Chu Xuan continued to search through the Universe Bag.
"Nine Yin Profound Pulse Art? Not bad, this is worth a look. At this point, I have difficulty obtaining the Deity Transformation chapter of the Mysterious Heavenly Ice Soul Scroll. If it continues to elude me, I might have to cultivate this Nine Yin Profound Pulse Art. The method is clearly not as refined as the Mysterious Heavenly Ice Soul Scroll, but it still has its merits."
Chu Xuan skimmed through the manual. This technique was undeniably a dark, demonic cultivation method. The Nascent Soul cultivation methods True Master Yin taught to his nine leaders were actually preliminary stages of this Nine Yin Profound Pulse Art.
There were nine meridians, corresponding to the nine men. Once True Master Yin sustained severe injuries, all he had to do was devour one of his disciples to recover a large portion of his strength. This was because the techniques were complementary, and consuming his own disciples was more beneficial than devouring other Nascent Soul cultivators.
Such demonic cultivation methods were common, and the Nine Yin Profound Pulse Art was just one of the more ordinary ones. As far as Chu Xuan knew, the Heaven Shaking Divine Sect had some particularly sinister techniques that could directly transform disciples into white bone magic treasures.
If one of their white bone magic treasures was destroyed, they would simply extract the bones of a disciple and refine them into a new magic treasure. Of course, for the sake of the sect's development, the "lucky" chosen ones were always the weakest and least talented.
Those who cultivated rapidly, regardless of whether they followed righteous or demonic paths, were considered natural-born prodigies and would be carefully nurtured by the sect's ancestors.
After contemplating for a moment, Chu Xuan took out the spiritual lamp and began the refining process. This was a spiritual artifact, and refining it into a life-bound spiritual artifact was the next logical step. Since his blood was abundant and his soul was strong, he had no concerns about any consumption involved in the process.
The tremendous power boost provided by a life-bound spiritual artifact was much more important. A day later, he looked at the spiritual lamp, which now felt as familiar as an extension of his own arm, and smiled.
The Nine Yin Profound Pulse Art had recorded the name of this item—Green Hell Lamp. He now fully understood the lamp's purpose. This treasure could amplify the power of fire-based spells. When True Master Yin cultivated the Nine Yin Profound Pulse Art, upon reaching the third level, he would be able to condense a fire known as Nine Yin Fire.
The purpose of crafting this Green Hell Lamp was to bear the Nine Yin Fire.
Once the Green Hell Lamp was completed, the Nine Yin Fire's potency would greatly increase. In this way, True Master Yin would be able to suppress Deity Transformation cultivators at the second level with his first-level cultivation.
Unfortunately, the Nine Yin Fire had yet to be cultivated, and the Green Hell Lamp was still only a half-finished product. For now, all these treasures had fallen into Chu Xuan's hands.
Chu Xuan shot a stream of Netherfire Devouring Flame at the Green Hell Lamp. With the amplification from the lamp, the Netherfire Devouring Flame surged in strength. He immediately went to his training room.
This stone room had been constructed using the stone slabs from the Heavenly Gold Battlefield, making it incredibly durable. Any attacks from Nascent Soul cultivators or top-tier magic treasures would only leave cracks on the surface at most.
Since the last time he faced the Earth Fire Tribulation in the Blue Star's South Pole, Chu Xuan had learned his lesson—he needed to choose a proper training ground on Blue Star where he could test his various magic treasures and spells.
He could not just practice anywhere. Doing so could very well result in a disaster that swept across the entire planet. Since accumulating four layers of Merit Golden Wheels wasn't easy, he couldn't afford to lose them recklessly. Thus, this training room had been created.
Chu Xuan's thoughts stirred, and the Netherfire Devouring Flame amplified by the Green Hell Lamp erupted immediately.
Boom!
The hard stone slabs rapidly turned red. In less than twenty breaths, cracks covered their surface from the intense burning.
Chu Xuan cast a water-based spell.
Crack!
The stone slab suddenly shattered, and stone shards flew in all directions.
Chu Xuan was overjoyed.
"The power is truly terrifying!"
He estimated that even a Deity Transformation cultivator would need to act in order to break these stone slabs. Yet, with the amplification from the Green Hell Lamp, he had managed to achieve this! This meant he had finally acquired a real means to threaten a Deity Transformation cultivator!
Which Nascent Soul cultivator could do this?
Chu Xuan beamed with joy and once again activated the Green Hell Lamp to amplify the Netherfire Devouring Flame. Under his spiritual control, the Netherfire Devouring Flame became even more detailed.
At times, it formed a massive net descending from the sky; at other times, it transformed into a shower of meteor-like fire rain, flooding the surroundings. There were moments when it condensed into a giant spear, resembling a divine punishment from the heavens.
Chu Xuan felt like a child with a new toy, thoroughly enjoying himself. Suddenly, he felt a wave of dizziness. He quickly stopped and turned his attention inward to his dantian. Sure enough, his Spiritual Qi was nearly depleted, almost dried up.
Chu Xuan chuckled bitterly.
"Just as expected, a spiritual artifact consumes far more Spiritual Qi than a top-tier magic treasure."
He estimated that he could only use the Green Hell Lamp twice before his Spiritual Qi was completely exhausted. However, he had plenty of Nascent Soul pills on hand to replenish his Spiritual Qi, so he wasn't overly worried about running into any awkward situations.
"Right now, I need to continue cultivating the Soul Transformation Secret Method, and in my spare time, I'll gather more Deity Transformation spirit objects. Ah, True Master Yin, why didn't you leave me any Deity Transformation spirit objects? At the very least, a couple of barrels of Spirit Nourishing Liquor wouldn't have hurt."
Chu Xuan shook his head, turned his attention inward again, and noticed that the Ghost Shadow Worm seemed ready to break free from its cocoon. With that, he calmly resumed his cultivation.
One year later, on Nine Yin Island, Bai Tianhe and his group stepped onto the desolate island. Among the group were Shang Xingchen, Sima Zhen, and Wei Ji.
Wei Ji had previously been aboard Sima Zhen's White Cloud Ship, and now, naturally, he had pledged his allegiance to Bai Tianhe.
Bai Tianhe looked around at the empty Nine Yin Island, his brows furrowed with both happiness and worry.
After a while, a Nascent Soul cultivator returned to his side, respectfully reporting, "Master, Nine Yin Island is completely deserted. However, all the valuable treasures have been taken."
Bai Tianhe sighed deeply.
"It seems True Master Yin really is badly injured, even abandoning Nine Yin Island. This is both good and bad. In the future, he may return to seek revenge."
Sima Zhen chuckled.
"Nine Yin Island has a fifth-level spiritual vein. If he doesn't want it, we can take it."
Bai Tianhe nodded with a smile.
"Exactly. Give the order. From today, Nine Yin Island is officially under the jurisdiction of our Yellow Spring Island. Liu Shang, Sima Zhen, Wei Ji, gather a few Golden Core and Foundation Establishment cultivators and station them here. Remember, if anything happens, report to me immediately."
Liu Shang, Sima Zhen, and Wei Ji all respectfully bowed.
"Yes!"
Shang Xingchen's expression remained calm.
While the others believed that True Master Yin had been severely injured and had abandoned Nine Yin Island out of fear of his enemies, he suspected that it was actually Chu Xuan who had killed True Master Yin, taken all his treasures, and left the island.
For Chu Xuan, Nine Yin Island was not a good place—it was a hot potato. It would have been strange if Chu Xuan had stayed there.
"Bai Tianhe doesn't want me to stay here. Clearly, he's wary of my former identity, afraid that I might expand my influence among the Yellow Spring Island cultivators. He wants to keep me by his side at all times."
Shang Xingchen sighed inwardly. Since arriving at the Starshatter Sea, troublesome matters had been piling up one after another. He wondered if Shang Tianjue knew what had happened here.
"Good brother, I really need your help now."
Shang Xingchen shook his head slightly.
Blue Star.
Twenty more years passed.
Chu Xuan exhaled a deep breath, slowly rising to his feet. His muscles were now as though forged from steel—unyielding and as hard as iron. The blood flowing through his veins was bright and viscous. A single drop that fell to the ground could even create a small hole.
His tendons were firm and resilient, as taut as bowstrings, every fiber stretched to its limit. The air he exhaled was as if two white dragons were emerging from his nostrils. The heat radiating from his body could, in a short time, heat up the entire Water Curtain Cave. His body was like steel, his blood like mercury. His breath was like a dragon's, his tendons like bowstrings.
Chu Xuan gently caressed his solid muscles, a satisfied smile spreading across his face.
"Reaching the 40th level of physical refinement was truly no easy feat. However, after twenty years of hard cultivation, I've finally crossed this threshold."
He paused, a thoughtful expression creeping across his face. But… it seemed like it was mostly just eating, eating, and eating. Maybe it wasn't really that hard after all?
He then once again focused inward on his Nascent Soul. Over the past period, he hadn't just been focused on refining his physical body. After the Ghost Shadow Worm broke free for the second time, he had the corpse puppet bring over enough zombies for the worm to devour their shadows.
Thus, the worm entered its third cocooning phase and fell into its third slumber.
His Nascent Soul was also undergoing its third transformation.
Once this transformation was completed, it would mark the completion of the entire Soul Transformation Secret Method, bringing him to the threshold of the Deity Transformation stage.
"I'm lacking Deity Transformation spirit objects now, so it's absolutely not the time to attempt a breakthrough. The 40th level of physical refinement still falls within the scope of a Nascent Soul cultivator. I'll need to reach the 41st level to match the power of a Deity Transformation cultivator. Compared to the Qi realm, the Body realm is easier to improve. All I need is better blood and flesh."
Chu Xuan quickly formulated his next course of action. He would seek out better flesh and blood to enhance his physical refinement. Then, with his powerful body refinement, he could hunt for Deity Transformation spirit objects, which would, in turn, supplement his Qi cultivation.
With this plan in mind, Chu Xuan set off for the East Sea. Both the Nine Yin Ship and the Golden Dragon Ship had been left on the shores of the East Sea. Since he needed better resources, transportation was essential. Naturally, he couldn't use the Golden Dragon Ship.
Thus, Chu Xuan decided to make some modifications to the Nine Yin Ship. Building a large ship was complex and tedious. In essence, however, it was just a box inscribed with countless formations.
If one wasn't concerned with aesthetics, one could simply build a large wooden box inscribed with arrays and set it to sail. But that would come at the cost of speed and safety.
After a brief period, Chu Xuan had completed his modifications. The Nine Yin Ship's appearance had undergone a drastic change. What was once an ominous, ghostly ship now appeared entirely ordinary. It looked like a proper vessel—no longer something out of the ordinary.
"It's been too long since I've ventured out. Time to take a look at the world."
Chu Xuan took out the Nine Yin Ship and sailed toward the north.
...
An ordinary-looking ship docked at the harbor of Moon Island. Moon Island was one of the largest islands in the Southern Third Ring. Every day, at least fifty, if not a hundred, ships docked here. Thus, this particular ship did not attract any attention at all.
A burly, bald man strode off the ship with large, confident steps, heading toward the center of the island.
The island was under the jurisdiction of Moon True Master, who led the Moon Society. Moon Island, along with a dozen smaller islands nearby, was firmly under the control of the Moon Society. Not even the more notorious islands like Heifeng Island, Baigu Island, Yellow Spring Island, or Nine Yin Island dared to clash with Moon Island.
Fortunately, the Moon Society had no intention of expanding its dominion. They had simply opened up Moon Island for commerce. Moon True Master was known for his fair and just rule, never oppressing outsiders.
Furthermore, dueling and fighting were strictly prohibited on the island. This atmosphere of harmony and stability over time had made Moon Market the central hub for cultivation transactions in the Southern Third Ring.
The bald man gazed at the towering peaks ahead, which radiated a warm glow. Atop the highest peak stood a giant crescent moon statue, shining brightly in the evening light.
Within the mountain was Moon Market.
The bald man made his way toward the entrance of the market. There were two passageways leading inside. At the front of both passageways stood a graceful female cultivator, smiling as she welcomed customers and handled the registration.
The right passage was crowded with Golden Core cultivators, their line moving sluggishly. The left passage, however, occasionally saw a Nascent Soul cultivator pass through.
As the bald man approached, he overheard a conversation among some nearby cultivators.
"Hey, why is Moon Market built inside the mountain? I've never seen such a peculiar market."
"Of course, it's to protect against the Strange Winds. The occurrence of these winds in the Southern Third Ring is much more frequent than in the Western Third Ring. You probably didn't know that since it's your first time here."
"Ah, I see... So, we won't run into these strange winds, right?"
"Strange winds occur once every fifty years. The last one came ten years ago. Don't worry, our luck is not that bad."
The bald man slowed his pace deliberately, taking in the various conversations around him, which provided him with plenty of useful information.
There were talk of disputes between islands, signs of treasures being born, news of newly discovered islands rich in Spiritual Qi, and clues about rare items available in the market. Once he had gathered enough, he briskly walked toward the left passage.
The graceful female cultivator greeted him with a polite smile.
"Sir, this passage is for Nascent Soul cultivators only. You cannot enter through here."
She had noticed the bald man standing in the Golden Core cultivators' line for quite some time, and had assumed he was one of them.
The bald man chuckled lightly, casually releasing a trace of Nascent Soul energy. The nearby Golden Core cultivators were immediately taken aback. The cultivator who had been standing among them and listening to their idle chatter for so long was actually a Nascent Soul master?!
The female cultivator, startled and trembling, quickly bowed and said, "Senior, I failed to recognize you as a Nascent Soul cultivator. Please, punish me!"
The burly man calmly replied, "It's fine. Proceed with the registration."
With shaking hands, the female cultivator took out the registration book and asked, "Senior, may I have your name and origin?"
The bald man thought for a moment before answering, "A loose cultivator, He Liang."
"Yes, senior. Please proceed." The female cultivator dared not ask further questions. She retrieved a jade pendant shaped like a crescent moon and respectfully offered it with both hands.
"This jade pendant is the entry pass to the market. Without it, you won't be able to re-enter once you leave. Additionally, this pendant grants you one month's free stay at the market's inn."
The burly man nodded slightly, taking the jade pendant and walking into the mountain's interior.
Of course, he was Chu Xuan. His purpose for visiting Moon Market this time was to purchase rare and valuable blood essence. In an instant, warm, soft light flooded his vision. The scenery ahead opened up, and he found himself in the midst of a bustling and vibrant market. Golden Core cultivators were everywhere, haggling over prices with merchants.
Chu Xuan couldn't help but smile faintly. Such was the cruel and real world of cultivation. It was common for a cultivator to break up a single spirit stone into smaller pieces just to make purchases. Especially in the Starshatter Sea, where even a brick thrown on the ground might strike several Nascent Soul cultivators. The Golden Core realm was so common here that it could be likened to cabbages in a field.
Chu Xuan lifted his gaze, looking upward where more floors of the market were built within the mountain's belly. The higher one went, the more precious the treasures became, and only cultivators with higher cultivation realms and greater wealth could enter.
Chu Xuan did not linger on the lower levels. Instead, he made his way directly to the upper levels. After walking through three floors, he came to a staircase guarded by two Golden Core late-stage cultivators. He took out the crescent moon jade pendant, and the guards immediately softened their expressions, bowing respectfully to let him pass.
He arrived at the fourth floor. There were fewer people here, and most of them were Nascent Soul cultivators. As soon as he arrived, a graceful female cultivator walked up to him, her steps light and elegant. She smiled charmingly and said, "Senior, my name is Jin Yan. What treasures are you looking for? I can assist you with your purchases."
Chu Xuan glanced at her. She was beautiful, with a slender figure and a Golden Core mid-stage cultivation. To have such a cultivator working at a counter as a guide showed just how vast the Moon Society's influence was.
Chu Xuan's voice was hoarse as he replied, "I'm here to purchase demonic beast flesh, the more life energy it contains, the better."
Jin Yan immediately understood, "Please have a seat, Senior. I will bring the demonic beast flesh for you."
Chu Xuan sat down in the soft chair, and Jin Yan poured him tea before leaving. A moment later, she returned with three large wooden boxes.
Jin Yan opened the first box, revealing a piece of blood meat that shimmered in five different colors.
"This first piece of flesh comes from the Nascent Soul late-stage demonic beast, the Five-Colored Lizard," she explained. "This beast is known for its powerful regenerative abilities, and the life energy within its flesh is substantial."
Chu Xuan only glanced at it, immediately noticing that this meat was far inferior to the Dark Falcon flesh. Naturally, it wasn't something that caught his interest.
Jin Yan was adept at reading people's expressions. Although Chu Xuan didn't shake his head, she could tell from his eyes that he was not satisfied. She quickly opened the second wooden box and said, "This piece of flesh comes from the Nascent Soul late-stage demonic beast, the Purple Star Rhinoceros. This beast can refine its body using the power of the stars, which makes its regenerative abilities even more formidable. I've heard that many cultivators who practice body refinement use the Purple Star Rhinoceros' flesh to strengthen their physical bodies."
Chu Xuan took a quick look, but his expression remained unchanged.
The Purple Star Rhinoceros was indeed decent, but it was only slightly stronger than the Dark Falcon. The difference wasn't significant enough. That meant the time it would take to absorb its life energy wouldn't be much different.
This simply wouldn't do. He was hoping to reach the 41st level of body refinement soon, so that he could use his powerful physical body to help him search for Deity Transformation materials.
Jin Yan noticed that Chu Xuan remained indifferent and could not help but give a bitter smile. She reluctantly opened the third wooden box.
Inside, there was a piece of pitch-black flesh, no bigger than a fist. However, it radiated an unusually potent vitality. Even though it had already been severed from its original body, it still faintly quivered as if alive.
Jin Yan respectfully spoke, "I'm sure Senior has heard of the Black Magic Whale. This flesh comes from a Deity Transformation demonic beast, the Black Magic Whale. This piece of flesh, the size of a fist, was taken by Moon True Master after injuring a Black Magic Whale that had come to invade Moon Island."
Chu Xuan nodded slightly. The waters of the Starshatter Sea were made of a unique, Weak Water, which even Nascent Soul cultivators and demonic beasts could not survive in for long.
Thus, the demonic beasts inhabiting the weak waters were almost always of the Deity Transformation realm. Only a few young demonic beasts, freshly born, might be of the lower realms. However, they were protected by powerful mothers and would not be harmed by the weak water.
The Black Magic Whale was one of the most formidable Deity Transformation demonic beasts. Its young were born at the Golden Core realm, and due to its immense size, few other demonic beasts dared to offend it.
Moreover, demonic beasts in the Starshatter Sea were generally fiercer than those from the outside world. Therefore, cultivators of the same realm in the Starshatter Sea often found themselves at a disadvantage when facing the demonic beasts.
To defeat a Black Magic Whale of the same realm and tear away a piece of its flesh was a testament to Moon True Master's formidable power. Among the Deity Transformation cultivators, his strength was already quite formidable.
Jin Yan noticed Chu Xuan's interest and gave a somewhat awkward smile. "Senior, there is only this one piece of Black Magic Whale flesh. The market will not be able to supply any more. The best demonic beast flesh I could find for you are these three pieces. Other demonic beasts' flesh does not meet your requirements."
Each demonic beast had its own characteristics. Just because a demonic beast had a higher realm didn't mean its flesh contained more life energy. Only those demonic beasts with exceptional regenerative abilities had flesh that met Chu Xuan's needs.
Chu Xuan spoke indifferently, "How much is this Black Magic Whale flesh worth?"
Jin Yan respectfully replied, "The price is set by the True Master himself. The flesh of the Black Magic Whale is thirty great spiritual stones per pound. This piece of flesh weighs ten pounds in total, so it costs three hundred great spiritual stones."
Chu Xuan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Three hundred great spiritual stones? That could buy three high-grade magic treasures. This price was quite steep. While he had some savings, he had to be frugal.
Moreover, although he could use Psionic Cubes to breed the flesh, he couldn't just buy this single piece of Black Magic Whale flesh. It would surely raise suspicion if others found out. How could a body-refinement cultivator buy only ten pounds of demonic beast flesh at a time? He would need to purchase some Purple Star Rhinoceros flesh as well to cover up his tracks. This would, of course, cost him even more great spiritual stones.
Jin Yan quickly added, "If you purchase enough demonic beast flesh, we can offer you a twenty percent discount. For example, the flesh of the Purple Star Rhinoceros is only five great spiritual stones per pound."
Chu Xuan nodded, "I need one hundred pounds of Purple Star Rhinoceros flesh."
Jin Yan smiled, "That meets the discount threshold."
Moments later, Jin Yan handed over a storage pouch, which already contained the Black Magic Whale and Purple Star Rhinoceros flesh for Chu Xuan.
With a bright smile, she said, "Senior, please take care."
Just as Chu Xuan was about to leave, a figure rushed toward them.
"Jin Yan, I've returned alive from Desolate Island! Hahaha! Is that Black Magic Whale flesh still here? I told you to save it! I need it for alchemy!"
Jin Yan was taken aback as she recognized the newcomer. "Senior Tie, you're still alive?"
Chu Xuan also turned his attention to the man. He was an energetic male cultivator, with thick brows, large eyes, and a wide nose. The aura emanating from him indicated that he was a Nascent Soul cultivator at the early stage.
The Tie-named cultivator laughed heartily, "I got lucky! Didn't die out there! Where's the Black Magic Whale flesh? Quickly, bring it out!"
Jin Yan smiled awkwardly, "You haven't been here for twenty years. The spiritual stones you paid could only guarantee it wouldn't be sold for another fifteen years. Unfortunately, the Black Magic Whale flesh has just been sold."
The Tie-named cultivator sized Chu Xuan up with a thoughtful expression.
"Fellow daoist, did you buy the Black Magic Whale flesh?"
Chu Xuan gave a half-smile, "Indeed, I did. Are you looking to take it back?"
From the way things were unfolding, Chu Xuan was well aware of what usually happened next.
The man would likely harbor some malice toward him, leading to a confrontation—perhaps a chase, an ambush, and a counterattack. Having read countless xianxia novels before his reincarnation, he was already well-versed in these common tropes.
Tie Jun laughed heartily, "Fellow Daoist, you are too modest! Trading always follows the principle of first come, first served. How could I possibly take it back? At the moment, I'm quite strapped for spiritual stones, so even if I wanted to, I couldn't buy it. Let me introduce myself."
With a grin, he continued, "I am Tie Jun, proficient in alchemy, with some knowledge in body refinement as well. I reside at No. 26 in the southern district of Moon Island. My greatest aspiration is to reach the Nascent Soul mid-stage and join the esteemed Moon True Master's sect."
Chu Xuan nodded slightly, "I am He Liang, with some understanding of talismans and a little knowledge of formations."
Tie Jun's eyes widened in surprise. "Fellow Daoist has knowledge in both talismans and formations? Truly impressive!"
With a sincere smile, he added, "Since you purchased the Black Magic Whale's flesh, you must also be cultivating body refinement, correct? Would you consider joining me on a treasure hunt at Desolate Island?"
Chu Xuan furrowed his brow, "Desolate Island? I'm new here and know little of it."
Tie Jun chuckled, "Ah, it's an excellent place! Let me tell you all about it. Jin Yan, please bring some tea and snacks."
Jin Yan quickly nodded in agreement.
Moments later, Chu Xuan and Tie Jun were seated in a private room, facing each other as they conversed.
"Desolate Island is a large island in the South Third Ring, twice the size of Moon Island," Tie Jun began. "However, it has a volcanic range that erupts frequently, making it unsuitable for permanent habitation. But every time the volcano erupts, it brings treasures up from the depths.
"Among them are Deity Transformation spiritual items like the Spirit Cultivating Branch and Longevity Vine, as well as heavenly treasures like Jade Essence and Light Spirit Crystal. One hundred years ago, after a volcanic eruption, a broken spiritual treasure even surfaced!"
Chu Xuan's eyebrows raised in surprise. He was already familiar with the Spirit Cultivating Branch and Longevity Vine, which were Deity Transformation-level treasures often used for enhancing Nascent Soul energy.
Jade Essence and Light Spirit Crystal were also renowned in cultivation circles. These treasures, once refined, could directly help cultivate a Nascent Soul. The former boosted the essence of Nascent Soul, while the latter sped up their flight abilities.
These "Nascent Soul Cultivating Treasures," known as Primordial Cultivating Materials, were highly prized by Deity Transformation cultivators as well. However, Chu Xuan hadn't expected that Desolate Island's volcanoes could even spew out spiritual treasures.
Deity Transformation and Astral Projection cultivators primarily used spiritual artifacts, while higher-level cultivators—those at the Void Refining stage—used spiritual treasures. If he could obtain even a broken spiritual treasure, his strength would increase dramatically, even if he couldn't fully unleash its power due to his realm. At the very least, he would be able to easily overpower cultivators of the same level!
Tie Jun laughed heartily. "Don't say you don't believe me, fellow daoist. When I first heard of it, I didn't believe it either. Fellow Daoist must have come from outside the Starshatter Sea, right? I did too."
He sighed a little, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "Two hundred years ago, I came to the Starshatter Sea from the sixth-tier sect, Mountain Sword Sect. May I ask, where is fellow daoist from? Which sect do you belong to?"
Chu Xuan let out a long sigh. "I am but a Nascent Soul cultivator from a fifth-tier sect. The Majestic Sword Sect, under the Reincarnation Sect. I'm sure fellow daoist hasn't heard of it."
Tie Jun nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, I haven't heard of it... But I know of the Reincarnation Sect. It is said that it was demoted by the seventh-tier sect, the Creation Cave Heaven, and now its power has completely scattered. When I returned from Desolate Island, I overheard a lot of talk about the Reincarnation Sect. Apparently, many of its disciples, taking advantage of the chaos, have come to the Starshatter Sea."
Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is that true? I may just run into a few familiar faces."
After some thought, it seemed plausible. The Reincarnation Sect had been demoted to a fifth-tier sect, so its resources for cultivation were surely lacking. It was unlikely that many Nascent Soul cultivators would stay. They would either defect to other sects or leave the sect entirely.
The Starshatter Sea, a chaotic land filled with scattered cultivators, often witnessed the emergence of treasures. It was the perfect place for Nascent Soul cultivators to make a name for themselves.
With a little luck, they might even find a Deity Transformation spiritual item and break through to the Deity Transformation realm.
Tie Jun grinned, his voice full of enthusiasm. "So, what do you think, fellow daoist? Will you join me at Desolate Island? I have two other daoist friends, so we can form a small team of four. I know of a secret place on Desolate Island, and only body refinement cultivators can open it. If fellow daoist is willing to join us, treasures will be in abundance."
Chu Xuan pretended to contemplate for a moment, then shook his head.
"I am not strong enough, just at the first layer of Nascent Soul, and my body refinement is only at the thirty-third layer. How could I not be a burden to the fellow daoists? When my body refinement improves in the future, I hope fellow daoist will not forget me."
His words were carefully measured, with no gaps for rebuttal.
Tie Jun couldn't find a reason to argue and simply sighed, "What a pity, what a pity. That's a huge opportunity."
Chu Xuan feigned regret. "Although I may look tough on the outside, I am not good at fighting. I came to the Starshatter Sea purely by chance. If I had a second chance, I would never come."
Tie Jun nodded sympathetically. "Some cultivators practice methods that don't suit fighting. They are more suited to closed-door cultivation, breaking through to higher realms. Fellow daoist, you seem to be one of those cultivators."
Chu Xuan suddenly asked, "Iron fellow daoist, do you know of any major events happening in the Starshatter Sea recently? I am new here and not very familiar with this place."
Tie Jun, appearing to be a straightforward and hearty person, was easy to converse with.
Chu Xuan didn't mind what kind of person he was inside. After all, he was simply looking to gather some current information about the Starshatter Sea.
Tie Jun laughed heartily. "Well, you've come to the right person! I've been trapped on Desolate Island for over fifty years. Now that I'm finally out, I've been looking for old friends, asking about the changes in the Starshatter Sea. Let me think… the biggest event in the South Third Ring is the loss of Nine Yin Island. As far as I know, Nine Yin Island is no more. It's now under the control of Yellow Spring Island. I heard that the True Master Yin was severely injured and probably took all of Nine Yin Island's treasures with him while fleeing."
Tie Jun lowered his voice. "Yellow Spring True Master even issued a bounty—anyone who can find True Master Yin's whereabouts will receive a reward of one hundred great spirit stones, whether or not they actually find him."
Chu Xuan nodded immediately. "True Master Yin, I've heard of him. He's said to be a vicious Deity Transformation cultivator."
He then chuckled lightly. "If True Master Yin is truly injured, a powerful Nascent Soul cultivator might just be able to kill him if they cross paths."
Tie Jun immediately shook his head. "Actually, encountering him might not be a good thing. He's a Deity Transformation cultivator, who knows what hidden trump cards he might have? Fellow Daoist, if you run into him, you'd best avoid him. If you're tempted by greed, we might end up becoming his nourishment to recover his strength!"
Chu Xuan nodded thoughtfully. "Fellow Daoist Tie speaks wisely. Deity Transformation cultivators are far too powerful for us."
The two continued their conversation, talking amiably. As the day drew to a close, they exchanged sound transmission jade slips and parted ways.
Stepping out of Moon Market, Chu Xuan did not leave immediately, but instead continued to leisurely wander around Moon Island.
Though it appeared to be a casual stroll, his eyes never stopped scanning the surroundings. He was constantly assessing where he could escape from, should anyone decide to pursue him, and which direction would allow for the fastest retreat.
Moon Island was the trade hub of the Southern Three Rings, a place he would frequent in the future. Naturally, this made it a prime location for potential attackers to take notice of him.
The recent chase by True Master Yin on Holy Flame Star had already made him realize the importance of identifying escape routes as soon as he arrived in unfamiliar places. He needed to prepare at least two: one as the primary escape route, and the other as a backup.
Without such precautions, even if he managed to escape alive, it would be at the cost of losing numerous trump cards. Luckily, his vast collection of such cards had been sufficient to withstand that kind of drain. Were he another Nascent Soul cultivator, a single night might have been enough to strip him back to square one, leaving him desperate enough to rely on mid-grade magic treasures meant for Golden Core cultivators.
Chu Xuan observed his surroundings with a calm gaze. "This road has fewer buildings, making it suitable for high-speed flight. There are also fewer ships docked at the harbor, so it's a good primary choice. This road has more buildings, but it's also more crowded. I could blend in with the crowd here. And this path..."
As he pondered his escape routes, his mind also drifted back to the conversation with Tie Jun.
Desolate Island was indeed a great place. However, he could never accept an invitation from someone else. Cultivators in the Starshatter Sea were not to be underestimated.
That Tie Jun, though he appeared open and sincere, could very well be hiding a completely different nature behind his facade.
The reason Chu Xuan kept replaying their conversation was to reflect on his words. Had he said something he shouldn't have? If so, he would have to abandon the identity of He Liang and adopt a new one.
"Hmm... no problem, time to leave."
After completing his circuit, Chu Xuan bought some spiritual plant seeds from a few Golden Core cultivators' booths before heading off.
He boarded the Nine Yin and set sail at once, taking care to retrace his steps. Only when he confirmed there was no one following him did he feel at ease, making his way back to the nameless island.
Moon Island Underground, in a Meditation Room.
Clad in a white robe, Moon True Master sat cross-legged upon a cold jade bed, immersed in his silent cultivation. A beam of pure moonlight streamed down from above, illuminating his face and enhancing his ethereal, otherworldly presence.
Knock, knock, knock.
A respectful voice called from outside, "Master, the black magic whale meat has been purchased. The person also bought a hundred pounds of purple star rhinoceros meat."
Moon True Master slowly opened his eyes. "Do you know his body refining level?"
The disciple bowed respectfully. "This is a new face. The person claims to be He Liang from the Majestic Sword Sect, new to the Starshatter Sea."
Moon True Master remained calm. "Then there is no need to rush. Do not alarm this young man. If his body refining level is sufficiently profound, he will come back to Moon Island to purchase more demonic beast meat in time. Let's observe him for now, but do not disturb him."
The disciple bowed once more. "Yes, Master. I understand."
Footsteps receded and eventually disappeared.
Moon True Master closed his eyes again, quietly absorbing the power of the moonlight, continuing his slow cultivation. He murmured to himself, "Body refiners... to enter there, more body refiners are needed..."
...
Blue Star.
Chu Xuan took out the square piece of Dark Falcon flesh. He extended his hand into it, casually pulling out the Psionic Cube. Without the Psionic Cube's supply of Psionic energy, the Dark Falcon flesh quickly shriveled, withering away and eventually losing all vitality.
Chu Xuan then took out the pitch-black piece of black magic whale meat and placed the Psionic Cube deep inside it. In the blink of an eye, the fist-sized chunk of dark meat began to swell at an astonishing rate. In the end, it transformed into a block of meat.
No matter how much of it Chu Xuan consumed, it would quickly regenerate, always maintaining a size of one cubic meter. It seemed as though the Psionic Cube contained an inexhaustible source of energy.
Sometimes, even Chu Xuan felt that the Psionic Cube was nothing short of a divine artifact in this world. With it, any living being could rapidly grow into a formidable force, dominating a planet.
Even though Chu Xuan had already reached the Nascent Soul realm, he still could not fully comprehend the essence of the Psionic Cube. However, the fact that it existed meant it had a purpose. Though he couldn't see through it now, there would come a day when he could.
Chu Xuan cut off a piece of the black magic whale meat and placed it in his mouth, chewing thoughtfully. The meat of the black magic whale was remarkably tough.
Nascent Soul cultivators who did not also cultivate body refinement would likely need to chew for a hundred breaths before managing to swallow a piece of black magic whale meat.
Moreover, they lacked the kind of powerful stomach capable of digesting such dense meat, making the process exceedingly slow.
As for cultivators of lower realms, it was a different matter altogether. A single bite could shatter their teeth. Only body refiners with sufficiently high cultivation levels could freely devour and digest such advanced demonic beast meat.
As the first bite of demonic beast meat entered his stomach, his powerful stomach immediately sprang into action. It was as if a furnace had been ignited, melting the steel-like flesh of the demonic beast.
He immediately activated the body refinement technique Thousand Refinements Dragon Elephant Art, visualizing the image of the dragon elephant. Soon, the sound of a giant beast's roar echoed within him. It felt as though a primordial dragon elephant was attempting to step into this world!
The very earth seemed to tremble beneath the force.
After a short while, Chu Xuan felt a warm sensation spreading through his abdomen. Threads of heat quickly flowed through his limbs and bones.
"My instinct was right. The flesh of the black magic whale is far more suitable for body refinement than that of the Dark Falcon."
Chu Xuan was greatly delighted, immediately increasing the speed at which he consumed the black magic whale meat.
"It's been a while since I last paid attention to the cave world. This is the perfect time to cultivate this art while multitasking. Let's see how the Fiery Holy Ant Tribe is doing now."
Chu Xuan sent out a thread of spiritual sense, connecting it to the Myriad Realm Mirror, and entered the cave world.
...
Fiery Holy Ant Tribe, Tribal Shrine.
At this moment, the shrine was silent and empty.
Lie Xiao knelt on the prayer mat, respectfully bowing three times before lighting three incense sticks.
"Great Elder, where should I go from here?"
He gazed at the spirit tablet of Lie Xin, letting out a long sigh.
"A month ago, the monarch ordered that our Fiery Holy Ant Tribe relocate to the west in order to prepare for the invasion from the Heavenly Cave Kingdom. We were given one year to complete the move.
"Ten days ago, the monarch suddenly issued an order, accusing Lie Chen of treason and having him arrested. The tribe's current strength is still far too weak. We cannot engage the enemy head-on. But if we move the entire tribe to the western border, we will eventually be worn down...
"Princess San and Princess Jiu both pleaded for Lie Chen, but they were ordered to leave, and Princess San was even punished. What should I do? Has the monarch realized that the Fiery Holy Ant Tribe is too strong and is deliberately suppressing us?"
Lie Xiao's brow furrowed deeply. Perhaps it was from too much worry, but silver strands had appeared at his temples. He gazed at the spirit tablets of the tribe's past leaders.
Lie Yong, Lie Zhao, Lie Xin...
The spirit tablets were solemn and silent, yet they seemed to speak in their own way.