Celestial Refining Divine Scripture

Xu Yang suddenly recalled the moment of his breakthrough, when Destiny summoned him again. After refusing, he was struck by an indescribable feeling of dread.

This hadn’t happened the first time he refused.

Could there be some unfortunate consequence?

The thought flashed by, but Xu Yang didn’t dwell on it. Daydreaming was useless—if trouble really comes, he’ll face it head-on!

I already possess a twelve-grade immortal foundation, so should I step into Destiny, risking becoming a puppet?

That would be outright madness.

Even if there was only a ten percent chance of becoming a puppet, he’d refuse without hesitation.

"Still, Yang Yuan’s supreme treasure is formidable."

"To think it targets the Primordial Spirit—caught off guard, you’d suffer greatly!"

Xu Yang glanced up at Yang Yuan.

That supreme treasure can even be upgraded; it’s anything but simple.

No one knew he held a twelve-grade immortal foundation, far beyond imagination, and only with his powerful Primordial Spirit did he barely withstand it.

If it had been Ji Hong instead, he’d have surely suffered a heavy loss.

Still, to the crowd, it was nothing short of shocking.

Early Stage of True Immortal, yet matching the Middle Stage of Celestial Immortal.

How defiant is that?

"Mr. Xu, have you really achieved a Ninth Grade immortal foundation?" someone couldn’t help but ask.

Without witnessing it personally, he was unwilling to accept it!

Xu Yang was about to brush it off, when the Fourth Elder coolly said, "Enough, let the matter end here. No more discussion."

"Xu Yang, come here."

The Fourth Elder beckoned him over.

The others froze, looking suspicious, but didn’t press further.

Xu Yang walked over, perplexed, to the Fourth Elder. With a wave of his sleeve, immortal light flashed and enveloped them, making it impossible to see anything from outside.

Having finished his arrangements, the Fourth Elder solemnly asked, "Boy, is it really Ninth Grade?"

Xu Yang knew there was no hiding it.

He’d already let slip some words earlier.

Besides, having absorbed Immortal Dragon Marrow and displayed such strength, it would be impossible without the Ninth Grade immortal foundation.

So, when faced with the elder’s question, he nodded and admitted it directly.

Hiss!

The Fourth Elder drew in a sharp breath.

Guessing was one thing, but having Xu Yang’s confirmation was a tremendous shock.

Ninth Grade immortal foundation—a historic feat!

There wasn’t a single one in the entire Black and White Star Heaven.

If word got to the Upper Sect, they’d be so ecstatic Black Fire Immortal Mountain would receive unimaginable rewards.

The Fourth Elder was so excited his lips trembled.

Suddenly—

The Fourth Elder looked up, breaking into a smile: "The Sect Leader is here."

"Elder, did you really notify the Sect Leader?" Xu Yang was startled, having thought it was just a convenient story made up for Ice and Snow Immortal Palace.

"You’ve made such trouble—an old fellow like me couldn’t handle it alone." The Fourth Elder grumbled with a wry smile.

Then, he waved his sleeve.

The immortal light dispersed.

The elder took Xu Yang and instantly vanished without a trace.

But the black cloud kept racing on.

"You all continue ahead; I’ll be there momentarily."

The Fourth Elder tossed out a sentence from thin air, leaving the crowd puzzled and uncertain.

Yang Yuan’s face was darker and gloomier than ever before.

...

Above the clouds.

Tongmin Golden Immortal saw the Fourth Elder nod slightly at him. He couldn’t help but tremble all over, his breathing growing rapid.

"Boy, let me see this Ninth Grade immortal foundation of yours."

Truthfully, he’d never seen a Ninth Grade immortal foundation in his whole life.

Xu Yang’s expression turned stern; he silently nodded.

He had expected this and was well-prepared.

A twelve-grade immortal foundation is far too extraordinary to show openly.

But to verify the Ninth Grade, he needed a disguise.

That disguise wasn’t difficult for him.

Within his Dantian, the Celestial Refining Divine Tripod suppressed everything, and inside the Tripod was a small Immortal Realm.

Not to mention, the Celestial Refining Divine Scripture itself was remarkable, containing methods for transformation.

Buzz!

Xu Yang activated his immortal foundation, simultaneously stirring the Celestial Refining Divine Tripod to mask part of its power.

Swoosh!

Dazzling immortal light flowed out from his body, surging and spreading, resplendent beyond compare, intoxicating to behold.

The immortal light gradually rose and burst forth, and a lotus throne slowly manifested.

Majestic, sacred, flawless!

The lotus throne had nine tiers, eighty-one petals blooming in abundance.

Every pattern was entirely natural, as if it were the most perfect gift from the heavens of the Immortal Domain.

This breathtaking scene appeared above the clouds, eclipsing all else in gloom.

Tongmin and the Fourth Elder breathed heavily, faces flushed, gazing in awe and trance at the unparalleled beauty, utterly entranced.

Dozens of breaths passed.

Tongmin Golden Immortal couldn’t help but swallow; his eyes blazed, and as soon as he recovered, he took out a Jade Talisman, recording the scene within it.

"Good, good, truly wonderful."

"Ninth Grade immortal foundation—I never imagined I’d witness the birth of such a foundation!"

"Xu Yang, from today, your position within the sect is second only to mine!"

As Tongmin Golden Immortal spoke, Xu Yang’s heart quivered.

Second only to Tongmin Golden Immortal?

Hearing this, the Fourth Elder showed not the slightest reaction.

It made perfect sense!

"Thank you, Sect Leader!" Xu Yang bowed with passion.

Tongmin Golden Immortal couldn’t help but laugh heartily toward the sky.

"I’m tempted to go show off to those two over at Ice and Snow Immortal Palace and Guiyuan Sect, hahaha."

The Fourth Elder’s mouth twitched and quickly said, "Sect Leader, please don’t!"

You’d get beaten—and severely!

Tongmin laughed; he was only entertaining the thought, not seriously considering it.

All the same, he truly was overjoyed at that moment.

For a long while.

When he’d finally calmed himself, he fixed his gaze on Xu Yang and said, "Xu Yang, from now on, all sect resources for your cultivation are yours to take as you please."

"On this matter, my idea is to report it straight to the Upper Sect. Perhaps we’ll even receive a gift from them—no, it’s certain we will."

"They may even be willing to pay a high price to bring you directly into the Nine Moon Heavenly Ring."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yang frowned slightly and said thoughtfully, "Sect Leader, let’s wait a while on this. I’ve only just broken through to True Immortal, my strength is still weak; in the Black and White Star Heaven I can still lie low; once I reach the Upper Domain, the commotion will be far greater, and the strife will be intense."

"Two years’ time would let my strength grow greatly. By then, entering the Upper Sect would be the logical choice."

Xu Yang genuinely meant what he said.

Going straight to the Nine Moon Heavenly Ring now would not be wise.

Even with the ’twelve-grade immortal foundation’, the Nine Moon Heavenly Ring is filled with countless powerful cultivators battling fiercely; the price would be steep.

It’s best to develop first!

"You speak truth!"

Tongmin pondered and nodded appreciatively.

Possessing a Ninth Grade immortal foundation yet remaining so calm and rational, the more he saw, the more he admired him.

Xu Yang’s words made sense.

To mature further over two years would be best.

Even if the Upper Sect is informed ahead of time, they would approve Xu Yang’s decision.

"That will do, then."

"The Ninth Grade immortal foundation is too astonishing; once word spreads, countless troubles will follow. Many powers in the Eastern Continent would lose composure."

"Still, even if Ice and Snow Immortal Palace and Guiyuan Sect suspect the truth, they likely won’t spread it. After all, if it gets out, it’ll elevate the reputation of our Black Fire Immortal Mountain and diminish theirs."

"As for the rest, once back at the sect, I’ll remind everyone to keep the secret."

"Additionally..."

Tongmin pondered: "Originally, on your way back, I planned for you to go serve as a stationed guardian somewhere—a trial all seed disciples must undertake."

"However, if you’re unwilling, you don’t have to go."

"Stationed guardian somewhere?"

Xu Yang raised his brows slightly; after a moment’s thought, he realized he couldn’t just stay sheltered within the sect.

Besides, he needed to travel the Immortal Domain and learn much.

Moreover, now that he’d found his footing, going out to serve as a stationed guardian would also make cultivating alone much more convenient.

"Sect Leader, I wish to temper myself; may I ask where this stationed guardian duty is and what does it entail?"