Chapter 236: Chapter 135: Primordial 4

Elder Han continued to introduce the special treasures. “Besides conventional weapons and armor, the third floor also has some special treasures. For example, this Thunder-Attracting Pearl contains a trace of Celestial Thunder Power, which is exceptionally effective against certain Exotic Beasts. And this Stealth Cloak, tanned from Shadow Leopard Hide, can greatly conceal one’s aura when worn, perfect for stealth and infiltration…”

Chen Qing’s gaze, however, was drawn to a display case in the corner.

On it were nine brocade pouches of varying sizes. The mouth of each pouch was slightly open, revealing neatly arranged, hair-thin needles inside.

The needles themselves were of different colors: some were jet-black, some silvery-white, and some pale gold.

“Elder Han, what are these…?”

Chen Qing asked as he walked forward.

“Oh, these are the Nine Luminaries Starlight Needles.”

Seeing Chen Qing’s interest, Elder Han immediately began his introduction. “This is a rare set of Flying Needle-type Exotic Treasures. There are eighty-one needles in total, stored separately in nine special brocade pouches. The needles themselves are forged and repeatedly tempered from Star Iron mixed with the Essence of the Golden-Eating Ant’s Mandible. They are as thin as a strand of hair yet exceptionally tough, and they specialize in piercing Protective True Qi.”

He picked up one of the pouches and carefully drew out a silver needle. “This set of Flying Needles is unpredictable and impossible to defend against. A single needle can be used to strike a vital point, or you can deploy a needle formation to trap and harass your enemy. It’s an absolute trump card for catching an opponent off guard.”

Chen Qing was intrigued.

His Cloud-Coiling Spear was his main close-combat weapon, and the Azure Wave Profound Flood Dragon Armor provided powerful defense. He was missing a set of Hidden Weapons.

This set of Nine Luminaries Starlight Needles was intricate and deceptive—exactly what he wanted.

Meanwhile, Li Wang had finally stopped in front of a rack of sabers.

He had his eye on a long saber that was crimson from hilt to tip.

The hilt was wrapped in leather tanned from the sinew of some Exotic Beast, providing an excellent grip.

Li Wang was overjoyed. His previous saber was not bad, but compared to the long saber before him now, the difference was immediately obvious.

“Junior Brother Chen, what do you think…?” Li Wang was quite tempted, but he still looked to Chen Qing for his opinion.

Chen Qing smiled. “Brother Li, I think this Treasure Saber complements your Cultivation Technique True Qi perfectly. It’s an ideal match. As for me, I’ve taken a liking to that set of Nine Luminaries Starlight Needles. They’re quite intricate and could perhaps make up for some of the shortcomings in my arsenal.”

Li Wang nodded, his mind now completely made up.

Seeing that both had made their choices, Elder Han ordered someone to pack and register the two treasures before handing them over.

“Thank you, Elder Han!” The two accepted the treasures and bowed again.

“No need for thanks. You both have earned these,” Elder Han said with a wave of his hand.

….

「Cold Jade Valley, inside the main hall.」

A woman in a plain white brocade robe sat cross-legged on a Cold Jade Meditation Mat. Her age was impossible to discern, but she naturally exuded an air of authority.

When her eyes opened and closed, a glacial light seemed to flow within them. The aura around her was as deep as the ocean. This was none other than the Sect Leader of Cold Jade Valley, Leng Qianqiu.

“We respectfully welcome the Sect Leader back from seclusion!”

Grand Elder Granny Ling Shuang, Ye Qingyi, and the valley’s top genius of the younger generation, Xiao Bieli, stood respectfully at attention below.

Leng Qianqiu’s gaze swept over the three of them, finally resting on Granny Ling Shuang. “Grand Elder, have any major events occurred in the valley or the prefecture while I was in seclusion?”

Granny Ling Shuang stepped forward and gave a concise report. “Reporting to the Sect Leader, all is normal within the valley. The disciples are diligent, and there has been no movement from the Demon Sect regarding Nine Waves Island. As for the prefecture… the Wutai Sect’s seven-hundredth anniversary celebration has concluded, though the process was somewhat turbulent.”

“On the day of the celebration on Lake Heart Island, a violent tremor suddenly occurred, triggering a strange phenomenon in Dingbo Lake. He Yuzhou personally intervened to suppress it, publicly claiming it was caused by an anomaly in the water veins deep within Qianchuan Marsh. However, the Sect’s internal security was noticeably heightened, and Sang Yanping’s secret investigation of the lake area afterward revealed many suspicious points.”

Leng Qianqiu said expressionlessly, “Do not spread the news of my return from seclusion for now. We will wait and see how things develop.”

“Yes!”

Granny Ling Shuang understood completely.

Leng Qianqiu’s gaze then shifted to the young man who had remained silent—Xiao Bieli.

He stood tall and straight like a lone pine on a mountain peak. His aura was restrained, yet it faintly revealed a sharpness on the verge of breaking free from its cocoon.

“Bieli,” Leng Qianqiu’s cool voice rang out.

“I am here, Master!” Xiao Bieli immediately bowed, his voice steady and strong.

A rare hint of approval appeared in Leng Qianqiu’s eyes. “You have opened eleven Orthodox Meridians. Your True Qi is powerful and condensed. You are just one step away from connecting the Heaven and Earth Bridge and condensing Astral Force.”

“Your foundation is extremely solid. It seems you haven’t slacked off during my three years of seclusion.”

Receiving praise from his master’s own lips, a flash of excitement crossed Xiao Bieli’s eyes. He took a deep breath, cupped his fist, and declared loudly, “Thank you for your praise, Sect Leader! I am grateful for the Sect’s nurturing and have not dared to be complacent! My Cultivation has now reached a bottleneck. I beseech the Sect Leader to grant me permission to leave the valley and gain experience!”

He raised his head, his gaze burning. “I wish to emulate the sages of old and undertake the ’Lifeng.’ I will challenge every peerless talent of my generation in Yunlin Prefecture! I will sharpen my edge and temper my Essence, Qi, and Spirit! Once my edge is fully revealed and my will is unimpeded, I will return to the valley for seclusion and break through to the Astral Force realm in one fell swoop!”

His words were resonant and brimming with confidence.

This was not arrogance, but a path to prove one’s Dao through combat and build an aura of invincibility.

Leng Qianqiu watched Xiao Bieli quietly. She knew well that geniuses needed to be tempered. They needed pressure, and even more, they needed this indomitable drive to push forward.

A flower raised in a greenhouse can never become the pillar that supports the Sect.

“Granted,” Leng Qianqiu uttered a single word.

“Thank you, Sect Leader!” The great weight in Xiao Bieli’s heart was finally lifted.

Leng Qianqiu turned to Granny Ling Shuang. “Elder Ling Shuang, arrange for an Elder to secretly protect Bieli. They are not to intervene unless it is a matter of life and death.”

“Rest assured, Sect Leader. I understand.”

Granny Ling Shuang agreed solemnly, her heart filled with anticipation as she looked at Xiao Bieli.

Cold Jade Valley’s ability to remain the Cloud Forest Leader was not just due to its profound heritage, but more so because every generation had a pillar of support like Sect Leader Leng Qianqiu, as well as an unparalleled genius like Xiao Bieli who could one day take her place.

If Xiao Bieli could successfully break through to the Astral Force realm, he would be Cold Jade Valley’s Stabilizing Needle for decades to come!

At the side, ripples appeared in Ye Qingyi’s cool eyes. She took a step forward. “Master, I wish to accompany Senior Brother Xiao.”

Leng Qianqiu’s gaze swept over Ye Qingyi and she nodded slightly. “The two of you should look out for each other. You must be cautious.”

“Yes!” Ye Qingyi and Xiao Bieli replied in unison.

……

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