Chapter 270
Chapter 270
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 270
Chapter Title: Beyond One's Control
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Overseas, Biyang Cultivation World.
As a streak of escaping light tore through the thunderclouds enveloping the outer perimeter of this sea domain, it abruptly dispersed, revealing a tall, upright figure standing with hands clasped behind his back, robes fluttering in the wind.
"It's a return to familiar grounds."
Lu Yang surveyed his surroundings. The last time he had stirred up such a massive commotion overseas, the Biyang Cultivation World had been reduced to a hollow shell after that great battle.
Yet, in a somewhat ironic twist, without the Immortal Alliance's suppression, the entire spirit root system had collapsed as well. This place had instead begun to flourish anew. Though no one had broken through to Foundation Establishment yet, given time—perhaps another century or so—it might yet recover its former peak glory.
Lu Yang scanned the area, pinching his fingers to divine.
Though he had come overseas in his true body this time, he had no intention of rushing straight to find the [Primordial Magnetism Divine Mountain]. Instead, he planned to boost his strength as much as possible first.
*I should probably head there as soon as possible.*
*After all, the [Primordial Magnetism Divine Mountain] concerns my entire path in the Dao. If I'm too late and the Four Seas Sect takes it, there'll be no hope of getting it back.*
*No, no, that's not right.*
*No matter what, boosting my strength is always the right move. Coming overseas in my true body is already a gamble. Without sufficient power, even if opportunity knocks, I won't be able to seize it!*
In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through Lu Yang's eyes. In the end, the notion of "playing it safe" barely gained the upper hand. He produced a flying letter, ignited it with his magic power, and sent it off. Before long, a streak of escaping light sped in from the distance, landing before him.
From it emerged a refined young scholar.
"Yuantu, my friend?"
His expression was gravely serious, laced with surprise. The moment he appeared, he stared fixedly at Lu Yang, not daring to approach immediately.
"Greetings, Senior Suo Huan."
Lu Yang cupped his hands and smiled.
"I wonder if our prior agreement beyond the heavens still holds? I've come precisely to ask Senior to refine a spiritual treasure for me."
Lu Yang's tone was exceedingly amiable, but Suo Huan's expression grew even more tense.
*Something's off!*
He could tell that the Lu Yang before him was his true body, not the avatar from beyond the heavens. Why would he come in person?
This was utterly uncharacteristic of the Primal Saint Sect!
Suo Huan had witnessed Lu Yang's methods in the [Myriad Martial Realm]. The man was exceptional in both ability and cunning, deeply versed in the sect's ways of conduct.
Would someone like that casually trust a strange great cultivator and show up in his true body? Did he truly think himself some prodigy who could be overthrown from below? Suo Huan reflected—if it were him, he would definitely opt for an avatar. Otherwise, what if he got ambushed and killed?
"Senior?"
Lu Yang eyed Suo Huan's stiff expression and asked curiously. Under his gaze, Suo Huan's furrowed brows gradually relaxed.
*...The agreement naturally still holds.*
Suo Huan burst into laughter, letting go of his earlier doubts. His wariness scattered like the wind. He chided himself for worrying over nothing.
In that moment, the two felt like old friends reunited after a long separation, chatting amiably.
As their conversation heated up, Lu Yang recalled the perils of seeking the [Primordial Magnetism Divine Mountain] this time. Having a great cultivator at his side would surely be better.
Thus, he spoke up at once:
"This junior is heading off to seek a Heavenly Dipper Earthly Fiend. If Senior is inclined, after refining the spiritual treasure, why not accompany this junior? I shall offer generous recompense."
Suo Huan waved his hand readily upon hearing this.
"No problem!"
As the words fell, this cultivator from beyond the heavens—who had lived cautiously overseas for over six centuries—suddenly displayed a bold and magnanimous air:
"No time like the present. I've found a prime treasure-refining site here overseas—a sea eye harboring earthly fire, in a deposit of geng gold. Refining there, drawing in the metal qi, tempered by water and fire—it will surely yield a top-grade spiritual treasure for you!"
No sooner had he spoken than Suo Huan himself froze.
That [Earth Fire Sea Heart Furnace] was his main base, his most vital stronghold overseas. And he'd just blurted it out? Wasn't that too rash?
But soon, he thought better of it.
*He's a Primal Saint Sect true man, after all. He wouldn't stoop to my little lair. The priority now is to help him refine the treasure quickly, then go hunt that Heavenly Dipper Earthly Fiend with him.*
With that, he relaxed.
Abruptly, Suo Huan felt his forehead grow damp. He wiped it, chuckling. With his cultivation, his dharma body could still sweat?
*Quite the curiosity.*
He glanced at Lu Yang beside him, who wore an equally expectant look, no hint of anything amiss—save for a bead of sweat slowly trickling from his brow.
The two exchanged a glance, sharing the same thought:
*Haha! Him too!*
Well then, nothing strange about it.
The next instant, they cast aside stray thoughts and each summoned an escaping light into the sky, soon arriving at a desolate, uninhabited sea domain.
Suo Huan pointed with one hand. In a flash, waves surged, parting massive billows to reveal the seafloor below: a submarine volcano with a pitch-black crater. Waters converged within, while a thousand fire veins radiated outward like stars around the moon.
"What a [Earth Fire Sea Heart Furnace]!"
Lu Yang's gaze flickered. He could tell this terrain wasn't natural but forged through painstaking effort, day after day, year after year.
"Senior's divine abilities are truly extraordinary."
Lu Yang cupped his hands toward Suo Huan, who stroked his beard and chuckled lightly. His usual impassive demeanor vanished entirely, his face beaming with pride:
"Trifling parlor tricks, unworthy of mention."
Suo Huan formed a hand seal with one hand, unleashing a palm-heart thunderbolt. Banners around the volcano swayed, and the entire [Earth Fire Sea Heart Furnace] activated.
"Refining a spiritual treasure—especially one attuned to a cultivator's own life-bound treasure—is no simple task. Not only must the materials be top-tier, but a superior forge is needed, and finally, soul-refining with essence spirits. All I can provide is the forge."
"The other two conditions fall to you, my friend."
With that, Suo Huan turned to Lu Yang, who exhaled deeply.
"Senior needn't worry. This junior came prepared."
Even as he spoke, Lu Yang's actions stalled unusually.
His face still bore a smile, but beads of cold sweat rolled down, his eye twitching faintly, teeth clenched and trembling.
Yet soon, he regained composure:
*...Please behold, Senior!*
As the words left him, Lu Yang flicked his wide sleeve.
In the next breath—save for the Myriad Spirits Banner—all his other spiritual treasures, including the Avici Sword, Formless Sword, Imperial Mansion Golden Seal Tushita True Edict, and more, were brought forth!
In an instant, their radiant glow nearly blinded Suo Huan, igniting a fierce greed in his heart. But the next second, that greed was shrouded by something, vanishing entirely, leaving only admiration and praise:
"What a collection of spiritual treasures!"
Suo Huan clapped in delight.
"My friend, do you intend to fuse them all into one? The risk is immense—failure means losing them all."
He shook his head repeatedly:
"But... your fortune is truly profound."
"With any other forge, I'd turn tail at the sight of so many treasures. But here in this [Earth Fire Sea Heart Furnace], I have just the method!"
(End of Chapter)