Chapter 185
Chapter 185
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 185
Chapter Title: Talisman Treasure, Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume
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Heling, the territory of the Foundation Establishment Immortal Shi Clan, was vast, much larger than Qiyun Mountain and Mirror Moon Lake combined.
However, within Heling, there were few spirit veins, and even fewer developed spirit fields.
An area of four thousand li was filled with barren, towering peaks, with only about twenty small cultivation towns, less than double the number in Qiyun Mountain.
One must know that the Yu Clan of Qiyun Mountain only had a territory of a thousand li.
The spirit boat hovered above three mountain peaks, showing no intention of leaving.
Chen Jianghe glanced at Luo Xiyue, then at the mountain peaks below the clouds. The Feng brothers had already been in pursuit for half an hour.
If all went as expected, they should be fighting by now. It was obvious that the young man in black was also bait.
As the mana fluctuations of the Foundation Establishment stage spread out, it became clear that there were more than five Foundation Establishment cultivators in the deep mountains.
There were at least ten Foundation Establishment cultivators.
In other words, five or six Foundation Establishment cultivators had already been lying in ambush in these deep mountains.
All to lure the Feng brothers.
Another half an hour passed.
Chen Jianghe saw three streaks of golden light burst out from the deep mountains, flying swiftly toward the distant horizon.
"The Feng brothers won?"
Watching the four Feng brothers fly out of the deep mountains and seeing the three streaks of golden light fleeing, there was no doubt that the group of rogue cultivators who wanted to trap the Feng brothers had failed.
Their reverse-trap had failed.
This also demonstrated the formidable strength of the Feng brothers.
Six Foundation Establishment cultivators had laid an ambush, and with the young man in black, it was seven Foundation Establishment cultivators against the Feng brothers.
Yet, four of them were killed in the counter-attack.
Just then, under Luo Xiyue's control, the spirit boat directly blocked the Feng brothers' path.
Chen Jianghe shot a look at Luo Xiyue, instantly on guard. He sent a mental message to Xiao Hei, telling him to be ready for battle at any moment.
His mind was connected to the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword and the Profound Ice Battle Armor, ready to summon the magical artifacts at the first sign of trouble.
"Fairy, why do you block our path?"
The eldest of the Feng brothers glanced at Luo Xiyue with a wary look, then cupped his hands and asked.
Except for the eldest, who was uninjured, the other three brothers were all seriously wounded. After all, they had just fought a life-and-death battle against seven Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"You were the ones who touched my spirit boat with your divine sense earlier."
Luo Xiyue's voice was cold, like a bone-chilling wind, and the surrounding spiritual energy condensed into frost.
Chen Jianghe looked at Luo Xiyue and couldn't help but curse inwardly.
*Weren't you the one who trespassed into the airspace of Qingyou Valley first, prompting them to issue a warning with their divine sense?*
*Besides, they only glanced at you. Is it worth taking such a risk?*
However, since things had come to this, Chen Jianghe stood behind Luo Xiyue, ready to summon his magical artifacts at a moment's notice.
"What do you want, Fairy?"
The eldest Feng brother's gaze darkened, anger rising on his face as he asked in a deep voice.
Luo Xiyue didn't speak.
Her indifferent eyes stared at the four Feng brothers, as if calculating whether she could eliminate all of them.
"Fellow Daoist, how confident are you?"
Chen Jianghe couldn't help but ask via mental message, afraid of being led into a ditch by Luo Xiyue.
"Aside from the late-stage Foundation Establishment one, the other three can be dealt with."
Luo Xiyue pondered for a moment, then sent another mental message: "If you can help me hold off this late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator for half a quarter-hour, I'm fully confident I can take care of all of them."
"Heaven has a virtue of cherishing life. It took them a hundred years of bitter cultivation to reach this level. Why must we commit such slaughter?"
Chen Jianghe advised via mental message.
*Hold off that late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator for half a quarter-hour?*
*What a joke. He doesn't even have a follow-up Foundation Establishment cultivation art yet, nor has he mastered the powerful spells of the Foundation Establishment stage.*
Strictly speaking, he wasn't yet a true Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Against a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, even if he revealed Xiao Hei, he might not be able to hold on for half a quarter-hour.
His opponent was no ordinary rogue cultivator.
Not only was he at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, but he also had a Core Formation expert as a master. He surely possessed corresponding magical artifacts.
He might even have unimaginable trump cards.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to turn the tables on his ambushers and kill those Foundation Establishment cultivators.
"Those two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and that one early-stage one... if you can hold them off for a quarter of an hour, I can still take care of them all."
Luo Xiyue's voice was filled with temptation.
"Right now, they have spiritual items worth at least fifty thousand spirit stones on them, plus a third-grade, high-tier bloodline Crimson Scale Fire Python."
Upon hearing this, Chen Jianghe felt a stir of temptation.
The two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and the early-stage one were all seriously injured. If he revealed Xiao Hei...
...he might not be able to kill them, but holding them off for a quarter of an hour was possible.
But doing so would expose Xiao Hei's existence.
Xiao Hei was currently his greatest trump card and couldn't be wasted here.
Moreover, Chen Jianghe suspected Luo Xiyue's motives were not pure. Judging by her style and words, she would never act like a rogue cultivator.
So, this move was likely not her own idea.
"Is Gao Peiyao having her test my limits?"
Chen Jianghe instantly thought of Gao Peiyao. She was the one who knew his superficial background best.
Although he had managed his life prudently, developed step by step, and cultivated methodically, only succeeding in Foundation Establishment at the age of eighty...
...if one were to scrutinize the details, they would surely suspect he had some sort of fortuitous encounter.
His path of cultivation was too smooth, his demeanor too calm. Even when achieving Foundation Establishment at such an old age, he showed no signs of nervousness.
Anyone who knew his background well could guess he had a fortuitous encounter.
Gao Peiyao herself was a person with great secrets.
It was highly likely she would also guess that Chen Jianghe was hiding secrets and want to probe his trump cards.
Chen Jianghe didn't know if his guess was correct, but he knew for sure that Luo Xiyue's current behavior was very strange.
"Fellow Daoist, are you testing me?"
Chen Jianghe glanced at Luo Xiyue and sent a mental message.
He had brought the matter out into the open.
For a cold and arrogant woman like Luo Xiyue, being direct was the most suitable approach.
Sure enough, after Chen Jianghe said this, Luo Xiyue stopped communicating with him via mental message. Instead, her icy eyes stared at the eldest of the Feng brothers.
"A piece of Profound Iron Heart, as an apology for our offense, Fairy."
The eldest Feng brother took out a piece of crimson profound iron, wrapped it in mana, and sent it before Luo Xiyue.
The Profound Iron Heart was a material for refining top-tier defensive magical artifacts. Combined with Fire Cloud Toad Wind, it could be used to craft top-tier spirit-imbued defensive armor.
Luo Xiyue said nothing, merely taking out a three-inch golden sword that contained terrifying metal-attribute power.
"A Talisman Treasure!"
Seeing this three-inch golden sword and feeling the terrifying power it contained, Chen Jianghe's heart shook violently.
Luo Xiyue actually possessed a Talisman Treasure.
Only Core Formation experts could refine Talisman Treasures.
If a False Core senior wanted to forcibly refine one, they would have to pay a great price.
Could Luo Xiyue's master be a Core Formation expert?
The moment Luo Xiyue took out the supremely powerful metal-attribute Talisman Treasure, the gazes of the Feng brothers instantly became friendly.
"This is Profound Sun Stone, Thunder Pattern Copper, and Topaz Gold Sand. All are mid-tier second-grade spiritual items. I hope they can resolve the misunderstanding with you, Fairy."
The eldest Feng brother spoke gently, the anger gone from his face, replaced by a smile as warm as a spring breeze.
It made him look very approachable.
When Chen Jianghe saw the clear gazes of the Feng brothers and the smiles on their faces, he couldn't help but look again at the golden sword Talisman Treasure.
His heart was filled with envy.
Indeed, as long as one was strong enough, the cultivation world was still full of truth, goodness, and beauty.
"They should have the [Myriad Waters True Scripture]. Consider it a favor I owe you, Fellow Daoist."
Chen Jianghe sent a mental message to Luo Xiyue at this moment.
Yun Xiaoniu had mentioned that a disciple of the Qingyou Valley Master cultivated the [Myriad Waters True Scripture].
Although he didn't know if the Feng brothers cultivated it, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that couldn't be missed.
Otherwise, if he had to find the [Myriad Waters True Scripture] on his own, it would take who knows how long.
Owing Luo Xiyue a favor was not a loss for Chen Jianghe.
It could also bring him closer to Luo Xiyue.
Befriending Luo Xiyue was part of his original plan.
An artifacts grandmaster with exceptional skills... if he could build a good relationship with her, the benefits would be immense.
With a wave of her delicate hand, Luo Xiyue collected the four mid-tier second-grade spiritual items offered by the eldest Feng brother.
Then she said coolly, "Leave behind the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume], and you can go."
"[Myriad Waters True Scripture]?"
The Feng brothers exchanged glances, both showing hesitation, and began to communicate secretly via mental message.
"She's already taken those four treasures, yet she still wants the [Myriad Waters True Scripture]. Does she really think we're afraid of her?"
"Big Brother, you have the Mystic Turtle Talisman Treasure given by Master. We might be able to kill her."
"Foolish. I'm saving the Mystic Turtle Talisman Treasure to fight for a Core Formation opportunity. How can I use it now?"
"Besides, the Qi Refining volume of our Qingyou Valley's [Myriad Waters True Scripture] has already been leaked by the Gu brothers."
"Big Brother is right. If the Gu brothers could leak the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Qi Refining Volume], why can't we leak the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume]?"
"Exactly. In twenty years, the Tiannan Sect's secret realm trial will open. Big Brother needs to go in and compete for a Core Formation opportunity. The Mystic Turtle Talisman Treasure absolutely cannot be wasted here."
After a brief exchange and weighing the pros and cons, the Feng brothers took out a jade slip, wrapped it in mana, and sent it before Luo Xiyue.
"This Foundation Establishment volume of the [Myriad Waters True Scripture] is a gift to you, Fairy. I hope we can become friends."
The eldest Feng brother said with a smile.
In his heart, however, he was thinking of introducing Luo Xiyue to the Foundation Establishment disciples he was friendly with in the Tiannan Sect, so they could enter the secret realm trial together.
The Tiannan Sect's secret realm trial was done in teams of three. The stronger the teammates, the greater the chance of obtaining a Core Formation opportunity.
After accepting the jade slip, Luo Xiyue ignored the eldest Feng brother and flew away on her spirit boat.
"A golden sword Talisman Treasure? And a spirit boat... Who is her master?"
"With such formidable strength, I might run into her in the secret realm trial in the future. When that time comes, don't blame me for being ruthless."
——
On the spirit boat, Luo Xiyue put away the golden sword Talisman Treasure, glanced at the jade slip in her hand, and then tossed it to Chen Jianghe.
"When you reach the late stage of Foundation Establishment, you will do two things for me."
"Two things?"
Chen Jianghe looked at the jade slip floating before him. He didn't immediately reach for it, but instead looked at Luo Xiyue.
*Owing one favor and doing two things... isn't that equivalent to owing two favors?*
*This deal is not worth it.*
"These two things are not dangerous. You can do them."
Luo Xiyue seemed to have Chen Jianghe right where she wanted him. After speaking, she turned away and closed her eyes to rest.
She didn't seem worried at all that Chen Jianghe would refuse her request.
"Not dangerous? Then that's fine."
With Luo Xiyue's words, Chen Jianghe directly pulled the jade slip into his hand, feeling no pressure in his heart.
Since Luo Xiyue herself had said it wasn't dangerous, if it turned out to be dangerous later, he could just ask for a different task.
"I've finally obtained the cultivation art."
After breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, without a follow-up cultivation art, it was impossible to master powerful spells.
Combat at the Foundation Establishment stage was different from the Qi Refining stage.
Qi Refining cultivators focused on magical artifacts.
The combat power of a Foundation Establishment cultivator was composed of magical artifacts, spells, talismans, spiritual strength, physical body, and offensive arts.
Among these, spells played a very large role.
The spells that came with superior cultivation arts were sometimes even more effective than magical artifacts.
Those powerful second-grade talismans, like the second-grade Lightning Escape Talisman, were actually created by second-grade Talisman Masters who gained insights from the Lightning Escape Art.
The Meteorite Lightningfall Talisman, Flame Dragon Demon-Breaking Talisman, and Green Wood Immortal Shield Talisman that Chen Jianghe had obtained were all derived from spells by past sages of the Talisman Dao.
Therefore, for Foundation Establishment cultivators, spells were just as important as magical artifacts.
Under normal circumstances, spells were slightly stronger than magical artifacts.
However, when combined with offensive arts, magical artifacts became stronger than spells.
Chen Jianghe had obtained the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume], which meant he could now cultivate the powerful spells that came with the [Myriad Waters True Scripture].
With his current foundation, he could develop formidable combat power even in the early stage of Foundation Establishment.
He disliked fighting, but that didn't mean he didn't want to become stronger.
Only by being strong could one truly avoid conflict.
Just like a moment ago, before Luo Xiyue took out the golden sword Talisman Treasure, the faces of the Feng brothers were filled with anger.
If Luo Xiyue had demanded the [Myriad Waters True Scripture] at that time, a battle with the Feng brothers would have been unavoidable.
But after Luo Xiyue took out the golden sword Talisman Treasure...
...the Feng brothers became friendly and easygoing.
Therefore, there was only one way to avoid conflict: to be strong enough yourself.
So strong that everyone who saw you became harmonious and friendly.
Back at Qiyun Mountain.
After putting away the spirit boat, Luo Xiyue returned to her own courtyard without saying much to Chen Jianghe.
Coincidentally, Chen Jianghe didn't have time either.
After returning, Chen Jianghe first found Yu Daniu and asked for his help in purchasing the blood of a demonic beast with a dragon bloodline.
The blood of a late-stage first-grade demonic beast would suffice.
He had bought the Dragon Pattern Red Pine, so naturally, he had to nurture it well. When he had spirit stones in the future...
...he wanted to water the Dragon Pattern Red Pine with the blood of a second-grade demonic beast.
He hoped to help the Dragon Pattern Red Pine advance to become a high-tier second-grade spirit plant. At that point, its bark could be used to create mid-tier second-grade talismans.
Returning to his courtyard.
Chen Jianghe first went to the backyard, let Maoqiu out, and had it continue to devour the second-grade water-attribute spirit core to cultivate.
After that, he planted the mid-tier second-grade spirit plant, the Dragon Pattern Red Pine, in the backyard.
The moment the Dragon Pattern Red Pine was taken out of the spirit plant bag...
...the spiritual energy within a hundred zhang radius suddenly contracted, absorbed by the Dragon Pattern Red Pine. Its withered branches and leaves instantly became full of life.
Its roots quickly burrowed into the soil, simultaneously absorbing the rich earth qi from the fertile ground.
"A mid-tier second-grade spirit vein is still too low."
The instant the Dragon Pattern Red Pine devoured the spiritual energy, it created a temporary vacuum. Although it was only within a hundred zhang radius, it took ten breaths for the spiritual energy to flow back and fill the void.
Moreover, as the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators on Qiyun Mountain increased, the spiritual energy was noticeably becoming thinner.
Currently, there were three Foundation Establishment cultivators on Qiyun Mountain: Luo Xiyue, Chen Jianghe, and Yun Xiaoniu.
And the Dragon Pattern Red Pine, a mid-tier second-grade spirit plant, consumed as much spiritual energy as a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Xiao Hei was in the spirit beast space, so he didn't affect the spiritual energy of Qiyun Mountain.
As for Maoqiu, it was still only a late-stage first-grade spirit beast.
But even with three Foundation Establishment cultivators and one mid-tier second-grade spirit plant, the spiritual energy on Qiyun Mountain had become noticeably thinner.
If Maoqiu successfully broke through to become a second-grade spirit beast, and Xiao Hei was also let out, the spiritual energy density of Qiyun Mountain would drop to a level close to that of a low-tier second-grade spirit vein, if not lower.
Therefore, a mid-tier second-grade spirit vein could only support eight Foundation Establishment cultivators. Any more would affect the spiritual energy density.
The spiritual energy density of a high-tier second-grade spirit vein was five to ten times that of a mid-tier one, which was why Qinghe Market City had so many Foundation Establishment cultivators.
As for Mirror Moon Lake, it only had one low-tier second-grade spirit vein. Supporting three Foundation Establishment cultivators was already its limit.
However, when Mirror Moon Market City set up its defensive formation, it also included a large second-grade Spirit Gathering Formation, allowing it to barely compare to a mid-tier second-grade spirit vein.
However, this also limited the development prospects of Mirror Moon Market City, making it impossible to ever reach the level of prosperity of Qinghe Market City.
The 'land' in a cultivator's 'wealth, companion, art, and land' was made apparent at this moment. If a Core Formation expert were to cultivate on a second-grade spirit vein, not only would it be difficult...
...it would also affect the spiritual energy density of the second-grade spirit vein.
It would probably cause the spiritual energy density of the second-grade spirit vein to drop to that of a first-grade one.
Beast Taming Market City had a Core Formation expert stationed there year-round because it had a low-tier third-grade spirit vein.
"Thousand Mountains Market City has a mid-tier third-grade spirit vein. Most of the rented immortal mountains and blessed lands there also have second-grade spirit veins. It's quite suitable for a rogue cultivator like me with a whole family to support."
Chen Jianghe wasn't going to Thousand Mountains Market City alone; he was bringing two second-grade spirit beasts and a mid-tier second-grade spirit plant.
This was equivalent to the spiritual energy consumption of four Foundation Establishment cultivators.
As his cultivation level increased, he would need to rent a mountain peak with at least a mid-tier second-grade spirit vein.
"Spirit stones... I'm short on spirit stones!"
The thought of renting a mountain peak with a mid-tier second-grade spirit vein made Chen Jianghe feel a wave of emptiness.
A trip to Ferry Market City had left him with only four hundred and two spirit stones, not to mention the six thousand he owed Luo Xiyue.
And one favor.
"I have to start making second-grade talismans. Otherwise, I can't even afford to go to Thousand Mountains Market City."
Chen Jianghe made up his mind.
Then, he went to the front hall, sat down cross-legged, and began to cultivate the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume].
He took out the jade slip.
After probing it with his divine sense, he was surprised to find that this was not just the fourth level of the [Myriad Waters True Scripture].
It was the complete [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume], completely different from the information Yun Xiaoniu had received.
Qingyou Valley was a large-scale black market, renowned throughout the entire Tiannan Domain.
Its master was even a Core Formation expert.
How could the cultivation art he passed down to his disciples only have the first four levels?
"If I reach Core Formation in the future, I'll have to interact with the Qingyou Valley Master to seek the subsequent parts of the [Myriad Waters True Scripture]."
The [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume] contained the first six levels, allowing him to cultivate all the way to the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
After familiarizing himself with the contents of the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume], Chen Jianghe also gained a certain understanding of cultivation at the Foundation Establishment stage.
The cultivation of Qi Refining cultivators and Foundation Establishment cultivators had similarities, but also fundamental differences.
In the early stage of Qi Refining, one drew qi into the body and opened up the dantian's sea of qi.
In the middle stage of Qi Refining, one absorbed spiritual energy to enhance mana.
In the late stage of Qi Refining, one purified mana, compressing gaseous mana into a liquid state.
A successful Foundation Establishment meant completely liquefying the sea of mana in the dantian into a single drop.
After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, the early and middle stages were still about increasing the quantity of mana to enhance one's cultivation.
But breaking through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment was similar to the late stage of Qi Refining. One began to compress the liquefied mana, condensing countless drops into crystals, forming a sea of crystals in the dantian's sea of qi, solidifying the mana in preparation for Core Formation.
It seemed similar to the Qi Refining stage, but the essence was different.
Chen Jianghe circulated the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume]. Instantly, the single drop of mana in his dantian's sea of qi transformed into thousands of threads, traveling through his major meridians and acupoints.
This caused his pores to madly devour the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
The speed of absorbing spiritual energy was more than ten times that of the peak ninth level of Qi Refining. After circulating for one small cycle, he could clearly feel the concentration of surrounding spiritual energy drop.
Unless he was in a place with a high-tier second-grade spirit vein, he would still need the assistance of Spirit Gathering Pills during cultivation.
Of course, he could also directly absorb spiritual energy from spirit stones.
But that would consume too many spirit stones.
According to the records in the [Tiannan Annals], Foundation Establishment cultivators could use mid-grade spirit stones for cultivation.
But Chen Jianghe had never seen mid-grade spirit stones in Qinghe Market City or Ferry Market City.
So, using Spirit Gathering Pills was more realistic.
He took out a Spirit Gathering Pill and swallowed it. Immediately, the pill erupted with dense spiritual power that surged into his dantian.
Chen Jianghe immediately began circulating the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume] again to refine this dense spiritual power.
After circulating for three major cycles, seven days had passed.
The spiritual power of one Spirit Gathering Pill was completely absorbed and refined into mana.
But the mana at this point was impure, just like in the Qi Refining stage, and still needed to be purified and compressed.
However, this process of purification and liquefaction was extremely slow. It required circulating the cultivation art daily to gradually remove impurities and liquefy it drop by drop.
"I still have nine Spirit Gathering Pills, enough for a year of cultivation. I should be able to cultivate a second drop of Foundation Establishment mana by then, and then I can start practicing the powerful spells that come with the [Myriad Waters True Scripture]."
Purifying mana, liquefying it drop by drop.
This was a slow process, requiring him to circulate the [Myriad Waters True Scripture Foundation Establishment Volume] for three small cycles every day.
Just like in the Qi Refining stage.
In his spare time, Chen Jianghe could draw second-grade talismans.
The materials for drawing second-grade talismans were ready.
Chen Jianghe stood up, went to the Dragon Pattern Red Pine in the backyard, summoned the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword, and slashed at the main trunk of the tree.
*Swish~~*
At that moment, the Dragon Pattern Red Pine's branches and leaves shook violently, as if it sensed danger and was extremely terrified.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to chop you up for firewood. I'm just taking a little bark. Be good and stay still."
Chen Jianghe offered a word of comfort, and with a 'swish,' the Silver Moon Flowing Wave Sword in his hand flashed with a silver light.
A large amount of red sap gushed from the Dragon Pattern Red Pine.
"So brittle?... Look, now you're hurt!"