"This is not the Spiritual Cognition Poison," Yan Longzi said slowly as he gazed at the crystal screen. His tone was measured yet carried a weight that belied his calm expression. Around him, several peak masters and elders who had been watching Li Yan's battle nodded in silent agreement. Although most of these experts could not immediately discern every detail of Li Yan's methods simply by watching the projection, they were all well aware—being great cultivators at the Golden Core stage—that Li Yan's combat technique had been nothing short of innovative and dangerous.
One elder, his voice carrying an air of scholarly curiosity, remarked, "This is what they call the 'Shili Toxin Body'—yet, I must say, I have never seen any poison quite like this before. It appears to be a hybrid toxin, a mixing of several venomous essences."
Another elder from the Bi Li Peak, known among his peers as Master Hua, spoke in a rather detached tone: "Truly, the reputation of this 'Shili Toxin Body' is well deserved. We should have those six spirit pearls brought forth for further examination—even though it is a pity that they have been ruined."
Yan Longzi and his fellow elders shared looks of regret, for despite their curiosity and their desire to study what they now regarded as one of the three great peerless toxins, there was a sorrow that the situation had led to such a loss. Yet, after a brief pause, they nodded in tacit accord. Their collective curiosity was palpable; after all, the three Great Peerless Toxin Bodies were legendary, and they longed to witness them firsthand.
"Dispatch a command," Yan Longzi ordered with quiet authority as he addressed the assembled disciples overseeing the battle, "Have those supervising disciples bring over the six spirit pearls." His instructions had an immediate effect, drawing the attention of several other elders from the competing peaks who had been watching nearby.
Meanwhile, Li Yan himself observed the scene. He looked at the prone form of Lü Qiutong, who lay defeated on the ground. Li Yan did not immediately approach him, nor did he dissipate the protective spiritual radiance that still clung to his body. At this point, the six spirit pearls—which had once been sustained by Lü Qiutong's spiritual power—had long since fallen to the ground. As Li Yan prepared to slowly approach Lü Qiutong's motionless form and retrieve the pearls, the blue light of the stage's protective barrier twisted, and from within emerged a cultivator in his twenties. His presence was marked by a formidable aura; even Li Yan felt a jolt of surprise. But almost immediately, he reasoned that at this juncture only a Foundation Establishment cultivator, one authorized to be present for the observation, would be allowed to enter this arena.
The young Foundation Establishment cultivator glanced at Li Yan with mild astonishment. Even though he was watching the bout up close—a privilege not extended to many who only viewed the scene via the crystal screen—he still marveled at the subtle methods that Li Yan had employed. Had it not been for witnessing Lü Qiutong's sudden collapse firsthand, even he might have remained uncertain about whether the traces he saw on the battlefield were indeed due solely to Li Yan's technique.
After a moment of appraisal, the young cultivator said, "You have won this match. Now withdraw." With that, he swept his robe's sleeve, and the figure of the unconscious Lü Qiutong, along with the six spirit pearls scattered on the ground, was suddenly lifted into midair. In a blink, the entire group—including Lü Qiutong and the precious pearls—vanished from sight, as if swallowed by the ether.
Only then did Li Yan exhale in relief. He allowed his protective spiritual radiance to dissipate and cast a quick, deliberate look around. Releasing his flying spirit instrument, he swiftly soared away from the scene.
Below on the stage, many cultivators from various regions who had gathered to witness the match continued to discuss the unfolding events. Some speculated over the exact nature of the toxin that had affected Lü Qiutong—after all, disciples from the Wangliang Sect were known to harbor a particularly intense curiosity and an insatiable drive to explore anything unknown in the realm of poison. Yet, another group's attention was riveted on Li Yan himself; in hushed whispers, they discussed his identity and debated his origins, attempting to ascertain whether his mastery of poison might be connected to the legendary "Spiritual Cognition Poison."
At that moment, Li Changting and Zhao Min were engaged in a hushed discussion near the sidelines, their voices low as they exchanged views. "Sister-Min," Li Changting said quietly, "since you have had more contact with Li Yan lately, do you think that his toxin body might indeed possess characteristics of the Spiritual Cognition Poison?"
Zhao Min paused, lost in thought. After a moment, she responded, "There is a possibility, after all these legends speak of the ancient three great toxin bodies. But I feel that perhaps Lü Qiutong did not truly fall victim to that poison. You see, the spiritual sense is the most delicate part of any cultivator—almost like a second brain. Given Li Yan's current degree of cultivation, he surely has not yet perfected the control needed for such a toxin. If Lü Qiutong's spiritual sense had been affected in the very moment the toxin made contact, there would have been some warning for several breaths at least; yet, he fell suddenly without any apparent premonition. This suggests that his spiritual sense was likely unaffected. Instead, the issue seems to lie within his body itself." As she spoke, Zhao Min's eyes drifted downward as if in contemplation, her long, graceful neck and the gentle kick of her foot betraying her focus and inner calculations.
After his return to the area designated for the Xiao Zhu Peak, Li Yan was greeted by several friends. Wei Chituo and his cohorts smiled warmly at him, while Lin Daqiao approached and lightly patted Li Yan's shoulder, offering a thumbs-up in praise. "Little junior brother," Lin Daqiao said with sincerity, "that was nothing less than a victory against one of the top fifty masters of Lao Jun Peak. Your first battle has been a triumphant blow."
Nearby, Gong Chenying, with her enchanting eyes, looked up at Li Yan. Noticing his glance, she murmured a soft "Mm," a sound laden with quiet satisfaction. Even Yun Chunqu cast a glance in his direction. Still, none of them pressed Li Yan for details about how he secured his victory. It was well understood among cultivators that everyone guarded their own secrets. If a foe truly comprehended someone's technique, it might reveal too much, and if they did not, then there was no cause for inquiry. After all, each warrior's methods were akin to a treasured personal secret—a secret that might serve as their trump card in future battles.
Li Yan returned a small smile to his friends and then bowed deeply as he respectfully addressed them, "I must sincerely thank the senior brothers and sisters who have aided me these past few days." His words were clearly understood by the group, for he was referring to the assistance they had provided in reinforcing his strategies and refining his ability to sense and evade enemy qi. Although the help had been modest and only given over the course of a few days, it had proved invaluable. This sort of support was not afforded in every Peak, and Li Yan knew that he owed them much for their contribution to his early triumph.
With his gratitude expressed, Li Yan quietly retreated to a secluded spot nearby. Sitting cross-legged, he prepared to meditate, both to reflect on the unfolding battle and to restore his rapidly depleting spiritual energy. In the calm solitude of the moment, as the echoes of combat faded into memory, Li Yan's mind churned with a mixture of relief and a lingering sense of "luck." He realized that his victory had come not from harnessing any formidable Spiritual Cognition Poison per se—after all, within him the twelve toxins known as "Shili" did not include any such poison—but rather from a toxin of his own invention, one he designated "Tong Qi Lian Zhi" (Literally, "Intertwined Breath, Interconnected Branches").
Li Yan's self-devised toxin was remarkable in many ways. It was not solely applicable to water-based immortal techniques; in truth, it could be integrated with several other elemental styles. When deployed, this toxin manifested as a faint gaseous substance—a delicate haze or smoke that, if inhaled by an opponent, would quickly mingle with their bloodstream. Once there, it would travel along with the blood through all the body's meridians and channels, steadily devouring the oxygen dissolved in the blood. Over time, as the toxin gradually consumed the vital oxygen, the victim would find themselves feeling increasingly lethargic, their senses dulled by a creeping inner suffocation. In its final stage, when the oxygen was entirely depleted from the channels, the afflicted would succumb to suffocation and death. And so Li Yan named it "Tong Qi Lian Zhi": for it interconnects the breath, linking one's life force like the branches of a tree.
The reason Lü Qiutong had experienced such a crushing, leaden sensation in his chest and a head filled with a tumult of despair was that he was suffering from an acute lack of oxygen—it was severe hypoxia. At his advanced stage in the Qi Condensation phase—the ninth level, no less—a lower-grade cultivator would likely have lost consciousness within a few breaths; Lü Qiutong was lucky, in a sense, to have reached such an advanced state before the toxin took full effect.
Because Li Yan's toxin was only barely perceptible—a faint gas that mixed almost seamlessly with the water vapor he generated during his water-based immortal technique—the opportunity for an opponent to fall victim was extremely slim. Timing was everything, and Li Yan had waited for the precise moment. He had noticed that when Lü Qiutong unleashed his "Misty Sand Rain" infused with the "Chuan Po Deng" toxin, there was an opening. Although Li Yan was inexperienced in facing such cunning poisons at first, he inadvertently inhaled a wisp of the hidden toxin as Lü Qiutong's technique unfolded. Whether this was because the "Chuan Po Deng" toxin was insufficiently potent or for some other reason, it produced no immediate effects on him. In that very moment when he discerned that he had taken in what he presumed to be "Chuan Po Deng," a flicker of shock passed through his mind. Yet, no typical symptoms of dizziness or weakness—a state described in the ancient texts—came upon him.
In that critical moment, Li Yan's mind whirled into action. He deliberately feigned a scenario where his slowed movements were attributed to the accidental inhalation of "Chuan Po Deng," thereby causing his body to momentarily hesitate and lose some of its agility. It was at that precise juncture that he countered with his "Water Cloud Hoop" technique to fend off Lü Qiutong's relentless "Misty Sand Rain." As the forces of water and fire had collided earlier in the aerial space, a dense mist of water vapor wafted upward. To any onlooker, it would have looked like nothing more than water vapor. Yet, carried in that vapor was Li Yan's own faint toxin—the "Tong Qi Lian Zhi"—disguised so thoroughly as to be indistinguishable from the ordinary rising water.
The unfolding events then took a dramatic turn. Lü Qiutong, having already deduced that Li Yan's primary spiritual root was water, and thereby naturally at odds with his own dominant fire elemental affinity, had chosen a hard-charging offensive strategy. With an explosive surge, he lunged toward Li Yan with a palm strike, forcing Li Yan deeper into the territory of that deadly toxin. In the ensuing moments, the poison began to take its insidious toll.
To explain further, after Li Yan's fateful exchange with Lü Qiutong, additional toxins began to adhere to the spirit pearls that had fallen to the ground. This was yet another variety of "Shili" toxin—a toxin Li Yan personally named "Fu Gu Zhi Qu" (translated roughly as "Bone-Clinging Maggot"). Its properties were ferocious; it had a potent, corrosive affinity that enabled it to cling stubbornly to surfaces, corroding whatever it touched. Li Yan's primary objective in allowing this later toxin to attach to the pearls was twofold: on one hand, it served to delay further deterioration—or rather, it was meant to obstruct the corrosion of the six precious spirit pearls. On the other hand, he needed to buy a little more time until his "Tong Qi Lian Zhi" toxin had fully taken effect in the target's body.
Li Yan later muttered inwardly, referring to his narrow escape as nothing more than "luck." The truth was that he had not deployed a genuine Spiritual Cognition Poison technique; he was well aware that among the twelve toxins of his internal "Shili" collection there was no such poison. Instead, he had artfully engineered one of his toxins—"Tong Qi Lian Zhi"—to work in synergy with his water-based attacks. In the heat of battle, when Lü Qiutong's own offensive moves were momentarily blurred by the mingling water vapor produced by the clash of his "Water Cloud Hoop" and "Misty Sand Rain," Li Yan seized that window of opportunity. To a casual observer, the rising mist would seem entirely ordinary, with no perceptible trace of any exotic gas within it. Yet the truth was that, hidden very subtly, Li Yan's toxin had been introduced into the atmosphere.
Lü Qiutong, however, had miscalculated. His assumption that Li Yan was solely reliant on water—and thus inferior in controlling the poison effect—proved to be his undoing. In the crucial moment when Li Yan deftly evaded Lü Qiutong's palm strike, Lü Qiutong had initiated a pursuit with his spirit pearls. At that moment, every ounce of his focus was diverted by an anomaly in his own rain curtain—a deviation so slight that even a cultivator with a keen spiritual sense would have expected to notice a discrepancy. Yet Lü Qiutong's concentration was so absolute on the advancing pearls that, after a few dozen breaths in which the remaining water vapor slowly dissipated, he resumed normal breathing without a moment's hesitation. Unbeknownst to him, however, the ambient air still contained residual amounts of "Tong Qi Lian Zhi" toxin. With each breath he took, not only did he refresh his lungs, but he also unwittingly introduced more and more of Li Yan's toxin into his body. After decades of continuous inhalation—dozens of breaths—a critical threshold was reached, and the toxin's devastating effects finally burst forth.
It is worth noting that "Tong Qi Lian Zhi" utilizes a gaseous component that is nearly indistinguishable from the water vapor produced by the explosive interaction between water and fire. However, to those great Golden Core masters who were present, the faint nuances in the gas were unmistakable, clearly betraying its toxin-laden nature. The Foundation Establishment cultivators, despite their training, struggled to detect any aberration—even the supervising Foundation Establishment cultivator had to ponder the situation for several moments before coming to an understanding. Initially, even he believed that Lü Qiutong had been affected by some bizarre toxin affixed to the spirit pearls. Only later did the implications of the situation become clear.
Meanwhile, above in the Void Pavilion, Lü Qiutong stood with an expression of deep guilt etched upon his face. Below him, the group of elders fanned out. Some held spirit pearls delicately in the palm of their hands, their spiritual energy shimmering around them as they examined the pearls with intense scrutiny; others bowed their heads in pensive silence.
Yan Longzi, still holding one of the pearls in his hand as his spiritual light danced across its surface, studied it with an expert's eye. After several long moments of contemplation, he looked up at the worried figure of Lü Qiutong below. "You may go now," he said gently. "We have examined these six pearls. After we remove the toxin from them, a period of gentle restoration should suffice to restore their spiritual essence."
Lü Qiutong's eyes shone with relief and unexpected joy. For he had been at a loss regarding how to cleanse the mysterious toxin from the pearls—despite having probed them with his spiritual cognition, he was confident he had never seen such a poison before. He had even planned to seek the help of a senior elder immediately after the battle, for time was of the essence. The longer one waited, the more likely it was that even if the toxin were eventually removed, the spiritual essence embedded within the pearls might have been corroded beyond repair. Although these six spirit pearls were not his most valuable tools, they were nonetheless extremely dependable. Now, with the headmaster's instructions in place, it was clear that no matter what ulterior plans might exist behind the scenes, no one would ever covet an instrument like his. Lü Qiutong's heart soared as he bowed deeply in gratitude before turning away. In that very instant of departure, however, one thought was indelibly imprinted in his mind: he would not soon forget the remarkable abilities of Li Yan.
Once Lü Qiutong had left, Yan Longzi surveyed the assembly of scholars and cultivators who were either examining the pearls intently or sitting with eyes closed in deep thought. "As you have all witnessed, the poison that took effect inside Lü Qiutong's body was unmistakable," Yan Longzi declared. "Although none of us were able to capture the initial formation of the toxin firsthand, we can at least confirm its oppressive influence upon his blood. As for the toxin affixed to these pearls, I must admit I have not seen its like before either."
Master Hua from Bi Li Peak, who had maintained a closed-eyed calm, remained silent for a moment. Then he opened his eyes, glinting with interest and spoke, "Based on what I have calculated, the virus present in Lü Qiutong's blood should theoretically be neutralizable with a combination of twelve rare herbs—'Kushi Mu' (Bitter Stone Wood), 'Shui Feizi' (Water Flyer), 'Qing Ge Fen' (Green Root Powder)… along with three mid-grade organs harvested from demonic beasts: the 'Qing Yang Jiao Gu' (Blue Ram Cheekbone) and the 'Xue Feng Ying Yan' (Bloodwind Eagle Eye), among others. Although these substances might be used to concoct an antidote, the fact remains that we did not obtain a sample of the toxin in its original state. Therefore, whether its initial form was gaseous or liquid has yet to be determined."
At this moment, a stout, red-haired cultivator furrowed his brows and interjected, "Master Hua, while I agree that a few of the ingredients you mentioned are similar to those used in our sect, my own position is that 'Xue Feng Ying Yan,' 'Shui Feizi,' and even 'Qing Ge Fen' are hardly ideal substances for this particular purpose. 'Xue Feng Ying Yan,' for example, does indeed blend readily with blood and has the capacity to deplete oxygen. However, it is inherently a fire-element substance. When it generates gas, it becomes exceedingly conspicuous—its passage through the meridians would scorch them, making it far from an imperceptible agent."
"Senior Brother Zeng," another elder from the Si Xiang Peak retorted in a tone tinged with impatience, "I must disagree with you on that point. I believe that the 'Xue Feng Ying Yan' chosen by Master Hua is quite appropriate. The concerns you have regarding the potential for scorching can, in my estimation, be offset by the inclusion of 'Shui Feizi.' On the other hand, I do think that the combination with 'Kushi Mu' and 'Qing Ge Fen' might present some issues…"
A third senior elder calmly spoke up, "Brother Fan, having observed the pearl-bound toxin for quite some time now, what is your insight? I contend that this poison can be effectively countered by employing eighteen kinds of herbs…"
Yan Longzi, still holding one of the spirit pearls and staring at the competing group of elders engaged in heated debate, could only smile wryly. His eyes then narrowed as he focused on the dark gray water droplets encrusting the surface of the pearl. Muttering to himself under his breath, he said, "Shili Toxin Body… to think that a toxin of this sort would require a synthesis of multiple rare herbs and even demonic beast organs is rather interesting. It appears that my junior brother has not lost his discerning eye."
Earlier, when the Foundation Establishment cultivator had brought in Lü Qiutong—an action that had been accompanied by a look of remorse on his face—it was evident that he had attempted once to dissolve the toxin in Lü Qiutong's system. However, after a circuit of his own spiritual qi had wandered through Lü Qiutong's body, the poison proved too troublesome. Even if he had managed to eradicate it completely, the process might have taken several days. If that were to occur, Lü Qiutong would have been unable to participate in the rest of the competition. Consequently, the cultivator had been forced to deliver Lü Qiutong along with a few spirit pearls. In the end, it was only after a thorough exploration by several Golden Core elders—each employing their probing spiritual power—that one elder succeeded in neutralizing the toxin. This, too, underscored the disparity in cultivation levels. Li Yan's internal "Shili Twelve Toxins" continued to evolve and strengthen, and there might come a day when even these elder experts would be rendered helpless in the face of their own creation—a prospect that Yan Longzi himself eagerly anticipated. He secretly wished that Li Yan might soon break into the Foundation Establishment stage. Yet he also knew that once that day arrived, even his own abilities might be stretched to the limits, much like what the supervising Foundation Establishment cultivator had experienced when facing the poison emanating from Li Yan's body. And in that realization, Yan Longzi felt a measure of satisfaction.
At this moment, on the stage of the Void Pavilion, Lü Qiutong stood with a look of deep shame etched upon his features. Around him, the elders spread out; some of them shielded their hands with spiritual energy and held up the spirit pearls for closer inspection, while others lowered their heads in pensive silence, lost in thought.
Yan Longzi's hand slowly darted through the shimmering spiritual light as he held one of the pearls and examined it closely. After a few long minutes of silent study, he lifted his gaze and looked down at Lü Qiutong, who now appeared visibly anxious. "You may leave," Yan Longzi said softly. "We will examine these six pearls and remove the toxins afflicting them. Once that is done, with proper nurturing, they should be restored in due time."
Upon hearing these words, a look of joyous relief brightened Lü Qiutong's features. Though his mind had been filled with uncertainty over how to remove the mysterious toxin from his spirit pearls—including the fact that he had only been able to use his spiritual cognition to detect its presence—he now felt reassured. He had even planned to enlist the help of a senior elder, hoping they could remove the poison quickly before it did any further harm. For if the toxin on the pearls was allowed to work its insidious course any longer, even its subsequent removal might be ineffectual; the pearls' inherent spiritual essence would have long since been eroded, rendering them completely useless. While the six spirit pearls might not have been his most prized weapons, they were nonetheless highly dependable. Now, with the headmaster's directive clear, it was evident that regardless of what ulterior motives might lurk behind these events, none would ever covet his type of spirit instrument—indeed, they might well crave it. Lü Qiutong's heart swelled with gratitude. After a deep, respectful bow, he turned to leave. In that very moment, however, one thought was seared into his mind: he would remember Li Yan for a long time to come.
With Lü Qiutong's departure complete, Yan Longzi surveyed the assembly of cultivators who were either curiously peering at the spirit pearls or lost in thought with their eyes closed. Clearing his throat, he addressed the group, "You have all witnessed the effects of the poison that afflicted Lü Qiutong's inner body. Although we did not manage to capture the initial formation of this toxin in our very hands, the fact that its influence permeated his blood is unmistakable. As for the poison attached to these pearls, it is equally unprecedented—indeed, I have never seen such a toxin before."
Master Hua, who had been meditating silently with his eyes closed, remained inscrutable until his eyes suddenly snapped open. "The viral agent in Lü Qiutong's blood," he mused, "I have calculated that it should be possible to neutralize it by employing a formula concocted from twelve different herbs: 'Bitter Stone Wood,' 'Water Flyer,' 'Green Root Powder'… along with three first-class mid-stage demonic beast organs such as the 'Blue Ram Cheekbone' and the 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye'… However, since we have not acquired a sample of the toxin in its original state, we cannot ascertain with certainty whether its initial form was gaseous or liquid."
At that moment, a burly, red-haired man in the gathering furrowed his brow and interjected, "Master Hua, while I agree that several of the ingredients you mentioned are familiar to me, I do not concur that 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye,' 'Water Flyer,' or even 'Green Root Powder' are suitable for this case. Although 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye' can blend quickly with the bloodstream and has the effect of depleting oxygen, it is, by its very nature, of a fiery temperament. Once it is released in the form of gas, it is likely to reveal itself, and as it courses through the meridians it might scorch them—thereby negating any hope of hidden, imperceptible action."
"Senior Brother Zeng," another elder from the Si Xiang Peak calmly countered, "I believe Master Hua's selection of 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye' is quite sound. What you fear in terms of potential scorching can, in fact, be offset by the judicious use of 'Water Flyer.' Though I admit, I do have reservations about the compatibility of 'Bitter Stone Wood' and 'Green Root Powder' with this formula…"
A fourth elder, who had until this moment remained silent, spoke with measured authority, "Brother Fan, since you have observed these pearls for some time now, what is your assessment? I am inclined to believe that this poison might be counteracted with a formula comprising eighteen different herbs."
Yan Longzi, still holding one of the spirit pearls delicately in his hand as he observed the heated discussion among the elders, could only smile wryly. After a moment, his gaze shifted to the dark gray, water-like residue that clung to the surface of the pearl. Muttering under his breath, he said, "Shili Toxin Body, Shili Toxin Body… to think that two different toxins would each require such a complex synthesis from multiple rare herbs—and even incorporate demonic beast organs—is rather intriguing indeed. It appears that my junior brother's own discernment remains sharp."
Earlier, when the aforementioned Foundation Establishment cultivator had brought in Lü Qiutong, his expression had been one of deep contrition. He had attempted, at first, to dispel the toxin within Lü Qiutong's body; however, after his spiritual qi had navigated one circuit through Lü Qiutong's meridians, he found the poison extremely intractable. Even if he had succeeded in eliminating it, the process would have required several days—days during which Lü Qiutong would have been unable to participate further in the competition. Consequently, he had no choice but to deliver Lü Qiutong along with a few of the spirit pearls for external examination. Ultimately, it was only after every Golden Core elder had individually probed the scene with his own spiritual power that one elder eventually took decisive action and removed the toxin. Such is the difference between cultivation realms. Now, Li Yan's internal "Shili Twelve Toxins" continue to evolve and strengthen. Perhaps one day they might grow to such an extent that even our elders will be at a loss—indeed, they might even feel fear. Yan Longzi secretly hoped that Li Yan would advance to the Foundation Establishment stage as quickly as possible. However, he also acknowledged that when that day arrived, even he might find himself in a quandary—much as the supervising Foundation Establishment cultivator, who had to contend with Li Yan's toxic output, had experienced. Even so, in that thought there was a strange satisfaction for Yan Longzi.
At this point, on the stage of the Void Pavilion, Lü Qiutong was seen standing below with a pained expression, while a cadre of elders had positioned themselves around the scene. Some of these elders protected their palms with concentrated spiritual energy as they held the spirit pearls up for inspection, while others bowed their heads in deep contemplation.
Yan Longzi's hand, aglow with flickering spiritual light, carefully cradled one of the spirit pearls as his eyes roved over its surface. After several moments of prolonged observation, he raised his eyes and addressing those gathered below, said, "Lü Qiutong, you may now leave. We shall examine these six pearls, and once we have removed the toxin afflicting them, you should be able to restore them through a period of gentle nurturing."
Hearing these words, Lü Qiutong's heart swelled with joy. He had been utterly uncertain about how to remove the mysterious toxin clinging to his spirit pearls—even though his spiritual perception had already detected its peculiar presence, he had no idea how to eradicate it. He had even planned to secure the assistance of a senior elder immediately afterward, for if any more time passed, even if the toxin were to be removed eventually, the innate spiritual essence of the pearls might have been entirely eroded. Although these six spirit pearls were not his most prized instruments, they were nonetheless reliable and extremely useful. With the headmaster issuing such clear instructions, it was apparent that regardless of any ulterior motives, no one in the sect would ever covet a weapon like his. They would, in fact, envy him for it. Lü Qiutong, overjoyed by this prospect, bowed deeply and then turned to leave. Even as he departed, one thought made itself indelibly known to him: he would remember Li Yan from this day forward.
After Lü Qiutong had departed, Yan Longzi addressed those gathered—cultivators who were either intently scrutinizing the spirit pearls or lost in thoughtful meditation. "You have all observed the effects of the poison that afflicted Lü Qiutong's body. While we did not secure a firsthand sample of the toxin during its formation, its overwhelming potency is evident from the changes in his blood. As for the toxin attached to these pearls, I too confess that I have never witnessed anything of its kind before."
Master Hua from Bi Li Peak, who had maintained his closed eyes in meditation all this while, finally opened them slowly. "I have calculated that the viral element present in Lü Qiutong's blood should be counteracted by a concoction of twelve herbs—namely, 'Bitter Stone Wood,' 'Water Flyer,' and 'Green Root Powder'—along with three first-class mid-stage demonic beast organs, such as the 'Blue Ram Cheekbone' and the 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye.' However, since we did not obtain a firsthand sample of the original toxin, it remains unclear whether its initial form was predominantly gaseous or liquid."
A robust red-haired cultivator, wearing a displeased frown, interjected, "Master Hua, while several of those ingredients you mentioned are ones I can agree with, I do not believe that 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye,' 'Water Flyer,' and 'Green Root Powder' are entirely suitable for this application. Although 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye' can integrate rapidly with the bloodstream and effectively deplete oxygen, it is, by nature, a fire-element substance. Once it is released in gas form, it is extremely conspicuous—its passage through one's meridians would inevitably scorch them. There is simply no way for it to remain undetectable."
"Senior Brother Zeng," another elder from the Si Xiang Peak responded with measured calm, "I, however, think Master Hua's choice of 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye' is apt. The potential risk of scorching you mentioned can, in fact, be neutralized by employing 'Water Flyer.' I do have some reservations, though, regarding the combination of 'Bitter Stone Wood' and 'Green Root Powder' with the rest of the formula…"
A fourth elder, known as Brother Fan, then voiced his opinion, "After careful observation, I believe this toxin might require a remedy composed of eighteen different herbs. That might be the only viable solution."
Yan Longzi, whose eyes remained fixed on the spirit pearl in his hand as he listened to the elders' animated discussion, allowed himself a small, wry smile. He then turned his attention to the dark gray water droplets that now encrusted the surface of the pearl. Murmuring softly to himself, he repeated, "Shili Toxin Body—indeed, for both forms of this toxin to require a synthesis of such rare and precious herbs, perhaps even the inclusion of demonic beast organs, is quite significant. It seems that my junior brother's discernment remains as sharp as ever."
Earlier in the match, the Foundation Establishment cultivator who had escorted Lü Qiutong into this arena had appeared noticeably contrite. That very cultivator had attempted to dispel the toxin from within Lü Qiutong's body, but was soon frustrated as his spiritual qi circled through Lü Qiutong's system and found the poison extraordinarily tenacious. Even if he had succeeded, it would have taken several days—a delay that would have meant Lü Qiutong's disqualification from further rounds of the competition. As such, he had no choice but to deliver both Lü Qiutong and several spirit pearls for external analysis. Ultimately, it was only after each Golden Core elder had employed their own spiritual power to investigate the matter that a single elder stepped forward and managed to remove the toxin. This, of course, only underscores the disparity between cultivation realms. Li Yan's internal "Shili Twelve Toxins" continue to grow and evolve, and it is not entirely impossible that one day they may reach a level that renders even our elders helpless—or even fearful. Yan Longzi secretly hoped that Li Yan would soon break into the Foundation Establishment stage. Yet, he knew that once that day came, even his own abilities might be pushed to their limits—as the supervising Foundation Establishment cultivator had experienced when confronted with the toxin emanating from Li Yan's body. Even so, in that prospect there was a peculiar satisfaction for Yan Longzi.
At length, as the discussion among the elders grew more animated and the voice of scholarly debate echoed around the chamber, Lü Qiutong—his face now filled with contrition and uncertainty—stood beneath the suspended crystal screen. Some elders cradled the spirit pearls in their palms, their spiritual power swirling around them as they inspected every minute detail; others bowed their heads, lost in profound contemplation.
Yan Longzi's eyes, still fixed on the pearl he held, examined the thin layer of dark, ashen water that coated its surface. After several long, silent moments during which he made detailed observations, he finally raised his gaze to the uneasy figure of Lü Qiutong below. "You may take your leave now," Yan Longzi said in a gentle but resolute tone. "We have examined these six pearls and will remove the toxins attached to them. With proper restorative nurturing, they should regain their full spiritual potential."
At these words, Lü Qiutong's heart leaped with relief. He had been so troubled by the mysterious nature of the toxin afflicting his pearls—a toxin that his spiritual sense had detected yet which he could not understand how to eradicate. He had even considered seeking assistance from one of the senior elders immediately after the match; time was of the essence. For if too much time passed, even if the toxin could be removed later, the innate spiritual essence of the pearls might have been so thoroughly decayed as to render them completely useless. Though these six spirit pearls were not his most cherished instruments, they had proven to be exceedingly reliable. Now, with the headmaster's directives in place, it was clear that whether for ulterior motives or mere necessity, no one would covet an instrument like his. In fact, such an outcome would be most desirable. Lü Qiutong felt a surge of joy and gratitude. After a deep and respectful bow, he turned and departed. Yet in that very moment, as he closed the door on the arena, one thought was forever imprinted on his mind—he would remember Li Yan's uncanny abilities and his ingenious use of poison for a long time to come.
After Lü Qiutong had finished his exit, Yan Longzi surveyed the assembly with a calm yet authoritative tone. "You have all borne witness to the manner in which Lü Qiutong's body was afflicted by the poison. Although we did not obtain a firsthand sample of its initial formation, we can confirm that its omnipotent influence is evident from the alterations in his blood. As for the toxin that clings to these spirit pearls, I, too, am at a loss—its nature is wholly unfamiliar to me."
At that moment, Master Hua's eyes flickered open from their long meditation. "Based on my calculations," he began slowly, "the viral component present in Lü Qiutong's blood should be counteracted by a formula composed of twelve rare herbs—'Kushi Mu' (Bitter Stone Wood), 'Shui Feizi' (Water Flyer), 'Qing Ge Fen' (Green Root Powder)—along with, if necessary, three first-class intermediate-level demonic beast organs such as 'Qing Yang Jiao Gu' (Blue Ram Cheekbone) and 'Xue Feng Ying Yan' (Bloodwind Eagle Eye). Given that we have not secured an original sample of the toxin, it remains uncertain whether its primary form was gaseous or liquid."
A robust red-haired cultivator interjected once more, his voice tinged with disapproval, "Master Hua, while I can agree with portions of what you propose, I do not feel that the inclusion of 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye,' 'Water Flyer,' and 'Green Root Powder' are entirely admissible. Yes, 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye' can quickly blend with blood and cause a potent depletion of oxygen. Yet inherently, it is of the fire element. Once released in a gaseous state, it would be extremely overt. Its presence, when coursing through one's meridians, would roast them—a condition that markedly contradicts the notion of a toxin that remains unseen and insidious."
"Senior Brother Zeng," another elder offered his measured rebuke, "I am inclined to think that Master Hua's selection of 'Bloodwind Eagle Eye' is sound. Your concerns regarding scorching effects can be offset by the use of 'Water Flyer.' However, I must voice some minor reservations about the pairing with 'Bitter Stone Wood' and 'Green Root Powder'."
A fourth elder, known among the group for his incisive opinions, then remarked, "I propose that this toxin may require a remedy formulated from eighteen specific herbs."
Yan Longzi, still introspective with the spirit pearl cradled in his hand, allowed himself a slight, knowing smile. He then shifted his gaze to the dark, ashen liquid clinging to the pearl's surface and murmured, "The Shili Toxin Body—truly, its dual nature demands a combination of multiple rare herbs and even the integration of demonic beast organs. How interesting. It appears that my junior brother's insight remains remarkably acute."
Earlier in the match, when that same Foundation Establishment cultivator had initially led Lü Qiutong into the arena, his expression was marred by regret. He had attempted to dispel the toxin within Lü Qiutong's body as soon as he had brought him in. Yet despite his best efforts, once his spiritual qi had cycled through Lü Qiutong's internal passages, the poison proved exceptionally obstinate. Even if it could have been resolved, the process might have taken several days—time during which Lü Qiutong would have been forced to sit out the remainder of the competition. Thus, he had no alternative but to deliver Lü Qiutong alongside several spirit pearls for subsequent external treatment. Ultimately, it was only after a series of exploratory examinations by each Golden Core elder, employing their unique capacities for spiritual perception, that one elder finally managed to eliminate the toxin from Lü Qiutong. This outcome speaks volumes about the profound differences between cultivation levels. Li Yan's internal "Shili Twelve Toxins" continue to expand and evolve, and perhaps one day they will burgeon to such a degree that even the most venerable of our elders will find themselves confounded—or, dare I say it, even fearful. Yan Longzi secretly hoped that Li Yan's progress would soon surge to the Foundation Establishment stage. Yet he also understood that when that day arrived, even he might find his abilities stretched to their utmost limits—as demonstrated by the supervising Foundation Establishment cultivator's struggles with Li Yan's toxin. Nevertheless, in that prospect there was an undeniable sense of satisfaction.
And so, as the discussion among the elders gradually wound down and the assembled cultivators pondered the implications of what they had just witnessed, the stage of the Void Pavilion became a hive of scholarly debate and quiet astonishment. Some cultivators continued to discuss, in hushed tones, the nature of the unknown toxin that had afflicted Lü Qiutong's blood, speculating about its origins and potential countermeasures. Others took careful notes, their minds abuzz with questions regarding Li Yan's secret methods and the inherent properties of his self-devised "Tong Qi Lian Zhi."
In the end, the matter of these toxins was so wrapped in mystery that even the most articulate among them admitted that much remained unknown. What was clear, however, was that Li Yan had not only managed to secure a stunning victory over Lü Qiutong but had done so by employing a special technique that melded his knowledge of water-based immortal arts with the subtle introduction of a custom-engineered toxin. This toxin, "Tong Qi Lian Zhi," was so finely balanced that in the ensuing clash of water and fire—even as sluices of water vapor mingled with the searing flames—the faint presence of an additional toxin went unnoticed by all but the most perceptive Golden Core cultivators. The Foundation Establishment disciples, for all their efforts, were nearly at a loss to notice the subtle differences in the vapor's composition. It took a while before the supervising Foundation Establishment cultivator even recognized that something was amiss; only after several moments of pondering did he conclude that the strange, lingering mist contained within it a toxin that was alien to him. At first, he had assumed that the peculiar poison afflicting the spirit pearls was simply a byproduct of Lü Qiutong's peculiar method. However, in time, he realized that what he was seeing was far more subtle and intricate than that.
Thus, as the final vestiges of the battle faded into a lingering silence, the assembled cultivators – those seasoned enough to be unimpressed by mere display of power and those still young enough to be awestruck – gradually began to grasp the profound implications of what had transpired. Li Yan, having secured his victory through both ingenuity and a well-timed deployment of his custom toxin, now had to face the reality that his internal "Shili Twelve Toxins" were still in flux. They were evolving—quietly but inexorably—and perhaps one day, they might evolve to an extent that would leave even the revered elders muttering in dismay and wary apprehension.
For now, however, Li Yan had earned much more than a simple win. In the eyes of his peers, his strategic use of water vapor to mask a faint additional toxin, his cunning in manipulating the flow of enemy qi, and his ability to turn a moment of apparent misfortune—when an opponent inhaled what he assumed was merely "Chuan Po Deng" toxin—into an opportunity to strike decisively had left an indelible mark on everyone present. Even as his friends now clapped him on the shoulder and murmured praise over his victory, Li Yan's mind was already racing ahead to future challenges, to further mastery of his internal toxins, and to the possibility that the very techniques which all the elders had so painstakingly studied might one day evolve beyond even their collective understanding.
As the assembly slowly dispersed, with cultivators from every peak chattering animatedly about the revolutionary nature of Li Yan's method, the scene at the Void Pavilion took on the aura of a turning point—a moment when the established order of cultivation might, perhaps for the first time in a long while, be forced to reckon with a new form of power. Li Yan's victory, while currently celebrated as a stroke of sheer luck, would undoubtedly be dissected and analyzed by senior elders in countless subsequent discussions. Beyond the immediate tactical marvel, his method embodied a paradigm shift: one that challenged the rigid doctrines of elemental opposition and elevated the subtle art of toxin application to an entirely new plane.
In the days and weeks that followed, whispers spread throughout the sects regarding Li Yan's unconventional methods. Some speculated that his "Tong Qi Lian Zhi" toxin might one day be refined into a potent secret technique too dangerous to be taught openly, while others fretted that the evolving nature of his internal toxins—the infamous "Shili Twelve Toxins"—might one day spiral out of his control. For now, however, the focus was on studying the remnants of that fateful battle, on collecting and analyzing every drop of toxin and every shard of insight that might be gleaned from the surviving spirit pearls.
One thing was unequivocal: Li Yan had proven, in that single dramatic duel, that even in a realm governed by the ancient rules of elemental conflict, innovation could overturn centuries of tradition. His ability to blend the seemingly disparate elements of water and poison, to exploit the very properties of water vapor as a carrier for a nearly undetectable toxin, had turned the tide of battle so completely that even his fiercest adversaries were forced to acknowledge the brilliance of his strategy.
As the discussion among the elders continued in earnest—debating the precise herbal formulations that might counteract the newly observed toxins, speculating on the potential long-term repercussions for Li Yan's internal cultivation, and even questioning whether similar techniques might one day be employed by other cultivators—one clear theme emerged: The world of cultivation was on the verge of transformation. Ancient doctrines were being challenged by new ideas, and a new age of martial prowess was dawning.
In that moment of quiet after the storm, as the last vestiges of combat faded into memory and the crystal screen's images dissolved into silence, Li Yan sat deep in meditation, his mind still swirling with the adrenaline of his recent triumph. He knew that every breath he took was a step further along a path whose true destination was yet unknown—a path that might one day redefine not only his own destiny but that of the entire cultivation world.
And so, with the spirit pearls safely gathered, the toxic essences slowly being studied by those elder experts, and the murmured discussions of possibility echoing through the halls of the sect, Li Yan's victory was not seen merely as a personal triumph. It was regarded as a portent of radical change—a harbinger of a new era, in which even the most venerable traditions could be upended by the force of innovative thought and daring action.
Thus, the scene closed on that fateful day at the Void Pavilion, leaving behind more questions than answers. But for those present, one thought rang clear: Li Yan's unorthodox methods, his courageous willingness to experiment with and integrate the elements of poison and water, had set him on a course that none could ignore. His journey—from that moment forward—would be one of continuous evolution, a testament to the limitless possibilities of innovation in a world bound by ancient power.
As the assembled elders slowly dispersed to deliberate further over the mysteries uncovered in the battle, many could not help but feel that they had witnessed something extraordinary—a glimpse of a future where the rigid boundaries of elemental doctrines might be redrawn by the daring and the ingenious. And though many of them vowed to probe the details and study the toxins further, none were quite as quick to admit, in hushed tones among themselves, that a new force had appeared on the horizon—a force embodied in the quiet determination and unexpected brilliance of Li Yan.