Boom—
Xia Xingchen pointed a palm forward, blasting the monster behind Chu Feng to pieces.
At the same time, a porcelain bowl radiating white light materialized. The bowl was translucent, so its interior was clearly visible.
The porcelain bowl enveloped Chu Feng, and powerful medicinal energy along with a formation began merging into his body, healing his wounds.
It was a supreme healing treasure, but it could only be used once.
Seeing Xia Xingchen like this, Chu Feng also realized that he likely wouldn't need to activate the guardian formation to escape this ordeal.
At this moment, a blazing aura enveloped Xia Xingchen. The aura was beautiful, yet it contained an incredibly powerful presence.
It was precisely this aura that elevated Xia Xingchen's cultivation from third-grade True God to fifth-grade True God realm.
"The Firmament Immortal Art — not only did you steal the stone hall token, but you also stole the Firmament Immortal Art?"
"Xia Xingchen, you are truly audacious beyond measure. You deserve to die ten thousand deaths."
The bald old man, despite having his head stepped on, could still clearly see Xia Xingchen at this moment.
It was precisely because he could see clearly that he panicked so greatly.
The complete Firmament Immortal Art, obtained by an outsider — how could he not be panicked?
"Old fool, what nonsense are you spouting? The Firmament Immortal Art — everyone in the Firmament Immortal Sect cultivates it."
"How can you say I stole it?"
"Oh, could it be that the Firmament Immortal Art the Firmament Immortal Sect gives its members to cultivate is incomplete?"
"No wonder my cultivation was restricted before, but after cultivating this Firmament Immortal Art, everything became completely different," Xia Xingchen said.
"Xia Xingchen, cut the sarcasm."
"No wonder you wanted to betray the sect. You've committed such a grave crime — no matter how talented you are, the Sect Master won't let you off."
After the bald old man finished speaking, a tremendous aura surged from his body as well, elevating his cultivation from fifth-grade True God to sixth-grade True God.
Boom—
But just as the bald old man was about to rise, Xia Xingchen stamped down on him again, pinning him to the ground so he couldn't move.
Xia Xingchen's aura shot straight up into the sky, and above the great hall as far as the eye could see, a sky full of stars materialized.
A phenomenon — a powerful immortal art had produced a phenomenon!!!
This was inside the great hall. If it were outside, the spectacle would be even more magnificent!!!
Under these circumstances, Xia Xingchen's cultivation rose once more, reaching sixth-grade True God realm.
True God realm — three consecutive grade increases!!!
"You… you've actually cultivated the Firmament Immortal Art to such a degree?" The bald old man's expression was complex, filled with both shock and terror.
"Surprised?"
"Otherwise, why do you think I came here?"
"My plan was flawless, but unfortunately, a traitor appeared."
At these words, Xia Xingchen looked toward her handmaiden.
Seeing this, the handmaiden realized something was wrong and turned to flee.
Wuaah—
Her body did move — but not toward the exit of the great hall. Instead, she flew backward, landing squarely in Xia Xingchen's palm.
Xia Xingchen's hand tightly clamped around the handmaiden's neck.
Then she looked down at the bald old man pinned beneath her foot.
"It was my handmaiden who told you I was leaving the Firmament Immortal Sect, and revealed my whereabouts, wasn't it?"
"And you, greedy for credit, came here alone to find me."
"What a pity — you underestimated my, Xia Xingchen's, abilities."
"You old fool — you may have cultivated for over twenty thousand years, but cultivation forced up through heavenly treasures and earthly resources — how could it possibly compare to mine?" Xia Xingchen said mockingly.
"Xia Xingchen, in terms of talent, this old man is indeed far inferior to you. Even the Sect Master was not your match back in the day."
"Think about it — our Firmament Immortal Sect truly did everything in its power to nurture you," the bald old man said.
"The immortal art you gave me to cultivate was incomplete, and you call that everything in your power?" Xia Xingchen laughed coldly.
"Granted, you're right about that. But look carefully — though this old man bears the surname Qin, the immortal art I cultivate is also not the complete Firmament Immortal Art."
"Only the Sect Master may cultivate the complete Firmament Immortal Art. With your talent, you will have the opportunity to sit in the Sect Master's position in the future."
"It's not too late for you to turn back now," the bald old man said.