Cultivating with Top Enlightenment Chapter 668 - 295: Starfusion Radiance Technique

Leader of the Celestial Star Upper Sect, Xia Tianhe, had barely departed from the Cyan Profound Immortal Sect moments ago.

Having soared only a brief way forward, without even losing sight of the Cyan Profound Immortal Sect, he was stunned to spot Sikong Qing's silhouette emerging from the distant horizon, hurrying back in haste.

Xia Tianhe felt immense shock; wasn't Sikong Qing meant to head toward the Infinite Sword Sect? What caused this abrupt turnaround?

In no time at all, the pair crossed paths midway.

When Xia Tianhe got a closer look at Sikong Qing, he recoiled in alarm.

Prior to his departure, Sikong Qing exuded full assurance, yet now his disheveled white locks, ashen skin, and battered features painted a grim picture.

His garments hung in shreds, his energy fluctuated wildly, as though he could scarcely hold onto his Unity Realm level of cultivation.

"Senior Sikong, you..."

Xia Tianhe quickly halted and offered a respectful bow while questioning.

Even without knowing the details of what occurred, he surmised that Sikong Qing had clashed with an opponent and suffered defeat, evident from his grim demeanor!

Worry surged within Xia Tianhe's chest; seeing Sikong Qing like this, was there any chance he could still proceed to the Infinite Sword Sect and deal with Ning Qi?

A somber scowl marred Sikong Qing's face as he fixed a piercing stare on Xia Tianhe, like a volcano of pent-up rage on the verge of explosion.

The Cyan Profound Immortal Sect had been called upon twice by sects from the Southern True Domain for aid. During the initial request, four deities perished, and on this occasion, he had come perilously close to death.

Were it not for the lingering disruption to his power from that old man's strike before, Sikong Qing might have slain Xia Tianhe on the spot!

However, upon reflection, he restrained himself temporarily.

In his present condition, stirring up further conflict seemed unwise.

Xia Tianhe caught the odd glint in Sikong Qing's gaze, a brief flash of killing intent crossing his features, which made his pulse race.

He lowered his head in submission, too afraid to utter another word.

Just as Sikong Qing prepared to head back to the sect, his form paused once more beside Xia Tianhe.

Cold sweat drenched Xia Tianhe!

"Senior Sikong, you..."

Sikong Qing cut him off sharply, "Do you know this person?"

He strained his mind but failed to pinpoint the identity of that earlier old man, whose timing felt suspiciously perfect.

Why would such a figure emerge right after the Celestial Star Upper Sect sought help?

With a surge of magical power, Sikong Qing shaped an illusion of Ning Qi's disguised form and presented it to Xia Tianhe.

Xia Tianhe examined it, beholding an elderly figure radiating ethereal grace, and a nagging familiarity tugged at his memory.

Years prior, when Ning Qi first assumed the guise of Lord Zhanxuan to obliterate the Beixuan Upper Sect, terror gripped all sects across the Beixuan Domain, leading them to employ a Secret Technique to recreate his likeness.

As a result, Lord Zhanxuan's image was recognized by all in the Beixuan Domain.

Reports from the Beixuan Domain inevitably spread to the sects of the Southern True Domain, who watched the downfall of the Beixuan Upper Sect with grave interest.

Sects in the Southern True Domain possessed knowledge of Lord Zhanxuan's looks as well.

Still, Xia Tianhe didn't immediately place it until his eyes fell on the gourd hanging from the old man's belt, etched with the words "Zhanxuan", at which point recognition dawned fully.

Sikong Qing detected the slight shift in Xia Tianhe's countenance and pressed urgently, "Do you know this person?"

Xia Tianhe answered promptly, "Senior Sikong, I recognize him solely as Lord Zhanxuan, the one who arrived in the Beixuan Domain decades back to raze the Beixuan Upper Sect, making his reputation echo through both domains."

Sikong Qing froze in surprise, "Lord Zhanxuan, Beixuan Upper Sect?"

Memories of his earlier confrontation with Zhanxuan flooded back, where the foe had pursued his death with unyielding ferocity. Without the Spirit Realm's will stepping in, escape would have been impossible.

"Zhanxuan, Zhanxuan..."

Sikong Qing brushed off Xia Tianhe and sped back toward the Cyan Profound Immortal Sect.

The Cyan Profound Immortal Sect's name also bore the character Xuan—did that madman plan to target them next?

Xia Tianhe gazed toward the Cyan Profound Immortal Sect, piecing together that Sikong Qing had surely crossed paths with this Lord Zhanxuan.

For the survival of the Celestial Star Upper Sect, he wrestled with the idea of venturing inside again.

Yet to his dismay, the Cyan Profound Immortal Sect abruptly activated its grand formation, enveloping everything in a misty azure light amid swirling clouds.

Xia Tianhe cried out in dismay, "It's over!"

This visit aimed to convince Sikong Qing to eliminate Ning Qi, but now Sikong Qing had barricaded the Cyan Profound Immortal Sect.

Did that leave the Celestial Star Upper Sect vulnerable?

With no other choices available, he could merely race back to the Celestial Star Upper Sect.

...

Both the Niu Mo Upper Sect and the Infinite Sword Sect opted to trigger their Sect Protection Arrays, locking down their territories until the Spirit Realm conflict erupted.

Nevertheless, each sect sent out agents to collect external reports.

They kept especially vigilant watch on updates from the Cyan Profound Immortal Sect, considering both had isolated themselves because of Sikong Qing's Unity Realm prowess.

Not long afterward, scouts from both sects learned of Sikong Qing's flight toward the Beixuan Domain, which left them reeling.

The follow-up reports shocked the spies to an even greater degree.

"Sikong Qing clashed with Lord Zhanxuan, and following the fight, Lord Zhanxuan drove Sikong Qing fleeing back to the Cyan Profound Immortal Sect, where he sealed it shut!"

This revelation prompted the intelligence overseers to dash straight to their sect leader's chambers.

Infinite Sword Sect.

Ning Qi had already made his way back to the sect via the Teleportation Gate.

Thus, as the intelligence leaders arrived, Ning Qi was present in the sect leader's hall.

Noting the thrilled expressions on their faces, Ning Qi gave a subtle smile before calling together the sect's key figures for a meeting.

Upon absorbing the intelligence, everyone brimmed with elation and ease.

They never imagined Lord Zhanxuan would unintentionally support the Infinite Sword Sect on two separate occasions.

Though a few sensed the events bordered on too fortuitous, no one probed further.

Instead, they presented numerous offerings at the shrine to Lord Zhanxuan's likeness that had been established in the sect earlier.

Ever since emerging from seclusion, Lu Ziyue had fretted endlessly after Ning Qi informed her of Sikong Qing's planned arrival.