Chapter 470: Hope
Chapter 470: Hope (Please Subscribe)
The black wooden box appeared plain and unassuming, containing within it the Trifecta of Immortal Sources. However, in reality, it was a meticulously crafted vessel forged with layer upon layer of sealing techniques.
The box was designed to completely isolate its contents from the outside world, severing all connections of time and space, cause and effect. Only through such meticulous sealing could the leakage of the 'Immortal Sources' be minimized.
In terms of value, even disregarding the Immortal Sources within, the box itself was priceless. Its worth was no less than a hundred thousand top-grade immortal crystals, equivalent to the entire fortune of an ordinary Jade Immortal.
Buzz.
Inside the black wooden box lay a crystal the size of a fist, shimmering with specks of light that resembled countless stars.
As the seals on the box were unraveled, the crystal began to emanate wisps of aura, spreading in all directions and enveloping Lin Yuan within a mysterious realm.
Within this realm—
Countless fundamental laws of the universe rippled like waves crashing upon him.
"This…"
Lin Yuan's heart trembled as he experienced a sensation akin to a parched traveler who, after days of thirst, suddenly plunges into a vast body of water, the long-awaited source finally within reach.
[*Your comprehension defies the heavens. By observing this mysterious origin, your understanding of the essence of numerous laws has improved.*]
In almost an instant, Lin Yuan found himself immersed in cultivation, visibly accelerating his grasp of the Space-Time Fusion Law and numerous other foundational fusion laws.
Half a day later—
Lin Yuan gazed at the 'Immortal Source' before him, which had noticeably diminished in size, and promptly closed the wooden box.
Instantly, the connection between the box and the outside world was severed, halting the leakage of the Immortal Source's aura and restoring the surroundings to their previous state.
"This Immortal Source originates from the Primordial Lands of the Immortal Realm," Lin Yuan explained. "It is a condensation of the essence of that land. Once it leaves its place of origin and enters the outside world, it loses its environment of condensation, causing the Immortal Source to 'evaporate' and 'leak'."
"And the essence of the Primordial Lands of the Immortal Realm that evaporates and leaks out will briefly replicate the environment of the Primordial Lands."
Lin Yuan's eyes sparkled with excitement.
It was similar to how water freezes into ice in sub-zero temperatures, but when the temperature rises above zero, the ice melts back into water.
The Immortal Source operated on a similar principle.
In simpler terms, Lin Yuan's brief exposure to the Immortal Source was akin to having cultivated in the Primordial Lands of the Immortal Realm for a short while.
The sensation of being enveloped by the fundamental laws of the universe raining down upon him was immensely beneficial to Lin Yuan, far surpassing the gains other Jade Immortals would achieve by studying the Immortal Source.
After all, Lin Yuan's heavenly defying comprehension granted him a cultivation speed that could easily overwhelm that of his fellow Jade Immortals.
To use a metaphor, when an apple falls on different people's heads, some might only comment on how hard the apple is or how it doesn't taste very good. But there are those who would comprehend the very essence of the heavens and the earth from such an incident—that is the difference in comprehension.
The transient environment created by the leaking Immortal Source brought Lin Yuan unimaginable benefits.
In just that short period, Lin Yuan felt that his understanding of the Space-Time Fusion Law had progressed significantly, and the same was true for the other foundational fusion laws.
If it had merely accelerated his comprehension of the laws, it would still be of great help, but it wouldn't have shocked Lin Yuan to this extent.
After all, with his heavenly defying comprehension, he would eventually comprehend these laws even without the Immortal Source, albeit at a slower pace.
However—
Through this brief insight into the Immortal Source, Lin Yuan's understanding of all laws, including the Space-Time Fusion Law, progressed in unison, giving him a sense that all the myriad laws of the universe were converging into one, returning to the primordial chaos.
"The Primordial Chaos Law?"
Lin Yuan's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Up until now, Lin Yuan had been uncertain about his ability to comprehend the Primordial Chaos Law at the eleventh stage. Without any direction or guidance from Emperor Xuanhuang or the Master of Demon Jade Hall, he had little assurance.
All he could do was strive to comprehend as many laws as possible.
But now, Lin Yuan finally felt that sense of everything returning to primordial chaos.
"The Immortal Source… it can help me comprehend the Primordial Chaos Law."
Lin Yuan's heart raced with anticipation. Comprehending the Primordial Chaos Law at the eleventh stage would not only cause a surge in his strength but also significantly increase his chances of success when he eventually challenged the ultimate stage.
And it was this latter benefit that Lin Yuan valued even more.
"It's just a pity that the Immortal Source is consumed too quickly."
Lin Yuan gazed at the wooden box before him, which had noticeably shrunk in size after being opened for only a short while.
If he indulged in his cultivation, these three Immortal Sources would probably be depleted in ten days or so.
"No wonder the Master of Fei Xian Palace told me to only open the wooden box when I'm cultivating and comprehending," Lin Yuan thought to himself.
Even a brief exposure like this would result in a considerable loss, perhaps a millionth or even a ten-millionth of the Immortal Source.
"From now on, I'll only rely on the Immortal Source at critical moments during my cultivation. The rest of the time, I'll cultivate normally."
Lin Yuan looked up at the irregular crack in the sky.
"Additionally, I must strive to obtain more Immortal Sources."
If he had a sufficient quantity of Immortal Sources, Lin Yuan's cultivation speed would far surpass his current rate, and comprehending the Primordial Chaos Law would no longer be a mere fantasy.
"Tian Shui Temple wants me to refine a batch of Nine Revolutions Golden Pills? And they're only offering twenty million top-grade immortal crystals as payment?"
"How stingy! Reject them outright."
"Cang Liu Palace is requesting that I refine a Life and Death Cycle Pill, and they're offering thirty million top-grade immortal crystals as compensation?"
"The Life and Death Cycle Pill is even rarer than the Nine Revolutions Golden Pill. For a refining master to create one, they must also undergo a life and death cycle themselves. And they're offering only thirty million top-grade immortal crystals? I can't be bothered to refuse."
"The Sun and Moon Sect is willing to offer an Immortal Source in exchange for me firing up the furnace once. Now, this is worth considering. As I've said before, when it comes to matters involving Immortal Sources, don't be too quick to refuse."
In the grand hall, Yun Zhenzi scanned through the letters from various forces, quickly dismissing those that lacked sincerity.
Ever since Lin Yuan successfully refined the first batch of Nine Revolutions Golden Pills, attracting a heavenly tribulation and ultimately achieving success, his reputation as a top-tier refining master had spread far and wide.
As a result, numerous forces from the Thirty-Three Immortal Domains, and even some from the barbaric regions beyond, sought Lin Yuan's help in pill refining.
After all, in the Immortal Realm, the importance of a pill refining master was undeniable. Various immortal pills had become an indispensable part of the cultivation path for countless immortals.
To many immortals, the significance of immortal pills even surpassed that of immortal artifacts.
"Just what kind of power does Master possess?"
Yun Zhenzi quickly finished reading all the letters, his mind involuntarily drifting back to the time when he attempted to seize Lin Yuan's body, only to encounter that towering and majestic silhouette within his spiritual world.
Yun Zhenzi's first reaction at that time was that he might have tried to seize the body of a Dao Ancestor, for who among the Jade Immortals could possess such a formidable spiritual will?
"However, since I pledged my allegiance to Master, my strength has increased significantly." Yun Zhenzi took a moment to calm himself. In these past five hundred years, even the scraps that Lin Yuan unintentionally revealed had benefited Yun Zhenzi immensely.
Especially during Lin Yuan's pill refining process, the so-called 'waste pills' that Lin Yuan occasionally produced were still of decent quality in Yun Zhenzi's eyes.
Space twisted and warped in all directions as he contemplated the Grand Dao of Rules, and although Lin Yuan tried to minimize his interference with his surroundings, he couldn't completely stop it.
Over the past five hundred years, under Lin Yuan's subtle influence, the space in the entire cultivation area had expanded countless times.
A vast maze of space and time, centered around Lin Yuan, permeated every inch of the cultivation area.
However, only Lin Yuan could enter the cultivation area, and Yun Zhenzi could occasionally approach, but the latter had Lin Yuan's aura imprinted on him and thus wasn't affected.
One day, the Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace visited Lin Yuan.
"Hahaha, Master Yun Zhenzi, I wonder if you're interested in refining another batch of Nine Revolutions Golden Pills?"
The Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace had a smile on his face. The last batch of fifty Nine Revolutions Golden Pills that Lin Yuan refined turned out to be even more effective than expected after careful examination.
"It would be my honor."
A smile appeared on Lin Yuan's face as well. The transaction with the Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace was not only hassle-free but also offered Immortal Sources as payment for pill refining. Naturally, Lin Yuan had no reason to refuse.
Afterward, the two discussed the details of pill refining, and Lin Yuan asked, "Do you know of any ways to obtain Immortal Sources?"
To Lin Yuan, the more Immortal Sources he had, the better. However, aside from a handful of forces like Fei Xian Palace, most others were unwilling to trade Immortal Sources as compensation.
Other forces that requested Lin Yuan's pill refining services were typically only willing to offer top-grade immortal crystals or other treasures and resources.
"Master wants Immortal Sources?" The Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace looked surprised. According to their previous transactions, the Immortal Sources he provided should have been sufficient for a normal Jade Immortal's cultivation.
When it came to Immortal Sources, more wasn't always better. The environment briefly formed by the evaporation of Immortal Sources could be risky even for Jade Immortals if exposed to it for extended periods.
This 'Dao Transformation' referred to the process of one's self returning to the Grand Dao of Heaven and Earth.
To resist the Dao Transformation of Immortal Sources for a prolonged period, one could only rely on their mental willpower.
However, normally, even the most elite Jade Immortals wouldn't dare to cultivate for too long in the environment created by Immortal Sources.
Of course, even a brief exposure to cultivation would be immensely beneficial to any Jade Immortal, and this was why Immortal Sources were so incredibly rare.
After all, Jade Immortals had long lifespans, and it wasn't a problem to immerse themselves in the Immortal Sources once every long while.
"I will ask around for Master." The Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace nodded.
"Thank you." Lin Yuan expressed his gratitude.
The two continued their conversation for a while longer.
The Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace seemed to remember something and said in a low voice, "By the way, would Master like to hire some top-tier Jade Immortals for protection?"
"Protection?" Lin Yuan was taken aback.
"Indeed." The Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace explained, "With Master's current pill refining prowess, while you attract those seeking pills, you will undoubtedly also attract many with ill intentions."
Although the Palace Master didn't say it directly, his meaning was clear.
Top-tier pill refiners were undoubtedly wealthy, and the accumulation of their wealth was staggering, which naturally attracted the attention of powerful Jade Immortals.
If one could kill a top-tier pill refiner, the wealth obtained would be enough to support their cultivation for a long time.
Throughout history, plunder had always been the fastest way to accumulate wealth. Lin Yuan chose not to plunder because he had pill refining, a safer and more efficient method.
But for other Jade Immortals, it might be a different story.
"Do they dare to make a move in the Immortal City?" Lin Yuan asked.
The Cangwu Immortal City was filled with countless killing arrays, and even Jade Immortals had to tread carefully. This was especially true for the cave dwelling areas, and even more so for the Grade A cave dwelling where Lin Yuan resided.
As the highest-grade cave dwelling in the Cangwu Immortal City, it naturally prioritized safety.
"The Immortal City is indeed shrouded by killing arrays, but they are not absolutely perfect. These arrays were set up by Jade Immortals, and there is a possibility of breaking through them."
The Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace spoke frankly.
The Immortal Realm was vast, and there were countless methods and techniques. Although the Immortal City was backed by a Dao Ancestor, after the Dao Ancestor opened the irregular crack connecting to the Immortal Realm's origin, he no longer interfered in its management.
The establishment and improvement of the Immortal City relied on the collective efforts of countless Jade Immortals.
The killing arrays were also designed by these Jade Immortals, so the Palace Master's suggestion wasn't unreasonable.
If Lin Yuan were an ordinary Jade Immortal, he wouldn't have to consider these things. But to have a chance at breaking through the Immortal City's killing arrays, one would also need to pay a huge price.
Just the cost itself would far exceed the entire net worth of an ordinary Jade Immortal, not to mention the constant risk of being detected by the Immortal City's killing arrays and subsequently provoking the joint suppression of countless Jade Immortals.
But Lin Yuan... Although it was unknown how much wealth he had, just the harvest from refining the Nine Revolutions Golden Pills this time far surpassed that of ordinary Jade Immortals.
"I see."
Lin Yuan nodded, "I'll consider it."
In fact, Lin Yuan had no intention of hiring top-tier Jade Immortals for protection.
It would be too troublesome, and there was also the risk of exposing his secrets.
The reason the Palace Master of Fei Xian Palace suggested hiring Jade Immortals was that he was unaware of Lin Yuan's true strength.
The outside world only knew that Lin Yuan was skilled in pill refining and was a top-tier master. In reality, Lin Yuan was most proficient in combat, especially after obtaining the sixth type of physical divine ability, 'Tear Heaven'.
As for whether he would encounter any plunderers, Lin Yuan was actually looking forward to it. It remained to be seen who would plunder whom.
For this journey, Lin Yuan had set a tone of keeping a low profile as much as possible. But if someone were to take the initiative, Lin Yuan would gladly accept their offerings.
The Thirty-Three Immortal Domains.
The Northern Daytime Immortal Domain.
This was an immortal domain adjacent to the Xuantian Immortal Domain, equally vast and expansive.
Deep within an ancient mountain range, a figure clad in a beast robe sat with his legs crossed, exuding a savage and terrifying aura.
"Was it necessary to chase after me just because I killed one of your offspring? You're a grand City Lord with countless descendants. What's the loss of one going to do?"
The figure in the beast robe shook his head slightly. Not long ago, he had killed the offspring of the Northern Cold City Lord within the Northern Cold Immortal City to obtain a certain crucial resource.
This incident had directly enraged the Northern Cold City Lord, who immediately activated the countless killing arrays in the city. If it weren't for the figure's innate talent in array integration, he might not have escaped the Northern Cold Immortal City.
Even so, the figure in the beast robe was still wanted by the Northern Cold Immortal City, and all the immortal cities in the Northern Daytime Immortal Domain were on the lookout for him.
"Forget it."
"I can't stay in the Northern Daytime Immortal Domain any longer."
The figure in the beast robe thought to himself. Although he could escape time and time again with his abilities, even while carrying a bounty on his head, he couldn't keep this up indefinitely.
As a Jade Immortal, he also needed various resources for cultivation, and with the entire Northern Daytime Immortal Domain on high alert, he wouldn't be able to enter any immortal cities to purchase what he needed.
(End of Chapter)
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