Chapter 79: Replicating Destiny

They traveled by day and rested by night.

On the first night of their return, Li Qingqiu secretly taught the First Layer of the Hunyuan Scripture Mind-Cultivation Technique to Ji Ya, who possessed the Hundred Refinements Demonic Body. The two stayed away from the main group, as he feared other Disciples might feel it was unfair.

As he expected, Ji Ya, with his excellent Cultivation Aptitude, successfully cultivated a trace of Origin Qi in just half a night.

He noticed that when Ji Ya absorbed Qi, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi surged into his body with much greater intensity than with ordinary Disciples, which made him have even more expectations for Ji Ya.

Early the next morning, as Li Qingqiu led the Disciples onto the mountain path, a prompt suddenly appeared before his eyes:

【Given that you led more than half of your Disciples to encircle and annihilate a force hostile to your dao lineage for the first time, achieving a complete victory with no Disciple casualties, which is of great significance, you have gained one destiny selection opportunity.】

It’s here!

Another destiny selection opportunity!

Including the previous unused one, Li Qingqiu now had two destiny selection opportunities.

He decided to observe Ji Ya further; if Ji Ya could truly possess a hundred times the Origin Qi of the same Realm, then it must be replicated.

In a battle between practitioners of the same Realm, if one side possesses a hundred times the Origin Qi, their chances of victory would be greatly increased.

Moreover, the more Origin Qi one has, the more things one can accomplish.

Every subsequent night, Li Qingqiu would secretly take Ji Ya to Cultivate.

Although he didn’t say anything, many Disciples noticed this scene and speculated that the Sect Leader intended to take this new Disciple as his apprentice.

While they were envious, they dared not question it, because Ji Ya had suffered so much that they couldn’t bear it. Besides, who the Sect Leader took as an apprentice was not for them to decide.

It took more than half a month to return from the Prefectural City to Qingxiao Mountain.

Ji Ya practiced every night; although he hadn’t reached the Nourishing Origin Realm, Second Layer, in terms of Origin Qi reserves, he was already close to the Nourishing Origin Realm, Third Layer, which was extremely exaggerated.

Of course, Origin Qi from different Realms cannot be compared; the same hair-thin strand of Origin Qi from the Nourishing Origin Realm, Third Layer, could easily destroy Origin Qi from the Nourishing Origin Realm, First Layer.

However, Ji Ya’s performance was sufficient to prove that the Hundred Refinements Demonic Body could allow his Origin Qi to reach a hundred times that of the same Realm.

Upon returning to Qingxiao Mountain, Li Qingqiu instructed Zhang Yuchun, Jiang Zhaoxia, and others to lead the Disciples up the mountain, while he went alone to the underground Spiritual Lake.

Time to replicate!

Hundred Refinements Demonic Body!

As he made this selection, the Spiritual Qi in the underground Spiritual Lake immediately began to riot, surging madly towards him.

At the same time, a large surge of memories flooded into his mind, causing him to close his eyes.

After an unknown period, Li Qingqiu suddenly awoke, covered in sweat and gasping for breath.

This Hundred Refinements Demonic Body was indeed not an Innate destiny, but an Acquired one; he had experienced Ji Ya’s suffering firsthand.

“This Demonic Sect truly deserves to die—”

Li Qingqiu thought to himself. He had only experienced it like a dream, but Ji Ya had truly lived through it.

This Body Tempering method originated from the Purple Mist Art, but Daoist Master Wei had completely concocted it blindly, without even confidence in his own formula. He hadn’t carefully adjusted the proportions of the medicinal herbs, yet through such haphazard methods, he had managed to Cultivate a Hundred Refinements Demonic Body.

The deceased Daoist Master Wei would never have imagined this.

After achieving the Hundred Refinements Demonic Body, Li Qingqiu’s Origin Qi increased severalfold. He felt that there was still much room in his body to store Origin Qi, so he continued to absorb Qi.

It took a full two days and two nights for Li Qingqiu to refine the Origin Qi in his body to its peak.

He walked out of the underground Spiritual Lake, feeling satisfied. As the sunlight fell upon him, he felt as if he had been reborn.

He now felt his entire body filled with power, not just Origin Qi, but also inexhaustible strength.

He had experienced the might of the Hundred Refinements Demonic Body on behalf of Ji Ya.

He walked into the forest, passed through a patch of grass, and traveled about a li until he reached the mountain path cultivated by the Qingxiao Sect, where he happened to see Chai Yunshang descending the mountain.

Chai Yunshang saw him and immediately raised her hand in greeting.

Li Qingqiu nodded slightly, about to pass her, when she suddenly stopped and asked, “Why didn’t you take me with you when you went to the Prefectural City earlier?”

Li Qingqiu turned to look at her, smiling, “The Qingxiao Sect must always have someone guarding it, and at least one Disciple must remain in the Law Enforcement Hall. I think you are very suitable; you can certainly maintain the School’s order, and I also think you need time to practice your Cultivation.”

Chai Yunshang was very bothered by not being able to go down the mountain earlier; she felt she had been underestimated.

“Don’t other Disciples need time to practice their Cultivation as well?”

“After all, there is only one Hall Master for the Law Enforcement Hall, and my apprentice is only temporarily managing the position. I think you are more suitable, but your time entering the School is too short to command respect.”

Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall?

Chai Yunshang was stunned, naturally feeling pleasantly surprised.

Anyone could see that the Qingxiao Sect was soaring, and the position of Hall Master in the future would surely be an extraordinary status. Even her Chai Family would have to treat her with respect. If she became the Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall, her father would surely not dare to control her life anymore.

“Why me?” Chai Yunshang couldn’t help but ask.

Li Qingqiu smiled, “Don’t overthink it. I merely value your talent and your attitude towards other Disciples. I heard you don’t want to marry and feel you are no less than a man; that’s excellent. The Qingxiao Sect is a place of pure Cultivation, where dedicated Cultivation is the Righteous Path. I hope you won’t disappoint me.”

Hearing this, Chai Yunshang nodded solemnly, deeply moved, as it was rare for someone to value her so highly.

Li Qingqiu said no more and continued on his way.

Chai Yunshang, meanwhile, walked down the mountain. She had previously sent Former Jianghu Expert Gu Dubao back to the Chai Family, hoping the Family could foster good relations with the Qingxiao Sect, and if possible, she hoped the Family could contribute some strength.

She wasn’t thinking for herself, but for her Family; the future of the Qingxiao Sect would far surpass that of the Seven Peaks Alliance in its prime.

Although she resisted Family arranged marriages, she was, after all, born into the Chai Family, and she also hoped the Chai Family could restore its past prosperity.

In a gloomy underground palace, figures in brocade robes wearing Ghost Mask knelt on the ground.

In front was a wall inscribed with ancient texts, illuminated by fire lamps on either side. A black-robed man stood with his back to the kneeling figures.

“The Devil Emperor is truly useless, and those generals in Guzhou Prefecture dared to betray us at the last minute; they truly seek death.”

The black-robed man said coldly, slowly turning around. He, too, wore a Ghost Mask.

However, he was not a member of the Demonic Sect, but the Chief of the Martial Suppression Bureau, Mysterious Duke Xuan Gong.

Kneeling before him were the Jin Wu Guardss of the Martial Suppression Bureau.

“The other four major Schools of the Guzhou Prefecture Martial Forest all stormed into the Prefectural City to resist the Demonic Sect. Among them, the Qingxiao Sect played the most crucial role. The Devil Emperor died at the hands of the Qingxiao Sect Leader. It is said that—” a Jin Wu Guards said cautiously, his voice trembling slightly.

The underground palace was dim, and the firelight cast Xuan Gong’s shadow long and grotesque on the ancient text wall, like a ghost.

“Said what?”

“It is said that the Devil Emperor was killed by a single palm strike from the Qingxiao Sect Leader—”

“A single palm?”

“That’s right, this Qingxiao Sect Leader is truly an extraordinary person. He also raised a demonic eagle; it is said that the eagle’s wingspan exceeds five zhang, and there has never been such a large eagle in the world.”

“What is his name?”

“Li Qingqiu.”

Xuan Gong fell silent after hearing this, and the Jin Wu Guardss bowed their heads, not daring to disturb him.

Autumn turned to winter, and cold snow began to fall.

The temperature in the world began to drop, but the Qingxiao Sect remained bustling, with the figures of artisans all over Qingxiao Mountain.

“The mountain gate at the foot of the mountain will definitely satisfy you. We are also preparing to build an eagle statue. We heard that the Sect Leader raised a divine eagle, which can ward off evil and display the grandeur of the Qingxiao Sect—”

A middle-aged man wearing a cloth hat stood beside Zhang Yuchun, smiling warmly.

The two stood on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the manor being constructed below.

The battle of Guzhou Prefectural City had spread completely. Although the Eastern Mausoleum army was recognized as the main contributor by the imperial court, the Qingxiao Sect gained immense fame in the Martial Forest and among common folk.

The news of the Qingxiao Sect Leader killing the Demonic Sect’s Devil Emperor spread throughout the Jianghu.

Since winter began, noble Families, merchants, and Gangs have continuously ascended the mountain to establish ties with the Qingxiao Sect.

The White Emperor Manor, the Sect, and Chanding Temple even sent people specifically to thank the Qingxiao Sect for their rescue and presented generous gifts.

After that battle, although there was no official declaration, the Qingxiao Sect’s status rapidly climbed, subtly showing a trend towards becoming the premier School of Guzhou Prefecture.

Zhang Yuchun listened to the introduction from the Chai Family member beside him, nodding slightly, “Your suggestions are excellent, thank you for your efforts.”

“We are all Family, why speak of effort? Young Miss Chai Yunshang is a Disciple of the Qingxiao Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall, and the Qingxiao Sect has saved the people. Our Chai Family should naturally help.” The Chai Family member said with a smile.

The two began to exchange pleasantries, not feeling tired at all, enjoying themselves.

At the same time.

On the mountain, within Lingxiao Courtyard.

Ji Ya knelt before Li Qingqiu, performing the apprenticeship ritual.

Xu Ning, Qin Ye, Yuan Li, and Zhao Zhen stood to the side, curiously observing Ji Ya.

Ever since leaving the Prefectural City, Ji Ya had been Cultivating with Li Qingqiu. Even without a formal apprenticeship, the Disciples of the School knew he would eventually become Li Qingqiu’s apprentice.

The Disciples were very curious about him, wondering why he was favored by the Sect Leader, but Ji Ya never displayed his talent to others, as Li Qingqiu had instructed him.

He currently lived in a courtyard with five Disciples who were imprisoned in the same underground palace. All six had lost their families, and with their shared experiences, they now relied on each other and had an excellent relationship.

“From now on, you are my fifth apprentice. Any martial arts I teach you, you must not pass on without my permission, understand?”

Li Qingqiu said earnestly, and Ji Ya immediately agreed.

He was filled with gratitude towards Li Qingqiu, and his loyalty had reached 95 points, making him completely obedient.

After giving a few more instructions, Li Qingqiu got up and left, allowing the five children to spend time together to foster closer relationships.

Zhao Zhen was very interested in Ji Ya and pressed him about his background. Ji Ya didn’t hide anything, and upon hearing his tragic story, Zhao Zhen and Yuan Li felt sympathy for him.

Xu Ning and Qin Ye already knew, but they were more curious about Ji Ya’s Aptitude.

Qin Ye proposed sparring with Ji Ya, knowing that Ji Ya had already begun Cultivation and must have laid a solid foundation in martial arts.

Ji Ya readily agreed; he had long wanted to spar with someone, but Li Qingqiu hadn’t allowed it until today.

Xu Ning, Yuan Li, and Zhao Zhen moved to the side to watch the match.

However, the result greatly astonished them.

Qin Ye was completely no match for Ji Ya.

“Nourishing Origin Realm, Second Layer… No, how can his Origin Qi be so—” Xu Ning looked at Ji Ya with a solemn expression, her heart filled with shock.

She was confident she could easily defeat Ji Ya, but how could Ji Ya’s Origin Qi be so vast after Cultivating for such a short time?

And why hadn’t she noticed it before?