Chapter 113: Relics of the Immortal Path

“Oh?”

The Lord of Chess Observation raised an eyebrow slightly, a trace of approval flickering in his eyes.

Misfortune should not befall one’s family.

If one were born into an immortal cultivation clan, troubles would be of little concern. But for those from humble origins, whose loved ones lack the strength to protect themselves, choosing as Jiang Min had was an exceptionally wise decision.

“Very well.”

The Lord of Chess Observation raised his hand and cut down with two fingers.

An invisible, intangible terrifying force descended from above Jiang Min’s head, slashing towards her whole body.

As a tingling numbness spread across her scalp, she momentarily felt a blur in her mind; all memories of her family faded in that instant, only to quickly return to normal.

This subtle sensation of loss caused a dull ache in her heart, as if a blunt knife had pierced her chest—not fatal, but silently agonizing.

“Besides this, do you have no other attachments?”

Hearing the question, Jiang Min swiftly composed herself and nodded firmly, “None.”

“Sit down, let’s talk.”

The Lord of Chess Observation led the way to the center of the flying vessel, waving his hand to summon a set of table and chairs, then asked, “Shall we try your life fire now? Perhaps you can begin refining that peach tree branch?”

Jiang Min sat down, lifted her palm, and floated the piece of peach branch she usually wrapped around her hand into her palm. She exhaled a wisp of life fire, enveloping the branch.

Blazing!

The life fire burned fiercely, much stronger than before her training. The air around the peach branch warped under the intense heat.

Within the flames, the bark of the peach branch began to curl and blacken, revealing the pale green wood beneath. The wood displayed intricate patterns, with demonic energy flowing through it, rising and steaming under the scorching life fire.

“Changes are occurring.”

Jiang Min beamed with delight.

This meant that with her current life fire strength, she could finally begin refining the peach branch.

Though it felt strangely like burning herself, a life treasure forged from one’s own bloodline would bond more intimately with her, allowing it to unleash greater power.

The Lord of Chess Observation nodded without surprise and spoke earnestly, “Very good. Next, let us discuss the direction of your future cultivation. I asked you before about dual cultivation of immortal and demon paths—what have you decided?”

“I’ve thought it through. I want to try cultivating both the immortal path and the demon path. Though no one has walked this path before, the road is made by walking.”

Jiang Min gave her considered answer.

Throughout history, no one had successfully cultivated both immortal and demon paths simultaneously. She could not be sure whether dual cultivation would cause conflict or hinder her progress.

But if it truly worked, it would greatly enhance her strength.

Moreover, seeing the Lord of Chess Observation’s supportive attitude—he would help her pursue this path as a Nascent Soul cultivator—what reason did she have to hesitate?

The Lord of Chess Observation smiled gently and said, “No need to worry. Actually, it’s not complicated. At this stage, you don’t have to start dual cultivation yet. Focus on raising your cultivation level first.”

“After all, your peach tree bloodline is already a third-level demonic power, while you only possess Foundation Establishment spiritual energy. This imbalance is not necessarily beneficial. It’s like yin and yang—one yin, one yang. If unbalanced, it can bring disaster.”

As he spoke, he raised both hands to demonstrate yin and yang, illustrating the principle of balance.

“When we return to Taiji Mountain, I will teach you a Five Elements cultivation method called the ‘True Scripture of Yin and Yang.’ It’s a fundamental technique that focuses on building a solid foundation, making it easier for you to switch methods later.”

“As for demonic cultivation methods, I will inquire and find one suitable for you. If I get any leads, I will inform you.”

This was the benefit of having a master’s guidance.

Standing on higher ground, seeing farther, and offering help on the cultivation path.

In the past ten years, when Jiang Min was still young and clueless about many things, she had cultivated alone, stumbling down many wrong paths, learning in a scattered and haphazard manner—studying whatever she lacked, whatever was at hand; some knowledge was useless, some hard to grasp—all by her own exploration.

Now, meeting a master who cared about her path greatly, Jiang Min felt deeply grateful and bowed respectfully, “Thank you, Master.”

The Lord of Chess Observation simply smiled and waved off her thanks casually before continuing, “That’s settled about cultivation methods. As for cultivating various arts, will you continue on the sword path?”

“I still wish to major in the sword path,” Jiang Min nodded.

She had learned that her temporary master was also a sword cultivator who had achieved success in the sword way!

At their first meeting, she hadn’t noticed this.

The Lord of Chess Observation smiled with satisfaction, then said meaningfully, “As my disciple, if you want to cultivate the sword path, you must be prepared to endure hardships.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Min raised her brows confidently and smiled, “Master, I may lack confidence in some things, but enduring hardship is not one of them.”

“Hahaha, very good!” The Lord of Chess Observation laughed joyfully. “Once we return to Taiji Mountain, I will begin teaching you the final realm of sword energy—Sword Steel.”

Jiang Min still had a question. She asked, “Master, should I hurry to refine my life treasure?”

In the ancient tomb of the sword cultivators, she had once obtained a method for refining treasures but had yet to study it properly. Now that she had a master’s guidance, perhaps there was a better choice.

Hearing this, the Lord of Chess Observation replied seriously, “This matter must be decided by you.”

“Hm?”

Jiang Min was puzzled.

“From the moment of Foundation Establishment, cultivators can begin refining their life treasure. Once refined, it is difficult to change. If you do change it, it requires a tremendous price.”

The Lord of Chess Observation spoke slowly, “Therefore, the life treasure is tied to your entire future life.”

“I will give you three options. You choose for yourself.”

“First, I can teach you my method of refining a life treasure. My method comes from the Nine Sects Hall—it is very powerful. But it does not refine a sword; it refines a sword case, which nurtures the sword.”

The Lord of Chess Observation opened his mouth.

A flash of spiritual light appeared in his hand, transforming into a long sword case. The case was made of a material resembling wood and jade, extremely understated, adorned only with some profound patterns carved upon it.

Jiang Min examined the sword case curiously.

She was even more curious about what kind of treasure sword it might conceal.

Could a sword cultivator’s life treasure be a sword case instead of a sword?

In this vast world, wonders never ceased.

The Lord of Chess Observation quickly retracted the sword case and continued, “Second, I have several good sword refining methods in my collection. You may choose one.”

“Third, eight years from now, you can try your luck at the Nine Sects Hall to see if you can obtain a sword refining method. If you fail, I will have a backup ready for you here. You can choose then—there’s no rush.”

When the Nine Sects Hall was mentioned again, Jiang Min’s eyes flickered slightly. She asked in confusion, “Is the heritage within the Nine Sects Hall really that excellent?”

Not only did it contain the Five Elements cultivation method needed after forming a Core Formation.

Even the Lord of Chess Observation’s life sword case refining method came from the Nine Sects Hall.

Even Jia Fugui had laid secret plans in the Nine Sects Hall, hoping to seize a transcendent cultivation technique there.

The Lord of Chess Observation smiled faintly, glanced at her, and said, “Some history is not recorded in official annals. Just listen and do not spread it.”

Sensing that something secret was about to be revealed, Jiang Min quickly said, “I will remember that.”

The Lord of Chess Observation was reassured by her cautious nature, knowing she would not expose him to danger. Besides, even if it were to leak, it would not be a major issue... Such matters naturally become known once one’s cultivation or status reaches a certain level.

“Long ago, the Ten Kingdoms and Nine Sects were once a single sect called the Purple Yang Immortal Sect. After its destruction, the remnants split and diverged for ten thousand years, merging and dividing, rising and falling, until they evolved into the present Nine Sects.”

“The Nine Sects Hall’s secret realm is actually a fragment of the Purple Yang Immortal Sect’s heavenly domain—a true relic of the immortal path. Within the fragment lies a grand hall for passing on the Way.”

“Thus it was newly named the Nine Sects Hall.”