Chapter 218: Obtaining the Golden Hex

Chapter 218: Obtaining the Golden Hex

Since the yellow rank cultivation manual no longer detailed specific minor cultivation stages, Xiao Chen's spiritual sense range had remained unchanged for quite some time.

This changed only after his breakthrough to the Golden Core Middle Stage.

He immediately felt a surge of primordial energy erupt from his Flawless Golden Core, surging upward to the Baihui acupoint at the crown of his head before finally settling into his spirit sea.

Immediately afterward, he sensed his spiritual sense within the spirit sea rapidly expanding as it was nourished by this primordial energy.

Xiao Chen felt his vision suddenly elevate and stretch outward. His observation range had increased from approximately 15 kilometers to around 30 kilometers.

The entire Hundred Grasses City seemed to lie beneath his gaze.

However, from this perspective, the city lord's mansion and many other locations appeared blurred, clearly protected by counter-observation techniques.

"Hmm? Which fellow cultivator is this?"

Suddenly, a curious voice rang out, followed by a new spiritual sense rising to attempt communication.

Xiao Chen immediately withdrew his spiritual sense, denying the other party any chance of contact.

Of course, this precaution only worked against fellow golden core cultivators. If there were any Nascent Soul cultivators in the city, they would have detected his breakthrough instantly.

Fortunately, after the Spirit Herb Banquet concluded, the several golden core True Sovereigns had already departed.

The remaining True Sovereigns Mo Mei and Lord Huo had both gone to the Spirit Sea to deal with the Yin Spirit calamity.

At present, there happened to be no golden core True Sovereigns in Hundred Grasses City.

The reason for such caution was that Xiao Chen had previously read in ancient texts about cultivators being tracked or even having their spirit seas attacked through spiritual sense secret techniques.

He currently had no proficiency in this field. If the other party harbored ill intentions, he might suffer unnecessary losses.

If a cultivator's spiritual sense was damaged, recovery would not be simple.

Either years or even decades of cultivation would be required for natural healing, or extremely rare celestial treasures would need to be used to nourish the spiritual sense.

"This matter must be taken seriously."

At this thought, Xiao Chen reminded himself firmly: "While spiritual sense attack techniques can wait, I must urgently collect and cultivate defensive secret techniques for my spiritual sense."

"When traveling outside, one must never be careless about others. Preparation prevents disasters."

Swish!

Three golden-yellow cards suddenly appeared before Xiao Chen.

With the breakthrough complete, the next round of hex reinforcement had already activated.

[Three-Cost Squad: Grants four randomly selected Golden Core Stage spirit beasts of random races, all absolutely loyal to you.]

[Portable Forge: Choose one from three Divine Artifacts. Divine Artifacts are powerful equipment that provide unique effects.]

[Bigger and Stronger: Your body grows larger, gaining 500 additional years of lifespan and increasing your maximum lifespan limit by 500 years.]

"Three-Cost Squad? Does that mean there might also be a Five-Cost Squad?"

Xiao Chen looked at the first hex, immediately thinking of another similar hex.

Unfortunately, if he recalled correctly, the Five-Cost Squad belonged to the chromatic hex category, which had a higher chance of appearing only when breaking through major cultivation bottlenecks.

If he could obtain four absolutely loyal Nascent Soul stage spirit beasts, it would certainly be worth considering.

However, four Golden Core Stage spirit beasts felt somewhat underwhelming.

Xiao Chen turned his gaze to the second hex—Portable Forge.

"Divine Artifact? Providing unique effects?"

He blinked his eyes: "How unique could it be?"

Objectively speaking, this hex was somewhat luck-dependent, with a massive gap between its best and worst-case scenarios.

If he had good fortune and drew a powerful Divine Artifact, he could gain a significant advantage.

Some top-tier Divine Artifacts could even serve as absolute cores, their effects rivaling chromatic hexes.

But if his luck was bad and he drew an ordinary Divine Artifact, it would become a useless burden.

"Ugh, I've already gambled on hexes before, but now do I have to gamble on hex effects too?"

Xiao Chen pursed his lips, feeling conflicted: "So it all comes down to luck? Can't you leave some room for strategy for experts like me?"

To be honest, he had little confidence in his luck.

What if he gambled poorly?

"Let me check the third hex first."

Xiao Chen looked at the last card, then immediately slapped his forehead: "Damn!"

To put it bluntly, this hex effect was truly excellent.

The importance of time was self-evident to everyone.

Instantly adding 500 years of lifespan was essentially granting a golden core cultivator another lifetime, even stronger than before.

Even for golden core True Sovereigns, extending life by 500 years was an enormous temptation.

The extra time could be used for cultivation insights or gathering celestial treasures, undoubtedly aiding his cultivation.

However, the major issue was that this hex neither increased Xiao Chen's immediate combat power nor enhanced his cultivation efficiency—it was an option that increased his margin for error.

The item itself was good, just not suited to his style.

"What should I do? None of these three hexes seem particularly strong."

Xiao Chen's gaze shifted, returning to [Portable Forge]: "What if I take another gamble?"

"Since it's a three-way choice, I should at least be able to find one usable Divine Artifact, right?"

As the saying goes, take a risk and a bicycle becomes a motorcycle.

He gritted his teeth and directly chose the second hex.

Instantly, the golden-yellow card began to spin, then split into three special purple-red cards.

Each card depicted a unique Divine Artifact, with a line of small text describing its effects.

The first card showed a fire-red shield with blue-silver patterns.

Its name was Randuin's Omen!

Specific effect: At the start of battle, all allies near the bearer (within 1 kilometer) gain 20% damage reduction, lasting until the battle ends.

"Ah... damage reduction?"

Xiao Chen frowned as he read the description, feeling this might not be practically useful.

Cultivator duels differed from martial artists' contests.

Rarely did they involve direct physical exchanges where endurance determined victory.

If an enemy's attack was blocked by his spiritual energy or defensive spells, this damage reduction seemed useless.

If the attack penetrated and injured him, even a 20% reduction wouldn't prevent harm.

"This doesn't make sense. It can't be this useless, right?"

Xiao Chen felt he might be overthinking. Perhaps this damage reduction simply weakened the enemy's attack by 20%.

In that case, it would equate to a 20% increase in allies' defense capabilities.

At least this would somewhat justify the 'Divine Artifact' title.

"So this is actually a team battle Divine Artifact?"

During sect wars or large-scale conflicts like the previous righteous-evil battle.

If one side possessed such a Divine Artifact, it could directly influence the battle's outcome.

For Xiao Chen personally, though currently a lone wolf, a 20% defense increase was still acceptable.

Especially when facing high-level cultivators or yao beasts, it could moderately enhance his survival ability.

"Hmm, let's see the other two Divine Artifacts."

The second card depicted a sky-blue staff with a bright silver surface.

Its name was Manaflow Pulse!

Specific effect: After casting the first spell in each battle, the bearer continuously recovers 1,200 true mana over four breaths.

"Compared to Randuin's Omen, this is much more useful."

Xiao Chen's eyes lit up. This Divine Artifact's effect was simple, direct, and easy to understand—it replenished true mana consumption.

Theoretically, with this Divine Artifact, Xiao Chen could simultaneously deploy multiple spiritual artifacts against enemies.

He could even activate the Spirit Ascension Form of multiple spiritual artifacts, effectively enhancing his combat power.

Especially in one-on-one battles, this would grant him a significant spiritual artifact advantage, allowing overwhelming dominance.

"Excellent, this significantly boosts my combat effectiveness."

Xiao Chen nodded in satisfaction. With Manaflow Pulse as a safety net, this hex choice was justified.

"Let me see what the last one is."

The third card depicted an earth-yellow gauntlet connected to an iron chain.

Its name was Rocket-Propelled Gauntlet!

Specific effect: Can only be used once per battle. Pulls an enemy into melee range and stuns them for one breath's time.

"Ah?"

Xiao Chen was momentarily stunned: "Isn't this just a mechanical grappling hook?"

Rocket-Propelled Gauntlet was another name for the mechanical grappling hook.

In games, it could hook high-damage, low-defense backline enemies forward for concentrated attacks.

If used accurately, it could turn the tide from a disadvantageous position.

But what would its practical application be?

Xiao Chen carefully reread the card's description: "Pull into melee range?"

"Whoa! Isn't this exactly what body cultivators dream of?"

As everyone knows, body cultivators fear being kited, unable to reach their enemies.

Directly pulling an enemy to you could recreate the surprise attack effect he used in the Spirit Sea against Xu Gongtong.

Moreover, the Rocket-Propelled Gauntlet also provided a one-breath stun effect.

What was this? This was a rare point-control skill!

To put it bluntly, though one breath seemed short, for Xiao Chen, it was enough to strike three consecutive attacks with his Scarlet Gold Quadrangular Mace.

"Come to think of it, hooking an enemy itself counts as control, right?"

Xiao Chen suddenly had an idea: "It can only be used once per battle, but there's no restriction on when."

In the future, if enemies tried to escape, he could simply raise his hand, and the gauntlet would shoot from his sleeve like catching a chick.

Just imagining the scene made him want to laugh.

"Wait a second, there's no other usage restrictions mentioned?"

While pondering, Xiao Chen suddenly realized this artifact might be more powerful than it appeared, with significant growth potential.

Currently at Golden Core Stage, he could use it against golden core cultivators.

But when he advanced to Nascent Soul, he could use it against golden core True Sovereigns.

Such an item likely didn't exist in the cultivation world before, meaning enemies would likely have no defense against his hook.

"Whoa~!"

Xiao Chen inhaled sharply: "So this is actually a surprise-attack Divine Artifact!"

Compared to Randuin's Omen, Rocket-Propelled Gauntlet was its opposite.

The former was a team battle Divine Artifact, with limited improvement in one-on-one scenarios.

The latter performed averagely in chaotic battles but was undoubtedly the strongest among the three Divine Artifacts for one-on-one duels.

Moreover, the higher Xiao Chen's cultivation realm, the more he could accomplish within a single breath's time.

“Even more intriguingly, it seems to work in conjunction with formations too!”

Xiao Chen suddenly realized—if he stood within a pre-prepared formation, could he directly pull enemies inside?

Wouldn’t that make him instantly invincible?

If the formation was powerful enough, even challenging higher-tier opponents might not be impossible.

“This mechanism feels like it has immense potential for development!”

Xiao Chen felt a surge of excitement. If he studied it thoroughly, he might one day develop even stronger or more intriguing applications.

“This is fascinating—I’ll choose it!”

He decisively selected the Rocket-Propelled Gauntlet. Immediately, the card shot into his Storage Ring.

Xiao Chen quickly examined it with his spiritual sense and indeed saw a palm-sized, exquisitely crafted mechanical gauntlet inside his Storage Ring.

With a mere thought, the gauntlet materialized in his hand.

And without him even noticing, it had already completed the refinement process and bound to his spiritual sense.

“It’s automatically bound—and to my spiritual sense!”

Xiao Chen was slightly taken aback but pleased. This meant even if the gauntlet fell into someone else’s hands, they wouldn’t be able to use it.

He glanced around and spotted a teacup on a nearby table.

“Go!”

He raised his hand, but nothing happened.

Then he realized—of course, the gauntlet couldn’t be used outside of combat.

“No matter. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for real combat later.”

He retracted the gauntlet, took a moment to meditate, and adjusted to the subtle changes of reaching the Golden Core Middle Stage.

Though the Ten Thousand Phenomena Spring Return Sutra was a yellow-rank cultivation manual, it granted him a new ability—the Great Rejuvenation Spell.

Despite the grand-sounding name, it was actually a minor spell. It released a gust of true mana as a gentle breeze, nourishing spiritual plants.

Since its effects were slightly stronger than the second-tier Rejuvenation Spell, it was dubbed the Great Rejuvenation Spell.

While its practical use was unclear, more skills were always better.

Xiao Chen, without hesitation, attempted the spell. Instantly, a gale erupted in the room.

Thanks to the hex’s hundredfold amplification, the gentle breeze became a violent storm.

“Whoosh!”

The teacup on the table was blown to the ground, shattering into pieces.

“Ah?”

Xiao Chen turned at the sound. “Good omen! ‘Breaking’ sounds like ‘blessing’ in our dialect—Sui Sui Ping An!”

He flicked his hand, sending a strand of true mana to clean up the fragments.

Today was already the fifth day of the fifth month—the agreed-upon date with Cao Mingjie of the Three Immortals Sect.

Without further delay, he set off toward the Three Immortals Island.

Along the way, he stopped by the eastern district to restock ten jars of White Jade Xiao Qinglong.

He’d already finished six of the original eight jars. This spirit wine truly boosted cultivation and tasted excellent—perfect for the journey.

He also casually inquired about the Yin Spirit calamity from the manager.

The manager was eager to share: “You’ve come to the right person! Just yesterday, the white mist expanded for the fourth time, finally reaching its maximum coverage.”

“This one’s no ordinary event.”

“Four expansions! Now, within a radius of over fifty thousand li, everything’s shrouded in endless mist—can’t see a thing.”

“Many cultivators around here have already rushed there. Even Qingxiao True Sovereign of Wu Lei Guan at Heiyan Sea got involved.”

“If you’re planning to hunt the Yin Spirit, there’s still time to join in!”

...

Traveling east from Hundred Grasses Island for about three hundred thousand li, then turning north for twenty thousand li, one would reach the Three Immortals Island.

Actually, it comprised five medium-sized islands clustered closely together.

It was said to house several tens of millions of commoners, forming five massive nations.

However, since only three golden core cultivators had emerged here, who later became senior sect brothers and founded the Three Immortals Sect, the place became known as the Three Immortals Island.

Their sect hall was built on the central island to symbolize fairness.

Xiao Chen arrived at noon on the seventh day of the fifth month.

The duty disciple respectfully escorted him into the main hall. Soon after, Cao Mingjie arrived with another golden core cultivator.

“Ah, Golden Light Technique fellow cultivator, you’ve finally arrived!”

Cao Mingjie smiled warmly. “Let me introduce—this is my second senior sect brother, Ma Wenbo.”

“My eldest senior sect brother just stepped out to teach his disciples but will return shortly.”

Ma Wenbo appeared as a lean, sharp-eyed youth. He clasped his hands: “Golden Light Technique fellow cultivator, it’s an honor to meet you.”

Xiao Chen politely returned the gesture: “Fellow cultivator Ma, I’ve long heard of your reputation.”

They exchanged pleasantries and took their seats.

Sure enough, moments later, a hearty laugh echoed from outside: “Haha! Second junior sect brother, third junior sect brother—guess who I ran into?”

A broad-shouldered, red-faced man with a long beard strode in, exuding vigor.

“Oh?”

Seeing Xiao Chen, he paused, then broke into a warm smile.

“This fellow cultivator’s bearing is as majestic as a dragon, eyes as sharp as a phoenix—surely the Golden Light Technique cultivator my third junior sect brother mentioned?”

“A rare guest graces us—forgive my tardiness.”

“Why didn’t you two juniors send someone to fetch me earlier?”

Of course, he’d already received the notice. Xiao Chen’s arrival had been public, witnessed by countless disciples along the way.

After further introductions, the man revealed his name—Yu Zhenyang.

Currently the Three Immortals Sect’s sect leader, he’d once been an inner sect disciple at Hundred Grasses City.

However, after failing to excel in pill forging and losing the true disciple competition, he paid a spirit stone fee to remove his name from the records and returned home for secluded cultivation. Later, he founded the Three Immortals Sect.

Frankly, this move was quite unconventional.

Xiao Chen was stunned—could an inner sect disciple actually remove their name like that?

But he didn’t pry. If Hundred Grasses City had such regulations, there must be a reason.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yu Zhenyang eagerly announced:

“Great news! I was teaching Yan’er at sea when I coincidentally met fellow cultivator Qiu.”

“He just returned from secluded cultivation at Wanxian Archipelago, planning to venture into the outside world for cultivation resources.”

“After some persuasive words from me, he agreed to join us on this outer sea journey. No need to worry about sea beasts along the way!”

The others’ faces lit up.

Cao Mingjie straightened: “Senior Sect Brother, I recall fellow cultivator Qiu breakthrough to Golden Core Late Stage fifty years ago?”

“After so long in secluded cultivation, he must’ve reached Golden Core Perfect Completion by now.”

Yu Zhenyang nodded, beaming: “Exactly! At three hundred years old, reaching Golden Core Perfect Completion—among Nanlao Sea cultivators, he’s among the fastest!”

“In my opinion, he’s well on his way to becoming a Golden Core True Sovereign.”

Cao Mingjie laughed: “Indeed! The Relic journey is long—about forty days. Since I’m the youngest, I won’t hesitate to seek his guidance.”

“At least I’ll earn his recognition.”

...

They were clearly thrilled, placing high hopes on this prodigy under three hundred years old.

Xiao Chen remained silent. After all, he was under thirty—no need to boast about that.

He casually asked: “I heard about the Yin Spirit calamity in the Inner Sea. What are your thoughts, fellow cultivators?”

“Shall we not hunt the Yin Spirit?”

He’d listened for a while but found none mentioning it, which felt odd.

Almost all Nanlao Sea cultivators had been stirred by this event.

Cao Mingjie chuckled: “Oops, I forgot to mention—this Yin Spirit calamity is a Relic projection.”

“Based on the timing, it’s linked to the new Relic we’re heading to.”

Yin Spirit calamities were variants of mirages, often tied to actual Relics.

Yu Zhenyang added: “Haha, Golden Light Technique fellow cultivator, let others fight over the fake.”

“We’ll head straight to the outer sea for the real Relic.”

“There, we might find not just the Yin Spirit Core, but Fourth Stage legacies or even ancient treasures.”

Xiao Chen nodded in understanding: “So that’s the plan. Thank you both for clarifying.”

Suddenly, Ma Wenbo turned serious: "Since everyone’s here, let’s finalize our roles for the Relic exploration."

“May I ask, Golden Light Technique fellow cultivator, which area are you proficient in?”

Xiao Chen countered: “To be honest, this is my first Relic expedition. Could you explain how the division of roles works?”

“Haha, nothing complicated!” Yu Zhenyang laughed. “During exploration, we coordinate to avoid traps and rival cultivators.”

“We each have roles—my Body Cultivation makes me durable, so I lead the way.”

“Ma junior sect brother’s sharp awareness and Spiritual Eye Art keep watch from behind.”

“Cao junior sect brother masters Five Elements Spells, handling mid-range support.”

Cao Mingjie nodded: “Just a simple formation—no need for specifics. Second senior sect brother wants to know your strengths, Golden Light Technique fellow cultivator?”

Ah, so that’s how it worked.

Xiao Chen pondered. Body Cultivation bursts, spiritual sense probing, spellcasting—he was passable in all.

“To be honest, I’m no expert in any. I dabble in a bit of everything.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end