Chapter 219: Zao Hua Energy · Arrival at the Outer Sea

Chapter 219: Zao Hua Energy · Arrival at the Outer Sea

Would everyone mind sharing a bit of their thoughts?

After a brief discussion, the three decided to assign Xiao Chen a central support role.

"Once we enter the Relic", Yu Zhenyang instructed, "you'll stay with the three junior sect brothers."

Since neither side knew each other well, this arrangement seemed fair, and Xiao Chen readily agreed.

The three cultivators then focused on settling their family and sect affairs before departure.

At 1:45 PM, the group headed southeast toward a location twenty thousand li away.

Under Yu Zhenyang's guidance, they arrived at a small island where they met the meditation companion Qiu Fanghui.

Xiao Chen had learned beforehand that this "Fellow cultivator Qiu" was Qiu Fanghui, a renowned expert in mechanical puppets.

Qiu had earned substantial spirit stones through his craft and gained considerable fame in the Wanxian Archipelago in recent years.

Upon first glance:

Qiu wore a golden-threaded crown adorned with three feathers, a Five Elements Robe draped his shoulders, and a jade belt hung at his waist, from which dangled a beast skin bag emitting radiant light. His face resembled polished jade, and his dignified bearing exuded an air of nobility.

"Hmph? Why is there an extra person?"

Qiu Fanghui frowned slightly upon spotting Xiao Chen. "Fellow cultivator Yu, this cultivator seems unfamiliar. Might I ask for an introduction?"

He had expected to travel with only the Three Immortals Sect disciples, not an additional companion.

"Fellow cultivator Qiu", Yu Zhenyang explained, "this is Fellow cultivator Xiao Chen, a golden light technique cultivator and solitary practitioner."

"The Outer Sea is far more chaotic than our Inner Sea", Yu continued. "Since I wasn't sure if you'd be available, I invited Fellow cultivator Xiao Chen to join us. After all, more allies mean greater strength."

Qiu Fanghui scrutinized Xiao Chen from head to toe.

The young man's outer garments showed no signs of valuable spiritual artifacts, though his Storage Ring appeared decent enough.

Most solitary cultivators dressed similarly, so Qiu merely nodded in acknowledgment without further interest.

"Better to depart early than delay", Qiu declared. "The journey to the Outer Sea is long. Let's set sail without delay."

Yu Zhenyang quickly agreed. "Fellow cultivator Qiu speaks wisely."

"Please board the ship this way."

The Three Immortals Sect possessed a spiritual vessel—modest in size at 120 meters long and 20 meters wide.

This vessel required no transport of foundation building cultivators or cargo.

Besides the rear, where defense formations were inscribed and storage holds cluttered with supplies, the middle deck featured six small pavilions and a spacious front deck suitable for sightseeing.

The pavilions were arranged in triplets, with distinct front and rear designs.

Yu Zhenyang reserved the two central pavilions for Qiu Fanghui's selection.

Xiao Chen was assigned to the forward-left pavilion, though he cared little about accommodations—any space suitable for sleeping and cultivation sufficed.

Having recently advanced to the Golden Core Middle Stage, his true mana capacity had reached 669 strands.

Reaching the peak of this stage would require considerable time—a foundational accumulation process unavoidable for all cultivators.

Yet Xiao Chen felt no urgency to increase his true mana. This wasn't something achievable overnight.

Instead, he retrieved the Qian Yuan Zao Hua Pill he'd previously acquired, eager to test the legendary Zao Hua Energy.

This might provide an additional tool for navigating the upcoming Relic expedition.

Over the next few days, the Three Immortals Sect brothers hovered around Qiu Fanghui, engaging in casual conversation while subtly flattering him.

Through various means, they sought to deepen their relationship, hoping to forge lasting connections.

After all, Qiu still had two centuries to attempt his golden core breakthrough—a likely success. Better to cultivate friendships early.

Xiao Chen, however, had no interest in currying favor and remained in his pavilion, content to study Zao Hua Energy alone.

Through spirit pill enhancement, he'd successfully formed the Qian Yuan Zao Hua Seed.

Using his spiritual sense to observe his dantian, he spotted a golden-yellow orb.

After one day's effort and ten strands of true mana, he obtained his first Zao Hua Energy strand.

"This feels... almost identical to true mana?"

Xiao Chen experimented by channeling Zao Hua Energy to perform the "Hundred Flowers Bloom" technique—a spell he'd never formally learned but only observed others using.

Instantly, hundreds of different spirit flowers materialized around him, blooming in unison.

The entire pavilion filled with fragrant aromas.

"Could this technique truly be this effective?"

Xiao Chen had once witnessed this technique's effects at Yuan Ci Peak, though he'd never learned its heart sutra incantations.

Yet from memory alone, he'd replicated the scene almost perfectly.

The saying "one breath manipulates the Five Elements subtlety" seemed no exaggeration after all.

With Zao Hua Energy, cultivators could save significant time otherwise spent cultivating spells.

This proved especially useful for spells that might occasionally prove handy but weren't worth dedicating time to learn thoroughly.

Of course, appearances could be deceiving—some illusions mimicked similar effects.

The true test of Zao Hua Energy's effectiveness would come in actual combat.

Over the following days, Xiao Chen focused on condensing several more Zao Hua Energy strands.

He noticed daily depletion of his vitality as the Zao Hua Seed consumed essence to nourish the energy.

"Is this burden too heavy?"

Xiao Chen calculated mentally: "At this rate, even with my current physique, I can sustain no more than ten Zao Hua Energy strands."

"Exceeding this limit might cause side effects. With only ten strands, I'd deplete them in just two spells."

While Yellow Tier spells consumed little energy, ten strands still seemed insufficient.

Of course, this limit wasn't absolute.

If forewarned of upcoming battles or Relic expeditions, one could temporarily exceed this limit by stockpiling Zao Hua Energy days in advance.

Consuming spirit pills to replenish vitality while expending the excess energy promptly would suffice.

But this wasn't the priority.

For Xiao Chen, the greatest value lay in nurturing the Five Elements Zao Hua Seed to increase his Nascent Soul Formation success rate by ten percent.

Other effects were secondary.

Viewed differently, cultivating a secret technique that boosted Nascent Soul Formation odds while incidentally increasing true mana reserves seemed quite advantageous.

After all, Zao Hua Energy stored within the Zao Hua Seed didn't count toward his true mana total.

Even using it as a mere substitute for ten strands of true mana made it an excellent auxiliary tool.

By the time June arrived, Cao Mingjie specifically summoned Xiao Chen to the central pavilion for an important discussion.

"Our Spirit Ship departed Nanlao Sea and passed through Dragon Subduing Sea recently", Yu Zhenyang explained while spreading a sea chart. He pointed at two distinct routes marked in red and green.

"We have two options."

"The first route takes us through Calm Wind Sea into the Outer Sea, then bypasses Mo Zunzhe's territory along the northeastern Darkness Sea to reach the Relic's perimeter."

"This path avoids sea beast swarms but takes longer."

Xiao Chen noticed large red-marked danger zones on the chart's left side—regions teeming with sea beasts and frequent maritime disasters.

"The second route goes directly through Blackwater Zone, skirting Darkness Sea's edge."

Yu Zhenyang continued, "This route is shorter, allowing earlier preparation at the Relic's perimeter."

"There's also Darkness Island here for resupplying without significant delays."

"If we choose this route, we must adjust course today."

"This decision carries weight—I wanted to discuss it with everyone first."

After Yu Zhenyang finished, Cao Mingjie spoke first: "Let me share my thoughts as a starting point."

"Based on prior intelligence, the Relic opens around mid-July."

"If we take the longer route, we'll arrive around early July—barely any preparation time."

"Better to take the shorter route, allowing us to scout ahead and rest before the expedition."

Ma Wenbo, however, opposed: "I prefer the longer route."

"The shorter route might seem faster, but encountering sea beast swarms or natural disasters could force detours, wasting more time."

"Our goal is exploring the Relic—preserving combat strength is crucial."

"We should avoid these danger zones to prevent unnecessary battles."

As he spoke, Ma Wenbo tapped the Darkness Sea area, emphasizing not just avoiding yao beasts but also Outer Sea solitary cultivators.

"Fellow cultivators Cao and Ma both make valid points", Yu Zhenyang said, his voice tinged with hesitation. "Fellow cultivators Qiu and Xiao Chen, your opinions?"

His gaze instinctively turned to Qiu Fanghui, anticipating the higher-cultivation expert's response.

The cultivation world naturally deferred to those with greater power.

"Ha! You're all so serious—I thought this was something major", Qiu Fanghui scoffed. "What's there to consider? Take the shorter route!"

"Exploring new Relics is the real challenge. If we fear these minor dangers, we might as well turn back now."

He pointed at a long sturgeon drawn on the map: "Besides, what danger? If we meet sea beast swarms, they'll just be extra rations."

Qiu Fanghui had secluded himself in Wanxian Archipelago, refining his puppet techniques further—ordinary golden core yao beasts no longer concerned him.

"Fellow cultivator Qiu speaks wisely", Yu Zhenyang flattered. "But what's Fellow cultivator Xiao Chen's opinion?"

Though he'd already decided, he still asked Xiao Chen out of courtesy.

"I'm not really bothered either; either path works for me." Xiao Chen shrugged indifferently. To him, golden coreyao beasts posed no threat. In fact, he'd even planned to hunt them after leaving the Relic to collect demon cores and accelerate his cultivation. As for how much preparation time they needed, Xiao Chen didn't place much importance on it. He wasn't a talisman cultivator or Formation Master who needed to draw talismans or prepare spiritual materials. His combat strength came entirely from himself, so there was nothing he needed to stock up on.

"Since that's settled, let's take the shortcut then." Yu Zhenyang rolled up the sea chart and emphasized, "Once we enter the Blackwater Zone, I'll rotate watch duties with the two Junior Sect Brothers."

"But if we encounter a sea beast swarm midway, I'll need Fellow Cultivator Qiu and Golden Light Technique Fellow Cultivator to lend a hand."

Xiao Chen naturally had no objections. "No problem." After all, they were all in the same boat. If yao beasts attacked, he wouldn't sit idly by.

"A small matter. Fellow Cultivator needn't worry", Qiu Fanghui waved dismissively. "Just let me know if any sea beasts approach. With this sack of divine iron weapons, killing golden coreyao beasts is child's play."

The beast skin sack at his waist was a specially crafted puppet bag containing meticulously prepared puppets. For a master of mechanical arts like Qiu Fanghui, this wasn't mere boasting—his strongest techniques relied on these puppets. His spellcasting skills were mediocre at best, focusing mainly on defensive techniques.

Days passed uneventfully for over ten days. Xiao Chen spent each day cultivating his manual, refining true mana in the cabin, growing slightly bored. So one afternoon, he deliberately came to the deck to enjoy the sea breeze and relax.

At first glance, the Blackwater Zone seemed no different from the Nanlao Sea. The only distinction was the endless deep-blue horizon—no islands visible for thousands of miles. Waves rippled gently, and the salty breeze carried a refreshing chill.

"Ah, Golden Light Technique Fellow Cultivator finally decided to come out?" Yu Zhenyang, currently on bow patrol, turned with a smile.

Xiao Chen casually replied, "Staying cooped up in the cabin cultivating all day gets dull. Thought I'd come out and clear my head."

Yu Zhenyang nodded in agreement. "True enough. Come over here, Fellow Cultivator. This spot has the best view." He paused, "Saying that, you've been in secluded cultivation for days. Your cultivation realm must've improved significantly, right?"

Xiao Chen walked over, chuckling. "Nowhere near that effective, Fellow Cultivator flatters me. I've just been reviewing some spells."

"As for cultivation realms... Hmm, what's that?" He suddenly spotted a black speck where sea and sky met.

"Huh?" Yu Zhenyang, who'd been watching Xiao Chen, turned immediately. "Strange, the map didn't mention any islands nearby." He pulled out the sea chart, cross-referencing their position. His brow furrowed. "Something's wrong. We've encountered a yao beast."

His complexion darkened. He immediately brandished a formation flag, activating the Spirit Ship's defensive formation.

On the open sea, cultivators could see objects over a thousand miles away on clear days. But at this distance, the black speck appeared no larger than a grain of rice—too indistinct to identify. Still, preparation was crucial. Yu Zhenyang promptly notified his two junior sect brothers, adjusting the Spirit Ship's course to avoid the anomaly.

Xiao Chen remained relaxed. Choosing the shortcut meant expecting yao beasts. After two consecutive battles—both against multiple foes—he'd grown disillusioned with the Eastern Territory. While its top-tier powerhouses were formidable, most cultivators and yao beasts here weren't significantly stronger than those in the Southern Domain.

Especially now that Xiao Chen had reached the Golden Core Middle Stage, his true mana reserves had surged, boosting his combat power accordingly. With a Divine Artifact at his disposal, he was far stronger than when he'd first arrived in the Eastern Territory. Strength brought confidence.

"Senior Sect Brother, I think it's moving toward us!" Cao Mingjie suddenly called out. Without prompting, he activated his Spiritual Eye Art.

"Huh?" His brow furrowed as he observed, "Something's off. That... looks like another Spirit Ship."

Xiao Chen immediately activated his truth-seeing spirit eye, confirming the silver-gray vessel.

"A spiritual vessel?" Yu Zhenyang squinted from over 450 kilometers away, struggling to see clearly. "Third Junior Sect Brother, are you certain?"

He slowed the Spirit Ship slightly to aid observation. After a moment, Cao Mingjie shouted, "Senior Sect Brother, I'm sure! It's definitely a Spirit Ship, not a yao beast!"

Ma Wenbo exhaled in relief. Yu Zhenyang chuckled, "False alarm then. If it's another Spirit Ship, no problem. Probably other cultivators taking the shortcut."

While rare in the Blackwater Zone, encountering other shortcut-seekers over a month-long journey wasn't unusual. Unlike the Jian Sea, few chose to fight here. First, there were no footholds for tens of thousands of miles in any direction—damaging the Spirit Ship in battle could mean being stranded. Second, those daring this route weren't simple opponents. Strengths and weaknesses were uncertain.

Thus, hearing it was a Spirit Ship, Yu Zhenyang relaxed.

"Any trouble?" Qiu Fanghui strolled out leisurely. "Why's everyone gathered at the bow?"

Cao Mingjie quickly explained.

"Ah, no problem then", Qiu Fanghui smiled. "No need to worry. We'll just keep going."

"Speaking of which, isn't today the eighteenth of June?" he continued. "Have we already reached the Outer Sea?"

Yu Zhenyang nodded. "Fellow Cultivator Qiu's timing is spot-on. We entered the Outer Sea yesterday. Two more days and we'll reach the nearest Darkness Island."

The Darkness Sea contained many Darkness Islands, each serving as bustling markets for cultivators to trade and resupply. Rumor had it these islands were controlled by the Yin Corpse Sect—the most powerful force in the Darkness Sea. Though its name sounded sinister, the Yin Corpse Sect was recognized as a legitimate sect in the Eastern Territory. Not orthodox, but not demonic either.

"Fellow Cultivator Qiu, I've heard each Darkness Island has a Darkness Pavilion", Yu Zhenyang asked. "Shall we visit one when we arrive in two days?"

Cao Mingjie added, "I've heard the Outer Sea has unique delicacies. We should all try them together."

Qiu Fanghui smirked. "The food's nothing special, but we might as well have a meal and sample Outer Sea spirit fish."

"Pity we haven't encountered any sea beast swarms. I wanted to treat everyone to fresh catches."

His words drew laughter from Yu Zhenyang and Cao Mingjie. Only Ma Wenbo remained distracted, still watching the distant Spirit Ship. He noticed it deliberately closing the distance.

"Senior Sect Brother, something's wrong. They're heading straight for us."

Ma Wenbo noticed the two ships drawing closer. Within half a ke, the opposing Spirit Ship closed to about eighty miles—within the spiritual sense range of a Golden Core Late Stage cultivator. The enemy vessel immediately adjusted course, maintaining an eighty-mile distance while paralleling their path.

This was a classic prelude to an ambush—bandit cultivators probing their strength.

Sure enough, an unfamiliar spiritual sense swept over them, brazenly scanning the five aboard.

Xiao Chen didn't tolerate this. He condensed his spiritual sense into a hammer-like force, shattering the invasive probe.

"Hmph!" A cold snort echoed simultaneously in their ears.

Then came a raspy, aged voice: "Listen well, fools! I am the Right Guardian of the Fubing Sect. I'll say this once."

"The waters ahead are sealed for sixty thousand miles—marked by golden buoys. No one is permitted entry."

"Turn back now, or don't blame me for being ruthless."

Cao Mingjie immediately activated his spiritual eye. "Senior Sect Brother, their ship definitely flies the Fubing Sect banner. I see their insignias—no fakes."

Ma Wenbo frowned. "Why would the Fubing Sect be here?"

"Detouring sixty thousand miles would cost us thirteen to fourteen thousand extra. We'd lose all the shortcut's time savings."

Yu Zhenyang halted the Spirit Ship, instinctively asking, "Fellow Cultivator Qiu, what now?"

Qiu Fanghui's smile vanished. He inhaled sharply. "Trouble's coming."

"The Fubing Sect's been rising fast. In the Darkness Sea, only the Yin Corpse Sect rivals them."

"In my opinion, we should avoid conflict."

In other words, they should retreat—better safe than sorry.

Hearing Qiu Fanghui—the highest cultivator among them—say this, Yu Zhenyang's face fell briefly before masking his disappointment. "True. Better peace than conflict. If they're sealing the waters, we'll detour."

He maneuvered the Spirit Ship to turn.

Xiao Chen opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. Damaging the Spirit Ship in a fight would be disastrous. Plus, he knew nothing about the Fubing Sect. Better to avoid conflict. He stayed silent.

"Stop!" The aged voice rang out again. "Did I say you could leave?"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end