chsdbacks Chapter 118 The Saintess's Heart Returns
Chapter 118 The Saintess's Heart Returns
The underground space was deeper than expected.
Qin Xiao descended nearly a hundred feet along the newly opened passage, and suddenly the view opened up before him.
This is a huge, naturally formed cave.
The cave ceiling is inlaid with luminous crystals, illuminating the surroundings.
In the center of the cave, there is a circular platform made of white jade.
On the platform, a crystal coffin lay quietly.
The coffin was transparent, and a woman could be seen lying inside.
The woman looked to be no more than twenty years old, with an exquisitely beautiful face and skin as white as snow.
She wore a moon-white palace dress, and her black hair cascaded down like a waterfall.
She placed her hands folded over her chest, her expression serene, as if she were simply asleep.
Most strangely, she exuded a faint spiritual pressure that was completely different from the thin spiritual energy she possessed now.
Though faint, it is extremely pure.
Nine ancient bronze lamps were placed around the crystal coffin in a nine-square grid pattern.
The lamp has a simple and ancient design, and the lamp oil has long since dried up.
Yet, the lamp wick faintly emitted a spiritual glow.
"Ancient cultivators?"
Qin Xiao walked to the coffin and carefully examined it with his divine sense.
The woman's life was almost nonexistent, yet not completely extinguished.
They were in a state of extremely mysterious suspended animation.
His cultivation level is at least at the Core Formation stage!
"The spiritual energy here is thin, yet she has managed to survive to this day in this state. The coffin and these nine ancient lamps must be extraordinary."
Qin Xiao's gaze fell on the nine ancient bronze lamps. "They seem to be some kind of 'soul-nourishing and life-extending' formation, using the earth's veins to maintain the life force of the person in the coffin."
As he spoke, his gaze returned to the woman. "This woman must be of extraordinary status. Perhaps we can obtain more clues about the ancient times of this world from her."
He tried to contact the woman with his divine sense, but it was like throwing a stone into the sea.
The coffin itself is also a powerful protective artifact.
Forcibly breaking it open might injure the person inside.
As he was pondering this, Qin Xiao suddenly noticed that the woman seemed to be pressing a jade pendant under her folded hands.
The jade pendant is light blue and carved into the shape of a phoenix, with a faint glow.
"This item may be the key."
With a thought, Qin Xiao channeled his five elements spiritual energy into threads that pierced through the crystal coffin.
This coffin only blocks the divine consciousness and the physical body; it does not isolate spiritual power.
The spiritual energy gently wrapped around the phoenix-shaped jade pendant, and it was slowly taken out.
The jade pendant feels warm and smooth to the touch.
At the same time, a light and melodious voice rang out in Qin Xiao's mind:
"I am the 'Fairy Yaoguang,' a disciple of the 'Xuanji Pavilion.' The world underwent a drastic change, and spiritual energy dissipated. My fellow disciples either sacrificed themselves to try and mend the celestial void, or fled to other realms to seek a way to survive. I am too wounded to move, and have no choice but to seal myself with this 'Nine Luminaries Soul-Nourishing Coffin,' awaiting the opportune moment. Anyone who obtains this pendant is destined to be here. I hope it will help me see the light of day again, and I will repay them handsomely… This jade pendant is a token of the Xuanji Pavilion, and also the key to controlling this coffin and the Nine Luminaries Lamp…"
"Xuanji Pavilion, Fairy Yaoguang..."
Qin Xiao looked at the woman in the coffin, a sudden realization flashing in his eyes.
No wonder this place is called "Holy Mountain"; it's likely that the Xuanji Pavilion had a base here back then.
After Fairy Yaoguang sealed herself away, the remaining formations and aura were discovered by later generations and revered as miracles.
"The Nine Luminaries Soul-Nourishing Coffin is indeed a treasure."
Qin Xiao attempted to infuse spiritual energy into the jade pendant.
The jade pendant emitted a soft blue light, resonating with the coffin and the nine ancient lamps.
The next moment, the wicks of the nine ancient bronze lamps simultaneously ignited with large golden flames!
The flame was small.
Yet it exuded a warm, vibrant energy that flowed into the crystal coffin.
The long eyelashes of Fairy Yaoguang inside the coffin trembled slightly.
"efficient."
Qin Xiao made up his mind, "However, the spiritual energy here is thin, and the Nine Luminaries Lamp has little remaining power. To truly awaken her, we need to move her to a place with abundant spiritual energy and proceed slowly."
Without further hesitation, he used the jade pendant to collect the crystal coffin along with the nine ancient lamps.
After completing these tasks, Qin Xiao carefully explored the cave again, but found nothing else, so he returned to the surface.
On the mountaintop, Luo Qingluan and the others had finished their inventory.
This battle was very fruitful.
A number of rare and exotic minerals, ancient book fragments, and crude ritual implements accumulated over many years by the Western Liang, Northern Rong, Southern Dian, and various kingdoms in the Western Regions.
More importantly, they subdued a group of cultivators led by Wuya.
"My lord, have you found anything underground?"
When Yu Qingyi saw Qin Xiao return, she went up to him and asked.
"Yes, we saved an ancient cultivator."
Qin Xiao briefly recounted the matter of Fairy Yaoguang, saying, "Her injuries are extremely severe, and she is in a state of suspended animation. She needs to be taken back to the palace to recuperate slowly."
The women were all surprised to hear this.
Ancient cultivators—how distant were they?
"His Majesty."
Wuya had already adjusted her mindset and stepped forward respectfully, saying, "There is such a secret beneath the Holy Mountain... no, the Red Fang Mountain. No one in the past holy shamans knew of it. They only knew that this place was a miracle and that regular sacrifices could bring power."
"It's just a weak feedback from the remaining formation."
Qin Xiao waved his hand and said, "Now that you have submitted, you will return to the capital with me. I will send someone to assist you in handling the matter of Xiliang."
"Yes."
Wu Ya bowed her head in response, glancing at Luo Qingluan and the other six women out of the corner of her eye, and sighed inwardly.
These women were all highly skilled and possessed extraordinary temperament.
They are clearly Qin Xiao's Daoist partners.
Now I'm one of them...
Thinking of this, my face flushed slightly.
Qin Xiao didn't delay any longer, waving his hand dismissively: "Back to the capital!"
The five-colored light rose again.
In addition to the original seven people, the newly recruited Wuya and the Five Elements Puppet also flew away.
As for Gulutai, Tuma, and the others, Qin Xiao told them to return to their respective countries to prepare.
……
The capital city of the Great Yong Dynasty, the Zichen Palace.
Qin Xiao placed Fairy Yaoguang's crystal coffin in a newly opened quiet room in the back hall.
Nourished by the rich spiritual energy drawn in by the "Spirit Gathering Array," the Nine Luminaries Ancient Lamp burns eternally.
Controlled by a jade pendant, the coffin can autonomously absorb spiritual energy.
Slowly repairing Fairy Yaoguang's damaged foundation and soul.
"Now, we just have to wait."
Qin Xiao walked out of the quiet room and came to the main hall.
Luo Qingluan was talking to Wuya, introducing her to the palace rules and cultivation matters.
Upon seeing Qin Xiao emerge, the two rose and bowed.
"Qingluan, please take good care of Wuya since she has just arrived."
Qin Xiao said to Luo Qingluan, then looked at Wu Ya, "You are to conduct a preliminary screening of the resources and lists sent by Xiliang, and present the list of women with excellent qualities and acceptable character to me."
"I understand."
Wuya responded respectfully.
She has gradually adapted to her new identity.
Qin Xiao observed Wu Ya for a moment.
Seeing that he is also of the Heavenly Rank, he should have dual spiritual roots or a Heavenly Spiritual Root.
After pondering for a moment, he waved his hand and said, "Come with me to the palace. Only after confirming your spiritual root can I give you the cultivation technique."
Wu Ya was stunned, her pretty face flushing red to the roots of her ears. "This, in broad daylight..."
Luo Qingluan urged from the side, "If your husband tells you to go, then go."
"Yes……"
Before long, Wu Ya followed Qin Xiao into the palace.
Luo Qingluan heard sounds coming from inside the room that made her blush and her heart race.
"This Wuya, she seems shy on the surface, but she's making such a fuss..."
Luo Qingluan shook her head and went to attend to her own business.
Two hours later.
Wu Ya's beautiful eyes were misty with tears, and her pretty face was flushed.
Qin Xiao tightened his belt and nodded, saying, "You and Qingyi both have water-based celestial spiritual roots, so you should learn the same spells as Qingyi."
"good……"
Wuya opened her mouth, but her voice was a little hoarse.
My head is still a little fuzzy.
After a while, once things calmed down...
To her surprise, her cultivation, which had stagnated for many years, showed signs of loosening!
"Just giving her body to Qin Xiao had such an effect..."
Wuya thought to herself, and decided to completely submit.
"Oh, right."
Qin Xiao recalled something, "The Northern Rong, Southern Dian, and Western Regions will also send a batch of women. You should coordinate the establishment of a 'Selection Office' in the palace to specifically receive, settle, and provide initial education for these women. Those with excellent talent and temperament can be given special attention and training."
"Yes, my husband."
Wuya accepted the order, understanding the situation perfectly.
He thought to himself that Qin Xiao was trying to gather all the talents in the Northwest.