Returning from Fu Guo'an's place, the moon had already risen.
Chen Xuan, having rested for a day, saw Qin Xuan holding the Myriad Transformations Divine Artifact and floated over. "Oh, a Gatling gun. I haven't seen this thing in a long time."
Qin Xuan was stunned. He hadn't expected Chen Xuan, a cultivator, to know about Gatling guns.
"Master, you've seen this before?"
Chen Xuan nodded matter-of-factly. "There are countless planets in the universe, and just as many with similar technology."
"In the star domain I once governed, there was a planet similar to Blue Star, but the spiritual energy there was abundant. Such low-level weapons were used by ordinary people to fight against cultivators."
Qin Xuan was shocked. "Can cultivators be killed by Gatling guns?"
Chen Xuan waved his hand.
"Those that use gunpowder, of course not. They use spirit energy bullets like this."
As he spoke, he slowly brought his index and middle fingers together. With a not-so-dazzling flash of light, a pale blue bullet inscribed with runes appeared in his hand.
"These bullets are extremely powerful, and the spiritual energy required to make them isn't much."
"One only needs to establish specialized formations and mechanisms, along with some common low-grade spirit stones, to achieve mass production."
"Therefore, in the mortal kingdoms of many planets, spirit energy weapons are equipped in large numbers."
"As long as the invading enemy is not a cultivator at the Core Formation or Golden Core stage, defending with the might of a nation is more than sufficient."
"That powerful!"
Chen Xuan's explanation greatly surprised Qin Xuan.
Although these spirit energy weapons couldn't stop cultivators at the Core Formation stage, those at the Foundation Establishment stage, two levels higher than his own, were still formidable.
The fact that even such individuals feared spirit energy bullets proved how powerful these spirit energy weapons were.
"Then, Master, can my Myriad Transformations Divine Artifact use these spirit energy bullets?"
After hearing Chen Xuan's explanation, Qin Xuan naturally wanted to try the power of these spirit energy bullets himself.
If they were truly as formidable as his master described, he could walk sideways on Blue Star from then on.
"Heh heh, you can use them, of course. However, the spiritual energy on Blue Star is thin. Even if you could use them, you wouldn't find the materials to make them."
"And speaking of which, even if you could find spirit stones on Blue Star, what then?"
"Absorbing spirit stones to embark on the path of immortality, versus using spirit stones to turn them into single-use spirit energy bullets."
"Anyone with a sound mind knows how to choose."
"External things are ultimately not the true path."
"That's true..."
Chen Xuan's words were undeniably correct.
Qin Xuan understood the reasoning.
However, having just learned about the existence of something new, he felt an itch he couldn't scratch without trying it.
So, after some thought, he asked Chen Xuan, who was resting with his eyes closed, "Master, you said essence and spiritual energy are similar. Can I condense essence into 'essence bullets'?"
Chen Xuan was taken aback, then smiled. "That's a rather good idea of yours."
"Give it a try, perhaps it will have a miraculous effect."
After speaking, Chen Xuan taught Qin Xuan the method for making spirit energy bullets. However, essence was ultimately not spiritual energy.
Qin Xuan tried many times but still couldn't condense a complete bullet.
"Don't be discouraged, Xuan'er."
"Spiritual energy is the most potent substance in heaven and earth. It's only natural that essence cannot imitate it."
"Moreover, in daily combat, the amplification provided by the Myriad Transformations Divine Artifact itself is sufficient. Instead of researching external things, it's better to cultivate diligently."
"Understood, Master."
...
The next morning, Qin Xuan, along with Qin Anning and the Four Golden Flowers, arrived at the Jiangcheng National Security Branch.
New Year's Day was only a few days away, and he needed to go to the capital a few days in advance to arrange his schedule.
As for how to get there, Qin Xuan didn't need to worry about it anymore.
Due to the need to escort the Great Emperor of a Hundred Ghosts, the leaders of the Jiangcheng Branch personally ordered a dedicated small passenger aircraft.
"General Chen, I entrust General Qin to your care in the capital."
"Regardless of the outcome of the martial arts competition, please ensure the safety of both of you."
Before their departure, Director An Bo of the Jiangcheng Security Bureau specifically instructed Chen Zheng.
Chen Zheng nodded, signaling An Bo to put his mind at ease.
Like Qin Xuan, Chen Zheng was a Grandmaster born and raised in Jiangcheng.
However, he had joined the National Security Branch when he was still a Martial Arts Grandmaster.
Therefore, he was very familiar with the annual martial arts competitions and gatherings.
There was no incident along the way.
Approximately two hours later, the group arrived in the capital from Jiangcheng.
After disembarking, Qin Anning returned to the Qin family ahead of time due to Qin Xuan's matters to inform the Old Master Qin.
Qin Xuan and his group, due to the special identity of the Great Emperor of a Hundred Ghosts, did not linger too long at the airport.
"Xuan'er, the four girls, you've finally arrived."
Upon arriving at the Superhuman Research Center, Qin Xuan finally met his three masters, whom he hadn't seen in days.
After some initial pleasantries, they began discussing the Great Emperor of a Hundred Ghosts, who had just woken from his coma.
"He did indeed construct a Yin Gathering Array in Jiangcheng. The density of Yin energy within it was so great that even the overflowing Yin energy could harm people."
"However, after fighting him, I found that his killing intent wasn't that heavy."
"If Master Chen Xuan hadn't absorbed his Grand Array, he might not have even tried to kill me in the end."
"So, after much deliberation, I decided to spare his life to ask you three."
"After all, a truly wicked person wouldn't be so lenient with strangers."
Qin Xuan's words made Ke Wudi and the other two nod with satisfaction.
To maintain such a calm mind amidst such an intense battle.
This disciple of theirs definitely had the potential to become an unparalleled powerhouse.
"It's fine. We'll know if this Great Emperor of a Hundred Ghosts is truly wicked once he fully recovers."
"You did well in this matter, and your masters are proud of you."
"Don't give me that nonsense!"
Before Ke Wudi could finish speaking, a slurred voice interrupted him.
Everyone looked towards the sound and saw the Great Emperor of a Hundred Ghosts, with his eyes half-open, leaning against the wall and cursing.
"Damn it, if that bastard soul hadn't stolen my Hundred Ghosts Grand Array, why would I have suffered such humiliation?"
"Don't let me meet him again, or I'll refine him directly!"
"No, I'll blast him into ashes!"
Due to the strong anesthetic injected, the Great Emperor of a Hundred Ghosts' tongue had not fully recovered.
However, even so, it did not affect his curses towards Chen Xuan.
Hearing this, Ke Wudi and the other two exchanged amused glances.
Hu Sanqiang couldn't help but walk over and, with disdain, laughed heartily at the Great Emperor of a Hundred Ghosts.
"Hahaha, give it up, old man!"
"That Senior Chen Xuan is an unparalleled expert in the cultivation world. He only appeared on Blue Star because he fell on hard times."
"Right now, let alone you, even if all four of us combined, we might not be a match for that senior."
"Instead of cursing, you'd be better off telling us about that Yin Gathering Array!"