CHAPTER 364: CHAPTER 334: IDLE GAME!

"How does it feel?"

On the return journey to the Shenxiao Sect, while sitting atop Qingyun, Dongfang Qing asked with interest.

Qi Xiu had successfully advanced to a higher-level physique from the Innate Mixed Yuan Holy Body, a fact that was obvious to all.

However, before anyone could ask about what physique it was, Dongfang Qing interrupted with a stream of gibberish and laughter, cleverly concealing the truth.

After some pleasantries were exchanged, he promptly took Qi Xiu on their way back to the Mountain Gate.

"Quite good. Although there aren’t any particularly obvious changes for the time being, I can clearly sense that my physical body has ascended to a whole new level."

After achieving the Hunyuan Myriad Laws Immortal Body, Qi Xiu had, for the time being, only comprehended two abilities.

These were in addition to the fundamental powers of the Hunyuan Saint Body to command myriad laws and harness myriad Qi.

One was the Divine Luster Inward Concealment mentioned by the five Primordial Spirit experts before.

However, the Divine Luster Inward Concealment they spoke of was a state, whereas his Divine Luster Inward Concealment was an ability.

As long as he entered the state of Divine Luster Inward Concealment, his aura would completely retract and vanish, as if he were using an invisibility technique. No method could detect him; even if he stood right in front of you, you would unconsciously overlook him.

However, this ability seemed to be passive. It didn’t matter whether he used it or not; it was always active.

The other ability stemmed from the Mo Jiao and purple tiger within him, as well as his three hundred and sixty-five Hunyuan Apertures.

The original Mo Jiao and purple tiger, as the Divine Marvel’s illusory manifestation from the "True Scripture of the Mixed Yuan Dragon, Secret Meaning," were merely an external embodiment of that Divine Marvel.

But after absorbing endless Yin Yang Qi within the Heaven-Earth Grand Array and ascending alongside Qi Xiu, this dragon and tiger also underwent a qualitative change. They grasped the Divine Marvel of evolving Yin Yang, capable of self-generating Yin Yang Qi, mutually complementing each other, and undergoing transformation every second.

His three hundred and sixty-five Hunyuan Apertures, upon achieving the Hunyuan Myriad Laws Immortal Body, transformed from abysses into springheads, and each gave birth to a trace of Spirit Essence.

This meant that whereas the Hunyuan Apertures previously absorbed external Heaven and Earth Qi, drawing it into the apertures and converting it for his own use, now the apertures generated myriad Qi autonomously, becoming self-sufficient.

Although, in terms of the quantity of Qi, it was temporarily slightly less than before, he had only just achieved the Hunyuan Myriad Laws Immortal Body. The Hunyuan Saint Body, on the other hand, had been refined for decades. Once the Immortal Body matured, the quantity of Qi would surely far surpass that of the Saint Body.

Moreover, without the process of absorbing external Heaven and Earth Qi and then refining it for his own use, the speed at which he could cast spells and attack would be frighteningly fast.

More importantly, the Hunyuan Apertures now contained a trace of ethereal Spirit Essence.

With the Spirit Essence born within the apertures, I just need to transfer the cultivation methods I practice into the apertures, and they will cultivate on their own, just like the auto-play games in my past life. Combined with my Proficiency Divine Marvel, as the apertures operate and cultivate autonomously, my proficiency will grow, and my cultivation levels will continue to rise. It’s delightful just to think about it.

Thinking of this, Qi Xiu couldn’t help but break into a wide smile.

Dongfang Qing, beside him, turned back in surprise. Seeing the radiant and proud smile on Qi Xiu’s face, he couldn’t help but smile as well.

"You lad, you can’t keep things to yourself; it’s fine to be happy in front of me. But after returning to the sect, don’t mention your achievement of the Immortal Body to anyone, including your master and fellow disciples.

"I’m not distrustful of them, but there are too many methods that can discern their thoughts without their awareness. Once certain things are leaked, your life will be in jeopardy. After all, there have been precedents before you."

Dongfang Qing’s tone was serious. A physique at the level of the Hunyuan Myriad Laws Immortal Body was far rarer than the Innate Mixed Yuan Holy Body and was almost unique in ancient times.

The Hundred Thieves Demon Monarch, for instance, rampaged through the Middle Ancient Era. He was capable of fighting his way in and out of demon lairs and beast dens, yet he also vanished without a trace after achieving the Mysterious Capital Dao Body.

The tree that stands tallest in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind—this is an unchanging truth through the ages.

"Rest assured, Sect Master, your disciple will definitely keep it in mind."

When it came to matters concerning his own life, Qi Xiu wouldn’t show off; besides, he had never liked being in the limelight.

Blending into the crowd, living in seclusion among mountains and rivers, and silently grinding skills was the life he had always pursued.

It was only because he had been forced into various affairs for so long that he had rushed about, risking life and limb.

Now that Gao Tianxiong had revived and returned, and the situation in Dianchuan had completely stabilized, it was unlikely that any issues would arise in the short term.

He could finally return to the leisurely and carefree life he once had.

...

Following a direct path, Qi Xiu returned to the Shenxiao Sect. After entering the Mountain Gate, Dongfang Qing let him return to Yunti Peak on his own.

As the Supreme Sect Leader, Dongfang Qing had many important matters to attend to.

After bidding farewell to Dongfang Qing, Qi Xiu returned to Yunti Peak and went straight to Guanlan Cliff to visit his master, Daoist Yunxiong.

However, just as his foot crossed onto Yunti Peak, countless Lei Mang filled the sky, sweeping toward him. The overwhelming aura, both supremely Yang and staunch, made his robes billow and snap sharply.

"Hmm?"

With a raised eyebrow, Qi Xiu’s eyes narrowed slightly. He thought a thief had sneaked into the sect and was about to return the favor with a [Mixed Yuan Ultimate Cannon].

But as soon as he activated his Observing Qi Skill, he detected a familiar aura within the lightning.

Hah, trying to play games with me, are we?

A slight grin touched his lips. Qi Xiu dispersed the terrifying white light gathering in his palm and, with a wave of his sleeve, hundreds of Thunder Talismans surged out. Two dazzling Seas of Thunder collided with a deafening roar.

In an instant, heaven and earth blazed with light, and the ultimate brilliance of thunderbolts spread across the entirety of Yunti Peak.

ROAR—

The moment the Seas of Thunder intermingled, a majestic yellow dragon nearly a thousand meters long burst forth from the thunderclouds. Its deafening roar transformed into a tangible pillar of sound waves that slammed violently toward Qi Xiu.

"Eldest Brother, it seems your cultivation has progressed significantly."

Standing with his sleeves gathered, Qi Xiu seemed unfazed by the dragon’s roar that shook the endless void, smiling as he looked at Wei Wujie, who was riding the clouds.

BOOM—

As the sound wave rolled in, a towering figure with a dragon’s head and a human body, immense as a mountain—the White Bone Devil God—boldly strode out. It raised a fist and fiercely shattered the draconic sound wave.

"Hahaha, Youngest Brother, you’ve really opened our eyes this time! Your senior brothers have been waiting for you on the mountain for so many days, just for you to come back so we can have a good spar. However, with your current cultivation and techniques, I’m afraid I can’t beat you one-on-one. How about it, do you dare to take on me and Second together?"

"I’ve told you a thousand times, don’t call me ’Second’!"

Holding a longsword wreathed in wisps of lightning, Nangong Qingxiu stepped out from the void. She took a deep breath, then gave Wei Wujie a fierce kick.

She had been possessed by the Spirit of Night Travel at Ten Thousand Caves Mountain and had become its incarnate body.

Fortunately, Qi Xiu had forcefully redeemed her with a Command Talisman, and afterward, Dongfang Qing had used supreme methods to cure her.

Because some of the Spirit of Night Travel’s divine power remained in her body, her cultivation had not regressed but had instead advanced, and she had even grasped some of the Spirit of Night Travel’s techniques.

It could be considered a blessing in disguise.

"Little Junior Brother, how about it? Dare to have a match?"

Holding her longsword in a reverse grip, Nangong Qingxiu’s curiosity about her junior brother had nearly reached its peak after learning of his series of tide-turning actions at Ten Thousand Caves Mountain.

And this curiosity, upon seeing him, transformed into astonishment and shock.

Because at that moment, Qi Xiu, standing before her, seemed like a wisp of air.

She used every method at her disposal but couldn’t detect even a trace of his aura.

Especially Qi Xiu’s eyes—the blacks and whites were distinct, yet they held no pupils, appearing as tranquil and remote as a pool of clear water.

Eldest Brother and Second Sister teaming up?

A thoughtful expression flickered across Qi Xiu’s face. He pursed his lips, then raised his eyes to scan his surroundings. As his gaze paused, the corners of his mouth slowly curved into a smile.

"Since all my senior brothers have arrived, why don’t you all come out?"

"Well now, Youngest Brother is quite something! You’ve got sharp eyes."

"The Six Arts Dao Idiot, renowned on the Blood List back then! Seventh Brother, long time no see."

"Little Junior Brother, it’s been too long. We’ve missed you dearly."

Amidst light laughter, several of Qi Xiu’s senior brothers slowly walked out from behind.

There was Third Brother Li Jun, Fourth Brother Song Guanjia, Sixth Brother Ge Ping, and Fifth Brother Gan Xingba—whom Qi Xiu had personally captured and who had then been grounded by Daoist Yunxiong for fifty years, only recently released after breaking through to the Blood-Stained Realm.

"Fifth Brother, that matter back then was entrusted by Master. Please don’t blame me."

Seeing Gan Xingba had been released, Qi Xiu smiled and clasped his hands towards him. There was no personal grudge between fellow disciples; there was no need to hold onto resentment.

"Little Junior Brother, what are you saying? Back then, I was ignorant and muddled, nearly falling into a trap. It’s thanks to you, Little Junior Brother, for pulling me back. I’ll treat you to a meal another day; my wife’s cooking is excellent!"

Grinning, Gan Xingba, after fifty years of confinement, had long understood the truth of what happened back then and naturally bore no grudge against Qi Xiu.

"Hahaha, today is truly wonderful! All of my disciples have gathered."

A booming laugh, like the combined roar of wind and thunder, suddenly echoed through the heavens and earth. Daoist Yunxiong, his feet treading on thunderclouds, his beard short and bristling, strode forward.

"Master."

Seeing Daoist Yunxiong arrive, Qi Xiu and his six senior siblings all bowed in salute.

"No need for formalities. I heard you all earlier. Do Wujie and Qingqiu want to team up and have a go at Xiuer?"

Waving his hand to signal his disciples to rise, Daoist Yunxiong inquired.

"That’s right, Master! Our youngest brother is mighty now; we have to test him ourselves," Wei Wujie replied, grinning broadly.

"However, in your master’s opinion, this is not appropriate..."

Daoist Yunxiong shook his head.

Seeing that their master had spoken, everyone, though a little disappointed, nodded, preparing to drop the matter.

But then, the old Daoist spoke again. A sly smile touched his lips as he first glanced at Qi Xiu.

Sensing the gleam of mischief in his master’s eyes, Qi Xiu’s eyebrows twitched. He had a bad feeling and wanted to intervene, but it was too late.

"What’s the fun in two against one? In my view, all six of you should take him on together. Six against one!"

"What?!"

At Daoist Yunxiong’s words, everyone was utterly shocked.

"What’s with the ’what’? This little junior brother of yours is much stronger than you imagine. Isn’t that right, Xiuer?"

Looking at Qi Xiu with profound meaning, Daoist Yunxiong chuckled softly.

"Actually, not really..." Qi Xiu chuckled weakly, still trying to negotiate.

However, Wei Wujie, who was watching the excitement and never one to shy away from trouble, immediately lit up upon hearing this and bellowed at the top of his lungs:

"What are you all standing around for? Master has spoken! Get him!"

...