"What if you're both allowed to absorb a large amount of flux goldthorn energy?" Xiang Shaoyun asked.

"You were the one who had taken the energy at the bottom of the lake, right?" asked the turtle.

"Yes, it's me. I can take it out for you two, but I'm afraid you won't be able to endure it," said Xiang Shaoyun.

Back then, he had suffered greatly trying to harvest the flux goldthorn energy. If it wasn't for his special astral cosmos sea, the energy would have killed him. Thanks to the flux goldthorn energy, he started cultivating the Limit Stimulation Technique and completed the first stage, the body cleansing stage.

Generally, only a Saint would be able to slowly refine such a high-tier gold energy. The two Demon Sovereigns were once the owners of the flux goldthorn energy, but they had never dared to approach it.

"The energy is useful for us, but we don't dare to actually absorb it. We only dare to absorb a diluted version of it. Otherwise, we will only end up being tortured to death," said the toad timidly.

"That's right. Young master, just give us the gold lunar liquid first. We will try to advance as quickly as we can," said the turtle.

"Yes, young master. We will work really hard to enter the Saint Realm. Give us a chance," pleaded the toad.

"Sure. I'll give you a chance. But you have to refine some flux goldthorn energy as well. I will teach you a technique to deal with the pain. With the technique, you will do fine," said Xiang Shaoyun firmly.

He couldn't afford to wait any longer. He had to force the turtle and the toad into the next realm. He had kept them two lifetimes ago because of the potential he saw in them. As peak Demon Sovereigns, it wasn't possible that they couldn't endure the pain of absorbing the flux goldthorn energy.

"No, we really shouldn't do that," said both the turtle and the toad fearfully.

"You'll do it even if you don't want to. Let's go. I will find a cave where I can release the flux goldthorn energy. You can absorb the energy there. You won't be allowed to leave before you are Saints," commanded Xiang Shaoyun.

Both the turtle and the toad wanted to refuse, but the thought of becoming Demon Saints was too attractive, making them throw caution to the wind.

Xiang Shaoyun brought the two to an uninhabited mountain ridge at Ziling Sect. There, several cultivation caves could be found. For now, the caves were empty.

He selected one of the caves and drew a formation, completely isolating the cave from the outside world. That way, the flux goldthorn energy would not leak out of the cave, and nobody would discover what was happening inside.

Once finished, Xiang Shaoyun released the flux goldthorn energy. Clumps of powerful golden radiance filled the cave, immediately leaving countless holes in the walls. If it wasn't for the formation drawn by Xiang Shaoyun, the entire mountain would have been destroyed the moment he released the flux goldthorn energy.

"Take the gold lunar liquid first before absorbing the flux goldthorn energy. Then, start your breakthrough. Do not stop until you succeed. My clone will be standing guard here," said Xiang Shaoyun before leaving.

The toad and the turtle held onto a bottle of gold lunar liquid each and exchanged gazes. Shortly after, the toad decided to swallow the gold lunar liquid.

"I'll do it even if I have to die. I'll definitely become a Saint before you, old turtle," said the toad. After swallowing the gold lunar liquid, he gathered all his strength and walked toward the flux goldthorn energy.

Looking at the toad who had the expression of someone who had already embraced death, the turtle hesitated and muttered, "When have I ever lost to this toad? Trying to surpass me? Dream on!"

He swallowed his bottle of gold lunar liquid and then rushed toward the flux goldthorn energy.

Wahaa!

Hissss!

Two different voices of pain rang out in the cave. Their wails would have reached every corner of the sect if it wasn't for the formation.

"I hope they can hang on," said Xiang Shaoyun, sighing outside the cave.

He left his soul clone behind while his main body returned to the grand hall. After returning to the grand hall, he called Gong Qinyin over. She arrived in a leisurely manner. There was something different about her now—the charm of a mature woman. Perhaps the change was the result of her doing the deed with Xiang Shaoyun.

She saluted Xiang Shaoyun in a leisurely manner, "Greetings, young master."

"Stop messing around, Qinyin. Come over here. I have something important to tell you," said Xiang Shaoyun as he gestured at his thigh.

After shooting Xiang Shaoyun a glance, Gong Qinyin sauntered toward him and sat down on his thigh. She hung her hands on his neck and said tenderly, "Husband, are you planning to make some love here?"

Xiang Shaoyun suppressed his stirring desire and said, "I'm talking business here. I plan to have you pick some trusted members of the sect and train them into our future elites."

"Why? Don't you think I'm not strong enough for such a responsibility?" asked Gong Qinyin.

"I don't have anyone I can use now, so I need you to do it for me. In any case, you will be picking from the younger generation. They will be more willing to listen. Forget about those old foxes," said Xiang Shaoyun.

"Fine. Since you're handing this task to me, I will do it nicely," said Gong Qinyin confidently.

She had just reached the Emperor Realm, so she wouldn't be of much help to him. Now that she had a chance to help, she definitely wouldn't reject it.

"Um. You only need to lay out a good foundation. Be sure to spend more time cultivating. Only by becoming strong ourselves can we face all challenges."

"I know. I won't drag you down," said Gong Qinyin.

Xiang Shaoyun sent Aikai to be Gong Qinyin's guardian. He would feel much more comfortable knowing that a Sovereign was watching over her. Just as he was about to call over Qian Furen and the Sovereigns forced to stay in the sect, Pang Tongyuan requested an audience.

Xiang Shaoyun blanked out slightly before saying, "Invite the third uncle in. No, wait, I'll go greet him personally."

He hurriedly rushed out of the hall and saw Pang Tongyuan waiting outside. His frail figure made him look like a gust of wind was enough to blow him away.

"Why are you here, third uncle? I thought I told you to focus on resting?" said Xiang Shaoyun as he rushed over and held Pang Tongyuan's arm.

Pang Tongyuan said, "Young master, why did you come out personally? I haven't even saluted you."

"Third uncle, there is no need for such formality between us. Come, let me help you inside," said Xiang Shaoyun.

After spending all this time resting, Pang Tongyuan had recovered from most of his external wounds. His body was covered with shocking scars, while his entire body was weak. He was extremely frail, looking like an old man in his last days.

Xiang Shaoyun helped him sit down and asked, "Third uncle, why are you here?"

"I'm here to talk about your father," said Pang Tongyuan.