https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-541-The-Treasures-of-a-Nascent-Soul-Cultivator/12628355/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-543-I-Hope-I-Didn-t-Disturb-Anyone/12628361/
Chapter 542: The Art of Forging a Spatial Treasure
Chapter 542: The Art of Forging a Spatial Treasure
"Now that our sect has obtained the complete Spirit Key, we plan to bring all our disciples into the small spatial world for cultivation. However, this treasure was refined by a Xiantian cultivator, and while it doesn't necessarily require someone of that level to use it, typically two late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators are needed to wield it together."
A smile appeared on Shihan Song's face as he spoke. "But our predecessors were foresighted. They knew that if the time came when we needed to use this treasure, our sect would likely be facing a great disaster. Thus, they devised a secret method to allow four mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators to use it together."
As Shihan Song spoke, Chu Ning began to suspect that he wanted his help in activating the treasure to open the small spatial world.
Sure enough, Shihan Song continued, "In recent years, our sect's lineage has continued, and we have gathered some like-minded individuals. However, including myself, we only have three mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. So, I would like to invite Fellow Daoist Chu to help us activate the Spirit Key treasure."
Chu Ning didn't respond immediately. It was only then that he understood why Shihan Song had been so patient in answering his questions earlier. It was not only out of respect for Shenmeng Shangren but also because of this matter.
Shihan Song must have had this idea in mind when he saw that Chu Ning was at the mid-stage Nascent Soul.
However, Chu Ning knew that if Shihan Song had brought up this matter, he would likely offer something to persuade him. After all, at the Nascent Soul stage, their relationship couldn't be described as life-and-death friends, and discussing benefits was more practical than talking about sentimentality.
Without waiting for Chu Ning's response, Shihan Song continued, "If you agree to help, Fellow Daoist, I can offer you two forms of compensation to choose from. One is for you to become an elder of our sect and enter the small spatial world with us for cultivation. Naturally, you will have considerable authority over the various treasures within that space."
Shihan Song paused slightly as he glanced at Chu Ning's expression. Seeing that Chu Ning's reaction wasn't particularly strong, he knew that this condition wasn't enough to move him.
Indeed, Chu Ning had many goals for his time on the Tianmu Continent, and secluding himself in a small spatial world for cultivation wasn't high on his list.
However, he still asked, "If we use the Spirit Key treasure, can we enter and exit the small spatial world freely?"
"No, that's not possible," Shihan Song shook his head. "Once we use the Spirit Key to open the small spatial world, we won't be able to reopen it for at least ten years."
Hearing this, Chu Ning's interest waned further.
Noticing his reaction, Shihan Song quickly added, "The second form of compensation is that I can share with you the method to refine this spatial treasure."
"The refinement method?" Chu Ning was indeed surprised now.
"Didn't you say that this treasure might not have been refined by someone from our sect?" Shihan Song nodded.
"But when our sect obtained the Spirit Key, we also acquired the refinement method for this treasure. However, this method is likely only feasible for Xiantian cultivators, so it's of little use to us. Nonetheless, it may very well be the only method for refining a spatial treasure in this world, making it uniquely valuable."
Chu Ning's heart raced at these words. In fact, he had been somewhat tempted when Shihan Song first mentioned using the Spirit Key treasure.
Spatial treasures were rare and hard to come by, and the opportunity to use one would undoubtedly enhance his understanding of spatial power.
Now that Shihan Song mentioned the possibility of learning the refinement method, Chu Ning was even more intrigued. Whether or not he could refine it himself was secondary; just learning about such a secret technique would be worthwhile.
So, without much hesitation, Chu Ning asked, "I'm willing to help. When does your sect plan to use the treasure to open the small spatial world?"
Shihan Song's face lit up with joy at Chu Ning's agreement. "We still need to gather cultivators from various places in Beichuan and assemble them overseas. We plan to gather in three months at Ziguang Island, located in the eastern sea of the Tianmu Continent, to use the treasure.
If you don't mind, Fellow Daoist, you can come with me to Ziguang Island for a short stay. Ziguang Island is a fairy island we found in the outer sea. It's abundant in spiritual energy and filled with all sorts of rare flowers and plants. I believe you'll enjoy your time there. Our sect also has a collection of ancient books that may interest you."
"Ziguang Island?" Chu Ning asked, curious about its location. "How long does it take to get there from here?"
The jade slip he had obtained from Ling Fengjing contained a map of the entire Tianmu Continent, but it only marked some of the larger islands in the overseas regions. Chu Ning hadn't heard of Ziguang Island before.
"From here, it will take us no more than a month to get there with our movement techniques," Shihan Song replied.
Chu Ning fell silent, realizing that he would have to wait for two months on that island.
Although he now had the opportunity to interact with Shihan Song and the other Nascent Soul cultivators, Chu Ning felt that such an endeavor would be a waste of his time.
Without hesitation, Chu Ning replied, "Many thanks for your kindness, Fellow Daoist Shihan. However, I have other matters to attend to, so I won't be going with you."
"I will meet you at Ziguang Island in three months' time," he added.
Hearing this, Shihan Song couldn't hide his disappointment. He had hoped that Chu Ning would accompany him to Ziguang Island, where they could gather the sect's disciples and immediately use the treasure to open the small spatial world.
Now that Chu Ning was unwilling to go with him, he could only respect his decision.
A smile returned to Shihan Song's face as he said, "In that case, Fellow Daoist, I shall see you at Ziguang Island in three months."
Shihan Song then took out a jade slip and handed it to Chu Ning. "Fellow Daoist Chu, this jade slip contains a map of several sea areas in the Tianmu Continent. It's quite comprehensive, so you may find it useful during your travels."
Chu Ning accepted the jade slip without hesitation, as this was exactly what he had been hoping for.
He then asked, "Fellow Daoist Shihan, do you happen to have a map of the entire Tianmu Continent?"
"I don't usually carry such a map with me," Shihan Song replied with a shake of his head.
Chu Ning took out the jade slip he had obtained from Ling Fengjing and offered it to Shihan Song. "Then, would you mind taking a look at this map to see if it's complete and accurate?"
Shihan Song carefully examined the jade slip before returning it to Chu Ning. "Aside from the overseas islands, this map seems to be quite thorough and precise. Combined with the sea map I gave you, it should be more than sufficient for your travels across the Tianmu Continent."
Hearing this, Chu Ning's worries dissipated. He had been concerned that someone might have tampered with the map given to him by Ling Fengjing, especially since she had been under the watchful eye of that Qin youth. Now, with Shihan Song's confirmation, he could rest assured.
After expressing his gratitude, Chu Ning bade farewell and left.
Shihan Song, together with Fu Huiying and Xie Cheng, escorted Chu Ning out of the formation.
Once Chu Ning had flown away, the three returned to the formation.
"Xie Cheng, you should start gathering the disciples from various places as planned. Your master and I will return to our cave abode to pack up. We'll wait for everyone to assemble here before departing for Ziguang Island. This matter must be kept confidential. Aside from you, no one else should know the specifics," Shihan Song instructed.
"Yes, Master!" Xie Cheng replied eagerly as he set off to carry out his task.
After Xie Cheng's departure, Fu Huiying, who had been quiet until now, voiced her concerns to Shihan Song. "Brother Shihan, you're placing all your hopes on this Chu Ning. What if he's too headstrong and seeks out Yuanlang Shangren? If something unexpected happens, he might not make it to Ziguang Island in three months..."
Shihan Song sighed softly. "I share the same worry. It's a difficult decision, but we have no other choice. I haven't been able to reach the late-stage Nascent Soul, and you haven't reached the mid-stage either. Including our two fellow disciples, we only have three mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. Finding other cultivators we can trust is even more challenging. This Chu Ning has some connection to our sect, and he returned the Spirit Key to us and shared the Spirit Refining Technique. He seems more trustworthy, and..."
"And what?" Fu Huiying asked, curious.
"And this Chu Ning, despite his youthful appearance, exudes an air of mystery. I can't seem to see through his cultivation. He saw through my cultivation level with ease, and he faced both of us with remarkable calmness. I don't think it's merely due to courage, but he seems to have something else up his sleeve. Even after glancing at the True Spirit Manual, he seemed extremely confident. I can't tell if it's confidence in reaching the late-nascent Soul stage or confidence in cultivating the True Spirit Manual right now," Shihan Song explained.
Fu Huiying sighed. "I hope that if he truly possesses extraordinary abilities, as you suspect, he won't fall when facing Yuanlang Shangren. I wish you hadn't mentioned Yuanlang Shangren to him."
A look of helplessness crossed Shihan Song's face. "I'm also puzzled by his lack of fear when I mentioned a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. Later, when I spoke about the benefits of Ziguang Island, he still didn't agree to come with us. I hope we're overthinking this and that he truly has other matters to attend to, and he won't seek out Yuanlang Shangren. Well, it's done now. Let's go back to our cave abode. We've cultivated there for over a hundred years, and we won't be using it again."
With that, the two of them dismantled the formation and flew away.
Far away, hundreds of miles from there, Chu Ning held a jade slip in his hand. "It seems that Yuanlang Mountain is just about a month's journey from here."
He summoned the Golden Thunder Eagle from his spirit beast bag. Holding the jade slip containing the True Spirit Manual, he began to study it intently.
(End of Chapter)
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