Chapter 163: Hatching
Long Qiushui spoke casually, but in fact, hatching the Shadow Horn Spider insect egg and completing the bloodline metamorphosis was not that simple.
The next day, Su Yan was startled by the commotion caused by Long Qiushui.
He saw Long Qiushui controlling the Mysterious Frost Heavenly Centipede, her form transforming into a hundred-zhang body, demonic essence spewing from her mouth, connecting to the entire Xuan Shuang Mountain’s earth vein.
Xuan Shuang Mountain was instantly shrouded in clouds and mist, a powerful formation abruptly rising, faintly carrying the aura of the Nine Tablet Spirit Platform from that day, like the nine tablets.
Long Qiushui’s form was at the top of Xuan Shuang Mountain, Su Yan stood below, watching as Mysterious Frost Heavenly Centipede True Intent emerged from her body, its carapace pure white like jade, long whiskers drifting elegantly, not like tentacles but more like dragon whiskers.
Beast Spirit True Intent swelled against the wind, in an instant spiraling left and right with the contracted beast Mysterious Frost Heavenly Centipede, as if enveloping the entire Xuan Shuang Mountain.
Suddenly the mountain body shook, Long Qiushui’s true essence guided it, and before her, the ground cracked open, abruptly spurting out a spring eye about a zhang long.
The spring water was clear and cold, spiritual energy swirling above it, the convergence point of Xuan Shuang Mountain’s spiritual energy.
“I activated the Xuan Shuang Mountain formation to condense earth vein spiritual energy, place the Shadow Horn Spider insect egg into it.”
“Yes.”
Su Yan placed the insect egg into it, and the spring water seemed to come alive, beginning to swirl around the insect egg, constantly circling its surface, bit by bit nourishing the insect egg.
The purple patterns brightened slightly, exuding a vibrant aura.
Two third-order origin stones appeared in Long Qiushui’s hand, thrown into the two poles of the spring water, soon turning into mist that enveloped the spring water’s surface.
Long Qiushui said: “This month, focus entirely on refining the Hundred Poisons Gu Seal. Before it hatches, fuse all the obtained Hundred Poisons Gu Seals into it, so the beast that emerges can be completely controlled by you.”
Among contracted beasts, the smaller and younger stage the feral beast, the easier it is to control, not to mention in this insect egg state.
Su Yan nodded in agreement, Long Qiushui gave a few more instructions, then left Xuan Shuang Mountain, no one knew where she went.
Su Yan stayed alone on Xuan Shuang Mountain. Except for handling his own food since no one would deliver it up the mountain, the rest of the days were no different from being on Gui Cang Mountain.
Every morning he refined the Hundred Poisons Gu Seal, and in the afternoons he honed the Blood Slaughter Hand and other martial skills on his body, as well as hardening cultivation techniques, one by one.
His body had plenty of pills and resources, and Xuan Shuang Mountain had now activated its formation, gathering spiritual energy, making it an excellent time for cultivation.
He immersed himself fully in cultivation, and in just a few days, he condensed another Hundred Poisons Gu Seal.
Heavenly Python Dharma Body and Five Poisons Body Forging Scripture also made considerable progress.
At the same time, the opening of the Inner Sect Tiger Ranking finally stirred up quite a wave.
On White Python Peak, Yao Yuntao imprinted all fifteen Beast Taming Seals into the blood boa’s body before him.
Although the blood boa struggled incessantly, hissing with exposed ferocity, it was ultimately pinned down by him, its head subdued completely.
A ten-zhang White Python emerged behind him, its aura dangerous, as if it were about to merge into the blood boa’s body.
“Heart Ape Realm great accomplishment!”
A glint flashed in Yao Yuntao’s eyes, his true essence gradually converging.
“Clap clap clap”
Yao Yunzhou clapped lightly and said: “True intent fully transformed, contracted beast connected to true intent. In the future, exchange contribution points for dragon transformation items, pave the way well, with family assistance, you may become a Dan Qiao True Person.”
“Compared to Big Brother, I’m still far behind.”
Yao Yunzhou shook his head slightly: “You’re only lacking time.”
He paused slightly, Yao Yuntao noticed his expression change and asked: “What’s wrong?”
“I heard some news recently, about Su Yan.”
Yao Yuntao’s expression turned serious as he asked: “What is it?”
“News from Guizang Valley: a few days ago, Su Yan fought one against seven, using true intent and contracted beast twin ferocious centipedes to defeat seven fellow disciples, all second-year and third-year disciples.”
Yao Yuntao showed a surprised expression.
Yao Yunzhou said: “Suspected to be the contracted beast’s merit. If you want to leave your name on the Tiger Ranking in the first year, you must pay more attention.”
“I understand.”
A flash of fighting intent passed through Yao Yuntao’s eyes, he raised his head slightly and said: “I’m going to the training ground.”
……
On Azure Dragon Peak, Qing Tianyi’s sword slash broke the target before him, the second-order mysterious steel human dummy directly severed more than halfway.
“Sword forms dragon shape, Riding Dragon Sword Technique has reached minor accomplishment. Your ink jade giant python has also transformed into ink flood dragon, stepping into True Intent Realm second realm Condensing Momentum Stage. Among this batch of beginner disciples, only that Su Yan can match you somewhat.”
A bearded old man held a section of azure ink-colored wooden sword, stroking his beard with a smile, showing satisfaction toward Qing Tianyi.
“Second Grandpa, that Su Yan kid merely relies on his contracted beast. Although he won half a move in the entrance exam, it’s just martial skills…”
“Don’t be arrogant. Long Qiushui’s lineage has always been protective of their own, otherwise they wouldn’t give him such a ferocious centipede feral beast.”
Qing Yunheng’s gaze sharpened slightly as he said: “You’ve already broken through to Ruyi Stage, plus the Jiao Mu Kui prepared for you by the family. Some second-generation disciples, or even those lower on the ranking, may not be your match. By convention, the twenty-one on the new ranking, regardless of whether they are you new inner disciples, will have a final duel at the end of the month. If you can get first among the new inner disciples, I will propose to the sect to let you go together to the Mysterious Jade Cold Pond to temper your body and nourish your bones.”
Qing Tianyi’s gaze shifted slightly, but he frowned: “Only first place can go?”
“Not entirely, but something happened just right, needing to send a disciple over, just to fill a spot.”
Sect strength comes first; with strength, everything is easy to discuss.
But without strength, what does it matter if he Qing Yunheng is a Dan Qiao True Person?
There’s no way to insert his own people into this matter.
Qing Yunheng’s gaze flickered slightly, but this Su Yan was indeed an obstacle for Tianyi. Whether sharpening stone or stumbling block, if he blocks the path, some means must be used.
……
Hundred Tiger Peak, training ground
“Second-year disciple Ouyang Tianhong challenges Tiger Ranking two hundred eighty-eighth place.”
Bai Yun had just finished practicing her spear, with Eighteen Styles of Blood Tiger fused into every spear momentum, and before she could leave the training ground, she was stopped.
“Fine, let’s fight.”
She merely raised her gaze slightly, without the slightest hesitation.
The woman named Ouyang Tianhong gritted her silver teeth, released her contracted beast Purple Light Leopard, held twin dove-tail knives, and pounced like a female leopard.
Bai Yun’s gaze sharpened, her waist beast taming bag jumped out with a Sha Yu Tiger over two zhang long with white forehead and golden whiskers, its form pouncing in unison with her spear momentum, directly colliding with the opponent.
Clearly slightly inferior in strength, just one line short of Heart Ape Stage great accomplishment.
But in the bold sweeps, all carried a desperate, life-or-death momentum.
Perfectly coordinated with the Sha Yu Tiger, attacks straight for vital points.
After four or five dozen exchanges in this entanglement, Ouyang Tianhong was struck by the Sha Yu Tiger, and the Purple Light Leopard was flipped by one spear thrust.
“I admit defeat!”
Bai Yun cupped her hands, ignoring Ouyang Tianhong’s expression, and strode away.
……
Seven Peaks One Valley, disciples fighting everywhere nonstop. Some waited for the final Spirit Platform duel, but others couldn’t hold back their challenge impulses.
In a short time, even disciples like Bai Yun were challenged many times in a few days.
She fought her way from Heart Ape Stage minor accomplishment to Heart Ape Stage great accomplishment.
Defeated twice during this period, but after breakthrough, she fought her way back.
Until defeated by a Ruyi Stage disciple, dropping two spots to two hundred ninetieth place.
——
“Sect Affairs Pavilion sure knows how to play, starting the Tiger Ranking competition early. Right now, fights causing injuries have increased by thirty percent out of nowhere.”
In a room at the mid-level of Sect Affairs Pavilion, Lei Yuxi from White Python Peak snorted, expressing dissatisfaction.
“Senior Brother Lei, which martial artist doesn’t get injured? The sect prohibits disciples from maiming each other; even if injured, it’s controllable, no need for that.”
In the main seat, a gray-robed man with a jade-like face and steady aura sat there, smiling faintly: “Besides, this matter is always decided by the heads; we only suggest.”
“Hmph, you guys have all the sneaky ideas.”
Lei Yuxi snorted: “Three Flames Divine Palace is stirring, signs already appearing everywhere, especially inside and outside Hundred Peaks Barrier. If too many inner disciples are injured, few will be left for experience.”
“Get to the point, I’m in a hurry.”
Long Qiushui interrupted their conversation, showing impatience.
“Senior Sister Long naturally isn’t worried. I heard your disciple fought one against seven, defeating several Ruyi Stage disciples.”
Long Qiushui merely raised her gaze slightly: “Your news is quite well-informed.”
“Junior Sister Long is right, time to discuss the main matter.”
The leader Qian Mulan nodded slowly and said: “This time for Hundred Peaks Barrier guard rotation, me, Junior Sister Long, Senior Brother Lei, Junior Sister Shui, and Junior Brother Yu will go together to guard Cold Shadow Peak, Pine Mountain Peak, Meng Ding Peak, Dragon Flower Peak, and Wang Peak respectively. The peaks under these five, inner and outer mountains, and outer towns have been operated by us for over a decade, already infiltrated with quite a few of our people.”
“This time, besides guarding, it’s to uproot all these demonic path hidden agents.”
Lei Yuxi’s gaze sharpened as he asked: “Are we adding another peak?”
“Mm.”
Qian Mulan nodded: “We’re just the vanguard, making preparations. Outside the barrier, Sword Hanging Peak’s earth vein has been nurturing for a long time; the sect plans to seal the formation and integrate it into Hundred Peaks Barrier.”
Shui Manyi’s expression turned serious: “I’m afraid such a big commotion, Three Flames Divine Palace or even those Sacred Weapon Path madmen won’t let it go easily.”
Lei Yuxi snorted: “They’re already irreconcilable with us; what’s a little more action.”
“This time, Dan Qiao True Persons will sit in command, but to uproot those hidden agents, disciples under us will have to act. Junior brothers and sisters, take this chance to pick some disciples to follow and handle matters, for convenience.”
Qian Mulan was both reminding and doing a favor; if this succeeds, the following disciples won’t lack contribution points.
If among Inner Sect Tiger Ranking there are outstanding disciples, befriending such disciples, or even taking as apprentices, is a good thing.
The group planned carefully, combing through key points of these five peak areas, setting their respective tasks, spending a full half day before leaving one after another.
In this way, half a month passed in a flash.
After returning from Sect Affairs Pavilion, Long Qiushui began daily combat with Su Yan using Mysterious Frost Heavenly Centipede.
Su Yan could only use Six-Winged Blood Centipede and Star Moon Centipede to fight each other.
Mysterious Frost Heavenly Centipede’s strength was overwhelming, its ferocious aura and bloodline power constantly stirring the Six-Winged Blood Centipede’s ferocity, intentionally stimulating its bloodline.
Su Yan knew Long Qiushui’s good intentions; every battle, he calmly comprehended. After half a month, the starlight on Star Moon Centipede had thickened twice over, becoming more solid and powerful.
Originally just tempering true intent and contracted beast, later Long Qiushui personally wielded a jade sword and fought Su Yan.
Su Yan could use all means except exotic beasts, three true intents unleashed together, like a star god charging at Long Qiushui.
“Operating Ruyi Stage, multitasking three ways without any pressure, your spiritual power is impressive.”
Facing the assault of three true intents, Long Qiushui’s long robe floated slightly, her jade finger pointed once, true essence gathering on the jade sword.
“Whoosh”
The jade sword attacked, in an instant slashing across the three true intents, sealing them. If not holding back, they would likely have been injured.
Su Yan’s spear struck, meeting the jade sword’s attack.
At the moment of edge contact, the jade sword suddenly split, turning into left and right white lights, straight for Su Yan.
He flipped to dodge, azure gold scale patterns emerging, Heavenly Python Dharma Body empowered, a Blood Hand Seal striking out.
The jade sword shook slightly, merging back into one, instantly piercing the Blood Hand Seal, then landing before Su Yan.
“Your battle sense is excellent; even without Six-Winged Blood Centipede, you should be able to handle one against seven.”
Long Qiushui was full of praise. Although she won, in this disciple’s martial skills—Poison Dragon Golden Body Technique, Blood Slaughter Hand, and traces of other martial skills—all fused together seamlessly, flowing smoothly without stutter, clearly at great accomplishment or even Transformation Realm level.
Such martial skills showed his strong comprehension.
“You know too little about Dan Qiao methods; if you really encounter them later, be even more careful.”
Long Qiushui reviewed with Su Yan one by one, pointing out deficiencies.
Su Yan took the chance to ask: “Master, what’s the difference between Dan Qiao True Person and True Intent Realm?”
“Dan Qiao opens the dantian acupoints around the body, accommodating heaven and earth power, transcending the mortal, flying in the sky and burrowing the earth, beginning from here.”
Long Qiushui held nothing back, explaining slowly: “Human acupoints, known ones number three hundred sixty-five, plus three palace dantian acupoints, that’s Dan Qiao Realm perfection.”
“Three palace dantian acupoints?”
“Mm, dantian acupoints inner landscape evolves, true essence condenses into core for First Heaven; middle dantian nurtures essence, condensing into core is Second Heaven; upper dantian core nurtures spirit and soul for Third Heaven. Third Heaven fixed, like sun and moon; further up, three cores light the stars for All Stars Heaven, total four realms.”
Long Qiushui explained the Dan Qiao path clearly, giving Su Yan an impression.
She shifted the topic, not continuing, but said: “What you should worry about is the spirit tools nurtured in Dan Qiao True Persons’ bodies. Weapons with spirit have unique marvels, myriad changes; never treat them like sharp weapons, charging straight. I know you have hardening techniques, but hardening is for life-saving, not hard clashing. After you reach Dan Qiao, refine one or two defensive items. For now, beware True Intent Realm martial artists who luckily obtain spirit tools.”
True Intent Realm martial artists can’t fully activate them, but holding spirit tools still bursts stronger power.
“Disciple understands.”
“Buzz”
Just as the two finished speaking, Xuan Shuang Mountain suddenly shook slightly.
Long Qiushui’s gaze changed, immediately saying: “It’s about to hatch, follow me.”
She brought Su Yan to the spiritual spring. Sure enough, the Shadow Horn Spider egg was emitting purple light, vitality ready to burst forth.
“Condense Beast Taming Seal to help it hatch and control it.”
Su Yan nodded, reaching out, when suddenly a line of text appeared before his eyes.
