Within a vast cavern, the entrance was sealed shut by a thick slab of rock. A few oil lamps cast a flickering, dim light inside the cave.

At the center of the cavern, Ji Changxiao sat upright, a piece of Black Jade Origin Crystal suspended before his tightly shut eyes. Wisps of smoke, black and fine as silk, snaked from his nostrils into his head. Under the weak lamplight, Ji Changxiao’s face was contorted, as if enduring immense agony.

In the four corners of the cavern, Ji Changkong, Mo Yunyi, Han Hai, Ji Yuxing, and Ji Yusheng stood with grave expressions, their gazes fixed entirely on Ji Changxiao in the center. Not a soul dared to disturb him.

Ji Changxiao was currently at the Three Talents Heaven Realm, having recently focused on diligently cultivating his spirit, perception, and will. He had only recently managed to form a Divine Soul, but this soul was quite fragile, still unable to command Origin Energy to coalesce into physical form using its power. At this stage, he needed to strengthen his Divine Soul to a certain degree before he could harness its power to mold Origin Energy, which was the only path toward breaking through to the Four Symbols Heaven Realm.

The growth of Divine Soul power was far more arduous than the advancement of Origin Energy. Even though he had been practicing diligently since forming his soul, progress felt agonizingly slow; he still hadn't managed to materialize Origin Energy.

The Black Jade Origin Crystal was a marvelous Origin Stone capable of enhancing the Divine Soul. In terms of sheer value, it was arguably equal to, if not greater than, the Fire Origin Crystal or the Metal Origin Crystal! Ji Changkong was willing to risk the Black Jade Origin Crystal to test the "Limit Body Tempering Great Art" precisely because of a conversation Ji Changxiao had in the Ice Cave some time ago.

When he was cultivating strenuously in the Ice Cave, he had coincidentally encountered Ji Changxiao, who was also training there. Perhaps because Ji Changxiao had proven his own strength, upon seeing him, Ji Changxiao hadn't been indifferent as Ji Changsheng had been. Instead, he had pointed him toward a path of cultivation: entering the Icy Chasm!

It was thanks to Ji Changxiao's guidance that he was later able to utilize the power of the Fire Dragon Burn and the Xuanyuan Bloodline to achieve a breakthrough in the Ice Cave. He managed to gather all the chilling energy that had permeated the cave for years into his pupils, and those silver eyes would repeatedly save him from peril in subsequent trials.

Towards Ji Changxiao, he held no prejudice; deep down, he even harbored a measure of admiration. Over these years, Ji Changxiao had continuously cultivated fiercely for the honor of the family, bearing an unimaginably heavy burden to stand against that girl from the Jiu family. He practiced in silence, solely for the glory of the Ji family!

For Ji Changxiao, who lacked the Xuanyuan Bloodline and had only just formed his Divine Soul, the Divine Soul power contained within the Black Jade Origin Crystal was perhaps too dominating. However, this intensity was perfectly suited to verifying his "Limit Body Tempering Great Art." If Ji Changxiao could successfully test the art with this crystal, it would be the greatest boon for the Ji family!

Ji Changxiao’s face twisted further. His eyes remained closed, but his jaw was clenched so tightly that his expression was horrifyingly fierce. His breathing was incredibly heavy, as if he were enduring an unspeakable torment.

Ji Yuxing felt a growing anxiety. Seeing his kin suffer such agony, he had to turn his head away, unable to watch any longer.

Mo Yunyi and Han Hai glanced alternately between Ji Changxiao and Ji Changkong. When they looked at Ji Changkong, their eyes carried a questioning look, seeking confirmation that Ji Changxiao’s condition was safe to continue. Every time they looked over, Ji Changkong would nod with a grim expression, signaling that the current state was normal and required no intervention. Back when he cultivated, the pain he endured was far more terrifying than what Ji Changxiao was suffering now. Ji Changxiao’s body remained steady, his seated posture unchanged, clearly far from his limit.

“Big Brother, you can speed up the absorption of the Black Jade Origin Crystal!” After a while, Ji Changkong snapped out a command with an icy tone.

Ji Yuxing’s face drastically paled. He looked at the now exceptionally cold Ji Changkong with apprehension, his mouth opening as if to say something, yet finding no words. Deep in his heart, Ji Yuxing was profoundly grateful that Ji Changkong would offer the Black Jade Origin Crystal for Ji Changxiao’s training. Furthermore, using Ji Changxiao to test the "Limit Body Tempering Great Art" was for the revitalization of the Ji family; he not only fully supported it but actively encouraged it. However, watching Ji Changxiao’s face contort in agony made him feel a pang of conscience, his worry for Ji Changxiao’s safety intensifying.

“Second Elder, if you can’t harden your heart, you won't reap the benefits of the ‘Limit Body Tempering Great Art’!” With an expressionless face, Ji Changkong stated sternly, “The essence of this ‘Limit Body Tempering Great Art’ demands cruelty toward oneself! Only those who can be ruthless to themselves can cultivate this mystery! If one isn't harsh enough on themselves, how can they rise above others?!”

“Enough, enough… I think I’ll go inside for a while,” Ji Yuxing sighed, shaking his head helplessly before walking toward the depths of the stone cave, unable to bear watching the torment.

Ji Changkong’s words did indeed have an inspiring effect. The black tendrils seeping from the Black Jade Origin Crystal suddenly thickened, and the speed at which they flowed into Ji Changxiao’s nostrils increased significantly.

Suddenly, Ji Changxiao, whose face had merely been contorted moments before, let out a heart-rending scream. He could no longer maintain his seated posture; his body convulsed as he rolled around the cavern floor.

“Changxiao!” Ji Yuxing, who had just stepped into the cave, couldn't help but shed tears and walked back over, his face betraying unbearable distress.

“Changkong, shouldn't we stop this? This is… this is too insane! If this continues, Changxiao might suffer a Divine Soul collapse and vanish from this world entirely!” At this critical juncture, even the usually calm Mo Yunyi showed genuine concern, glaring intensely at Ji Changkong and crying out.

However, after one look at Ji Changkong, Mo Yunyi immediately fell silent. At that moment, Ji Changkong’s face was wild, almost demonically possessed. He seemed not to hear her words, murmuring excitedly to himself: “That’s it, it should be like this! This state is optimal! Haha, excellent! It seems my method works!”

“Changkong! Changkong!” Ji Yusheng suddenly rushed to his side, vigorously slapping his shoulder, jolting the slightly frenzied Ji Changkong out of his trance. He shouted, “Do we stop? Changxiao looks like he can’t hold on much longer!” Ji Yusheng, Ji Yuxing, Mo Yunyi, and Han Hai all looked at him with burning eyes. As the first person to cultivate and the creator of the "Limit Body Tempering Great Art," no one had more authority to speak on this than him.

“No! Do not stop him; this is exactly the effect I need!” Ji Changkong repeatedly shook his head, his face alight with ecstatic joy. “I can feel it! I truly can feel it! Changxiao’s Divine Soul is growing at an unbelievable speed! Elder Ying, Elder Han, Second Elder, Third Elder, calm down and feel it—what a magnificent state this is! Ha! I succeeded!”

Mo Yunyi and the others, who had not cultivated the Grand Void Secret Record, tried to sense things as he suggested but gained nothing. They only watched him laugh and shout maniacally, though his volume couldn't surpass the raging howls of Ji Changxiao.

At this point, Ji Changxiao seemed to have truly reached the zenith of cultivation. He was constantly slamming his body against the stone walls, making a dull thudding sound throughout the cavern. He appeared to be trying to mitigate the pain from his body and soul through this physical exertion.

Ji Yuxing paced anxiously within the cave, seemingly no better off than Ji Changxiao. Mo Yunyi, Han Hai, and Ji Yusheng all looked deeply unsettled, repeatedly demanding of Ji Changkong whether Ji Changxiao was truly alright, whether his Divine Soul might perish.

No matter how they questioned him, Ji Changkong responded with unwavering confidence, asserting that Ji Changxiao was not only fine but in the most exquisite state possible. Under such circumstances, he alone was ecstatic and frenzied, while the other four burned with anxiety, watching Ji Changxiao writhe on the ground.

Gradually, the suspended Black Jade Origin Crystal transformed from an inky black hue to a dull greyish-white. All the dark flecks within the crystal seemed to dissolve into black tendrils, drilling into Ji Changxiao’s mind. When the crystal turned completely colorless, showing no trace of black, Ji Changxiao finally ceased his mournful wailing.

He lay curled up on the ground, breathing heavily, seemingly taking time to regulate his body. Mo Yunyi, Ji Yuxing, and the others, uncertain of the situation, dared not approach him. Only Ji Changkong smiled, proactively kneeling to help Ji Changxiao up. “Big Brother, how do you feel?”

“Little Brother, do you have any more Black Jade Origin Crystal?” Ji Changxiao looked up. His voice was weak, yet his eyes were piercingly bright, a faint halo seeming to shimmer within his pupils.

Suddenly, Ji Changxiao slowly extended his slightly clenched left hand, opening his five fingers. In his palm, a small fish condensed from Origin Energy swam vividly, hopping happily.

“Yes! I have more!” Ji Changkong roared with sudden, hearty laughter. “Origin Energy Coalescence! Big Brother truly lived up to expectations; the ‘Limit Body Tempering Great Art’ is viable! Haha, Big Brother, breaking through to the Four Symbols Heaven Realm is just around the corner!”

“It’s all thanks to you,” Ji Changxiao finally leaned against the wall and sat up, a look of pleasant surprise on his face. Although physically drained from the intense pain, his spirit was exceptionally high.

“Good! Wonderful! Origin Energy Coalescence! It truly worked!” Mo Yunyi’s facial wrinkles twitched rapidly; she was unable to contain her excitement. She knew that if the "Limit Body Tempering Great Art" could even be applied to the Divine Soul, increasing Origin Energy was certainly not an issue.

“Big Brother, rest well and stabilize your Divine Soul. All the Black Jade Origin Crystals are with Grandfather. Once your soul stabilizes and your body recovers, ask Grandfather for the crystals yourself!” Ji Changkong said happily, making a promise.

All the spiritual treasures and origin stones he had acquired recently, save for what he needed personally, were given to Ji Yusheng to manage centrally. The Ji family juniors who progressed rapidly would be supplied with suitable origin stones by Ji Yusheng once their current supply ran out, ensuring their continuous training.

“Changkong, you don't need to worry about these matters anymore,” Mo Yunyi said, her old face filled with relief and a smile. “Since the ‘Limit Body Tempering Great Art’ has been confirmed feasible, we will select more Ji family sons and daughters with great perseverance to teach it. Before long, our Ji family will be able to firmly establish ourselves in the Blood Rain Mountain!”

“The Sect Grand Gathering starts in two months. Focus on your cultivation, Changkong, and strive to shock everyone at the Blood Rain Mountain Gathering!”

“Don’t worry, Granny Mo. For the Sect Grand Gathering in Blood Rain Mountain, our Ji family will fight for every advantage we can secure!” Ji Changkong walked to the cave entrance and powerfully pushed aside the rock sealing the opening. A blinding ray of sunlight shot down, illuminating the dim stone chamber with dazzling light.

In the Green Bamboo Grove, Yu Luan stood deferentially before Baili Ke, a fawning smile playing on his lips.

Baili Xiu idly toyed with a vibrant green bamboo stalk, utterly bored with the so-called talents from the "Purple Radiance Rain" group clustered around her. Those young men tried every means to amuse Baili Xiu, but she remained stubbornly aloof.

“That youth named Ji Changkong has returned. Recently, none of the Ji family members have been seen outside; they’ve been holed up in the valley, up to something. I sent people over to scout; they occasionally hear shouts of joy coming from the valley. I wonder what the Ji family is up to? With the Sect Grand Gathering imminent, they show no public activity.”

Yu Luan, slightly bowed, reported his observations.

Baili Ke frowned, glancing at the cautious Yu Luan. “Sect Master Yu, is a mere junior worth your worry?”

“Father!” Baili Xiu exclaimed. “That fellow is infuriating, but his strength is undeniable. Even Senior Brother and the others together couldn't match him. Don’t underestimate him!”

“Underestimate?” Baili Ke sneered, shaking his head dismissively. “A third-generation junior from the Ji family—how highly should I regard him? Hmph. That boy has made many enemies outside. The Du family is still searching for him everywhere! What good does returning to the Ji family do him? Can a mere junior turn the world upside down?”

“I didn’t come here to discuss that. I want you to help me vent my anger, Father! He—he insulted me last time, using very harsh words.” The memory of Ji Changkong telling her at the Hundred Herb Garden that she had no cleavage despite her large chest made Baili Xiu furious, wishing she could rush to the Profound Origin Valley right now and hack Ji Changkong into a thousand pieces.

“Blood Rain Mountain has its rules. Adults do not interfere in disputes between children.” Baili Ke lectured with a stern face. “Xiuer, if you wish to save face, spend more effort cultivating. Look at He Lidong; she has already broken through to the Five Elements Heaven Realm! And you? You only know how to fool around!”

“He Lidong, He Lidong! Always He Lidong! Hmph, what’s so great about her just because she reached the Five Elements Heaven Realm? In a little while, I can reach the Five Elements Heaven Realm too! It’s just a bit of good luck!” Baili Xiu frowned, looking sulky.

“There is no luck on the path of cultivation. When you reach the Five Elements Heaven Realm, then speak of surpassing He Lidong,” Baili Ke said helplessly. He loved and hated his daughter equally, truly not knowing what to do with her.

Baili Xiu huffed and turned away. When she saw a youth from the Purple Radiance Rain approach her with a smile, she looked utterly disgusted: “Go away, stop hovering in front of me, you’re annoying.”

Baili Ke sighed helplessly, apologizing to Yu Luan, “Sect Master Yu, please don't take offense. This girl is willful by nature; even I can’t handle her.”

“No, no,” Yu Luan repeatedly waved his hands, then suddenly fell silent. After a moment, Yu Luan hesitantly spoke, “About that matter…”

“Relax,” Baili Ke stated with solemn righteousness. “As long as your Purple Radiance Rain outshines the Ji family at the Sect Grand Gathering, even if He Haoran intervenes, it won’t matter. Blood Rain Mountain has its rules; no one can act recklessly!”

“I heard... I heard that young man has a deep connection with that old fiend. Could it be?” Yu Luan still felt uneasy and tried to probe.

Baili Ke’s expression changed, and he fixed a cold glare on Yu Luan. He snorted, “Sect Master Yu, your Purple Radiance Rain hasn't been in Blood Rain Mountain long, so some matters are unclear to you. I don't blame you, but I must solemnly remind you today: from now on, on Blood Rain Mountain, when speaking of Elder Li, please use respectful language!”

“Yes, yes…” Yu Luan hastily bent over and nodded, apologizing profusely. “It was my clumsy tongue…”

“Hmm…” Baili Ke nodded, his expression softening. “The ancient families on Blood Rain Mountain have all received Elder Li’s kindness; our Star Stone Sect is no exception. Without Elder Li, the various families here on Blood Rain Mountain would likely have been exterminated by the Southern Barbarian Heavenly Soldiers long ago. No matter what others say about Elder Li, those of us on Blood Rain Mountain must offer him the proper respect when we speak of the Old Man!”

“Yes, yes…” Yu Luan kept nodding and bowing obsequiously. He had truly only arrived in Blood Rain Mountain recently. He had heard rumors about Li Hentian but hadn't taken them to heart. In his view, since Li Hentian was an enemy of the Guiyuan Sect and had even betrayed the Qiankun Sect, these people on Blood Rain Mountain should no longer hold him in high regard. He never expected them to remain so grateful.

“Elder Li is Elder Li; don’t confuse the issues. For the sake of Elder Li, at most, we won't make things difficult for that boy, but the several-hundred-year-old rules of Blood Rain Mountain are absolute! That cannot be easily broken! Furthermore, Elder Li is someone who advocates for fair competition. Even if he knew about this, he wouldn't say anything. If he merely sent a message through someone, even our Star Stone Sect would willingly clear out a piece of land for the Ji family!” Baili Ke commanded.

Yu Luan secretly sucked in his breath. Only now did he truly grasp the immense influence Li Hentian wielded in Blood Rain Mountain!

“The reason I came this time, actually, is for you to pay attention to some other matters…” Shifting the topic, Baili Ke lowered his voice. “Your Green Bamboo Grove is allied with the Ji family. I want you to keep an eye on one person from the Ji family—that old woman guarding the Ji family’s Scripture Repository…”

“Her? Is there something wrong with her?” Yu Luan asked, startled.

“A month ago, I saw her in a mountain range near the East Sea. I don't know why she would be in that place…” Baili Ke paused. “That place—that place is rather strange. I suspect she might have the cultivation of the Seven Stars Heaven Realm. If that’s true, the Ji family won't need to fight for the cultivation grounds vacated by other sects; they can directly aim for the three treasures discovered this time!”

Hearing this, Yu Luan’s expression changed; he seemed unable to believe it. After a moment, he nodded. “I understand…”