275: Chapter 275 Demon-Suppressing Pill!

On this day, Lu Qiu received a message from Alliance Leader Ling and returned to the Fengle Alliance once more.

Alliance Leader Ling led Lu Qiu to a secret room, where Ling Yuling was already waiting.

“Fellow Daoist Zhou, here is the item you wanted.” Ling Yuling pointed at a sandalwood tea table nearby.

A white jade box, sealed with layers of Talismans, sat quietly atop the purple sandalwood tea table.

The jade box itself glowed with inner spiritual light, and the word "Star" engraved on the lid in ancient Seal script with vigorous brushstrokes silently proclaimed its extraordinary origin, carrying the unique majesty and mysterious aura of the Star Palace.

Ling Yuling's gaze lingered on the jade box for a moment. Her red lips parted slightly beneath her moon-white veil, and her voice was cool with a hint of gravity: “Fellow Daoist Zhou, inside the jade box is the nascent soul formation spiritual item I promised you. This item is a rare treasure even for my Star Palace. I hope you use it well.”

Lu Qiu nodded slightly and said, “Rest assured, Fairy. This Lu understands.”

He reached out, his fingertips flowing with magical power like the most skillful of keys, tapping sequentially on specific nodes of the several pale-gold Star Seal Talismans.

Starlight flickered on the Talismans before they silently dissolved like melting snow, revealing the warm white jade lid beneath.

He gently lifted the lid.

There was no expected scene of soaring radiance or a sudden waft of exotic fragrance.

The box was lined with a layer of 'Star Cloud Ice Silk,' thin as a cicada's wing and cool to the touch. Resting upon the ice silk was a pill the size of a longan, deep dark purple in color, with nine thread-like golden pill veins slowly circulating on its surface as if it contained a galaxy within.

The Medicinal Pill was not static; the moment the jade box opened, it trembled slightly before falling silent. Only an indescribable, strange Dao charm that involuntarily calmed the mind, mixed with an extremely pure medicinal power and a majestic righteous Qi that suppressed evil and cleansed Heart Demons, quietly permeated the air, making the atmosphere of the entire Quiet Room seem a bit clearer.

“Demon Suppressing Pill.”

Ling Yuling's voice rang out at the right time to explain to Lu Qiu: “This pill is a secret transmission of my Star Palace. It is refined from several types of rare thousand-year Spirit Medicines, supplemented by 'Star Dust Grass' and 'Demon Purifying Golden Lotus' unique to Tianxing City as the main Materials. It took a Grandmaster of the Dao of Alchemy eighty-one days to draw the power of the stars into the medicine at the Holy Mountain to complete it.

Upon its completion, it possessed nine golden veins, making it the finest among High Grade pills.

When a Cultivator undergoes Nascent Soul Formation, the Heart Demon Tribulation is the most dangerous and treacherous, impossible to guard against.

Consuming this pill can form a layer of 'Demon Suppressing Spiritual Light' within the Cultivator's Sea of Consciousness, greatly weakening, delaying, and even suppressing the invasion of Heart Demons, protecting the clarity of the Divine Soul. It has miraculous effects on resisting Heart Demons and stabilizing the Dao Heart.

While it cannot completely avoid Heart Demons, it can significantly increase the certainty of passing this tribulation.

For Nascent Soul Formation, its value is no less than those spiritual items that directly increase magical power or nourish the Nascent Soul.”

Demon Suppressing Pill!

A top-tier Spirit Pill specifically designed to counter Heart Demons and assist in Nascent Soul Formation!

A sharp light flashed in Lu Qiu's eyes, and a surge of genuine joy rose in his heart.

He had originally thought it would be good if Ling Yuling could produce an ordinary High Grade nascent soul formation spiritual item, but he hadn't expected it to be such a highly targeted and practical 'Demon Suppressing Pill'!

In certain circumstances, the value of this pill was even more precious than spiritual items that simply provided Spiritual Qi.

After all, nine out of ten failures in Nascent Soul Formation were due to the Heart Demon Tribulation or losing control of magical power.

With this pill, the safety factor for Xin Ruyin's Nascent Soul Formation would undoubtedly increase greatly.

“To think it is a 'Demon Suppressing Pill'... Fairy Ling, this gift is too heavy.” Lu Qiu looked at Ling Yuling, his tone carrying a hint of sincere gratitude.

The other party had clearly shown true sincerity, or rather, the information he provided regarding the Nixing Alliance was indeed worth far more than an ordinary nascent soul formation spiritual item in the eyes of the Star Palace.

Ling Yuling shook her head gently, her veil moving slightly: “The value of the information provided by Fellow Daoist is far beyond that of a single pill. Although this pill is rare, if it can help the person by Fellow Daoist's side achieve a smooth path in the Dao, it can be considered put to good use. I only hope Fellow Daoist does not forget today's words; if you notice any movements from the Nixing Alliance or others targeting the Star Palace in the future, I hope you can provide some guidance.”

She was paving the way for the future, attempting to pull Lu Qiu—a powerful, well-informed, and seemingly 'neutral' Nascent Soul Cultivator—closer to the Star Palace.

Even if she couldn't recruit him, maintaining a friendly connection was good.

“Rest assured, Fairy, Zhou understands. If there is similar information again, I will certainly inform the Fairy.” Lu Qiu accepted the request, closed the jade box, and carefully put it away.

This promise was no burden to him; he had already intended to observe the winds in this chaotic situation. Exchanging information with the Star Palace when necessary also aligned with his interests.

“In that case, Yuling will not stay any longer. There are important matters in the Palace. Farewell.” Ling Yuling rose and nodded slightly to Lu Qiu and Alliance Leader Ling, then her figure transformed once more into a moon-white stream of light and quietly departed. Clearly, her mind was no longer here, and she was anxious to return to the Holy Mountain to handle the Nixing Alliance matter.

In the Quiet Room, only Lu Qiu and Alliance Leader Ling remained.

Ling Feiyan watched Lu Qiu put away the jade box with a complex expression. She hesitated for a moment before saying in a low voice, “Fellow Daoist Zhou, regarding the matter of the Nixing Alliance... I...”

“Alliance Leader Ling need not worry.”

Lu Qiu saw her unease and comforted her, “This matter will be handled by the high-level members of the Star Palace. The Fengle Alliance only needs to operate as usual. Do not easily get involved, lest you draw fire upon yourselves. Fairy Ling didn't ask you to do anything just now, did she?”

Hearing this, Ling Feiyan's heart settled slightly.

Indeed, Ling Yuling had not explicitly required the Fengle Alliance to do anything, which was a form of protection in itself.

She hurriedly nodded: “Fellow Daoist is right, I understand.”

Lu Qiu said no more and rose to leave.

Leaving the Fengle Alliance, he did not return directly to Liulian Residence. Instead, he circled Tianxing City a few times to confirm no one was following him before quietly returning to the top floor of that warm shop.

...

Inside Xin Ruyin's Quiet Room at Liulian Residence.

Lu Qiu took out the white jade box, placed it before Xin Ruyin, and gently opened it.

“Demon Suppressing Pill?”

When Xin Ruyin saw the dark purple golden pill with nine circulating veins in the box, a look of confusion first appeared on her beautiful face, followed by a sudden realization. Her beautiful eyes brightened, and she cried out in surprise: “This... is the 'Nine-Vein Demon Suppressing Pill' secret to the Star Palace? A top-tier Spirit Pill specifically for resisting Heart Demons during Nascent Soul Formation?!”

She was well-read, especially in miscellaneous studies like Formations and Medicinal Pills, so she naturally recognized the origin and preciousness of this pill.

The name of this pill was like thunder in the ears of high-level Cultivators in the Chaotic Star Sea; it was a treasure dreamed of by countless Pseudo-Nascent Soul Cultivators!

This was because it was extremely difficult to refine, the required Materials were harsh, and it was tightly controlled by the Star Palace, rarely leaking out.

“Ruyin has a good eye.”

Lu Qiu smiled and nodded, briefly explaining the origin of the pill and the transaction with Ling Yuling. He omitted the specific details of the Nixing Alliance, only saying it was exchanged with the Star Palace for a certain important piece of information.

After listening, Xin Ruyin stared blankly at the 'Demon Suppressing Pill' lying quietly on the Star Cloud Ice Silk, then looked up at Lu Qiu's face with its gentle smile. She felt an indescribable warm current instantly surge into her heart and up to her eyes, making her vision blur slightly.

It wasn't that she didn't know the preciousness and difficulty of obtaining nascent soul formation spiritual items, and she knew even better how Lu Qiu had spent these years running about and taking risks for her, exhausting his efforts.

But she hadn't expected that Lu Qiu could find a top-tier spiritual item like the 'Demon Suppressing Pill'—which could be called a life-saving Talisman—for her!

“Husband Lu...”

Xin Ruyin's voice choked. She reached out a slightly trembling hand, not to take the pill, but to tightly grasp Lu Qiu's hand. Feeling the warmth and strength in his palm, her heart was filled with endless emotion, happiness, and reliance: “You... you have done too much for me... This pill is too precious, I...”

“Between us, why distinguish between yours and mine?”

Lu Qiu grasped her cool hand back, his voice gentle yet firm: “Your path in the Dao is my path in the Dao. No matter how precious this pill is, it is but an external object. If it can help you safely form your Nascent Soul, it is worth it. Now, you already have the soul nurturing wood to nourish your Divine Soul, and the 'nascent soul condensing pill' can be refined soon. With this 'Demon Suppressing Pill' to resist Heart Demons, you have three nascent soul formation spiritual items; your Foundation is already solid. Later, I will find some treasures to assist in Spiritual Qi absorption or to protect your Physical Body. When the time comes to charge for the Nascent Soul realm, your chances will be much higher.”

Xin Ruyin said no more, only holding Lu Qiu's hand tighter, as if to imprint this deep affection and kindness into the depths of her Soul.

She leaned gently into Lu Qiu's embrace, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat. She felt that as long as he was by her side, she would be fearless against all the wind and rain in the world.

“Husband Lu, thank you.” she whispered softly. A thousand words ultimately condensed into this simplest yet most sincere sentence.

...

At the Fengle Alliance headquarters, after seeing off Lu Qiu, Alliance Leader Ling sat alone in the Quiet Room, lost in thought for a long time.

Before long, a moon-white stream of light silently reappeared, condensing into Ling Yuling's figure.

She had obviously returned, and her expression was even more solemn than before.

“Aunt.” Ling Yuling sat down directly, waved her delicate hand, and set up two sound-isolating Restrictions.

“Yuling, how is the situation?” Ling Feiyan asked with concern.

“I have reported to the several Grand Elders on duty.”

Ling Yuling's voice was low: “The Elders were also greatly shocked upon hearing it. They have urgently activated the highest-level secret lines to fully verify the connection between the 'Nixing Alliance,' the Myriad Laws Sect, and the Six Paths Extreme Sage. At the same time, the alert levels for the Holy Mountain and various key locations have been quietly raised. This matter is currently limited to the Palace Master's council and a few core Elders; it is strictly forbidden to leak it to avoid causing panic or alerting the enemy.”

She paused and looked at Ling Feiyan: “Aunt, the Fengle Alliance is spread throughout the Inner Star Sea and is well-informed. I need you to use all trustworthy channels within the Alliance to secretly watch for abnormal movements everywhere, especially concerning funds, Materials, and personnel related to the forces under the Myriad Laws Sect and the Six Paths Extreme Sage, or any signs of covert scouting, recruitment, or infiltration targeting the Star Palace's peripheral forces. Remember, it must be 'covert'; do not make a grand display and alert the other party. All information should be reported directly to me and must not pass through a third party.”

Ling Feiyan's expression was solemn as she nodded heavily: “I understand. This matter concerns the survival of the Star Palace. I know the gravity of it and will act with caution.”

“And that Fellow Daoist Zhou...”

Ling Yuling mused, “His cultivation is profound, his origin mysterious, and he seems to have some understanding of the Nixing Alliance. Today he was able to exchange this information for a nascent soul formation spiritual item, which shows that at least for now, he is unwilling to join the Nixing Alliance, but he also has no intention of getting deeply involved in the Star Palace's affairs; his attitude leans toward neutrality. This person... can only be befriended, not offended. Aunt, do your best to search for the Materials he needs to build a good relationship. Perhaps in the future, we will have to rely on him.”

“Mhm, I've noted it down.”

Alliance Leader Ling replied, and her evaluation of Lu Qiu couldn't help but rise a few notches higher.

To make her haughty niece so solemnly instruct her that he "can only be befriended," this person's weight was likely even heavier than she had imagined.

...

Time flew by like a white horse passing a gap. Several years had passed since Lu Qiu brought back the “Demon Suppressing Pill.”

In Tianxing City, the sun still rose and the moon still set; the bustling noise seemed eternally unchanging.

Beneath the Holy Mountain, Liulian Residence seemed like an independent, peaceful world, isolated from the wind and rain of the outside.

During these years, Lu Qiu spent most of his time peacefully at Liulian Residence.

Every day, he polished his magical power, refined the secret arts in the Crimson Sky Burning Heaven Technique and Xuan Yin Sutra, and nourished his Lifebound Treasure and true fire. His cultivation became increasingly pure and condensed; although he hadn't broken through to the Middle Nascent Soul stage, that barrier seemed to become clearer and more tangible.

In his spare time, he would discuss the Dao of Formations with Xin Ruyin.

Xin Ruyin's talent in the Dao of Formations often left even Lu Qiu amazed.

She was not only extremely fast at comprehending the ancient Formation fragments and insight Jade Slips Lu Qiu collected from various places, but she could also infer other things from them, proposing many unique insights. She even began to try combining the Dao of Formations with the characteristics of her Seven Treasures Mysterious Gold Art to create some unique defensive or trapping Formations.

The two of them often spent several days in the Quiet Room facing a Formation Plate or a Formation diagram, sometimes frowning in thought, sometimes suddenly enlightened, and sometimes gently arguing due to differing viewpoints. The atmosphere was warm and focused.

In this unreserved exchange and collision, Lu Qiu's understanding of Formations also became deeper, while Xin Ruyin's Formation attainments and cultivation Foundation were unknowingly polished to a more complete and solid state.

She had long since stabilized her Pseudo-Nascent Soul realm; her aura was harmonious, her Divine Soul condensed, and her insights and preparations for Nascent Soul Formation were becoming more sufficient by the day, only waiting for a suitable opportunity and the final few auxiliary spiritual items to be ready.

Xiao Mei's cultivation was also steadily improving and had reached the peak of the Middle Core Formation Stage. On ordinary days, besides Cultivating, she managed the shop and studied spirit cuisine, keeping Liulian Residence and the lives of the two well-organized.

On this day, the spring weather was pleasant, and sunlight cast mottled shadows on the floor of the Quiet Room through the carved window lattices. Lu Qiu and Xin Ruyin sat opposite each other, with an ancient leather Formation diagram spread between them. It was outlined with complex stellar trajectories and spatial veins—a fragment of a suspected "spatial Formation" Lu Qiu had obtained from some ruins.

The two were discussing in low voices the balance between spiritual power flow and spatial stability at a certain Formation vein node.

“...If we use 'Sky Crystal Stone' powder mixed with 'Fixed Star Sand' to outline auxiliary Formation veins here, it might enhance the anchoring effect of the spatial coordinates, but we must be careful of its interference with the stellar power of the main Formation...” Xin Ruyin pointed her finger at a certain spot on the diagram and said softly, her eyebrows slightly furrowed in thought.

Lu Qiu was about to respond when suddenly, his expression shifted as if he had sensed something. He abruptly looked up, his gaze seemingly penetrating the walls of the Quiet Room and the roof of Liulian Residence, looking straight toward the Holy Mountain.

Almost at the instant he looked up—

“Buzz...”

A strange and vast fluctuation of spiritual power erupted without warning from somewhere on the towering Holy Mountain, like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake. It instantly rippled out, enveloping a small half of the Holy Mountain area!

Immediately after, centered on the source of that fluctuation, the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi within dozens of miles began to stir, rotate, and converge frantically!

In the sky, the wind and clouds changed color as five-colored Spiritual Qi converged into a massive vortex, slowly rotating. The sound of wind and thunder was faintly hidden within, and there were various blurred phantom phenomena representing different elemental Daos floating and flickering around the vortex!

Core Formation Phenomenon!

And it was a Core Formation Phenomenon of quite extraordinary quality!

Someone on the Holy Mountain had successfully condensed a Golden Core and stepped into the Core Formation Stage!

Judging by the scale of this heavenly phenomenon and the Spiritual Qi tide it triggered, the Foundation and Cultivation Technique of the person forming their core were likely extraordinary, far beyond that of an ordinary Cultivator.

A flash of surprise crossed Lu Qiu's eyes.

The Holy Mountain was the core of the Star Palace, with Cultivators as numerous as clouds; people attempted Breakthroughs every day.

But those who could trigger a Core Formation Phenomenon of such scale were by no means ordinary.

Was it a junior of some Elder of the Star Palace? Or a newly risen, outstanding Disciple?

Xin Ruyin was also startled by this sudden heavenly phenomenon. She snapped out of her deduction of the Formation diagram and looked toward the Holy Mountain outside the window, her beautiful eyes also showing surprise: “What a strong Core Formation Phenomenon... I wonder which Fellow Daoist has such an aura.”

Lu Qiu withdrew his gaze, his expression returning to calm. He said indifferently, “The Holy Mountain is a place of crouching tigers and hidden dragons. Having such an aura is not surprising. It seems the younger generation of the Star Palace has added another talent.”

His tone was flat, as if he were merely commenting on a small matter that had nothing to do with him.