https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-636-Shattered-Island-Breaking-the-Array-and-the-Mountain-Lord-s-Demise-/12942483/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-638-Fishing-at-the-Abyss-Luo-Chen-s-Bewilderment/12942490/
Chapter 637: Array Formation to Kill Demons, Controlling the Flower Island
Chapter 637: Array Formation to Kill Demons, Controlling the Flower Island
"Is this the Purple Spirit Sea?"
A massive Serpent Wyrm slowly emerged from beneath the dark, surging waters.
On its black back, four figures sat cross-legged.
Looking at the purple mist floating on the sea surface, Luo Chen couldn't help but frown.
Below him, Black King spoke in a deep voice, "It wasn't like this the first time I came here. At that time, this purple toxin barrier only covered Purple Spirit Island. Half a month ago, when we arrived, I noticed that the purple toxin barrier started to spread from the island, enveloping this entire sea area."
Duan Li, who was beside him, added, "Not only that, but some low-level demon fish nearby seem to have been bewitched and have become aggressive towards strangers."
Luo Chen was puzzled and confused. His understanding of the Purple Monkey Flower was limited to what he had read in books, and he had never heard of their spiritual intelligence being so strong!
Sang Jiugong, who was proficient in spirit plant cultivation techniques, provided an explanation at this moment.
"Purple Spirit Island is too large, and there are numerous Purple Monkey Flowers on it. In such a large group, there is often a very strong leader. The Purple Monkey Flower itself only has the poison of its floral fragrance, and once you escape its toxic range, it's not dangerous."
"Last time Black King escaped from Purple Spirit Island, it probably made these naive Purple Monkey Flowers feel threatened, so they deliberately expanded the range of their floral poison."
Naive?
The three of them looked at each other, feeling that with such spiritual intelligence, these flowers could be considered as having spiritual awareness.
However, Luo Chen compared them to the Withered Blood Vine King on Withered Wood Ridge and found that the Purple Monkey Flowers were still weaker. They needed to bewitch other creatures to fight for them, and they themselves didn't possess much strength.
However, it was normal for there to be a difference between a fourth-stage and a fifth-stage creature.
"Master, what should we do next? Should we directly attack the island?" Black King asked.
Luo Chen waved his hand, "No rush, let's secretly go to the island and take a look first."
Although they were all going to the island, there was still a difference between directly attacking and going secretly.
The most obvious difference was that they wouldn't immediately clash with the creatures on the island.
Luo Chen pointed at himself, and the Concealing Array was activated, concealing his aura to the extreme.
Looking at the other three, they also began to use their aura-concealing techniques.
After Lu Shan Jun attached a talisman to herself, she glanced at Luo Chen with some surprise.
"Friend's aura-concealing technique is truly marvelous. Not only is it extremely fast, but the way it conceals the aura is also incredible."
At this moment, Luo Chen stood in front of the three of them, and if it weren't for his physical body being there, no one would have been able to sense his presence.
Luo Chen smiled slightly, and his aura-concealing technique was indeed marvelous.
He had engraved an entire third-stage array on his body, using an entire formation to conceal himself.
Without prior knowledge, it would be extremely difficult to detect his movements.
Not long ago, during his battle with Mountain Lord Bai Zao, the latter had suffered a loss due to this hidden technique.
While frantically using the Qingyang Great Palm Seal, Luo Chen had silently struck out with the Treasure Money without his opponent noticing.
By the time they realized it, the Treasure Money had already struck their protective shield.
This broke the stalemate and gave Luo Chen the initiative.
Speaking of which, Luo Chen's rich combat experience and sharp battle awareness were truly remarkable.
The Treasure Money was only a low-grade magical tool, and its power was actually quite ordinary.
Initially, the cultivator from Cold Light Island had used it against Luo Chen without any success.
However, in Luo Chen's hands, he was able to use it to defeat a stronger opponent, creating a gap in a defensive shield that was of upper-rank quality.
From this, it was clear that the power of a magical tool didn't solely depend on its rank but also on how the user wielded it.
"Let's go!"
Luo Chen said as he flew towards the island shrouded in purple mist, with the three others following behind.
Meanwhile, Black King slowly sank back into the sea.
...
"The island is over seventy li long and about forty li wide. The overall terrain is concave, resembling a basin. There are mountains on the side of the island, blocking the sea breeze, which also creates the unique spectacle of the toxic mist lingering without dispersing."
"I suppose the reason why there are so many Purple Monkey Flowers on Purple Spirit Island is also related to this unique geographical environment."
"If we want to set up an array here, we can use the Inverted Jade Bowl Array, which is in line with our previous speculation."
Information flowed through Luo Chen's mind as he calculated.
With his bright eyes, Luo Chen continued to carefully observe the island for any hidden dangers.
After learning that the news about the Purple Monkey Flowers was deliberately leaked by Mountain Lord Bai Zao to lure out the enemy, he had been worried about Purple Spirit Island during his journey.
Now, as he observed the island in person, his worries finally dissipated.
To ensure the authenticity of the information, Mountain Lord Bai Zao hadn't made any changes to Purple Spirit Island.
Of course, it was also possible that he couldn't do it.
In just half a day, Luo Chen had already sensed how powerful the purple toxin barrier on the island was. Fortunately, he had prepared the improved fourth-stage Poison Resistance Pill in advance.
With this, he could move freely and stealthily on Purple Spirit Island.
After understanding the overall terrain of Purple Spirit Island, Luo Chen didn't stop moving but instead walked in the four cardinal directions, southeast, northwest, east, and west.
Every time he reached a new location, he took out the Divine Compass and examined the flow of Earth Qi and the distribution of Spirit Veins.
If he were to set up a large array, relying solely on his own resources would be too costly.
By combining the advantages of the terrain, he could achieve twice the result with half the effort! At the same time, he also had to pay attention to controlling the power of the array to a certain degree, so as not to recklessly draw out Spirit Energy and ruin the island of Purple Monkey Flowers.
He continued in this manner until the setting sun's rays shone down, and then he left Purple Spirit Island to meet up with the other three.
Duan Li was the first to report on his findings.
"There are a total of seventeen third-stage Demonic Beasts, all of which are in the early stages of the third stage, and they are scattered, so they are not a major concern. Among them, the Purple Toxin Barrier Monkeys are the most numerous, with a total of eleven."
"The first and second-stage Demonic Beasts are not many, mostly belonging to the ape family, and they rely on the Purple Toxin Barrier Monkeys."
"However, we must pay attention to a certain amphibious Abyss Crocodile with extremely hard scales that can withstand attacks from the late Golden Core stage. If we really have to fight this beast, we must consider the range of destruction."
The group listened quietly, and then Lu Shan Jun also reported her findings one by one.
However, her findings were not important.
The reason she was invited along was solely for the talismans she made.
The most important person was Sang Jiugong!
"Old Sang, what about your findings?"
Under Luo Chen's gaze, Sang Jiugong coughed and cleared his throat before slowly speaking.
"I have a general understanding of the distribution of Purple Monkey Flowers."
"In the middle of the island, there are only three plants in a depression, but they are the highest-grade third-stage Purple Monkey Flowers on the entire island. According to my observation, they have been growing for at least a thousand years and have reached the fourth stage."
"Additionally, on a cliff, I also discovered a fourth-stage Purple Monkey Flower, which is quite impressive."
Luo Chen frowned, "Is there only four of them in total?"
He had studied the Incarnation Pill formula for many years and was already very familiar with the proportions of each ingredient.
Aside from the Five Elements Lotus Platform, which could be used multiple times, both Purple Monkey Flowers and Divine Iris were of the kind that could only be used once in pill concoction.
Four plants meant he only had four chances to refine the Incarnation Pill.
This number was much smaller compared to the Qing Dan Valley back then.
Although it might not be appropriate to compare an individual with the resources of a sect, Luo Chen naturally hoped for more raw materials.
Seeing Luo Chen's concern, Sang Jiugong smiled.
"Although the fourth-stage ones are few, the number of third-stage Purple Monkey Flowers is indeed enormous!"
"I didn't count them, but just a rough estimate shows there are over a hundred. Plus, there are countless first and second-stage Purple Monkey Flowers. This Purple Spirit Island can truly be called the kingdom of Purple Monkey Flowers."
Lu Shan Jun, who was standing nearby, was curious, "But Qingyangzi needs fourth-stage Purple Monkey Flowers. Are these lower-stage ones useful?"
"Useful, of course they're useful!"
Sang Jiugong spoke with certainty.
"With my ripening secrets and understanding the growth habits of Purple Monkey Flowers, given fifty years, I can cultivate these hundreds of third-stage Purple Monkey Flowers to the fourth stage."
Lu Shan Jun was shocked, and her beautiful face showed a look of disbelief.
"It's that powerful?"
Sang Jiugong chuckled, but in the next moment, he spoke to Luo Chen seriously, "However, if I use my method to ripen them, it will cause devastating damage to the Purple Monkey Flower ecosystem here. Qingyangzi, are you sure about this?"
Luo Chen waved his wide sleeves and calmly said, "I only need the fourth-stage ones, and the number must not be less than ten. The excess can be your reward."
Sang Jiugong's eyes lit up, and he subconsciously rubbed his hands.
Purple Monkey Flowers, as ancient toxic flowers, were not recognized by ordinary people, but as a Spirit Plant Farmer who was proficient in cultivating Spirit Plants, he knew their true value.
Especially the third and fourth stages.
Once they matured, they could be sold to high-level cultivators who trained poisonous attribute Demonic Beasts, and he could obtain a large amount of Spirit Stones in return.
If Luo Chen truly kept his promise, then this trip wouldn't be in vain! He would have repaid a favor, gained benefits, and improved his relationship with Qingyangzi, which would be wonderful.
"Since that's the case, let me tell you in detail about the places to pay attention to later."
Sang Jiugong took out the previously sketched map and pointed to several locations.
"Here, we must avoid fighting, as the fourth-stage Purple Monkey Flowers grow inside."
"This place also requires caution, as the terrain is too fragile and can easily be affected by the aftermath of battles."
"And this hill, although there are no high-stage Purple Monkey Flowers growing here, the vast number of low-stage Purple Monkey Flowers are extremely important for my later ripening process. Be sure not to let too many of them be damaged."
"Here... here..."
"Alright, that's about it. The scattered low-stage Purple Monkey Flowers are not important; it doesn't matter if they're destroyed."
Sang Jiugong swallowed, moistening his dry throat.
Luo Chen nodded, "You've been thoughtful, Old Sang.
"
Then, he turned to Lu Shan Jun.
The latter seemed to understand and nodded at him.
"I've already prepared ten third-stage Spirit-Suppressing Talismans. For the extra locations, I'll use other talismans to protect them, ensuring it doesn't affect the overall plan."
"Then, I'll have to trouble you, fellow Daoist." Luo Chen cupped his hands and finally looked towards Duan Li.
The latter solemnly took out a flower basket from his storage bag and presented it to Luo Chen.
Duan Li instructed, "This treasure is an upper-rank magical treasure from my Duan family's heritage, possessing both Earth and Wood attributes. It's skilled at breaking formations and spatial seals. If you want to use it to set up an array to protect the earth's veins, it's not impossible. But you should be careful, as this treasure is slightly damaged, and I haven't had time to repair it yet."
"Damaged?" Luo Chen furrowed his brows, "Why didn't you mention this earlier?"
Duan Li was helpless. Last time, when fighting the white-robed cultivator from the Demon Origin Sect, this treasure had one of its petals damaged. Later, I was busy recovering from my injuries and completing tasks, so I didn't have time for repairs. Moreover, you informed me about coming to Purple Spirit Island too hastily, leaving no time for repairs. But rest assured, the slight damage won't affect the overall power of this treasure."
After listening, Luo Chen carefully inspected it and eventually nodded in approval.
Indeed, the damage wasn't significant.
With his expertise in artifact crafting, repairing this treasure wouldn't be difficult. Adding some wood-attributed materials for repairs and nurturing it for some time would restore it to its original state.
"After this matter is settled, I'll take some time to personally repair this treasure for you!"
Duan Li was startled, then overjoyed.
"In that case, thank you, Brother Luo!"
Luo Chen acknowledged with a sound, his gaze turning towards the deep night sky and the purple mist floating on the sea surface.
Wait for the dawn!
...
Although both groups were gathering resources, Luo Chen's party and the Old Fisherman had completely different approaches.
The latter didn't care about the damage to the local environment, focusing solely on obtaining the fifth-stage Withered Blood Vine's main body. They even wanted to create a bigger disturbance, forcing the Vine King to recall the life force from Withered Wood Ridge, making the Vine King's spirit even stronger.
On the other hand, Luo Chen's group had to be cautious, striving to preserve the original appearance of Purple Spirit Island as much as possible, allowing the Purple Monkey Flowers to continue growing.
With the same goal but different approaches, their actions led to vastly different outcomes.
When the sun rose high in the sky, its rays struggled to penetrate the purple toxin barrier, finally shining upon Purple Spirit Island.
Luo Chen's group began to act.
Lu Shan Jun went alone, following the locations marked by Sang Jiugong, placing talismans at each spot to protect the local Purple Monkey Flowers.
Luo Chen, along with the Black King, headed towards the four directions of southeast, northwest, northeast, and southwest.
During this process, Luo Chen handed over the array banners and array disks he had frantically refined over the past few months to Duan Li and Sang Jiugong.
As for Luo Chen himself, he headed straight for the central valley of Purple Spirit Island.
In the valley, where three fourth-stage Purple Monkey Flowers trembled with madness, he took out two objects.
One was the Divine Compass, which he drove into the ground.
The other was Duan Li's flower basket, which he sent soaring into the sky.
When the four directions each transmitted a sound into his ears, he soared into the air under the watchful eyes of the third-stage demonic beasts running towards him from all directions.
"Array activated!"
With a low shout, his sleeves fluttered without wind, and pure spiritual power surged towards all directions.
Deep underground, the Divine Compass began to spin rapidly, drawing in the earth's energy from the four directions.
In the four directions of southeast, northwest, northeast, and southwest, aided by one hundred and sixty array banners, countless radiances emerged, eventually gathering above Luo Chen.
In the sky,
The exquisite Flower Basket Artifact opened its petals one by one, gradually hanging upside down.
Its body continued to expand, transforming into a phantom, eventually resembling an inverted porcelain bowl that completely enveloped Purple Spirit Island.
The Inverted Jade Bowl Array was formed!
During this process, the demonic beasts launched attacks at Luo Chen, but they couldn't harm him at all, protected by the fully activated Mystic Dust Armor.
Even physical attacks, forming powerful strikes, couldn't affect Luo Chen's robust physique.
After the formation was set up, Luo Chen didn't hesitate and headed towards the northeast.
Behind him, more and more demonic beasts gathered into a small beast tide, chasing after him.
A moment later, Luo Chen landed on a plain with sparse Purple Monkey Flowers, turning back to face this beast tide with a slight smile.
"Fellow Daoists, let's work together!"
The beast tide, which was originally chasing Luo Chen, suddenly became the hunted when Lu Shan Jun, the Black King, and others revealed themselves in other directions.
Although their numbers were many, they appeared weaker at this moment.
Without hesitation, after Luo Chen's order, the simplest and purest attacks were unleashed by everyone.
In an instant, sword lights and blade glows filled the air, and magical power surged, making Purple Spirit Island seem on the verge of collapse.
However, under the suppression of the inverted flower basket in the sky, everything appeared as steady as Mount Tai.
(End of Chapter)
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