https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-380-Water-and-Fire-are-Incompatible/12550218/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-382-I-Choose-Chu-Ning-of-the-Jiuhua-Zong/12550220/
Chapter 381: Eighth-Rank Earthen Armored Dragon Spirit
Chapter 381: Eighth-Rank Earthen Armored Dragon Spirit
Upon hearing this voice, Chu Ning was slightly taken aback. Although he wasn't accustomed to hearing it, it was somewhat familiar. It belonged to Shi Xue'rong, the woman who had once accompanied him to Wuling Island.
Without hesitation, he turned to the two and said, "Our visitor is Fellow Daoist Shi Xue'rong from Guiyuan Zong. I'll go and greet her."
As he finished speaking, Chu Ning was about to walk out when he suddenly remembered something. He turned back to Cen Ziqin and said, "Ziqin, come with me."
Cen Ziqin had heard Chu Ning mention Shi Xue'rong before and knew that they had spent some time together on Wuling Island.
At this moment, she shook her head and said, "You go ahead. I don't know this Fellow Daoist."
"It's fine. You'll know her after we meet," Chu Ning said, ignoring Cen Ziqin's reaction and pulling her along as he walked out.
As expected, Shi Xue'rong stood outside, but she wasn't alone. She was accompanied by another female cultivator, Jia Yumian, whom Chu Ning recognized as well.
During their time in Jinling Realm, Jia Yumian and Shi Xue'rong had always traveled together. They were also together when they crossed the peak shrouded in spatial rifts, enveloped by the spirit mist.
Shi Xue'rong hadn't changed much compared to how she looked decades ago, but she seemed to have matured a bit.
Seeing Chu Ning step out, her face lit up with joy. Her gaze then fell on Cen Ziqin, who stood beside Chu Ning, and a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes.
However, she didn't ask any questions and instead returned her attention to Chu Ning, her tone filled with delight. "Fellow Daoist Chu, you're finally back. Ever since we returned from Wuling Island, I've been inquiring about your whereabouts from your sect periodically.
A year ago, when you returned to your sect, I was in seclusion and didn't receive the news immediately. I hope you don't take offense at this."
"Fellow Daoist Shi is too kind. Instead, Chu should be the one expressing gratitude for your timely message to our sect back then," Chu Ning replied, turning to Jia Yumian and bowing slightly.
"Fellow Daoist Jia, it's been a long time. I trust you've been well," he added.
Jia Yumian's expression turned surprised as she looked at Chu Ning, unlike Shi Xue'rong, who was eager to greet him and hadn't noticed the difference in his cultivation level. At this moment, Jia Yumian realized that Chu Ning had reached the late Golden Core stage.
She returned the bow and said, "Fellow Daoist Chu, it's good to see you again after so many years. I never expected that you would have advanced to the late Golden Core stage. Congratulations! May I ask who this fellow Daoist is?"
Shi Xue'rong, who had been delighted to hear Jia Yumian address Chu Ning as a late Golden Core cultivator, turned her gaze to Cen Ziqin upon hearing Jia Yumian's question.
Chu Ning proceeded to introduce them to each other. "Fellow Daoist Jia, Fellow Daoist Shi, this is my Dao companion, Cen Ziqin. She is also an elder of our sect now."
As soon as Shi Xue'rong heard Chu Ning's words, her face paled, and the smile on her face froze.
Such an obvious change in expression didn't go unnoticed by the other three.
However, Chu Ning pretended not to see it and turned to Cen Ziqin, saying, "Ziqin, these two are Fellow Daoists Shi and Jia from Guiyuan Zong."
"Ziqin greets the two Fellow Daoists," Cen Ziqin said gracefully, bowing to both of them.
Jia Yumian immediately returned the greeting, but Shi Xue'rong seemed dazed.
Noticing her state, Jia Yumian gently pulled her.
Shi Xue'rong finally snapped out of her trance and looked at Cen Ziqin with a complex expression. "Nice to meet you, Fellow Daoist Cen."
Seeing the obvious change in Shi Xue'rong's expression, Cen Ziqin couldn't help but smile as she glanced at Chu Ning.
However, Chu Ning maintained a calm expression, acting as if he hadn't noticed anything amiss.
Jia Yumian, sensing the slightly odd atmosphere, quickly spoke up. "Fellow Daoist Chu, are these two Fellow Daoists the only ones who came to participate in the competition from your sect? May we ask which elder is leading your group? Since we're already here, it would be appropriate to pay them a visit."
Hearing Jia Yumian's words, Chu Ning stepped aside and gestured for the two to enter the courtyard. "The one leading us is our sect's grand elder, Elder Tang. I'm the only one participating in the competition.
Ziqin is here mainly to gain some experience and meet new people."
Chu Ning and Cen Ziqin led the way, with Jia Yumian and Shi Xue'rong following behind.
Shi Xue'rong's eyes were filled with complex emotions as she watched the backs of Chu Ning and Cen Ziqin.
Jia Yumian, noticing this, gently tugged on her sleeve.
Shi Xue'rong nodded slightly at her senior martial sister and took a deep breath, her face gradually returning to normal.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, may I ask where you were transported to after leaving Wuling Island? Why did it take so many years for you to return to your sect?" she inquired.
"I was transported to the Northern Cold Lands, and it was only by chance that I was able to return," Chu Ning replied.
Upon hearing this, both Jia Yumian and Shi Xue'rong wore expressions of shock.
The grand elder of Jiuhua Zong did not interfere much in the matters of the young cultivators and, after a brief greeting, excused himself, saying he was off to meet with some old friends.
Chu Ning learned from Shi Xue'rong that after she left Wuling Island, she was teleported back to the Western Alliance Continent, not far from the Yun Xiao Mountain Range. She didn't have much trouble making her way back to Guiyuan Zong.
Shi Xue'rong's current cultivation had reached the peak of the mid-Golden Core stage, just a step away from the late Golden Core stage.
During their casual chat, Shi Xue'rong suddenly remembered something and cautioned, "Fellow Daoist Chu, many sects within the Alliance still hold a grudge about what happened in the Jin Ling Realm. When I returned to my sect, several elders inquired about it. I suspect you will face similar questions now that you've reappeared."
"Thank you for the reminder, Fellow Daoist Shi," Chu Ning said calmly.
"To be honest, I didn't encounter anything too unusual in that realm. After being transmitted out of the core area, I soon encountered a spatial storm and ended up on Wuling Island. I doubt any information I have would be of help to the other sects."
Chu Ning had no intention of sharing anything about the Jinling Seed, Ao Langtian, or the others with Shi Xue'rong.
After sitting together for a while, Jia Yumian was the first to suggest leaving.
Shi Xue'rong stood up as well and said to Chu Ning and Cen Ziqin, "Fellow Daoist Chu, Fellow Daoist Cen, I won't disturb your rest any further. If you need anything while you're in Guiyuan Zong, please don't hesitate to find me."
Chu Ning and Cen Ziqin expressed their gratitude and saw the two guests out of the courtyard.
As soon as they left, Shi Xue'rong's cheerful expression turned slightly gloomy.
Jia Yumian noticed her change in mood and sighed softly.
She transmitted her voice to Shi Xue'rong, "Junior Martial Sister, do you have feelings for Fellow Daoist Chu? Don't bother denying it; it's written all over your face."
Hearing Jia Yumian's words, Shi Xue'rong transmitted back, "Senior Martial Sister, let's not talk about this anymore. Fellow Daoist Chu already has a Dao companion."
Jia Yumian's eyes flickered as she said, "It's up to you, Junior Martial Sister. You are our sect's genius cultivator. If you truly have feelings for him, the elders of our sect wouldn't let you suffer.
Shi Xue'rong shook her head repeatedly at Jia Yumian's suggestion. "Senior Martial Sister, please don't mention this to anyone else. During those five years we spent together in the valley on Wuling Island, if he had any such intentions, he would have shown some sign of it. Fellow Daoist Cen is exceptional in both cultivation and appearance. I suspect Fellow Daoist Chu already has someone in his heart."
Hearing Shi Xue'rong's words, Jia Yumian nodded slightly. "It's best if you feel that way, Junior Martial Sister."
Shi Xue'rong lowered her head, lost in thought, her expression unreadable.
As the two guests left, in another courtyard...
Cen Ziqin looked at Chu Ning with a smile that wasn't quite a smile. "That Fellow Daoist seems to have quite a deep affection for you."
"What do you mean?" Chu Ning asked, looking perplexed.
"I can't believe you didn't notice," Cen Ziqin said.
"Really? I think someone is feeling a bit insecure," Chu Ning teased.
Cen Ziqin glanced at him. "That Fellow Daoist is exceptionally beautiful, and at such a young age, she's already reached the peak of the mid-Golden Core stage. Her talent and aptitude must be extraordinary. Being a cultivator from a prominent sect like Guiyuan Zong, aren't you the least bit tempted?"
Chu Ning was slightly surprised by the hint of sourness in Cen Ziqin's words. He had encountered similar situations with Gu Xiaqing, Shang Xiaohan, and others, but he had never seen Cen Ziqin react so strongly.
A thought occurred to him, and he smiled as he asked, "What's this? Our esteemed Cen Xianzi is feeling unconfident?"
Cen Ziqin rolled her eyes at Chu Ning but nodded slightly. "Given your extraordinary talent and abilities, it's understandable that others would admire you. However, I must admit that Fellow Daoist Shi is indeed remarkable. If I were a man, I'd be swayed by such a female cultivator."
Chu Ning shook his head at Cen Ziqin's words. "If I were truly tempted, it would have happened back on Wuling Island. Why would I wait until now?"
He pulled Cen Ziqin gently into his embrace and smiled. "I've already said that you're my Dao companion, and I meant it. If you don't believe me, Cen Xianzi, shall we consummate our relationship tonight?"
Cen Ziqin dropped the topic and didn't bring it up again. To be honest, before this, she had indeed met Gu Xiaoqin, Shang Xiaohan, and the others.
However, there was a gap between their talents and realms when compared to her. Even their appearances were slightly inferior.
But Shi Xue'rong's looks, cultivation, and talent were not inferior to Cen Ziqin in the slightest, which was why she had that fleeting moment of insecurity.
However, as Chu Ning said, if he was going to be moved by someone, it would have happened during the five years they spent on Wuling Island. There was no need to wait until now.
So it was just a fleeting thought, and Cen Ziqin soon felt relieved.
The two chatted casually in the courtyard, waiting for Tang Xuan to return.
What surprised Chu Ning slightly was that Tang Xuan took quite some time, only returning as night fell.
As soon as he entered, he went straight to Chu Ning and Cen Ziqin.
"The official draw and competition will be held the day after tomorrow, but most of the sects have already arrived today.
Although we are all part of the Yunxia Alliance, to be frank, most cultivators don't have much opportunity to gather like this.
Guiyuan Zong intends to organize an internal trade meeting for the cultivators tomorrow.
I asked around, and there's some news about the Earth-attribute Eighth-Rank Beast Spirit you're looking for.
It's the spirit of an Eighth-Rank Earthen Armored Dragon, I don't know if it meets your requirements."
Chu Ning's eyes lit up when he heard this.
Among his Five Elements Spirit Swords, the Fire-attribute Spirit Sword contained the incomplete spirit of a Fiery Sun Spirit Bird. Although it was incomplete, its high rank made it quite powerful.
The Metal-attribute Spirit Sword contained the spirit of a Golden-Silver Bird that had just broken through to the eighth rank.
The Water-attribute Spirit Sword contained the spirit of an Eighth-Rank Bihu Dragon.
Only the Wood and Earth Spirit Swords did not contain beast spirits.
Chu Ning actually had an Eighth-Rank Wood-attribute Beast Spirit. Before entering the Tai Xu Abyss, he had managed to slay an Eighth-Rank Green-Eyed Ironwood Wolf.
However, it was more complicated to infuse a beast spirit into a spirit sword after it had already been refined. It would require re-forging the sword.
Moreover, the effects of the initial nurturing and cultivation would be greatly diminished.
So, Chu Ning had been looking for an Earth-attribute Beast Spirit to complete his set.
Now that he heard from Tang Xuan that there was news about such a spirit, he was naturally delighted.
The Eighth-Rank Earthen Armored Dragon was a formidable beast among eighth-rank beasts, and infusing its spirit into his Earth Spirit Sword would greatly enhance its power.
When Tang Xuan asked if he wanted to join them, Chu Ning thought about it and shook his head to decline.
This internal trade meeting organized by Guiyuan Zong was mainly aimed at Nascent Soul cultivators.
Although Chu Ning had many valuable items, even Nascent Soul cultivators might be tempted by them.
However, it would be inappropriate for him to take out such treasures as a mere Golden Core cultivator.
It would be better to entrust Tang Xuan with the task.
"Senior Brother Tang, I don't know what treasures they want in exchange. I'll leave it to you to decide."
Tang Xuan waved his hand at this.
"There's no need. That pill you gave me before was very useful, and it's a rare treasure. I said I would pick a few treasures for you, but I haven't found anything suitable yet.
I will get this spirit in exchange, and some things are better off in the hands of someone like me, an old fellow who can't make much use of them."
Hearing Tang Xuan's words, Chu Ning didn't say anything more.
The next morning, Tang Xuan went to attend the internal trade meeting organized by Guiyuan Zong, while Chu Ning and Cen Ziqin remained in the cave mansion to cultivate.
Around noon, Tang Xuan returned and handed Chu Ning a jade box.
When Chu Ning opened it, he saw a solitary horn inside.
It was one of the most precious parts of the Earthen Armored Dragon, and within it, a faint shadow of a four-legged, single-horned beast could be seen.
It was indeed the spirit of the Eighth-Rank Earthen Armored Dragon.
With this, the set of Five Elements Eighth-Rank Beast Spirits was complete. However, this was obviously not a suitable place to refine spiritual items.
Chu Ning kept it away, planning to refine it when he returned to his sect.
The night passed without incident, and early the next morning, Chu Ning, Cen Ziqin, and Tang Xuan left the courtyard and flew towards a nearby arena on the mountain.
The competition to enter the forbidden area and consume the Wanfa Tree Spirit Fruit would be decided today.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
