Chapter 222: Preparations from All Sides – Entering Tianxing Island

Chapter 222: Preparations from All Sides – Entering Tianxing Island

"Another disciple from the Yin Corpse Sect, and even a Foundation Building cultivator has come along."

Xiao Chen furrowed his brow. He had already encountered numerous cultivators dressed similarly along the way, but he hadn’t expected even a Foundation Building cultivator to get involved.

The way they addressed each other suggested these were regulars here.

As for the fate of those cultivators after being purchased, the outcome was painfully obvious.

This was the Darkness Sea – a lawless, chaotic realm.

Fraud and deception were as common as daily meals. No one questioned the origins or authenticity of anything.

The Dark Arts and Demonic Dao sects merely changed their faces here, adding another layer of disguise to their practices.

Arriving in such a place, Xiao Chen could already foresee inevitable battles erupting – not just within the Relic itself, but even in its outer perimeters.

Since he was here to explore the Relic, he didn’t expect to remain uninvolved.

Now was the time to return and study the intelligence he had just acquired.

Not for any other reason, but at least when fighting broke out, he could identify which forces his enemies belonged to.

One advantage of the Chao Hui Pavilion was that the intelligence they sold for spirit stones was indeed detailed.

In the Darkness Sea, a saying circulated widely: "One Sect, One Sect, Eight Great Families."

First, the "One Sect" naturally referred to the Yin Corpse Sect – its status was supreme and unshakable.

In the past five hundred years alone, three Golden Core True Sovereigns had publicly appeared.

The Chao Hui Pavilion also specifically noted that the Yin Corpse Sect had multiple recorded instances of activating their protective sect formation without cause. The true number was likely even higher.

Next came the "One Sect" – the Fubing Sect Xiao Chen had previously encountered.

Founded by the suddenly rising Fu Bing True Sovereign, it had grown into a colossal force second only to the Yin Corpse Sect within seventy short years.

Most critically, according to the Chao Hui Pavilion’s current intelligence:

The Fubing Sect likely already possessed over a hundred Golden Core cultivators.

Though only thirty-four of these came from verified sources,

The Pavilion had compiled rumors from various channels suggesting over two hundred Golden Core Zhenren might have connections to the Fubing Sect.

This included cultivators like Qiu Fanghui, who openly claimed close ties to the sect.

As for the final "Eight Great Families", the Chao Hui Pavilion listed no fewer than fourteen surnames.

This included the Zhang Family Xiao Chen had seen previously at the Ju Bao Pavilion.

The reason for fourteen names was because the "Eight Great Families" had never been clearly defined.

The Darkness Sea was a peculiar place – no family could maintain its legacy for a thousand years.

Most families crumbled entirely once their Golden Core ancestral founder perished.

Occasionally, a talented Golden Core descendant might delay this decline, but even then, no family lasted more than two generations.

With such rapid turnover, rumors mixed and blurred, leaving no unified consensus.

The Chao Hui Pavilion had specifically noted several additional families, emphasizing that these fourteen were merely the strongest currently – their dominance likely to shift in just a few years.

"All emerging Golden Core families, huh? Well, that’s good news."

Xiao Chen set down the first intelligence report. This was undoubtedly positive for him.

Local forces were often the most troublesome element in such competitions.

Not only did they have insider advantages during Relic exploration, but external factors also mattered.

For instance, cultivators who had narrowly survived the Relic might still fail to leave safely with their spoils if they had offended local powers.

Even without offending anyone, the old saying applied – "An ordinary man has no crime, but his treasure makes him guilty."

Local bullies lying in wait, outnumbering opponents – such incidents were common in the past.

Fortunately, this time Xiao Chen only needed to watch for the Fubing Sect and Yin Corpse Sect.

At least these two were established sects that would likely maintain some decorum.

"Hmph… Not sure about that."

After witnessing the chaos in the western market, Xiao Chen now had little hope for these sects’ moral boundaries.

He sighed, "Let’s just hope the worst-case scenario doesn’t happen."

The worst-case scenario being a Golden Core True Sovereign disregarding face to personally crush lower cultivators for their disciples’ sake.

Normally, such concerns would cause many cultivators to actively avoid sect disciples within the Relic.

But Xiao Chen secretly resolved – if opportunities arose, he would still take what he needed.

As long as the strikes were clean and left no witnesses.

This determination came from the second intelligence report purchased from the Chao Hui Pavilion, which revealed a crucial detail:

This Relic would likely only allow entry to cultivators at the Golden Core Stage and below.

This information came from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion – highly reliable.

The Relic’s activation on the night of the tenth day of the seventh month and expected closure on the seventeenth night was precisely due to its connection to celestial phenomena.

Currently, a dense white mist covered a radius of fifty thousand kilometers around the Relic’s entrance.

According to Master Luo Ming’s information, only when specific constellations appeared would the outer mist briefly dissipate, revealing the island’s true form.

"That’s seven days total."

Xiao Chen calculated, "A bit long, honestly."

A longer duration gave cultivators more time to search for treasures.

But conversely, the longer the duration, the higher the chance of encounters – and conflicts over treasures.

The Chao Hui Pavilion also specifically noted: Given this Relic’s connection to celestial phenomena, it was wise to prepare related techniques in advance. Defensive formations like the Star Array Formation, or offensive items like the Northern Dipper Sword Talisman, might prove especially effective within the Relic.

Given this Relic’s connection to celestial phenomena, it was wise to prepare related techniques in advance.

Defensive formations like the Star Array Formation, or offensive items like the Northern Dipper Sword Talisman, might prove especially effective within the Relic.

"Interesting."

Xiao Chen glanced at the recommendations below, suspecting this was just an advertisement.

Of course, while these details were critical, they weren’t worth five thousand spirit stones alone.

The truly important part lay in the final three paragraphs:

Tianyin Sect’s Chief Disciple, Su Ruoxianzi, briefly appeared at a Darkness Sea bazaar on the twenty-fifth day of the sixth month.

She traveled with over six companions and purchased two Crimson Weaving Butterfly Silk Ribbons.

The Yin Corpse Sect had reliable intelligence stating six of their direct disciples would compete within this Relic to determine the next generation’s chief disciple.

The most likely contender was Zhang Gongxian.

Reportedly, his talent was extraordinary – capable of controlling six corpse puppets simultaneously.

On the twenty-ninth day of the sixth month, a Golden Core duel occurred four thousand kilometers south of Darkness Island.

Within less than a quarter-hour, a local Golden Core Middle Stage cultivator was killed.

Judging from the residual spells at the scene, it was suspected the Nongyan Sect’s Hidden Legacy Heir had appeared in the mortal world.

To prevent misidentification, the Chao Hui Pavilion helpfully included illustrations of Su Ruoxianzi and Zhang Gongxian beneath the three paragraphs.

Xiao Chen studied them carefully, memorizing their appearances.

Backed by great sects or hidden legacies, their strength would undoubtedly surpass ordinary cultivators.

Unless something unexpected occurred, these three would be the primary competitors within this Relic.

"Golden Light Technique fellow cultivator, you’re back so soon?"

Yu Zhenyang had just entered the pavilion when he spotted the bottom illustration, exclaiming in surprise, "Wow, what a stunning immortal maiden!"

Though the ink painting was black and white, the artist’s skill was exceptional.

Through the portrait alone, he could sense her breathtaking beauty.

"What immortal maiden?"

"Ah, which Immortal Maiden is this?" Cao Mingjie leaned in, his eyes widening as he stared at the illustration. "She looks... uh... elegant and refined."

He paused, momentarily at a loss for words.

Xiao Chen simply handed over the entire envelope, "You haven’t seen her before? This is the current Tianyin Sect’s Chief Disciple, Su Ruoxianzi."

"You’re here now anyway, take a look at this intelligence. We should prepare in advance."

Since they had agreed to explore the Relic together, there was no need to hide information.

As long as he didn’t spread it widely, the Chao Hui Pavilion wouldn’t mind.

"Seven days long?!"

Yu Zhenyang quickly frowned, "Looks like we’ll need to prepare more talismans – we might run short otherwise."

Cao Mingjie also grew serious, "We brought plenty of spiritual materials, but nothing related to celestial phenomena."

"Should we go buy some materials now?"

Ma Wenbo, who had arrived upon hearing the news, reminded them, "Local merchants must have heard the rumors already."

"By now, star-related spiritual materials are probably sold out or inflated in price."

"Maybe we should just prepare more of our original talismans – overwhelm with quantity."

After discussing, the three quickly formulated a new preparation plan.

It covered talismans, pills, spiritual artifacts, and formations – most drawn from the Three Immortals Sect’s accumulated experience exploring past Relics.

It was during this conversation that Xiao Chen learned they had explored many Relics in the Inner Sea before.

Though those were older Relics, they had met numerous Relic-enthusiast cultivators along the way.

It was precisely through these connections that they learned of the new Outer Sea Relic’s activation.

"Golden Light Technique fellow cultivator, could you help check if any Lost Star Stones are still available outside?"

Yu Zhenyang quickly sketched a rough map, "If there are, bring some back. Either way, we’ll regroup in four days."

With so much preparation needed, the three of them couldn’t spare time to go themselves.

Xiao Chen readily agreed, "Leave it to me."

Over the next four days, he scoured Darkness Island again and visited every major and minor island within a 25,000-kilometer radius.

Unfortunately, all star-related materials were indeed sold out.

But he hadn’t come entirely empty-handed.

While inquiring about spiritual materials nearby, Xiao Chen unexpectedly learned the Fubing Sect’s Left Guardian had already arrived near the Relic.

Judging by rank, this previously unmet Left Guardian should be even stronger than the former Right Guardian.

Potential competitor count increased by one.

On his return journey to Darkness Island, Xiao Chen also spotted a Golden Core cultivator wearing a crimson robe and a sunshade hat.

Judging by the attire, this person should be from the Wu Lei Guan.

He recalled that before departing Nanlao Sea, there were rumors the Wu Lei Guan had invested heavily in hunting Yin Spirits.

Now that he thought about it, they hadn't forgotten to send people to explore the new Relic either.

Since Xiao Chen didn't recognize the opposing party, he couldn't gauge their strength. Another potential competitor added to the list.

"Fellow cultivator of the Golden Light Technique, you're back just in time."

As Xiao Chen landed on the Spirit Ship, Yu Zhenyang handed him a stack of talismans: "These six Ice Soul Cold Light Talismans have both offensive power and can restrict an enemy's movement."

"Also, these twelve Return to Origin Thick Earth Talismans are for your defense."

"These talismans work best when used while standing on solid ground, as they can draw earth energy to enhance defensive capabilities by ten percent."

Xiao Chen was slightly surprised: "You prepared all this in just four days?"

From what he knew, a typical Third Stage talisman crafter could produce only about three Third Stage talismans per day. While drawing talismans itself wasn't physically taxing, gathering materials and channeling spiritual sense and mana during the process was no simple task.

Most importantly, fatigue often led to mistakes mid-crafting, rendering the talismans useless. Even if one tried to push through overtime, sheer willpower alone couldn't solve the problem.

"It's just a matter of practice", Yu Zhenyang said with a smile, waving his hand. "We brought plenty of spiritual materials beforehand, which saved a lot of time."

"Besides, we've explored many Relics before. If we didn't have some skills, we'd have been stripped bare long ago."

"Go inside first. I'll show you our formation disks."

Entering the pavilion in the right front corner, they found twenty-four portable formation disks already arranged in separate areas. Ma Wenbo was hunched over the left table, fully focused on drawing talismans, oblivious to the surrounding footsteps and mechanical noises.

Xiao Chen followed the sound and saw Qiu Fanghui standing among four disassembled Mysterious Iron Puppets, frowning as if pondering something. Scattered across the ground were various components, including five pairs of Xuan Tie arms neatly arranged together.

One of the advantages of Mechanical Puppetry was the ability to quickly repair damaged puppets by replacing parts, rapidly restoring combat effectiveness. Additionally, installing different mechanisms could achieve various effects.

Of course, this was also a drawback, as spare parts required significant resources to produce. The more backups prepared, the higher the additional costs. Balancing this boundary had always been a major challenge.

To be honest, Xiao Chen had initially thought this temporary team's overall strength might be lacking. But now, it seemed they were quite organized and competent.

"Senior Sect Brother, we're in trouble!"

Cao Mingjie rushed over: "I heard the eight great families' ancestral founders have mobilized to enter the new Relic for treasures!"

"With eight more factions, what should we do?"

...

Xiao Chen retracted his earlier thought.

Yu Zhenyang, though slightly taken aback, remained calm: "Third Senior Brother, don't panic. Share the intelligence details slowly."

"Also, did you visit Disciple Li for information as I asked?"

Cao Mingjie immediately pulled out a letter: "I did. This is the intelligence Disciple Li gave me."

"On my way back, I also heard the Tianyin Sect and Yin Corpse Sect negotiations collapsed, so we probably won't face a blockade."

"But unexpectedly, the eight families seem to have gotten wind early."

"Not only are they entering the Relic themselves, but they're also recruiting people at the Western Market."

"Join their team, and they'll hand out talismans, pills, and even Spirit Stones upon return."

"I saw several Golden Core fellow cultivators joining them within moments."

To be fair, if the eight families not only participated themselves but also recruited solitary cultivators, it would significantly increase the number of participants inside the Relic. However, after thinking, Xiao Chen felt they posed no real threat to him. Compared to them, he was more concerned about cultivators from major sects.

Yu Zhenyang's face tightened upon hearing this, but he didn't rush. Instead, he opened the letter and read it, his expression easing slightly: "Good news. The Yin Corpse Sect took all the star-observation materials, which works in our favor."

"If no one has them, we won't be at a disadvantage."

"Also, I heard the Wu Lei Guan sent an Xingfa Elder this time, but that's actually not a big deal."

"Huh?" Xiao Chen felt he must have misheard: "Wait, fellow cultivator Yu, the Wu Lei Guan sent an Xingfa Elder?"

In the Wu Lei Guan, the Xingfa Elder position was typically responsible for external duels. Simply put, they were the most formidable among peers.

"Ah?" Yu Zhenyang was momentarily stunned, looking down at the letter: "It does say Xingfa Elder, but he came alone, so it's not our concern."

"These major sect cultivators will head straight for the Relic's core area. We'll just avoid them."

Cao Mingjie nodded: "Right, Fellow cultivator of the Golden Light Technique, we don't need to worry about them."

"These ancient Relics often have side halls and side chambers. We'll focus on those overlooked areas."

The Three Immortals Sect trio had always scavenged the Relic's periphery, never intending to compete for the core area from the start. Thus, their focus was on the total number of participants and major factions' attitudes rather than top-tier cultivators. The elite and lower-tier cultivators didn't directly compete.

Over the next three days, everyone completed their preparations. They then rested for two days to fully replenish their energy.

On the morning of the tenth day of the seventh month in the Dao Calendar, they flew their swords to the new Relic's outskirts. They didn't bring the Spirit Ship because no one could guard it. Many early-arriving solitary cultivators had already taken wooden planks from their Storage Rings, floating temporarily on the sea to conserve true mana.

Unlike the solitary cultivators, both the Yin Corpse Sect and Tianyin Sect brought massive Spirit Ships, anchored early at the perimeter. However, the two ships were hundreds of kilometers apart, confirming the rumors of their discord.

"It's starting! It's starting!"

Within a quarter-hour, the faint outline of a vast island emerged from the mist, its shores stretching endlessly into the horizon. Xiao Chen estimated its size at over ten thousand li.

"Oops!"

A sudden cry rang out from the front. An impatient solitary cultivator plummeted like a broken kite into the sea.

"Careful! It's the Skyflight Sealing Formation!"

A knowledgeable cultivator immediately warned, prompting the group to lower their altitude. The fallen cultivator surfaced unharmed moments later.

As the outer fog dissipated, a colossal stone stele loomed about ten li ahead. Three towering ancient seal script characters were vertically carved into its surface.

"Huh? What characters are these?"

A curious cultivator asked, "Does anyone recognize them?"

"Strange script. Never seen it before!"

"I think I saw similar characters in ancient texts, but I don't know their meaning."

Ancient texts? Xiao Chen suddenly recalled the landscape Spiritual Resonance Chart he'd obtained from the Golden Core disciple of the Divine Flame Cult, and the mysterious inscription board from the White Bone Gate. Both bore undecipherable Silver Clerical Script resembling the three ancient seal characters before him.

This was an unexpected clue. Later, he could study ancient texts from the Eastern Territory to unravel their meaning. But for now, focus on landing.

Affected by the Skyflight Sealing Formation, everyone had to descend ten li from the island and swim the rest. Fortunately, no cultivator feared water.

Cao Mingjie was even cheerful: "Better yet if the island also prohibits flight. Our Return to Origin Thick Earth Talismans will give us an edge."

"Indeed, his words make sense."

"This is Tianxing Island."

A white-robed youth in a green headscarf stood beneath the stele, effortlessly reading the inscription. Though he spoke casually, his voice carried clearly to all cultivators with their sharpened hearing.

"Oh, he can read the ancient Lingwen script."

A crimson-robed Xingfa Elder from the Wu Lei Guan asked curiously: "Which sect are you from, young one?"

The white-robed youth bowed: "Greetings, Senior. My master forbids me from revealing his name or sect."

Understood. He was the Flame Cult's heir mentioned in the intelligence. Xiao Chen immediately realized.

The rule about non-disclosure might be genuine, but sometimes stating it was itself a hint. However, the youth clearly intended to attract attention to showcase his hidden sect's prestige.

"Ah, I see." The Xingfa Elder, familiar with the intelligence, smiled knowingly.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Suddenly, giant runes the size of walnuts glowed from the ground, spreading inward. Though the fog receded, revealing only the island's edge, their spiritual senses still couldn't penetrate.

As the runes illuminated, the fog cleared, revealing a wide path. Everyone advanced along it.

After about twenty li, bypassing a colossal rock formation, the path split into nine smaller ones. Each was approximately four meters high and two meters wide, allowing two people to walk side by side.

Unsurprisingly, this was the first trial. Solitary cultivators hesitated, but major factions moved in unison, choosing different paths.

"Let's take this one." Yu Zhenyang observed, deliberately avoiding major sects and selecting the far-right path.

Within a quarter of an hour, the outline of a large island faintly emerged, stretching endlessly. Xiao Chen estimated its size at over ten thousand li.

"Oops!"

A sudden cry came from the front. An impatient solitary cultivator plummeted like a broken kite into the sea.

"Careful! It's the Skyflight Sealing Formation!"

A knowledgeable cultivator immediately warned, leading the group to lower their altitude. The fallen cultivator surfaced unharmed.

As the outer fog dissipated, a massive stone stele stood about ten li ahead. Three large ancient seal script characters were carved vertically on it.

"Huh? What characters are these?"

A curious cultivator asked: "Does any fellow cultivator recognize them?"

"Strange script. Never seen it before!"

"I think I saw similar characters in ancient texts, but I don't know their meaning."

Ancient texts? Xiao Chen suddenly recalled the landscape Spiritual Resonance Chart he obtained from the Golden Core disciple of the Divine Flame Cult, and the mysterious inscription board from the White Bone Gate. Both contained Silver Clerical Script he couldn't decipher, resembling the three ancient seal script characters before him.

This was an unexpected clue. Later, he could study ancient texts from the Eastern Territory to learn more. But for now, focus on landing.

Affected by the Skyflight Sealing Formation, everyone had to descend ten li from the island and swim the rest. Fortunately, no cultivator feared water.

Cao Mingjie was even cheerful: "Better yet if the island also prohibits flight. Our Return to Origin Thick Earth Talismans will give us an edge."

"Indeed, his words make sense."

"This is Tianxing Island."

A young man in a white robe and green headscarf stood under the stele, easily reading the inscription. Though he spoke casually, all cultivators, with their sharp hearing, caught it clearly.

"Oh, he can read the ancient Lingwen script."

A crimson-robed Xingfa Elder from the Wu Lei Guan curiously asked: "Which sect are you from, young one?"

The white-robed youth bowed: "Greetings, Senior. My master forbids me from revealing his name or sect."

Understood. He was the Flame Cult's heir mentioned in the intelligence. Xiao Chen immediately realized.

The rule about not disclosing one's sect might be genuine, but sometimes stating it was itself a hint. However, the youth clearly intended to attract attention to showcase his hidden sect's prestige.

Many Golden Core cultivators appeared young but were ancient. Others were truly prodigies who broke through to Golden Core early, like this worldly heir.

"Ah, I see." The Xingfa Elder, familiar with the intelligence, smiled knowingly.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

Suddenly, giant runes the size of walnuts glowed from the ground, spreading inward. Though the fog receded, revealing only the island's edge, the spiritual sense still couldn't penetrate.

As the runes illuminated, the fog cleared, revealing a wide path. Everyone advanced along it.

After about twenty li, bypassing a giant rock formation, the path split into nine smaller ones. Each was approximately four meters high and two meters wide, allowing two people to walk side by side.

Unsurprisingly, this was the first trial. Solitary cultivators hesitated, but major factions moved in unison, choosing different paths.

"Let's take this one." Yu Zhenyang observed, deliberately avoiding major sects and choosing the far-right path.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end