We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real? Chapter 420: Sect Master, Is It Worth It?

Following Jiang Qingyi's entry into the room, a palpable anger seemed to emanate from her.

Xiao Mo gazed at the firmly shut door, a self-deprecating chuckle escaping his lips.

In reality, Xiao Mo could indeed comprehend the feelings of Immortal Lady Jiang.

He had been in her company for close to a year now.

Though Immortal Lady Jiang possessed a fiery temper and a reserved demeanor, she was fundamentally a person with a kind heart, a fact Xiao Mo could readily sense.

It was likely that, in Immortal Lady Jiang's view, he was squandering his evident talents in such an insignificant place, a prospect she found deeply wasteful.

However, Xiao Mo found it difficult to articulate his reasons to her.

"Immortal Lady Jiang, the night has grown late. I bid you rest well."

Xiao Mo offered a cupped-hand salute towards the door, then departed the National Preceptor's Residence without further delay.

"Fool... I truly do not comprehend the allure of that imperial palace. Could your eagerness stem from those two royal consorts?!"

Jiang Qingyi watched Xiao Mo's receding figure, her thin lips pressing together in quiet frustration.

Only after the courtyard gate had swung shut once more did Jiang Qingyi emerge from her room and resume her seat in the courtyard.

She produced the Frostlong Sword and a whetstone, meticulously sharpening the blade.

The Frostlong Sword itself was merely an ordinary artifact of the fourth rank.

Yet, the whetstone had been fashioned from Geng Metal Iron, an exceptionally rare commodity in this world, typically reserved for the honing of immortal weapons.

Not long after, a woman materialized from the shadows of the night and approached Jiang Qingyi.

Clad in elegant palace attire, she wore a gossamer shawl of silkworm silk, draped lightly over her shoulders, subtly revealing fair, exquisite, and fragrant skin.

A chest wrap accentuated her ample bosom, reminiscent of creamy mountains and snowy seas, hinting at a deep, alluring cleavage.

Advancing forward, she executed a graceful bow. "Hall Master Xia He of the Pill Hall within the Ten Thousand Swords Sect pays her respects to Sect Master."

"Mm," Jiang Qingyi acknowledged with a nod, subsequently erecting a concealment formation to shield them from external observation. "There is a matter requiring your assistance."

"Sect Master, kindly bestow your commands!" Xia He responded, her gaze firm. "As long as it lies within my capabilities, I shall spare no effort, even facing fire and water, to fulfill your request."

"There is no need for such dramatic pronouncements," Jiang Qingyi replied, shaking her head before tossing a small glass vial from her robes.

Xia He caught it with practiced ease. Her delicate fingers clasped the vial, containing a dark crimson liquid within.

Despite the vial being a sophisticated treasure designed to mask its contents—

Xia He could still perceive the immense spiritual energy and the overwhelmingly potent sword qi emanating from the essence blood.

"Sect Master... this is..." A flicker of astonishment crossed Xia He's features. She immediately grasped the origin of the blood.

"Your inference is correct. This is my essence blood," Jiang Qingyi stated calmly. "I require you to refine a pill using my essence blood."

"I am unaware of the specific pill you intend to refine that necessitates the use of your exceptionally precious essence blood."

Xia He expressed her bewilderment.

This was the essence blood of an Ascension Realm sword cultivator, moreover, of one possessing an innate sword bone!

If this vial were to be openly displayed, it would undoubtedly incite countless cultivators to engage in fatal conflict.

Jiang Qingyi met Xia He's gaze and declared deliberately, "I wish for you to assist me in refining the Steal-the-Heavens Pill."

"..."

Upon hearing Jiang Qingyi utter those three words, Xia He faltered momentarily.

As a cultivator who had attained the Jade-Polished Realm through the intricate path of pill refining,

Xia He possessed clear knowledge of the Steal-the-Heavens Pill.

The Steal-the-Heavens Pill, as its name suggested, was designed to subvert cosmic secrets, evade the scrutiny of the Dao of Heaven, thereby enabling the accomplishment of the impossible and the fulfillment of the unachievable.

"Sect Master, the Steal-the-Heavens Pill is a matter of immense gravity. In the past, when I pursued the path of pill cultivation under my master's tutelage, he emphasized that for a pill such as the Steal-the-Heavens Pill, which carries profound karmic entanglement, a thorough understanding of its cause and purpose is essential. Therefore, may Sect Master elucidate the reason for refining this particular pill?"

"Otherwise, even facing the sharp edge of your sword, I would not dare to undertake the refinement in such ignorance, Sect Master."

Xia He spoke with utmost solemnity.

Jiang Qingyi regarded Xia He, remarking placidly, "You pill refiners are quite akin to Daoist priests. You incessantly seek clarification for every action. Your apprehension towards bearing karma is so profound; I truly wonder how you manage your cultivation on a daily basis."

"Please forgive this subordinate's persistence, Sect Master," Xia He implored.

"Very well. There is no harm in sharing the details with you."

Jiang Qingyi took a sip of tea, her words unfolding slowly.

“The current ruler of Zhou possesses decent innate talent. While he is somewhat obstinate, he is barely acceptable.

“However, he refuses to join my Ten Thousand Swords Sect.

“Refining this pill is simply my way of enabling the current ruler of Zhou to cultivate.”

“Allow an emperor to cultivate?” Xia He gazed at Jiang Qingyi, questioning if she had heard correctly.

“That is correct.”

Jiang Qingyi placed her teacup down.

“Ancient records state the first Emperor of Qin issued three edicts for three specific purposes.

“One of those edicts established a rule prohibiting emperors from cultivating beyond the Foundation Establishment realm.

“Yet, a rule enacted by the first Emperor of Qin, backed by the might of the Immortal Realm and dynastic fortune, possesses its inherent limitations.

“Furthermore, Qin has been annihilated for tens of thousands of years. This imperial edict is no longer as immutable as it once was.

“In my assessment,

“Should this Heaven-Stealing Pill be successfully refined, it should pose no significant challenge for an emperor to cultivate.”

“That might be so, Sect Master, but setting aside the immense difficulty of refining the Heaven-Stealing Pill—

“Even if I, your subordinate, were to successfully refine the Heaven-Stealing Pill and it could indeed conceal a portion of the Dao of Heaven,

“the pill must be taken consistently without interruption.

“Moreover, each refinement necessitates your essence blood, which could potentially impede your future cultivation.

“Even more critically, assisting someone in concealing themselves from the Dao of Heaven carries karmic entanglements that are difficult to predict.”

Xia He’s voice carried a note of urgency. “Sect Master, even if the ruler of Zhou’s talent has captured your attention, how could it possibly compare to a single strand of your hair? If you proceed with this… is it truly worth the cost?”

Xia He genuinely could not comprehend what made the ruler of Zhou so special. Was it truly just his talent?

To the extent that it could compel the Sect Master to make such a decision?

“If a small amount of essence blood could affect my cultivation, then my Ascension Realm would be exceedingly fragile.

“Besides.

“Worth it?

“Whether it is worth it or not, is a judgment only I can make.”

Jiang Qingyi met Xia He’s gaze directly, her tone admitting no room for further discussion.

“Answer me directly. Can you refine it or not?”

Xia He's lips parted slightly. She still wished to press her point, but upon observing the resolute look in the Sect Master's eyes, Xia He understood that any further persuasion would be futile. “This subordinate understands. Please grant me three months, Sect Master. Xia He will dedicate all effort to refining this pill for you.”

“Excellent.” Jiang Qingyi nodded. “Should you require any heavenly materials or earthly treasures, seek out Qiuye. If Qiuye cannot procure them, then approach me. You are dismissed.”

“Yes, Sect Master.” Xia He executed a low bow. Internally, she couldn't help but release a sigh as she gradually faded into the darkness.

“Is it worth it?”

Within the tranquil courtyard, Jiang Qingyi lowered her head, gently caressing the blade of the Frostlong Sword.

“Back then, you poured everything into my cultivation. Did you ever pause to consider if it was worth the sacrifice?”