Chapter 301
Chapter 301
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 301
Chapter Title: Ancient Sect, the Beast Taming Mystic Realm
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"Brother Chen, here are fifteen second-rank Spirit Restoring Pills."
"Brother Chen, this is a second-rank mid-grade puppet."
Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan each took out a storage bag and handed it to Chen Jianghe, their eyes flickering with worry as they looked at him.
They had also heard the latest news about the unknown mystic realm.
Not only was the duration long, but there were also third-rank demonic beasts. Even Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators would find it hard to survive, let alone a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator like Chen Jianghe.
In their minds, it would be better to miss this unknown mystic realm and plan for another one in the future.
They thought he should wait until his cultivation reached Foundation Establishment Perfection.
But they knew Chen Jianghe's goal was Core Formation. Since entering the unknown mystic realm was unavoidable, they prepared all sorts of resources for him.
Moreover, Chen Jianghe had also told them about the number of talismans he had, and that Maoqiu had broken through to second-rank perfection.
This had put them slightly at ease, but they were still worried.
"Mm."
Chen Jianghe took the items from the two storage bags and put them into his own.
He already had enough storage bags on him; there was no need to bring two more inside.
"After I leave, the two of you are not to leave Muyun Market City. Wait for me to return from the mystic realm."
Chen Jianghe reached out, patted the two women on the head, and gave his instruction.
"Mm-hmm, we know."
The two women nodded.
With that, Chen Jianghe left the Smoky Mist Grotto.
Xiao Hei, Maoqiu, and Latiao had been placed in a second-rank Spirit Beast Pouch half a month ago.
Latiao's cultivation was still at mid-rank second-rank, but it had reached the verge of a breakthrough. It could break through after entering the unknown mystic realm.
Having experienced a mystic realm once before, Chen Jianghe knew very well that obtaining spiritual items early on was useless; survival was all that mattered.
If you survived until the end, you could obtain many spiritual items even if you did nothing.
Latiao's breakthrough would be an enhancement of Chen Jianghe's offensive capabilities. The matter of treasure hunting could not be rushed.
He arrived at the scenic spot outside the Treasure Pavilion, the place where he and Gao Peiyao had agreed to meet.
Chen Jianghe waited there for over two hours. He didn't see Gao Peiyao, but he did see Lady Jinghong.
"Fellow Daoist Chen is still in Muyun Market City?"
Lady Jinghong asked doubtfully. By this time, most of the cultivators entering the unknown mystic realm had already gone to Duobao Market City.
The entrance to the unknown mystic realm this time was located in the western part of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. Everyone would enter from Duobao Market City.
"I'm about to head to Duobao Market City. When does the Lady plan to depart?" Chen Jianghe said.
"I also plan to go to Duobao Market City today."
"Oh? I am waiting for two fellow Daoists. Would the Lady be willing to travel to Duobao Market City with us?" Chen Jianghe asked.
Today was not a day when the flying skiff traveled to Duobao Market City.
If Lady Jinghong wanted to go to Duobao Market City, she would have to fly on her sword. With her cultivation, there was naturally no danger.
But such a long distance was still mentally draining.
He was waiting here to travel with Gao Peiyao, naturally on her Spirit Serpent Skiff. Although the skiff wasn't his.
But Gao Peiyao would surely have no objections to him inviting Lady Jinghong to join them; in fact, she would be very happy.
Since he couldn't form an alliance with Lady Jinghong.
Then forming a good relationship with her was also a good choice.
Forging a good relationship with a powerful cultivator like Lady Jinghong outside meant that even if they met in the mystic realm, the danger would be lessened.
Not only was Gao Peiyao wary of Lady Jinghong's combat strength, but even the sect's prodigy, Xiao Chen, was also extremely cautious of her.
"The person Fellow Daoist Chen is waiting for is that Fairy Gao from the sect?"
"The Lady's guess is correct... she's here."
Chen Jianghe's gaze shifted. He looked behind Lady Jinghong and saw Gao Peiyao and Xiao Chen approaching.
He didn't see Yuan Chenyu, who had likely already gone to Duobao Market City alone.
After all, Yuan Chenyu was not one of Gao Peiyao's fawning admirers.
"Brother Jianghe."
"Fellow Daoist Chen."
Gao Peiyao and Xiao Chen called out softly, walking over with light steps. When they arrived, they saw Lady Jinghong and quickly greeted her.
"Greetings, Lady Jinghong."
"Fairy Gao, Fellow Daoist Xiao."
"We are heading to Duobao Market City. Would the Lady like to join us?" Gao Peiyao walked up to Lady Jinghong and extended the invitation.
"Thank you, I had the same intention." Lady Jinghong nodded in thanks.
Lady Jinghong needed to fight.
Unless necessary, she wouldn't initiate a fight with other cultivators. Her targets were those second-rank perfection demonic beasts.
Or even second-rank perfection demonic beasts on the verge of breaking through.
Befriending a few people did not conflict with her goals.
But forming an alliance was out of the question.
She constantly fought demonic beasts, which would bring them trouble. After all, not everyone wanted to fight demonic beasts.
Like Chen Jianghe, for example.
"To be able to travel with the Lady is our honor, right, Brother Jianghe, Senior Brother Xiao?"
"Naturally."
"That's right."
Gao Peiyao took out the Spirit Serpent Skiff. With a flash of light, it expanded to thirty feet and rose into the air, its hull long and slender, like a spirit serpent.
Then, the four of them flew onto the Spirit Serpent Skiff, which turned into a streak of blue light and disappeared into the sea of clouds, flying swiftly towards Duobao Market City.
Chen Jianghe and Xiao Chen sat side by side.
Gao Peiyao, on the other hand, sat with Lady Jinghong.
The four of them said nothing on the flying skiff, appearing to be resting with their eyes closed, but in reality, they were secretly communicating via voice transmission.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, this Fellow Daoist Xiao from the sect has already reached physical body perfection and soul perfection, and is on the verge of Core Formation. If you ally with him, you will be much safer."
"The Lady means that Fellow Daoist Xiao can achieve Core Formation in the mystic realm?"
"If there's a third-rank high-grade or better spirit vein in the unknown mystic realm, and someone to protect him, he might succeed in forming his core."
"Mm, I understand. Thank you for informing me, Lady."
Chen Jianghe sent a voice transmission to thank her.
He understood the meaning behind Lady Jinghong's message. She was telling him that if he stuck with Xiao Chen, it would be difficult to obtain any good treasures.
As for Core Formation spiritual items, he shouldn't even think about it.
How could a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator on the verge of a breakthrough possibly let you have any opportunities?
And he shouldn't get into a dispute over spiritual items.
Because Xiao Chen was very likely to break through in the mystic realm.
Then, Gao Peiyao also sent Chen Jianghe a voice transmission, telling him about Xiao Chen's cultivation status.
It was similar to what Lady Jinghong had said.
Both believed that Xiao Chen could break through in the mystic realm.
However, Gao Peiyao didn't think Xiao Chen's chances of successfully forming a core were very high. He had too many distracting thoughts.
In Gao Peiyao's view, Lady Jinghong was more likely to succeed in Core Formation within the mystic realm.
Zhao Tiezhu had awakened and accompanied Lady Jinghong for two years before passing away, resolving the knot in her heart.
Lady Jinghong's previous failure in Core Formation, which led her to cultivate a False Core, was because her husband was in a coma, causing her to have too many distracting thoughts.
This time, her mind was clear and her spiritual platform was bright. With Lady Jinghong's profound foundation, there was no reason for her to fail.
"Peiyao, you need to be careful of two people in the mystic realm. One is Ji Wujin, who wears a half-face mask. He entered the unknown mystic realm through one of the Feng Kingdom's slots."
"No matter what treasures you see near him, don't rashly go to take them. He isn't a cultivator from the Tiannan Region; he has a major background from the Tiannan Cultivation World."
Chen Jianghe directly mentioned the Tiannan Cultivation World without any reservation, also as a way to probe Gao Peiyao's knowledge.
"And the other one?"
Gao Peiyao asked via voice transmission.
Hearing that Gao Peiyao wasn't curious about the Tiannan Cultivation World, he understood that her knowledge of the Star Luo Sea far surpassed his own.
"The other is someone you know, Ruan Tieniu, the one who got the demonic beast egg in the Wind Snow Valley Mystic Realm. You must stay far away from him in the mystic realm."
"If you run into him and Ji Wujin together, leave quickly without any hesitation."
"Ruan Tieniu? What abilities does he have that make Brother Jianghe so wary?" Gao Peiyao was very puzzled.
She knew a little about Ruan Tieniu.
A demon hunter from Qinghe Market City who later became a spirit thief in Thousand Mountains Market City. To be able to cultivate to Foundation Establishment Perfection and become the Right Prime Minister of the Feng Kingdom, he could be considered to have some luck on his side.
But in the end, he had reached this stage largely by relying on Chen Jianghe's connections.
Gao Peiyao knew that Ruan Tieniu had received help from Chen Jianghe's talismans many times, and had even used them to profit for himself.
"The Purple-Gold Crimson Flame Saber in his hand is a Dharma treasure embryo, he also wears the Spirit-Nourishing Dharma tool, the Geng Metal Treasure Armor, and he has many demonic path secret arts. He cannot be underestimated."
Chen Jianghe could only say this much.
Saying any more would involve Ruan Tieniu's secrets.
His current relationship with Ruan Tieniu could be considered a friendship of mutual benefit. Unless absolutely necessary, he wouldn't reveal the secret of the Blood River Sect's legacy that Ruan Tieniu carried.
Just as Ruan Tieniu would also help keep some of his matters secret.
Ruan Tieniu needed Chen Jianghe's help.
Likewise, Chen Jianghe also needed Ruan Tieniu's help, but their cultivation philosophies were different, so they couldn't cooperate on many things.
Such as cooperating after entering the unknown mystic realm.
They just didn't see eye to eye.
The Spirit Serpent Skiff reached the territory of Duobao Market City and began to slow down. After entering the inner city, they all flew off the skiff.
"Thank you, Fairy Gao."
Lady Jinghong expressed her thanks, exchanged greetings with Chen Jianghe and Xiao Chen, and then left alone.
"Her foundation is very solid. She will definitely succeed in Core Formation in the future," Xiao Chen said, watching Lady Jinghong's departing figure.
Lady Jinghong came from a simple village woman's background, but after starting cultivation, she was astonishingly talented, cultivating all the way to the False Core stage and even becoming a Master Smith.
Now, having dissolved her False Core cultivation to attempt Core Formation again, she must be fully prepared and have a deep foundation.
Afterwards, the three of them went to the Duobao Tavern together.
There were still ten days until the mystic realm opened. They needed to find a place to stay first.
Now, the Duobao Tavern had become the gathering place for the cultivators with the Tiannan Sect's slots, with over fifty cultivators already gathered.
There were also three Core Formation Elders from the Tiannan Sect, as well as Core Formation Almighties from the three great immortal clans.
Revered Chengtian did not come this time.
As one of the top three Peak Masters of the Tiannan Sect, Revered Chengtian dared not venture deep into the heartland controlled by the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan at a time like this.
The slightest carelessness could lead to him being assassinated by the Zhou Clan.
On the surface, the Tiannan Sect and the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan had already reconciled and begun close cooperation.
But as long as there was an opportunity, the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan would definitely still try to eliminate the Tiannan Sect's top powerhouses.
The Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan wouldn't act against ordinary Core Formation Elders and disrupt the current peace.
Because even if the Tiannan Sect lost a few early-stage Core Formation Elders, it wouldn't hurt their foundation.
But if a late-stage Core Formation Peak Master were to fall, the damage to the Tiannan Sect would be immense.
In the entire vast Tiannan Sect, the number of late-stage Core Formation Almighties could be counted on one hand.
As for the three great immortal clans, they didn't even have a single late-stage Core Formation Almighty.
According to the contents of the jade slip left by Luo Xiyue, the Tiannan Region was a barren land, making it impossible for a Nascent Soul True Lord to emerge.
The reason the Tiannan Sect had a Nascent Soul True Lord was because they possessed a great treasure that prevented a generational gap of Nascent Soul True Lords from occurring.
In fact, let alone Nascent Soul True Lords, even producing a few late-stage Core Formation Almighties was difficult for the Tiannan Region.
Publicly, there were only five late-stage Core Formation Almighties in the entire Tiannan Region.
Four from the Tiannan Sect, plus the head of the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan.
Time passed, and it was the day before the mystic realm opened.
Chen Jianghe was in his room taking stock of his assets, checking if he had missed anything.
Sometimes, even the best-laid plans could have an oversight.
Three thousand mid-grade spirit stones.
Fourteen second-rank puppets, two of which were second-rank mid-grade.
Thirty-seven Jade Dew Pills, thirty-eight Muscle Growth and Bone Mending Pills, forty Heart-Clearing and Detoxification Pills, sixty-eight second-rank Spirit Restoring Pills, and two high-quality Spirit-Calming and Soul-Settling Pills.
There were also five Dustfall Pills, which could be used for cultivation in the mystic realm.
Twenty-seven Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talismans, nineteen Yimu Green Vine Shield Talismans, and thirty-two Yimu Soul-Entangling Talismans.
One Minor Teleportation Talisman.
One Falling Star and Lightning Talisman Treasure.
One Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman Treasure.
One Crimson Flame Heaven-Burning Talisman Treasure.
One Yimu Soul-Entangling Talisman Treasure.
"My [Jade Dew Muscle Growth Spell] is already nearing perfection. As long as the bones aren't injured, I can recover within ten breaths."
"The ice source for [Absolute Freeze] is a size larger than my fist, and the Ten Thousand Li Freezing Seal is more solid. Coupled with my pure and dense magical power, when I use it, I can completely freeze that second-rank perfection Spirit-Devouring Poisonous Python."
Chen Jianghe felt that his offensive and defensive capabilities were quite decent.
His means of escape were also very plentiful.
He had twenty-seven Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talismans, one Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman Treasure, and Xiao Hei, who could continuously use the [Profound Earth Rock-Splitting Escape].
His methods for fleeing were even more abundant.
One must know that Xiao Hei, having cultivated to second-rank perfection, could use the [Profound Earth Rock-Splitting Escape] at a speed in no way inferior to a Purple Lightning Cloud-Piercing Talisman.
Knock, knock knock!
Just then, there was a knock on the room's door.
Chen Jianghe got out of bed, walked to the door, and opened it. Standing outside was an early-stage Foundation Establishment disciple from the Tiannan Sect.
"Master Chen, Martial Uncle has asked all fellow Daoists entering the mystic realm to head to the Immortals' Gathering Pavilion."
"Alright, thank you for informing me, fellow Daoist. I will head over now."
Chen Jianghe walked straight out of the room, left the Duobao Tavern, and headed for the nearby Immortals' Gathering Pavilion.
He was only staying temporarily at the Duobao Tavern, so he naturally wouldn't take out his treasures and leave them in the tavern room.
Even in the Smoky Mist Grotto, Chen Jianghe kept all his treasures and spiritual items in his storage bag, carrying them with him at all times.
In truth, this was only because Chen Jianghe had obtained his slot through the Tiannan Sect. Otherwise, upon his arrival in Duobao Market City.
Ruan Tieniu and Ji Wujin would have long since come looking for him.
Even so.
The two had sent him letters, still trying to persuade him to cooperate in the unknown mystic realm and accomplish something great.
Chen Jianghe felt that as a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, there was no need for him to get mixed up with two Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators.
Entering the unknown mystic realm required a steady and cautious approach.
Arriving at the Immortals' Gathering Pavilion.
Following the guidance of a Tiannan Sect disciple, Chen Jianghe came to the third floor and entered the small gathering for trial-takers hosted by the Tiannan Sect.
Many cultivators had come, most of them at Foundation Establishment Perfection. Only a few were at the late-stage Foundation Establishment.
Including Chen Jianghe.
Back when he saw the list, there were fifty-four late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. Now, on the verge of entering the mystic realm, there were no more than twenty.
After a while.
Chen Jianghe watched as the early-stage Foundation Establishment disciples of the Tiannan Sect withdrew, leaving only the trial-takers in the hall.
There were thirty-eight of them, more than half of whom were Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivators.
"The people I'm familiar with are all on the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan's side, sigh~"
Chen Jianghe sighed inwardly.
The Tiannan Sect disciples entering the mystic realm had not yet arrived. Chen Jianghe saw a few acquaintances in the hall.
But there was no one he was familiar with.
Lady Jinghong, Lu Qingfeng, Ji Yanfeng, Cen Linchuan, Cen Linfeng, Chen Chengping, Boss Feng... there were a dozen or so people he recognized.
Just then, as the Core Formation Elders of the Tiannan Sect entered the hall, the discussions among the small groups of cultivators died down, and the entire hall fell silent.
As twenty-seven Tiannan Sect disciples walked in.
All sixty-five of the Tiannan Sect's slot-holders had arrived.
This was rather surprising; in all these years, not a single trial-taker had perished before the mystic realm opened.
"Greetings to the three Revereds."
Everyone bowed in salute.
Decades ago, the Tiannan Sect controlled all the resources of the Tiannan Region. Whenever a Tiannan Sect disciple attempted Core Formation, they either failed or formed a core of very good quality.
The three Core Formation Elders from the Tiannan Sect nodded.
"Greetings to the three Seniors."
Then, the crowd turned to the three Core Formation Almighties from the great immortal clans and bowed again.
The Core Formation Almighties from the great immortal clans formed cores of slightly inferior quality, as the resources were, after all, controlled by the Tiannan Sect.
Many of them had barely managed to condense their cores.
These types of Core Formation Almighties were collectively known as Venerables.
However, among these three Core Formation Seniors was Fairy Yunhua, which was why they were all addressed as "Senior" during the greeting.
Fairy Yunhua was a Revered, while the other two were Venerables.
If they made a distinction, it would inevitably displease the Core Formation Almighties.
No matter how poor the quality of their core, they were still stronger than a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator.
As for the Foundation Establishment cultivators in the hall.
Every one of them was either exceptionally talented or blessed with great luck; otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to cultivate to the late-stage Foundation Establishment, let alone Foundation Establishment Perfection.
Yet, among these sixty-five cultivators, the number who could successfully achieve Core Formation would likely not exceed the fingers of one hand.
"This mystic realm has been named the Beast Taming Mystic Realm. It is a semi-grotto-heaven mystic realm, containing three third-rank demonic beasts and no fewer than fifty second-rank perfection demonic beasts."
"Therefore, I demand that after you enter the mystic realm, you must not fight amongst yourselves. You must support each other and resist the demonic beasts together."
"Only by staying alive can you use the spiritual items you obtain. Otherwise, everything will be in vain."
The leading Core Formation Elder of the Tiannan Sect looked at all the trial-takers and spoke with authority.
His words were filled with admonition for the younger generation.
"We will remember the Revered's teachings and will definitely work together in the mystic realm to forge a path to survival."
Everyone shouted in unison.
The Core Formation Elder raised his hand and pressed it down.
"This time, the duration of your stay in the Beast Taming Mystic Realm is uncertain. It could be as short as one year or as long as three. Any treasures you obtain inside will belong to you personally; there is no need to hand them over to the Tiannan Sect."
"If you obtain any third-rank spiritual items and are willing to exchange them with the Tiannan Sect, the sect will offer treasures of equal value in trade."
"When you feel the restrictions of the Beast Taming Mystic Realm are about to disappear, remember, you must run north. Try your best to emerge on the northern side of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, near the Tiannan Sect's location. At that time, Core Formation Elders from the Tiannan Sect will be there to receive you all."
The Tiannan Sect had not yet moved from the south of the Heaven-Reaching River; its location was directly north of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range.
So, what the Core Formation Elder said was not wrong.
It was just that Chen Jianghe had no intention of listening.
After these instructions were given.
The three Core Formation Elders and the three Core Formation Almighties from the great immortal clans all left, leaving the exchange meeting to the trial-takers.
It could also be considered a final opportunity for them to trade.
"Brother Jianghe, the Beast Taming Mystic Realm is actually the former grounds of the ancient Beast Taming Sect. The reason the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan was able to rise is that the restrictions of the mystic realm have been severely worn down by time, revealing many treasures."
"Therefore, there will be many wondrous items in the Beast Taming Mystic Realm that can help spirit beasts and demonic beasts. If you see any strange objects that have no spiritual energy but you've never seen before, be sure to collect them. They might be incredibly valuable treasures."
Gao Peiyao did not come over to Chen Jianghe's side, but she sent him a voice transmission, revealing information about the Beast Taming Mystic Realm to him.
This was information the Tiannan Sect had obtained from the outside.
In ancient times, there was an extremely powerful sect in the Tiannan Region, one that could even be ranked among the top in the entire Tiannan Cultivation World.
But for some unknown reason, it was wiped out overnight.
After learning this information, and considering the reason for the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan's rise, the Peak Masters and Elders of the Tiannan Sect guessed that this unknown mystic realm was the former grounds of the ancient Beast Taming Sect, whose restrictions were about to be completely eroded by time.
Thus, it had manifested.
As for the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan, they must have known this news long ago. They had probably even entered the Beast Taming Mystic Realm before.
"Beast Taming Mystic Realm? The ancient Beast Taming Sect?"
Chen Jianghe was startled.
"No wonder the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan knows the use of the Five-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass. It seems they must have entered the Beast Taming Mystic Realm, and may have even obtained the Beast Taming Sect's legacy."
"The Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan must know about me collecting 'Blood Coagulation Grass'. The questions Ruan Tieniu asked me last time were probably prompted by the Beast Taming Immortal Zhou Clan."
"I shifted the blame to Ji Wujin, making them afraid to investigate further, thus resolving the crisis. But after I come out of the Beast Taming Mystic Realm, the secret of the Three-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass will probably be exposed to the public."
"The secret that I possess the Three-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass will also be exposed."
"Unfortunately, there's no time left!"
By then, everyone will know the use of the Three-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass and that he has some, but they won't know how many stalks he collected.
But Xu Feng knew very well; he alone had given Chen Jianghe four stalks.
Once this matter gets out, Chen Jianghe will be in danger.
One stalk of Three-Leaf Blood Lotus Grass wouldn't matter much, but with four stalks, even the Peak Masters of the Tiannan Sect probably wouldn't be able to sit still.
There were less than sixteen hours until the mystic realm opened.
Even if he wanted to return to Muyun Market City to deal with Xu Feng, there wasn't enough time.
Chen Jianghe fell into deep thought. He had to come up with a countermeasure.