Chapter 255
Chapter 255
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 255
Chapter Title: Making a Decision, Xiao Hei's Strength
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Chen Ping readily agreed to Chen Jianghe's request.
He had been worrying about not having an opportunity to get closer to Chen Jianghe, so he was naturally happy to be of service.
Besides, for a major client like Chen Jianghe, the Hundred Treasures Pavilion already offered home delivery service.
Chen Jianghe purchased another thousand spirit stones' worth of medicinal herbs, and with Chen Ping's help, he saved fifty spirit stones.
Nine hundred and fifty spirit stones' worth of herbs.
Twenty-three Mystic Water Turtles, two thousand three hundred spirit stones.
Nine Stone Rock Turtles, seven hundred and twenty spirit stones.
Eleven Flame Turtles, one thousand one hundred spirit stones.
Adding the forty-eight thousand spirit stones spent on the Water Spirit Pills, he now had one hundred twenty-three thousand, six hundred and forty-four spirit stones left.
Upon returning to Clearwater Cove.
He handed all forty-three young spirit turtles over to Xiao Hei to raise. He would be responsible for refining spirit pills to provide cultivation resources for the young turtles.
They all had second-grade bloodlines. Only the Stone Rock Turtle had a low-tier second-grade bloodline, while the Flame Turtle and Mystic Water Turtle both had high-tier second-grade bloodlines.
With sufficient resources, they could be raised to the mid-stage first-rank in ten years.
In twenty years, they could probably be raised to the late-stage first-rank.
However, raising them this way required an astronomical amount of resources. It was also akin to pulling up seedlings to help them grow, which would further diminish any possibility of them becoming second-rank spirit beasts.
Chen Jianghe never intended to cultivate second-rank spirit beasts in the first place, so he naturally didn't care about that.
What he wanted were the mystic turtle soul armors from late-stage first-rank spirit turtles.
Ten days later.
Chen Jianghe was in the middle of drawing a Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman.
Clearwater Cove received a distinguished guest.
It was Gao Peiyao, who had come down from the Tiannan Sect. Chen Jianghe used the guest reception area in the west courtyard to host her.
His east courtyard was not convenient for visitors at the moment.
Xiao Hei and Latiao were both cultivating there, along with the forty-three young spirit turtles being raised.
And then there was the eccentric Maoqiu, drawing talismans.
After the host and guest were seated, a high-tier first-rank support puppet served spirit tea.
"Peiyao, is there a result regarding my compensation?" Chen Jianghe asked.
Chen Jianghe had some idea about the compensation from the Tiannan Sect.
Two third-rank spiritual items had been taken from him, one of which was the mid-tier third-rank Darktide Cinnabar Sand.
The Tiannan Sect's compensation would be, at the very least, top-tier second-rank absorbable spiritual items.
These were treasures for refining mid-grade Origin Spirit Pills.
If they compensated him with a few more, his cultivation resources for the next few years would be secured.
"Yes."
Gao Peiyao nodded slightly, her phoenix eyes shimmering with a gentle smile as she spoke softly, "With Master's help, the sect has given Brother Jianghe one extra top-tier second-rank absorbable natural spiritual treasure."
"In total, they have offered three top-tier second-rank absorbable natural spiritual treasures as compensation."
"Three top-tier second-rank absorbable spiritual items? Peiyao, you must thank Adept Lan on my behalf."
Chen Jianghe said immediately.
Even ten top-tier second-rank absorbable spiritual items couldn't compare to a single portion of Darktide Cinnabar Sand.
But the Tiannan Sect was powerful, so what could he do?
According to the Tiannan Sect's normal compensation policy, it was a one-for-one exchange. His two third-rank spiritual items would be exchanged for two top-tier second-rank absorbable spiritual items.
Adept Lan had stepped in to help, securing an extra one for him, so he should be grateful.
As for justice?
When facing a behemoth like the Tiannan Sect, what justice was there to speak of?
Justice was not something he could possess at his current level.
"I hope Brother Jianghe doesn't take these three top-tier second-rank spiritual items."
"Oh? What do you mean?" Chen Jianghe looked puzzled. Knowing Gao Peiyao wouldn't say such a thing without reason, he asked curiously.
"Master has secured two compensation options for you, Brother Jianghe. One is the three top-tier second-rank spiritual items I just mentioned."
"The other is an opportunity."
"An opportunity to enter a secret realm."
Gao Peiyao's expression turned serious as she spoke in a solemn tone.
"An opportunity to enter a secret realm?"
Chen Jianghe looked puzzled and asked, "Has the Tiannan Sect changed the rules for entering the secret realm? I remember that as long as a cultivator from outside the sect hasn't reached Foundation Establishment Perfection, they can be invited to enter the secret realm a second time."
Regarding entering the secret realm.
Chen Jianghe was very keen on going.
He had already made plans involving Zhou Miaoyun's niece.
The next time the Tiannan Sect's secret realm opened would be in twenty-five years, by which time he should have reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
With enough resources, Maoqiu could also reach the late-stage second-rank.
As for Latiao, it shouldn't be too much of a problem either.
Only Xiao Hei, based on his current cultivation speed, might reach second-rank perfection.
However, he could have Xiao Hei suppress his cultivation level.
After all, Xiao Hei was his main support for entering the secret realm.
There were also the three talismans gestating in his Dantian. In twenty-five years, they would likely all reach the level of Talisman Treasures.
By then, he would have many trump cards for entering the secret realm.
Even if he had to hand over third-rank spiritual items to the Tiannan Sect, it wouldn't matter. He could just plunder the secret realm clean of all top-tier second-rank and quasi-third-rank spiritual items.
A late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, three late-stage second-rank spirit beasts, and three Talisman Treasures.
If he had possessed such strength in the Wind and Snow Valley Secret Realm, he wouldn't have had to hide in a cave for over four months.
"Brother Jianghe, you're planning to enter the secret realm a second time through Sister Miaoyun's niece, Zhou Xiaoxuan, aren't you?"
Gao Peiyao saw right through Chen Jianghe's thoughts.
Chen Jianghe nodded. There was nothing to hide. Entering the secret realm a second time was something the Tiannan Sect permitted.
In any case, any third-rank spiritual items you obtained had to be handed over.
"The rules for entering the secret realm haven't changed. Brother Jianghe can enter with Xiaoxuan, but I hope you will enter the secret realm with me."
"What? Peiyao, are you going to suppress your cultivation to enter the secret realm a second time?"
"Not exactly. The sect's secret treasure has detected an unknown secret realm within the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. The passage that will be opened can support cultivators below the Core Formation mighty figure level."
"Even False Core Adepts can enter?!"
Chen Jianghe asked in astonishment.
"A False Core Adept can gain entry to this secret realm by offering a mid-tier third-rank spiritual item."
Gao Peiyao nodded.
"A secret realm that can support Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators will have at least ten Core Formation spiritual items. This secret realm can support False Core Adepts, so there must be great treasures inside!"
"This secret realm will open in thirty years, and no later than forty. Brother Jianghe needs to choose carefully, whether to take the three top-tier second-rank spiritual items or the chance to enter this unknown secret realm."
Hearing Gao Peiyao's words, Chen Jianghe gave a wry smile and said softly, "I'll take the three top-tier second-rank absorbable spiritual items."
"Hmm?!"
Gao Peiyao was taken aback, a look of surprise on her face.
This unknown secret realm was bound to have great treasures and many Core Formation spiritual items. Didn't Chen Jianghe want to try for them?
Suddenly, Gao Peiyao thought of the reason, her phoenix eyes crinkling with a smile.
"Brother Jianghe is worried that any Core Formation spiritual items obtained in the secret realm will have to be handed over to the sect, right?"
"Hehe~, this time, Brother Jianghe doesn't need to have that concern."
"This is an unknown secret realm, and the sect knows nothing about what's inside. The first batch of cultivators to enter will be helping the sect explore it. Therefore, any treasures obtained can be kept. There will be no mandatory inspection of storage bags."
Gao Peiyao chuckled lightly. "Let alone third-rank spiritual items, even if it's a fourth-rank great treasure, the sect will not forcibly take it at the exit of the secret realm passage."
"Those False Core Adepts all have to spend a mid-tier third-rank spiritual item just to enter the secret realm to search for treasure. If the third-rank spiritual items they find must be handed over to the sect, who would bother entering this unknown secret realm?"
Hearing this, Chen Jianghe felt a stir of excitement in his heart.
If the Tiannan Sect wouldn't collect the third-rank spiritual items found in the unknown secret realm, then it was very much worth a visit.
But then he thought about the cultivators entering the secret realm—all Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators and senior False Core Adepts.
This also meant that second-rank perfection spirit beasts could enter.
The unknown secret realm had many treasures.
But the dangers faced would be much greater!
"Can you give me some time to think about it?" Chen Jianghe found it hard to decide at that moment and looked at Gao Peiyao to ask.
"Of course. In twenty years, the sect will announce the matter of the unknown secret realm to the entire Tiannan Domain. Brother Jianghe needs to give me a reply as soon as possible so I can report to Master and give the sect an answer."
After saying this, Gao Peiyao prepared to get up and leave.
Chen Jianghe also rose to see her off.
As they walked outside the courtyard.
Gao Peiyao looked at Chen Jianghe with a solemn gaze and said, "I know that Brother Jianghe is blessed with great fortune and has great opportunities. This chance to enter the secret realm is rare. Brother Jianghe must consider it carefully."
"How can a rogue cultivator dare speak of fortune and opportunity?"
Chen Jianghe gave a wry smile. "Don't worry, Peiyao. I'll give you a reply as soon as possible."
"Farewell."
After seeing Gao Peiyao off.
Chen Jianghe immediately returned to the east courtyard.
He looked at Xiao Hei cultivating in the lotus pond, then at Latiao coiled around the Dragon Pattern Red Pine, and finally at Maoqiu, who was diligently drawing talismans in the pavilion.
He walked over to the lotus pond, waiting for Xiao Hei to finish his cultivation.
An unknown secret realm.
All treasures obtained would be his own.
This made Chen Jianghe quite tempted.
He already possessed a Core Formation spiritual item, the True Spirit Fruit, so logically, he didn't need to risk entering another secret realm.
However, he needed to plan for Xiao Hei.
Maoqiu and Latiao, his two combat spirit pets, whether they could form a core and become third-rank spirit beasts would depend on their own fortunes.
But Xiao Hei was different.
Xiao Hei was his golden finger, his greatest aid on the path of immortality, and his protector on this path.
Xiao Hei had the "Six Revolutions Great Demon Art" and didn't need a Core Formation spiritual item.
But the prerequisite was having enough natural spiritual treasures for him to absorb and purify his bloodline.
If Chen Jianghe could obtain a large number of natural spiritual treasures, Xiao Hei's bloodline purity could be raised to high-tier fourth-grade.
Perhaps even a fifth-grade bloodline.
By then, Xiao Hei's chances of condensing a demon core would become infinitely high, and becoming a third-rank demon beast would be a matter of course.
"If I enter the secret realm a second time with Zhou Xiaoxuan, Xiao Hei will have to suppress his cultivation and can't reach second-rank perfection."
"By entering that secret realm, the spiritual items I obtain could raise Xiao Hei's bloodline to high-tier fourth-grade. Plus, the trump cards I have should be able to handle any crisis."
Actually, Chen Jianghe wasn't worried about having to hand over absorbable third-rank spiritual items found in the secret realm to the Tiannan Sect.
Because he would have Xiao Hei absorb and refine them right there in the secret realm to improve his bloodline purity.
The key issue was the third-rank spiritual materials, which would have to be handed over to the Tiannan Sect.
These were all priceless treasures, and he was naturally unwilling to surrender them, but the Tiannan Domain was the Tiannan Sect's territory.
If you don't hand them over, you won't be able to move an inch.
Just like Ruan Tieniu, who was already on the Tiannan Sect's mission contribution list, living a life constantly on the run.
That was not what Chen Jianghe wanted.
You might escape once, or twice, but how can you walk by the river all the time without getting your shoes wet?
We who cultivate immortality should act with caution, manage our affairs steadily, and foster good relationships, not place ourselves in dangerous situations.
Ten hours later.
Xiao Hei awoke.
Chen Jianghe stopped channeling spiritual energy into the Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman and called Xiao Hei out of the lotus pond.
"Does the 'Six Revolutions Great Demon Art' have any offensive secret techniques?" Chen Jianghe transmitted his thoughts, asking Xiao Hei.
This was the first time he had asked Xiao Hei about offensive secret techniques.
If he was going to enter the unknown secret realm with Gao Peiyao, he had to know the full extent of Xiao Hei's power.
At the same time, it meant giving up the opportunity to enter the secret realm with Zhou Xiaoxuan.
The unknown secret realm was fraught with danger.
He couldn't waste his trump cards in a conventional secret realm, leaving himself without protection in the unknown one.
"Yes, but it's very harmful to you. Why are you asking?" Xiao Hei was very confused.
He had been with Chen Jianghe since he was young and knew his master's personality inside and out.
Hearing this, Chen Jianghe was overjoyed.
The "Six Revolutions Great Demon Art" really had an offensive secret technique!
"Is it strong?"
"Slightly strong."
"Slightly strong? How strong?"
"A bit stronger than your 'Absolute Freeze'."
"That strong!"
Chen Jianghe was ecstatic.
"Absolute Freeze" was his most powerful offensive technique. After he broke through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
Once he used "Absolute Freeze."
It would drain all his magical power but could kill a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator.
This was assuming the opponent didn't have a defensive Talisman Treasure.
After breaking through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment, the power of "Absolute Freeze" would be no less than that of an offensive Talisman Treasure, and its attack range would be even larger.
Within a hundred zhang, even if there were two Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators, they could be frozen in an instant.
Xiao Hei's offensive secret technique was even stronger than his "Absolute Freeze." Didn't that mean he had another offensive Talisman Treasure?
Gao Peiyao said this unknown secret realm would open in thirty years.
The three talismans in my Dantian can definitely be nurtured into Talisman Treasures.
Five Talisman Treasures.
When Xiao Hei breaks through to second-rank perfection, he will be a continuous defensive Talisman Treasure, ensuring my safety.
If there's no danger, then this unknown secret realm is a trip worth taking.
"Xiao Hei, do you think Latiao has any hope of breaking through to second-rank perfection within thirty years?"
"No, what are you thinking?"
"Hehe~ I know there's no hope, just asking."
Chen Jianghe chuckled awkwardly.
Latiao had only just broken through to the second rank. Even with ample resources, it was impossible for it to reach second-rank perfection in thirty years.
It wasn't Xiao Hei, who had a cultivation art.
"Maoqiu has a chance to become second-rank perfection. Just give the Water Spirit Pills to me. Try to provide Maoqiu with Origin Spirit Pills or absorbable natural spiritual treasures."
Xiao Hei transmitted his thoughts.
Chen Jianghe rolled his eyes at Xiao Hei, feeling a bit speechless.
"Don't worry, I won't give up on Maoqiu."
"I'm not worried you'll give up on Maoqiu. I'm worried you'll be in danger. You're asking me these things, so you must be planning to enter another one of those dangerous places. In thirty years, I can break through to second-rank perfection just by cultivating with Water Spirit Pills, but Maoqiu can't."
"And there's Latiao. It also needs spirit cores, Origin Spirit Pills, or absorbable natural spiritual treasures. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for it to break through to the late-stage second-rank in thirty years."
Xiao Hei's large turtle head lowered to look at Chen Jianghe, his eyes showing a mix of helplessness and self-blame.
Seeing this, Chen Jianghe's heart trembled.
He knew what Xiao Hei meant.
He had sensed this kind of look from Xiao Hei a long time ago.
Xiao Hei wanted to share the burden of acquiring cultivation resources, but the current environment didn't allow him to help Chen Jianghe much.
However, for Chen Jianghe.
The most important thing was that Xiao Hei could protect him.
He was enough for earning resources.
"You guessed right. We're going to enter a secret realm again after some time. Cultivate hard and protect me well, haha..."
Chen Jianghe laughed heartily.
"Don't worry. My defense is strong, but my offense is even stronger. You'll see then, hehe..."
Chen Jianghe now had a solid plan and knew how to reply to Gao Peiyao.
An unknown secret realm, with plenty of trump cards, why not go?
Xiao Hei could cultivate to second-rank perfection.
As long as Maoqiu was given enough Origin Spirit Pills and natural spiritual treasures, it could also cultivate to second-rank perfection.
As for Latiao.
Although it could only reach the late stage of Foundation Establishment, Latiao's divine abilities were powerful, especially when combined with Chen Jianghe's forbidden art, its offensive power would be even greater.
"Absolute Freeze" plus Latiao's "Ice Dragon's Roar"—a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator within a hundred zhang range probably wouldn't stand a chance of survival!
Even with a defensive Talisman Treasure.
Could it defend against a soul attack?
So, with defensive measures and offensive measures in place, how could he not take the opportunity that had fallen into his lap?
"I currently have eighteen high-tier second-rank talisman materials. I need to give one of the Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talismans I draw to Ruxu and Xinyan each for protection."
"That leaves me with sixteen high-tier second-rank talismans."
"Peiyao said the Tiannan Sect will only announce the unknown secret realm to the public in twenty years, which means I have twenty more years to prepare than others."
"If Ruxu helps me exchange for some more high-tier second-rank talisman materials, then I'll have enough high-tier second-rank talismans."
"The unknown secret realm is worth going to."
Chen Jianghe returned to his private cultivation chamber. He thought about Zhou Xiaoxuan entering the secret realm; he definitely couldn't waste his trump cards in a conventional one.
However, he could make a plan to invest in Zhou Xiaoxuan and exchange for high-tier second-rank or top-tier second-rank absorbable natural spiritual treasures from her.
"There's still plenty of time. I'll deal with it when I run into Zhou Xiaoxuan in the future."
Chen Jianghe cleared his mind of distracting thoughts and circulated the "Myriad Waters True Scripture," absorbing the spiritual energy of the Origin Spirit Pill in his Divine Palace acupoint.
Although he had made up his mind, he didn't go looking for Gao Peiyao.
At this time, Gao Peiyao should have returned to the sect.
He was not a disciple of the Tiannan Sect and could not enter the mountain gate.
He could only wait for New Year's Eve to find Gao Peiyao at the Immortal Gate Market City.
The auction at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion in the Immortal Gate Market City was different from other market cities; it was held only once a year, on New Year's Eve.
Because the conventional resources in the Immortal Gate Market City were very abundant, the treasures at the auction were also relatively precious.
Gao Peiyao, as a sect disciple, would usually attend the annual auction.
Time passed, and more than four months went by.
In the guest hall of the west courtyard.
Yu Qirui stood respectfully at the door, waiting for Chen Jianghe's arrival.
"Qirui, have a seat first."
Zhuang Xinyan said in a gentle voice.
"This grandson will just stand and wait for Great-Granduncle."
Yu Qirui said respectfully.
He didn't know how to address Zhuang Xinyan. Calling her 'Senior' would seem distant, and it was obvious she was close to his Great-Granduncle.
Calling her 'Grandma' was also inappropriate. Grandma Luo had just passed away, and Great-Granduncle hadn't explicitly stated his intention to marry Zhuang Xinyan and Jiang Ruxu.
Calling her 'Fairy'... yes, he'd call her 'Fairy'!
Yu Qirui thought to himself.
Seeing Yu Qirui, the patriarch of the Yu Clan, being so constrained here, Zhuang Xinyan chuckled lightly and took out a storage bag.
"There are thirty-five high-tier first-rank puppets inside. You can take them."
"Ah?! So many!"
Yu Qirui exclaimed in surprise.
He had come to Clearwater Cove the day before New Year's Eve as instructed by Chen Jianghe. Yu Qirui was to come to Clearwater Cove once a year on the day before New Year's Eve to collect high-tier first-rank spirit pills.
Chen Jianghe would squeeze out time every month to practice alchemy, so he had naturally accumulated a lot of spirit pills.
Xiao Hei was raising young spirit turtles and didn't need high-tier first-rank spirit pills at the moment; he mostly used mid- and low-tier first-rank spirit pills. These pills were too easy for Chen Jianghe to refine; the time he squeezed out for alchemy in one month could produce a two-year supply for the young spirit turtles.
He planned to give the high-tier first-rank spirit pills he made during practice to the Yu Clan.
But Yu Daniu insisted that the Yu Clan buy them with spirit stones.
Chen Jianghe couldn't argue with him, so he sold them to the Yu Clan at a thirty percent discount from the market price.
So, Yu Qirui had come to collect the spirit pills today, but unexpectedly, before he even saw the pills, he saw thirty-five high-tier first-rank puppets.
"This..."
"They're not free. You have to pay with spirit stones. Let's say one hundred and forty spirit stones each."
Zhuang Xinyan said with a soft laugh.
"Alright, this grandson thanks Fairy Zhuang."
Yu Qirui quickly expressed his gratitude.
Hearing Yu Qirui's self-address, Zhuang Xinyan was secretly delighted. The more she looked at this junior of the Yu Clan, the more she liked him.
Just then, Chen Jianghe and Jiang Ruxu walked in.
When he learned that Zhuang Xinyan had sold the high-tier puppets to the Yu Clan at a thirty percent discount, he just smiled and said nothing.
"Here are fifty-one Qi and Blood Pills, thirty-six Meridian Unblocking Pills, and forty-five Body Tempering Pills. Take them."
Chen Jianghe took out three jade flasks containing three types of body-tempering spirit pills needed by Qi Refining cultivators.
"Thank you, Great-Granduncle."
Yu Qirui took the spirit pills and handed one thousand eight hundred and fifty spirit stones to Chen Jianghe.
Chen Jianghe didn't stand on ceremony and accepted the spirit stones directly.
This would save him from having to argue with that stubborn old mule, Yu Daniu.
"Take these three Youth Retaining Pills. Give one to your grandfather, and you can decide what to do with the other two."
Chen Jianghe took out another jade bottle and handed it to Yu Qirui.
"Ah! Great-Granduncle, this..."
"I had these refined for your grandfather. Go on, head back now."
Chen Jianghe waved his hand, dismissing him.
He had these Youth Retaining Pills made for his sworn brother, so how could he possibly ask for spirit stones?
Of course, he hadn't refined these Youth Retaining Pills himself. He had asked Jiang Ruxu to help, as he didn't yet have the ability to refine second-rank spirit pills.
While refining the Youth Retaining Pills, she had also refined the Soul-Calming and Spirit-Settling Pills.
The effect of these five Soul-Calming and Spirit-Settling Pills was even better.
Although they hadn't reached the high-tier second-rank, they were of fine quality.
The next day.
Chen Jianghe arrived at the Immortal Gate Market City and went directly to Number 42, Fushou Street, which was Gao Peiyao's residence in the city.
The cultivators who could live on Fushou Street all had a certain status, background, and position.
They were either Core Formation seedlings of a sect, grandmasters of the hundred arts, or False Core Adepts.
Just as he reached Fushou Street, he saw a familiar figure walking towards him.
"It's you? Are you here looking for me?!"