Li Xue swiftly produced a stack of talismans and brandished them, provocatively shouting at Dongfang Jing, "You brat, come at me again if you have the guts!"
Dongfang Jing wrenched himself free from Lin Feng and Yu Bin’s grasp. Straightening his back, he retorted, "As if I’d be afraid of you!" With that, he reached into his storage bag and pulled out a thick bundle of talismans—it looked like he had several dozen.
At this sight, the expressions of the cultivators on both sides shifted drastically. If these two spendthrifts actually threw all those talismans, no one would come out unscathed. Everyone immediately activated their strongest defenses, remaining hyper-vigilant and ready to bolt at a moment's notice.
"Junior Brother Dongfang, I think it’s best if we don't use talismans!" Lin Feng urged.
"Didn't you see her challenge me?" Dongfang Jing snapped, shooting Lin Feng a glare. Lin Feng rubbed his nose, rendered speechless.
Meanwhile, Ji Rufeng, Yu Ming, and Yun Mingxuan quickly moved to Li Xue’s side, falling into a defensive formation.
"Wait, what happened to Senior Brother Wang?" Lin Hao pointed toward Wang Junhou, who had been caught in the previous talisman explosion.
Lin Feng, Yu Bin, and Dongfang Jing didn't even spare him a glance; they remained locked in a stare-down with Li Xue’s group. Wang Junhou and Chu Peng were more trouble than they were worth—if not for them, things wouldn't have escalated to this point. Usually, those two bullied others based on their sect's power, and most people would swallow their pride to keep the peace. Today, however, they had kicked a steel plate by provoking the Yunjing Sect. This would serve as a lesson for them; it would be best if they spent the next century in recovery so they couldn't drag the rest of the group into more trouble.
Li Xue steeled her heart. *Fine, if this man wants to throw talismans like a woman, I’ll make sure he chokes on them today.* She swiftly pulled a specific talisman from her storage bracelet and infused it with spiritual energy. Instantly, a powerful pressure surged toward the opposition.
"Not good! That’s a Core Treasure! A Core Treasure from a Golden Core cultivator!" Lin Feng’s eyes widened at the sight. He frantically slapped several more defensive talismans onto himself, and the other cultivators followed suit.
A Core Treasure was a type of Talisman Treasure created by Golden Core cultivators who had no hope of reaching the Nascent Soul stage. They were crafted using a third of the creator's own cultivation base, and their power was staggering. Generally, they could be used three to five times, with each strike carrying a third of the power of a true Golden Core attack. They were considered the pinnacle of talismans—priceless and rarely seen on the market. This particular Core Treasure had been gifted to Li Xue by Daoist Yuhong for self-defense before she entered the Tianyuan Secret Realm.
Li Xue raised an eyebrow at Dongfang Jing, her meaning clear. Dongfang Jing suddenly let out a dry chuckle and quickly produced a talisman of his own. The surrounding cultivators stared with bulging eyes. Clearly, it was another Core Treasure. The faces of everyone present turned even more ashen.
"Sister Li, let’s forget it. This level of power is too much; we won't be able to withstand the fallout!" Yun Mingxuan said, swallowing hard. He wondered who this Dongfang fellow really was to possess such immense wealth. *Dongfang... wait.* He recalled that there was a Daoist Mingyuan in the Wuling Sect who also shared the surname Dongfang. His expression soured further; it was said that Daoist Mingyuan was even more protective and difficult to deal with than Great-Uncle Yuhong.
In truth, Li Xue felt a pang of regret the moment she saw her opponent produce a Core Treasure. This level of power was far beyond a standard skirmish. Furthermore, they didn't have a life-and-death grudge against the Wuling Sect; the two who had been foul-mouthed were already severely injured, which was satisfaction enough. However, she couldn't be the first to withdraw her Core Treasure; if the opponent decided to strike, she would be in deep trouble.
Lin Feng and Yu Bin also rushed to persuade Dongfang Jing. Dongfang Jing looked at Li Xue suspiciously. Seeing that she wasn't making a move, he warily began to put his Core Treasure away. Li Xue followed suit, stowing hers just as quickly.
Yun Mingxuan stepped forward and said, "Everyone, if you still wish to fight, then state your terms!"
At this point, no one wanted to continue. Knowing the other side possessed Core Treasures, who could possibly gain the upper hand? Dongfang Jing looked at Li Xue with a smug expression. Li Xue rolled her eyes—what was wrong with this man? What was there to be smug about?
Dongfang Jing chuckled. "If you want to compare collections, I have more of these!" He reached into his storage bag and brandished yet another talisman.
Li Lin’s eyes narrowed. Before Dongfang Jing could even begin to channel his spiritual energy, a *shua* sounded as a flying sword lunged forward like a bolt of lightning.
The Wuling Sect members never expected another sudden conflict, and Li Lin’s sword was simply too fast. They didn't even have time to react. Dongfang Jing was clearly caught off guard as well. After being struck, his eyes went wide. He pointed a trembling finger at Li Lin and cried out hoarsely, "You... you are a Pill Cultivator! How can you use a flying sword?!"
With those words, he collapsed.
The surrounding cultivators felt as if a metaphorical flock of crows had just flown over their heads. Since when was there a rule that Pill Cultivators couldn't use flying swords?
Li Lin replied indifferently, "I am not a Pill Cultivator. I am merely an Alchemist."
Black lines practically appeared on the foreheads of the Wuling Sect cultivators. They glared at Li Lin with burning fury. *You’re an Alchemist but you say you aren't a Pill Cultivator? Was that alchemical poison you released earlier just to ward off mosquitoes?!*
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 丹宝 | Core Treasure | A high-level talisman (Fubao) created by a Golden Core (Jiedan) cultivator using a portion of their cultivation. |
| 结丹 | Golden Core | The cultivation stage after Foundation Establishment. |
| 元婴 | Nascent Soul | The cultivation stage after Golden Core. |
| 符宝 | Talisman Treasure | A consumable magic item that contains the power of a high-level cultivator's treasure. |
| 玉泓道人 | Daoist Yuhong | A senior figure from the Yunjing Sect. |
| 天源秘境 | Tianyuan Secret Realm | A previously mentioned secret location for cultivation/exploration. |
| 明远道人 | Daoist Mingyuan | A senior figure from the Wuling Sect, likely related to Dongfang Jing. |
| 丹修 | Pill Cultivator | A cultivator who specializes in the path of pills/alchemy as their primary combat/cultivation method. |
| 炼丹师 | Alchemist | A general term for one who refines pills/elixirs. |
| 丹毒 | Alchemical Poison | Poison derived from pills or the alchemy process. |
