Volume One: The Calamity of the Lich Chapter 156: Qingxuan’s Terms, Xihe’s Plot

"I wonder what conditions you might have, senior!" The three of them looked at Qingxuan with sincere faces, as if they already knew his terms.

"It's both simple and complicated. There are two points. First, I believe one of the top ten spiritual roots, the Yellow Zhong Plum, must be on Mount Kunlun, is it not?" After Qingxuan spoke, he looked meaningfully at Yuanshi.

"So that was your intention, senior! It is well known that you have a fondness for many spiritual roots in the Wilds, but this one is hardly comparable to an innate treasure, is it? May we ask, what is your second condition?" Although the Yellow Zhong Plum was among the ten most revered spiritual roots, to the three of them now, it was simply a delicacy to satisfy mortal cravings. None of them had yet taken disciples; they had little use for it, except for Taishang, who had some interest in alchemy. It was useful only for refining a handful of Nine-Turn Golden Pills.

But innate treasures were different; even ordinary innate spiritual treasures could aid a cultivator's progress, let alone the few innate treasures that existed in all the Wilds!

Upon hearing this, Qingxuan looked at the three and said, "Though I desire the Yellow Zhong Plum, I will not take it away. It will remain on Mount Kunlun, and in fact, this will be a boon for you."

He continued, "As for the second point, I imagine you have already heard something of it. Zhenyuanzi of the Five Villages Temple on Longevity Mountain has become my direct disciple."

The three, upon hearing this, quickly offered congratulations.

"Congratulations, senior, on acquiring such a worthy disciple!"

"My disciple cultivates the Great Dao of Earth and is now traveling the Wilds, making preparations for his future path. Therefore, my second request is simply that, when Zhenyuanzi comes to Kunlun, you do not hinder him, and offer some assistance in what he seeks to accomplish."

The three of them were deeply shocked, not only because it seemed from Qingxuan's words that Zhenyuanzi's strength now far exceeded their own, but also because they did not wish their own abodes to become subordinate to Zhenyuanzi. At their level of cultivation, none of them were fools—they understood the nuances.

"This..." The three looked at Qingxuan in some embarrassment, uncertain how to decide.

Qingxuan, noticing their hesitation, spoke reassuringly, "Rest assured, I give you my word. Even if this comes to pass, it will not affect you in any way. All of Kunlun remains in your hands, and in fact, this will bring you considerable benefit. You may see for yourselves the changes in many places that have already been transformed by Zhenyuanzi."

"But, senior, in that case..." one of them began.

Qingxuan immediately guessed their concern and understood well—this request far outweighed the value of any innate treasure.

"Don't worry, I will ensure you do not lose out. The Slaughtering Immortal Sword and the Immortal Execution Sword Array in Tongtian's hands—I can help resolve their issues, allowing you to use them freely. However, if I truly alter these treasures, you must never use them within the Wilds, or their power would bring great harm if unleashed even a few times."

As he spoke, Qingxuan watched their reactions, warning them with his words.

Yet the three of them were caught off guard by what Qingxuan said next.

"Moreover, if you require, I can refine the embryonic spiritual treasures each of you possess into full-fledged magic weapons. At present, in all the Wilds, I am the only one capable of helping you with this."

"What? Senior, you..." The three of them stared at Qingxuan in shock.

"How do I know of this? There's no need for you to ask. Just know that only I have this ability. I believe three additional top-grade innate spiritual treasures are sufficient compensation for you. If fortune is with you, even an innate treasure is not impossible!"

How could they not be astonished? This was their greatest secret—one they thought no fourth person knew—yet Qingxuan had exposed it in a single sentence.

"Well? Do you agree?"

After Qingxuan finished, he looked calmly at the three.

They exchanged glances, then gritted their teeth and agreed.

"Since senior has said so much, it would be unreasonable for us to refuse. We trust in your integrity and that you will keep your promise."

Observing Taishang's calm words, Qingxuan thought to himself that indeed, among the Three Pure Ones, he was the wisest and most cunning—one could not take him lightly.

"Rest assured, I would never risk my reputation on a jest."

Thus, the agreement was finally reached. Afterward, the three took their leave from Qingxuan.

As they departed, not a trace of emotion could be seen in Qingxuan’s eyes.

But Ao Qing, who knew Qingxuan best, understood that his master was plotting something. As for the unfortunate soul about to become entangled, Ao Qing could only mourn silently in his heart. To be singled out by his master was indeed a misfortune.

Meanwhile, on Lunar Star amidst the starry sky—

After returning to Lunar Star, Xihe began, intentionally or not, to persuade Changxi.

"Sister Changxi, you truly missed out by not attending the sermon this time! You have no idea what a great opportunity you let slip by!"

"Oh? Then, sister, what kind of opportunity did you encounter this time?"

Changxi had no interest in Xihe’s intentions and did not wish to become involved. Ever since the previous incident, she sensed that Xihe had her own plans. As long as it did not affect her personally, Changxi was content to stay uninvolved.

But now, she could not have imagined that Xihe would become even more brazen, abandoning all pretense.

"You really don’t know, sister—this time, the Sage’s sermon revealed the methods for cultivation beyond the Da Luo stage. You know as well as I that we were both born later than the other star deities and missed the prime opportunity. Now, we are blocked at the perfection of Da Luo, unable to advance further."

Hidden from Changxi’s view, a venomous glint flashed in Xihe’s eyes, though there was also a hint of satisfaction, the object of her emotion unclear.

"Oh? Then from what you say, sister, you have already surpassed the Da Luo Golden Immortal realm!"

Changxi glanced at Xihe as she finished speaking, then continued, "Come now, sister, we both know each other well—breaking through is hardly so easy! But there is a fine opportunity before us. If circumstances permit, we both have a great chance to break through directly."

What Xihe did not expect, however, was that Changxi remained utterly unmoved by her words.

"Oh, so that's how it is. It's a pity my fate is not as fortunate as yours, sister; I am not destined to enjoy such opportunities. So, I must now seclude myself for cultivation—I shall not keep you, sister. I wish you success in attaining even greater heights."

With that, Changxi gestured politely for Xihe to leave.

Xihe, recognizing the dismissal, rose with a huff and left in anger.