220: Chapter 220 The Eighth Level of the Divine Piercing Technique! Ling Yuling, the Richest Woman in the Human Realm!

Chapter 219: Spirit Shocking Thorn Eighth Layer! The Human Realm's Richest Woman, Ling Yuling!

Heavenly Fragrance Cave.

Lu Qiu stood before the entrance of the Immortal Cave with his hands behind his back, watching the gradually dissipating Core Formation phenomenon, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

The black clouds in the sky had dispersed, as if wiped away by an invisible hand; the silver snake-like lightning had also vanished without a trace, as if it had never appeared; the massive Spiritual Qi vortex was slowly subsiding, the last bit of Spiritual Qi being sucked into the Immortal Cave, turning into nourishment for the newly ascended Core Formation Cultivator.

Sunlight spilled down once more, coating the entire Sacred Mountain in a layer of golden brilliance.

Mist swirled through the mountains, and exotic flowers and herbs emitted a faint fragrance; everything appeared so serene and beautiful.

Lu Qiu took out the jade tablet and waved it toward the Immortal Cave's Restriction.

The Restriction glowed slightly and split open a gap, and he pushed the door open to enter.

Inside the Immortal Cave, the Spiritual Qi was still dense, even more so than usual.

This was the gift left by the Core Formation phenomenon, a reward from heaven and earth to the newly ascended Core Formation Cultivator.

The spirit spring gurgled, and a dense mist filled the surroundings; taking a deep breath, one could feel pure Spiritual Qi surging into their body.

Xia Xinyan stood in the center of the hall, her white robes as pure as snow and her black hair falling like a waterfall, her entire body radiating the Aura of the Early Core Formation Stage.

Although that Aura was somewhat unstable since she had just achieved a Breakthrough, she was already a bona-fide Core Formation True Person.

Sensing Lu Qiu's entry, she hurriedly stepped forward and bowed gracefully.

Her posture was impeccably respectful, yet it carried a hint of feminine tenderness:

"This servant greets Master!"

Her voice was clear and pleasant, carrying a hint of joy, gratitude, and a bit of cautious flattery.

In those charming eyes, a light of anticipation sparkled, like a child waiting for praise.

Lu Qiu raised his hand slightly to signal her to rise, saying flatly, "Stand up."

Xia Xinyan rose and stood with her hands at her sides, her gaze lowered, not daring to look directly at Lu Qiu.

But the anticipation in her eyes could not be hidden, as she occasionally stole a glance at him.

Lu Qiu looked her over and nodded slightly.

"To successfully achieve Core Formation in just over a decade, you have done well."

He spoke these words sincerely.

He knew better than anyone how difficult this step from the Late Foundation Establishment Stage to Core Formation was.

How many Cultivators were stuck at this step for centuries, or even unable to achieve a Breakthrough for their entire lives.

Among the Cultivators lingering at the threshold of Core Formation, some exhausted their family fortunes, some exhausted their Lifespan, and ultimately could only pass away in regret.

For Xia Xinyan to successfully achieve Core Formation within these dozen or so years, her own efforts and talent were indispensable, in addition to the resources he provided.

The days and nights of bitter cultivation, the suffering during the Bottleneck periods, and the picking herself back up after failures—she had navigated all of it herself.

Hearing this, a flash of joy crossed Xia Xinyan's eyes, spreading through them like ripples.

She whispered, her voice full of gratitude:

"It is all thanks to Master's nurturing. Without the Core Formation spiritual items and Medicinal Pills bestowed by Master, Xinyan might not have reached this step even if she Cultivated for another hundred years. Everything Xinyan has today was given by Master."

Lu Qiu nodded and looked at her, slowly speaking:

"Now that you have achieved Core Formation, you no longer need to call yourself a servant."

He paused before continuing, "I promised back then that once you achieved Core Formation, I would take you as my concubine. From now on, you are mine; you may simply call me husband."

Xia Xinyan felt a surge of joy, and irrepressible excitement instantly welled up in her charming eyes.

That excitement rushed in like a tide, overwhelming her reason and making her eyes redden slightly.

She had been waiting for this day for a long time.

From the moment she was bought, she had been waiting for this day.

The days and nights of bitter cultivation, the lonely nights, and the uncertainty about the future all received their reward at this moment.

She bowed gracefully once more, her posture even more tender this time and her voice softer and more delicate, carrying a hint of shyness, joy, and a sense of relief:

"This concubine thanks husband!"

This call of "husband" was melodious and pleasant, like pearls falling on a jade plate or a spring breeze brushing against the face.

She rose, walked to Lu Qiu's side, and reached out to gently take his arm.

The movement was cautious, carrying a hint of testing and nervousness.

Her body was soft and warm as she leaned against him, emitting a faint fragrance that was elegant and not overpowering, making one feel refreshed.

She looked up at him, her eyes filled with tenderness.

In that gaze, there was gratitude, dependence, anticipation, and a faint, lingering affection.

"Husband, let this concubine serve you."

Her voice was very soft, carrying a hint of shyness, anticipation, and nervousness.

Her heart was beating fast, and she could feel her cheeks burning.

She had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Lu Qiu looked down at her. That exquisite face was inches away, her skin like congealed fat and her features like a painting. Those charming eyes were full of anticipation, her eyelashes trembling slightly like the wings of a butterfly.

Her body was soft and warm, leaning against him and emitting a faint fragrance.

But Lu Qiu shook his head.

"No rush."

Xia Xinyan was slightly stunned, a hint of confusion and an irrepressible disappointment flashing in her eyes.

That disappointment was like a dark cloud obscuring the light in her eyes, making her seem a bit more somber.

Seeing her like this, Lu Qiu's heart softened slightly.

He reached out and gently stroked her cheek, explaining:

"Your Physique is special; only the first time of Dual Cultivation will yield miraculous effects. If we act hastily now, it would be a waste of this heaven-sent Opportunity. That Du Yuan Resonance Body is a rare marvel in the cultivation world that appears once in ten thousand years; many would beg for it in vain."

He paused and continued, "My plan is to use the first time of Dual Cultivation with you to add a bit of chance to my attempt to break through a Bottleneck. When that time comes, doing this will benefit both of us. Rest assured, it won't be long."

Hearing this, although Xia Xinyan was somewhat disappointed, she still nodded obediently.

She knew her husband was right; she understood the value of the Du Yuan Resonance Body better than anyone.

If they acted hastily now, it would indeed be a waste of this heaven-sent Opportunity.

She whispered, her voice carrying a hint of determination, "This concubine understands. I will Cultivate diligently and strive to help husband as soon as possible. When husband attempts to break through the Bottleneck, I will definitely serve you well."

Lu Qiu nodded, and seeing her obedient appearance, his heart warmed slightly.

"Dance for me."

He said, his tone carrying a rare touch of gentleness, "It has been a long time since I watched you dance."

Hearing this, a brilliant smile blossomed on Xia Xinyan's face, as bright and moving as spring flowers in bloom.

She released Lu Qiu's arm, stepped back a few paces, and began to dance gracefully.

Her dancing was as graceful and moving as ever.

Her long skirt fluttered like clouds and mist; every spin and every leap carried a natural rhythm.

Her gaze was sometimes full of affection and sometimes as cold as frost, as if telling a moving story.

Lu Qiu sat at the table, watching quietly. His gaze followed her figure, admiring every movement and expression.

After the dance, she sat down at the guqin and began to play.

The music of the zither was melodious and lingering, like a flowing spring, a spring breeze, or falling moonlight.

In the music, there was joy, gratitude, anticipation, and a faint, lingering affection.

Every note was just right, as if it could reach straight into one's heart.

Lu Qiu closed his eyes and listened, enjoying this rare tranquility.

His Divine Sense slowly spread out, sensing everything around him.

The Spiritual Qi in the Immortal Cave, the sound of the wind outside the window, and the occasional bird cry in the distance all clearly emerged in his perception.

But the clearest of all was the heartbeat of the woman before him.

As the piece ended, he opened his eyes and looked at the woman before him, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.

Xia Xinyan rose from the zither table, walked to his side, and leaned against him gently.

The movement was natural and intimate, as if they had leaned against each other like this for many years.

Lu Qiu took several jade bottles from his Storage Pouch and placed them on the table.

"These are the Medicinal Pills needed for Cultivation during the Core Formation Stage, as well as some auxiliary Medicinal Pills for breaking through Bottlenecks. Cultivate well and strive to stabilize your Realm as soon as possible."

Xia Xinyan looked at the jade bottles, her eyes full of gratitude.

Those jade bottles were crystal clear, containing treasures she usually wouldn't even dare to dream of. She whispered, "Thank you, husband."

Lu Qiu nodded, rose, and left.

Xia Xinyan saw him to the entrance, watching his back disappear into the mist, standing there for a long time.

In her eyes, there was gratitude, dependence, anticipation, and a hint of complex emotion.

...

Leaving Heavenly Fragrance Cave, Lu Qiu strolled along the mountain paths of the Sacred Mountain.

Mist swirled around him, and exotic flowers and herbs emitted a faint fragrance.

Both sides of the mountain path were planted with various spiritual plants; some bloomed with brilliant flowers, some bore crystal-clear fruit, and some emitted a faint glow.

Occasionally, a few spiritual birds flew overhead, leaving behind clear chirps.

Occasionally, Cultivators passed by him, either flying on swords or walking on foot, all consciously maintaining their distance.

On this Sacred Mountain, everyone had their own secrets, and no one was willing to meddle in others' business.

In Lu Qiu's mind, however, he was recalling the scene from just now.

Among those Medicinal Pills, he had placed a type of Gu insect.

It was an extremely secretive Gu insect called the "Heart-Devouring Gu," which he had meticulously cultivated from the Myriad Poisons Gu Scripture.

This Gu lurked within the body, showing no abnormalities normally and causing no harm to the host. But with just a thought from him, it could instantly activate, making the host wish they were dead.

This was his consistent style, a habit formed from years of struggling in the cultivation world.

The human heart is unpredictable; no one could guarantee that once Xia Xinyan became a Core Formation True Person, she would still be willing to remain his private property.

She was now a Core Formation Cultivator as well, possessing her own strength and capital.

A Core Formation Cultivator was considered a figure of some standing in the Chaotic Star Sea, capable of founding a sect or holding their own.

If she developed ulterior motives and wanted to escape his control to seek a broader world, he had to have a backup plan.

Of course, this was merely a precaution.

If Xia Xinyan behaved herself and followed him sincerely, this Gu insect would never activate.

He would treat her sincerely, just as he did with Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei, giving her resources, status, and a future.

But if she dared to betray him...

A cold light flashed in Lu Qiu's eyes.

That cold light was like winter frost, chilly and sharp.

He suddenly thought of Li Mu.

That young man who had been completely open with him, even revealing information about Core Formation spiritual itemss.

He came to the shop every day, bought a few Talismans, and then sat at the counter to chat with him.

He would talk about his gains for the day, his dreams, and his troubles.

He had no guard against him, treating him as a trustworthy Senior and saying he would look out for him.

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Yet he himself was here calculating human hearts, using Gu insects to control others.

Lu Qiu sighed softly.

The sigh was very light, yet it carried a hint of helplessness and a touch of self-mockery.

Being in this vast world of Cultivators, one cannot always control one's own fate.

Even after more than a decade of living as a mortal, he still could not break this habit.

Everything he had experienced over those years, the struggles between life and death, the deceitful schemes—they were already carved into his bones, becoming a part of him.

It was like a person accustomed to walking in darkness; even when reaching a place of light, they would still subconsciously remain vigilant.

However, being cautious was always better.

At least it allowed one to live longer.

He shook his head, thinking no more of it.

...

One month later.

On the top floor of the Liulian Residence, inside the Quiet Room.

Lu Qiu sat cross-legged, his Aura as calm and heavy as water, appearing like a statue that had existed since ancient times.

The Quiet Room was completely silent, save for his even breathing and the occasional gurgling sound from the spirit eye spring.

For the past month, he had been stabilizing his False Nascent Soul Realm while cultivating the "Spirit Shocking Thorn."

Every day, apart from the necessary meditation, he spent all his time tempering this secret technique.

Because of the Breakthrough in the "Great Evolution Art," his Divine Sense had surged, reaching the level of the Middle Stage of the Nascent Soul Stage.

With this level of Divine Sense strength, cultivating the "Spirit Shocking Thorn" yielded twice the result with half the effort.

Within his Sea of Consciousness, eight Spirit Shocking Thorns floated quietly, emitting a sharp, chilling light.

Each one was like a peerless divine weapon; though held back and not released, they already caused a stinging pain in the Divine Soul.

The eight Spirit Shocking Thorns were arranged in a profound formation, echoing and strengthening each other, forming a force of Divine Sense capable of tearing through everything.

The eighth layer, complete!

Lu Qiu opened his eyes, a flash of irrepressible joy crossing them.

The "Spirit Shocking Thorn" secret technique could be said to be something he had used from the Qi Refinement Stage until now.

From the initial weak Divine Sense spike to the current eight Spirit Shocking Thorns capable of tearing apart the Primordial Spirit of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator.

This secret technique had accompanied him through countless life-and-death battles and had always been his trump card.

Every Breakthrough meant his strength had reached a new level.

Every Breakthrough meant he had one more point of certainty when facing powerful enemies.

If others were to Cultivate this secret technique, they would be unable to unleash its true power.

Because this secret technique required an extremely powerful Divine Sense as support; otherwise, it would be impossible to condense a true Spirit Shocking Thorn.

Those whose Divine Sense was not strong enough would only damage their own Primordial Spirit by forcing themselves to Cultivate it, which would be a loss outweighing the gain.

Only someone like Lu Qiu, who had cultivated the "Great Evolution Art," consumed many spiritual objects to enhance Divine Sense strength, and carried unique items like soul nurturing wood to nourish the Divine Sense, could push the power of this secret technique to the extreme.

The three were indispensable.

With his current Divine Sense strength, if he unleashed them with full force, all eight Spirit Shocking Thorns striking together would severely injure even the Primordial Spirit of an Early Stage Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator!

Being in the False Nascent Soul Realm and possessing the means to severely injure a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator.

If this were to spread, it would surely shock the entire world of Cultivators.

However, this was the combined power of the "Great Evolution Art" and the "Spirit Shocking Thorn."

Neither could be missing.

A satisfied smile appeared on Lu Qiu's face.

The eighth layer of the Spirit Shocking Thorn could injure a Nascent Soul.

The Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman, also due to the surge in Divine Sense, could now unleash even greater power.

That legendary secret Talisman of the Heavenly Talisman Sect could now unleash its true power in his hands.

The six layers of armor phantoms on the Talisman were much more solid, and the defensive power was greatly enhanced.

Resisting the attacks of a Middle Stage Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator was no problem.

With both attack and defense.

Even if a Middle Stage Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator were to strike to kill him, it would be very difficult.

He could respond calmly and escape easily.

He stood up, walked to the window, and pushed it open.

Outside the window, Tianxing City remained bustling.

The streets were filled with people, a constant stream of traffic; the sounds of hawking, bargaining, and laughter intertwined, forming a massive wave of noise.

In the distance, the Holy Mountain stood towering, piercing the clouds; the mountainside was shrouded in mist, and the Peak was faintly visible.

His gaze turned toward the direction of the Fengle Auction House.

"It is time to go see that Alliance Leader Ling."

...

Three days later.

Lu Qiu walked out of the Liulian Residence and headed toward the Fengle Auction House.

It had been over a decade.

Over a decade ago, he had agreed to become a Guest Elder of the Fengle Alliance.

Using the rights of a Guest Elder, he had asked that Alliance Leader Ling to help him keep an eye out for nascent soul formation spiritual items.

Those treasures that could be met but not sought—relying on himself to find them, he didn't know how long it would take.

But with the channels and resources of the Fengle Alliance, there might be some clues.

During the decade or so that he was living as a mortal, the other party had sent a message saying they had a channel.

That message had gladdened his heart, but at that time he was at a critical moment of living as a mortal, so he had not responded.

Living as a mortal required a perfect state of mind and could not be disturbed, otherwise, all previous efforts would be wasted.

Now that his time as a mortal had ended and he had successfully broken through, it was time to go see that Alliance Leader Ling.

The day of the appointment was today.

A moment later, Lu Qiu had arrived at the Fengle Auction House.

The familiar building remained towering, and the entrance was bustling with people.

He took out his Guest Elder token, and the guards at the entrance hurriedly bowed respectfully.

The token was entirely purple and emitted a faint spiritual light, serving as a symbol of his identity as a Guest Elder of the Fengle Alliance.

Someone led the way and brought him to a great hall.

The hall was towering and magnificent.

The vermilion gate was three zhang high, with bronze door nails and exquisite cloud patterns carved into it.

Two Foundation Establishment Stage guards stood at the entrance, their expressions solemn, looking straight ahead.

"Senior, please. The Alliance Leader is already waiting inside the hall," the attendant who led the way said respectfully, making a gesture of invitation.

Lu Qiu nodded and pushed the door open to enter.

Stepping into the hall, Lu Qiu swept his gaze around.

The hall was spacious and bright, dozens of zhang in width and three zhang in height.

The floor was paved with high-quality white jade, warm and smooth, with a slight warmth felt when stepping on it.

The walls were hung with paintings and calligraphy by famous masters—landscapes, figures, flowers, and birds—each with a profound artistic conception, clearly treasures.

Calming sandalwood incense was burning on the table, with curling blue smoke and an elegant fragrance that made one's mind peaceful.

His gaze soon fell upon two figures.

One of them was the Vice Alliance Leader Ling, whom he had met once before.

Today, she wore a plain white palace dress, tailored to fit, outlining her perfect figure.

Her dark hair was coiled high, fastened gently with a jade hairpin, making her already delicate face appear even more gentle and dignified.

Her brows and eyes carried the charm of a mature woman; her temperament was dignified and composed, and she exuded a feeling that made one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

At this moment, she was conversing with the person beside her, a faint smile on her lips—a smile gentle and kind, like the spring sun.

Lu Qiu swept his Divine Sense over her and could see that her current cultivation was still at the Peak of the Late Core Formation Stage, the False Nascent Soul Realm.

However, it had improved slightly compared to over a decade ago.

The Aura was more solid and deeper; clearly, she had not been idle during these past ten years.

The person standing beside her caused Lu Qiu's gaze to narrow slightly.

That person wore the unique white attire of the Star Palace, with faint cloud patterns embroidered on the robe; the texture was luxurious, and it clearly looked expensive.

Black hair like a waterfall hung to the shoulders, and a jade-inlaid emerald headband was worn on the forehead, making the skin appear even fairer like jade.

This person's face was like white jade, with dark brows reaching the temples, phoenix eyes, a refined nose, and delicate red lips; they were truly a stunning beauty.

Yet, what was incredible was that for a moment, it was somewhat impossible to tell if this person was male or female.

To say she was a woman—yet this person had a lazy smile on their lips, their every gesture displayed a carefree and composed manner, and there was a touch of heroic spirit between their brows, completely lacking the delicate softness of ordinary women.

That bearing, that posture—it was clearly that of a dashing Young Master, elegant and romantic.

To say he was a man—yet that face was truly beautiful and charming, and the hint of allure that could not be hidden between the brows was absolutely fatally attractive to men.

Especially when those phoenix eyes shifted, the gaze was shimmering and soul-captivating, making one involuntarily fall for them, forgetting even how to breathe.

Indistinguishable in gender, breathtakingly beautiful.

Lu Qiu felt a slight tremor in his heart.

Seeing him enter, Alliance Leader Ling hurriedly stood up to welcome him, her face full of smiles.

Her steps were elegant and composed, each one carrying the style of a lady from a great family.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, please sit."

She made a gesture of invitation, her posture elegant and composed.

Lu Qiu nodded and sat in the guest seat.

The seat was warm and comfortable, made of high-quality spiritual wood.

Alliance Leader Ling personally poured him a cup of spiritual tea.

Her movements were elegant, the tea pouring like silk and thread, the fragrance curling and refreshing.

The person in white beside her let their gaze rest on Lu Qiu for a moment, carrying a hint of scrutiny and a hint of curiosity.

Those phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, as if trying to see through him, yet unable to do so.

In that gaze, there was doubt, inquiry, and also a trace of faint interest.

"Yuling, this is the Fellow Daoist Zhou I often mention to you," Vice Alliance Leader Ling said to the person beside her, her tone carrying a hint of a smile.

Hearing this, the person in white curled their lips into a lazy smile.

That smile was lazy and charming, carrying a bit of playfulness and a bit of unfathomable mystery.

They nodded slightly toward Lu Qiu, which counted as a greeting.

The gesture was dashing and casual, yet revealed a kind of innate arrogance.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, this is the External Affairs Law Enforcement Envoy of the Star Palace, Ling Yuling," Alliance Leader Ling introduced.

Lu Qiu was suddenly startled!

Ling Yuling!

This name, he was more than familiar with.

In the original work, this person was the Young Lord of the Star Palace, known as the number one little rich woman in the Human Realm!

In the future, when she took over the Star Palace, the amount of treasure in her hands and the richness of her wealth would be enough to make any Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator turn green with envy!

Those rare spiritual objects, those lost Magic Treasures, those Heaven-Defying Medicinal Pills—she had them all in her hands.

Taking out any one of them would make people outside fight tooth and nail.

And at this moment, the person standing before him—this androgynous, breathtakingly beautiful young person—was that Star Palace Young Lord!

However, at this time, she should still be hiding her identity and not making it public.

Very few people knew the identity of the Star Palace Young Lord.

Outsiders only knew her as the External Affairs Law Enforcement Envoy of the Star Palace, but did not know her true identity.

Lu Qiu suppressed the shock in his heart, his face remaining calm.

He picked up his teacup and took a sip; the fragrance of the tea filled his mouth.

He said indifferently: "So it is Law Enforcement Envoy Ling. I have long heard of you."