https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-759-Nine-Heavens-and-Ten-Earths-Teleportation-Array-Heavenly-Fate-Pill-Alluring-the-Myri/12942802/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-761-Burning-the-Three-Rainbow-Falls-Sword-Rising-from-the-Cloud-Dream-Marsh/12942804/
Chapter 760: Luo Chen's Scheme, All According to Plan
Chapter 760: Luo Chen's Scheme, All According to Plan
"Senior Brother, do we have enough?"
"Including this harvest, we have a total of fifteen Illusionary Cores."
"Only fifteen?"
In a secluded cave, a man and a woman conversed in hushed tones.
When she heard the number fifteen, the woman's face clearly showed hesitation.
"Senior Brother, why don't you use this batch of Illusionary Cores to explore the Essence Ocean and comprehend the Primordial Power first?"
"How could it be like this? We had already decided before entering that we would find twenty Illusionary Cores together. At that time, you and I would cultivate separately. Now we are still missing five, how can I adapt early? Moreover, if anyone should use it first, it should be you, Ming Yan!" Long Yuan Zhenren said.
Seeing the woman still hesitating, he shook his head and consoled her, "Inside the Mirage Dragon Cave, time flows very differently from the outside world. We still have plenty of time. Furthermore, due to the encirclement by those juniors, many second and third-rank Illusionary Beasts will be forced into the inner regions, where they will devour and merge with each other, giving birth to more fourth-rank Illusionary Beasts. We have plenty of opportunities."
As he spoke, Long Yuan Zhenren couldn't help but smile.
"If it weren't for your master's guidance on the secret of absorbing Illusionary Cores, I might have toiled in this Cave for a hundred years without any success."
Smoke Ming responded with a sound of agreement. This secret was summarized by several elders of their master's lineage who had previously trained in the Mirage Dragon Cave.
Unlike the family lineage, the master's lineage in the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect was weak and isolated. Those who participated in the five-hundred-year competition often entered the Cave alone.
Without the protection of a Dao Guardian, they dared not easily absorb Illusionary Cores and cultivate in the deeper stages.
One elder, to avoid being disturbed, hunted Illusionary Beasts all the way, using secret techniques to stockpile a large number of Illusionary Cores. After making thorough preparations, he absorbed and cultivated them all at once, eventually successfully comprehending the Primordial Power!
Whether or not other families knew this secret, Smoke Ming wasn't sure. But this time, the master's lineage had shared this secret with Long Yuan Zhenren, who had a close relationship with Smoke Ming and was highly regarded by the elders of the lineage.
However, even with the secret, Illusionary Beasts were hard to find! These beasts were formed by the power of the Mirage Dragon, naturally harmonizing with this piece of heaven and earth, making them extremely elusive.
It took the two of them working together for a full ten years to successfully collect fifteen Illusionary Cores.
They were still five cores short of their goal of ten cores each.
"I've calculated that the remaining five cores will take at most another ten years. You and I will set a ten-year deadline for our cultivation. This way, it will only be fifty years in total. If we still haven't succeeded by then, we'll still have fifty years to collect enough Illusionary Cores for one last attempt!" Long Yuan Zhenren said with confidence.
Smoke Ming nodded, "Then we'll do as you say, Senior Brother!"
Just as the two were discussing, Long Yuan Zhenren suddenly brightened and walked out of the cave.
"Senior Brother, what's wrong?"
Smoke Ming hurriedly followed him out, but what she saw made her mouth drop in surprise.
A white bighorn sheep as tall as a hill was trampling through layers of forest, heading east.
"A fourth-rank Illusionary Beast!" she exclaimed involuntarily.
"Let's go, follow it and find a chance to get its core!"
Long Yuan Zhenren was extremely decisive, and he held a long sword in his hand, ready to take action at any moment.
Smoke Ming didn't hesitate and followed him closely.
...
On a mountaintop, two figures slowly appeared.
A man in an elegant long robe, holding a white jade fan, looked down at the abyss below the peak.
Heavy mist and poisonous barriers filled the air.
"Old Ghost Qi, are you sure there's a fourth-rank Illusionary Beast down there?"
Beside him, the hunchbacked Qi Xiong Cheng carried a purple jade gourd almost larger than his own body.
He replied in a deep voice, "This old servant is certain. Three years ago, a bird-type Illusionary Beast devoured a large number of third-rank Illusionary Beasts outside and then flew into this abyss alone. From what I saw, that Illusionary Beast had an extremely robust physique, even among fourth-rank Illusionary Beasts. Its Illusionary Core must contain abundant Spirit Acumen!"
Instead of praising this answer, Shi Ju showed dissatisfaction.
"Since you've found it, why didn't you capture and kill it, and instead waited for me to come out of seclusion? Don't you know that I came here not only to comprehend the Primordial Power but also to cultivate the Supreme Profound Radiant Fire Scripture, so that after the competition, I can directly learn the seven great Dharmas of the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect?"
His words revealed a determined attitude towards learning the seven great Dharmas of the Heavenly Yuan Dao Sect.
However, the strong cultivators from the major families knew that the Heavenly Origin Divine Powers were not easily transmitted. Even with excellent talent, there were still thresholds to learning them.
Only Huashen Ancestors and Primordial Spirit True Men who had already comprehended the Principle Essence could learn them.
In other words, Shi Ju had never worried about whether he could comprehend the Principle Essence and had always considered it a certainty.
Qi Xiong Cheng lowered his head further and said in a low voice, "For an ordinary fourth-rank Illusionary Beast, this old servant would have the confidence to capture it, but this one is too strong. That's why I need the help of the Young Master. With our combined efforts, we can capture it easily."
"Never mind!"
Shi Ju waved his hand, and his fan snapped shut.
"Now that I'm here, there's no need to mention working together. I'll disperse its form, and you can collect the Illusionary Core with the Purple Yang Gourd!"
The Young Master was going to take action personally?
Qi Xiong Cheng didn't hesitate and accepted the plan, not doubting Shi Ju's strength for a moment.
Among the thirteen true disciples who entered the Cave this time, the Young Master was undoubtedly one of the best, not only for his outstanding talent but also for his powerful combat strength.
Even Li Yuan, who had trained in the Northern Sea for many years, was once defeated by the Young Master!
The only thing to consider was probably the activation of the Purple Yang Gourd.
This true artifact was specially crafted by the Shi family for this trip to the Heavenly Cavern, and apart from its powerful defensive capabilities, it also had the ability to suppress and absorb illusory beasts.
However, Qi Xiongcheng himself had not refined it for long, so he had to be extra cautious when activating it.
Huff...
By his ear, Shi Ju's faint exhalation could be heard.
That breath carried a scorching heat.
Qi Xiongcheng watched as Shi Ju's sleeves fluttered and his white fan slowly opened, and he was already prepared.
Just as Shi Ju was about to make his move, he suddenly asked, "Have you found any traces of that Huang San?"
A hint of hesitation appeared on Qi Xiongcheng's face.
Because of this hesitation, Shi Ju became displeased.
"Speak!"
Qi Xiongcheng dared not delay and quickly replied, "I did indeed learn about this person from Yu Xu. He is still within the Heavenly Cavern."
"As long as he's still here!" Shi Ju pursed his lips, his eyes gleaming with greed.
Qi Xiongcheng kindly reminded him, "Young Master, this person is extremely tricky. Not only is he proficient in the way of divine souls, but according to Yu Xu, he is also extremely powerful in spells and body techniques. I think we should avoid provoking him..."
"Hmm?"
Qi Xiongcheng instantly fell silent, not daring to say more.
Shi Ju chuckled, "I will provoke him! That Tianji Pill, personally refined by the Dan Sage before his departure, contains an enormous amount of Spirit Acumen. If I obtain it, it will undoubtedly enhance my understanding of the origins of fire. Perhaps, I might even have a chance to comprehend the Principle Essence of other, more powerful laws!"
The Primordial Power was merely the most basic type of Principle Essence, and it was also the easiest for cultivators to comprehend.
Beyond this foundation, there were other, even more powerful Principle Essences.
After all, the Law of the Dao seemed singular, but in reality, there were various changes within the same law.
If Shi Ju could not comprehend the Principle Essence at the Nascent Soul Stage, he would definitely comprehend a better one!
"Step aside and watch how I force out the beast from the depths of the abyss!"
Unbeknownst to them, the white jade fan had turned crimson, its ribs resembling red-hot glass, with wisps of ethereal flames flickering on its surface.
Shi Ju held the fiery fan and was about to strike.
Just at that moment!
"Sreeech!"
A sharp bird cry pierced the eardrums.
The next moment, an exceptionally majestic bird shot out from below, like an arrow released from a bowstring.
Countless clouds trailed behind it, forming a long tail.
Without even glancing at the two people on the mountaintop, it flew westward without hesitation.
Swish!
The fire fan instantly closed, and Shi Ju stared at the figure with a mixture of surprise and fear, his expression revealing a hint of lingering fear. This illusory beast was incredibly powerful! If he had recklessly made his move just now, he might have encountered trouble from it...
"It seems the Young Master's cultivation in the killing technique has progressed even further, with effortless control over attack and retreat..."
Before he could finish his flattery, Shi Ju angrily interrupted,
"What's the point of such nonsense? Chase!"
Qi Xiongcheng smiled awkwardly and followed behind, but his eyes revealed a sense of helplessness.
For such a powerful illusory beast to suddenly leave its lair, there must be a dangerous situation.
With his many years of experience traveling abroad and his cautious nature, he had no desire to get involved.
But being a servant of the Shi family, despite his esteemed reputation as a True Man among outsiders, he still couldn't hold his head high in front of the Shi family.
"Forget it, I'll do my best to protect him!"
...
If someone had a complete map of the Heavenly Cavern, they would discover that the very center was none other than the Three Rainbow Falls! It was unclear how the Gu family had discovered this core area.
But in any case, the Three Rainbow Falls were located in the center, covering all directions.
At that moment, in the southeast, northwest, and several other directions, within a radius of tens of thousands of miles, there were billowing dust and clouds churning.
Illusory beasts of varying strengths emerged from their lairs, rushing towards the Three Rainbow Falls.
Wherever they passed, numerous trees toppled, and even the great mountain range that spanned the land was broken through by these unreasonable, instinct-driven giant beasts.
However, Gu Daosu, the person involved, remained oblivious to all of this.
His Dao Guardian, Madam Xu, finally noticed something amiss.
Boom!
Ten li away from the waterfall, a cold and beautiful woman in a black dress used her sleeve to repel a scorpion the size of a hundred zhang.
The scorpion rolled like a ball on the ground, showing the formidable power of Madam Xu's sleeve.
Madam Xu's expression remained unchanged, assuming that these beasts were attracted by her nephew Gu Daosu's sudden enlightenment.
Such situations had occurred from time to time over the past two to three years, so it wasn't unusual.
While killing them might require some effort, repelling them wasn't difficult.
These illusory beasts were all very timid, and they would flee at the slightest sign of danger.
However, after the scorpion stabilized its body, it didn't retreat but continued to stare at Madam Xu with glaring eyes.
"So stubborn?"
Madam Xu's eyebrows furrowed.
The next moment, her expression changed slightly.
Through her divine perception, she sensed another illusory beast charging towards the Three Rainbow Falls from the southeast.
She took a deep breath, releasing a mighty killing intent, and shouted at the scorpion in front of her.
"Scram!"
After issuing her intimidating command, she didn't hesitate and quickly returned to defend the Three Rainbow Falls.
After she left, the scorpion beast hesitated.
The overwhelming killing intent made it vaguely aware that it was no match for this person.
An innate impulse surged within her, yet she couldn't suppress the yearning for some "delicacy" ahead.
Should she leave or proceed?
The scorpion illusionary beast cautiously advanced, unsure of what to do.
A day passed, then two...
Xu Fu repeatedly appeared within a hundred li radius of the Three Rainbow Falls.
Each time she emerged, she unleashed a thunderous strike, either repelling or dispersing the illusionary beasts, single-handedly preventing them from approaching the falls.
However, she gradually noticed something amiss.
"I've set up the array bestowed by the clan leader, which should block most of the spirit's essence from leaking out. Why are there still so many illusionary beasts rushing towards Su'er?"
"One or two beasts could be overlooked as accidental intruders, but this time, the number is just too high."
"Could someone be behind this?"
After forcefully dispersing a fourth-rank illusionary beast, the cold and beautiful Xu Fu flew to a towering mountain peak.
She pinched a hand seal, and her aura began to surge.
Starting from the second level of the Nascent Soul stage, she advanced towards the third level, but at the critical moment, she suppressed the breakthrough.
However, her divine sense had already spread out.
When the perceived scene returned to her, Xu Fu's expression changed drastically.
Within her divine sense, she discovered that within a radius of several thousand li around the Three Rainbow Falls, at least ten fourth-rank illusionary beasts had unknowingly taken residence!
Moreover, from a distant place, an even more dangerous aura was surging towards them.
Additionally...
"You petty creatures, show yourselves!"
Her loud shout reverberated for thousands of li.
Two figures slowly emerged from a mountain gorge.
The leader was young, followed closely by a golden-robed middle-aged man.
"I thought something was amiss, causing the illusionary beasts to riot. It's Gu Shidi! That's right, he has exceptional comprehension, and with the help of his brother, Daoyin Shixiong, he obtained a Wuzhi Black Chess. Now, he's ahead of us, which is truly worth celebrating!"
The young man praised as he stepped into the air.
Xu Fu recognized the newcomers, especially the golden-robed middle-aged man behind them, and her pupils constricted.
Gu Yuan!
Dao Guardian Gu Chen! Xu Fu took a deep breath, "Are you behind this?"
Gu Yuan was startled, "Isn't this caused by Gu Shidi's sudden enlightenment?"
Xu Fu coldly smiled, "Su'er has been enlightened for three years, and this has never happened before. You're still saying it's not your doing?"
Gu Yuan furrowed his brows.
Gu Chen, beside him, also shook his head.
Xu Fu didn't want to say more, as her divine sense detected more illusionary beasts rushing from afar.
Xu Fu found the situation increasingly thorny, and with a clench of her teeth, she continued the interrupted hand seal.
Her cultivation level began to surge!
She swiftly transcended the third level of the Nascent Soul stage and even advanced towards the middle stage.
A jade hairpin was removed from her head and casually thrown, hovering above the Three Rainbow Falls. It resembled a sharp sword, intimidating the surroundings!
The illusionary beasts, who were on the verge of acting, had no choice but to suppress their innate impulses.
The golden-robed middle-aged man witnessed this scene and nodded slightly.
"Xu Fu is using a secret technique to forcefully elevate her cultivation level, intimidating her enemies. But this technique won't last long and has significant drawbacks. She's determined to protect her nephew, even at the cost of her life!"
Gu Yuan listened to this explanation and nodded in agreement.
Suddenly, he glanced towards a specific direction.
"Another fellow disciple has arrived!"
Whoosh! Whoosh! Two streaks of escaping light abruptly stopped.
Long Yuan Zhenren's expression turned solemn as he halted a thousand li away.
"There's someone ahead!"
Smoke Ming's face paled slightly, "There are beasts on the ground! And so many of them!"
Perhaps due to the increasing number of Nascent Soul stage experts, the numerous illusionary beasts dared not launch an attack.
However, because of their large numbers and innate cravings, they were unwilling to retreat.
For a moment, a stalemate ensued.
During this stalemate...
Boom! Boom! More illusionary beasts rushed over from afar.
Drawn by the commotion, more Nascent Soul stage cultivators arrived.
Each newcomer's attention was captured by Gu Daosu, who was in a state of sudden enlightenment, and their thoughts focused on the vast number of illusionary beasts nearby.
If they could capture all these illusionary beasts, it would save them decades of effort!
Breaking Gu Daosu's enlightenment state would also eliminate a formidable rival in this grand competition!
Xu Fu understood their thoughts, and her expression grew increasingly grim.
Realizing this, her face turned even paler.
"We can't continue this stalemate; I must use thunderous means to set an example!"
Just as she was about to take action, her already pale face turned deathly white.
A sharp bird cry pierced the heavens.
A massive white eagle soared through the sky, its powerful presence rivaling that of a middle-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.
Without hesitation, it flew towards the Three Rainbow Falls, treating the suspended jade hairpin as if it were nothing.
If that were all, it might have been tolerable.
However, the white eagle's arrival was like a spark landing in a pile of dry wood.
The high-rank illusionary beasts, who had been eyeing their prey, could no longer contain themselves and charged forward alongside the eagle!
Xu Fu stood atop the mountain peak, gazing down at over a dozen giant beasts charging on the ground, her eyes filled with despair and her face deathly pale.
Not just her, but all the Nascent Soul stage cultivators present paled in unison.
At this moment, the tide of battle shifted! No longer were the cultivators hunting the illusionary beasts; instead, the beasts collectively surged towards the cultivators!
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
