244: The Qian family's plan and oath slips (two in one)

Qingxuan Sect, Qingxuan City.

At this moment, due to the opening of the Mysterious Grade Secret Realm, it became lively once again.

Streaks of escape light descended around the city, and then people entered on foot.

Lin Shiming and Lin Xianzhi were no exception, landing two li outside the city gate. With the Qingxuan Sect's Mysterious Grade Secret Realm about to open, the number of spirit boats and escape lights flying in from all directions was truly immense. The two even saw many Cultivators riding flying Spirit Beasts, as well as some controlling demonic banners and giant Flying Swords.

Evidently, the Ten Thousand Swords Sect, Spirit Beast Sect, Heavenly Demon Sect, Corpse Refinement Sect, and Spirit Talisman Sect had all sent their Cultivators.

Among them were many Loose Cultivators and affiliated Families from these Sects, especially the Demon Sect Cultivators and Corpse Refinement Sect Cultivators, who, from a distance, exuded a fierce and malevolent Aura.

If not for the Qingxuan Sect having already issued a strict order, forbidding any disputes within a thousand li radius of Qingxuan Sect, they might have encountered incidents of Demon Sect members killing and robbing!

Lin Shiming didn't know how many benefits the upper echelons had agreed upon, but he surmised it must be a significant amount. Perhaps it was related to the previous war, or perhaps it had to do with the strategies of the Qingxuan Sect's high-level Golden Core Immortal Master.

But he knew that for them, this trip to the Mysterious Grade Secret Realm would undoubtedly be even more difficult!

As the two landed, a spirit boat also descended not far away, revealing three figures.

It was the Qian Family Cultivators from Hetian County, and among them was their old acquaintance, Qian Bosheng. They had also traveled together on the way.

However, unlike how Qian Bosheng used to take the lead, behind him now was a white-haired Daoist Robe Cultivator, Qian Yongfu.

He had an Immortal-like demeanor, exuding an Aura of authority without needing to be angry.

His Cultivation Realm was even Peak Foundation Establishment, and Qian Yongfu gave the two a somewhat different feeling.

Peak Foundation Establishment was also called Half-step Purple Mansion. Xie An was also at this Realm, but unlike Xie An and Lin Xianzhi, who carried a sense of decline, Qian Yongfu was full of vitality.

This state was extremely peculiar.

Especially since Lin Shiming was a Body Cultivator, he clearly felt that this old man in front of him not only had a Half-step Purple Mansion Qi Cultivation, but his Body Refining Cultivation was also at least Late Foundation Establishment Stage.

And it should be known that the Qian Family had a Cultivation Technique that could compress one's Realm.

During the trip to the Purple Mansion Cave that day, Qian Bosheng had compressed his Realm.

Moreover, given Qian Bosheng's current demeanor, Qian Yongfu was definitely ten times stronger than Qian Bosheng.

Lin Shiming and Lin Xianzhi exchanged glances, feeling that the person before them had reached a terrifying new level.

Of course, it was impossible for Qian Yongfu to have already reached Purple Mansion. The Small World was within the Secret Realm, and even if Qian Yongfu could deceive the Qingxuan Sect's Golden Core Immortal Master, he couldn't evade the Mysterious Grade Secret Realm's restrictions.

That would directly trigger heavenly lightning to strike him down.

"Young friend, you are Lin Shiming of the Lin Family's Shi Generation, aren't you? Truly worthy of being the Lin Family's Prodigy!" Qian Yongfu praised with a slight sigh.

"Senior overpraises me. There are too many people with Shiming's Aptitude in Senior's Family!" Lin Shiming also humbly bowed.

However, he didn't say anything more. Instead, Lin Xianzhi and Lin Yongfu began to chat.

"Fellow Daoist Qian, why don't we enter the city together?"

"Recently, rogue demonic Cultivators have been causing trouble, so it's indeed good to have company. Since Fellow Daoist Lin is so kindly inviting, I, Qian, will not decline!"

The five walked together, with Lin Shiming, as usual, bringing up the rear.

He listened to Lin Xianzhi and Qian Yongfu's conversation.

The city gate of Qingxuan City was quickly reached. Each Family took out their respective Family tokens. Both the Lin Family and Qian Family tokens were issued by the Qingxuan Sect.

After entering the city, the two would need to separate.

The Lin Family was affiliated with Zi Xuan Sanren, while the Qian Family was affiliated with their own Qian Family's Purple Mansion Cultivator, Loose Immortal Tianyun. This Daoist had a closer relationship with the Qian Family, as he was once a member of the Qian Family. Even after leaving the Family and joining the Sect, he would still remember some old sentiments.

"Seventh Grand Uncle, this Old Ancestor of the Qian Family, his vitality seems off!" Lin Shiming couldn't help but speak.

"Of course it's off. Their Qian Family should have a thousand-year Stalactite Cave!" A hint of envy flashed in Lin Xianzhi's eyes.

His True Essence and vitality came from the main body of his Wood Demon's Natal Spiritual Plant, and it only had about ten years left. The other party, however, clearly had an abundant supply of thousand-year spiritual milk.

Speaking of this spiritual milk, Lin Xianzhi previously had a drop, which was gifted by the Qian Family, but it had already been used during the great war against the Demon Sect.

And Qian Yongfu's vitality from the Qian Family clearly showed that he had consumed a large amount of thousand-year spiritual milk and had even sealed a portion within his body.

If it were an ordinary Cultivator, they would truly believe that Qian Yongfu was a Cultivator with Peak Foundation Establishment Body Refining Cultivation.

"We'd best not cross paths with the Qian Family in the Secret Realm!" Lin Xianzhi spoke again.

Even though his Sword Dao had greatly improved, Lin Shiming would definitely also have gains.

But facing someone with thousand-year spiritual milk, who could recover True Essence at any time, and if he possessed a powerful Magical Artifact, he would not lose even against a Purple Mansion Great Demon.

Lin Shiming nodded, and then the two headed towards Laiyue Restaurant.

Meeting the Qian Family was just a small interlude, but it also made the two feel immense pressure.

This time, in the Mysterious Grade Secret Realm, who knew how many old monsters there would be.

Almost as soon as the two landed, a transmission talisman fell before their eyes.

Lin Xianzhi took the transmission talisman, then after a moment of silence, gave it to Lin Shiming.

The transmission talisman was from Xiao Chen of Duo Bao Tower.

Speaking of Xiao Chen, he was introduced to Lin Xianzhi by Lin Shiming back then.

The former, like Lin Xianzhi, was nearing the end of his Lifespan and intended to take a gamble in the Secret Realm.

That year, they had also agreed upon this very action.

Both Duo Bao Tower and Laiyue Restaurant were Qingxuan Sect properties, so they were clearly discovered by the other party as soon as they entered Laiyue Restaurant.

The Jade Slip sent by the other party was an invitation for them to participate in a small trade fair one day later.

Of course, the small trade fair was secondary; the real purpose was to jointly seek out the spiritual materials for Purple Mansion Jade Liquid.

"Shiming, what do you think?" Lin Xianzhi saw Lin Shiming finish reading, frowning in thought.

"Go!" Lin Shiming hesitated for a moment before speaking.

Compared to their aimlessness and lack of clues, this Duo Bao Tower steward, Xiao Chen, clearly had information through Sect channels.

Only the Qingxuan Sect understood the Secret Realm best... On the other side, the Qian Family entered a small Artifact Refining pavilion.

This place, named Qian's Alchemy Workshop, was indeed an industry of the Qian Family.

Several people skillfully entered the Qian Family's Artifact Refining workshop, and with a press on a hidden passage inside the house, a pavilion appeared, just like a Mortal's secret underground passage.

Qian Yongfu and Qian Bosheng entered, while the remaining Qian Family Cultivators stayed in the Alchemy workshop.

"Fifth Uncle, you said, the Lin Family invited us to travel together, could it be that the Lin Family has seen something?" Qian Bosheng asked with some doubt.

"Even if they saw something, what of it? This time, on this trip to the Secret Realm, we have the Legacy Key. Last time the Qingxuan Sect used Named Disciple, our Qian Family's Ice Spiritual Root Genius was also among them. Although he died in that Secret Realm trip, it allowed us to discover the location of that Stalactite Cave. If our estimation is correct, this time the Stalactite Cave will not yield thousand-year spiritual milk, but a drop of thousand-year spiritual marrow!"

"At that time, even my decaying body, which is old and can only rely on thousand-year spiritual milk to maintain its vitality, will have the Opportunity to truly Breakthrough to Purple Mansion!" Qian Yongfu finished speaking, his eyes shining brightly... At Laiyue Restaurant, the two Cultivators simply meditated for a day. Lin Shiming also took the Opportunity to consume a Mianyang Pill, allowing his Cultivation to advance slightly further.

The next day, the two also arrived at the place where they had attended the Foundation Establishment small gathering last time, as per their agreement.

It was still a Foundation Establishment small gathering, but this time, very few Cultivators came.

When they arrived at the hall, there were only three people seated.

The leader was the middle-aged Daoist Robe Cultivator, Xiao Chen.

At this moment, Xiao Chen appeared even older compared to a decade or so ago.

He waved to Lin Xianzhi, inviting him to sit.

The two also chose a spot and sat down.

They waited quietly for the remaining Cultivators to arrive.

However, after the two of them arrived, a beautiful female Cultivator, with graceful small steps, took a seat opposite Lin Shiming.

And Xiao Chen also stood up.

"Alright, everyone, finally everyone is here. I, Xiao, have been looking forward to this day for a long time!"

"The old rule, first, let's exchange items!" As soon as Xiao Chen finished speaking, he began to take treasures out of his Storage Pouch.

Lin Shiming was a little stunned. In the entire hall, counting the two of them, there were only seven Cultivators.

One must know that at the last Foundation Establishment small gathering, there were over a hundred Cultivators.

Moreover, this time, Xiao Chen hadn't intended to invite him; he had simply come along with Lin Xianzhi.

And it was not hard to see from the scene that, apart from him, everyone else was a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator. Among them, Xiao Chen, the beautiful woman, and a bald Cultivator who had been seated for a long time, were even Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators.

In fact, the only reason he could come was entirely because he was with Lin Xianzhi.

As Lin Shiming observed, Xiao Chen also took out three items.

One of them was a Jade Slip, and the other two were a blood-red Spiritual Plant and a Spirit Talisman.

All three items glowed with Spirit Light, clearly indicating their extraordinary origins.

Xiao Chen also began to introduce them:

"Fellow Daoists, the three treasures I, Xiao, have prepared are: one thousand-year Blood Spiritual Ginseng. As for its effects, you all know that Blood Spiritual Ginseng can not only increase your vitality and Body Refining Cultivation, but also have miraculous effects when Breaking Through major Realms!"

"The Spirit Talisman is a Spirit Puppet talisman, which can summon a third-tier Late Stage Spirit Puppet. Its combat power is not much inferior to ours, and if unleashed at a critical moment, it can even turn the tide in a fight!"

"These two treasures are only exchanged for third-tier top-grade defensive Magical Artifacts!"

"As for the third Jade Slip, it is a great Opportunity. I believe you all noticed that there are only six of us here, and you understand that this time, I, Xiao, have an Opportunity to share!" Xiao Chen said, scanning everyone mysteriously.

Finally, he added:

"Of course, once you've seen this Opportunity, you cannot go back; you must accompany me, Xiao, on this journey. Therefore, before viewing the Jade Slip, an oath of the heavenly dao must be made!"

After Xiao Chen finished speaking, he observed the expressions of the Cultivators. Seeing no reaction from them, he held the Jade Slip and then sat back down.

He left space for everyone to examine the Spirit Puppet talisman and the Blood Spiritual Ginseng.

The others did not speak immediately. Without knowing what kind of place it was, they were asked to make an oath of the heavenly dao. For these cautious Cultivators, they naturally dared not agree immediately.

It was rumored that there was a Purple Mansion Great Demon in this Small World. Even Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators could not guarantee invincibility in the Secret Realm.

Lin Shiming and Lin Xianzhi naturally did not step forward to take it, but like everyone else, they examined the two treasures.

The Blood Spiritual Ginseng was a Spirit Medicine similar to the dragon blood pill, but clearly, the Blood Spiritual Ginseng was more precious than the dragon blood pill.

As for the third-tier Late Stage Spirit Puppet talisman, it was the first time the two had seen it. At this moment, they confidently observed it, knowing that they might encounter it in the future, and understanding it better would be beneficial.

Lin Shiming and Lin Xianzhi themselves did not possess third-tier top-grade Magical Artifacts, so they naturally wouldn't exchange for them. Instead, the beautiful woman who entered last spoke up:

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, how about this Purple Spirit Armor for your Blood Spiritual Ginseng?"

"Madam Zi, what are you saying? In this Zhao Country, who doesn't know that the Zi Family's Artifact Refining skills are unparalleled? If the Zi Family's Purple Spirit Armor can't be exchanged for Blood Spiritual Ginseng, then naturally no other similar Magical Artifacts can!" Xiao Chen scrutinized the Purple Spirit Armor several times. After confirming that it was indeed refined by the Zi Family, he jokingly said with a smile, offering the Blood Spiritual Ginseng.

The beautiful Madam Zi, however, said no more, handed the Purple Spirit Armor to Xiao Chen, and sat back down.

Lin Shiming had also heard of the Zi Family's reputation. It was a Purple Mansion Family within Qingzhou, with three Purple Mansion Cultivators alone. However, these three Purple Mansion Cultivators were all Named Disciple of the Qingxuan Sect.

There were even rumors that the Zi Family was an outer Sect of the Qingxuan Sect disguised as a Cultivation Family.

With the exchange of the Blood Spiritual Ginseng completed, the Spirit Puppet talisman, however, remained unexchanged.

Then, the other Cultivators began to take out their treasures.

However, the subsequent treasures were all somewhat unsatisfactory.

Neither Lin Shiming nor Lin Xianzhi exchanged for anything. Just then, the bald Cultivator, as if having made a huge decision, spoke up:

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, is the information in your Jade Slip worth my risk, Shi?" The bald Cultivator, named Shi Tai, was an Old Ancestor of a Foundation Establishment Family in Qingzhou, and also a Peak Foundation Establishment Body Cultivator.

"Of course it's worth it. If this news is not worth it, I, Xiao, am willing to compensate you all with something no less than Purple Mansion Jade Liquid, and I will also make an oath of the heavenly dao!" Xiao Chen's words also shocked everyone.

This statement made everyone start to hesitate.

And then, Xiao Chen decisively and directly began to make an oath of the heavenly dao.

As Xiao Chen made his oath, Shi Tai gritted his teeth and also spoke, swearing an oath.

His Shi Family had already declined, with only him as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator in the entire Family, and his great limit was approaching.

As Shi Tai spoke his oath, Madam Zi's beautiful face also smiled gently, and she made an oath of the heavenly dao.

With the three Peak Foundation Establishment Cultivators on the scene having made their oaths, Xiao Chen looked at Lin Xianzhi.

Although Lin Xianzhi was a Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator, he was a Sword Cultivator.

A Sword Cultivator's combat strength was exceptional.

Lin Xianzhi glanced at Lin Shiming, clearly he was also a bit indecisive.

Especially now that Lin Shiming's strength was not much inferior to his, he placed more importance on Lin Shiming's thoughts.

After glancing at Lin Shiming, Lin Xianzhi finally made up his mind and made an oath of the heavenly dao.

And Lin Shiming almost simultaneously made an oath of the heavenly dao.

On the other hand, of the two remaining Late Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivators, one quietly exited the hall.

Xiao Chen's expression instantly became somewhat unpleasant, but it quickly disappeared.

The remaining slightly plump Cultivator, however, generously made an oath of the heavenly dao.