that was?
Immediately, the overwhelming saber qi instantly engulfed the Great Seal.
Even the female Golden Core cultivator was engulfed as well.
“Boom.”
The Great Seal grew with the wind.
From a small mountain, it became a majestic mountain.
The saber qi filling the sky could not harm this mountain.
Moreover, the mountain, directly pushing through the saber qi, roared and crushed towards Ji Qing.
It intended to directly confront the saber qi and eliminate Ji Qing.
If it were any other cultivator, even a cultivator in the Heavenly Human Realm, they would likely have no recourse.
They could only choose to confront this mountain head-on.
But Ji Qing was different.
He unleashed his Domain.
Within his Domain, he was absolute god!
“Swish.”
The mountain descended.
Terrifying roars filled the Saber Domain.
However, Ji Qing had already disappeared.
As if by Teleportation.
This was, of course, not Teleportation.
This was speed.
Pure speed.
Within the Saber Domain, all of Ji Qing’s abilities were amplified.
Including his movement techniques.
Therefore, his speed was so great, it was like Teleportation.
Even if the mountain wanted to “crush” him, it would be like a fool’s dream.
Seeing this, the female cultivator immediately made the mountain grow rapidly.
Finally, the mountain grew to be almost the same size as the Saber Domain.
The Saber Domain had no gaps at all.
This was an attempt to “overpower with size.”
To use the characteristic of this Magic Treasure to leave Ji Qing with no room to dodge or escape.
But Ji Qing smiled.
His Saber Domain suddenly expanded.
Didn’t this create Space?
His Saber Domain could be large or small.
It was not comparable to this Magic Treasure.
The larger this Magic Treasure became, the heavier the burden on the female cultivator.
If they continued to drag it out, the female cultivator would definitely not be able to outlast Ji Qing.
Actually, to kill Ji Qing was also very simple.
That was to break through the Saber Domain.
And the method to break through the Saber Domain was also simple: unleash Power that exceeded its carrying limit.
Alternatively, other domains could entangle and collide with the Saber Domain, restraining it.
Unfortunately, the female cultivator possessed neither of these abilities.
Thus, the female cultivator frantically activated the Magic Treasure.
“Boom boom boom boom boom.”
The female cultivator no longer conserved her Magic Power.
She activated the Magic Treasure as if driven mad.
The colossal mountain-like Magic Treasure descended again and again.
What Saber Qi.
What Saber Intent.
What True Qi.
What Demon Saber, and so on.
To the colossal mountain-like Magic Treasure, these were insignificant.
Therefore, Ji Qing no longer used Saber Techniques.
It was meaningless.
If he were to truly use Saber Techniques, his Demon Saber might not be able to withstand a direct clash with the opponent’s colossal mountain-like Magic Treasure.
It was possible the Demon Saber wouldn’t even hold up.
This was the strongest opponent Ji Qing had encountered.
Too ferocious.
Similarly, regarding Magic Treasures, compared to True Person Chong Yi whom he met in Quan City, that Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda was nothing.
Compared to the current colossal mountain-like Magic Treasure.
It was like comparing a dwarf to a giant.
However, no matter how astonishing the aura of the colossal mountain-like Magic Treasure was,
there was one point: the attack controlled by the opponent did not exceed the limit that Ji Qing’s Saber Domain could contain.
In other words, the opponent still could not break through the Saber Domain.
Since the Saber Domain could not be broken through, the opponent’s current frantic actions were merely for show and terrifying.
In reality, they were useless.
They could only consume Magic Power.
As time slowly passed.
Ji Qing’s guess was correct.
No matter how strong the colossal mountain-like Magic Treasure was, it was ultimately futile.
As the female cultivator’s Magic Power was largely depleted, the saber qi within Ji Qing’s Saber Domain began to shred wildly again.
The female cultivator’s Magic Power was further depleted.
Now, Ji Qing’s only method to deal with Golden Core True Persons was this: attrition!
Exhaust the opponent’s Magic Power.
Ji Qing had his Saber Domain and Five Elements Pill Granules.
His internal True Qi was exceptionally dense, far exceeding that of his peers.
In terms of True Qi density, Ji Qing was even stronger than a Heavenly Human.
This was the true reason he could repeatedly exhaust the Magic Power of Golden Core True Persons.
His offensive power had not yet reached the point of being able to kill Golden Core True Persons.
At least, he couldn’t break through the protective magic of Golden Core True Persons.
Perhaps, only after he ascended to the Heavenly Human Realm would his attacks be able to break through the protective magic of Golden Core True Persons.
“Ch”
Finally, the female cultivator’s protective magic was broken.
She was no longer able to sustain her protective magic.
Once the protective magic was broken, the terrifying saber qi within Ji Qing’s Saber Domain instantly struck her.
Even a dignified Golden Core True Person, stripped of their protective magic, had a fragile Physical Body.
It was instantly shredded into dust by the saber qi.
The female cultivator disappeared.
The terrifying Great Seal, like a mountain, also vanished.
Ji Qing breathed a sigh of relief.
Was this considered a successful rank assessment?
That mountain-like Great Seal Magic Treasure was truly terrifying.
Even Ji Qing was envious.
Compared to the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
Well, it couldn’t compare…
Unfortunately, it was merely an illusion.
Ji Qing could not obtain that Great Seal Magic Treasure even after killing the female cultivator.
However, even without obtaining the Magic Treasure, Ji Qing should have passed the Wind Thunder Tower’s ten checkpoint.
Indeed, as the female cultivator’s figure disappeared, Ji Qing heard a familiar voice.
“Congratulations, Inner Sect Disciple Ji Qing of the Martial Dao Lineage, you have successfully passed the rank assessment checkpoint.”
A smile appeared on Ji Qing’s face.
By passing the ten checkpoint this time, he would become the only Black Robe Ten disciple in the Wind Thunder Sect at his current age!
Furthermore, there was Hope of being promoted to True Disciple!
Ji Qing also looked forward to becoming a True Disciple.
Observing the attitudes of the Heavenly Human Elders and Golden Core True Persons towards Ji Qing.
It wasn’t because Ji Qing could Defeat Golden Core.
It was because they believed Ji Qing had the potential to become a True Disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect!
This showed the substance of being a True Disciple.
Ji Qing waited and waited.
Why was it different from last time?
He had not been teleported out of the Wind Thunder Tower.
Just then, an accident suddenly occurred.
“Buzz.”
A golden light exploded in the Void.
Immediately after, a terrifying aura permeated the Wind Thunder Tower.
Ji Qing saw a figure appear in the Void.
That was not an illusory figure.
But it also didn’t have the feeling of a normal person’s flesh and blood body.
It was more akin to Spirit taking form.
Ji Qing was startled.
“Could this be… a Primordial Spirit?”
A thought flashed through Ji Qing’s mind.
Primordial Spirit!
That was the terrifying Power that only Deity Transformation Divine Lords possessed.
It was said that once a Primordial Spirit was possessed, as long as the Primordial Spirit was not destroyed, the Deity Transformation Divine Lord would never die.
And Primordial Spirits were difficult to kill.
Primordial Spirits could divide into ten thousand.
Even a tiny bit of Primordial Spirit power could hide in the Void, and could even hide within the Sea of Consciousness of ordinary people or cultivators, and over Time, the Primordial Spirit could slowly recover.
Therefore, Deity Transformation Divine Lords could be considered the most top-tier existences in the Barren Domain.
With Deity Transformation Divine Lords, one could become the most top-tier force for generations to come!
“Disciple Ji Qing greets the Divine Lord!”
Ji Qing respectfully bowed.
This Divine Lord looked at Ji Qing, but there was a hint of disappointment on his originally expectant face.
“Dao Foundation… why is it Dao Foundation…”
“What a pity, if it were Dao Foundation Rank Assessment ten marks, then the highest achievement would only be Martial Saint… and our Wind Thunder Sect is ultimately an Immortal Sect!”
The Divine Lord was somewhat disappointed.
If it were a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, he would be very happy.
This meant that in the future, there would be a seed for Spirit Transformation.
As long as they were carefully nurtured, there was Hope of achieving Spirit Transformation.
Unfortunately, it was merely a Dao Foundation.
It would be useless no matter how astonishing or exceptional.
Martial Saint was the limit.
As for the legendary Martial God…
The Barren Domain had Martial Gods, but the Wind Thunder Sect had never produced a Martial God.
The Wind Thunder Sect was, after all, an Immortal Path Sect, and Martial Saint was the limit.
Martial God?
Without even the Legacy, thinking of achieving Martial God was out of the question.
But the Wind Thunder Sect’s Rules could not be broken.
Since the Rank Assessment of ten marks was successful, he had to be promoted to True Disciple!
Ji Qing looked up at this Divine Lord.
He didn’t know if it was an illusion.
He always felt that after this Divine Lord saw him, he seemed… not excited?
Even, there was a hidden trace of disappointment.
What was going on?
Was it an illusion?
No, Ji Qing’s feeling was not wrong.
The Divine Lord was indeed very disappointed!
“May I ask the Divine Lord, since this disciple’s Rank Assessment of ten marks was successful, why do you show disappointment?”
Ji Qing could not help but ask.
There was no point in guessing about some things.
He wanted to ask directly!
