Chapter 640: Chapter 640

"A Poison Spring of this size is truly rare, but its toxicity is too weak. It needs to be further refined before use. It's still inferior to the smaller springs under Yuling Sect’s control."

Qin Sang stood by the edge of the spring, his spiritual consciousness spreading outward to survey the entire area.

Though called a Poison Spring, its waters appeared no different from any other. It was crystal clear and pristine.

The formation of a Poison Spring was a complex matter. Most originated from sudden upheavals in the world’s spiritual qi that caused the buildup of toxins. Even after the qi later returned to normal, the spring remained corrupted.

Qin Sang extended his spiritual consciousness deep underground and into cracks in the rock, combing through the area cun by cun.

"Senior, did you discover anything?"

Only then did Cui Xuanzi arrive, panting heavily. But Qin Sang did not respond. His figure flickered and disappeared as he dove straight into the depths of the mine, searching it thoroughly all the way through.

At the mouth of Black Wind Valley, a streak of sword light pierced the yin wind, circled once in the sky, then shot off toward the heart of Xijiang, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Moments later, Cui Xuanzi returned to the valley’s entrance.

He cupped his hands toward the direction in which Qin Sang had departed, his expression filled with reverence.

Only after a full quarter of an hour did Cui Xuanzi straighten up and withdraw his gaze. He glanced into Black Wind Valley with a trace of hesitation on his face, then gave a soft shake of his head and shouted inward, "Seal the entrance. No one is to enter or leave without my permission."

Spiritual power surged within the valley, sealing off the entrance completely.

Cui Xuanzi then rode the wind back to Five-Insect Sect.

Just as he entered the sect, Junior Brother Tong stepped out from the shadows. Seeing that Cui Xuanzi was alone, Junior Brother Tong hurried forward with an anxious expression, ready to speak, but was immediately silenced by a sharp glare from Cui Xuanzi.

Junior Brother Tong understood at once and said nothing more.

The two of them flew silently back to the sect leader’s hall. After drinking tea and chatting casually for a while, they activated a mechanism and entered the secret chamber.

Once the barrier inside the chamber was activated, both of them let out a long sigh of relief.

Junior Brother Tong could no longer contain himself. "Senior Brother Sect Leader, he didn’t discover the Thousand-Hand Spider Fruit hidden in the Poison Spring, did he?"

Cui Xuanzi closed his eyes in thought and shook his head. "No. The Thousand-Hand Spider Fruit hasn’t yet ripened. Unless it’s mature, its spiritual power won’t leak out through the ancient barrier. The spring itself won't show any unusual signs. Ever since Black Wind Valley was discovered, immortal cultivators have come one after another, yet no one has found that ancient barrier. No matter how powerful his cultivation is, he couldn’t have sensed it so easily. If it hadn’t been for our senior uncle’s luck—happening to enter Black Wind Valley and refine Poison Spring water just as the fruit matured—our Five-Insect Sect would have missed this spiritual treasure entirely."

Junior Brother Tong nodded repeatedly. "To think the Thousand-Hand Spider Fruit can help poisonous spiritual insects undergo a third metamorphosis. I always thought it was just a legend, but now we know it’s real. Our senior uncle really was lucky. He encountered a heaven-sent opportunity, and not only did his life-bound gu undergo metamorphosis, but he also successfully formed his core. And that tree even bore three Thousand-Hand Spider Fruits. It’s a pity they didn’t ripen at the same time. It’s already been nearly a hundred years since the first one matured, and only now is the second beginning to show signs..."

He spoke at length but received no response. Seeing that Cui Xuanzi was still deep in thought, Junior Brother Tong couldn’t help but ask curiously, "Senior Brother Sect Leader, what are you thinking about?"

"I’m reviewing my every word and action of late, looking for any slip-ups, especially when dealing with Old Ghost Qin."

Cui Xuanzi’s voice turned solemn. "That man is not some reclusive ascetic who only cultivates behind closed doors. If I reveal even the slightest flaw, he will notice."

Junior Brother Tong gave a sigh, clearly empathizing. "This whole affair has been filled with twists and turns. My heart’s been rising and falling nonstop. Luckily, we managed to keep control of Black Wind Valley and the Thousand-Hand Spider Fruit. If the fruit had ripened and the valley changed hands, it would have fallen into someone else’s grasp. It was thanks to your courage, Senior Brother, for daring to approach Old Ghost Qin... When Thunderclap Village and Hundred Flower Palace suddenly attacked while he was around, was that your doing too?"

Cui Xuanzi snorted. "If it truly had been my arrangement, Bear Mountain’s ruler would already have changed hands. Junior Brother Tong, don’t assume Core Formation cultivators are fools you can simply scheme against. I merely sensed the brewing storm outside and understood Old Thunder Ghost’s temperament well enough to ride the tide. He places his faith entirely in the Witch God and insists on seeking the Witch God’s blessing for everything. It’s highly likely he would choose to act during the Witch God Festival. Even if he hadn’t come this time, I had other means to secure Old Ghost Qin’s favor. As long as I act like a loyal and useful dog, would he really kick me aside?"

Junior Brother Tong looked pained. "Senior Brother Sect Leader, you’ve suffered too much."

Cui Xuanzi shook his head. "We’ve worked so hard only to buy time until the Thousand-Hand Spider Fruit ripens. What’s there to feel wronged about?"

Junior Brother Tong spoke through gritted teeth, "The fruit is almost ready. Once you feed it to your life-bound gu, our sect will possess a third-metamorphosis spiritual insect. We won’t need to bow to anyone again." Fınd the newest release on Novᴇl_Fire(.)net

Cui Xuanzi cut him off sharply. "The Thousand-Hand Spider Fruit only increases the chance of metamorphosis. There’s no guarantee. Even if the metamorphosis succeeds and I successfully form my core, we must still show Old Ghost Qin utmost respect. If I, as a Core Formation cultivator, attach myself to him, I doubt he’ll be indifferent."

Junior Brother Tong’s face was full of reluctance. "Once you form your core, Senior Brother, we’ll be able to dominate. Why should we serve under someone else—"

Halfway through his sentence, his expression changed. "Senior Brother Sect Leader, do you mean to leave Five-Insect Sect after forming your core?"

"What are you thinking? Five-Insect Sect is stuck here in Xijiang. What future is there? That man is no ordinary rogue cultivator. He’s clearly backed by a powerful force. He might very well be our chance to break out of Xijiang. Lowering ourselves now costs us nothing and brings countless benefits."

Cui Xuanzi glared at him, then frowned as a thought occurred. "Are you still holding a grudge against Senior Uncle?"

Junior Brother Tong pressed his lips together and said nothing.

Cui Xuanzi let out a long sigh. "Back then, our senior uncle was not on good terms with the sect. He was an orphan taken in by the grandmaster, but the reason he became an orphan was also closely tied to the grandmaster... These hidden matters, I’ve never spoken of to you before."

Junior Brother Tong was stunned.

"Before leaving, Senior Uncle left behind the Thousand-Hand Spider Fruit Tree for the sect, and he even subdued all nearby factions to ensure Five-Insect Sect would prosper for a hundred years. That alone was already more than generous. It was us who failed to live up to expectations, letting down our ancestors."

Shame filled Cui Xuanzi’s face.

He waved his hand. "The past is like smoke, no need to dwell on it. As long as I can form my core, all of that will be insignificant. Just listen to me. Don’t entertain unnecessary thoughts from now on. Settle that girl that Old Ghost Qin left behind properly. Spare no cost in cultivating her."

Junior Brother Tong looked hesitant. "Senior Brother Sect Leader, what do you think is the relationship between Mute Girl and Old Ghost Qin? Placing her in the sect’s best cave dwelling to cultivate has already stirred discontent among the disciples..."

Cui Xuanzi also frowned slightly.

He had originally assumed that since Mute Girl had caught Old Ghost Qin’s attention, her talent must be extraordinary. But after investigating, he discovered she only possessed four spiritual roots.

Since joining the sect, Mute Girl had done nothing but bury herself in cultivation, refusing to interact with anyone. Even he, her nominal master, had not gotten a single word from her.

Anyone unaware might really think she was mute.