Upon reaching a relatively secluded area within the Level 6 Sword Intent region, Qin Chu consumed a top-grade Heaven Origin Pill and began to Cultivate, holding a flame crystal in his hands.
The Level 6 Sword Intent region was rarely entered by anyone, and even if someone did enter, they might not discover Qin Chu in his secluded spot. Of course, if someone did see him, they would be incredibly shocked, because Qin Chu’s hands and arms were entirely engulfed in flames; solid flames wrapped around his hands and arms, yet they did not harm him, nor even his robes.
What was this? This was the power of a spirit fire; the spirit fire knew how to protect its master.
The flames continuously danced, carrying a joyful aura in their leaps.
Qin Chu absorbed the energy from the Heaven Origin Pill to strengthen his Origin Qi. After the Vermilion Bird Sacred Fire absorbed the flame energy from the flame crystal, the remaining pure energy was transported through Qin Chu’s hands and arms into his Dantian, which greatly increased his Cultivation efficiency.
While Cultivating his Origin Qi, Qin Chu’s Battle Intent was also being tempered and continuously improved.
Tian Jing, who was Cultivating in the Level 4 Sword Intent region, felt very uncomfortable. She possessed Level 5 Sword Intent, so the Level 4 Sword Intent region offered her almost no help, but she had to endure it and couldn't leave! Because this was an opportunity, an opportunity to get closer to Qin Chu.
After Cultivating for a month, feeling mentally exhausted, Qin Chu stood up and then turned to exit the Level 6 Sword Intent region.
Passing through the Level 5 Sword Intent region, Qin Chu saw Tian Jing still Cultivating.
Noticing Qin Chu, Tian Jing stood up, having cursed Qin Chu countless times in her heart.
Seeing Qin Chu appear, Tian Jing swayed slightly and leaned towards him, creating the illusion that she was struggling to endure!
Qin Chu flicked his arm, and a burst of energy supported Tian Jing, “You’ve been Cultivating here for too long, you must be a bit tired.”
“Thank you, Alchemist Qin!” Tian Jing steadied herself. Her acting couldn't be overdone, or it would annoy Qin Chu.
Nodding at Tian Jing, Qin Chu continued walking, then called out to Qian Xun and left Heavenly Sword Mountain.
“I told you both not to Cultivate here for too long; it damages Mental Energy and won’t be worth the effort,” Qin Chu said after glancing at Qian Xun and Tian Jing.
“I saw Alchemist Qin didn’t come out either,” Tian Jing said softly.
Qin Chu said nothing and led Tian Jing and Qian Xun back to the inn.
Normally, Qin Chu would eat at a restaurant every time he came out of Heavenly Sword Mountain, but with Tian Jing present, it wasn't appropriate; he didn't want too many entanglements.
“Qin Chu, why aren’t you drinking today?” Qian Xun asked, looking at Qin Chu. He had spent time with Qin Chu before and knew his habits.
Qin Chu turned and glanced at Qian Xun, “Then go to the tavern and buy some, and we’ll drink in my courtyard.”
After saying a word to Qian Xun, Qin Chu returned to his own courtyard.
As soon as Qin Chu entered the courtyard, Lang Lang came up, “You’re finally back! The Medicinal Pills have been out for a while.”
“It’s alright, we’ll refine more,” Qin Chu said with a smile.
Lang Lang then explained the recent sales of Medicinal Pills. He no longer sold to customers who had bought once, instead selling to Loose Cultivators in queues, though it couldn't be entirely avoided.
“That’s fine. If they send people to queue, there’s nothing we can do. Just don’t sell to repeat customers,” Qin Chu told Lang Lang.
Qian Xun returned with wine and meat. As Qin Chu, Lang Lang, and Qian Xun were about to drink, Tian Jing pushed open the courtyard door and entered, holding a jade-green wine jar. “I have a jar of fine wine I’ve been saving. Let’s try it today.”
“That’s great! Sit, quickly, sit!” Lang Lang pulled out a chair beside him.
Watching Lang Lang pull out the chair, Tian Jing had the urge to kill Lang Lang’s ancestors eight generations back. She had intended to sit beside Qin Chu, but now she couldn't. To be honest, Lang Lang was handsome, but the key was that Tian Jing’s target was Qin Chu; she had a mission.
Having no choice, Tian Jing could only sit down.
Lang Lang poured wine for everyone, and Qian Xun arranged the meat.
After eating, Qin Chu returned to his room, and Tian Jing also retreated. With her target gone, there was no point in her staying.
After Tian Jing left, Lang Lang took a sip of wine, “Damn it, she’s Qin Chu’s type!”
Qian Xun also laughed; he could see some things.
Returning to his room, Qin Chu went straight to bed to rest. After Cultivating for a month in Heavenly Sword Mountain, he was very tired.
After resting for a night, Qin Chu continued to refine Medicinal Pills. Cultivation had to continue, and he couldn't stop accumulating resources.
Tian Jing stayed at the inn, sometimes visiting Qin Chu’s courtyard, but she never found an opportunity. Qin Chu seemed uninterested in anything other than Cultivation and Alchemy.
This situation made Tian Jing realize that trying to establish an intimate relationship with Qin Chu and attacking him during a close moment was not going to work. She would have to find an opportune moment for a direct assassination.
Cultivating diligently every day, Qin Chu’s Vermilion Bird Sacred Fire had become much more powerful than before. When Qin Chu imbued his Sword Qi with the Vermilion Bird Sacred Fire, his Sword Qi gained a powerful burning ability. Additionally, Qin Chu noticed that the sword bone in his chest had changed somewhat; its luster had transformed from white to jade, and its length had grown from over two inches to three inches!
This situation greatly pleased Qin Chu. He had been waiting for the sword bone to mature, as his Bloodline Power would manifest once it did.
The atmosphere on the Saint Martial Continent remained very oppressive. While large-scale wars had not erupted, small-scale raids were frequent, carried out by the White Tiger Saint Clan. They had dispatched some experts to attack various forces across the Saint Martial Continent, with the aim of plundering and causing chaos. This situation indeed caused widespread panic on the Saint Martial Continent.
The White Tiger Saint Clan’s tactics were successful. With the Saint Martial Law Enforcement present, the White Tiger Saint Clan found it difficult to make significant moves, but this current offensive was giving the Saint Martial Law Enforcement a headache as they couldn't defend everywhere. No one knew where the White Tiger Saint Clan would attack next, making defense impossible. The only thing they could do was intensify efforts to search for the White Tiger Saint Clan’s hiding places.
Under these circumstances, the White Tiger Saint Clan also had to be careful. The Third Elder and Shang Zhengting didn’t know the situation on the Saint Martial Continent, but Shang Tianhua did. The forces of the Demon Castle and the Alchemist Guild were spread throughout the world, their reach unknown to anyone. No one was sure if there were people from the Demon Castle or the Alchemist Guild within the White Tiger Saint Clan. In this situation, they could only instruct their clansmen not to act recklessly, allowing only absolutely reliable personnel to carry out missions and preventing other clansmen from having contact with outsiders.
Upon receiving the news, Qin Chu felt that the current situation had little to do with him, and he continued to steadily improve his strength in Heavenly Sword City.
Tian Jing decided to make her move. Qin Chu wasn’t giving her an opportunity, and dragging it out further wouldn't lead to any progress. She planned to seize an opportunity for a forced assassination, then quickly retreat after the kill.
After finishing his Cultivation this day, a look of joy appeared on Qin Chu’s face, as his Cultivation of the Prison Suppressing Fist had improved. According to the ancient texts, his arms now possessed the strength of two elephants, which was a great improvement compared to before.
As Qin Chu was pondering how to quickly increase his strength, Tian Jing entered his courtyard.
Looking at Tian Jing, Qin Chu felt something was off, but he couldn't quite pinpoint it.
Tian Jing produced a jar of wine, “Thank you for your care during this time, Alchemist Qin. Tian Jing is leaving, and before I go, I’d like to invite Alchemist Qin for a drink.”