Chapter 331: Chamber Transformation, Unexpected Joy, and Making an Example

Chapter 331: Chamber Transformation, Unexpected Joy, and Making an Example

"As expected, there are indeed some changes here."

Lu Qing walked along the passage, heading deeper into the mountain's interior.

He noticed that the earth's energy within the passage was extremely rich, and Spirit Qi was also continuously gathering towards this direction.

Soon, he saw an array light curtain blocking his path ahead.

"Even the defensive array has regained some of its power?"

Lu Qing was a little surprised.

The Jade Transformation Cave had always been protected by a defensive array.

When Li Weitian discovered this place back then, the defensive array was still functioning, albeit weakly.

It was because of breaking through this array that he exhausted his Primordial Qi and suffered severe injuries.

Coupled with his limited lifespan, he could only take the risk of breaking through, ultimately perishing within the Jade Transformation Cave.

Now, after the Spirit Qi's revival, the defensive array on this side had begun to absorb Spirit Qi again, slowly reactivating and even regenerating the array light curtain.

The mighty power of the ancient being who created the Jade Transformation Cave was truly unimaginable.

Even without the nourishment of Spirit Qi, the array remained functional after so many years.

Lu Qing's thoughts stirred, and a wisp of Soul Force emerged from his glabella, seeping into the array light curtain ahead.

With the inheritance of the Divine Talisman Sect and his refinement of the Divine Soul Talisman, he naturally wouldn't be attacked by the array here.

Upon sensing the wisp of Divine Soul, the array light curtain retreated, allowing Lu Qing to pass through.

He took a slow step forward, and the array light curtain closed again.

Lu Qing was satisfied. With this, it would be much safer for him to come here for seclusion in the future.

He wouldn't need Xiao Li's assistance as a Guardian every time.

Entering the Jade Transformation Cave, Lu Qing became even more delighted.

The Spirit Qi within the cave was much denser than outside.

It was almost comparable to what he had experienced in Azure Dragon City.

"I can come here for seclusion more often in the future."

Lu Qing gazed at the array talismans on the cave walls, deep in thought.

The mysterious existence that created the Jade Transformation Cave had set up an incredibly comprehensive and powerful array inside the cave.

It had multiple functions, including defense, Spirit Gathering, and concealing auras.

The dense Spirit Qi within the cave was a result of the array's Spirit Gathering effect.

"Even the Earth Pulse Essence is condensing at a much faster rate."

Lu Qing looked towards the jade stone platform in the center, where the spiritual essence was abundant, and another drop of Earth Pulse Essence had condensed.

The stalactite above also had a significant amount of spiritual essence.

Judging by its current state, it wouldn't be long before another drop of Earth Pulse Essence would form.

"Originally, it took twenty years to condense a drop of Earth Pulse Essence, but after the transformation of heaven and earth, it's now possible to condense a drop in about a year?"

Lu Qing sensed the rate of spiritual essence condensation within the stalactite and made a quick calculation, his face lighting up with joy.

If this were the case, it would be excellent news for him.

Earth Pulse Essence was a precious substance.

Not only could it improve one's talent, allowing for a metamorphosis and greatly enhancing potential, but it also had the effect of reviving the dead and rejuvenating flesh and bones, making it an extremely potent healing spirit medicine.

The more of this spiritual object, the better.

Previously, with the depletion of Spirit Qi, it took twenty years to condense a drop of Earth Pulse Essence, which was too long for Lu Qing.

However, if it could be done in a year, that would be a different story, significantly increasing its value.

Moreover, this was just the initial transformation of heaven and earth, and the Spirit Qi had only recently revived.

If more time passed and the Spirit Qi became denser, reaching the level of the Central Plains, the condensation rate of Earth Pulse Essence would likely shorten further.

In that case, this rare and precious spirit liquid could become a crucial resource for Lu Qing.

"This is indeed an unexpected joy."

Lu Qing calmed the excitement in his heart and entered the secluded cave where he usually cultivated. He casually released a small cauldron.

The small cauldron landed on the ground and quickly grew to half a person's height; it was the Flamefire Cauldron.

"You're really going too far, kid. Why have you been blocking my perception all this time?"

A wave of Divine Soul agitation, tinged with anger, emanated from the Flamefire Cauldron.

It was the voice of the Artifact Spirit, "Flame."

"I have many secrets, and I don't want you to know too much," Lu Qing said indifferently.

Ever since refining the Flamefire Cauldron, he had used the Seal within the cauldron to block Flame's perception.

This restricted Flame to the cauldron's space, preventing it from sensing the outside world.

Lu Qing's words left Flame momentarily stunned.

He hadn't expected Lu Qing to answer so candidly, without even making up an excuse.

However, this alone couldn't calm Flame's anger.

"But by completely sealing the Flamefire Cauldron, how can I absorb Spirit Qi and recover?

Don't forget, the more my power is restored, the more I can help you!"

"That's why I've released you now. The Spirit Qi here should allow you to recover gradually, right?

Facing the interrogation from "Flame," Lu Qing didn't get angry and maintained his composure, responding calmly.

His demeanor instantly made "Flame" so furious that his teeth itched.

Initially, he had seen through this boy's true nature, which was why he didn't want to be refined by him.

Unfortunately, circumstances were stronger than him, and he still ended up in this predicament.

He knew that even if he got angry, there was nothing he could do to Lu Qing.

"Flame" had no choice but to suppress his anger and start observing the surroundings.

Upon taking a look, he was immediately surprised.

"Hmm? Why is the Spirit Qi here so dense, boy? Where are we?"

"Have you ever heard of a sect called the Divine Talisman Sect?" Lu Qing asked.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this name, "Flame" was startled.

His voice trembled, "What did you say? The Divine Talisman Sect?"

"Yes, the Divine Talisman Sect. From your tone, it seems like you know about this sect?"

Lu Qing's heart stirred, surprised by the Artifact Spirit's reaction.

Could it be that the Divine Talisman Sect was an extraordinary sect during the ancient cultivation era?

"Of course, I know this sect. During the ancient cultivation era, the Divine Talisman Sect was one of the most powerful sects."

"So formidable?" Lu Qing was taken aback.

However, this reaction allowed "Flame" to catch on.

"Seeing your reaction, boy, it seems there's some connection between you and the Divine Talisman Sect, isn't there?"

"Indeed, your Soul Force is extraordinary.

Despite being only at the initial stage of Qi Condensation, your Soul Force is comparable to that of the Foundation Establishment stage."

During the ancient cultivation era, the disciples of the Divine Talisman Sect were renowned for their powerful souls.

Could it be that you're a descendant of the Divine Talisman Sect?"

The more "Flame" spoke, the more he felt his guess was correct.

But soon, he became puzzled, "Wait, during the ancient era, the Heavens and Humans Five Decline Tribulation was a calamity that even Golden Core stage cultivators couldn't escape.

Even the Divine Talisman Sect shouldn't possess such a supreme ability to survive for tens of thousands of years in this world."

"There's no need for speculation. I'm not a disciple of the Divine Talisman Sect. I was just fortunate enough to obtain some of their heritage."

"The place we're in now is a small cave mansion left behind by the Divine Talisman Sect at some unknown time."

"With just a bit of the Divine Talisman Sect's heritage, you've managed to cultivate to this level?"

"Flame" looked at Lu Qing as if he were some kind of monster.

It was common knowledge that during the ancient cultivation era, the disciples of the Divine Talisman Sect were known for their strict requirements regarding talent.

Many disciples who were considered geniuses in other cultivation sects might not even qualify to enter the Divine Talisman Sect.

This resulted in the Divine Talisman Sect having a great reputation but a relatively small number of disciples.

Compared to other top sects, they appeared somewhat lacking in numbers.

However, the disciples of the Divine Talisman Sect were also known for their exceptional abilities, with mysterious and formidable means surpassing those of other sects.

During that ancient era of flourishing cultivation and numerous geniuses, few could gain entry into the Divine Talisman Sect.

It was evident how high the requirements for cultivation talent were for this sect.

Yet, Lu Qing had managed to cultivate to this level solely with a small portion of the sect's heritage.

His cultivation talent was so extraordinary that it couldn't be described merely as genius; calling him a monster wouldn't be an overstatement.

No wonder this boy was able to trigger tribulation clouds and overcome the heavenly tribulation as soon as his Spirit Qi revived.

The Artifact Spirit finally understood just how formidable Lu Qing was.

"Senior 'Flame,' what's this Heavens and Humans Five Decline Tribulation you mentioned?"

Lu Qing was intrigued by a piece of information the Artifact Spirit had revealed.

"The Heavens and Humans Five Decline Tribulation..." The Artifact Spirit's eyes lit up, "Boy, if you want to extract information from me, it's not that simple. How about we make a deal?"

"What kind of deal?" Lu Qing looked at the large cauldron calmly.

"If you want to know about the ancient cultivation era, then you must also fulfill some of my requests.

For instance, from now on, you can't arbitrarily block my perception. I want to be able to know what's happening in the outside world at any time."

"If you agree, I'll tell you about the Heavens and Humans Five Decline Tribulation."

Seeing that the Artifact Spirit was negotiating with him again, Lu Qing smiled, "Let's talk about it later. This time, I've summoned the Flamefire Cauldron to ask you, Senior, to assist me with something."

"Flame" felt a twinge of disappointment when Lu Qing didn't agree to his terms.

But he couldn't help but ask curiously, "What is it?"

"This!"

Lu Qing took out the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Bag from his waist, splitting his mind into two thoughts and simultaneously activating two Spirit Artifacts.

The Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Bag suddenly expanded, spitting out a gray gourd.

Immediately, the Flamefire Cauldron opened its mouth and swallowed it, sealing it inside.

The Plague Elder in the gourd, who had initially felt the restraints around him suddenly disappear, was astonished.

Before he could even feel happy, he found himself in darkness, entering another space.

This space was different from the Heaven-Earth Primordial Qi Bag, filled with scorching heat as if entering a furnace.

"What kind of place is this? Could it be another Spirit Artifact space?"

"Impossible! Even if that kid's Heavenly Fortune is defying the heavens, it's impossible for him to possess two Spirit Artifacts!"

"Otherwise, even if he casually activates it, the consumption of the Spirit Artifact would drain him dry!"

Plague Elder's heart was filled with unease, but he tried to reassure himself.

He carefully sensed the surroundings, attempting to uncover the mysteries of this space.

However, no matter how he searched, all he could find was emptiness.

Except for the invisible force suppressing the Plague Gourd, preventing it from moving even a fraction.

He couldn't detect anything else.

This situation made Plague Elder's heart sink.

He had a bad premonition.

But not giving up, he continued to extend his spiritual consciousness, trying to find a trace of this space's secrets.

While Plague Elder was diligently searching, in a place beyond his perception, Lu Qing and 'Flame's' consciousness were observing the Plague Gourd.

"Is this gourd the Plague Old Fiend's Plague Gourd?"

"Flame" exclaimed in surprise as he looked at the suppressed gray gourd.

"Do you know the origin of this gourd?" Lu Qing asked.

"Of course. In ancient times, the Plague Old Fiend was quite a figure.

Although his cultivation was only at the Primordial Soul Initial Stage, he somehow got lucky and refined a Lifebound Spirit Artifact.

This Plague Gourd is that Lifebound Spirit Artifact, and with it, the Plague Old Fiend was like a tiger with wings.

Even when facing Primordial Soul Middle Stage powerhouses, he didn't fall behind.

Add to that his cautious nature and mysterious means, and even in that era of many strong cultivators, he had a significant reputation.

Ordinary cultivation sects wouldn't dare provoke this demonic figure."

"Flame" spoke freely, and this time, he didn't negotiate terms with Lu Qing. Instead, he readily revealed the origin of the Plague Gourd.

But he was also puzzled: "However, how did this Plague Gourd end up in your hands?"

"I obtained it by accident while handling some matters recently." Lu Qing replied casually.

"Flame" immediately gave Lu Qing a strange look.

This kid's Heavenly Fortune was truly defying the heavens.

Possessing three Spirit Artifacts alone was unimaginable in ancient times.

Unless it was a Great Master above the Primordial Soul stage, otherwise, if the news got out, even Primordial Soul Perfection Great Masters would surely attract the envy and attention of numerous Primordial Soul powerhouses.

After a while, "Flame" finally calmed the shock in his heart.

He asked, "So, the matter you want my help with is related to this Plague Gourd?"

Lu Qing nodded, "Indeed, within this Plague Gourd, the remnant soul of the Plague Old Fiend still lingers.

I want your assistance in refining it away."

"The remnant soul of the Plague Old Fiend? That's impossible!"

"Flame" was startled again upon hearing this, "How could the Plague Old Fiend survive the Heavens and Humans Five Decline Tribulation?

Wait, could it be that the old fiend has taken over the Artifact Spirit of his Lifebound Spirit Artifact?"

"Flame," being from ancient times, was indeed an old antique. He deduced the truth from Lu Qing's few words.

"That old fiend seemed to have said something like this. With his obstruction, I think it would be extremely difficult to refine the Plague Gourd.

So, I want to borrow the Flamefire Cauldron to refine him to death!"

The Plague Gourd and the Flamefire Cauldron were different.

Lu Qing didn't have the corresponding control technique.

Therefore, unlike the Flamefire Cauldron, where the Artifact Spirit's interference could still allow forced refinement, he couldn't do the same with the Plague Gourd.

Only by thoroughly refining or killing the Plague Old Fiend could he gain complete control over this treasure.

"Are you sure? Since the remnant soul of the Plague Old Fiend has become the Artifact Spirit,

if you refine him to death, without the Artifact Spirit, the grade of this Plague Gourd might drop to the level of a Spirit Artifact."

"Flame" hesitated.

"It doesn't matter. I don't lack this Spirit Artifact anyway. That old fiend once mocked me, and if I don't teach him a lesson, he'll think I'm easy to bully!

I want to refine him to death, and if necessary, I'll find a way to cultivate a new Artifact Spirit later!"

Hearing Lu Qing's somewhat cold tone, "Flame's" heart trembled.

He always felt that Lu Qing's words seemed to imply something.

But before "Flame" could figure it out, Lu Qing's figure suddenly disappeared from his side.

When he reappeared, he was already in front of the Plague Gourd.

At the same time, a voice echoed throughout the space.

"Plague Old Fiend, there's no need to test anymore. Last time you said I couldn't do anything to you, but this time, I want to see if your mouth is still as tough!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end