Chapter 150: The Ninefold Soul Tower

A blatant and shameless excuse, nothing more.

Three days had passed before Han Yi learned of the news.

"So, the Profound Pill Sect's immediate concern is the Heavenly Soul Sect's provocation?" Han Yi frowned.

Feng Jingyu stood beside him, his face twisted with anger and a hint of helplessness.

For him—no, for all Profound Pill Sect cultivators—three days ago had brought a sudden and inexplicable disaster: the death of a Golden Core Stage Supreme Elder.

The Profound Pill Sect, including the Sect Leader, had only nine Golden Core cultivators. While the Sect had recruited two additional Golden Core Consultant Elders, the word "Consultant" preceding their honorary titles now revealed their true nature: they were merely collaborators, whose commitment in a life-or-death crisis remained uncertain.

In essence, the Sect had suddenly lost one-ninth of its top-tier combat strength.

Moreover, the most infuriating aspect was the Heavenly Soul Sect's shameless public announcement. Twisting the truth and launching a counter-accusation, they had caught the Profound Pill Sect disciples completely off guard and filled them with righteous fury.

Until recently, the Profound Pill Sect had been united in its resolve to focus all its efforts on confronting the Blood God Sect.

But now, with the twenty-year deadline agreed upon with the Blood God Sect rapidly approaching, an unexpected complication had arisen: the Heavenly Soul Sect had suddenly intervened. This development filled the Profound Pill Sect with both fury and bewilderment.

The Heavenly Soul Sect, based in Ancient Creek County and Sanyuan County within Shu Prefecture, with its primary influence centered in Ancient Creek County, was a sect whose overall strength rivaled that of the Blood God Sect. Moreover, their secret arts primarily targeted the Divine Soul, employing bizarre and unpredictable methods that could catch opponents completely off guard.

Due to the unique nature of the Heavenly Soul Sect's techniques, cultivators from other sects in the Cultivation World generally avoided confronting them whenever possible.

"Indeed, as Junior Brother Han has observed, our sect must now contend not only with the Blood God Sect but also with the Heavenly Soul Sect," Feng Jingyu sighed. "Facing enemies on two fronts... the situation looks bleak."

Han Yi, standing beside him, fell silent.

Earlier that day, Han Yi had intended to visit the Azure Dragon Palace to exchange his Sect Points for a Divine Soul Secret Technique. Through his experiences battling Demon Cultivators in the Myriad Stars Sea, he had realized that as his Cultivation Realm advanced, combat no longer relied solely on physical prowess and Mana; it increasingly involved the mysterious and unpredictable Divine Soul.

Moreover, a powerful Divine Soul plays a crucial role both during the Foundation Establishment Advancement and in refining Foundation Establishment Pills afterward.

Han Yi had even learned that by the Nascent Soul and Transformation God Stages, if one's physical body were destroyed, they could survive solely with their Divine Soul, without needing to possess another body.

However, upon entering the Azure Dragon Palace, Han Yi immediately sensed an oppressive, suffocating atmosphere.

Just then, Senior Brother Feng Jingyu, whom Han Yi had met briefly before during the Jade Capital Mountain Grotto-Heaven Trial, hurried out of the palace. After stopping Feng Jingyu, Han Yi finally learned about the earth-shattering events that had unfolded three days prior.

Over the years, Feng Jingyu had advanced from an Advanced Ninth Layer cultivator to Peak Qi Refining, even securing forty-first place on the Earth Ranking. Yet his attitude toward Han Yi was noticeably less casual, tinged with a hint of reverence.

Han Yi clearly perceived this shift but remained unaffected. His tone and demeanor were unchanged from their first encounter years ago.

"Junior Brother Han," Feng Jingyu said, "I have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave. If you ever have the time, please do me the honor of letting me treat you to a drink."

Feng Jingyu clasped his hands in greeting, his aloof demeanor softening. It was unclear whether this change stemmed from his awareness of Han Yi's situation or from the cumulative effect of years of experience, which had subtly reshaped his personality.

Han Yi returned the gesture, watching as Feng Jingyu hurried out of the Azure Dragon Palace, his hurried steps betraying the urgency of his mission.

Standing alone, Han Yi observed the Inner Sect disciples passing by, their faces grave and their footsteps hurried and slightly disordered.

"The Heavenly Soul Sect," Han Yi murmured to himself, suddenly realizing that the significance of his current mission had multiplied tenfold.

He had originally come to exchange Sect Points for a Divine Soul Secret Technique. Feng Jingyu's words made it clear that the Profound Pill Sect would inevitably clash with the Heavenly Soul Sect.

Han Yi had witnessed firsthand in the Myriad Stars Sea how Demon Cultivators could have their physical bodies destroyed, yet their Demon Souls could detach and roam freely—a form of Divine Soul attack that struck with shocking unpredictability. If the Patrolling True Monarch hadn't been present, Han Yi wouldn't have known how to defend against it.

The Heavenly Soul Sect was no stranger to Han Yi. As fellow Golden Core Stage Sects in Shu Prefecture, though geographically separated by the north-south divide, their Divine Soul Secret Techniques held immense renown throughout the cultivation world, making them impossible to ignore.

If war truly erupted, Han Yi knew he would inevitably face cultivators from the Heavenly Soul Sect. Even their Qi Refining disciples, he suspected, would possess more formidable Divine Souls than those from other sects.

The importance of acquiring a Divine Soul Secret Technique was self-evident.

Moreover, Han Yi felt a growing sense of urgency.

With the twenty-year deadline set by the Blood God Sect rapidly approaching, he couldn't believe the Heavenly Soul Sect's unusual activity was happening without their involvement.

It seemed that despite the Profound Pill Sect's numerous countermeasures over the years, the Blood God Sect hadn't been idle either. In the final hour, they had even brought the Heavenly Soul Sect into the fold.

He wondered about the Primal Beast Sect, historically an ally of the Profound Pill Sect. What would be their resolve and the extent of their support?

A multitude of thoughts flickered through Han Yi's mind like dying embers. After a moment, he sighed inwardly and turned toward the duty window of the Azure Dragon Palace.

Two and a half years earlier, Han Yi had turned over the corpses of several Ninth-Tier Demon Beasts and the Fire Phoenix Demon he had hunted in the Myriad Stars Sea to the sect. In exchange, he had received over 1.3 million Sect Points. Instead of immediately redeeming them for cultivation resources or Spirit Stones, he had chosen to save them.

Han Yi had planned to first cultivate to Peak Qi Refining before considering learning a Divine Soul Secret Technique. However, to focus solely on advancing his cultivation realm, he had refrained from immediately redeeming one, fearing it would distract him.

This time, his sole purpose was to acquire a Divine Soul Secret Technique. Moreover, after learning about the Heavenly Soul Sect from Feng Jingyu earlier, he felt even more urgency about this exchange.

Moments later, guided by the on-duty steward, Han Yi entered the meditation chamber of the elder presiding for the day.

Han Yi's eyes flashed with surprise. The elder was none other than Gu Yu.

Gu Yu recognized Han Yi, his gaze flickering. After inquiring about the purpose of his visit, he fell into thoughtful silence.

"Han Yi, you must have heard about the Heavenly Soul Sect and come to exchange for a Divine Soul Technique," Gu Yu remarked.

Han Yi didn't deny it. Regardless of his true motives, he was indeed here to obtain a Divine Soul Technique.

After a moment of contemplation, Gu Yu slowly stated, "For you, the Divine Soul is undoubtedly your most glaring weakness."

"The Profound Pill Sect possesses numerous Divine Soul Techniques, also known as Soul Techniques. However, only a few are suitable for ordinary Qi Refining Stage cultivators, as they involve the Divine Soul and are typically used by those at the Foundation Establishment Stage or higher."

"Within our Sect, Qi Refining disciples generally choose to study only two Soul Techniques: the Soul-Startling Art and the Seven Emotions Soul Seal."

"However, your situation is unique. As a Legendary Qi Refining cultivator, you may select an additional technique: the Ninefold Soul Tower."

"First, the Soul-Startling Art. This technique is well-suited for ordinary Qi Refining Stage cultivators. Its upper limit isn't high, but its advantage lies in its low training difficulty. Even Late-Stage Qi Refining disciples can practice it, and mastering the basics is straightforward. However, its power is only average."

"Second, the Seven Emotions Soul Seal. This technique is more challenging than the Soul-Startling Art. It requires condensing the seven most intense human emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, love, hatred, and desire—into Soul Seals. Each successfully condensed seal increases the technique's power exponentially."

"The Seven Emotions Soul Seal isn't overly difficult to learn in principle. It involves condensing Soul Seals using a cultivator's strongest emotions, and its upper limit is quite high. If you truly manage to condense all seven seals, you can even merge them into a single, unified soul. However, this technique relies entirely on a cultivator's Comprehension. Most practitioners choose to temper themselves through mundane experiences, which can take a considerable amount of time."

"The third path is the Ninefold Soul Tower, an exceptionally powerful legacy. Its entry requirements are exceedingly high, but upon initiation, a nine-tiered illusory Soul Tower will materialize within your Divine Soul. As you cultivate, each tier of this Soul Tower gradually solidifies into a Soul Heaven."

"With each solidified Soul Heaven, you gain a Soul Technique. These techniques are not fixed but rather appear to be randomly bestowed. Therefore, calling the Ninefold Soul Tower a 'Soul Technique' is inaccurate; it's more fitting to describe it as a comprehensive legacy."

"Furthermore, each time a tier of the Soul Tower solidifies, your Divine Soul undergoes a transformation. After nine such transformations, the cohesion of your Divine Soul will approach that of the Nascent Soul Stage."

"This is a Divine Soul Secret Technique that directly leads to the Nascent Soul Stage, suitable not only for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators but also for those in the Golden Core and Nascent Soul Stages."

"However, within our Sect, only a handful of individuals have mastered this legacy. To my knowledge, only the Sect Leader, one Supreme Elder, and three Foundation Establishment Stage Elders have cultivated it."

"Originally, this Soul Technique was not open to Qi Refining cultivators. The Sect Leader once stated that throughout history, only a few legendary Qi Refining cultivators had managed to initiate it. There were no precedents for other Qi Refining disciples attempting it. However, you now possess legendary strength and are qualified to cultivate it."

"For the past sixty years, whenever a legendary Qi Refining cultivator has emerged within the Sect, we have recommended this legacy to them."

"Because, according to legend, cultivating this Soul Technique also involves a First-Grade Immortal Foundation."

Gu Yu looked up at Han Yi, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes.

"A First-Grade Immortal Foundation?" Han Yi asked, surprised.

"Exactly, Han Yi. I believe you're familiar with the requirements. Normally, achieving a First-Grade Immortal Foundation through one's own efforts requires a perfect combination of innate talent, strength, fortune, and root bone. Apart from self-cultivation, there's also inheritance. While inheritance can grant a First-Grade Immortal Foundation, the resulting Spirit Sea phenomenon is essentially borrowed, not perfectly aligned with one's own unique qualities."

"Whether achieved through personal cultivation or inheritance, the phenomena representing a First-Grade Immortal Foundation always manifest in the Spirit Sea."

"Therefore," Gu Yu paused, then continued, "if the Spirit Sea, formed by the connection between the Middle and Lower Dantians, can produce phenomena, why can't the Upper Dantian—the dwelling place of the Divine Soul—generate its own phenomena?"

Han Yi felt a jolt of realization.

Indeed, he had never questioned this before. It had always been tacitly assumed that phenomena only appeared in the Spirit Sea. The Upper Dantian, also known as the Sea of Consciousness, housed the Divine Soul—a realm of profound mystery. The idea of phenomena arising in such an enigmatic domain seemed inconceivable.

Gu Yu, noticing Han Yi's thoughtful expression, continued, "Just as you suspected, there is indeed a third method for forging a First-Grade Immortal Foundation. However, throughout history, success with this approach has been exceedingly rare."

"This method involves inheriting a Soul Technique and, during the Foundation Establishment process, condensing a Divine Soul Phenomenon within the Upper Dantian—the Sea of Consciousness."

"The legendary Ninefold Soul Tower legacy is said to possess precisely such a heaven-defying effect."

"Speaking of this Soul Technique, it also has ties to the Heavenly Soul Sect. It originated from the Soul Hall of the Great Qin Holy Land. According to legend, the Heavenly Soul Sect's founding Ancestral Master obtained this legacy from a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator who emerged from the Soul Hall. By mastering numerous Soul Techniques, he was able to establish the sect."

"Our Sect Leader acquired this Soul Technique by chance during his travels in Great Qin. The Soul Hall doesn't mind their Soul Techniques circulating beyond their walls."

"I've explained the difficulty, prerequisites, minimum potential, and maximum potential of all three Soul Techniques. You may choose any one to study."

With that, Gu Yu quietly waited for Han Yi to make his decision.

Han Yi didn't hesitate.

Han Yi had long abandoned any illusions about obtaining a First-Grade Immortal Foundation. At the True Dawn Grand Void Heaven, he had exchanged his Jade Capital Grand Void Token for a Stone Insect that could improve his Root Bone, missing the opportunity to inherit a First-Grade Immortal Foundation.

Yet he harbored no regrets.

Prior to this, he had extensively researched Foundation Establishment, forming a rough plan for his own advancement. He knew a First-Grade Immortal Foundation was impossible; his Golden Finger, the Proficiency Panel, only enhanced his skills, offering no direct benefits to his cultivation realm, mana, or Dantian.

His original plan was to reach the peak of Qi Refining, optimize his condition, and advance to Foundation Establishment before the twenty-year deadline with the Blood God Sect approached, giving himself more means of survival.

But when he learned about the third method of Foundation Establishment, Han Yi's heart raced.

A First-Grade Immortal Foundation through skills? If true, all it required was grinding Proficiency! With such a path open, what reason remained for hesitation?

"Elder Gu, I choose the Ninefold Soul Tower," Han Yi declared.

Gu Yu nodded predictably. "Good. With such ambition, I was right about you. The Ninefold Soul Tower Secret Art isn't in my possession, as I've never cultivated it myself. I'll need to report this request to the Supreme Elder."

"This Soul Technique requires ten million Sect Points."

Han Yi's eyelid twitched. Ten million Sect Points—equivalent to one and a half million Low-Grade Spirit Stones, or fifteen thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stones—was an astronomical sum. Even a Legendary Cultivator would struggle to amass that much.

This is utterly outrageous.

But then he remembered Gu Yu's words: this Soul Technique was specifically designed for cultivators about to enter the Foundation Establishment Stage. Given its purpose, the exorbitant point cost made sense.

Before Han Yi could respond, Gu Yu continued, "However, you needn't worry. This Soul Technique is special; you can acquire the Sect Points on credit."

Han Yi couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. It seemed as if Gu Yu had anticipated his choice of the Ninefold Soul Tower all along—as if this were some kind of trap.

Still, he trusted that Gu Yu wouldn't lie about the First-Grade Immortal Foundation or the Soul Technique. He'd know for sure once he obtained it and tried it for himself.

If it proved genuine, Han Yi would still choose this Soul Technique, regardless of any hidden complications.

After all, the allure of a First-Grade Immortal Foundation was simply too enticing to pass up.

Upon confirming his choice, Han Yi's Sect Points were reduced by 1.3 million, leaving him with a staggering debt of 8.7 million points to the Sect—a monumental burden indeed.

The next day, as arranged, Han Yi ascended Profound Pill Peak. This time, Supreme Elder Qin Wuxian was overseeing the Profound Pill Hall. Han Yi had only seen him once before and never formally greeted him.

"Disciple Han Yi of Azure Dragon Peak pays his respects to Martial Uncle Qin," Han Yi said, bowing deeply to the middle-aged cultivator seated cross-legged on a meditation cushion in the center of the hall.

Qin Wuxian opened his eyes and gazed at Han Yi, a peculiar glint flickering in his gaze.

"Yuan Shun mentioned you to us."

Han Yi's eyelid twitched involuntarily at these words.

Qin Wuxian didn't elaborate.

"The inheritance from the Ninefold Soul Tower is unique. It requires Hengyuan Ancient Jade as a medium for inscription. Each piece of Hengyuan Ancient Jade is no less valuable than a Foundation Establishment Pill. Moreover, successfully extracting this Soul Technique requires the protection of a Golden Core cultivator."

"In my view, ten million Sect Points is insufficient. You must cherish this opportunity."

"Sit down, close your eyes, and calm your mind."

Qin Wuxian's words deepened Han Yi's appreciation for the Soul Technique. If even a Golden Core cultivator considered the exchange price too low, he must have misjudged Gu Yu. He had indeed gained a bargain.

Han Yi followed Qin Wuxian's instructions, walking forward and sitting cross-legged directly opposite him, then closing his eyes.

Inside the hall, Qin Wuxian flipped his left hand, revealing an ancient, rustic purple jade. He gently tossed it into the air, where it hovered. With a tap of his finger, a phantom projection emerged from the jade and, guided by Qin Wuxian's will, descended upon the meditating Han Yi.

Han Yi's body jolted. Within his Sea of Consciousness, a phantom Soul Tower suddenly materialized—imposing yet ethereal, seeming both real and illusory, leaving Han Yi perplexed and unable to grasp its true nature.

As the phantom Soul Tower took shape, countless insights flooded his mind.

"That's enough," Qin Wuxian said. "Reflect on this thoroughly once you return. Do not squander the Sect's investment in you. You may go."

Han Yi opened his eyes to find Qin Wuxian waving his hand. The world blurred, and he was instantly transported to the foot of Profound Pill Peak.

He bowed respectfully toward the mist-shrouded Profound Pill Sect before turning and swiftly departing. Back in his courtyard on Azure Dragon Peak, he immediately began consolidating the newly acquired Soul Technique.