Chapter 248: Golden Spirit Species, Could it be a Golden Spirit Root? (Major Revision)

Chapter 248: Golden Spirit Species, Could it be a Golden Spirit Root? (Major Revision)



Chu Ning was not using his true appearance at the moment, naturally cautious about encountering Oulangtian or other Golden Core cultivators from the Daruo Sect. Instead, he had taken on the appearance of Li Qun, the one he used when he first entered Wolong Valley. This was to ensure that any cultivators from the Jiuhua Sect would recognize him if they crossed paths here.

The man across from him did not recognize Chu Ning, but Chu Ning immediately identified the middle-aged cultivator who had just spoken. He was one of the late Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Daruo Sect who had come with Ouxuan and the others to the Jiuhua Sect.

As the Daruo Sect hadn't sent a large group, and Chu Ning had spent a considerable amount of time on the high platform during the competition, he had managed to familiarize himself with most of their cultivators. For most cultivators, it was easy to remember faces and appearances. Moreover, this man was a late Foundation Establishment cultivator, so Chu Ning had paid extra attention to him.

However, the other man and woman were strangers; Chu Ning had never seen them before.

"These Daruo Sect cultivators sure are arrogant," Chu Ning muttered to himself. Aloud, he said, "I am also a cultivator from the Yunxia Alliance, specially sent to the sect's headquarters. May I ask which sects you esteemed fellows are from?"

Although he had his suspicions based on their clothing, he felt it necessary to ask again. After all, if all three were from the Daruo Sect, he would have to be more cautious about revealing his identity.

Just as the middle-aged man from the Daruo Sect was about to open his mouth to rebuke him, a young woman in green clothes at the side, who was at the early Foundation Establishment stage, asked curiously upon hearing that Chu Ning was from the Yunxia Alliance:

"I'm from Tianying Pavilion. These two senior brothers are from the Daruo Sect and Hongfeng Valley respectively. Fellow Daoist, are you also from the Yunxia Alliance? Which sect are you from?"

The green-clad woman's naive and candid nature, revealing everything without restraint, caused the two male cultivators from the Daruo Sect and Hongfeng Valley to wear bitter smiles on their faces.

"Sister Han, you..."

Chu Ning relaxed upon hearing this.

He had heard little about Hongfeng Valley, but he had heard quite a bit about Tianying Pavilion and knew that this sect had always been on good terms with the Jiuhua Sect. Moreover, in terms of strength, they were even stronger than the Daruo Sect.

As long as the Daruo Sect didn't have the sole dominant say here, he would be fine.

So Chu Ning immediately said, "I'm Li Qun from the Jiuhua Sect. Pleased to meet you, fellow Daoists."

"The Jiuhua Sect!"

As soon as these words left Chu Ning's mouth, the expressions of the three people in front of him changed.

The older cultivator from Hongfeng Valley maintained a neutral expression, while the middle-aged man from the Daruo Sect's face turned cold.

After the competition three years ago and the subsequent events in Wolong Valley, the relationship between the two sects had plummeted to an all-time low.

The green-clad woman, on the other hand, immediately showed delight.

"Senior brother, you're from the Jiuhua Sect? Sister Shang Xiaohan and the others are also here. They're patrolling and guarding another area."

Hearing this, a hint of joy flashed across Chu Ning's face.

Since Shang Xiaohan was here, the sect's Golden Core cultivators should also be present.

Immediately, Chu Ning cupped his hands towards the green-clad woman and said, "Sister, I just received an order from the sect and rushed here to Honghukou. I don't know where our fellow sect members are. I want to find them and join up with them."

"Okay, then I'll take you there!" The green-clad woman said, about to leave with Chu Ning.

At this moment, the older cultivator from Hongfeng Valley spoke up, "Wait! Although this senior brother claims to be from the Jiuhua Sect, we don't know him. For safety's sake, it would be better to ask the Jiuhua Sect's Daoists to come over."

The middle-aged man from the Daruo Sect also glared at Chu Ning with an unfriendly expression and said, "Yes, you claim to be from the Jiuhua Sect, but do you have any proof? Hmph, I know quite a few late Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Jiuhua Sect, but I've never seen someone like you."

Chu Ning knew that the people from the Daruo Sect wouldn't be pleased to see him, so he didn't argue with them. Instead, he said, "Fellow Daoists are right. Sister, could you trouble you to send a message to Sister Shang, just to let her know that I'm here?"

"Sure!" The green-clad woman nodded and readily agreed.

She then took out a sound-transmission talisman and activated it.

Before long, less than an incense stick's worth of time had passed when several figures quickly flew towards them.

The one in front was none other than Shang Xiaohan.

When she saw Chu Ning, her face lit up with joy.

Having entered Wolong Valley together, she was very familiar with this appearance of his. Recalling how Chu Ning had held off You Jing to let her escape, and how there had been no news of him for the next few days, she was about to call out, "Big Senior Brother," but upon seeing Chu Ning's subtle signal, she quickly changed her words and exclaimed, "Senior Brother Li, it really is you!"

"Sister Shang," Chu Ning nodded, then asked, "Which Elder from the sect is here? I'd like to meet them first."

"The Grand Elder, the Great Elder, and my Master are all here," Shang Xiaohan said, turning to the others and explaining, "Fellow senior brothers, this is our senior brother from the Jiuhua Sect. I'll take him to meet the Elders first."

Seeing that even Shang Xiaohan had confirmed it, the older cultivator from Hongfeng Valley knew that there must be no mistake, so he cupped his hands towards Chu Ning and said, "Senior Brother Li, please forgive my earlier offense. Please go ahead."

Chapter 248: Golden Spirit Species, Could it be a Golden Spirit Root? (Major Revision - Part 2)



Over the past two years, the Jiuhua Sect had slightly risen in status within the Yunxia Alliance, and Hongfeng Valley was considered a middling sect within the alliance.

Furthermore, Chu Ning was a late Qi Refining cultivator, while the man before him had only reached the middle stage of Qi Refining. Thus, the man spoke with added respect.

As for the cultivator from the Daruo Sect, he coldly turned his head away, his face expressionless.

"You're too kind, fellow Daoist!" Chu Ning smiled and cupped his hands toward the Hongfeng Valley cultivator.

Then, he turned to the green-clad female cultivator and said, "Thank you, Junior Sister, for your help earlier."

"You're welcome, you're welcome!" The green-clad girl waved her jade-like hands. Her round eyes spun as she glanced at Shang Xiaohan and Chu Ning.

Then, she giggled and said, "So, Senior Sister Shang was looking for a senior brother here, and it turns out to be Senior Brother Li. I..."

"Han Qia'er, stop blabbering!" Shang Xiaohan interrupted the green-clad girl, worried that she might accidentally reveal Chu Ning's identity.

Han Qia'er, misunderstanding Shang Xiaohan's warning, pouted playfully.

After Chu Ning and Shang Xiaohan left, Han Qia'er's eyes spun curiously once more, and she began to ponder.

"Senior Sister Shang seems so anxious and embarrassed. She must really care about this Senior Brother Li.

But Senior Brother Li doesn't seem that impressive."

Chu Ning and Shang Xiaohan had many questions for each other, but they knew this wasn't the time for idle chatter. So, they continued flying forward in silence.

Soon, Shang Xiaohan led Chu Ning to an unnamed mountain peak.

"Senior Brother, each sect in the alliance has a base here, and our sect's elders and fellow disciples are stationed in the caves on this peak," Shang Xiaohan explained.

Chu Ning nodded and looked down, noticing that the peak had been temporarily modified. Not only was there an array formation, but there were also caves of various sizes.

However, as the peak wasn't large, the caves were naturally closer together than those back at Jiuhua Mountain.

Shang Xiaohan sent a sound transmission talisman into the mountain, and the array formation opened up, allowing them to enter the caves.

As soon as they entered, Fu Lihong appeared.

"Chu Ning!" Fu Lihong immediately recognized Chu Ning and exclaimed in delight.

Before her words had faded, two more figures appeared outside the cave—the Grand Elder of the Jiuhua Sect, Tang Xuan, and the Great Elder, Gong Yuyuan.

Seeing Chu Ning safe and sound, they breathed a sigh of relief.

Knowing that the mountain peak was protected by an array formation, Chu Ning felt safe to reveal his true appearance. He cupped his hands and greeted the elders respectfully, "Disciple Chu Ning, I pay my respects to the elders."

Before Tang Xuan could speak, Shang Xiaohan, who had been bursting with questions, blurted out, "Senior Brother Chu, where have you been these past few days? After we encountered that Xuan Yin Sect cultivator, you told me to escape first. But when I returned to the sect and reported to Master, and then came back here, there was no news of you for several days."

Fu Lihong added, "We heard that you encountered a powerful enemy. The Grand Elder came here to Honghukou as soon as he could, even worrying that you had encountered a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Daruo Sect. He negotiated with them, and thankfully, you're safe."

Hearing this, Chu Ning glanced at Tang Xuan with gratitude and explained, "That day, Senior Sister Shang and I encountered a protector of the Xuan Yin Sect named You Jing, a Golden Core cultivator. After Senior Sister Shang left, we were still fighting, and then Oulangtian suddenly arrived. I was worried he would harm me, so I quickly fled and didn't dare return to the sect. I hid in Honghu City for a few days."

Hearing this, a hint of coldness flashed in Tang Xuan's calm eyes. "It does seem to be related to the Daruo Sect. Fortunately, you're safe this time. Otherwise, even if it were Oulangtian, I would've made him pay. How dare he badmouth our Jiuhua Sect to the other cultivators in the alliance, saying that the Xuan Yin Sect's people were injured by us."

"What he said isn't entirely false," Chu Ning smiled and replied. "You Jing was indeed injured by me, but Oulangtian didn't actually see me. He probably couldn't find me and chased after You Jing instead. I heard that he even fought a late-stage Golden Core cultivator from the Xuan Yin Sect later on."

"You injured You Jing?" Tang Xuan, Gong Yuyuan, and Fu Lihong exchanged surprised glances at Chu Ning's revelation.

Gong Yuyuan fixed his gaze on Chu Ning, his tone curious, "You Jing isn't an ordinary Golden Core cultivator. He's at the peak of the early Golden Core stage, almost reaching the middle stage. I've heard some news about him, and he's supposed to be quite skilled. For you to escape unscathed and even sever one of his arms, well done, well done indeed!"

"Let's keep this matter between us," Tang Xuan quickly interjected. "Things are chaotic at Honghukou right now, and spreading news of Chu Ning's involvement won't be beneficial for him."

The others nodded in agreement.

With his recent activities explained, Chu Ning's curiosity got the better of him, and he asked, "These past few days in Honghu City, I heard cultivators talking about how the chaos at Honghukou was caused by the birth of a spirit species. But I don't know the specifics.

However, as a Nascent Soul cultivator, Tang Xuan's understanding of the situation was naturally more detailed and accurate than what Chu Ning had gathered from those Foundation Establishment cultivators.

According to Tang Xuan, the spirit species' spirit domain was still in the process of forming, and thus, its spatial nodes were not fixed in relation to the outside world.

As a result, the three major forces were vying for control of the territory, just as the outside world had rumored. Each sought to occupy as much land as possible so that when the spirit domain eventually stabilized, they would have access to the spatial nodes within their controlled areas, allowing them to enter the spirit domain.

However, what Chu Ning hadn't known before was that over the past few days of competition, the Demon Path Alliance and the Celestial Extreme Alliance had each managed to seize control of about 40% of the territory, while the Yunxia Alliance had only secured around 20%.

Up until yesterday, there hadn't been much conflict as each alliance carved out their own territories. But now, it seemed that the Demon Path Alliance and the Celestial Extreme Alliance, having already divided up all the available land between themselves, were starting to encroach on the Yunxia Alliance's territory.

Consequently, Tang Xuan and the other Jiuhua Sect cultivators stationed at Honghukou had been summoned by the Yunxia Alliance to help defend their claimed areas.

"The Daruo Sect was the first to discover and intervene in this matter, so they currently hold the most sway among the various factions within the alliance. We of the Jiuhua Sect have been assigned to a position at the very edge of the Yunxia Alliance's controlled area, right on the border with the Demon Path Alliance." As Tang Xuan spoke, a hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes.

It seemed that the Yunxia Alliance had put some pressure on the Jiuhua Sect, leaving Tang Xuan with no choice but to comply.

At this point, Tang Xuan continued, "If all goes as expected, the Demon Path Alliance will likely launch an attack in the next day or two. Our sect has already been tasked with this mission by the alliance, so we can't afford to slack off. The sect will be sending more people here tomorrow. You might as well stay here as Li Qun; they won't be able to recognize you. Even if they do, with me here, the Daruo Sect won't dare to make a move against you."

"Alright!" Chu Ning readily agreed without hesitation.

It was only right for him to contribute when the sect needed him.

Moreover, with a Nascent Soul cultivator and so many Golden Core cultivators present, any higher-level battles would be handled by them.

As for dealing with Foundation Establishment cultivators, Chu Ning wasn't too worried.

Even against late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, Chu Ning was confident that he could defeat them in an instant.

At this moment, Chu Ning recalled some information he had learned about spirit species in the past, and he couldn't help but ask curiously, "I've heard that spirit species appear very rarely, and each time they do, they have a different attribute. What attribute does this spirit species in Honghukou possess?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, it should be a metal-attributed spirit species." Tang Xuan replied.

"There are two cultivators in the alliance who cultivate metal-attributed techniques, and they both have a strong response to it."

"A metal-attributed spirit species?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Ning was initially unsure what to make of it, but then he suddenly realized something...

The fact that the spirit species had a metal attribute was fantastic news for him!

To cultivate the Five Elements Chaos Technique to its fullest potential, he needed to cultivate all five elements.

However, Chu Ning lacked a metal spirit root.

Not being able to cultivate all five elements was not his primary concern, though.

Chu Ning clearly remembered that when he had refreshed his Fire Spirit Body, the system had detected his fire spirit root and prompted him about it.

So, if he were to refresh his spirit body according to the Five Elements generation principle, he should progress from his current earth attribute to a metal attribute.

But without a metal spirit root, he might not be able to refresh his spirit body at all!

And if he couldn't refresh his spirit body, it would be terrible, as it might mean that his talent would be cut off.

Previously, even though Chu Ning had vaguely suspected this, he hadn't been able to do anything about it.

Now, however, things were different. With the spirit root cultivation method left by the divine dream expert, if he could obtain the spirit essence of a metal-attributed spirit species, he could cultivate a metal spirit root!

With this realization, Chu Ning suddenly understood how crucial this opportunity was for him, with the formation of the spirit domain and the eventual appearance of the spirit species.

However, for the time being, he naturally didn't share this information with the others.

Even without Chu Ning's personal motives, the Jiuhua Sect would still strive for this opportunity.

After all, there were quite a few cultivators in the sect who cultivated metal-attributed techniques.

The Elder Luo who had accompanied them to Wolong Mountain, along with the other cultivators from the Metal Element Peak, all focused on metal-attributed cultivation methods.

The sect probably hoped that by contributing now, they would be able to enter the spirit domain and claim their share of benefits later on.

Subsequently, Tang Xuan and the others briefed Chu Ning on the various sects and famous cultivators from the three alliances present at Honghukou.

Once the major issues were clarified, everyone dispersed.

Shang Xiaohan enthusiastically led Chu Ning to choose a cave abode.

Yes, it was right next to hers.

At this moment, Chu Ning vaguely sensed that Shang Xiaohan, who had been rather reserved before, seemed to have become more forthright and enthusiastic since the incident with You Jing a few days ago.

And in Chu Ning's mind, a clear and graceful figure involuntarily appeared...

Upon exiting his cave, he noticed that several more figures had arrived at the peak, including Elder Luo from Jin Yuan Peak, who had brought additional disciples to lend their aid.

With these reinforcements, the number of Jin Dan stage cultivators from the Jiuhua Sect gathered here had reached nearly a hundred.

For the next two days, all remained peaceful.

Chu Ning, along with Shang Xiaohan and other Foundation Establishment cultivators, took turns patrolling the borders.

The Jiuhua Sect was responsible for an area with a radius of a hundred li, with the actual border shared with the Demon Path Alliance stretching for about thirty li. It wasn't an exceptionally large area.

Other sects were tasked with guarding the remaining borders with the Demon Path Alliance.

With countless Foundation Establishment cultivators patrolling the thirty li border and Jin Dan and Yuan Ying cultivators stationed at the Cloud Alliance's headquarters, it was unlikely that the Demon Path Alliance would dare to launch an attack.

During this time, Chu Ning encountered several familiar faces from the sect, including Lu Ke'an, Yuan Rongzhang, Cui Rongrong, and even Wang Ping.

However, just as Chu Ning and the others were about to set out on their patrol, they were stopped by Tang Xuan, who had rushed back from outside.

As soon as he opened his mouth, he delivered news that left everyone astonished.

"The Cloud Alliance, the Celestial Extreme Alliance, and the Demon Path Alliance have agreed that all Nascent Soul cultivators must withdraw from Honghukou.

Jin Dan cultivators can remain, but they must not engage in the battles for territorial control."

"Master, why is that?"

Before Chu Ning could ask, Fu Lihong voiced the question on everyone's mind.

Tang Xuan's response was filled with gravity. "We're concerned about triggering a major conflict that could result in the loss of too many Nascent Soul cultivators.

It will take a significant amount of time for the spirit domain to fully form, and news of its emergence has already spread to other alliances in the Western Continent.

Naturally, they want a piece of the pie, but our three alliances are determined to keep them out. This territory will be divided among the three of us, and we won't allow any outside forces to intervene.

If Nascent Soul cultivators were to engage in the battles for territory, it could escalate into an all-out war, leading to heavy casualties among Nascent Soul cultivators and giving those outside forces an opportunity to exploit our weakness."

Tang Xuan's explanation shed some light on the situation for everyone present.

The reason for barring Jin Dan cultivators from the battles was likely similar.

Indeed, Tang Xuan continued, "The same goes for Jin Dan cultivators. Based on our speculation, this spirit species possesses tremendous power, and the resulting spirit domain will be highly stable.

However, there's a high possibility that Nascent Soul cultivators won't be able to enter, which means that Jin Dan cultivators will likely be the main force entering the spirit domain.

Therefore, none of the three alliances want to risk losing too many Jin Dan cultivators in these battles over territory."

The three Jin Dan elders exchanged glances, their gazes then shifting to Chu Ning and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators.

With this development, the burden of defending their claimed territories fell squarely on the shoulders of the Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Tang Xuan continued, his expression solemn, "All major sects have already sent messages back to their headquarters, requesting the presence of relevant formation masters to prepare for the deployment of formations along the borders of their controlled areas.

With Nascent Soul and Jin Dan cultivators staying out of the battles and the support of formations, the probability of Foundation Establishment cultivators breaking through will be significantly reduced, thus solidifying the boundaries of our territories.

However, given the time needed for the formation masters to prepare the necessary tools, the earliest they can arrive is tomorrow."

A serious expression crossed Tang Xuan's face as he added, "So, the next half-day and tonight will be the most critical moments for securing our controlled areas!"

Chu Ning and the others understood the weight of his words. This meant that they would also be facing the highest likelihood of an attack from the Demon Path Alliance during this period.

In fact, the danger had already drawn near.

At this moment, Gong Yuyuan spoke up, "Since that's the case, let's deploy all our Foundation Establishment cultivators. We must do our utmost to hold our ground during this half-day period."

Tang Yu nodded in agreement. "That's exactly what I had in mind!"

"During our discussions today, the Nascent Soul cultivators from the Alliance unanimously agreed that the extent of each sect's contribution in securing territory will determine their share of resources and the number of disciples allowed to enter the spirit domain once it opens.

Every time a spirit domain emerges, it presents an opportunity for certain sects or cultivators to rise to prominence.

We cannot afford to miss this chance."

As Tang Yu spoke, his gaze fell upon Chu Ning and the other Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"Whether our sect can seize this opportunity depends on all of you."

The disciples of the Jiuhua Sect always placed the honor of their sect above all else. Even before Tang Yu could finish, the Foundation Establishment cultivators behind Chu Ning had already voiced their determination.

"We will defend this territory at all costs!"

"As long as we stand firm, we won't let a single step of our controlled area fall into the hands of the Demon Path Alliance!"

...

Even Shang Xiaohan, Cui Rongrong, and the other female cultivators wore resolute expressions, ready to face death without fear.

Among them, Chu Ning maintained a relatively calm demeanor.

At this moment, Tang Yu, the Nascent Soul cultivator, turned to Chu Ning with a solemn expression and said, "Chu Ning, I have a favor to ask of you."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end