The so called Virgin Spiritual Treasure belonged exclusively to female cultivators.
It was a treasure bound to purity itself.
Only by tempering it with the blood of one's own pure Yin body could its true power be unleashed.
Compared to other spiritual treasures of the same grade, a Virgin Spiritual Treasure often possessed far greater potential.
But once the female cultivator lost her virginity, the treasure would lose its source of nourishment. Without Yin energy, its brilliance would fade quickly, turning into nothing more than an ordinary artifact.
Iris's Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle were precisely such treasures.
Not only could they neutralize any deadly poison in the world, but each time poison was dispelled, the user would gain a trace of powerful sword intent.
In the original story, Knox encountered countless dangers during his adventures.
Miasma that corroded the flesh.
Corpse poison that seeped into the bones.
Enemies whose attacks carried poison strong enough to destroy the dantian.
Time and time again, it was Iris who arrived at the crucial moment.
The Jade Sword would flash, the Blood Purification Bottle would glow, and Knox would escape death once more.
Each rescue strengthened his swordsmanship talent.
Each crisis became a stepping stone toward his rise.
Even the final time.
Alex, driven into a rage after Isolde was taken away, had used an ancient poison known as Seven Griefs and Fatal Powder.
The poison shattered Knox's cultivation and corroded both his dantian and heart.
Instead of killing him outright, Alex chose to leave him alive in agony, claiming it was a fate worse than death.
Knox was abandoned there, broken and powerless.
Yet Iris arrived just in time.
She exhausted the last spiritual energy of the Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle.
And in the end, she even sacrificed her virginity to save Knox's life.
After that, Knox's strength soared.
He returned and massacred three minor branches of the Hale family.
Iris lost her status as Saintess, cast aside by the Divine Blade Sect for losing both her purity and her treasure.
From then on, she appeared only occasionally as a member of Knox's harem.
Alex's eyes flickered.
His plan had already formed.
First, strip away Isolde's Seven Orifices Divine Heart.
Without it, Knox would lose the brilliant strategist who saved him countless times.
Second, seize Iris's Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle.
Without them, who would save Knox when he was poisoned and on the verge of death?
Who would give him the sword intent that allowed him to grow?
"Lord Alex, you…" Iris's voice trailed off.
Seeing him state his conditions so clearly, her heart sank.
She hesitated.
Knox, however, could no longer remain silent.
"Master, you cannot agree to that!" he said urgently.
The Jade Sword and Blood Purification Bottle were her Virgin Spiritual Treasures.
Not only did they possess unmatched detoxifying abilities, they also contained the sword intent talent Knox had long coveted.
In his mind, those treasures already belonged to him.
If Iris lost them, her position within the Divine Blade Sect would fall dramatically.
And if she lost her status…
What value would she still have as his master?
"Saintess Iris, there is no need to place yourself in such a difficult position," Alex said calmly, a faint smile on his lips.
"Every debt has its debtor."
"The conflict today exists between Knox and me."
"If you choose to abandon this disciple, you may leave freely."
"As for how I deal with him afterward, the Divine Blade Sect should refrain from interfering."
Iris lowered her head.
Her thoughts were in turmoil.
Knox was her disciple.
But the price Alex demanded was enormous.
Her silence stretched for several breaths.
Alex spoke again, his tone unhurried.
"There is no need to rush your decision, Saintess Iris."
"I must first enforce discipline within my own family."
"You may take this time to consider."
He raised his hand slightly.
"Someone."
Two members of the Hale family stepped forward instantly.
They seized Isolde's shoulders and forced her down to her knees.
Her body trembled violently.
"Elder," Alex said, turning toward an old man with white hair.
"I will trouble you to wield the blade on my behalf."
"Strip Isolde of her Seven Orifices Divine Heart."
"Yes, Saint Lord."
The First Elder, Cedric, stepped forward.
His expression was solemn.
Dark mist coiled around his fingertips, condensing into a jet black dagger that radiated a chilling aura.
The hall fell silent.
Even the air seemed to freeze.
Isolde's mental defenses collapsed completely when she felt the cold killing intent emanating from the blade.
Her face turned pale.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
She looked desperately toward Knox.
"Knox, save me! Please save me!"