Chapter 34 - The Small Five Elements Sword Formation
Chapter 34: The Small Five Elements Sword Formation
During his battle with Xiao Yu, Li Xun had unleashed an array of magical treasures from his storage pouch. As the favoured prodigy of Blazing Sky Valley, he was laden with valuable artefacts, and his storage pouch undoubtedly held more treasures.
“This storage pouch is mine now.”
Using an artefact manipulation spell, Xiao Yu summoned the pouch into his hand.
With Li Xun now dead, the storage pouch had become an ownerless object. Xiao Yu effortlessly performed a blood recognition ritual to claim ownership, making all its contents his.
Whoosh!
With a wave of his sleeve, a burst of alchemical fire engulfed Li Xun’s corpse, reducing it to ashes. No evidence remained, leaving no trace of the battle.
“Alchemical fire!”
“Senior Brother Xiao, so you’re actually a Golden Core cultivator!”
Zhang Fanchén gazed at Xiao Yu with admiration, his eyes alight with awe.
In that moment, Xiao Yu’s stature grew immensely in Zhang’s eyes. Already prone to self-doubt, Zhang felt even more inadequate in comparison.
“Exactly! I was worried for nothing earlier,” Jingang chimed in, his voice booming. “With Senior Brother Xiao’s incredible powers and formidable treasures, how could any demon possibly stand a chance?”
Even now, Zhang Fanchén and Jingang still believed Li Xun was a demon. It wasn’t their fault—after all, demons who had cultivated for three to five centuries could assume human form. Without a demon-revealing mirror, it was nearly impossible to discern the truth.
“Gentlemen, the matter here is resolved, and the town is safe once more. What are your plans going forward?”
As Xiao Yu secured the storage pouch, he smiled and asked.
He had a favourable impression of Zhang Fanchén and Jingang. If circumstances allowed, he wouldn’t mind befriending them.
“I plan to return to Zhuxian Mountain to continue cultivating under my master,” Zhang Fanchén replied. He had been away from the sect for quite some time and missed his Senior Sister, Shui Ling, dearly.
“And you, Jingang?” Xiao Yu asked, turning to the large man.
“I don’t plan to return to the Jingang Sect for now,” Jingang said. “I’ve heard of a family in Qinchuan—the Fang family—and their young master, Fang Lansheng, who’s seeking a teacher to learn immortality. I’m planning to try my luck there.”
[Fang (方): A common Chinese surname, meaning “square,” “direction,” or “method.” Symbolically, it can represent integrity, uprightness, or stability. Lan (兰): Meaning “orchid,” a flower highly regarded in Chinese culture for its elegance, fragrance, and association with virtue. Orchids symbolize refinement, nobility, and inner strength. They are often linked to scholars and cultured individuals. Sheng (生): Meaning “life,” “birth,” or “growth.” It conveys a sense of vitality, renewal, and potential.]
He patted his belly as he spoke, his expression suggesting he hoped to enjoy a wealthy family’s hospitality. Given his prodigious appetite, the Fang family might be one of the few that wouldn’t be bankrupted by his meals.
“It seems we must part ways here,” Xiao Yu said with a hint of regret. “I have a mission from my master to reinforce the formations at Iron Pillar Temple, so I cannot accompany you.”
“That’s truly a pity,” Zhang Fanchén and Jingang said, clearly disappointed.
Still, they understood that Xiao Yu was bound by his responsibilities. Their paths were destined to diverge.
“It was fate that brought us together. If you ever have time, feel free to visit me at Tianyong City. I’ll make sure to treat you well,” Xiao Yu said with a warm smile.
Zhang Fanchén, though reserved, had a kind heart. Jingang, though rough around the edges, was genuine and straightforward. Xiao Yu appreciated their companionship.
“Absolutely!” Zhang Fanchén said, cupping his hands in respect.
“Senior Brother Xiao, when the time comes, you’d better prepare Tianyong City’s best wine and food. I’ll eat to my heart’s content!” Jingang laughed heartily.
All good things must come to an end.
After sharing a few more words, Xiao Yu bid them farewell. Mounting his Lightweight Immortal Sword, he soared into the night sky and landed on a distant green mountain a hundred miles away.
Upon reaching the mountain, Xiao Yu quickly drew his sword, carving into the cliff face with swift precision. Within moments, a cave-dwelling was chiselled into the rock.
“Not bad,” he muttered, satisfied with his handiwork.
He set up eight formation flags within the cave walls, instantly activating a protective array to safeguard his temporary home.
“Time to check what’s inside Li Xun’s storage pouch,” Xiao Yu said, settling into a meditative posture.
Retrieving the pouch, he sent his divine sense into it, eager to inventory his spoils.
“Ha! So many treasures!”
Xiao Yu’s eyes sparkled with delight.
The storage pouch contained an astonishing variety of items: magical tools, manuals, pills, spiritual stones, medicinal herbs, and crafting materials—it was a veritable treasure trove.
“All mine now!”
Xiao Yu’s eyes gleamed with excitement.
Like a corrupt official gloating over his ill-gotten gains, he began examining each item, his smile widening with every discovery.
As a prodigy of Blazing Sky Valley, Li Xun’s collection included many rare alchemical ingredients: Dragon Beard Grass, Clear Spirit Leaves, White Frost Flowers, and more.
There were also crafting materials aplenty: Iron Essence, Copper Essence, Gold Essence, Obsidian, Diamond Sand, and more.
In addition, the pouch held a wealth of ready-made items: over a hundred bottles of Qi Gathering Pills, seventy packets of Spirit Condensation Powder, more than forty bottles of Golden Wound Medicine, over a hundred low-grade flying swords, and over twenty middle-grade spears.
Due to the sheer variety, Xiao Yu transferred everything into his storage pouch without examining each item in detail. He also found fifty high-grade spiritual stones, which he happily pocketed.
“What’s this? The Small Five Elements Sword Formation?”
[Small Five Elements Sword Formation (小五行剑阵, Xiǎo Wǔxíng Jiànzhèn): A formation technique that utilizes the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) to create a powerful and coordinated sword attack.]