Chapter 180
Chapter 180
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 180
Chapter Title: Refining Artifacts, Marauders at the Door
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Listening to Yun Xiaoniu’s words, he looked at the Iceheart Grass in his hand.
“Serene Valley is very dangerous, filled with marauders. The fact that you could obtain this Iceheart Grass and return safely is already a stroke of great luck. Don't go there again.”
Chen Jianghe advised him earnestly.
The black market had all sorts of treasures—not just techniques and natural wonders, but even spirit pets, magical artifacts, and inheritances.
But many of them were deliberately placed as bait by powerful marauders or demonic cultivators.
The technique Yun Xiaoniu cultivated was the Yun Clan's [Condensed Origin True Water Scripture], and he had already reached the fourth level of the technique.
He had also mastered a powerful spell that came with the [Condensed Origin True Water Scripture].
However, compared to the marauders of Serene Valley, Yun Xiaoniu's strength was still lacking.
“I will remember your words, Uncle.”
Yun Xiaoniu nodded heavily. He knew Chen Jianghe was concerned for his safety. He then presented the Iceheart Grass to Chen Jianghe.
“Uncle, please take this Iceheart Grass. If it can be exchanged for an Iceheart Barrier-Breaking Pill, you’ll have a chance to obtain the fourth level of the [Myriad Waters True Scripture].”
Looking at the Iceheart Grass Yun Xiaoniu offered, he pondered for a moment.
Iceheart Grass was quite valuable, worth around two thousand spirit stones. If it went to auction, the price would likely be even higher.
The main reason was its rarity; it only grew in the inner regions of the Youxian Mountain Range.
If Yun Xiaoniu kept this Iceheart Grass, he would need to commission a second-rank Alchemist Grandmaster to concoct the pill. Setting aside whether he could even find one…
Even if he did, it would come at a great cost.
After a successful concoction, he would have to give at least one Iceheart Barrier-Breaking Pill to the Alchemist Grandmaster as payment, or else provide spirit stones of equivalent value.
“Alright, I’ll take this Iceheart Grass. In the future, I can help you acquire an Iceheart Barrier-Breaking Pill.”
Chen Jianghe accepted the Iceheart Grass from Yun Xiaoniu.
He possessed Alchemist Zhuang's legacy of alchemy, which happened to include the recipe for the Iceheart Barrier-Breaking Pill, along with detailed steps and insights.
As long as he could embark on the path of alchemy, he would eventually be able to concoct the Iceheart Barrier-Breaking Pill himself.
For Chen Jianghe, as long as he got started in alchemy, becoming a second-rank Alchemist Grandmaster was not a question of if, but when.
If thirty years weren't enough, then fifty.
If fifty years still weren't enough, then a hundred, or two hundred. The one thing he did not lack was lifespan.
Moreover, Jiang Ruxu’s talent for alchemy was quite good. She was already a high-grade Alchemist and might become a second-rank Alchemist Grandmaster in the future.
At that time, he would still have a connection to an Alchemist Grandmaster.
Therefore, this Iceheart Grass was far more valuable in his hands than in Yun Xiaoniu's.
“You don't need to worry about me, Uncle.”
Yun Xiaoniu said, a hint of disappointment flashing in his eyes.
The moment he became the Foundation Establishment Ancestor of the Yu Clan, he knew that his cultivation would likely struggle to advance.
To advance one’s cultivation in the Foundation Establishment stage required not only time but, more importantly, resources.
Foundation Establishment Immortal Clans had plenty of spirit stones.
But the resources needed for a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s training were difficult to purchase with spirit stones.
Most of the resources for Foundation Establishment cultivators that appeared at auctions were healing elixirs or magical artifacts.
There were almost never any treasures that could enhance cultivation or assist in training.
To obtain these resources, one had to venture deep into the Youxian Mountain Range south of the Tongtian River, or the Arctic Snow Forest to the north.
Since Yun Xiaoniu had become the Foundation Establishment Ancestor of the Yu Clan, he could no longer take such risks.
Take Yun Bufan, for example. He had been at the Foundation Establishment stage for fifty years but was still in the early stage. It wasn't that he lacked the spirit stones to buy resources.
It was that the resources needed for Foundation Establishment were simply too hard to come by.
Besides, if you never ventured out, how could you build connections?
And from where would you trade for the resources you needed?
Thus, for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, a clan could sometimes be a burden.
Of course, there were benefits to not leaving the clan. While cultivation progress was slow, one's life was much safer.
One wouldn't perish on the path to seeking opportunities.
Chen Jianghe glanced at Yun Xiaoniu but said nothing more.
Although he had an Iceheart Barrier-Breaking Pill, he needed it for his own future breakthrough.
If Jiang Ruxu could become an Alchemist Grandmaster, he could then procure an Iceheart Barrier-Breaking Pill for Yun Xiaoniu.
Just then, Yu Daniu returned from outside.
He had already spoken with Madam Zhou about leasing the blessed land; the rest of the matter was left for her to handle.
After all, the Yu Clan was currently managed by Madam Zhou and her son.
Yu Qirui had married at fifteen and, now sixteen, had assumed the position of the Yu Clan Head.
Seeing Yu Daniu return, Yun Xiaoniu took his leave.
“Daniu, you must not let Xiaoniu take such risks again. He is the pillar of the Yu Clan and cannot afford any mishap.”
After Yun Xiaoniu left, Chen Jianghe spoke to Yu Daniu with a serious tone.
“You know, Big Brother.”
Yu Daniu scratched his head with a sheepish look, not daring to meet Chen Jianghe's gaze.
Seeing Yu Daniu like this, Chen Jianghe sighed and took out two second-rank talismans.
“Daniu, take these two second-rank talismans for your protection.”
Chen Jianghe had just achieved Foundation Establishment, so these two low-grade second-rank talismans were still very useful to him.
At the very least, his current offensive spells were far less powerful than a low-grade second-rank attack talisman.
The divisions within the Foundation Establishment stage were more precise, consisting of ten layers. However, since the difference in magical power between these minor realms was not significant, they were still commonly referred to as early, mid, and late Foundation Establishment.
The first to third layers were early Foundation Establishment.
The fourth to sixth layers were mid Foundation Establishment.
The seventh to ninth layers were late Foundation Establishment.
The tenth layer was the peak of Foundation Establishment. Once prepared, one could attempt to form a core.
However, once Chen Jianghe refined those two magical artifacts, both his offense and defense would surpass the power of low-grade second-rank talismans.
Therefore, it was fine to give these two low-grade second-rank talismans to Yu Daniu.
After all, he had received an extra second-rank water-type spirit core from Yu Daniu.
Yu Daniu didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the talismans from Chen Jianghe. Then, he excitedly led Chen Jianghe to a side room.
Pushing the door open, he saw stacks of neatly arranged congratulatory gifts.
Top-grade immortal spirit wine, mid-grade first-rank spirit fruits, high-grade spirit talismans... there were even three storage pouches.
Looking at these gifts, a smile appeared on Chen Jianghe's face.
Achieving Foundation Establishment at eighty had caused a sensation in the Tiannan Region, and he had received so many gifts. It was truly a pleasant surprise.
The total value of these nearly one hundred gifts was around one thousand two hundred spirit stones.
This was a considerable unexpected income.
However, Chen Jianghe knew that the sensation in the Tiannan Region was only temporary.
In less than a year, the hype about him achieving Foundation Establishment at eighty would die down.
“Daniu, I’ll leave these gifts for you to sell, along with these high-grade spirit talismans.”
As Chen Jianghe spoke, he took out all the spirit talismans he had drawn over the past two years.
There were a total of one hundred and forty-two high-grade spirit talismans.
Thirty-one high-grade protection talismans were worth two hundred and sixty spirit stones.
Twenty-two high-grade five-element escape talismans were worth two hundred and thirty-one spirit stones.
Thirty giant strength talismans were worth three hundred and fifteen spirit stones.
Nineteen divine movement talismans were worth one hundred and ninety-nine spirit stones.
Twenty-seven spirit-tracking talismans were worth six hundred and nine spirit stones.
Thirteen sealing talismans were worth one hundred and eighty-two spirit stones.
These prices were all calculated at seventy percent of the market rate, which could be considered Chen Jianghe's final assistance to the Yu Clan before his departure.
“You don’t need to give me the spirit stones from the sale. Just use them to buy as many second-rank water-type spirit cores for me as possible.”
“Alright, I’ll definitely help you buy them, Big Brother.”
Yu Daniu was not surprised by Chen Jianghe’s need for second-rank water-type spirit cores. It was no secret that Chen Jianghe had a second-rank spirit beast.
The need for a large quantity of second-rank water-type spirit cores now likely meant it was a second-rank water-type spirit beast.
He was planning to nurture that second-rank spirit beast.
Yu Daniu guessed that the second-rank spirit beast in Chen Jianghe's possession had a high-grade bloodline, definitely not a second-grade one.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be worth nurturing at all.
For a spirit beast with a second-grade bloodline, reaching the second rank was already the limit of its potential.
Without some heaven-defying opportunity, it was absolutely impossible for it to become a third-rank spirit beast.
Therefore, he surmised that Chen Jianghe's second-rank spirit beast had a third-grade bloodline, possibly even a high-tier one.
Yu Daniu was happy that Chen Jianghe possessed a second-rank spirit beast with a third-grade bloodline. He wanted Chen Jianghe to be as strong as possible.
“Daniu, please arrange a small celebration for my Foundation Establishment this Mid-Autumn Festival. Inform Fellow Daoist Zhou, and... hmm, invite Fellow Daoist Yun as well.”
“Alright, I’ll arrange it for you, Big Brother,” Yu Daniu readily agreed.
Afterward, Chen Jianghe returned to his courtyard and wrote a letter to Gao Peiyao, inviting her to his small Foundation Establishment celebration during the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Successfully reaching Foundation Establishment.
Especially at an advanced age, it was something worth celebrating.
Although Chen Jianghe disliked crowds, he was about to leave Qiyun Mountain. He didn't know when he would see these old friends again.
After writing the letter to Gao Peiyao.
He wrote another letter to Ruan Tieniu, informing him that he had successfully reached Foundation Establishment and might visit Thousand Mountains Market City in the future.
After writing the two letters, he used his spiritual sense to place them in the mailbox at the courtyard gate.
A member of the Yu Clan would mail them for him.
The next moment.
With a thought from Chen Jianghe, a three-foot-long flying sword appeared before him, shimmering with the brilliance of a silver moon. Water seemed to flow along its blade.
As the water patterns flowed, a bone-chilling cold emanated from it.
The temperature within a thirty-foot radius plummeted abruptly.
“If this Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword were put up for auction, it would probably sell for three thousand spirit stones.”
Chen Jianghe thought to himself.
If Luo Xiyue knew what Chen Jianghe was thinking, she would probably greet him with a strike of Cold River Snow.
The flying sword she had meticulously crafted even had special additional properties.
Even double that price would not be enough to buy it at auction.
The next instant.
Chen Jianghe cleared his mind of distracting thoughts. Magical power surged from his dantian, forming threads that wrapped around the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword before infusing into its body.
For the next hour, he waited for the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword to absorb his magical power and establish a sensory connection with it.
Clang~
A sword hummed, and a brilliant light burst forth.
The water patterns on the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword flowed, and an icy aura swept out to a radius of a hundred feet, coating the plants in the courtyard with a layer of frost.
With a mental command, a drop of essence blood, mixed with a trace of soul power, seeped from the acupoint between his eyebrows.
It landed on the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword, merged with the magical power, and condensed into a unique blood-red rune that then infused into the sword's body.
At that very moment, the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword suddenly shrank into a three-inch-long miniature sword and shot into his dantian as a streak of light.
The drop of magical power dispersed into thousands of threads, enveloping the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword and beginning the initial refining process.
Top-tier magical artifacts were considered second-rank artifacts, and their refining process was distinctly different from that of first-rank artifacts.
To refine a first-rank artifact, one only needed to offer a drop of essence blood and then infuse it with magical power.
But a second-rank artifact was different.
First, one had to infuse it with magical power to awaken a trace of its spirituality, and then refine it with heart's blood mixed with soul power.
Once this was done, the initial bonding was complete.
A connection with the top-tier magical artifact was established.
Next was to bring it into the dantian for several months of refining. Only then could it be considered initially refined.
After that, it still required long-term nurturing with magical power to increase its affinity with the user.
This would allow him to wield it as an extension of his own arm.
And unleash the full power of the top-tier magical artifact.
In the blink of an eye.
Three months passed.
Chen Jianghe looked inward with his spiritual sense, focusing on the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword floating in his dantian. With a thought.
Swoosh~
The Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword flew out, returning to its three-foot size, and moved according to his will.
Within the range of his spiritual sense, the sword's attack speed was extremely fast, visible only as a flash of light without a discernible blade.
However, beyond the range of his spiritual sense, its attack speed was halved.
Even so, it was still incredibly fast.
An ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator would be unable to dodge it. Coupled with the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword's ice properties…
Any cultivator of the same rank facing Chen Jianghe would essentially be a sitting duck.
“Not bad. Fairy Luo may be a bit cold, but the magical artifacts she forges are very powerful.”
Chen Jianghe praised Luo Xiyue in his heart.
He then recalled the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword to his dantian and took out the Profound Ice Battle Armor from his storage pouch.
“When I get some spirit stones, I’ll have to get a new storage pouch.”
As he took out the Profound Ice Battle Armor, Chen Jianghe’s gaze fell upon the storage pouch that had been with him for decades.
Its dark cyan exterior had already faded.
Of course, Chen Jianghe didn't care about the appearance of the storage pouch; the main issue was that its space was too small.
With only one cubic meter, it was no longer suitable for a lofty Foundation Establishment cultivator like himself.
Although there were three storage pouches among the congratulatory gifts he received, they were also only one cubic meter each.
Those people had no deep connection with him; sending a storage pouch worth a hundred spirit stones was already quite generous.
“In a while, I’ll go to Mirror Moon Market City and trade this storage pouch for a… five-cubic-meter one!”
His mind made up.
Chen Jianghe put the storage pouch away and focused his attention on the Profound Ice Battle Armor. The palm-sized armor was pitch-black and unadorned.
It looked like a piece of scrap metal.
“Simple and unadorned is good. It looks completely useless to others.”
Chen Jianghe was very satisfied with this Profound Ice Battle Armor. His magical power surged out, enveloping it.
The magical power gradually seeped into the Profound Ice Battle Armor.
An hour later, the Profound Ice Battle Armor instantly expanded to a height of seven feet. A black light shimmered across its surface, and a layer of ice armor actually condensed over the black battle armor.
Just as Luo Xiyue had said, the Profound Ice Battle Armor had two layers of defense. To truly reach the armor itself…
One first needed to break through the outer layer of ice armor.
Although this layer of ice armor was not exceptionally strong, it could easily defend against any cultivator below the Foundation Establishment stage.
Seeing that his magical power had fully permeated the Profound Ice Battle Armor and awakened its spirituality.
A drop of essence blood appeared between Chen Jianghe's eyebrows and landed on the Profound Ice Battle Armor, merging with the magical power to form a unique blood-red rune.
The moment it entered the Profound Ice Battle Armor.
Swoosh~
The Profound Ice Battle Armor transformed into a streak of light, entering his dantian and floating beside the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword.
He cleared his mind of distractions and calmed his spirit.
He began the initial refining of the Profound Ice Battle Armor.
Once the Profound Ice Battle Armor was fully refined, he would no longer be considered at the bottom among Foundation Establishment cultivators.
As long as he didn't face a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator.
His combat power would be quite formidable.
Handling Yun Bufan and Ruan Tieniu would be a simple matter.
The reason Ruan Tieniu was unwilling to part with the Profound Heaven Dragon Pattern Rope was because this top-tier offensive magical artifact possessed powerful special abilities.
It was similar to his Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword.
Even if Ruan Tieniu used the Profound Heaven Dragon Pattern Rope, he would not be able to defeat Chen Jianghe.
Because Chen Jianghe also had the Profound Ice Battle Armor and two spirit beasts.
Against him, Ruan Tieniu wouldn't even be able to escape.
Ruan Tieniu knew the [Blood River Escape Art], and coincidentally, so did Chen Jianghe.
Moreover, Xiao Hei's [Profound Earth Fissure遁] was not much inferior to the [Blood River Escape Art]. Crucially, as long as Xiao Hei had magical power, he could continuously use his escape art. How could one possibly flee?
Even if you risked your life, you couldn't escape.
Therefore, in Chen Jianghe's view, Ruan Tieniu was a rogue Foundation Establishment cultivator worth deepening his friendship with.
Four months passed.
A dark light flickered, and a suit of pitch-black armor appeared on Chen Jianghe's body, instantly forming a layer of ice armor around him.
With a thought, Chen Jianghe sent the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword flying, stabbing at the outer layer of ice armor on the Profound Ice Battle Armor.
Bang~
The ice armor shattered.
The Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword struck the Profound Ice Battle Armor but left no mark.
“At twenty percent power, it shatters the ice armor but can’t even leave a scratch on the Profound Ice Battle Armor. Both artifacts are excellent.”
Chen Jianghe was very satisfied.
The outer layer of ice armor on the Profound Ice Battle Armor had considerable defensive power, capable of blocking the spells of an early Foundation Establishment cultivator.
However, it would be difficult for it to block an attack from a top-tier offensive magical artifact.
But that was already very good.
After all, it was just a layer of ice armor attached to the Profound Ice Battle Armor; the real defense came from the armor itself.
“It’s a pity the Profound Ice Battle Armor can’t change its shape at will. Otherwise, I could wear it all the time.”
With a thought, Chen Jianghe recalled both the Profound Ice Battle Armor and the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword into his dantian to continue nurturing them.
Generally, it takes three to five years of nurturing to completely refine a top-tier magical artifact.
“It’s already mid-August. Time flies.”
Chen Jianghe calculated the date and realized his small Foundation Establishment celebration was in two days.
Without delay, he ended his seclusion.
He first went to the backyard and recalled Maoqiu into the Spirit Beast Space.
Maoqiu's cultivation had progressed rapidly over the years, and its body had grown along with its power.
It was now sixteen feet long.
It had also completely refined and consumed two second-rank water-type spirit cores.
It was now consuming the third one.
If all went well, Maoqiu would break through to the second rank in three years at most.
At that time, he would have two second-rank spirit beasts.
If he then had Maoqiu refine the Profound Iron Heavy Cudgel, its combat power would be enough to dominate any cultivator in the early Foundation Establishment stage.
“Me, plus Xiao Hei, plus Maoqiu... dealing with a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator shouldn't be a problem.”
“I can't get arrogant. Before I have a way to counter Talisman Treasures, I must keep a low profile and act cautiously.”
Chen Jianghe walked out of his courtyard.
He first went next door to inform the two girls, inviting them to his small Foundation Establishment celebration.
Even though Alchemist Zhuang was gone, Chen Jianghe still held these two juniors in high regard.
Especially Jiang Ruxu; he had high hopes for this future Alchemist Grandmaster.
Afterward, Chen Jianghe found Yu Daniu to ask about the arrangements for the celebration.
“Big Brother, Cousin Bufan and Fellow Daoist Zhou arrived ten days ago and are resting in the guest courtyard.”
“Peiyao also arrived at Qiyun Mountain five days ago and is with Fairy Luo.”
Hearing that these three had arrived, Chen Jianghe nodded.
He didn't like crowds; a small gathering with a few close friends was enough.
Then, Chen Jianghe asked about the major publications in the Tiannan Region to see if the hype about him had died down.
As he had expected, the sensation of his late-life Foundation Establishment would last a year at most; it couldn't go on forever.
After all, it was just a Qi Refining cultivator successfully reaching Foundation Establishment.
Even if it was done at an advanced age, it was still just the matter of a single Foundation Establishment cultivator.
It was bound to fade with time.
“Big Brother, here are two second-rank water-type spirit cores.”
Yu Daniu took out two second-rank water-type spirit cores and handed them to Chen Jianghe.
Looking at the two cores in his hand, Chen Jianghe was a bit puzzled. One second-rank water-type spirit core represented one second-rank water-type demonic beast.
They were not easy to come by.
Normally, finding even one was incredibly difficult.
Let alone finding two in just seven months.
“You found two water-type spirit cores so quickly?” Chen Jianghe asked curiously.
“You may not know, Big Brother, but two months ago, the Beast Taming Market City was completely destroyed under the frenzied attack of five third-rank demonic beasts.”
“Tens of thousands of cultivators perished, and only a small number managed to escape.”
“When cultivators fall, so do demonic beasts. Plus, after the Beast Taming Market City was breached, the beast tide here at Qinghe Market City also began to grow in scale, so second-rank spirit cores have become more common.”
“Thanks to Peiyao’s connections, not only did I get two second-rank water-type spirit cores for you, but I also acquired two second-rank fire-type spirit cores.”
“Right, if any more second-rank water-type spirit cores appear at Qinghe Market City, they will be traded to us.”
Hearing Yu Daniu's words, Chen Jianghe was stunned, his heart filled with emotion.
The Beast Taming Market City had fallen to the demonic beasts after all.
That was the third-ranked immortal market city south of the Tongtian River, permanently guarded by a Core Formation expert.
During the later stages of the beast tide, a total of six Core Formation experts and one False Core Rogue Cultivator had appeared in the city.
But even so, they couldn't save the Beast Taming Market City.
“The beast tide at Qinghe Market City has expanded?”
Chen Jianghe found it somewhat unbelievable. It was obvious that the Tiannan Sect was using Qinghe Market City as a training ground for its disciples.
For the beast tide to expand at this time, did it mean the great demons of the Youxian Mountain Range were about to confront the Tiannan Sect head-on?
“The Tiannan Sect won't confront the demonic beasts directly. Peiyao said that in two years at most, Elder Lan will lead these Foundation Establishment disciples of the Tiannan Sect away, ending this sect trial.”
“It seems Qinghe Market City is destined to follow in the footsteps of the Beast Taming Market City.”
Chen Jianghe said faintly.
The two great immortal clans of Qinghe Market City had paid a heavy price to acquire a Thunder-Patterned Red Flame Leopard in order to continue their clans' glory.
They never imagined that this leopard would become their death warrant.
Just as Chen Jianghe was sighing at Yu Daniu's news, a resonant voice echoed through the Yu Clan estate on Qiyun Mountain.
“Duan Tiande, along with my brother Lu Shisan, has come to visit…”