Soul Emperor Martial God

Returning to the Sword Sect, Xiao Yi went to the Outer Sect Task Department.

"Hmm? You're back so soon?"

It was still that Outer Sect Steward, organizing various books and scrolls at the Task Department.

Seeing Xiao Yi's arrival, he set aside his work and asked with curiosity.

The steward had a deep impression of this youth who, since being assigned to the Outer Sect, had never officially reported to the Outer Sect residence.

"20 tasks, 20 designated demon beasts, all have been slain," Xiao Yi answered.

"Oh?" A flicker of surprise passed over the steward's face.

Then, as if thinking of something, he added in a stern voice, "Xiao Yi, I remind you, these tasks must be completed by your own strength, without resorting to others' help."

"The demon beast cores you've retrieved will all be examined."

"Additionally, have you used the Ice Crystal Ball? There must be a complete record of the action, otherwise, I might very well assume you cheated."

Xiao Yi knew the steward had misunderstood, but he didn't explain; instead, he took out the Ice Crystal Ball.

Actions speak louder than words.

The steward took the Ice Crystal Ball and, as the screen flickered with one battle scene after another, his expression became increasingly astonished.

"A Black Iron Demon Leopard, a third-level peak demon beast comparable to a Half-step Cave Profound Martial Artist, slain with a single sword strike."

"A Silver Wind Blood Wolf, a third-level demon beast, living in packs, all of which are at the Innate Ninth Layer. There were about twenty, all killed with one stroke."

"A Demon Python, possessing Half-step Cave Profound strength, hidden tens of meters beneath a swamp, in an extremely adverse and dangerous environment, yet you still managed to dive in and slay it."

"....."

The steward muttered to himself in surprise as he watched the footage on the Ice Crystal Ball.

Xiao Yi gave a faint smile; he himself was at Half-step Cave Profound Cultivation.

After acquiring the Ice and Fire Dao Body, his inner Qi Pill and True Veins had both grown unprecedentedly strong, and naturally, his strength had greatly increased.

Although he had not broken through to the Mysterious Profundity Realm, compared to other Half-step Cave Profound individuals he had encountered, he was undoubtedly the strongest.

Naturally, slaying those demon beasts was easy for him, which allowed him to complete 20 tasks in just half a month.

Then, the steward looked at Xiao Yi, asking in disbelief, "Xiao Yi, have you really only been in the Sky-splitting Sword Sect's Outer Sect for a month?"

"With such strength at a young age, you're more than qualified to enter the Inner Sect."

Xiao Yi shook his head and still didn't explain, instead asking, "Steward, may I now receive the sword points?"

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"Of course," the steward replied. "Hand over your token, and I'll add the sword points for you."

.....

Having received the sword points, Xiao Yi left the Task Department and headed to the Outer Sect Treasury.

Now, he had amassed five thousand sword points.

With anticipation, he entered the Outer Sect Treasury but was unable to find Elder Yi, which left him feeling somewhat disappointed.

At the usual desk, there was a middle-aged man. Xiao Yi recognized him as a fairly powerful steward of the Outer Sect.

"Xiao Yi? Are you looking for Elder Yi?"

This steward clearly knew that Xiao Yi had been close to Elder Yi half a month ago.

"Mhm," Xiao Yi nodded and asked, "Does the steward know where Elder Yi has gone?"

The steward shook his head and said, "Elder Yi left half a month ago, and it's unknown where he has gone. I'm here to guard the Treasure Vault in his stead."

"Does the steward know when Elder Yi will be back?" Xiao Yi inquired.

"It's hard to say," the steward replied. "Maybe today, maybe tomorrow, or maybe next month. Elder Yi is always elusive, and only when he shows up can we find him."

"Is that so." Xiao Yi shook his head in disappointment and said, "If that's the case, I will take my leave."

Xiao Yi turned around and walked away.

However, the steward muttered to himself, "Elder Yi's nature is strange; he is usually silent and aloof, not really interacting with anyone."

"It's only during the annual new disciples' assessments that he would speak a little more."

"What's the deal with this kid, to receive such favor from Elder Yi, and to have been guided so carefully for so long."

...

The next day, Xiao Yi once again went to the Outer Sect Treasury.

This time, he was not disappointed.

For there, at the familiar desk, sat the ever-present figure, the expressionless elder who was now meticulously reading a book.

"Elder Yi," Xiao Yi greeted, smiling.

"Back already," Elder Yi put down the book and said indifferently, revealing a rare trace of a smile on his age-worn face that seemed forever devoid of expression.

But that hint of a smile soon faded, restoring the perpetual calm of a still well.

"Quite impressive," Elder Yi remarked lightly, "to have completed the task and returned in half a month."

With that, Elder Yi casually tossed over a token.

"Take my token and go to the Inner Sect Treasure Vault to exchange it for the 'Condensing Pill Five Elements Record.'"

After instructing this, Elder Yi again lowered his gaze to his book, not offering Xiao Yi another glance.

"The 'Condensing Pill Five Elements Record'?" Xiao Yi muttered to himself as he caught the token, then turned to make his way to the Inner Sect Treasure Vault.

The Sky-splitting Sword Sect was divided into the Inner and Outer Sects.

The most precious Cultivation Resources were almost all within the Inner Sect.

Xiao Yi crossed the Outer Sect territory to reach the central area of the Sword Sect, where the scenery was indeed much more splendid than in the Outer Sect.

Pavilions and towers, small bridges over flowing water, majestic palaces, and solemn halls—it was a view to stir hearts and minds.

However, at that moment, Xiao Yi merely glanced at it before dismissing the sight from his mind.

The Inner Sect Treasure Vault was located within a palace.

At the entrance stood two Mysterious Profundity Realm Warriors guarding year-round; inside was another guardian at the Mysterious Profundity Ninth Layer and various prohibitions, creating an exceedingly strict defense.

"Hmm? An Outer Disciple?" The Gate Guards of the Mysterious Profundity Realm scrutinized Xiao Yi and rebuked, "Non-Inner Sect Disciples are not permitted in the Inner Sect area. Don't you know the rules?"

"The Inner Sect Treasure Vault is of utmost importance to the Inner Sect. When was it your turn to come here? Now leave immediately."

Sky-splitting Sword Sect Disciples wore a uniform attire.

Just by their clothing, one could differentiate whether a Disciple belonged to the Inner or Outer Sect.

Xiao Yi's brow furrowed, "I..."

"Do what now?" The Gate Guard interjected harshly, "Given your unfamiliar face, you must be a Disciple newly joined this year."

"Since you are new to the Sword Sect and unfamiliar with the place, I'll let this be a mistake on your part this time."

"Leave immediately. If you dare to trespass again without permission, you will be punished for violating the Sect rules."

Xiao Yi shook his head, having no choice but to present Elder Yi's token, "I was sent by Elder Yi to make an exchange."

"Elder Yi?" Both guards were suddenly startled. On seeing the token, they quickly stepped aside, clearing a path.

"It turns out Elder Yi had sent you. We were unaware and hope for your understanding," the guards' attitudes had completely shifted 180 degrees, even bowing to Xiao Yi.

Xiao Yi nodded, thinking to himself that Elder Yi must hold a high position within the Sword Sect.

After spending five thousand sword points in the Inner Sect Treasure Vault, Xiao Yi successfully exchanged for the 'Condensing Pill Five Elements Record.'

Glancing briefly through the Record, Xiao Yi quickly grasped its significance, his face instantly turning to shock.

For the Record described a method of refining Elixirs, then completely removing all impurities from them.

It was common knowledge that Elixirs like Body Tempering Pills, Postnatal Pills, Innate Pills, and Mysterious Profundity Pills, which could directly enhance a Martial Artist's inner True Qi, contained impurities.

Hence, Martial Artists could not consume them in large quantities.

After ingesting one, they had to wait until it was fully assimilated and the impurities expelled before they could consume another.

Yet, the 'Condensing Pill Five Elements Record' could wholly remove these impurities.

This meant that with these methods, future Elixirs could be taken without limit.

As long as there were enough Elixirs, breaking through in Cultivation would be as simple as drinking water.

No wonder the exchange cost five thousand sword points for such a powerful Alchemy technique.

However, the knowledge in the 'Condensing Pill Five Elements Record' was extremely profound. Xiao Yi found it difficult to fully comprehend at once, and it seemed he would need to consult Elder Yi upon returning.

Back at the Outer Sect Treasury.

"Elder Yi, I have exchanged for the 'Condensing Pill Five Elements Record,'" Xiao Yi reported.

"Hmm," Elder Yi nodded slightly, put down his book a bit, and said, "Although I am already familiar with the contents of the 'Condensing Pill Five Elements Record,' there are rules within the Sword Sect, and I cannot impart them privately."

"You should try to understand it on your own first without asking questions. For today, just read it through completely. If there is anything you do not understand, come find me tomorrow."

After these instructions, Elder Yi picked up his book once more.

"Yes." Xiao Yi nodded. He had grown accustomed to Elder Yi's peculiar disposition. After bowing, he turned and left the Outer Sect Treasury to head towards the back mountain.