Li Zhenghai nodded, his expression solemn.
"So, what's our next move?"
Ji Wuqing replied with a measured tone, "According to our intelligence, the Corpse Refining Sect has already dispatched disciples to survey the major markets. We haven't confirmed which one they're targeting yet, but..."
He paused, then continued, "...some of them are already here in Cloud Market. We've had eyes on them. They've been sniffing around, trying to gather information on the Foundation Establishment Pill that was sold in one of the private rooms on the first floor."
His lips curved into a cold smile. "But little do they know it's all a trap. We've been feeding them intel, piece by piece, guiding them toward what they think is a vulnerable target.
"On the surface, the pill was purchased by the Lei Family, but in truth, we orchestrated the entire purchase to lure them out."
He leaned forward slightly. "We estimate they'll make their move tonight, attempting to seize the pill."
Li Zhenghai's brows furrowed. "How strong are the attackers?"
"It just a scout unit, so they just sent three disciples. All in the late stage of the Qi Refining Realm," Ji Wuqing stated without concern.
"However, each of them likely has at least one refined corpse under their control. Factoring that in, their effective combat strength could be equivalent to six cultivators at the same level."
He continued, "Because they want to avoid drawing attention to themselves, they'll act swiftly and silently, no chaos, no public spectacle. So we estimate they'll make their move under cover of night."
Li Zhenghai narrowed his eyes. "So, you want me to go to the Lei Family and protect them?"
Ji Wuqing shook his head. "No need. We've already stationed a Foundation Establishment cultivator at their residence. When the enemy moves, we'll capture them in one clean sweep and extract everything they know."
Li Zhenghai frowned. "Then what do you need from me? You didn't personally deliver this information just to keep me informed."
Ji Wuqing's eyes gleamed with intent. "I want you to be ready. I noticed that you're on the verge of a breakthrough. It's time you stopped holding back."
Li Zhenghai's expression froze for a moment. He had been deliberately concealing his cultivatio. Outwardly, he displayed the aura of a 4th-layer Foundation Establishment cultivator, but in reality, he had already reached the 5th layer and was teetering on the edge of the next breakthrough.
So... Ji Wuqing saw through him. Either that, or the Supreme Elder had revealed his true cultivation.
His expression remained calm. "When does the war begin?"
"The full-scale siege on the Corpse Refining Sect's base is scheduled for one year from now," Ji Wuqing replied.
"But the conflict will begin much earlier likely within a week. We've already apprehended several of their spies in this market, so Cloud Market should remain untouched. That gives you about a year to break through and stabilize your realm before joining us in the final assault."
Li Zhenghai exhaled softly. "Understood. When the time comes, I'll meet you at the center of the market."
Ji Wuqing nodded. After that, they delved into the finer details of the planned assault the estimated strength of the Corpse Refining Sect, their likely reinforcements, and potential allies that might aid them in the siege.
.....
After the auction concluded, Lan Rui and Wei Xin returned straight to their residence. The atmosphere in the courtyard was quiet, lit by the gentle glow of spirit lamps.
Inside, Lan Rui carefully organized the few items he'd acquired from the auction.
"I only made one actual purchase," he murmured to himself. "The rest were either too costly or not worth it."
He took out a black lacquered box, opened it slowly, and revealed three sword talismans nestled within. Even without activating them, the talismans pulsed faintly with refined Sword Qi sharp, oppressive, and alive.
Lan Rui's eyes gleamed with curiosity. He hoped to gain some insight into the crafting method behind them. Gently, he placed his finger on one of the talismans. He didn't inject spiritual power only his divine sense and cautiously probing the embedded energy.
The moment his divine sense made contact, a fierce resistance surged forth. The Sword Qi was violent, like a wild beast rejecting intrusion.
But he didn't pull away. Instead, he observed patiently, persistently. Over time, he began to understand the rhythm of the energy, the subtle flow behind the ferocity.
Half a day passed.
Sweat beaded his forehead, but a smile tugged at his lips. His comprehension of sword energy had deepened. He rose and stepped into the courtyard, the black talisman still clutched in hand.
Moonlight bathed the courtyard as he stepped onto the stone tiles. Taking a stance, he raised his finger and began to channel his spirit energy and practiced Geng Metal Finger technique.
Six Days Later.
Lan Rui stood drenched in sweat before a massive tree in the courtyard. His finger extended forward, channeling spiritual energy from his dantian. It surged through his meridians, gathering into his fingertip before condensing into a sharp, metallic essence.
But this time... something changed.
The Metal Qi began to vibrate violently. In the next instant, it transformed. Sword Qi materialized, refined and piercing. With a chant, he launched it forward. The sword energy shot out like a bolt of lightning, piercing through the tree trunk effortlessly.
It continued flying toward the edge of the courtyard until Lan Rui halted it with his will. The moment it stopped, it dispersed into the air like mist.
He approached the tree. The hole left by the sword Qi was significantly larger than anything he had achieved before.
"I bet that could pierce even a high-grade defensive talisman," he muttered, impressed. "Though I can't take all the credit. Without the system panel's help, reaching this level would have taken me months maybe years."
Geng Metal Finger (Grandmaster 2/500)
Thanks to the talisman's Sword Qi, he had broken through the bottleneck of Major Achievement in record time. Still, he had stalled at the peak for a few days until he used his system's compression points to advance directly into the Grandmaster realm.
He can cast it instantly and the spirit power needed is less than half before with the power stronger than ever.
"Although my Sword Qi still lacks the purity of what's stored in the talisman, I can compensate by refining more through spiritual power," he noted.
"With this, I might even be able to replicate the sword talisman's formation."
"But I need to advance my cultivation level. I'll need to reach late stage Qi Refining Realm as crafting high grade talisman at this level drains too much spirit power and divine sense."
.....