Chapter 134 Mission: Obtain a Drop of Qingyin's Blood!

Cao Xuan understood the implication behind Sword Immortal Qingyin’s words. Setting aside the matter of his little ancestor, Xian Xiangqiu, he knew that the Xuanhua Dao Sect would not overthink the Ziyang Sword Sect’s move to recruit a genius capable of comprehending sword intent.

In truth, this was precisely what he had been wrestling with. Having read many novels in his past life, he was well aware of how sanctimonious many of these mountain sects could be. He saw no need to risk souring relations with the Xuanhua Dao Sect for no reason just because his choice of the Ziyang Sword Sect might be perceived as a slight.

Having reached his conclusion, Cao Xuan bowed directly and said, "Then, I shall leave it to you, Senior!"

Sword Immortal Qingyin smiled, "I am Qingyin. From now on, in the Ziyang Sword Sect, I shall be your Sword Guide."

"Furthermore, since you have joined our Ziyang Sword Sect and learned about the heritage of the Sword-Washing Pool, you must remember to keep this secret!" Her expression turned grave. "The secret technique I just cast upon you is something all major holy lands perform when admitting new disciples."

"Even if one were unfortunately captured by enemies and subjected to soul-searching, this technique would trigger a self-destruction of the soul, ensuring the secret is never revealed."

Cao Xuan was dumbfounded. Why on earth would one want to self-destruct their soul? Of course, he only thought this to himself. Having transmigrated into this body, he knew that if his soul detonated, there would be no next life. For a few spirit stones from a holy land, one was expected to be this desperate?

Cao Xuan mused that it was fortunate Qingyin had opened this void mustard space, allowing him to activate the [Proverb Domain]. Otherwise, he might have truly been forced to accept this secret technique. Perhaps the worldviews differed; in the eyes of Sword Immortal Qingyin, the sect was paramount. But to Cao Xuan, his own life was the most important thing.

"Very well, let us depart," Qingyin said, waving her hand to dispel the space.

"Wait—" Cao Xuan suddenly spoke, startling her. He quickly added, "Everyone within this space must obey the commands of Cao Xuan!"

As his voice fell, ten percent of his true essence was consumed. Qingyin’s eyes became instantly dazed. "...Obey... Cao Xuan's... commands..."

Cao Xuan exhaled in relief. If Qingyin were to step out of this space in her current state, he would be doomed!

"Upon leaving this space, all female cultivators within it will forget all rules, and they will harbor no suspicions!"

Cao Xuan’s mind raced, searching for other ways to maximize his benefits through the rules of the space. Because of the vast disparity in their power, he was currently using his command over the space to force this "world" to suppress a Void-Refining expert. It was a form of borrowing strength to strike. He had previously needed to cover his voice with true essence because he was unsure if the world's rules could affect a cultivator four major realms above him. The result, however, shocked him: the power of the rules was far superior to all things.

As he recovered his true essence, Cao Xuan pondered and continued using the [Proverb Domain]: "Female cultivators leaving this space will subconsciously obey Cao Xuan’s... commands... and will subconsciously feel close to Cao Xuan, that is, me!"

*Huff, huff.*

Cao Xuan panted heavily. He had wanted to order Qingyin to obey him even after leaving the space, but the sheer amount of true essence required nearly drained him dry. "It is indeed a shortcut; I cannot achieve total control over others after all."

Afterward, he simply had the two women dress and forget the incident, while ensuring that Qingyin would feel close to him and harbor no ill intent subconsciously. Since he was going to the Ziyang Sword Sect without the protection of his little ancestor, Xian Xiangqiu, he would turn Qingyin into his benefactor. After all, she was a 2300-fold multiplier existence.

"By the way, take this Foundation-Building Pill before we leave. Don't ask questions; just treat it as one of the many pills you possess."

Cao Xuan wanted to see what he could obtain from a 2300-fold return gift. He figured he would never have such a good opportunity again; inside this space, Qingyin would not refuse his gift. Outside, if he forced a gift of useless items onto a Void-Refining expert while keeping useful ones for himself, it would surely arouse suspicion. One should never underestimate the deductive abilities of a Void-Refining expert.

After the transfer was complete, Cao Xuan stared at the panel. "Just as I expected!"

[Ding~ Gifted 1 Foundation-Building Pill to Qingyin. Processing cashback.]

[Ding~ Qingyin’s multiplier is 2300x. You may choose one of two cashback methods!]

[1. Directly receive 2300 Foundation-Building Pills!]

[2. Complete a mission to increase the quality of the reward by 2300x, depending on the degree of mission completion!]

The Foundation-Building Pill was a rare item that increased the success rate of golden core formation, though one could only ever consume one. Despite their high value, they were hard to sell. Looking at the second option—a 2300-fold increase in quality—he gulped.

"In any case, besides the one from Senior Sister Bai Tianxiang, I obtained another one for entering the top hundred. If this mission is impossible, I’ll just consider the pill lost!" With that, Cao Xuan clicked the second option without hesitation.

[Mission: Obtain a drop of Qingyin’s blood within three days!]

Cao Xuan’s eyes lit up. This was simple. Obtaining blood from a Void-Refining expert in the outside world was difficult, but in this space, even without his standing order, he could simply use the [Proverb Domain] again to get it.

"Lady Qingyin, please give me a drop of your blood!"

Bound by the rules of the [Proverb Domain], Qingyin did not hesitate. She summoned her natal flying sword and lightly pricked her hand.

*Drip.*

A drop of fresh blood fell, encased in true essence, and floated before Cao Xuan. He was overjoyed. His luck was truly turning; not only had he admired the beauty of a Void-Refining immortal, but he had also managed to complete a mission through his gift-giving.

[Ding~ Detected that the host has obtained a drop of Qingyin’s blood!]

[Submit for mission completion?]

[Mission Completion: Low]

"Wait, isn't this a drop of her blood? Why is the completion rate low?" Cao Xuan frowned, deep in thought. "No, I understand now!" His eyes suddenly brightened.