105: The Great Technique of Transforming the Mysterious Female into an Infant! The Beginner's Guide to the Mysterious Pupil! Soul-Seizing and Spirit-Stealing!

Chapter 105: Profound Yin Infant Transformation Art! Xuanji Pupil Initiated! Soul Seizing and Spirit Devouring!

Bamboo shadows swayed, and a gentle breeze rustled.

In the pavilion, Lu Qiu and Xin Ruyin sat opposite each other. A complex array diagram was spread out on the stone table. Xin Ruyin held a jade brush, sketching a few auxiliary lines on the edge of the array diagram, softly explaining a difficult point in the "profound mechanism array canon" regarding "nested temporal displacement in illusion Formations."

Lu Qiu listened intently, nodding occasionally and offering his own insights.

Their exchange of ideas often sparked new inspirations.

Xiao Mei stood outside the pavilion, watching the two sitting side by side, discussing in low voices, a warm smile unconsciously appearing on her face.

Ever since Young Miss got together with Young Master, her complexion has not only improved, but she has also become more vibrant.

And Young Master is even more considerate to Young Miss; they share common interests and treat each other with respect—such a life is truly wonderful.

Just then, Lu Qiu suddenly looked up, gazing towards the entrance of the bamboo garden, and said, "Xiao Mei, stop daydreaming, go open the door, someone's here."

"Ah?" Xiao Mei was startled; she hadn't heard any movement.

But out of absolute trust in Young Master, she immediately replied, "Alright, Young Master!"

Xiao Mei quickly walked to the entrance of the bamboo garden. As soon as she pulled the door open a crack, she saw a steady figure in a light blue magic robe standing outside, seemingly having just arrived and about to knock.

It was Zhao Wen.

"This Senior is..." Xiao Mei was a little confused; she had never met Zhao Wen.

Zhao Wen saw that it was a Qi Refining Stage little girl who opened the door. With a calm expression, he cupped his hands and said, "I am Zhao Wen, here to pay my respects to my Master. Please inform him."

Master?

Xiao Mei's heart stirred, and she immediately remembered that Young Master had mentioned a servant who was out handling affairs.

She quickly stepped aside and said, "Senior, please come in. Young Master—ah, no, Master is in the pavilion."

Zhao Wen nodded and stepped into the bamboo garden.

His gaze swept across the quiet and elegant courtyard, finally landing on the green-robed figure in the pavilion. His expression immediately became more respectful, and he quickly walked forward.

"Your subordinate Zhao Wen pays his respects to Master!" Zhao Wen stopped three steps outside the pavilion, bowed, and his posture was deferential.

Lu Qiu put down the array diagram in his hand and nodded slightly: "You're back? How did things go?"

Xin Ruyin also stopped writing, looking at Zhao Wen with some curiosity.

She remembered Husband Lu mentioning that he had a servant out handling affairs, but she didn't expect him to be a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

To be able to make a Foundation Establishment Cultivator willingly call him Master, Husband Lu's methods are indeed extraordinary.

Zhao Wen straightened up, took out a Storage Pouch from his Huai, and offered it with both hands: "Reporting to Master, in the past six months, your subordinate has followed your instructions, traveling to three major market towns in Yuanwu Kingdom, and even secretly to two Loose Cultivator gathering places in the neighboring Fengdu Kingdom, fully acquiring the items you needed. The Tianxing Sect Market Town and its surroundings have been largely depleted of such resources, and prices have soared, which is why your subordinate went to more distant places."

He paused, then continued: "A total of forty-seven 'purple spirit crystal' type mineral crystals were acquired, three of which were close to Medium Grade. In terms of illusion-attribute spiritual materials, nine 'Mystifying Stones' and twelve 'Illusion Heart Grass' were found, three of which were over two hundred years old. Additionally, at an underground Auction in Fengdu Kingdom, I was fortunate enough to bid for a section of 'Five Hundred Year Mist Concealing Vine,' which contains extremely pure illusionary power and is said to have miraculous effects on illusion-attribute spirit insects."

Lu Qiu took the Storage Pouch, swept it with his Divine Sense, and a satisfied expression appeared on his face.

Zhao Wen indeed handled things diligently; not only was the quantity considerable, but the quality was also much better than what was acquired at the Tianxing Sect Market Town previously, especially that section of the hundred-year Mist Concealing Vine, which was an excellent item for Illusion Spirit Butterflies.

"You've worked hard, well done."

Lu Qiu praised, then with a thought, he took out a jade bottle from his own Storage Pouch and tossed it to Zhao Wen: "Inside are three 'Solid Origin Pills,' which will benefit you in consolidating your Early Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation and nurturing your Meridians. Consider it a reward for your efforts this time."

Zhao Wen took the jade bottle, feeling the pure medicinal power emanating from the pills, and was overjoyed. He quickly bowed: "Thank you for the Master's reward! This is my duty, I dare not speak of hardship!"

Lu Qiu nodded, then turned his gaze to Xin Ruyin beside him, and said to Zhao Wen: "Zhao Wen, this is my Dao Companion, Xin Ruyin. Since you call me Master, then she is also your Mistress. If I am not present in the future, you must secretly protect Mistress's safety, obey Mistress's commands, and not show the slightest negligence."

Zhao Wen's heart trembled. He quickly turned to Xin Ruyin, bowed again, and his tone became even more respectful: "Zhao Wen greets Mistress! Should Mistress have any commands, your subordinate will not hesitate to die!"

Xin Ruyin was caught off guard by Lu Qiu's sudden introduction, her face flushed slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and said gently, "Fellow Daoist Zhao, there's no need for such formality. My cultivation is still shallow, so if I trouble Fellow Daoist in the future, I hope Fellow Daoist will lend a hand."

"Mistress, you flatter your subordinate! This is my duty!" Zhao Wen quickly said.

He secretly glanced at Xin Ruyin, thinking to himself: Although Mistress is only at the Qi Refining Stage, her demeanor is calm, and her eyes are clear and wise. And to be chosen by Master as a Dao Companion, she must have extraordinary qualities. I must serve her respectfully and not show any disrespect.

Xiao Mei, watching this scene from the side, her eyes wide, looked at Lu Qiu with admiration.

A Foundation Establishment Cultivator!

A Foundation Establishment Senior, who was so high and mighty in the eyes of their Loose Cultivators, was so respectful and submissive in front of Young Master!

Young Master is truly amazing!

Zhao Wen also reported some information about the cultivation world he had gathered, especially sporadic rumors about the aftermath of the Panlong River incident—the Tianxing Sect had indeed completely withdrawn, but privately, they seemed to still be secretly offering rewards for clues about the Bloodline Flood Dragon, though the commotion was much smaller.

After hearing this, Lu Qiu felt more at ease.

After Zhao Wen bowed and left, Xiao Mei finally couldn't help but lean closer to Lu Qiu, her eyes full of stars: "Young Master, you're truly amazing! You can even subdue a Foundation Establishment Cultivator! And he's so respectful!"

Lu Qiu chuckled, rubbing the little girl's head: "Cultivate well, and you'll be able to Foundation Establishment in the future."

"En!" Xiao Mei nodded vigorously, full of drive.

Xin Ruyin watched Lu Qiu interact with Xiao Mei, a gentle smile in her eyes.

After Xiao Mei skipped off to clear the tea set, she softly said, "Husband Lu, this Fellow Daoist Zhao... seems extremely loyal to you."

Lu Qiu nodded, briefly explaining Zhao Wen's background, saying only that he was a Loose Cultivator he had befriended and subdued years ago.

Xin Ruyin was intelligent and didn't ask further, only thinking more highly of Husband Lu's capabilities.

Lu Qiu then took out a bulging pouch from his Storage Pouch and pushed it towards Xin Ruyin.

"Ruyin, here are two thousand Spirit Stones, and a few bottles of Medicinal Pills, all 'peiyuan pill' and 'Qi Condensation Pills' suitable for Qi Refining Stage Cultivators to improve cultivation and strengthen their foundation." Lu Qiu's tone was gentle: "I am now at the Late Stage Foundation Establishment, and these Medicinal Pills are not very effective for me; keeping them is a waste. Please take them for your daily cultivation expenses. On the path of cultivation, wealth, Dao Companion, techniques, and land are all indispensable resources."

Xin Ruyin looked at the Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills before her, her nose feeling a little sore.

Two thousand Spirit Stones were a huge sum for a Qi Refining Stage Cultivator.

Those Medicinal Pills were even expensive, high-quality items on the market.

Husband Lu treated her with genuine sincerity, holding nothing back.

"Husband Lu, you... you are so good to me." Her voice was soft, filled with emotion.

Lu Qiu held her hand and smiled: "Between you and me, there's no need for thanks. What's mine is yours."

A warm current surged in Xin Ruyin's heart. She hesitated for a moment, as if having made a certain decision, and took out a somewhat ancient, smooth, and warm sandalwood box from her personal Storage Pouch.

The wooden box was not large, only about a foot long, with no decorations on its surface, yet it exuded an aura of accumulated years.

"Husband Lu."

Xin Ruyin gently placed the wooden box on the stone table, pushed open the lid, revealing a yellowed Jade Slip with somewhat worn edges inside: "This is the most precious relic my father left me. He said that he obtained it after much hardship when he accidentally entered a dilapidated Immortal Cave of an ancient Cultivator during his travels in his early years."

She stroked the Jade Slip, a look of reminiscence appearing in her eyes: "The first half of this Jade Slip records many ancient and even lost Formation principles, array diagrams, and Restriction techniques. My father was not a specialist in Formations, but he saw that this item was extraordinary, so he left it to me. I have loved Formations since childhood, and this Jade Slip... can be said to be the enlightenment of my Formation Dao, and also the foundation for me to understand many ancient Formations and even research and deduce them myself."

Upon hearing this, Lu Qiu's expression became solemn.

To be so highly valued by Xin Ruyin's father and explicitly called his "most precious relic," this Jade Slip was certainly not simple.

Xin Ruyin continued: "Father repeatedly warned me that the last part of the Jade Slip seemed to record a peculiar secret Cultivation Technique, but due to his limited cultivation, he couldn't grasp its full extent. He only vaguely perceived that the Cultivation Technique involved the foundation of the Primordial Spirit, was exceptionally profound, and strictly cautioned me that unless I formed a Golden Core and my Primordial Spirit was stable and powerful, I must never forcefully probe the last part with my Divine Sense, otherwise it would be extremely easy to damage my Primordial Spirit, or even lead to mental derangement."

She looked up, her clear eyes fixed on Lu Qiu, and gently pushed the wooden box towards him: "This Jade Slip... is the most precious treasure I possess, carrying my father's last wish and hopes. Now, I give it to you, Husband Lu."

Lu Qiu's heart trembled.

He could see that Xin Ruyin was genuinely entrusting her most cherished Legacy to him.

This trust was heavier than a thousand catties.

He didn't immediately take the Jade Slip, but instead reached out and gently pulled Xin Ruyin into his embrace, whispering in her ear, his voice carrying a gentle smile: "Silly girl, I've already obtained the most precious treasure you possess."

Xin Ruyin was startled at first, then understood the deeper meaning of his words. Her cheeks immediately flushed, and she buried her face in his shoulder, too shy to look at him, gently punching him: "Husband Lu! You... you're teasing me again!"

Although she said that, her heart was filled with sweetness.

After a moment of tenderness, Lu Qiu released her and carefully picked up the yellowed Jade Slip.

His Divine Sense delved into the first half of the Jade Slip. Indeed, the Formation knowledge recorded within was vast and profound. Many of its principles and array-laying techniques shared similarities with his Heavenly Derivation Array Codex and profound mechanism array canon, yet they were distinct, leaning more towards the Legacy of certain ancient schools. This was especially true for its unique insights into “connecting array eyes with earth pulse” and “superimposing and resonating Restrictions.”

No wonder Xin Ruyin possessed such a deep foundation and unique perspective in the Dao of Formations.

Lu Qiu quickly browsed through the first half of the Formation content, committing it to memory to study with Xin Ruyin later.

Afterward, his Divine Sense cautiously probed the last section of the Jade Slip, an area sealed by some ancient Restriction.

With his current Late Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation and the peak of the second layer of the Great Evolution Art's Divine Sense strength, he could clearly feel the presence of that Restriction—it wasn't a forceful obstruction, but more like a filter and protection, with extremely high demands on the strength and refinement of one's Divine Sense.

Lu Qiu held his breath and concentrated, condensing his Divine Sense into a sharp needle, slowly “piercing” towards that Restriction.

"Buzz..."

The Restriction rippled slightly. Sensing Lu Qiu's powerful and solid Divine Sense, it did not resist fiercely. Instead, it slowly parted like water, forming a gap.

In an instant, an profound and obscure scripture, yet one containing an supreme Legacy, surged into Lu Qiu's Sea of Consciousness like a torrent!

The opening consisted of five ancient and weathered Seal characters, as if containing the ultimate truths of heaven and earth—

The Profound Yin Infant Transformation Art!

Lu Qiu's mind was greatly shaken!

Mysterious Womb Infant Transformation! It was actually this legendary Divine Ability Great Art!

In his memories, Han Li would obtain this Cultivation Technique in the future and, by chance, acquire the “Supreme Wood Spirit Infant,” eventually cultivating it into his second Nascent Soul. This would grant him the terrifying capital to look down on those of the same Realm and even fight Cultivators of higher Realms!

Two Nascent Souls!

What did that mean?

It meant a total Mana far exceeding those of the same Realm, the ability to simultaneously cast two Divine Abilities without interference, and an extra life.

If the primary Nascent Soul perished, the second Nascent Soul could still survive.

It meant immeasurable advantages in cultivation speed, comprehending Cultivation Techniques, and manipulating Magic Treasures!

Once mastered, one would be almost invincible among those of the same Realm, and even capable of contending with Cultivators of a higher Realm!

This was simply paving a golden, broad path for his future ascent to the Nascent Soul Dao and even an assault on Soul Transformation!

Lu Qiu suppressed the ecstasy in his heart and continued to “read” onward.

The scripture elaborately explained the Profound Truth of “Mysterious Womb” and the complete method of how, after forming a Golden Core and condensing a Nascent Soul, one could open a “Second Mysterious Womb” in their Dantian Qi Sea to Cultivate a second Nascent Soul through a secret art.

It involved numerous perilous checkpoints, resource requirements, and techniques for adapting and harmonizing different attribute Nascent Souls, truly encompassing myriad treasures and being profoundly abstruse.

With Lu Qiu's current cultivation Realm, he could only understand the initial parts concerning principles and preparation. The later specific cultivation steps and taboos still felt obscure, and forcing comprehension would be more harmful than beneficial.

However, this was already enough!

Knowing that such a heaven-reaching Dao lay ahead, knowing the existence of this supreme Divine Ability, was the greatest Opportunity!

Lu Qiu slowly retracted his Divine Sense, took a deep breath, and calmed his turbulent emotions.

He looked at Xin Ruyin beside him, who wore a worried expression, his eyes filled with inexpressible emotion and gratitude.

"Ruyin, thank you."

Lu Qiu held her hand, his voice low and sincere, "This gift... it's too significant. Its meaning to me is beyond your imagination."

Seeing his solemn expression, Xin Ruyin understood that the secret art in the latter half of the Jade Slip must be extraordinary.

She smiled sweetly, clasping Lu Qiu's hand in return: "If it can be useful to Husband Lu, that is my greatest joy. If Father has a spirit in heaven, knowing that what he left behind can help you, he will surely be pleased."

Lu Qiu said no more. He carefully placed the Jade Slip back into the wooden box and handed it to Xin Ruyin: "You should keep this item. We can study the Formation part together later, and as for that secret art... I'll make a decision after I form my Core."

Xin Ruyin took it, nodding obediently... Time flowed like water, quietly passing.

Lu Qiu stayed peacefully in the Bamboo Forest Small Courtyard for a full three months.

During these three months, he thoroughly stabilized his Late Foundation Establishment Stage Realm, controlling his surging Mana with perfect ease.

The cultivation of the Great Evolution Art also progressed steadily, just a hair's breadth away from breaking through to the third layer. His Dual Cultivation with Xin Ruyin never ceased, not only effectively alleviating her Physique issues but also allowing their Mana to blend and complement each other, deepening their understanding and mastery of each other's Cultivation Techniques daily.

This day, late at night.

In the wing room, Lu Qiu sat cross-legged on the bed, not circulating the Crimson Sky Burning Heaven Technique, but immersing his entire mind in his eyes.

The cultivation of Xuanji Pupil had reached its most crucial moment.

Over the past few months, he had continuously nourished his Divine Sense with the Great Evolution Art, and at the same time, according to the secret art of Xuanji Pupil, guided pure Mana to repeatedly cleanse and nourish the subtle and hidden Meridians and acupoints around his eyes.

At the end of each day's cultivation, his eyes would be sore and stinging, sometimes even shedding bloody tears, showing how difficult and overbearing this technique's cultivation was.

But effort always paid off. He felt his eyesight continuously improving, his perception of light, color, and spiritual energy fluctuations becoming increasingly acute. More importantly, deep within his eyes, some kind of “spirituality” seemed to be gestating and awakening.

At this moment, Lu Qiu's mind was clear and empty, oblivious to self and surroundings.

His consciousness seemed to sink into a deep, dark Void Realm, with only two faint but tenacious points of light slowly rotating and condensing where his eyes were.

One was golden, carrying the sharpness that pierced through illusions; the other was deep and profound, containing a soul-stirring chill.

Following the incantation, he simultaneously mobilized the pure Crimson Heaven Mana in his Dantian and the refined Divine Sense power in his Sea of Consciousness with a wondrous rhythm, transforming them into strands of golden-red and dark-blue twin-colored fine streams, continuously pouring into the depths of his eyes along the already familiar paths.

"Buzz buzz..."

A slight vibration began in his eyes, and the soreness and stinging returned, more intense than ever before.

Lu Qiu guarded his mind, unmoved, continuing to steadily supply Mana and Divine Sense.

Time passed little by little.

Sweat soaked his temples and back, and his body trembled slightly, but he gritted his teeth and persevered.

After an unknown amount of time, it seemed to reach a critical point.

"Boom!"

Something seemed to explode in his mind!

The two rotating points of light deep within his eyes suddenly burst forth with dazzling brilliance!

Like two miniature suns and moons, they erupted with distinctly different yet equally brilliant light in the dark Void Realm!

At the same time, Lu Qiu's tightly closed eyes suddenly opened!

"Swoosh—!"

Two beams of light, solid as substance, about a foot long, one golden and one dark, shot out from his pupils!

The golden light was dazzling, carrying a supreme spiritual charm that directly pointed to the Origin and pierced through illusions. Wherever the light passed, the air in the wing room seemed to be purified, the light presented its pure primary colors, and the walls, furniture, and even tiny dust particles in the air were revealed in minute detail. All disguises and illusions had nowhere to hide under this golden light!

This was—Delusion-Breaking Golden Light!

The dark blue light, however, was profound and unfathomable, like two bottomless cold pools, emitting a chilling suction that made one's Divine Soul tremble.

It did not illuminate anything; instead, it caused the light in the areas it swept over to subtly dim, and space rippled faintly.

Looking at this light, one would even feel their Divine Soul become unstable and their consciousness hazy!

This was—Soul-Snatching Dark Light!

The Xuanji Pupil, its first-level Realms of “Illusion-Breaking” and “Soul-Snatching,” had manifested simultaneously upon its initiation!

Lu Qiu understood in his heart that this might be related to his cultivation of the Great Evolution Art, which made his Divine Sense far surpass those of the same Realm, allowing this eye technique, which relied on Divine Sense, to display deeper potential upon initiation.

With a thought, the golden and dark lights in his eyes slowly receded, eventually transforming into two almost imperceptible, aberrant star-like glints deep within his pupils, slowly vanishing.

He let out a long, turbid breath, a relieved joy spreading across his face.

"Finally, it's done..."

Lu Qiu slowly rose and walked to the window. Although it was deep night, in his eyes, the scenery in the courtyard was clearer and more “real” than during the day. He could even see the subtle Spiritual Qi Meridians on the bamboo leaves, the circulation of the Five Elements Qi contained in the soil, and the spiritual energy nodes of the Formation on the distant wall... The entire world seemed to have had a hazy veil lifted from it.

His gaze turned to a lush clump of Tuberose in the courtyard. With a slight thought, the dark blue star-like glint deep within his pupil flickered.

Silently, the swaying shadows of the Tuberose flowers suddenly froze, as if momentarily suspended by an invisible force, before returning to normal.

If a Cultivator below the Foundation Establishment Stage were here and swept by this gaze, they would probably instantly have their Divine Soul intimidated and their consciousness go blank, leaving them at another's mercy.

"Illusion-Breaking sees through illusions, Soul-Snatching intimidates the mind..."

Lu Qiu felt the strange power emanating from his eyes and the seamless connection with his Sea of Consciousness: "Indeed, the stronger the Divine Sense, the greater the power of these pupils. With my current Divine Sense, the nascent Xuanji Pupil are enough to make a Cultivator below the Middle Stage Foundation Establishment lose control of their mind for a moment if caught off guard."

"If combined with Spirit Shocking Thorn... the power would probably be even greater."

He slowly closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, they had returned to normal.

Only those eyes were now deeper and more unfathomable than before, occasionally flashing with a hint of golden or dark light, carrying a power that could penetrate the human heart, making people dare not look directly.

It was time to consider returning to Yellow Maple Valley.

He had stayed too long in this Tianxing Sect Market Town.