232: Chapter 232 The Recruitment of the Star Palace Elder!

Chapter 230: Recruitment from the Star Palace Elder!

The massive figure seemed to give a faint smile. Then, his giant body suddenly transformed into starlight that filled the sky, dissipating bit by bit between heaven and earth.

That starlight drifted in the air like fireflies, flickering a few times before completely merging into the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, as if it had never appeared.

This scene left all witnesses staring in dumbfounded silence.

That hundred-zhang-tall majestic figure, that boundless pressure that made one dare not look up—it just dissipated like that?

The low-level Cultivators stared blankly at the sky, their mouths agape and eyes wide, even forgetting to breathe.

Nascent Soul Formation... was it a success or a failure?

Many low-level Cultivators harbored suspicions, whispering and discussing amongst themselves.

Some said it was a success, others said it was a failure; no one could convince the other.

The Foundation Establishment Cultivators each held their own views, arguing until they were red in the face.

However, Xiang Tianhun and the other Core Formation Cultivators were clear: the person inside had successfully overcome the Heart Demon Tribulation and ascended to become a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator!

The slight smile before the giant figure dissipated and the composure shown when turning into starlight were both signs of a successful tribulation.

Although they hadn't reached that Realm themselves, it was recorded very clearly in the ancient texts.

Xiang Tianhun let out a long breath, the heavy stone in his heart finally dropping to the ground.

He looked back at the three Elders; all three also wore expressions of immense relief.

Regardless of who this Senior was, his successful Nascent Soul Formation within the Flowing Cloud Sect was a monumental piece of good fortune for the Sect.

In the future, when word got out that a Nascent Soul Stage Senior had emerged from the Flowing Cloud Sect's territory, that reputation alone would be enough to deter many petty scoundrels.

Of course, if they could take this opportunity to establish a connection with this Nascent Soul Senior, it would be even better.

With a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator backing them, their Flowing Cloud Sect would join the ranks of the top-tier powers in the Chaotic Star Sea.

...

Inside the Immortal Cave's Quiet Room.

The spirit eye spring gurgled and flowed, and dense Spiritual Qi permeated the surroundings like a fairyland.

Lu Qiu sat cross-legged on the ground with his eyes tightly shut. His complexion was ruddy and his expression serene, as if he were in a deep sleep.

His breathing was steady and long, each breath causing the surrounding Spiritual Qi to fluctuate along with it.

But at the crown of his head, a miniature infant about an inch tall was playing joyfully.

This infant was fair and tender, as if carved from pink jade. Its entire body was shrouded in a layer of faint green light that was warm and soft, like moonlight spilling down.

The eyebrows, the bridge of the nose, and the curve of the lips were exactly the same as Lu Qiu's.

However, this infant's face was full of excitement and laughter. It would roll around one moment, do a somersault the next, and then float in the air dancing with joy—vastly different from Lu Qiu's usual steady and reserved demeanor.

It looked just like a newborn baby who had just arrived in the world, filled with novelty and delight toward everything.

It reached out its chubby little hands to grab the drifting Spiritual Qi; when the Qi slipped through its fingers, it tilted its head with a face full of confusion.

It then chased the water mist rising from the spirit eye spring; when it caught it but found nothing there, it giggled.

That was Lu Qiu's Nascent Soul!

It was the Nascent Soul he had condensed after many years of Cultivation and countless hardships!

The Nascent Soul was newly formed and its spirituality had not yet faded, which was why it was so lively and active.

Once it adapted to this new body, it would completely fuse with Lu Qiu's Divine Sense. At that time, he would truly be able to control the power of this Nascent Soul.

After a while, the infant seemed a bit tired from playing. After letting out a small yawn, a flash of green light appeared, and it burrowed back into his body through the crown of his head.

That yawn was incredibly cute, with its tiny mouth opened wide and its eyes narrowed into slits.

Lu Qiu's expression shifted, and after his eyelids flickered slightly, he finally opened his eyes.

They were a pair of warm, reserved, and bright eyes, exceptionally clear like an ancient mountain pool, reflecting all things in heaven and earth while remaining calm and unruffled.

Deep within those eyes, a faint spiritual light circulated. That was the unique spiritual light of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, resonating with heaven and earth and aligning with the Laws.

“Haha, I have finally formed my Nascent Soul!”

Lu Qiu did not deliberately suppress the wild joy in his heart. His laughter echoed in the Quiet Room, unceasing for a long time.

In that laughter, there was relief, excitement, pride, and a sense of weight being lifted.

He had waited far too long for this moment!

From that minor Qi Refining stage Cultivator back in Heavenly South to now stepping into the Nascent Soul Realm—how many hardships had he endured and how much blood and sweat had he poured out along the way?

Those years of bitter Cultivation, those years of slaughter, those years of scheming, and those years of endurance all received their reward at this moment.

With his Cultivation ascended to the Nascent Soul, his Lifespan could reach a thousand years!

A thousand years of time was enough for him to do many more things and pursue even higher Realms.

From this point on, he had completely left the ranks of low-level Cultivators and truly stepped into the upper echelons of the cultivation world.

A Nascent Soul Cultivator, regardless of which power they were in, was an honored guest and an existence at the level of an Old Ancestor.

Stepping into this Realm, his status in the cultivation world was vastly different than before.

Back then, when he was in the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm, Savage Beard dared to try and kill him, dared to order him around, and dared to treat him like an ant that could be crushed at will.

Now that he had reached the Nascent Soul, even if Savage Beard saw him, he would have to be wary.

As fellow Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators, no one had the confidence to easily slay another Nascent Soul Cultivator.

Which Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator didn't have a few life-saving trump cards?

Which one didn't have hidden means at the bottom of their chest?

Lu Qiu took a deep breath, suppressed the excitement in his heart, and began to sense the changes within his body after the Nascent Soul Breakthrough.

First was the magic power.

In his Dantian, that scarlet gold Golden Core had disappeared, replaced by an inch-tall miniature infant—his Nascent Soul.

The Nascent Soul sat cross-legged in his Dantian, spiritual light circulating around it. Every breath it took caused the magic power throughout his body to circulate along with it.

The total amount of that magic power was several times higher than in the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm!

That feeling was like going from a small stream to a great river; the magic power was inexhaustible and surging.

What surprised him even more was the explosive growth of his Divine Sense.

With a thought, his Divine Sense expanded outward like a tide, silent yet reaching everywhere.

One hundred li.

Two hundred li.

Three hundred li.

Three hundred and fifty li!

The range covered by his Divine Sense had actually reached three hundred and fifty li!

Everything within three hundred and fifty li was clearly reflected in his Sea of Consciousness.

The fish and shrimp swimming beneath the sea, the trajectories of birds in the sky, the subtle fluctuations of Spiritual Qi on distant deserted islands, and even the whispers of the Flowing Cloud Sect Cultivators were all vividly before him, revealed in minute detail!

This was already the Divine Sense strength of the Late Nascent Soul Stage!

Upon first entering the Nascent Soul Stage, his Divine Sense strength was comparable to the Late Nascent Soul Stage.

A flash of excitement crossed Lu Qiu's eyes.

With such a powerful Divine Sense, he would possess an immense advantage in whatever he did in the future.

Especially his Spirit Shocking Thorn; when driven by such a powerful Divine Sense, its power would be even more terrifying!

“It seems my Nascent Soul Formation phenomena attracted quite a few people to watch.” Lu Qiu swept his Divine Sense, taking in the situation on Liuyun Island at a glance.

The Flowing Cloud Sect Cultivators were still discussing animatedly; some were excited, some envious, and some in awe.

Xiang Tianhun and the three Elders were still floating in the air, waiting respectfully.

And further away, he sensed two extremely powerful auras rapidly approaching.

Those were Nascent Soul Stage experts!

Lu Qiu's brow furrowed slightly before smoothing out again.

Let them come. With his current Cultivation, there was no longer any need to hide.

A Nascent Soul Cultivator was an honored guest wherever they went.

He stood up, tidied his robes, and pushed open the stone door of the Quiet Room.

“Husband!”

Xia Xinyan was standing outside the door. Seeing him come out, her charming eyes instantly flooded with uncontrollable wild joy.

She stepped forward quickly, threw herself into his arms, and held him tightly, her voice trembling: “Husband, you succeeded! You succeeded!”

Lu Qiu gently patted her back and smiled: “Yes, I succeeded.”

Xia Xinyan raised her head and looked into his eyes, which were full of admiration and pride.

Her man was now a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator!

He was an existence standing at the pinnacle of the Chaotic Star Sea!

In the future, who would dare to look down on her?

Who would dare to treat her like a piece of cargo?

She couldn't help but hug him tighter, as if afraid he would disappear.

Lu Qiu was in a great mood and laughed: “Come, dance for me and play a tune.”

After preparing for so many years and finally forming his Nascent Soul, he naturally had to enjoy himself properly.

Xia Xinyan wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and broke into a smile: “Alright!”

She stepped back a few paces and began to dance gracefully.

Her long dress fluttered like clouds and mist; every turn and every leap carried a natural rhythm.

Her dance was even more beautiful and moving than before, as if she herself were a piece of music, a melody.

Her gaze was at times full of affection, at times cold as frost, at times cheerful as a sparrow, and at times gentle as water.

After the dance, she sat down at the zither and began to play.

The sound of the zither was melodious and lingering, like a flowing clear spring, a spring breeze brushing the face, or moonlight spilling down.

In that music, there was joy, pride, gratitude, expectation, and a faint, subtle affection.

Every note was just right, as if it could go straight into one's heart.

Lu Qiu closed his eyes and listened, enjoying this rare peace.

...

Meanwhile, outside the Immortal Cave.

Hearing the moving zither music coming from inside, Xiang Tianhun and the other Elders looked at each other in bewilderment.

This Nascent Soul Senior was quite a man of sentiment.

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Having just achieved Nascent Soul Formation, instead of rushing to stabilize the Realm, he had actually started enjoying himself.

But thinking about it, it made sense; having prepared for many years and endured hardships to finally succeed, he certainly deserved a good celebration.

They dared not disturb the Senior's refined interest, so they hovered in the air, waiting quietly.

Xiang Tianhun stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the valley shrouded by the Formation, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He had been cultivating for hundreds of years and was still at the Late Core Formation Stage; he wondered if he would ever be able to reach this step in his lifetime.

After waiting for a full day, once the sound of the zither stopped, Xiang Tianhun took a deep breath, stepped forward a few paces, and respectfully cupped his hands toward the Immortal Cave, saying:

"Senior, this Junior is Xiang Tianhun, the Sect Master of the Flowing Cloud Sect. Together with three Elders from my Sect, I congratulate you on achieving the Nascent Soul Dao! It is the honor of the Flowing Cloud Sect that you were able to achieve Nascent Soul Formation within our Sect, and it is a blessing for all thousand-plus Disciples of the Flowing Cloud Sect. May I ask if you would do us the honor of allowing us to pay our respects in person?"

His voice was respectful and sincere, and he kept his posture very humble.

A moment later, a faint voice drifted from the Immortal Cave, calm as water, yet carrying an unquestionable majesty:

"That will not be necessary. I borrowed the Spiritual Vein of your Flowing Cloud Sect to achieve Nascent Soul Formation, which can be considered a stroke of fate. Take this ancient treasure as a token of my gratitude."

As the voice faded, a beam of light flew out from the Immortal Cave and landed before Xiang Tianhun.

It was a palm-sized ancient treasure, entirely jade green, shaped like a small tripod, emitting a warm, gentle glow.

Xiang Tianhun received it with both hands; it felt heavy, and after a sweep of his Divine Sense, he was instantly startled.

The quality of this ancient treasure was exceptionally high; at the very least, it was a High Grade ancient treasure, worth at least two hundred thousand Spirit Stones!

He had originally only wanted to build a good relationship; how could he dare to hope for any reward?

He had not expected this Senior to be so generous.

He hurriedly said: "Senior, you are too kind. This... this is too valuable..."

"Accept it." The voice said calmly, brooking no refusal.

Xiang Tianhun felt a chill in his heart and dared not say more. He hurriedly placed the ancient treasure carefully into his Storage Pouch and bowed again, saying: "Many thanks for your generous gift, Senior!"

Just then, Xiang Tianhun suddenly sensed something and looked into the distance.

Two streaks of light were speeding across the sea, moving extremely fast, and in the blink of an eye, they arrived close by.

They were two elderly Cultivators dressed in white robes, with beards and hair fluttering, possessing an immortal aura, their presence unfathomable.

They hovered in the air, their gazes sweeping over the members of the Flowing Cloud Sect, finally landing on the Immortal Cave shrouded by the Formation.

Upon seeing their faces, Xiang Tianhun was shocked. He hurriedly stepped forward to bow, his posture respectful to the extreme:

"Xiang Tianhun of the Flowing Cloud Sect pays respects to Elder Lin and Elder Gu!"

The arrivals were none other than the Nascent Soul inspection envoys of the Star Palace—Lin Xuankong and Gu Lingyuan!

Lin Xuankong's gaze was like lightning as he swept a glance over Xiang Tianhun, frowning slightly: "Xiang Tianhun? Was it not you who achieved Nascent Soul Formation just now? Who is the person who achieved Nascent Soul Formation?"

His voice was calm, yet carried the majesty of a superior, making others dare not look him in the eye.

His gaze landed on the Immortal Cave shrouded by the Formation, a trace of curiosity flashing in his eyes.

The person who could achieve Nascent Soul Formation here was actually not someone from the Flowing Cloud Sect.

"Reporting to the Elders."

Xiang Tianhun said respectfully, "A strange Senior arrived here and borrowed our Flowing Cloud Sect's Spiritual Vein to achieve Nascent Soul Formation. This Junior does not know the identity or background of that Senior."

"A strange Senior?"

Lin Xuankong and Gu Lingyuan exchanged a glance, a strange look flashing in their eyes.

Having to borrow the Spiritual Vein from a mid-sized Sect like the Flowing Cloud Sect just to achieve Nascent Soul Formation indicated that this person had no major power backing them and was likely a Loose Cultivator.

For a Loose Cultivator to Cultivate to the Pseudo-Nascent Soul Realm was already not easy, and those who could successfully achieve Nascent Soul Formation were as rare as phoenix feathers and qilin horns.

Such a person must be exceptionally gifted and have a firm will.

Both of them felt a stir in their hearts.

A Loose Cultivator Nascent Soul was exactly the type of person the Star Palace most wanted to recruit!

Although the Star Palace was the hegemon of the Chaotic Star Sea, the number of Nascent Soul Cultivators was not that high.

If they could recruit a Loose Cultivator Nascent Soul, it would be a good thing for the Star Palace.

Furthermore, the fact that this person could achieve Nascent Soul Formation in a place like the Flowing Cloud Sect suggested that he had an easygoing personality and was not picky, so he should not be difficult to get along with.

Lin Xuankong stepped forward and bowed toward the Immortal Cave, his voice gentle and sincere:

"Fellow Daoist, I am Lin Xuankong of the Star Palace, and this is Gu Lingyuan. We are here to congratulate you on your successful Nascent Soul Formation! May we enter your Immortal Cave for a chat?"

His voice clearly entered the Immortal Cave; he was neither servile nor overbearing, yet carried a hint of anticipation.

The Immortal Cave was silent for a moment.

Immediately after, a crack appeared on the large Formation, just wide enough for one person to pass through.

"The two of you, please enter."

Lin Xuankong and Gu Lingyuan exchanged a glance, then flashed into the crack.

The moment they entered the Immortal Cave, both of them simultaneously released a sliver of Divine Sense to slightly probe the surrounding Formation.

This was their habit; upon entering an unfamiliar place, one must always understand the surrounding environment.

Upon this probe, both of them were startled—

The power of this Formation far exceeded their imagination!

The ingenuity of the Formation's structure, the complexity of its runes, and the tightness of its Restrictions all secretly shocked them.

The killing intent faintly emanating from the Formation made even Nascent Soul Cultivators like them feel palpitations.

If they had blundered in without knowing, they would likely have suffered a great loss.

They had not expected that this newly formed Nascent Soul Loose Cultivator was actually a Great Master of Formations.

Truly rare.

The Dao of Formations was the most time-consuming and energy-draining.

To be able to study Formations to such a degree while also cultivating, this person's talent and perseverance were extraordinary.

The two of them composed themselves and stepped into the main hall of the Immortal Cave.

The hall was not large, but it was arranged in an orderly fashion. A spirit eye spring bubbled, and dense Spiritual Qi permeated the surroundings.

Spirit tea and spirit fruits were placed on the table, and the aroma of tea curled in the air.

A green-robed Cultivator wearing a silver-white mask was sitting upright in the main seat, his aura steady, his gaze clear.

It was Lu Qiu.

He stood up, cupped his hands, and said calmly: "Fellow Daoists, please sit. This is a wild, unrefined place, and I have nothing good to offer other than some coarse tea. I hope you will forgive me."

Lin Xuankong and Gu Lingyuan sat down, appraising the newly advanced Nascent Soul Cultivator before them.

He wore a mask, so his face could not be seen, but those eyes were clear as water and bottomless.

His aura was steady and restrained, not like a Cultivator who had just broken through, but rather like a veteran who had been immersed in the Nascent Soul Realm for many years.

Lin Xuankong picked up a teacup, took a sip, and praised: "Good tea. It is truly not easy for a Fellow Daoist to reach this step as a Loose Cultivator; I admire you."

Gu Lingyuan also nodded and said: "The path of a Loose Cultivator is full of hardships at every step. Without Sect support or guidance from teachers, relying entirely on one's own exploration, one in ten thousand reaches the Nascent Soul step. That Fellow Daoist has reached this day is truly a talent gifted by the heavens."

Lu Qiu smiled slightly: "You two are too kind. It is merely luck."

Lin Xuankong set down his teacup and said seriously: "Fellow Daoist, I will not beat around the bush. The Star Palace has always valued talent. With your talent, if you could join the Star Palace, you would certainly be highly valued. The Legacy of the Star Palace is the most top-tier in the Chaotic Star Sea; we have everything from Cultivation Techniques and Spells to Talismans and Medicinal Pills. With your attainments in Formations, I believe you would be able to fully showcase your skills in our Star Palace's Formation Hall."

He paused and continued: "What do you think, Fellow Daoist?"

Lu Qiu was silent for a moment, then slowly shook his head.

"I appreciate the good intentions of both. However, This Lu is used to being free and easy and does not like Restrictions. While the Legacy of the Star Palace is indeed the most top-tier in the Chaotic Star Sea—whether it be Cultivation Techniques, Spells, or Talismans, all are tempting—the rules of the Star Palace are strict, and This Lu does not like to follow rules. Joining the Star Palace may not necessarily be a good thing for This Lu."

What he said was not entirely an excuse.

The rules of the Star Palace were indeed notoriously numerous.

From clothing and attire to daily routines, from cultivation progress to traveling abroad, there were strict regulations for everything.

He had been used to freedom for these years; going wherever he wanted and doing whatever he pleased. If he were forced to follow rules every day, it would be more unbearable than killing him.

Moreover, as a Transmigration practitioner, he knew clearly that before long, the Nixing Alliance would officially declare war on the Star Palace.

At that time, the entire Chaotic Star Sea would fall into turmoil, and there would be undercurrents surging within the Star Palace.

Those forces secretly defecting to the Nixing Alliance and those Cultivators with ill intentions would all jump out at this time.

Joining the Star Palace at this time was not a wise move.

Lin Xuankong and Gu Lingyuan exchanged a glance, a trace of disappointment flashing in their eyes, but they did not force it.

The Star Palace had always convinced people with virtue and never forced anyone against their will.

Furthermore, the other party was a Nascent Soul Cultivator; forcing him would be useless.

Lin Xuankong stood up and cupped his hands: "Since you aspire to freedom, Fellow Daoist, we will not force you. However, the doors of the Star Palace will always be open to you. If one day you change your mind, you can come to us at any time. Whether it is Cultivation Techniques, Medicinal Pills, or spiritual materials and Magic Treasures, the Star Palace is willing to share them with you."

Lu Qiu stood up and returned the salute: "Many thanks for your understanding, you two."

The two said nothing more and turned to leave.