https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-639-You-Have-No-Choice-I-ll-Let-You-Die-With-Some-Dignity/12942494/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-641-Demon-Clan-Mobilization-Celestial-Tree-Influence/12942499/
Chapter 640: Returning to the Ten Thousand Immortals, Ascending to the Cloud-Piercing Cave
Chapter 640: Returning to the Ten Thousand Immortals, Ascending to the Cloud-Piercing Cave
On the vast ocean, a black figure swiftly swam, creating white waves in its wake. Upon closer inspection, the figure was circling a specific area. At the center of this circle, high in the sky, a small black dot could be seen meditating in mid-air.
Black King, while driving away low-level sea demons nearby, kept an eye on that small black dot.
"After the master secluded himself for a month, he left Purple Spirit Island and came here. He said he wanted to test a new spell, but there's been no movement at all, and I don't know what he's up to," Black King muttered to himself. Suddenly, his expression changed, and he swam in a certain direction.
Soon after, Black King's massive body blocked the path of a strangely shaped seahorse demon.
Upon seeing Black King, the seahorse demon spoke in a gibberish language, causing Black King to widen his eyes in surprise.
"Speak in a language I can understand!"
The seahorse demon continued to chatter incoherently.
Black King, growing impatient, unleashed his powerful demonic energy, creating rolling waves that pushed forward.
"I don't care what you're up to, just get out of my way. This is my territory ahead!"
In the Realm of Mountains and Seas, there existed a distinction between humans and demons, but in reality, this was merely a one-sided categorization imposed by human cultivators.
Within the demon race, various species were incredibly diverse, and they were inherently different from one another, making it impossible to generalize.
Language, writing, growth habits, and even the principles of mutual generation and mutual restraint were all distinct among them.
Black King, having evolved from a giant black-scaled python, did not share a common language with the seahorse demons. Without prior learning, he couldn't understand their language at all.
While divine sense communication might have allowed them to understand each other, communication between demons was even simpler and more direct.
The sense of territoriality was what Black King was expressing at this moment! In response to Black King's anger, the seahorse demon was taken aback but quickly unleashed its formidable aura.
The demonic energy surged like waves, and it was no weaker than Black King's! For a moment, the two demons stood off against each other in a stalemate.
Just as the stalemate continued, both demons suddenly trembled and simultaneously looked up at the sky.
A heavy pressure emanated from the distance, and even after traveling a great distance, it still caused them to sink slightly.
Black King's eyes lit up with joy; it was his master! The seahorse demon sensed something and glanced warily in that direction before swimming away without hesitation.
"You're smart!" Black King humphed and turned towards the direction where Luo Chen was.
However, he couldn't find Luo Chen's figure in the sky.
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Black King leaped out of the water and quickly reached a spot where the waves were surging.
In his sight, a man in a white robe was bobbing in the water, his eyes filled with confusion.
"Master, what's wrong?"
Black King hurried over and offered his broad back, allowing Luo Chen to sit on it.
"Let's go back!" Luo Chen said, rubbing his forehead and speaking softly with a hint of fatigue.
Black King, still somewhat confused, responded with a grunt and carried Luo Chen back to Purple Spirit Island.
However, in his perception, the master seemed unable to maintain the secret technique of concealing his cultivation, revealing his depleted mana state.
"What kind of spell could have exhausted the master's robust mana?"
At this moment, Luo Chen wasn't in the mood to explain.
Sitting on the giant serpent's back, he restored his mana while pondering something, occasionally touching his lower abdomen and muttering to himself.
"Humans are not connected to the Earth's spirit veins, and extraction must be done in moderation. How can I control this moderation?"
"Bai Zao Mountain Lord's formation technique emphasizes the heavy and stable nature of the Earth attribute, which is why he can overpower me with force. But my mana attribute is the fiery and domineering Fire attribute. How can I improve my technique?"
"Additionally, I must control the range of this domain precisely, or else the first thing to be drained will be my Golden Core and Jade Core."
"It's not feasible to put both major energy sources in the same basket. I need to have one for regular combat. I still need to research this aspect."
...
As Black King carried Luo Chen back to Purple Spirit Island, they happened to meet Sang Jiugong, who had just emerged from the Heaven Pit.
"Hey, Qingyangzi, did you just return from a trip?"
After the previous rest, Luo Chen had recovered some of his mana and reactivated the Concealing Array.
Therefore, in Sang Jiugong's eyes, aside from Luo Chen's slightly pale face, he didn't notice any signs of depleted mana.
Oh, the paleness of his face was also not noticeable.
As Luo Chen's cultivation progressed over the years, his facial complexion became increasingly flushed.
If he were wearing a red robe instead of a white one, from a distance, he would resemble a burning flame. It would be challenging for ordinary people to discern any changes in his expression from his flushed face.
Luo Chen responded with a grunt and looked at Sang Jiugong.
"What brings you here, old man?"
Sang Jiugong clapped his hands and chuckled, "The transplantation of the Purple Monkey Flower is complete. Now, we just need to observe its growth during the first small cycle, make a few adjustments, and then we can leave Purple Spirit Island.
Upon hearing this, Luo Chen's spirit lifted.
They had spent half a year on Purple Spirit Island, and now they had finally reached a stage.
Next, under Sang Jiugong's guidance, he went to take a good look at the Heaven Pit.
During this time, Sang Jiugong explained to him the key points of this cultivation method.
The unique geographical environment of the Heaven Pit absorbed the spiritual energy of the entire Purple Spirit Island, and with the help of a large amount of demonic beast flesh and blood, it had created this blessed land.
The most important part of it was the cultivation method of "eating one's own kind."
Using higher-stage Purple Monkey Flowers to consume lower-stage ones could save years, decades, or even a century of effort!
"After this, will a spirit plant specialist be required to keep an eye on it?"
"That's not necessary. Purple Monkey Flowers are naturally nurtured by heaven and earth, so they don't require such meticulous care."
Seeing Luo Chen's concern, Sang Jiugong paused before saying, "However, if you're worried about unexpected situations, I can arrange for a Foundation Establishment disciple to come to Purple Spirit Island to check on it from time to time."
"That's a good idea, but what about the disciple?" Luo Chen looked at Sang Jiugong in confusion.
The other party smiled slightly, revealing a carefree demeanor.
"At my age, I might have another two or three decades to live. I can't keep coming to this Purple Spirit Island to tend to the flowers every year!"
Luo Chen was astonished.
He had heard from others that Sang Jiugong was quite old, which was why he had established a sect to pass on his skills and techniques.
But he hadn't expected that Sang Jiugong's lifespan was already coming to an end.
Two or three decades... that was only the time it took for a Golden Core Cultivator to undergo a deep-level closed-door cultivation.
Luo Chen's lips trembled, and for a long time, he couldn't speak.
Sang Jiugong squatted at the Heaven Pit, looking at the dense purple flowers in the dim light, his expression calm.
The restlessness of pursuing fame and fortune was gone, replaced by a sense of tranquility.
"There's no need to try to comfort me. Everyone goes through this. The path to immortality isn't something everyone can continue forever. In my lifetime, I've wandered, I've fallen, but I've also had my moments of glory. Thinking about it, it seems that tending to these silent flowers and plants gives me the most comfort. Fertilizing them, getting rid of pests, and watching them grow strong gives me a sense of fulfillment that's even greater than advancing in cultivation..."
Listening to the old man's rambling, Luo Chen stood there, his lips pressed tightly together.
After a while, when the old man took a break, Luo Chen sighed, "I never thought that Elder Sang would be so open-minded. It seems I'm the one who's attached too much importance to appearances."
Elder Sang stood up and stretched his back.
"Hey, it's now or never. Who knows when the end truly comes, whether I'll be crying and regretting not having cultivated harder in my youth."
Luo Chen was speechless.
Sang Jiugong looked at Luo Chen and hesitated before saying, "Qingyangzi, there's something I'm not sure if I should say or not."
Normally, when it came to such matters, Luo Chen would prefer not to know.
But at this moment, with the thought that a dying man's words should be taken seriously, he allowed the other party to continue.
"My Earth Mulberry Sect, with only a few disciples, has its core direct disciples at the Foundation Establishment stage. In the vast cultivation world, they are like fireflies. Perhaps a single wave could extinguish them."
"I know that our relationship isn't particularly deep."
"But I hope that in the future, if the Earth Mulberry Sect encounters difficulties, you can help them within your means."
In the end, he looked at Luo Chen sincerely.
"This time, consider it as Elder Sang truly owing you a favor. But this favor may have to be repaid in the next life."
Facing the old man's earnest gaze, Luo Chen remained silent for a moment before finally nodding slightly.
"Next life, then next life!"
At that moment, Sang Jiugong burst into laughter.
The cheerful laughter echoed for over ten miles, even causing the purple flowers in the Heaven Pit to sway.
...
Three months later.
Two figures lingered in the Heaven Pit for a long time before finally leaving satisfied.
A black serpent dragon emerged from the sea outside the island, and the old man leaped onto it.
The black dragon was slightly displeased but didn't say anything.
Their gazes fell on the figure hovering high above.
They watched him cast spells and set up arrays.
When countless radiances rose from all directions and eventually returned to calm, the area that was once filled with purple toxic barriers suddenly disappeared.
No, it wasn't that it disappeared.
Purple Spirit Island was still there! But to a cultivator's divine perception, the area seemed like nothing.
Even with the naked eye, it was just an ordinary small island.
In the sky above, Luo Chen looked on with satisfaction at the array covering Purple Spirit Island.
Over the years, Luo Chen's expertise in array formations has been fully displayed on this island.
Not only has he gathered all the necessary functions like concealment, confusion, and inducement, but he has also set up several killing arrays within, using several Inferior-grade Treasures as the array eyes.
Even if low-level demonic beasts forcefully intrude into the island, they will be slaughtered by the killing arrays, unable to harm the Purple Monkey Flower's growth base—the Heaven Pit.
If there's one thing missing, it would probably be puppets!
If some powerful third-stage puppets from the Falling Cloud Sect were placed on the island, its security would surely improve.
Unfortunately, Luo Chen has been busy with many matters these years, and he also needs to focus on cultivation. Otherwise, with Han Zhan, a master-level figure in puppetry, he would have taken advantage of the opportunity.
Shaking his head, Luo Chen departed and gracefully landed on Black King's back.
"This matter here is temporarily resolved."
"Let's go back to the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly!"
Black King responded and then dove into the seawater. With the two cultivators standing tall on his back, their spiritual light blossomed, protecting them from the water pressure as if it didn't exist.
...
The journey to the island had taken quite some effort.
But the return trip was much faster.
Firstly, Black King had already traveled this route several times and was very familiar with it.
Secondly, the presence of Luo Chen and Sang Jiugong, two powerful cultivators, ensured a smooth journey. Even if they encountered a third-stage Demon King with a strong territorial consciousness, their aura alone would make the Demon King yield the path.
The only thing that might delay their journey was probably the ongoing two to three-decade-long battle between the righteous and demonic paths!
On their way back to the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly, they had to pass through several territories controlled by the Sea Alliance.
Black King's massive body couldn't go unnoticed, especially by powerful individuals.
Fortunately, Luo Chen and Sang Jiugong were both star-level demon hunters, and after showing their identification tokens and explaining their purpose, the Sea Alliance members chose to let them pass.
During this time, Luo Chen also inquired about the current situation of the battle.
The news he received was somewhat unexpected.
The alliance between the Mara River Sect and the Penglai Immortal Sect had become increasingly fierce, and they even managed to push back the numerically superior Sea Alliance.
This shouldn't have happened.
The Sea Alliance not only had the advantage of numbers but also had a Transformed God-level expert backing them!
If the demonic path had initially seized the initiative, it would have been understandable.
But after such a prolonged and intense battle, why was the Sea Alliance constantly retreating?
After some contemplation, Luo Chen attributed this situation to the powerful backing of the Penglai Immortal Sect.
The Zhongzhou Heavenly Origin Dao Sect, one of the five most powerful forces in the entire Mountain and Sea Realm, was never inferior, even when the Demon Origin Sect was at its peak.
The number of top-tier experts within the sect was countless, and their Transcendent experts were unparalleled across the five continents!
Perhaps it was the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect's secret support that made the Transcendent expert of the Sea Alliance hesitant to take action, allowing his subordinates to act recklessly.
"However, this matter has nothing to do with me. I, Luo Chen, am just a wandering cultivator, why should I care about the raging flood?"
After resolving the issues on Purple Spirit Island, Luo Chen was in a good mood.
Unfortunately, this pleasant mood quickly dissipated upon his return to Penghu.
...
"Indeed, many people have come to seek you in the past year. But after Old Fisherman returned and announced the completion of the Withered Wood Ridge mission, they stopped bothering us. After all, they also know that Blood Scattering Person's mission is the most important."
Luo Chen held a stack of invitation cards as Tianxuan reported on the situation during his absence.
Upon learning that Old Fisherman was heavily rewarded by Blood Scattering Person after completing the mission and receiving Incarnation Cultivation Insights, Luo Chen's expression turned slightly solemn.
He also received some benefits.
The star-level of the four-star demon hunter had been upgraded to five stars.
All he needed to do was to visit the Demon Hunting Bureau, report the change, and officially become a five-star demon hunter.
The star-level upgrade came with advantages. Firstly, the task cycle was extended, and the frequency was reduced. Secondly, he could enjoy a 50% discount on various resource exchanges at the Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly.
This included the rent for the Penghu Spirit Ground!
"A genius Golden Core cultivator from the Zhou Family came to seek treasures, and since you promised him, I couldn't refuse," Tianxuan handed over an invitation card, "Master, when do you plan to meet him?"
Luo Chen thought for a moment, "Let's schedule it for tomorrow."
Tianxuan nodded and spoke of the last matter.
"Ding Yi wants to see me?"
Luo Chen furrowed his brows, recalling his previous worries.
He wasn't keen on going to the Sinking Sea.
However, since Ding Yi wanted to see him, he wasn't afraid.
Without resting, he personally went to the Cloud Piercing Cave that day and received a warm welcome from Ding Yi and the master of the cave.
But before he could express his intentions, Ding Yi delivered some bad news.
"There's been a change in the North Polar Nightmara Heaven!"
(End of Chapter)
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