Chapter 724: Smoking Relic
Chapter 724: Smoking Relic
Chen Chuan glanced at it and realized that the heated object was the long-unused Lynx Talisman.
He had used it as a deadly technique in the past, but with his improved strength, it had become nothing more than a decorative item.
After all, even when facing multiple opponents, he no longer needed other means to alleviate pressure; he could handle them on his own.
However, he had recently neglected the food required by the Lynx Legend. According to the previous agreement, if he didn't provide food, the lynx would turn against its master.
The question was, what kind of master was it? With the power he currently possessed, the lynx didn't even dare to show any sign of defiance, not even a peep.
At this moment, he took out the talisman, and a thought emanated from it, seemingly interested in the relic he had just obtained. It had an intense yearning.
He was slightly surprised. Lower-level relics, although valuable, usually required finding the correct usage method to understand their purpose.
Yang Yongcheng had searched for twenty-five years without success, so he didn't believe he could figure it out immediately. Therefore, after obtaining it, he hadn't opened it, planning to deal with it later when he had time.
However, he also noticed that during the brief time he had been inside, the Lynx Legend hadn't reacted at all. It was only after he had slashed open the rift that this situation occurred.
Was it because the appearance of the rift caused some change in the relic? With this thought, he took out the relic and examined it. He peeled off the thick cloth covering it layer by layer until, in the end, he discovered it was an oval-shaped object with jagged, broken teeth along its edges, resembling fragments of an eggshell, but with slightly thicker walls.
This appearance was incredibly unremarkable. Without prior knowledge, one might mistake it for a fossilized eggshell.
But at this moment, as he held the object, under the illumination of the rift's light, a wisp of faint green smoke emerged, accompanied by a fragrant aroma. After taking a whiff, he felt a genuine sense of fullness, as if he had consumed a substantial amount of nutrient-rich food, nourishing not only his body but also his spirit, which seemed to become slightly more robust after a while.
His heart stirred. Could this object replenish the body's deficiencies?
Would there be any harm? He looked at his second self, but couldn't discern any abnormalities. After opening the rift, it would naturally be invaded, and the signs of virtualization on his second self were almost identical to when the rift was opened, making it nearly impossible to discern any differences. So, even if there was an impact, it would be minuscule.
At this moment, the Lynx Talisman in his pocket grew hotter and vibrated slightly, as if the Lynx Legend inside was jumping around anxiously, urgently conveying a sense of grievance to him.
He thought for a moment and relaxed his control over the lynx. The next instant, a faint miniature lynx phantom leaped out of the talisman with a loud meow and rushed to the light smoke emanating from the relic in his hand. It began tearing and biting at the smoke, and the sound of its rapid gnawing could be heard.
However, it was impossible for the Lynx Legend to damage the shell-like object, as it was a relic, possibly of the lowest fifth rank, far beyond the capabilities of a mere legend.
Although the lynx tore away much of the smoke, under the light of the rift, it continued to emerge unwaveringly. During this process, the lynx phantom seemed to solidify slightly, resembling a miniature lynx with a large head, gnashing its teeth and looking extremely ferocious as it lay on the eggshell, ready to roar at the outside world after taking a bite.
But as Chen Chuan's gaze fell upon it, it immediately crouched down, curling into a ball, nibbling gently, and appearing very docile.
After a while, the lynx seemed full and couldn't eat anymore, reluctantly returning to the talisman.
Chen Chuan observed it and could clearly sense that after this feast, the lynx was slightly different from before.
The most noticeable change was the talisman itself. It was the first one he had sent someone to acquire, and although it wasn't perfect, it was still just a stone. Many areas were inevitably a bit rough, but now it looked more refined. Holding it no longer felt coarse and cold; instead, it had a smooth and glossy jade-like quality.
He also noticed that the cloak he wore and the items he carried seemed slightly newer, though these changes were incredibly subtle. Without spiritual power like his, they would be nearly imperceptible, and these changes were insignificant, almost useless.
However, this indirectly proved some of the relic's functions.
He opened his hand, moving the shell-like object slightly further away from the rift, and as expected, the smoke emanating from it thinned.
If that was the case, then this object could only exhibit these effects when it was close to the other world, which explained why Yang Yongcheng had kept it by his side for over twenty years without figuring out its mysteries.
Even if one were to know, most people wouldn't have the means to utilize it. Only the government and companies controlling the World Ring could likely harness its value.
After a moment of thought, he called out, and a fluttering sound filled the air as Chao Ming descended from above.
He handed over the shell-like object and let Chao Ming try the faint smoke emanating from it. Chao Ming took a sniff and immediately became very alert, his eyes brightening. He chirped at Yang Yongcheng, who nodded in agreement, indicating that the item would indeed be useful for Chao Ming.
Having this item to replenish spiritual and physical losses, Yang Yongcheng could practice without fear of exhaustion.
Since there were intrusions from the other world, he sent Chao Ming back up and seized the opportunity to practice.
Soon, he heard the sound of rain outside, pattering loudly. Fortunately, he had chosen a higher elevation, on a hillside, and had anticipated the rain, covering the tent with a waterproof cloth and nearly sealing it, preventing rainwater from seeping in.
From the afternoon, the rain fell intermittently, stopping and starting again. By evening, it had stopped, but the eerie rustling sounds resumed, though they didn't last long and soon faded away, as if the ancient and bizarre things emerging from the rift had caused them to retreat.
Chen Chuan stood guard before the rift, employing his spiritual secret art. Whenever something tried to penetrate, he would slash it with the Snow Queen Saber. The last time, he was unfamiliar with the situation, and the underground space was narrow, making it difficult to wield the saber freely. This time, he intentionally expanded his range, and the saber's movements became much smoother.
The night passed.
Hearing human voices outside, Chen Chuan brandished his saber, instantly erasing the rift before him. With a clang, he sheathed the saber and stood up.
The overflowing light in his eyes gradually dimmed, as if he had prepared sufficiently, and this time, he had gained more than the last.
He glanced at the relic in his hand, thinking it might have played a role.
After several confrontations with the other world, the Snow Queen Saber had always suffered some depletion. Normally, the anomalous tissue inside would feel fatigued, requiring rest during the day. But with this item nearby, recovery was quicker, and his cultivation efficiency was noticeably improved.
He wrapped the item again, tied it with a rope, and hung it around his neck before placing it in his pocket. Then, holding the Snow Queen Saber, he stepped out of the tent.
As soon as he emerged, he smelled a medicinal odor. The camp was filled with medicinal powder, which mixed with the dissolved insect corpse scent, creating an intensely pungent smell. Chao Ming, following him out, couldn't help but sneeze.
At that moment, he heard a clicking sound and turned to see a human-shaped earthen sculpture near the campfire. Fine cracks appeared on its surface, and the indigenous people emerged one by one, shaking off the dirt with the help of their companions. They had been sleeping inside.
Yang Yongcheng approached and, following his gaze, said, "Without tents, this is how we avoid nocturnal infections. It's also practical in the wild; you can dig a hole and lie down anywhere."
Chen Chuan asked, "Does it require any special materials?"
"It needs the special soil from here, along with some unique drinks and medicines," Yang Yongcheng explained. "If Manager Chen is interested, I can give you the formula. But this method only works in this area. If you go further, it's hard to say."
He gestured forward, "So they're reluctant to migrate elsewhere. They've lived here for a long time, familiar with and adapted to everything. If they go outside, they might survive, but many will surely die."
Chen Chuan nodded, then added after a moment's thought, "As far as I know, some members of the old imperial house rely on worshipping a certain existence to travel through the fusion zone at night, and this method seems to have been learned from the indigenous people?"
"There is such a method," Yang Yongcheng confirmed. "But worshipping an existence requires offering numerous sacrifices. The population in our surrounding settlements can't provide so many tributes or afford such losses, so we use this method. Thankfully, we've managed for so many years."
His voice turned somber, "But recently, after the corporate union people arrived, everything changed almost overnight."
"Senior Yang, I'll need you to guide us later," Chen Chuan said.
Yang Yongcheng replied solemnly, "I'll pack up and be ready. Manager Chen, we'll depart in half an hour."
...
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(End of Chapter)
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