Chapter 288
Chapter 288
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 288
Chapter Title: Perfected Crimson Dragon and the High-Grade Tier-Three Treasure
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“This humble official pays his respects to King Crimson Dragon.”
Ruan Tieniu flew before the Fire Scale Flood Dragon and bowed to Perfected Crimson Dragon.
Perfected Crimson Dragon was the younger brother of the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan's head. He had successfully formed his core in the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range a few years ago.
Furthermore, the True Core he had condensed was of excellent quality, reaching the level of a Perfected. Coupled with his Crimson Scale Fire Python that had broken through to the third tier, he was respectfully addressed as Perfected Crimson Dragon.
The Immortal Officials of the Feng Kingdom, however, were to address Perfected Crimson Dragon as King Crimson Dragon.
Currently, the royal family of the Feng Kingdom was the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan. The monarch was the head of the Zhou Clan, and as the monarch's own brother, he was naturally addressed as King.
“Minister Ruan, there is no need for such formalities.”
Perfected Crimson Dragon's expression was majestic, but when he looked at Ruan Tieniu, a smile appeared on his face, his eyes filled with satisfaction.
He held this Immortal Commissioner, who had started as a demon hunter, in high regard.
“We pay our respects to Perfected Crimson Dragon.”
Immediately, all the cultivators on the strange peak faced Perfected Crimson Dragon and bowed.
Perfected Crimson Dragon merely gave a faint nod, then looked toward Fairy Yunhua on her Fire Phoenix Sword.
“Greetings, Perfected Crimson Dragon.”
Standing on the Fire Phoenix Sword, Fairy Yunhua saw Perfected Crimson Dragon looking her way. She sighed inwardly but still performed a graceful bow.
“Fairy, you are too kind.”
Perfected Crimson Dragon spoke with a hint of pride, then sat cross-legged on the Fire Scale Flood Dragon and closed his eyes, his spirit wandering the cosmos.
Behind him were several direct descendants of the Zhou Clan, all at the late stage of Foundation Establishment. They were likely here to participate in this trial of the mystic realm.
Chen Jianghe saw that even Fairy Yunhua was somewhat in awe of Perfected Crimson Dragon, and he couldn't help but glance at the Fire Scale Flood Dragon.
The Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan was not what it used to be; it now possessed a tier-four spirit beast.
Although they only had two Core Formation experts, the clan head and Perfected Crimson Dragon, they also had three tier-three spirit beasts.
Not even counting the tier-four spirit beast, such strength was not weak even among the top immortal clans.
With this tier-four spirit beast and the cooperation agreement with the great demons in the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, the Zhou Clan would only become more prosperous in the future.
They were certain to obtain many Core Formation resources.
After all, the mystic realms south of the Heaven-Reaching River were gradually being taken over by the Zhou Clan. Any cultivators who entered those realms and obtained Core Formation resources would have to hand them over to the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan.
As long as they developed steadily, in a hundred years at most, the Zhou Clan would surely produce many Core Formation experts.
“Xiao Hei, can you sense the aura of the tier-three spirit beast, the Fire Scale Flood Dragon?”
Chen Jianghe transmitted his voice through his spirit.
“Of course I can. This flood dragon is very strong. It puts more pressure on me than that Icy Triangle Python did after it broke through.”
“Then can you withstand this Fire Scale Flood Dragon's attacks?”
“What are you thinking? I'm only at the peak of the second tier, not a tier-three spirit beast. How could I possibly block its attacks!”
Xiao Hei was speechless. “Can you withstand a Core Formation cultivator's attack when you reach the peak of Foundation Establishment?”
“We're different. Aren't you strong in defense? Hehe~”
“I'm just stronger in defense than others of the same tier, not some kind of freak.”
Hearing Xiao Hei's words, Chen Jianghe understood the situation.
In the future, when facing Core Formation experts, he had to be respectful. Otherwise, he would only have one chance to escape.
No wonder Fairy Yunhua was so wary of Perfected Crimson Dragon. A Perfected of the same realm was already someone she dared not underestimate, let alone with a powerful tier-three Fire Scale Flood Dragon by his side.
Another hour passed.
The Core Formation experts from the Puppet Immortal Lu Clan and the Artifact Refining Immortal Chen Clan arrived, each leading the direct descendants of their respective clans.
But upon seeing Perfected Crimson Dragon, they all cast a wary glance at the powerful Fire Scale Flood Dragon.
Then they paid their respects to Perfected Crimson Dragon.
Now, the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan was a Nascent Soul-level super faction, not someone they could afford to offend.
With the two super factions vying for power, they just needed to watch from the sidelines. If they entered the fray, the slightest misstep could lead to the annihilation of their entire clan.
Furthermore, the Tiannan Sect was not peaceful at present.
Cultivators south of the Heaven-Reaching River might not know, but their three top immortal clans were all north of the river and were aware of the strife in Heaven's Gate Market City.
It had already descended into chaos.
For now, it was just a power struggle among the sect disciples. Before long, the Core Formation elders would get involved.
Although the old Sect Master was a Nascent Soul True Lord, his lifespan was nearing its end, and he was powerless to suppress these vigorous Peak Masters.
Moreover, once the old Sect Master passed away.
The vacant position of Sect Master would inevitably trigger a fierce struggle. Everyone wanted to become the Sect Master.
Once one became the Sect Master, they could use the Tiannan Sect's secret treasure to cultivate all the way to the Nascent Soul True Lord realm.
The foundation of the Tiannan Sect was this terrifying secret treasure.
It allowed the Tiannan Sect to avoid any generational gaps in Nascent Soul True Lords, enabling it to dominate the Tiannan Domain continuously.
The Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan was an exception.
The reason for the current conflict between the various peaks of the Tiannan Sect was to fight for influence and secure great opportunities for the disciples of their own lineage.
Just like how Perfected Chengtian was plotting for Xiao Chen to become the Sect Master.
The time it takes for an incense stick to burn passed.
Perfected Chengtian of the Tiannan Sect arrived, followed by a group of Core Formation candidates who were to enter the Muyun Mystic Realm.
There were also two Core Formation elders.
“Fellow Daoist Crimson Dragon, I trust you have been well.”
Perfected Chengtian stood with his hands behind his back on a jade ruler, looking at Perfected Crimson Dragon with a faint smile.
“Very well. After the mystic realm trial is over, I invite Fellow Daoist Chengtian to the Starfall Sea for a chat.”
“Excellent. This Perfected One would also like to witness Fellow Daoist Crimson Dragon's methods.”
“Then we shall see if Fellow Daoist Chengtian can handle it.”
This verbal exchange made it clear to all the cultivators present that Perfected Crimson Dragon was challenging Perfected Chengtian to a battle in the Starfall Sea.
Chen Jianghe could tell.
He wanted to watch the battle even more, to witness the power of Core Formation experts.
But he didn't dare to enter the Starfall Sea lightly.
If many Foundation Establishment cultivators went there at that time, he could also watch from a great distance.
After all, battles between Core Formation experts were a rare sight.
At this moment, Ruan Tieniu sent a voice transmission: “Brother Chen, do you know why the Feng Kingdom sent only one Perfected Crimson Dragon, yet shows no fear of the Tiannan Sect?”
“Why is that?”
Chen Jianghe asked via voice transmission.
“That's because the Fire Scale Flood Dragon under Perfected Crimson Dragon possesses a fifth-grade low-tier bloodline. Its strength is terrifying. Even against an old-timer Perfected like Chengtian, the Fire Scale Flood Dragon wouldn't be at a disadvantage. It could even hold off Perfected Chengtian and the other two Core Formation elders for a short time.”
“*Hiss...*”
Hearing Ruan Tieniu's voice transmission, Chen Jianghe couldn't help but suck in a sharp breath, not because of the Fire Scale Flood Dragon's combat power.
But because of its bloodline.
When the Fire Scale Flood Dragon was at the second tier, it was a Crimson Scale Fire Python with only a third-grade high-tier bloodline.
In other words, this Fire Scale Flood Dragon had evolved from a third-grade high-tier bloodline to a fifth-grade low-tier bloodline.
What on earth did the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan obtain in the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range?
To be able to increase a spirit beast's bloodline purity by so much!
Doesn't that mean the tier-four spirit beast belonging to the Zhou Clan's head has an even higher bloodline purity?
It might have even reached the fifth-grade high-tier.
This level of bloodline purity was on par with the Kui in the core region of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
“Xiao Hei, does a spirit beast's bloodline purity directly affect its combat power?”
Chen Jianghe asked via voice transmission.
“Of course! The higher the bloodline purity, the stronger its divine abilities, and the greater its combat power.”
“If I could reach a fifth-grade bloodline and use my [Petrification] divine ability, I might not be able to block this Fire Scale Flood Dragon, but I could definitely withstand an attack from a tier-three treasured talisman.”
“A fifth-grade bloodline?!”
Chen Jianghe rolled his eyes. Xiao Hei currently had a fourth-grade low-tier bloodline. The resources needed to reach the fourth-grade high-tier were already immense.
To advance to a fifth-grade low-tier bloodline, it would probably require tier-three absorbable spirit objects.
And not just one or two.
It was too difficult.
Just as Chen Jianghe was lost in thought, Perfected Chengtian and Perfected Crimson Dragon joined forces, infusing their spiritual power into a token. A pillar of purple light shot out, followed by a bolt of heavenly lightning.
A tear appeared in the void within the strange peak's canyon, and the restriction sealing the mystic realm was opened.
“All trial participants, enter quickly. The mystic realm will close in two months. This Perfected One and Fellow Daoist Crimson Dragon will open the passage again to bring you out.”
“Remember, the passage out will only remain open for half an hour. If you miss it, you will have to wait another one hundred and fifty years for it to open again.”
Hearing Perfected Chengtian's words, the trial participants quickly entered the Muyun Mystic Realm one by one.
“Brother Yun, remember, after entering the mystic realm, act with caution. Don't trust anyone easily. Your own safety comes first, spirit objects second.”
“As long as you survive to the end, there will be spirit objects.”
Chen Jianghe transmitted a word of advice to Yun Bufan beside him.
“Thank you, Brother Chen. I will certainly act with caution.”
“Take care.”
“I'm off.”
Yun Bufan also flew into the Muyun Mystic Realm.
As Zhou Xiaoxuan entered the mystic realm, she glanced at Chen Jianghe before quickly going inside.
“Only two months. It seems there's nothing too valuable in the mystic realm this time,” Ruan Tieniu said via voice transmission.
“Opening once every one hundred and fifty years, it's indeed not as good as the Wind and Snow Valley Mystic Realm.”
Chen Jianghe nodded. He deeply agreed with Ruan Tieniu's words.
Opening once every one hundred and fifty years meant many spirit objects hadn't had enough time to mature before the realm opened.
It was naturally inferior to the Wind and Snow Valley Mystic Realm, which opened once every three hundred years.
The spirit objects there had more time to grow and gestate.
As the trial participants entered the mystic realm, more than two hundred cultivators remained on the strange peak. These cultivators were here to help maintain order.
The Wind and Snow Valley Mystic Realm required venturing three thousand miles into the Arctic Snow Forest, the territory of tier-three demonic beasts. Who would dare to enter?
This Muyun Mystic Realm was much safer.
With the Core Formation experts from the Tiannan Sect and the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan present, the tier-three demonic beast among the six strange peaks had long since gone into hiding.
There was no need to worry about danger from demonic beasts.
One only needed to be wary of marauding cultivators and demonic cultivators.
After all, anyone who walked out of the mystic realm alive was bound to have valuable spirit objects on them.
These were the prime targets for marauding and demonic cultivators.
The trial participants would only emerge after two months. The remaining cultivators sat down cross-legged, closing their eyes to rest and conserve their energy.
Chen Jianghe saw the two peak Foundation Establishment Immortal Officials walk up to Ruan Tieniu and return a token to him.
If he wasn't mistaken.
The cultivator army from Xichuan Prefecture should have already arrived at the Muyun Mountain Range.
One of the reasons Ruan Tieniu came to the Muyun Mystic Realm was to maintain order and prevent marauding and demonic cultivators from robbing and killing cultivators within his territory.
He just didn't know how large a cultivator army Ruan Tieniu had mobilized.
Suddenly!
A monstrous aura of blood and killing intent appeared on the outskirts of the six strange peaks. It then formed a blood-red miasma in the sky, condensing into clouds that enveloped the peaks in a ring.
Instantly, all the cultivators opened their eyes and looked at Ruan Tieniu with apprehension, worried that he was about to make a move against them.
“Fellow Daoists, no need to worry. I, Ruan, have summoned this cultivator army. It's not many, just fifteen thousand.”
“The purpose of mobilizing this army is to protect the safety of the trial participants within the borders of Xichuan Prefecture.”
“If there are any marauding or demonic cultivators among you, fellow Daoists, I advise you to curb your ambitions.”
“As long as I am in office, I will ensure the peace of this region. Anyone who dares to cause trouble in Xichuan Prefecture during my term, even a Core Formation expert, will not leave its borders alive.”
After saying this, Ruan Tieniu turned to Perfected Crimson Dragon and bowed. “This humble official has mobilized fifteen thousand troops without authorization. I ask King Crimson Dragon to mete out punishment.”
“No matter. Everything you have done is for the stability of the Feng Kingdom. I approve of the mobilization of the cultivator army.”
Perfected Crimson Dragon nodded in satisfaction, then his gaze swept over all the cultivators present, including the Core Formation experts.
“Minister Ruan's words are my words. If even a Core Formation expert dares to cause trouble, I will ensure they never leave Xichuan Prefecture.”
Hearing this, all the cultivators were horrified.
They never expected Ruan Tieniu to be held in such high regard in the Feng Kingdom. Mobilizing a cultivator army without a court decree was a serious crime.
But King Crimson Dragon had directly taken responsibility for him.
This meant that Ruan Tieniu's mobilization of the army was sanctioned by King Crimson Dragon's decree. Even if someone in the court wanted to attack Ruan Tieniu on this pretext, they couldn't.
The monarch was in seclusion, not attending to state affairs.
It could be said that the current supreme ruler of the Feng Kingdom was King Crimson Dragon. With his support, it was not hard to understand Ruan Tieniu's audacious words toward Core Formation experts.
Chen Jianghe glanced at Ruan Tieniu, equally shocked. He hadn't expected Ruan Tieniu to have grown to such an extent.
To threaten a Core Formation expert with only a peak Foundation Establishment cultivation base—call it rampant arrogance or call it conceit!
His current status indeed gave him that confidence.
The Immortal Commissioner of Xichuan Prefecture, governing two of the top ten cultivator market cities in the Tiannan Domain, commanding an army of thirty thousand cultivators.
“The Zhou Clan seems to be treating Ruan Tieniu a little too well. What exactly do they see in him?”
“Or is it that Ruan Tieniu can bring them some kind of benefit?”
This concerned Ruan Tieniu's secrets. Chen Jianghe wouldn't ask, as it would be pointless even if he did.
With Ruan Tieniu's words, backed by Perfected Crimson Dragon's.
The Muyun Mountain Range was now an extremely safe place.
Cultivators below the Core Formation realm wouldn't dare to make a move. The fifteen-thousand-strong cultivator army alone could annihilate all the Foundation Establishment cultivators on the strange peak.
As for the Core Formation experts, they wouldn't dare offend the Zhou Clan within the borders of the Feng Kingdom. Below a tier-four spirit beast, all were ants.
Chen Jianghe sat down cross-legged, cultivating the [Tidal Marrow Cleansing Art] to refine the spiritual power of the Blood Soul Pills in his Shenque acupoint, nourishing his physical body.
The Blood Soul Pills were all used up, and the spiritual power in his Shenque acupoint was only enough for Chen Jianghe to cultivate for another half a year.
But Chen Jianghe had a premonition.
In a few months at most, he would be able to cultivate the [Tidal Marrow Cleansing Art] to the peak of the sixth level.
To cultivate a body tempering art to the peak of the sixth level at the late stage of Foundation Establishment—this surpassed over ninety percent of late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Two months was a long time for the cultivators inside the mystic realm, but for those outside, it passed very quickly.
Chen Jianghe didn't remain idle during these two months, sticking to his original cultivation plan.
Six hours cultivating the [Myriad Waters True Scripture], six hours cultivating the [Tidal Marrow Cleansing Art], and twelve hours drawing talismans.
Just like in the Misty Glow Cave Abode.
The only thing was he couldn't refine pills.
Back in the Misty Glow Cave Abode, he would squeeze in time to refine pills twice a month.
Previously, he would make time each month to refine four to six batches of spirit pills. Now, he could only manage two.
This was because refining low-grade tier-two spirit pills was very draining on both his mind and spiritual power.
“Yun Bufan and Zhou Xiaoxuan should be coming out soon. I wonder if they can make it out of the mystic realm safely.”
Chen Jianghe thought to himself.
There was still an hour before the passage to the mystic realm opened.
Chen Jianghe opened his eyes and looked at the cultivators on the strange peak. Each one was more nervous than the last, seemingly worried that the cultivators they were friendly with had perished inside the mystic realm.
“Brother Chen, no need to worry. The Muyun Mystic Realm is not like the Wind and Snow Valley Mystic Realm. It's not too dangerous. There's absolutely no chance of tier-three demonic beasts appearing, and even peak tier-two demonic beasts are rare.”
Ruan Tieniu sent a voice transmission to Chen Jianghe.
But Chen Jianghe could see the nervousness on Ruan Tieniu's face as well.
Apparently, the two Immortal Officials who went in had some sort of deal with Ruan Tieniu. A portion of the spirit objects they obtained would likely be given to him.
“Brother Ruan is right. In a mystic realm, opportunity and danger coexist. Life and death are all up to luck. No need to worry too much.”
“Mm, well said. My luck has always been good. I'm sure Old Five and Old Six can make it out alive.”
“Haha... It seems those two fellow Daoists have received quite a few benefits from you, Brother Ruan!”
“Not that much. If the two of them find any quasi-tier-three spirit objects in the mystic realm, they have to let me pick one first.”
Hearing this, Chen Jianghe was not surprised at all.
What he could think of, others could too.
That Cen Linchuan must also have sponsored a cultivator to come to the Muyun Mystic Realm. After all, as a Talisman Dao Grandmaster, it would be unwise not to take advantage of this opportunity.
*RUMBLE!!*
As Perfected Chengtian and Perfected Crimson Dragon cast their arts, the token appeared once more. The pillar of purple light channeled the heavenly lightning, splitting open the restriction of the Muyun Mystic Realm and forming a passage that cultivators at the late stage of Foundation Establishment and below could use.
Chen Jianghe's gaze immediately fixed on the exit of the mystic realm passage.
*Swoosh!*
A figure flew out.
Immediately after, several more figures flew out one after another.
Chen Jianghe's heart leaped with joy.
The first person to fly out of the mystic realm was actually Zhou Xiaoxuan. She had made it out alive.
After Zhou Xiaoxuan emerged, she flew directly onto the jade ruler and stood behind Perfected Chengtian.
“Uncle Chen, in half a year, when Xiaoxuan heads north of the Heaven-Reaching River, I will first visit Muyun Market City.”
“Mm, I understand. It's good that you made it out safely.”
“Thank you for your concern, Uncle Chen. In half a year's time, I will definitely give you a big surprise.”
“Alright, I'll be waiting for your surprise.”
Chen Jianghe didn't look at Zhou Xiaoxuan. It was better to be low-key about sponsoring a sect disciple.
It would displease the elders in the sect.
This was because the resources sect disciples obtained in the mystic realm were their own and didn't need to be handed over to the sect.
Sponsoring a sect disciple to acquire Core Formation resources was tantamount to plundering the sect's wealth and would surely attract trouble.
But this kind of thing happened all the time and couldn't be stopped.
Many cultivators secretly cooperated with sect disciples.
Some well-established Hundred Arts Grandmasters wanted Core Formation spirit objects, while the sect disciples just wanted to get out alive.
Each had what the other needed.
It was definitely impossible to prohibit.
As long as one wasn't too ostentatious and didn't expose the matter themselves, no one would bother them.
The time of a hundred breaths passed.
A dozen more cultivators flew out, but Yun Bufan was not among them, giving Chen Jianghe a bad feeling.
So far, more than twenty cultivators had flown out of the mystic realm.
A total of one hundred trial participants had entered. For more than twenty to make it out was already quite good.
Ruan Tieniu's luck was indeed good.
Both of the Immortal Officials under him made it out alive. Although they were injured and battered, they had survived.
“Fellow Daoists, did you happen to see that Fellow Daoist Yun who was with me in the mystic realm?” Chen Jianghe asked via voice transmission.
“We saw Grandmaster Chen's friend half a month ago. He was being chased by three late-stage tier-two demonic beasts.”
“But we saw he had a Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman drawn by Grandmaster Chen, so we think he should be fine. He probably just hasn't reached the exit yet.”
The two Immortal Officials immediately responded.
“Thank you for letting me know, fellow Daoists.”
“Grandmaster Chen, you are too polite.”
Ruan Tieniu's subordinates were very respectful towards Chen Jianghe.
One reason was Ruan Tieniu's relationship with him, and the other was Chen Jianghe himself. Many people wanted to be on good terms with a Talisman Dao Grandmaster.
Another quarter of an hour passed.
Chen Jianghe saw a few more people fly out, but they were all seriously injured, clearly having been pursued by demonic beasts.
The beast fang marks on their wounds were very obvious.
There were also claw marks so deep that bone was visible, indicating they had been chased by demonic beasts.
Suddenly.
Another figure flew out.
Chen Jianghe's expression changed. He immediately flew over, circulated his spiritual power, and caught the figure.
Looking at the one-legged Yun Bufan, a chunk of whose abdomen had been bitten off by a demonic beast, he didn't hesitate. He immediately took out a Muscle-Growing and Bone-Mending Pill to treat Yun Bufan's injuries.
“Brother Chen, can we avoid the storage pouch inspection?”
Yun Bufan's voice transmission sounded in Chen Jianghe's ear, startling him. He immediately guessed what was going on.
He first glanced at Zhou Xiaoxuan and shook his head helplessly.
Yun Bufan had entered the mystic realm through Zhou Xiaoxuan, which meant he was on the Tiannan Sect's side. In other words, Yun Bufan's storage pouch would have to be inspected by a Core Formation Perfected from the Tiannan Sect.
The reason they hadn't been inspected yet...
...was because the mystic realm exit hadn't closed.
As for the cultivators who had come out, there was no chance for them to take the opportunity to leave the strange peak.
Those two Core Formation elders were not to be trifled with.
Besides, Yun Bufan couldn't flee. If he did, the Yu Clan of East Sea Commandery would suffer.
If Yun Bufan had entered using a spot from the Feng Kingdom, there would have been a chance to avoid Perfected Crimson Dragon's inspection.
He could have passed Yun Bufan off as one of Ruan Tieniu's men.
That way, Perfected Crimson Dragon wouldn't inspect Yun Bufan's storage pouch.
“You entered using a spot from the Tiannan Sect. It's basically impossible to avoid the Core Formation elders' inspection.”
Chen Jianghe transmitted his voice helplessly.
No matter how good a treasure was, it wasn't as precious as one's life. So his advice was to honestly let the Tiannan Sect inspect the storage pouch.
They might even compensate him with some top-grade tier-two absorbable spirit objects.
If he was lucky, he might even get a quasi-tier-three spirit object as compensation.
“Sigh... What a pity about this high-grade tier-three spirit object!”
“What? A high-grade tier-three spirit object?!”
Chen Jianghe was shocked, and his mind instantly started racing.