Chapter 245
Chapter 245
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 245
Chapter Title: A Safe Departure, and a Show of Restraint
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The Northern Polar Snow Forest.
Gao Peiyao's fine brows furrowed, her phoenix-like eyes shimmering as she gazed at the secret realm's passage, a hint of anticipation within them.
She still hoped Luo Xiyue would make it out.
Luo Xiyue was exceptionally talented and had a profound background; she could provide significant help on her future cultivation path.
She was someone worth befriending.
An hour passed. The restrictions of the Wind and Snow Valley began to gradually restore themselves, affecting the azure jade ruler's ability to keep the passage to the secret realm open.
At this rate, the secret realm passage would be forced shut in another hour at most.
Perfected Being Chengtian glanced at Fairy Yunhua, looking as if he wanted to speak but held his tongue.
One hour, then they would wait one more hour.
He could disregard the thoughts of Adept Qingmu, but he had to show some respect to Fairy Yunhua.
She was also a Core Formation expert at the Perfected Being level.
Suddenly!
A figure appeared in the secret realm's passage.
It was a cultivator with a broken leg, carrying a bag on his back.
"Ruan Tieniu!"
Xiao Chen's expression shifted slightly. He was all too familiar with Ruan Tieniu. If not for him, his trump cards and resources wouldn't have been completely depleted.
"A beast egg!"
Perfected Being Mingjing was in charge of the resource transactions for this secret realm trip. The moment Ruan Tieniu appeared, his spiritual sense had already swept over him completely.
Naturally, he saw the beast egg in the coarse cloth bag.
'A fourth-grade, high-tier bloodline!'
Perfected Being Mingjing exclaimed inwardly. Even a Core Formation expert at the Perfected Being level like him couldn't resist the temptation of such a beast egg.
A young beast with a fourth-grade, high-tier bloodline, if raised properly, was practically guaranteed to become a third-rank demonic beast in the future.
Ruan Tieniu's appearance stunned all the cultivators present; they hadn't expected anyone else to actually make it out.
Logically, everyone should have been waiting at the passage before it opened. Why rush out at the last moment?
Weren't they worried that Perfected Being Chengtian of the Tiannan Sect would close the passage and leave?
"Brother Jianghe?!"
Suddenly, as another figure rushed out of the secret realm's passage, Gao Peiyao, standing behind Perfected Being Chengtian, cried out in surprise.
She clearly hadn't expected Chen Jianghe to have survived.
Gao Peiyao was overjoyed that Chen Jianghe had made it out alive. He was a reliable person who possessed great fortune.
The moment Chen Jianghe emerged, he felt a powerful spiritual sense wash over him, seeing right through him.
This made him feel very uncomfortable.
Yet he knew it was the spiritual sense of a Core Formation expert and dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction.
"Did you two see Ji Yanfeng?"
Fairy Yunhua's cold and proud voice sounded, reaching the ears of Chen Jianghe and Ruan Tieniu.
"Is there anyone else behind you?" Perfected Being Mingjing also asked.
Ruan Tieniu and Chen Jianghe glanced at each other, and at the same time, replied with looks of terror, "Reporting to Senior, there is a great terror in the secret realm. There are still people behind us."
They only spoke of a "great terror" but didn't specify the danger.
They didn't mention a word about the third-rank demonic beast chasing them from behind.
The moment they stepped out of the secret realm's passage, the spiritual sense of the Core Formation experts had already scanned them thoroughly.
If nothing unexpected happened, their storage bags would be inspected next.
Neither Ruan Tieniu nor Chen Jianghe wanted anyone to see their storage bags.
"You cur!"
Cen Linchuan rushed out of the secret realm's passage, half of his legs bitten off by a demonic beast. Upon seeing Ruan Tieniu, he cursed loudly.
Immediately after, Ji Yanfeng and Chen Chengping also dashed out of the passage.
The moment they saw Ji Yanfeng and Chen Chengping emerge.
Both Fairy Yunhua and Adept Qingmu's faces lit up with joy. As long as their own juniors made it out, this trip to the secret realm was not in vain.
With their profound resources brought into the secret realm, they were sure to have obtained many good things.
"Aunt, quickly seal—"
Ji Yanfeng shouted anxiously.
Before he could finish, a deafening roar echoed as a Crimson-Scaled Fire Python burst out of the secret realm's passage.
This scene stunned all the cultivators.
Before Perfected Being Chengtian and the other Core Formation experts could react, an Icy Triangle Python also rushed out.
Boom!
Perfected Being Chengtian immediately retracted the azure jade ruler, sealing the secret realm's passage.
But at the last second, a Black-Flamed Fire Crow also burst through, its tail feathers severed by the suddenly closing restriction.
With a shrill cry, black flames surged, sweeping towards the cultivators and forming a domain of fire a hundred zhang wide.
"Chen—"
Ruan Tieniu wanted to shout a warning to run, but he discovered Chen Jianghe had already fled into the distance. Without a moment's hesitation, he also flew rapidly towards Thousand Mountains Market City.
Roar!
A roar carrying a trace of draconic might resounded.
It was followed by the roar of a tiger.
The Icy Triangle Python from three thousand five hundred li deep within the Northern Polar Snow Forest was rapidly approaching, as was the white tiger that had been driven away.
"Chen'er, leave now!"
Perfected Being Chengtian's jade ruler flew out to block the Crimson-Scaled Fire Python's attack as he yelled at Xiao Chen.
Fairy Yunhua, Adept Qingmu, and Adept Yunie also instructed the Foundation Establishment juniors beside them to flee quickly.
Three third-rank demonic beasts, all with deep foundations from the secret realm. Even the six Core Formation experts would have a hard time dealing with them.
And now, two more third-rank demonic beasts were on their way.
If not to buy time for their juniors, they would have fled long ago.
Rummmble!
Chen Jianghe dove into the icy river and fled towards Thousand Mountains Market City. His speed was in no way inferior to Ruan Tieniu, who was flying on his blade.
Water Escape Art, this was the technique Chen Jianghe was most proficient in.
Although it was only a first-rank art, through his practice and comprehension, he had long since mastered it to perfection. Coupled with the power boost from his cultivation technique.
His Water Escape Art was no slower than a Crimson Flame Cloud-Soaring Talisman.
"Why did Ruan Tieniu change direction?"
Chen Jianghe was puzzled.
They were both fleeing in the same general direction, wanting to return to Thousand Mountains Market City, but Ruan Tieniu had suddenly turned southwest.
That wasn't the way to Thousand Mountains Market City.
Immediately after, Chen Jianghe sensed the auras of Gao Peiyao and Xiao Chen.
"Brother Jianghe, where is Sister Xiyue?" Gao Peiyao moved closer to Chen Jianghe, sending a spiritual sense transmission.
"She should have entered the Great Snow Mountain."
Chen Jianghe replied.
At this point, he figured out why Ruan Tieniu had changed direction.
Ruan Tieniu had third-rank spiritual items on him, probably more than one. Most importantly, he had a beast egg.
That much was obvious.
Although he didn't know the exact bloodline grade, judging from the aura it emitted, it was undoubtedly a fourth-grade bloodline.
Even Core Formation experts would be incredibly envious of such a beast egg.
With a third-rank spirit beast by their side, a Core Formation Adept would dare to challenge a Perfected Being.
Gao Peiyao didn't transmit any more messages. She had some new speculations about Luo Xiyue's origins.
"Peiyao, these are a Heart-Clearing Detoxification Pill and a Jade Dew Pill. They can purge the poison from your arm."
Chen Jianghe didn't pause. Two golden lights shot from his hand towards Gao Peiyao, delivering two spirit pills.
This was the Northern Polar Snow Forest, and they were three thousand li deep inside.
They were within the active range of third-rank demonic beasts.
To escape the danger, they needed to flee another thousand li.
Two thousand li deep into the Northern Polar Snow Forest was the territory of mid to late-stage second-rank demonic beasts. In their current state, even dealing with mid-stage second-rank beasts would be somewhat difficult.
Their spiritual power was nearly depleted.
And they were all injured.
How could they fight demonic beasts?
Gao Peiyao took the Heart-Clearing Detoxification Pill and the Jade Dew Pill, her heart filled with joy. She immediately swallowed them to recover from her injuries.
They weren't out of danger yet. It was best if the injury on her arm could heal completely.
"Did he hide somewhere after leaving Sunset Lake until the secret realm closed?"
Gao Peiyao wondered.
It was basically impossible to have any healing pills left at the end. Even Xiao Chen had used all of his, let alone Chen Jianghe.
But she didn't know that Chen Jianghe still had eleven Jade Dew Pills, one Muscle-Regrowing and Bone-Mending Pill, two Soul-Calming and Spirit-Settling Pills, and one second-rank Spirit Recovery Pill.
Coupled with his ultimate technique, the [Jade Dew Muscle-Regrowing Incantation], he basically wouldn't get injured.
Even if he was injured, he didn't need to take a pill; he could just cast the [Jade Dew Muscle-Regrowing Incantation].
He had cultivated the [Jade Dew Muscle-Regrowing Incantation] to the great success stage, nearing perfection.
As long as bones weren't involved, he could heal within ten breaths. Even for very serious injuries, he could recover in less than a hundred breaths.
Gao Peiyao didn't ask Chen Jianghe if he had obtained the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart at Sunset Lake.
It was meaningless for her to ask.
Luo Xiyue had already helped her obtain the Flawless Fruit.
The Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart belonged to Luo Xiyue.
Since she heard from Chen Jianghe that Luo Xiyue went to the Great Snow Mountain, the two of them must have met.
If he had obtained the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart, he would have given it to Luo Xiyue.
If he hadn't, she couldn't possibly compensate Luo Xiyue with another Core Formation spiritual item.
Besides, even if Chen Jianghe really had obtained the Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Heart, regardless of whether he gave it to Luo Xiyue, she couldn't be the one to ask.
If he had given it away, Chen Jianghe would surely feel a little upset.
After all, it was a Core Formation spiritual item.
If he hadn't, it would involve his secret.
Saying unnecessary things would only cause displeasure.
After leaving the two-thousand-eight-hundred-li region of the Northern Polar Snow Forest, the Foundation Establishment cultivators all breathed a sigh of relief.
Having left the active area of third-rank demonic beasts, the danger was lessened.
Except for Ruan Tieniu, who went in his own direction, everyone else was heading towards Thousand Mountains Market City, flying in the same general direction.
Thirty breaths later.
They entered the two-thousand-five-hundred-li range of the Northern Polar Snow Forest. The spiritual power fluctuations from more than a dozen people flying attracted the roars of demonic beasts.
Thump, thump!
The sound of heavy footsteps approached from the distance. The ground trembled, and snow slid off the pines.
Chen Jianghe, using his escape art in the water, could clearly feel the river's ripples and the trembling of the earth.
"Oh no, it's the Blue Jade White Elephants!"
Feeling the earth tremble, Chen Jianghe suddenly recalled a type of demonic beast from the [Illustrated Guide to the Northern Polar Snow Forest].
Blue Jade White Elephant, a third-grade, low-tier bloodline. A social demonic beast with a massive body, blue tusks, and white fur. It was gentle by nature but exceptionally violent, cruel, and bloodthirsty towards cultivators.
Every herd of Blue Jade White Elephants had a king, usually a peak second-rank demonic beast.
The other members were mostly early or mid-stage second-rank.
The young elephants were mid to late-stage first-rank.
"Peiyao, the herd of Blue Jade White Elephants is chasing us," Chen Jianghe transmitted.
"Brother Jianghe, let's split up and meet at Thousand Mountains Market City."
Gao Peiyao also spotted the herd and responded immediately.
After spotting the herd, the other cultivators also chose to scatter and flee. If they stayed together, they would likely be surrounded by the elephants.
At their current strength, they could handle mid-stage second-rank demonic beasts, but late-stage would be a struggle.
Facing the peak second-rank Blue Jade Elephant King was no different from seeking death.
"Brother Lu, it's Chen Jianghe. Should we go after him?"
He Lingchuan sent a transmission.
"His wife Luo Xiyue didn't come out; she probably perished in the secret realm. One is a Talisman Grandmaster, the other a Weapon Refining Grandmaster. For Chen Jianghe to survive, he must have a great treasure in his hands!"
"Right now, every cultivator's resources have been exhausted in the secret realm. A mere mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator like him is ours for the taking!"
Lu Qingming's speed didn't decrease. He subconsciously flew in the direction of Chen Jianghe's water escape, not directly replying to He Lingchuan.
He weighed the pros and cons in his mind.
He had just resolved his karma with Chen Jianghe.
Naturally, he didn't want to offend a well-connected Talisman Grandmaster like Chen Jianghe, but what He Lingchuan said was also correct.
Chen Jianghe's wife was already lost in the secret realm.
Although the man was a Talisman Grandmaster, his resources were surely depleted in the secret realm. Even someone with a deep background like Cen Linchuan had used up everything; there was no reason for Chen Jianghe to have anything left.
If Luo Xiyue were still around, Lu Qingming naturally wouldn't have any crooked thoughts about Chen Jianghe.
A late-stage Foundation Establishment Weapon Refining Grandmaster was very intimidating.
He and He Lingchuan were both only at the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.
"Could he have a Core Formation spiritual item on him?"
Lu Qingming was already entertaining the idea of attacking Chen Jianghe; he just needed a reason to solidify his resolve.
"Brother Lu, I'm certain he has a Core Formation spiritual item. If they were only after second-rank spiritual items, how could his wife have perished?"
He Lingchuan transmitted.
Lu Qingming agreed with He Lingchuan's reasoning.
In his mind, it must have been Luo Xiyue who distracted the peak second-rank demonic beast while Chen Jianghe stole the Core Formation spiritual item.
Only, Luo Xiyue ultimately fell to the peak second-rank demonic beast and perished.
Thinking this way, even if Chen Jianghe didn't have a Core Formation spiritual item, he must have third-rank spiritual materials.
That was enough to entice him.
"Alright, we'll follow Chen Jianghe. After we evade the Blue Jade White Elephants and enter the thousand-li range of the Northern Polar Snow Forest, we'll find a chance to kill him."
Lu Qingming made up his mind.
A Core Formation spiritual item.
Even if there was only a sliver of hope, he didn't want to miss it.
If he could obtain a Core Formation spiritual item, his status in the clan would rise significantly, and he would receive the clan's focused cultivation.
In the future, he might become a lofty Core Formation expert.
While Lu Qingming and He Lingchuan were plotting against Chen Jianghe, Yuan Chenyu separated from Xiao Chen and Gao Peiyao.
He moved closer to Cen Linchuan.
Clearly, he intended to make a move on the footless Cen Linchuan.
"Junior Sister, let's meet at Tianmen Market City, then take the cross-domain flying ship back to Xianmen Market City."
Xiao Chen sent a transmission.
Taking the opportunity while evading the Blue Jade White Elephants, he flew southwest, chasing after Ruan Tieniu.
"Fairy Peiyao, would you be interested in cooperating?"
Ji Yanfeng sent a transmission.
"How so?" Gao Peiyao replied.
"Those two rogue cultivators have quite a few spiritual items on them. It would be a real shame to let such a good opportunity slip by." Ji Yanfeng's voice held a hint of killing intent.
"Not interested."
Gao Peiyao said, then separated from them, taking her own path.
"Hmph!"
Ji Yanfeng snorted coldly in his heart.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, let's get closer to those two rogue cultivators. We'll strike after evading the Blue Jade White Elephants."
"Why not go after Chen Jianghe? His wife is dead, and Gao Peiyao isn't with him. He might have third-rank spiritual materials or even a Core Formation spiritual item."
Chen Chengping transmitted, "Those two rogue cultivators came out so early. Their third-rank spiritual items must have been confiscated by the Tiannan Sect's Core Formation elder."
"Go after Chen Jianghe?"
Ji Yanfeng shook his head.
It wasn't that he hadn't considered ambushing Chen Jianghe, but he wasn't sure how many trump cards Chen Jianghe still had.
Those two rogue cultivators might not have any third-rank spiritual items, but if he and Chen Chengping teamed up, it would be a guaranteed profit.
But if they were to attack Chen Jianghe.
He only had a fifty percent chance of killing him and taking his treasures.
"When he left the secret realm, he used a second-rank, high-tier escape talisman. He still has another one."
"Besides, neither of us knows if he has any second-rank, high-tier attack talismans."
"This fellow may be a rogue cultivator, but he has some connections. Without absolute certainty of killing him, it's best not to act rashly."
Ji Yanfeng recalled how, when they were being chased by the third-rank demonic beast in the secret realm, Chen Jianghe had always managed to stay steadily ahead of them.
He definitely had more trump cards.
Killing a cultivator who had hidden trump cards and needlessly getting entangled in life-and-death karma was an unwise move.
"True. In that case, let's follow those two rogue cultivators."
Chen Chengping nodded.
Although they were wary of the Blue Jade White Elephant herd, they weren't overly worried. As long as they didn't run into the herd head-on, there wouldn't be much danger.
The Blue Jade White Elephants had strong attack and defense, making them standouts among second-rank demonic beasts. However, they had a major weakness: second-rank Blue Jade White Elephants couldn't fly.
As long as they didn't collide head-on, they wouldn't be suppressed by the herd's innate ability and rendered unable to fly.
Half an hour later.
Chen Jianghe emerged from the river. Instead of summoning his Silvermoon Flowing Wave Sword, he flew using his Qi. He had already entered the one-thousand-five-hundred-li range of the Northern Polar Snow Forest.
This was the transition zone between first-rank and second-rank demonic beasts.
Even if there were powerful demonic beasts, they would only be early-stage second-rank, which posed no threat to Chen Jianghe.
Without him needing to act, Maoqiu could protect him fully.
"Finally out."
Chen Jianghe let out a long breath.
He felt somewhat excited.
Although he was chased by a third-rank demonic beast, it was a blessing in disguise, as he avoided being searched by the sect's Core Formation elders.
From the moment he entered the secret realm, Chen Jianghe knew that any third-rank spiritual items he brought out would not end up in his own hands.
Unless he had Gao Peiyao help him bring them out.
If it were just ordinary third-rank spiritual materials, having Gao Peiyao help would have been fine.
But he had a Core Formation spiritual item, the True Spirit Fruit.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Gao Peiyao.
He just didn't want to test human nature.
"Still following me? Don't tell me they have ideas about me!"
Chen Jianghe frowned.
Lu Qingming and He Lingchuan had been following him ever since they encountered the Blue Jade White Elephant herd. Now, they had more or less entered a safe zone.
Logically, everyone should have separated to avoid misunderstandings.
Everyone had just come out of the secret realm with valuable spiritual items on them. Sticking too close was naturally inappropriate.
But these two showed no intention of avoiding him.
Chen Jianghe's spiritual sense was powerful, comparable to a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, so he naturally detected Lu Qingming and He Lingchuan tailing him.
Just as Chen Jianghe was pondering, his spiritual sense suddenly detected Lu Qingming's speed increasing.
"An ultimate escape art!"
Chen Jianghe was surprised. He hadn't expected the ultimate technique Lu Qingming comprehended to be an escape art.
No wonder he survived until the end.
"Huh? Another ultimate escape art?!"
He Lingchuan's speed also increased sharply. He charged towards him alongside Lu Qingming, his speed no less than Lu Qingming's.
Clearly, he had also comprehended an ultimate escape art.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, what is the meaning of this?"
Seeing Lu Qingming already attacking with his flying sword, Chen Jianghe's expression grew solemn as he questioned him.
He was kind-hearted and magnanimous, never holding grudges.
He especially didn't want to get into conflicts with others.
This was also why he had accepted Lu Qingming's attempt to resolve their karma.
Lu Qingming clearly had no intention of wasting words with Chen Jianghe. In his eyes, Chen Jianghe was already a dead man.
The flying sword struck like lightning, streaking through the void. A scorching aura rushed towards Chen Jianghe.
He Lingchuan also attacked Chen Jianghe at that moment.
Two flying swords, one after the other, were filled with the powerful auras of fire and earth attributes.
The Silvermoon Flowing Wave Sword appeared. Water patterns rippled and a cold aura spread as it met the two flying swords in the air.
'Clang, clang' sounds of metal colliding rang out.
With a thought, Chen Jianghe acted.
Maoqiu appeared, wielding a heavy mystic iron staff, and leaped directly towards Lu Qingming to smash him.
"A second-rank primate demonic beast!"
Lu Qingming's pupils shrank as a look of horror appeared on his face.
Chen Jianghe actually had a mid-stage second-rank spirit beast. Although primate spirit beasts had ordinary attack and defense.
But he could clearly sense that the mystic iron staff in Maoqiu's hands was a spirit-imbued magical artifact.
A mid-stage second-rank primate spirit beast wielding a specially-made spirit-imbued artifact could even fight a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Although Lu Qingming cultivated a high-grade technique, he had little spiritual power left in his dantian.
How could he withstand Maoqiu's frenzied assault?
With [Illusory Spirit] activated, Maoqiu's aura instantly surged to that of a late-stage second-rank beast. The powerful pressure made Lu Qingming want to retreat.
As the thought of retreat emerged, his momentum weakened.
Maoqiu used [Bewildering Spirit]. Three illusory figures confused Lu Qingming's judgment, and the mystic iron staff in its hand smashed directly into his head.
A red and white mist of blood scattered across the sky.
"Brother Lu... You dare kill a direct disciple of the Lu Clan?!"
He Lingchuan, who was fighting Chen Jianghe, cried out in alarm. He immediately used an escape art, burrowing into the ground to flee.
Chen Jianghe said nothing.
He dissolved the corpse.
His spiritual sense swept up Lu Qingming's belongings. He recalled Maoqiu into the spirit beast space and then released Xiao Hei.
He cast [Mystic Earth Rock-Splitting Escape], instantly burrowing into the earth and chasing after He Lingchuan.
Chen Jianghe didn't know why Lu Qingming and He Lingchuan had targeted him, but since they had attacked and he had killed Lu Qingming.
He naturally couldn't let He Lingchuan escape.
Otherwise, the matter of him killing a direct disciple of the Lu Clan would be exposed. Facing the Puppet Immortal Lu Clan, one of the four great immortal clans, his current cultivation was far from enough.
He Lingchuan's Earth Escape was an ultimate escape art, allowing him to travel extremely fast underground. If he burrowed deep enough, even Chen Jianghe's Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman would be useless.
However, the earth-attribute ultimate escape art that He Lingchuan was so proud of held no advantage before Chen Jianghe.
Xiao Hei's [Mystic Earth Rock-Splitting Escape] divine ability was even faster underground, and Xiao Hei's cultivation was higher than He Lingchuan's.
"A second-rank water-attribute spirit turtle, how can it know an earth-attribute divine ability?!"
He Lingchuan felt Xiao Hei's aura closing in. His heart pounded wildly, and he couldn't help but cry out in shock.
Feeling the auras of Xiao Hei and Chen Jianghe getting closer and closer, he was filled with shock and regret.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, I was misled by Lu Qingming into attacking you. Now that Lu Qingming is dead, there is no enmity between us. I beg you to spare my life."
"I am willing to offer three peak second-rank spiritual items to you, Fellow Daoist Chen."
"Lu Qingming deserved to die. I will definitely keep this matter a secret for you, Fellow Daoist Chen, and take it to my grave."
He Lingchuan shouted in terror.
Chen Jianghe said nothing.
Xiao Hei increased its speed, closing the distance to a hundred zhang. It exhaled a breath of dense spiritual power, turning the earth damp and muddy, slowing He Lingchuan down.
Three breaths later.
Under He Lingchuan's terrified gaze, Xiao Hei's thick, powerful claw slammed down, sending off this direct disciple of the He Clan.
Chen Jianghe's expression was calm. He skillfully erased all traces, collected He Lingchuan's belongings, and had Xiao Hei speed towards Thousand Mountains Market City.
He didn't want to fight with others.
But if someone developed killing intent towards him, he would not show mercy.
A short while later.
Xiao Hei emerged from the Northern Polar Snow Forest. Chen Jianghe looked towards Thousand Mountains Market City, and his face changed drastically.
"Gods above..."