Chapter Twenty-Seven: Xu Yuqi

A sudden snort of laughter broke out. Hearing Zhou Xuanhong’s words, Wang Li couldn’t help but laugh outright, pointing mockingly at Xu Biao behind Zhou Xuanhong with disdain written across his face.

“Him? I might believe he longs to join our Form Transmutation Sect, but to claim he’s not weaker than most of our outer disciples is just nonsense. Brother Zhou, unless your mind was damaged when you were gravely wounded by those specters last time, you must be lying through your teeth. Ha, ha, ha!”

Faced with such humiliation, Zhou Xuanhong merely smiled, “Believe what you will. The formalities are done, so we’re leaving.” He called back to Xu Biao.

But before they could take more than a few steps, Wang Li blocked their way, shaking his head, “He can’t leave. I don’t recognize him as a disciple. Since you say he’s not weaker than most of our outer disciples, why not prove it? If he wins a match, I’ll acknowledge him, but if he loses, he must leave the Form Transmutation Sect forever and never set foot within its gates again!”

Before Zhou Xuanhong could respond, Xu Biao behind him was already seething with rage. Joining the sect had filled him with joy, but suddenly, this arrogant youth threatened to sever his path to immortality. The murderous intent in his heart surged forth.

Wang Li sneered at Xu Biao’s fierce glare, and the pressure of a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator bore down, suppressing Xu Biao mercilessly. Beside him, an inner disciple at the Foundation Establishment stage released his own aura, forcing Xu Biao to stagger back, his blood and energy in chaos.

Zhou Xuanhong made no move to defend Xu Biao; it was unnecessary, and he had no intention of arguing with someone doomed. “Do as you wish. The formalities are done, and our agreement fulfilled. If he wishes to duel, let him. I'm leaving.” With that, Zhou Xuanhong departed, showing no concern for Xu Biao, as if his fate was now entirely irrelevant.

Watching Zhou Xuanhong walk away, Wang Li’s face darkened, feeling as if he’d struck at nothing. His cold gaze fixed on Xu Biao, undisguised murderous intent smoldering in his eyes.

Xu Biao, too, was disheartened by Zhou Xuanhong’s indifference. He’d thought Zhou was his protector, only to realize he was merely a tool, discarded once his usefulness was spent.

Just as Wang Li prepared to act, a commanding voice suddenly echoed in everyone’s ears.

“Our Form Transmutation Sect has suffered grievously, its numbers diminished. Now is the time to replenish new blood. Zhou Xuanhong has brought a fresh recruit for the sect, a meritorious deed. Wang Li, do not bully others with your power—stand down. Zhou Xuanhong, since you’ve advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage, come with me to Supreme Peak to leave your soul’s blood and ignite the soul lantern.”

Everyone watched as Zhou Xuanhong, just outside the gates, was lifted by a great hand of spiritual power, carried toward Supreme Peak.

The voice belonged to Xuan Qizi. His intervention temporarily drew this matter to a close. Though Wang Li would surely continue plotting against Xu Biao in secret, for now he dared not publicly defy the sect master’s will.

At Supreme Peak, within the ancestral hall of the Xu Clan, Xuan Qizi regained his untouchable, dignified demeanor, hands clasped behind his back as he faced away from Zhou Xuanhong.

Standing in the hall, Zhou Xuanhong felt a strange pressure upon him—not only from the colorful soul lanterns, but more intensely from the portrait of Xu Yüqi.

It was an uncomfortable sensation, as though his inner thoughts were being scrutinized, especially the eyes in Xu Yüqi’s portrait, which seemed to bring the figure to life, sending chills down his spine.

“Kneel!”

Zhou Xuanhong immediately dropped to his knees. He didn’t know what this shrewd master—whom he’d deceived—intended, but he was confident he’d left no flaws; unless his soul was searched, no one would know he was the true mastermind.

“As my disciple, once you leave your soul’s lantern in the ancestral hall, you’ll become a part of the Xu Clan. From now on, no matter your disposition or character, you must never betray your master or the Xu Clan. Should you do so, I will refine your soul’s blood, making you endure the torment of Dao fire burning your soul until you are utterly destroyed!”

Zhou Xuanhong kowtowed, his tone unwaveringly earnest, “Disciple Zhou Xuanhong will never betray the sect, and pledges loyalty to the Xu Clan. Please accept my soul’s blood, Master!”

A drop of clear liquid floated from Zhou Xuanhong’s crown, slowly landing behind Xuan Qizi.

Turning around, Xuan Qizi nodded with satisfaction. Though unfamiliar with this disciple, Zhou Xuanhong’s unhesitating offering of soul’s blood showed he lacked rebelliousness.

With a flick of his hand, a lamp of ancient design appeared in his palm. Xuan Qizi took the soul’s blood, attaching it gently to the wick. Just as he was about to ignite it, his actions froze, a flash of delight crossing his eyes. When he looked at the kneeling Zhou Xuanhong, greed replaced his earlier joy.

Without a word, he stored the unlit soul lantern in his ring and waved Zhou Xuanhong off. “Enough, you may go. Diligently cultivate. If you encounter difficulties, come to me. If you lack resources, tell me at once. During your last ordeal, I was attempting to break through to the Nascent Soul stage and failed to notice your distress signal. That was my fault. Here are some Foundation Establishment resources—take them. If you need more, let me know.”

Zhou Xuanhong looked up, surprised by the favor. “Master, it was my reckless advance that led me into a demon’s lair, causing great loss to the sect.”

Xuan Qizi’s smile was kindly, “Enough, there’s no need for formality between us. Take them, and if there’s nothing else, you may leave. Cultivate well.”

“Thank you, Master!”

Zhou Xuanhong accepted the storage pouch, delighted, and rode his flying sword away from Supreme Peak toward the Sect Master’s Peak below.

Once he confirmed Zhou Xuanhong's departure, Xuan Qizi took out the unlit soul lantern again, activating the ancestral hall’s formation to isolate it from the outside world.

He bowed slightly toward the portrait, presenting the soul lantern respectfully. “Ancestor, is this truly the ideal vessel for your soul transfer? He only has a yellow-grade talent.”

From the portrait, a graceful, handsome figure emerged, opened his eyes, and picked up the soul lantern, a devilish smile curving his lips.

“There’s no mistake. This youth has successfully cultivated the Form Transmutation Method and has forged his own path, forming a second foundation in his sea of consciousness—an Earth Spirit Foundation!”

Xuan Qizi was shocked, “Impossible! He only has yellow-grade talent, and I’ve heard of no great opportunities for him. Could it be...?”

The ancestor nodded, “Indeed, he seized the initial essence of the Black Yin Jade Physique. Not only did his cultivation soar, but there are other changes we don’t yet know. But that’s not important. I believe when he breaks through to the Golden Core stage, he’ll bring me even greater surprises. When that time comes, bring him here again. My name, Xu Yüqi, will resound throughout the Nameless Region once more!”

Xuan Qizi was equally excited, “With his Earth Spirit Foundation and my constant supply of resources, he’ll surely reach Golden Core within fifteen years! When you succeed in soul transfer, those like Liu Xiang will be nothing but chickens and dogs, and that rebellious True Master Tian Guo will be crushed. Form Transmutation Sect will belong to the Xu Clan once again!”

Xu Yüqi cast him a cold glance, “Useless. With me here, your ambitions are still limited to internal affairs. How did the Xu Clan end up with a failure like you?”

Xuan Qizi blushed with shame, bowing his head in silence, like a child awaiting reprimand.

Xu Yüqi shook his head, “Were it not for your unwavering loyalty to the Xu Clan, your position would have long been replaced. Remember: the situation in Form Transmutation Sect is highly unstable. The Yin Corpse Sect is watching like a tiger. If things go awry, bring that youth to me at once. With me here, even if the sect is taken, what does it matter?”

“I will obey, Ancestor!”

Xuan Qizi left the ancestral hall. Xu Yüqi gazed at the sky outside, his eyes reflecting a soul-stirring agitation. He muttered, “The Black Yin Jade Physique was taken by that little An Rui, but it matters not. Consider it cultivation for me. Once I use this body to grow stronger, I’ll seek her out and reclaim what was mine. The Form Transmutation Method grants me a second chance at soul transfer!”

On Sect Master Peak, Zhou Xuanhong took out large quantities of spirit stones from the pouch Xuan Qizi had given him and began to cultivate. It appeared as cultivation, but his mind was actually calculating and scheming.

The Form Transmutation Method not only absorbed spiritual energy but, more importantly, strengthened mental power. As he cultivated, his soul grew stronger and his thoughts became sharper, magnifying every overlooked detail.

“Something’s off—very off. After handing over my soul’s blood, using the enhanced senses granted by the Form Transmutation Method, I noticed Xuan Qizi didn’t ignite it. What is he up to? Could it be my soul’s blood is different?

And that portrait is odd. The sense of dread it induced is unlike anything Xuan Qizi, the old ghost, could cause. Xu Yüqi’s painting, the chilling unease, the subtle probing—could it be...?”

A shocking thought burst in Zhou Xuanhong’s mind: Could Xu Yüqi not have died, his soul still lingering?

“As the founding ancestor of Form Transmutation Sect, creator of the soul-dual-cultivation Form Transmutation Method, his soul must be exceptionally strong. But can someone who died thousands of years ago really preserve their soul?”

Zhou Xuanhong couldn’t be certain, but Xuan Qizi’s sudden change in attitude definitely hinted at something, though his own understanding of Xu Yüqi was lacking.

He dared not investigate Xu Yüqi in the library, lest Xuan Qizi notice. If the ancestor’s soul truly remained, his suspicions would be exposed, and the consequences dire.

“I must find a chance to ask the old ghost.”

As for the soul’s blood, Zhou Xuanhong wasn’t too concerned. He handed it over so readily partly because resistance was futile, and partly to test his own theory. If it worked, he’d gain a powerful advantage.

He intended to use the Form Transmutation Method and the power of the Bloodthirsty Worm to break free from the soul lantern’s constraints. Then, even if Xuan Qizi someday tried to threaten him with the lantern, Zhou Xuanhong could ruthlessly drag Form Transmutation Sect into utter ruin.