https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-317-Spirit-Extracting-True-Liquid/12544292/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-319-The-Middle-Stage-of-Foundation-Establishment/12544294/
Chapter 318: The Winds of Change
Chapter 318: The Winds of Change
Lu Chen fixed his gaze on the surface of the cyan gourd, feeling a sharp and piercing aura emanating from within.
With a gentle shake from Lu Chen, the gourd emitted a faint ringing sound, as if countless sword auras were swirling inside.
"What is this?"
Shi Zhong and his companion stared curiously at the gourd in Lu Chen's hand.
"This is a Sword-Nurturing Gourd, a third-grade spirit herb that I cultivated myself. It's of exceptional quality."
"Although it's not a specialty of our sect, it's quite rare elsewhere. It contains invisible sword auras and possesses formidable offensive capabilities, no less powerful than many third-grade flying swords."
"If you two can bring me the Essence-Gathering True Liquid, I'm willing to trade this gourd with you."
Lu Chen offered the gourd, and fine strands of sword aura seeped out from within.
The two men were intrigued by the gourd's mysterious properties and were tempted by the offer.
They had come with the intention of inviting Lu Chen to join them on a trip to the unnamed island to hunt for treasures and the Essence-Gathering True Liquid. Although Lu Chen politely refused, it didn't deter them.
Moreover, the value of a third-grade Sword-Nurturing Gourd was evidently higher than that of the Essence-Gathering True Liquid of the same grade.
"Friend Lu, you'll be at a significant loss if you trade this gourd for the true liquid," Shi Zhong advised.
"It's fine, it's fine. You two have traveled far and taken great risks to help me obtain the third-grade Essence-Gathering True Liquid. It's only right that I offer something of greater value," Lu Chen said, his eyes narrowing in a smile.
"Alright then. Please wait for good news from us, Friend Lu. We will definitely retrieve the true liquid for you," the two men promised.
They didn't stay long in Lu Chen's courtyard, merely chatting and exchanging cultivation insights and tales of their adventures in the archipelago before taking their leave.
Lu Chen watched as they rode their flying swords into the distant horizon, a broader smile spreading across his face.
"Having others help me acquire what I need and then trading my treasures with them is indeed a new approach."
"I have no choice. Despite possessing numerous treasures and a plethora of methods, I'm still a weak and helpless Spiritual Herbalist. It's better to play it safe," Lu Chen thought to himself. This way, he could obtain what he desired without taking on any risks, only parting with something he had cultivated.
Although he had an abundance of treasures, there weren't many suitable for trading with Shi Zhong and his companion.
The Wind and Thunder Sword, the Great Sun Sword Talisman, and other fourth-grade sword talismans were all of great use to him, as were the Invisible Spirit Cloak and the Seal of Mountain Suppressing Jade. The Soul-Luring Lamp, the Thousand Phantom Mask, and the Profound Yin Pill were valuable, but they were sinister items that might arouse suspicion if offered casually.
As for the Sword-Nurturing Gourd, its utility wasn't as appealing to Lu Chen at his current stage, and there were three more growing in the cave abode of the Sky Sword Sect. He could harvest over a dozen of them when they matured, so using a few as trade wasn't a difficult decision.
The fact that the gourd's value exceeded that of the Essence-Gathering True Liquid was unavoidable. After all, he was asking for a favor, and it wouldn't be reasonable to expect Shi Zhong and his companion to agree to a trade of equal or lesser value.
However, this was only on the surface. The true liquid held a much higher value for Lu Chen due to its additional benefit of being able to cultivate the fifth-grade Dragon Corpse Grass, which would play a crucial role in obtaining the substantial light sphere reward.
If the fourth-grade Mystical Insect Vine had yielded such a generous reward, what could he expect from the fifth-grade Dragon Corpse Grass?
"Shi Zhong and his companion will profit from the gourd, and I'll reap the benefits of the light sphere reward. It's a win-win situation," Lu Chen mused with satisfaction.
...
In the depths of the boundless sea, towering waves rose and fell, and from time to time, colossal beasts over a hundred feet long leaped out of the deep, reveling in playful frolics.
On the surface of the water wall, countless illusory flood dragons danced and coiled, creating a magnificent spectacle that could be seen from hundreds of miles away.
"What...what is this?"
"Could it be the emergence of a secret realm?"
"Quick, quick! Before any cultivators notice, let's head to that island and seize the opportunity first!"
Countless cultivators nearby witnessed this astonishing sight, their hearts pounding with excitement.
Such an extraordinary phenomenon indicated that the island hidden behind the wall of water was extraordinary. If they could get there first and explore its mysteries, they might gain incredible opportunities that could propel them to new heights in their cultivation journey.
Driven by this thought, most of the cultivators lost their rationality, disregarding their own low or mediocre cultivation levels, and rushed towards the vast water wall like moths to a flame.
"It has appeared."
On Shi Island, a cultivator clad in a blood-red robe flew out from a dim cave, sensing the violent fluctuations in spiritual energy and gazing towards the direction of the watery island. He muttered to himself.
"There must be countless array formations and restrictions in that secret realm, so I must prepare thoroughly."
"With such a grand display, there will likely be many cultivators from this island who will venture forth to explore."
The petite cultivator's frail-looking arms split into numerous soft tendrils that wriggled into the greenish-gray mounds, retrieving grayish corpse puppets from within.
"The two of us are already at the late-stage of the Foundation Establishment realm. What else do we need to prepare? Even if all the Foundation Establishment cultivators on this island join forces, they may not be able to deal with us."
"One comes, one dies; two come, a pair perishes. This will be the perfect opportunity to avenge my Blood Condensing Yin Insect King."
The cultivator in the blood-red robe coldly huffed.
In the small courtyard, sword lights crisscrossed, accompanied by the howling of wind and the rumbling of thunder.
Lu Chen brandished the Wind and Thunder Sword, practicing his sword techniques.
Due to limited talent and a relatively short period of cultivation, Lu Chen was still at the beginner's stage with the Starry Sky Sword Art and the Thousand Falcon Sword Art, despite having used them multiple times to cultivate the corresponding sword grasses. Both the power of the sword techniques and his speed and fluency in executing them were unsatisfactory.
On the other hand, the Four Seasons Sword Art, with its relatively lower cultivation difficulty, had been practiced by Lu Chen for several years, coupled with the absorption of sword intents from the sword grasses' light spheres, resulting in a profound and thorough understanding of this sword art.
When combined with the fourth-grade Wind and Thunder Sword, the effects were mutually enhancing.
The Wind and Thunder Sword possessed formidable wind and thunder powers, and as Lu Chen swung it, black winds swirled around it, accompanied by flashing lightning and rolling thunder. The manifestation of different sword intents further augmented the sword's mystical qualities.
With the Spring Rain Sword Art, the sword intent was gentle and pervasive, as if seeking to silently erode one's bones. Occasionally, Lu Chen would change his sword stance, causing thunder to explode and lightning to flash like a striking serpent.
The Summer Day Sword Art conjured raging winds and black clouds, with thunder and lightning adding to the ferocity of the sword intent, hiding a strike capable of shattering the heavens.
The Autumn Wind Sword Art fused the black winds with the sword intent, creating a desolate and lethal atmosphere, with hidden murderous intent.
As for the Winter Snow Sword Art, the sword intent itself was bone-chilling, and when combined with the howling black winds, it unknowingly slowed the enemy's physical movements, freezing their spiritual souls as well. Even the electrical power of the thunder and lightning carried a frigid aura.
Lu Chen's movements became increasingly natural and fluid as he seamlessly transitioned between the four sword arts, causing the black winds swirling around the Wind and Thunder Sword to grow more intense.
Finally, with a crisp sound, he sheathed the Wind and Thunder Sword into the Xuanwu Sword Sheath.
Sword qi surged, and wild winds danced.
"The wind is picking up."
(End of Chapter)
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