https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-629-Black-King-s-Return-First-Ascent-to-Muyun/12942445/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-631-Lu-Shan-Jun-s-Arrival-Severing-Worldly-Ties/12942447/
Chapter 630: Life's Risks
Chapter 630: Life's Risks
"The origins of the ancient cultivator are unknown, but one thing is certain—he entered seclusion around a thousand years ago."
"Why is that time frame significant? Have you not heard of the saying that the Sinking Sea gives birth to a new life every thousand years?"
"The Sinking Sea was indeed dangerous before, but the peril then was due to the geographical environment of the sea itself, far less intense than its current state, where it's said that all things sink and even spirits dare not enter."
"The change in its nature stems from the means set up by the ancient cultivator before his seclusion, causing the Sinking Sea to undergo a drastic transformation."
"The timing of the relic's opening is not fixed, but over the years, the cultivators of the Demon Origin Sect have gradually discovered a pattern."
"Before the relic opens, a celestial phenomenon will appear above the Sinking Sea, and it will only disappear once the relic completely closes. This process can last anywhere from one to two years, or even as long as forty to fifty years."
"According to the cultivators of the Demon Origin Sect, the relic is likely the ancient cultivator's portable palace, equipped with a spirit-gathering grand array. When it opens autonomously without anyone controlling it, the powerful spirit-gathering activity creates a noticeable celestial phenomenon."
"You ask what kind of palace and grand array could cause such a commotion? Haha, I, Ding Yi, don't know either, but many speculate that the relic's owner must have been a grandmaster of formation paths. One piece of evidence is that the powerful cultivator of the Canghai Alliance, after emerging alive from the relic, advanced to the Soul Transformation Stage using the principles of formation paths."
"As for the next opening of the relic, the cultivators of the Demon Origin Sect estimate that it should be soon, but the exact timing depends on when the celestial phenomenon appears."
"However, let's set aside the situation within the relic for now and first consider how to safely cross the Sinking Sea. This brings us to the legendary 'Land of Annihilation' that the Sinking Sea is known for."
...
Inside the Starlight Pavilion.
Luo Chen sat with his eyes closed, replaying the conversation between the three in Muyun Cave in his mind.
Most of it was spoken by Ding Yi.
Initially, Luo Chen found it hard to believe the authenticity of Ding Yi's words, especially since Ding Yi kept mentioning the 'research of the Demon Origin Sect', 'speculations of the Demon Origin Sect', and 'the strong cultivators of the Demon Origin Sect'... Ding Yi wasn't even a member of the Demon Origin Sect, so how could he know so much?
To alleviate Luo Chen's concerns, Ding Yi took out a Golden Core.
It was the Golden Core of a cultivator from the Demon Origin Sect!
After the sect's destruction, Ding Yi had captured him and used secret methods to extract the necessary information. Ding Yi even personally went to the Sinking Sea to investigate, thus confirming the authenticity of the intelligence.
According to Ding Yi, the Soul-nourishing Wood that was tainted by obscuring Qi and his own fleshy body were both gifts from that trip to the Sinking Sea.
With the intelligence proven reliable, Luo Chen became even more interested in the ancient cultivator's relic.
But before that, as Ding Yi had said, they must first consider how to safely cross the Sinking Sea.
As for a solution?
Luo Chen slowly opened his eyes, his fingers caressing his clothes, a peculiar smile on his face.
"Could there truly be such a coincidence in this world?"
The Sinking Sea is now known as the place where all things sink, and even spirits dare not enter.
But this is after the thousand-year rebirth.
A thousand years ago, the Sinking Sea was actually the Land of Annihilation.
Of course, the 'Land of Annihilation' is a mythical place where all things return to nothingness, and the Sinking Sea is not worthy of such a grand title.
The reason it's called the Land of Annihilation is due to a homophonic wordplay.
'Land of Annihilation'—'Turtle's Land of Annihilation'!
In the ancient times of the Mountain and Sea Realm, ferocious beasts roamed, and powerful demons lurked. Among them, the Xuan Turtle Clan was the longest-living existence.
When their lifespan came to an end, they would actively seek a safe place as their burial ground.
The Sinking Sea was the most famous burial ground for the Xuan Turtles.
To prevent others from tampering with their remains, the Xuan Turtle Clan set up various measures, ensuring that only those with Xuan Turtle bloodlines could enter the depths of the Sinking Sea.
Therefore, to venture into the heart of the Sinking Sea, one must either forge a connection with the Xuan Turtle bloodline or seek corresponding secret treasures.
Ding Yi claimed that he had already refined a secret treasure imbued with the Xuan Turtle bloodline, and this time, he would definitely be able to enter the depths of the Sinking Sea.
Muyun Cave Master, being proficient in forging artifacts and having extensive connections, was naturally capable of this.
As for Luo Chen, coincidentally, he had just refined a Mystic Dust Armor with a genuine Xuan Turtle bloodline!
"No, perhaps it's not a coincidence!"
Suddenly, Luo Chen remembered some people and events.
In the Xuan Rock Sea, aside from him hunting the demon crab, there was another group of monster hunters.
Those people were not after the demon crab but were instead targeting the Xuan Turtle bloodline and the Huan Shou Mu Clan.
The Flying Cloud Stream, a Nascent Soul cultivator, and the Golden Core cultivator, Gu Shaoshang!
According to Ding Yi, there were many in the Northern Sea Immortal World who had their eyes on the ancient cultivator's relic in the Sinking Sea.
Especially after the powerful cultivator of the Canghai Alliance, Fei Leng Xian Zi, and the Cold Jade Fairy of Fei Leng Cheng, more and more people began to stir with ambition.
Fei Yun Jian was one of the many allies within the Cang Hai Alliance.
With the living example of the powerful Li surname before him, how could Fei Yunzi from the rumors not be tempted?
He sent his own children and a group of disciples to hunt down the Ring-headed Turtle, most likely aiming for the Divine Turtle's bloodline and refining corresponding treasures.
With this chain of events, everything suddenly became clear.
However, the thought of competing with Nascent Soul Immortals made Luo Chen's heart feel a bit apprehensive.
Without any vested interests, Nascent Soul Immortals might boast about their grace and not target Golden Core juniors, but once inside the mystic realm, everyone would be an opponent, and vested interests would already exist.
It was possible that some Immortals would want to clear the area and eliminate these Golden Core juniors who coveted the treasures.
"According to Ding Yi's words, the ancient cultivator's palace is vast, and the entrances are not in the same place according to the array eyes of the Spirit Array. The chances of encountering each other are not high. Moreover, the things the Immortals seek are different from ours, unless we encounter bloodthirsty individuals; otherwise, it's still within a controllable range. The main concern should be the threat from other Golden Core cultivators."
"At that time, I'll bring Hei Wang and Tian Xuan along, so we'll be covered on land, sea, and air."
"And Han Zhan!"
Thinking of Han Zhan, Luo Chen felt a surge of confidence.
In their recent meetings, Han Zhan's Nascent Soul had shown noticeable changes, which Luo Chen witnessed.
After obtaining the Soul-Nourishing Wood, his strength was rapidly recovering.
Unlike other Nascent Soul cultivators who relied on external objects, Han Zhan was most proficient in soul secret techniques and puppet control using divine sense.
Once his Nascent Soul recovered to its normal state, his strength would at least return to seven or eight tenths of its original power.
Bound by the Great Dao Oath, Han Zhan would naturally protect him in life-and-death situations.
With this, even when facing Nascent Soul Immortals, Luo Chen would have some self-preservation abilities.
After pondering repeatedly, Luo Chen's heart calmed down a little.
But only slightly.
This was the first time he had ventured into a mystic realm in his life, and it was also one of his rare "risky moves." How could he be completely confident?
But when it came to seizing the opportunity to break through the Nascent Soul stage, taking risks was inevitable!
"People, sometimes, have to take risks."
Luo Chen sighed, then stood up and left the Star Pavilion, heading towards the Elixir Hall.
He didn't need to refine the Divine Turtle artifact, as he already had one.
With the extra time, it was better to deal with the Mystic Monkey Blossom issue first!
The three main ingredients for the Incarnation Pill were indispensable.
Although the Five Elements Lotus Platform was precious, the Mystic Monkey Blossom couldn't be taken lightly.
Soon.
In the Elixir Hall, Luo Chen was busy around a flower growing in a mud pot.
He collected samples, extracted fragrances, and analyzed their components.
...
A month later.
Tian Xuan personally arrived at Cai Lian Island.
Zhang Jiadi and his wife received her.
They were puzzled. They had just settled last year's profits and arranged this year's affairs, so why had Fairy Tian Xuan come again?
But as Tian Xuan revealed her purpose, they understood.
"Infant Face?"
"That's the core treasure of my Coral Sea Zhou Family, rarely sold externally. Elder, are you giving me, Zhou Shanshan, too much face?"
With her family's support, Zhou Shanshan was confident and didn't show the same deference towards Tian Xuan as Zhang Jiadi did.
Tian Xuan didn't mind her attitude and stated her conditions.
"Rarely sold externally means there are occasional external transactions."
"My family won't ask for it for free. In addition to the corresponding spirit stones, we also promise to tailor a defensive magical tool for your Coral Sea's Golden Core cultivators!"
"This condition should be acceptable, right?"
Zhou Shanshan's eyes lit up.
A tailored defensive magical tool would be more compatible with the cultivator than those bought on the market.
The Coral Sea Zhou Family had a large number of Golden Core cultivators, even surpassing the Chen Family of Tian Qu, but they were slightly weaker in terms of combat techniques.
If the Zhou Family's genius could obtain a tailored defensive magical tool, it would give them an advantage in future exchanges.
Normally, Qing Yang Zi wouldn't agree to requests for tailored magical tools.
People only spread rumors about his lack of skill, but it was clear now that he was capable but unwilling!
"Elder Tian Xuan, please wait a moment. I'll convey your conditions to the Coral Sea and await the decision of the family elders before giving you a reply."
"Yes, please do it quickly!"
Tian Xuan left.
And when she returned to Cai Lian Island after half a month, Zhou Shanshan proactively offered three Infant Face flowers.
...
"No wonder the Mystic Monkey Blossom can be used in pills. This soul-confusing medicinal property is truly unrivaled."
"If the elixir is refined properly, preserving the core that guides the soul, then the Nascent Immortal Pill created from it will undoubtedly have a highly effective outcome during the transformation to the Nascent Immortal stage."
"However, if I were to seek a corresponding method to counteract the toxicity, relying solely on elixir techniques won't be enough."
In the Elixir Hall, Luo Chen was refining a Poison Resistance Pill while pondering ways to counteract the poison of the Mystic Monkey Blossom.
The Poison Resistance Pill he was working on was not some inferior concoction.
It was an inheritance from Qian Ting's storage belt, the lord of Leng Guang Island.
Its grade was as high as the fourth stage!
This was also the reason Luo Chen confidently sent Hei Wang alone to Zi Ling Island after refining it.
However, he never expected that a fourth-stage Poison Resistance Pill would be unable to withstand the Mystic Monkey Blossom's invasion of the soul.
Therefore, Luo Chen planned to make some improvements to the Poison Resistance Pill.
While the Poison Resistance Pill couldn't resist the soul poison of the Mystic Monkey Blossom, it wasn't entirely ineffective. Hei Wang had only been affected deeply because he had stayed on Zi Ling Island for too long.
The Coral Sea Zhou Family's specialty, the third-stage Coral Baby, emitted cries of a baby when it swayed, which could make cultivators feel agitated and restless.
But if one could endure it, it would greatly benefit their willpower and soul.
Luo Chen planned to use it as the main ingredient, replacing the primary ingredient of the Poison Resistance Pill, to enhance its effect on the soul.
If it were in the past, Luo Chen would never have had the ability to improve a fourth-stage elixir.
However, after refining a fourth-stage Shaped Transformation Pill in Cangwu Mountain and advancing to a fourth-stage elixir master, his elixir refinement skills became even more exquisite.
Moreover, elixirs for poison resistance and detoxification were more specialized, making them less challenging to research compared to orthodox cultivation elixirs.
The more popular an elixir was, the harder it was to improve, while the more niche ones became simpler once the main difficulties were overcome.
Hence, Luo Chen had this confidence.
As soon as the Zhou Family delivered the Coral Baby, Luo Chen immediately began his research without delay.
...
Half a year later.
Eight thousand miles away from the Fuyong Mountain Range, Luo Chen's footsteps landed firmly on a small island.
Looking around at the lush greenery, the green leaves, and the purple fruits, he couldn't help but take a deep breath.
"Is this Tusang Island? It truly lives up to its reputation. It's indeed a wonderful place!"
Beside him, Sang Jiugong's spirit lifted, and he showed a humble expression.
"You're too modest, my friend. It's just a lower third-rank Spirit Vein island."
"Then it further showcases your expertise in spirit plant cultivation!" Luo Chen blinked, plucking a black-purple mulberry and popping it into his mouth right in front of Sang Jiugong.
As the juice burst in his mouth, a satisfied look appeared in his eyes.
"It's indeed a great fruit, no less than those legendary spirit fruits."
Sang Jiugong's heart rejoiced, "You think so too, my friend! This is my specially cultivated Ink Immortal Berry, a hybrid of the Ink Blood Mulberry Tree and the Heavenly Immortal Mulberry Tree. The fruit it bears is not only rich in spirit energy but also greatly aids in strengthening the meridians."
Luo Chen felt the changes within his body and smiled without saying a word.
A bit exaggerated! Sang Jiugong's expression changed, revealing a look of worry.
"Unfortunately, my Ink Immortal Berry is a new variety with little fame, so it doesn't fetch a high price."
"It's just that outsiders don't recognize its value. Elder Sang, there's no need to worry." Luo Chen took out a handkerchief and wiped the black-purple juice from the corner of his mouth.
Sang Jiugong shook his head, "Fame is just one aspect. The main issue is the lack of a good sales channel. I heard that your Qing Yang Treasure Tower is quite famous in Dragon Abyss Immortal City. If my Ink Immortal Berries could be displayed on the shelves of the Qing Yang Treasure Tower..."
Luo Chen listened with a smile as the other party complained and performed.
Until Sang Jiugong paused.
"My friend, you didn't come to my Tusang Island just to sightsee the mulberry trees and the lush spirit plants, did you?"
Luo Chen smiled slightly.
"The Ink Immortal Berries can be displayed in the Qing Yang Treasure Tower. However, do you still remember the favor you owe me from back then?"
Sang Jiugong's expression turned solemn!
Qing Yang Demon Lord Luo Hai's abilities were already formidable, and he also had the reputation of a master artificer. Under such circumstances, he was still asking for help by offering to sell the Ink Immortal Berries in the Qing Yang Treasure Tower and reminding him of the favor he owed.
What kind of important and difficult matter could it be?
"My friend, my Ink Immortal Berries aren't completely unsellable..."
"I've heard you boast about your insights in spirit plant cultivation, especially in hybridizing new varieties and accelerating their maturation. Do you have any knowledge about the ancient toxic flower, the Purple Monkey Flower?"
This time, Luo Chen directly interrupted him, revealing his true intention.
(End of Chapter)
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