CH 49

C49 – Saintess

Ning Tingshan opened the scroll but didn’t glance at its contents. The divine radiance within was immensely valuable. He turned to Zou Wenrui and remarked, “Even if he isn’t, what can you possibly do about it?”

Stroking his beard, he expressed surprise, “A ninth-level Nascent Soul cultivator. If he truly possesses the youth he portrays, this is… astounding. Even the prominent sects in the Middle Continent might not harbor such an extraordinary prodigy.”

Ning Tingshan’s eyes shimmered with excitement. Not only was he an extraordinary prodigy, but also, in the past several thousand or eight hundred years, Ning Tingshan had never encountered an individual of such caliber.

Not even in the era of gods and ghosts had he come across a genius like this.

Apart from the disciple of the nameless saint who hadn’t made an appearance for over a century, there was no discernible difference!

Zou Wenrui fell silent for a moment, his expression peculiar as he sneered. “The ninth level of the Nascent Soul Stage is the ninth level, but they both belong to the Nascent Soul Stage. However, Master, I couldn’t detect even the slightest trace of Nascent Soul energy within his Spiritual Energy. How do you explain his possession of a ninth-level Nascent Soul?”

Ning Tingshan was taken aback. “Without the energy of a Dao Nascent Soul… Impossible!”

The core essence of the Nascent Soul Stage was the Nascent Soul itself. Such a claim was preposterous.

How could a cultivator of the Nascent Soul Stage reach the Nascent Soul Stage without having cultivated a Nascent Soul? This was pure nonsense. Anyone uttering such words would be deemed insane.

Ning Tingshan couldn’t fathom the idea that his Great Elder had suddenly lost his sanity. He convinced himself that Zou Wenrui simply couldn’t afford to lose face.

Observing Ning Tingshan’s expression, Zou Wenrui sneered without uttering a word. He strolled away with his crutch and hands behind his back. A cold glimmer flickered in his eyes.

There were two possible reasons why a Nascent Soul cultivator wouldn’t possess the power of a Dao Nascent Soul.

First, the Nascent Soul cultivator might have suffered severe injuries, wounds, or been sealed—similar to Zou Wenrui’s current state. However, a cultivator of higher cultivation level would need to deliberately suppress their strength to appear incapable.

Secondly, a Nascent Soul cultivator might have been compelled to enter the Nascent Soul realm through the aid of a special Medicine Pill. It would entail sacrificing all future possibilities. Without transcending the Nascent Soul realm, the cultivator would be unable to progress further in cultivation, forever remaining at that stage.

Judging by Liu Yuan’s age, Zou Wenrui felt almost certain that he belonged to the second category.

Only through such means could Liu Yuan achieve such a remarkable level at his age.

Similarly, the individual who consumed the Medicine Pill would undoubtedly lack the strength of a true Nascent Soul cultivator.

“If that’s the case…”

Zou Wenrui murmured softly. His slender figure vanished into the shadows, and his already ominous expression grew even more sinister.

——

Liu Yuan’s true identity had already been accurately guessed, despite his lack of knowledge.

The Medicine Pill and the attribute enhancements shared many similarities, but the convenience of attributes outweighed the reduced power of the Nascent Soul Dharma.

However, he was unable to utilize the Nascent Soul Dharma. His Nascent Soul realm was akin to a peak Core Forming Stage cultivator who had additionally cultivated nine more levels.

Yet, he hadn’t even formed a Golden Core.

Taking a step back meant that he would be considered to have reached the 27th level of the Foundation Establishing Stage.

However, he didn’t even possess a spiritual platform.

Therefore, Liu Yuan’s current state, in simple terms, corresponded to the 36th step of Qi Refinement.

Of course, the levels in each realm couldn’t be directly equated. In summary, they followed a similar principle. If his attributes continued to increase, he might even reach the 3,000th step of Qi Refinement or beyond.

“Sigh, some people may appear to be Nascent Soul experts, but their actual cultivation base might only be at the seventh level of Qi Refinement. They are nothing more than weaklings.”

Liu Yuan sighed. This was equivalent to Gu Siyin’s combat prowess.

“This is too weak. I need to focus on cultivating diligently. Otherwise, if I encounter a formidable opponent, I won’t have any weapons at my disposal, and my cultivation level will be insufficient to provide any aid.”

He currently sat on the bed in Ning Xiangrong’s former room, surveying his surroundings as he often did. It was evident that the room had been meticulously tidied, yet he hadn’t spent much time there.

However, a subtle fragrance lingered on the bedding, reminiscent of Ning Xiangrong’s scent… Despite the crude nature of the thought, Liu Yuan entertained the idea of capturing and savouring it.

But, he refrained from acting upon it.

At the very least… he could indulge in the scent when he covered himself with the blanket while sleeping.

That was Liu Yuan’s private thought.

“We shall meet at the Moon Reflection Pond in two days’ time… I recall that the Moon Reflection Pond is situated in the northeast of the Wide Ocean Sect. It’s the only part of the sect I can rely on. The mountains there are dotted with numerous springs, earning it the name Spring Mountain. Consequently, members of the Wide Ocean Sect often seek solace and cultivate there, or simply relax, such as the female disciples taking their baths.”

Liu Yuan propped his chin up, contemplating his course of action.

“Speaking of which, Rong Rong has changed her bathing locations a few times to elude me. She must have resorted to Spring Mountain… However, she couldn’t have guessed that I planned to capture her, so she deliberately avoided seeking me out.”

If it were merely an ordinary encounter with the devil cult, she wouldn’t be so cautious. The Wide Ocean Sect was an intermediate-to-low level region, and the Nascent Infant Stage was the highest cultivation level there. No higher levels existed.

The crucial point was whether Pi Huanluo was present.

Liu Yuan couldn’t possibly eliminate that spy, and he didn’t even dare to make a move.

If he attempted to do so, he must die for sure.

Should he take a gamble and assume that Pi Huanluo hadn’t come here due to the Crocodile Demon Lagoon?

It was highly likely that she had gone to the Five-legged Heavenly Devil’s location in search of the Heavenly Devil. It made sense for the Wide Ocean Sect to inquire about it, but it was implausible for them to personally lower their status and get involved.

Nevertheless, who could guarantee that this sorceress wouldn’t suddenly desire such an outcome?

“What a headache, Lady Holy Maiden of Schrodinger… Placing a holy maiden in the Moon Reflection Pond. When two undercover agents bring Xue Zhui to meet her, there’s a 50% chance she’ll appear, and a 50% chance she won’t.”

Liu Yuan mumbled to himself, picturing the image of the saintess concealing herself in the pond and observing him. He contemplated it and chuckled.

To be honest, the woman who had always exuded grace, composure, and arrogance would be rather adorable if she were to hold her head and crouch down.

“Schrodinger? Who is that?”

A seductive and languid voice suddenly pierced the air, tinged with a hint of doubt.

The smile on Liu Yuan’s face froze. What?!

His absent-minded gaze snapped into focus as he witnessed a pitch-black fog materialize in the middle of the room. The ethereal and mysterious mist coalesced into the form of a human figure.

The fog swirled, weaving into a black veil that cascaded over a graceful and alluring feminine body, complemented by flowing long hair. Beneath the black veil, a pale and seductive face emerged. Deep, abyssal black pupils fixated on Liu Yuan, while delicate butterfly-like eyelashes cast an enigmatic shadow.

She stood barefoot, revealing a faint green vein coursing through her snowy white jade feet. Silver rings adorned her ankles and wrists, while a delicate silver chain pierced through the depths of the black veil, connecting to a wide ring around her neck.

Liu Yuan understood that these silver chains bound her exquisite form, representing her devotion to the doctrine of servitude, forbidding her from being married for the rest of her life.

Taking two steps forward, she gently held Liu Yuan’s cheek, her narrowed eyes shimmering with a scarlet glow. The corners of her mouth curled as she whispered, “No matter who he may be, Pi Huanluo can only belong to Liu Yuan…”

The witch’s eyes became hazy, and she planted a kiss on Liu Yuan’s forehead.

Goosebumps instantly erupted across Liu Yuan’s body. He distinctly felt the touch of metal grazing his forehead—a tongue piercing.

The woman’s voice grew softer and softer, “But Liu Yuan, will he only belong to Pi Huanluo?”

She lowered her head, her dilated pupils locked onto Liu Yuan. Within the depths of her eyes, it seemed as if red flames were blazing.

Liu Yuan questioned his own perception. The saintess of Schrödinger had been placed in Ning Xiangrong’s room, and two outcomes awaited. Half of them meant life for Liu Yuan, while the other half spelled his death.