Chapter Sixty-One: The Fiery Serpent Talisman

Elder Cui had already planned everything out. He turned his hand and produced three black orbs, from which sparks occasionally crackled. He said, “These are treasures I’ve kept for a long time and never had the heart to use. They’re called 'Violet Fiend Thunder'. Each is powerful enough to kill a Foundation Establishment cultivator, so they’re more than enough for you to deal with three beasts, aren't they?”

Without any hesitation, he tossed the orbs to Ge Qian.

Catching the 'Violet Fiend Thunder', Ge Qian did not relax. He knew Elder Cui had calculated everything, just waiting for him to fall into the trap. Yet he had no room to refuse and could only take it one step at a time, feigning compliance and waiting for a chance to break free.

“May I leave the matter of the spirit herbs to your disciple? Once it’s done, I hope the elder will reward me with a Foundation Establishment Pill?” Ge Qian probed carefully.

Elder Cui’s eyes widened as he snorted coldly. “Do you think I, an elder, would break my word for personal gain? Foundation Establishment Pills are nothing compared to the importance of the 'Life Extension Pill'. Rest assured, I will do everything in my power to help you advance to the Foundation Establishment stage, because refining the 'Life Extension Pill' requires two Foundation Establishment cultivators working in tandem. You are undoubtedly the best candidate, possessing both the talent for pill refining and the cultivation of the 'Three Primordial Stabilizing Arts', with profound spiritual power. I truly can't think of anyone more suitable.”

Ge Qian immediately put on an expression of heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you for your guidance, Elder. Your disciple will give his utmost effort!”

“Very good. Remember, once inside the Minor Arena, avoid other cultivators as much as possible. Your target is the three primary ingredients, understand? Here’s a map of the Minor Arena, study it well. If you obtain the herbs, feel free to hide them. I am the one responsible for checking who is secretly holding spirit herbs, so you need not worry about that.” Elder Cui handed him a hand-drawn map.

Ge Qian quickly put it away and said, “If the elder has no further instructions, your disciple will take the little white fox and leave, dedicating a year to arduous training to prepare for the task.”

Elder Cui looked at Ge Qian with a half-smile and said, “Before the task is accomplished, it will remain with me. I forgot to tell you—age makes one forgetful—I actually made the blood-recognition contract into a soul pact. That means the two of you are equals. No matter who dies, the other will share the same fate.”

Ge Qian’s heart skipped a beat. So, this old fox left no holes in his scheme—his life and death were at Elder Cui’s whim! The 'Life Extension Pill' was such a secret, yet Elder Cui spoke of it without a care. Ge Qian sensed trouble; if he failed to follow orders, the consequences would be dire. A murderous intent flashed in his heart, then vanished. If he could advance to Foundation Establishment, he might break free from this control, perhaps even eliminate the old man.

Since he was already caught in this whirlpool, there was no point in futile resistance. So, he feigned surprise and fear, and said, “I will devote myself to the elder’s instructions. The three spirit herbs will be delivered to your hand, and I hope you won’t harm the little white fox.”

Elder Cui’s aged face betrayed no emotion. He waved his hand and said, “Go. I don’t like empty promises. Speak again when you bring me the three herbs.”

Ge Qian bowed respectfully and withdrew. Returning to his stone chamber, he sat cross-legged and calmly contemplated his plan, spreading it out in his mind.

A cold smile touched his lips. He stood, left the herb garden, and departed from the Heavenly Star Sect for Five Peaks City, where he intended to rent a cave mansion for cultivation. He had no wish to operate under the old fox’s nose and risk exposing his secrets.

He had barely flown far from the Heavenly Star Sect when a streak of pink sped toward him, moving oddly fast. In a few flashes, it appeared before him.

The newcomer rode a top-grade flying sword, explaining her speed. Her pink gauze dress fluttered in the wind, her figure graceful and alluring, her visage stunning enough to topple kingdoms. Smiling sweetly at Ge Qian, she said, “Junior Brother Ge Qian, why are you leaving again so soon after your return? Had I not happened to hear the news, we might have missed the chance to meet.”

Ge Qian’s eyes brightened. Ying Xue had grown even more beautiful over the years, and her speech more artful. Moreover, there was an aura about her that made him feel wary—perhaps from cultivating some secret art or from a special artifact.

He smiled back. “Is Senior Sister here to refine pills? Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to and will return in ten days or so. Then I’ll be happy to help you with pill refinement.”

He said this to put her off, as he had no mind for pill refining at the moment.

Ying Xue chuckled, her charm irresistible, and said, “Don’t be so quick to turn me away, Junior Brother. I have a matter to discuss, but this isn’t the place. Let’s find somewhere private—what I have for you is benefit without harm.”

Ge Qian frowned in puzzlement. He and Ying Xue had some history together, and their past cooperation had gone well. He decided to hear her out.

“Very well, lead the way, Senior Sister.”

Ying Xue stowed her top-grade flying sword, switching to a regular one. It seemed she’d used the best sword to catch up to him, despite the cost in spiritual power.

She turned and sped away, calling, “Follow me, Junior Brother.”

Ge Qian kept close behind. The two vanished after a few flashes, flying for about twenty miles before Ying Xue descended into a dense forest.

Ge Qian instantly scanned the woods with his spiritual sense, sweeping thoroughly to confirm there were no ambushes. Only after verifying the area was safe did he descend. Years of experience had made him cautious and deliberate, never acting without certainty.

Seeing Ge Qian land before her, Ying Xue laughed again. “You really are careful, Junior Brother. Do you think I’d eat you? Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t. Others may not know your strength, but I certainly do.”

“Senior Sister flatters me. Let’s get straight to the point,” Ge Qian replied calmly.

“Are you planning to compete in the sect tournament and win the Foundation Establishment Pill?” Ying Xue suddenly grew serious.

Ge Qian smiled. “That is indeed my intention. You know that with my aptitude, a single Foundation Establishment Pill is hardly enough.”

Of course, he wouldn’t foolishly reveal his plans regarding the Minor Arena. He and Ying Xue were merely partners for now, not close enough for full trust.

Ying Xue nodded. “Indeed, fate plays strange tricks. If your talent were better, you’d have succeeded in Foundation Establishment long ago. I have a way to increase your chances by twenty percent—if you agree to help me with one thing, I’ll tell you how.”

Ge Qian looked at her carefully; she seemed earnest. “Let’s hear it. If it’s within my power, I’m willing to assist.”

Seeing his interest, Ying Xue became unhurried. “I’ve obtained a method for crafting a special talisman called the 'Fire Python Talisman'. It uses over a dozen Fire Snake Talismans combined in a formation to create the Fire Python Talisman, multiplying its power. But the success rate is extremely low, and I know nothing about talisman crafting. I don’t trust others with it, but you are a master of the art. I hope you can craft the Fire Python Talisman before the tournament. Moreover, you’ll gain the crafting method, so you’re actually the one benefitting most.”