Xuanzhen Institute.

Lingchuan Dojo.

The Lingchuan Saint achieved sainthood quite early and is one of the oldest saints in the Xuanzhen Institute. His strength is unfathomable, placing him among the top echelon of saints.

With graying temples and a dignified aura, there's a glimpse of his youthful elegance in his facial features.

He must have been a handsome man back in the day.

He sits cross-legged on a cushion, his gaze indifferent as he listens to Yuan Shuang narrate the events that occurred at the Celestial Cyan Mine.

He has already understood the basic cause and effect: due to reduced profits from the mine, Jin was seeking a legitimate reason to provide Xu Guang with some resources for the investigation, but unexpectedly, the investigation revealed a shocking secret.

Two thousand years ago, the sinful Saint Heir, the most talented Emperor Shitian of the Buddhist Sect in twenty thousand years...

No one thought these things were happening right under the nose of the North Emperor Institute.

The Lingchuan Saint didn't speak, seeming deep in thought.

Yuan Shuang didn't urge him, despite believing Xu Guang and Zhuge Wuliang have great potential. However, since they don't belong to the same lineage, though an obligation can be repaid, it must have boundaries.

"Inform the Demon-Slaying Institute. Since it's a matter of Tianwu, let their people handle it. However, since you took on the responsibility of guarding their path, follow along to see how it unfolds."

Yuan Shuang nodded.

After discussing the follow-up handling of this matter, the Lingchuan Saint suddenly changed the topic, "You said Xu Guang is a Qi Refiner, and a rare single secret realm cultivator? What do you think of his talent in Qi Refining?"

Yuan Shuang thought for a moment and slightly shook her head, "It's hard to understand. This person... his cultivation technique seems unconventional, his cultivation is considered meticulous, his Source Qi isn't very pure, yet isn't much inferior to ordinary Qi Refiners. However, he hasn't cultivated any secret techniques. In his combat system, being a Qi Refiner is merely auxiliary."

She pondered Xu Guang's experiences, everything from his childhood onward seeming almost transparent from the perspective of the vast power of the North Polar Six Institutes. Born from refugees, he has been a guest, a disciple of a major sect, and even a sect leader. To be able to emerge from a place watched by Ancient Gods proves his potential itself.

The Lingchuan Saint chuckled, "Indeed, he is a natural genius, achieving as a Qi Refiner under the gaze of Ancient Gods is quite remarkable. Shuang'Er, interact with him more. Perhaps he can help you with your physical issues."

Back then, Yuan Shuang schemed against a saint with the fifth secret realm, severing the opponent's arm, causing statewide shock, but she suffered as well. The Ten Thousand Laws Spiritual Body was nearly ruined, her essence injured, showing signs of collapse in the Spirit Palace, crucial for Qi Refiners.

The Lingchuan Saint spent decades stabilizing Yuan Shuang's Spirit Palace, but there was no solution for the path hurt of her physique.

Yuan Shuang only believed Xu Guang could bring her some insight regarding Qi Refiners, doubtfully believing he might resolve the physique issue, yet did not refute her master, instead nodding heavily.

"Disciple understands."

...

During Yuan Shuang's report to the Saint.

Xu Guang and others hadn't left the Celestial Cyan Mine. The North Emperor Institute had already sent reinforcements, Huan Songzi led three Inspection Envoys stationed at the Celestial Cyan Mine, awaiting opinions from the higher institute.

Regarding the Bronze Blood Gate, due to its significant stakes, the North Emperor Institute chose to keep it confidential for a long time.

Xu Guang continued pondering how to find and eliminate Qin Cultivator, yet for several days he held no leads.

With Bai Xiaozhu and Cai, there was a chance to find him, but the key was to eliminate him. Given his cautious and cunning nature, he would surely flee if high-level experts were brought.

Let's not forget the colossal Lifeless Sect behind him. Despite inciting widespread anger and being suppressed overseas by the combined forces of the North Polar Six Institutes and numerous overseas forces, should Qin Cultivator return to Lifeless Sect, even the North Polar Six Institutes would likely have no effective solution.

Two days later, just as Yuan Shuang was about to return.

The Celestial Cyan Mine welcomed several mysterious individuals.

Identified as three monks from the Buddhist Sect's Guangan Temple, appearing like a master-disciple trio.

Leading the group, an individual with an ancient peculiar appearance, long eyebrows, mismatched eyes, wearing a robe with embroidered light flowing.

The three monks pressed palms in salute, "Our humble master-disciple trio greets you, Xu Guangster."

Xu Guang was a bit curious about these unexpected guests, having little connection to the Buddhist Sect— why would they suddenly visit?

"Greetings to the masters, may I know the purpose of your visit?"

The monk named Farong spoke, "We are entrusted by an old friend from Li Taizhou to assist you, Xu Guangster, in subduing demons and eliminating evildoers."

Upon hearing this, everyone present reacted oddly.

Especially Zhuge Wuliang, utterly astonished.

Familiar with Xu Guang, yet never hearing about his association with the Buddhist Sect, snippets of Li Taizhou's multitude of Buddhist figures flashed through his mind.

Xu Guang was equally surprised.

"Which master cares for Xu Mou?"

Farong didn't conceal, instead stating, "Our Guangan Temple's Buddha's Son Yan Zhen has returned from his trials."

Xu Guang froze at the statement.

Yan Zhen???

General Wei's elder companion, Buddha's Son Yan Zhen?

He had no interactions with him, surely for mutual help prompting Yan Zhen to dispatch people in aid, it might solely be due to that Old Elephant.

"I see, thank you, masters."

Since the counterparts came to assist, the North Emperor Institute's multitude of mentors had no objections— quickly arranging them accordingly.

From Farong's words, Xu Guang learned of Yan Zhen and Qin Cultivator's entanglement.

Unexpectedly, Qin Cultivator had also been to Li Taizhou, even launching a surprise attack on Yan Zhen, with Yan Zhen's Dao fruits missing and plunged into nirvana.