https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-253-Hidden-Energy-Grass-Five-Elements-Fruit/12544212/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-255-The-Humble-Courtyard-in-the-Underworld-Gains-Another-Powerful-General/12544219/
Chapter 254: The Illusory Sound Bamboo
Chapter 254: The Illusory Sound Bamboo
"These are all primary ingredients for pill concoction; no wonder they are spirit herbs provided by the Dan Palace." Lu Chen marveled silently.
He channeled his spiritual energy, and a pale white mist rose from his spirit fields. Soon, a gentle spiritual rain fell, permeating the Vitality-Concealing Grass and the Five Elements Spirit Fruits.
After absorbing sufficient spiritual rain, the Five Elements Spirit Fruits emanated vibrant, multicolored spiritual energies, as if they were about to break free from their shells.
The Vitality-Concealing Grass, on the outside, showed no signs of change. Only by probing with his spiritual sense could Lu Chen perceive the lush vitality hidden deep within the spirit herb.
After planting these two spirit herbs, Lu Chen took the opportunity to inspect the nearby Water Glow Grass.
The over eighty stalks of Water Glow Grass were thriving. Their slender, deep blue leaves, reaching two feet in length, crowded together like an inverted sky. The flickering specks of light on the leaves made the entire patch of grass resemble a romantic and magnificent starry sky.
Lu Chen was delighted as these grasses were key to improving his cultivation.
With over eighty stalks, even if only a quarter of them granted cultivation rewards, it would still greatly enhance his stagnant progress.
After tending to the Water Glow Grass, Lu Chen continued his inspection of the spirit fields.
The ten stalks of Sword Grass planted in various locations on the peaks all soared like swords piercing the heavens. For eight of them, Lu Chen had skillfully infused the four types of sword qi from the Four Seasons Sword Manual into the sword-shaped stalks.
The remaining two stalks had undergone a successful transformation in the Nurturing Xuan Sword Sheath. One was nourished by the fiery sword qi induced by the Red Flame Sword, and the final stalk, a third-grade Wind and Thunder Sword Grass, was stimulated by the Xuntian sword light shot from his dantian.
In the Earthfire Tributary, the Earthfire Heart Lotus allowed the scorching lava to continuously wash over it. The stem, formed by irregular pale red crystals, shone even more brilliantly.
On the fiery red leaves, the veins of varying thicknesses seemed to have flowing red lava within them. In the center, a lotus gradually rotated, its color shifting from deep to light, ensuring that every part could fully enjoy the cleansing power of the lava.
Above, the phoenix wood, charred as if burnt, had a red lotus flame forming a crimson lotus in its center, significantly smaller in size than before. The phoenix illusion within was more solid, dancing freely among the petals.
"It won't be long before this third-grade Red Lotus Flame is completely absorbed by the phoenix wood. Fortunately, I planted enough Blazing Flame Fruits, and there are still two Red Lotus Flames that can be opened from the light group, enough for some time."
Lu Chen flew out of the cave and returned to the house.
For the next ten days or so, he stayed peacefully on the peak, cultivating spirit herbs and nurturing spirit beasts. Occasionally, he went out to gather with his fellow disciples and specifically inquired about any upcoming inner sect disciple exchange activities.
His mind remained fixated on the Two-Hearted Demon, which was extremely suitable for cultivating the Sage Infant Fruit.
Fortunately, he learned from a fellow disciple not far from his cave abode that a true disciple would be hosting an exchange activity in a few days, which would include a treasure swap session.
Lu Chen counted the days and arrived at the treasure swap venue as planned.
At a crimson peak that soared into the clouds, he stepped inside and was greeted by a faint sulfurous scent. Lu Chen felt as if he had immersed himself in a warm and comfortable realm.
He followed a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator to a dark red stone gate.
Outside the gate stood a boy in a bright red robe, adorned with intricate patterns of ancient mystical beasts that seemed to come to life. The boy stood there as if connected to the entire peak, and the heavy fire clouds above seemed to ebb and flow in sync with his breathing rhythm.
"This junior brother seems unfamiliar. I believe this is your first time visiting my mansion. May I ask your name?"
The boy, Huo Lin'er, had a voice that carried a steadiness and maturity beyond his years. He was a fire spirit body by birth and one of the seventeen true disciples of the Celestial Sword Sect, with a high probability of advancing to the Golden Core realm.
"Just call me Junior Brother Lu, Brother Huo," Lu Chen replied politely.
"Please come in, Junior Brother Lu, and have a rest."
Lu Chen nodded and entered through the dark red stone gate. Guided by a petite and graceful little fire spirit, he arrived in a spacious hall.
The hall was lavishly decorated, with a floor made of fire-attribute spirit ore. Various rare treasures were displayed around the room, and several exquisite maidens weaved through the crowd, offering spirit tea and fruits to the guests.
Lu Chen chose a relatively secluded spot and sat down, carefully observing his surroundings.
There were over twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators in the hall, including some at the late-stage of the Foundation Establishment. Among them, Lu Chen spotted Yang Qingfeng, the man whose Molkin Viper had been cuckolded.
Additionally, he recognized three others with whom he had a nodding acquaintance, either living nearby or sharing an interest in cultivating spirit plants and beasts.
After greeting the familiar faces, Lu Chen settled into a fiery red jade chair and enjoyed the spirit fruits and tea.
Once the hall was filled with over thirty inner sect disciples, a ball of flame suddenly appeared at the front. From it, the red-robed boy emerged, clad in a bright red robe.
"Alright, the time has come. Those who have graced me with their presence for this small gathering are most likely my fellow sect members."
The boy cupped his hands politely and continued, "As usual, we'll start with an exchange of knowledge. Feel free to discuss cultivation techniques, pill refining, artifact forging experiences, and any major news in the cultivation world."
"After that, we'll move on to the part that many of you have been anticipating—the treasure swap."
"We have two new members joining us today, so let me briefly explain the rules."
"During the treasure swap, we uphold the principle of free exchange. You may voluntarily take the stage, present your treasure, and state the type of item you wish to trade for.
The only rule is to refrain from forcing others to buy or sell. Aside from that, I believe no further explanation is needed."
With the rules explained, the disciples began to mingle. Clusters of three to five people formed, discussing a range of topics, from cultivation levels and family backgrounds to the latest developments in the cultivation world.
Lu Chen mostly listened, only offering his opinions when the conversation turned to sword techniques or the cultivation of spirit plants, where he was able to connect with like-minded cultivators.
Time flew by, and before long, two hours had passed. As the discussions gradually died down, the boy named Huo announced the start of the treasure swap.
"Finally," Lu Chen's spirits lifted as he watched a fellow disciple at the early stage of Foundation Establishment step onto the stage.
He had come here primarily in search of spirit seeds, beast embryos, and preferably, the Two-Hearted Demon. Additionally, he was on the lookout for other types and grades of exotic fires.
As the swap progressed, and nearly ten people had taken their turns, an inner sect disciple finally presented something that caught Lu Chen's interest.
"Greetings, fellow sect members," the disciple addressed the crowd. "I have a section of the Illusory Sound Bamboo root node, which can cultivate the rare fourth-grade spirit plant, the Illusory Sound Bamboo. I am willing to trade it for a third-grade offensive magical artifact or fourth-grade materials and talismans."
(End of Chapter)
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