Nine Cloud Peak, as the morning light just spread over the White Jade Square, a burst of hearty laughter came from the sky, and a crimson Escape Light raced like a flame, landing steadily in the center of the square.
As the Escape Light dispersed, the figure of Master Shi Fang revealed itself—he was barefoot, with a red gourd slung across his waist, exuding a boozy aroma, and his body was enveloped in a flowing talisman light, exuding an unrestrained boldness.
"Fellow Daoist Micro-Image, how have you been?"
Master Shi Fang laughed heartily as he stepped forward, twirling the red gourd in his hand, and took another swig.
Accompanied by the sound of "gurgling" as he drank, the liquor from the gourd trickled down the corner of his mouth, soaking the Magic Robe on his chest, yet he didn't mind at all, his eyes full of eagerness.
Chen Sheng had just finished a round of "Great Wilderness Heaven-tearing Hand" cultivation and quickly stepped forward to greet him with a laugh and a cupped fist:
"Fellow Daoist Shi Fang, what brings you to Nine Cloud Peak today? Are you here to seek some spirit wine again?"
Having known Master Shi Fang for over a hundred years, Chen Sheng was well aware of this Talisman Dao Grandmaster's nature—seemingly rough but actually meticulous, especially fond of wine, he would never leave without sharing a few jars of Spirit Wine every time he visited.
"The spirit wine can wait, today I have a great matter to discuss with you!"
Master Shi Fang waved his hand, his eyes sparkling with excitement:
"The opening of the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven is near, such a once-in-a-millennium opportunity, I specifically came to invite you to join me!"
"You possess Sword Heart and Sword Intent, and can arrange a Tier Three High Grade Sword Array, I am proficient in Talismanic Dao Breaking Ban, and my cultivation is slightly superior, our years of magical combat have been quite harmonious, this time supporting each other, we might be able to contend for the opportunity in the Secret Realm with those Golden Core Perfection Cultivators!"
As he spoke, he patted Chen Sheng's shoulder, his tone tinged with urgency:
"You must know that cultivators from all sects are forming teams, as the dangers and uncertainties in the Secret Realm make solo efforts too difficult to succeed."
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"Even Master Dust Transformation and Master of All Things, those Golden Core Perfection Cultivators, have rallied three to five friends to form alliances, though we are merely Late-stage and Mid-stage Golden Core, our methods may not be inferior to theirs!"
This is indeed the norm for Yue Country cultivators exploring the Secret Realm—not everyone is a peerless warrior who roams the world alone; teaming up and exchanging resources is the most pragmatic way to seize opportunities.
Chen Sheng, upon hearing this, merely shook his head gently, a gentle smile forming on his lips:
"I'm afraid I must disappoint you, I have no intention of going to the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven this time."
"What?"
The smile on Master Shi Fang's face froze instantly, the wine gourd almost slipping from his hand, as he stared wide-eyed, stepping forward to fix his gaze on Chen Sheng, his tone full of incredulity:
"You must be joking! The Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven! It opens once every fifteen hundred years, many cultivators never encounter it in their lifetime, even enduring to the end of their lifespan, and you say you are not going?"
He truly couldn't comprehend—although Chen Sheng was already a Tier Three Top Level Alchemist, the Nascent Fruit, such a treasure for Nascent Soul, was a fatal temptation for any Golden Core Cultivator, how could someone willingly give it up?
"It's no joke."
Chen Sheng put away his smile, his gaze becoming solemn, as he gestured for Master Shi Fang to walk with him into the cave dwelling:
"Fellow Daoist, please follow me inside for a detailed discussion."
The two of them entered the cave dwelling, Chen Sheng personally poured Master Shi Fang a cup of Spirit Tea, the tea broth emanated a faint orchid fragrance, slightly soothing his inner restlessness.
Master Shi Fang, however, was not in the mood for tea, setting down the cup to urgently persuade:
"Fellow Daoist, you must think it over! Once this opportunity is missed, the next opening will be in fifteen hundred years, neither you nor I, even the current Nascent Soul True Monarchs, might not endure until then!"
This was indeed true—although the sect's records stated the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven "opens every fifteen hundred years," a thorough investigation of historical opening records would reveal that this timing was never fixed.
It could open as early as thirteen hundred years, or as late as eighteen hundred years, fluctuations of three to five hundred years were common.
Just like the last opening, which was supposed to occur fifteen hundred years in, was delayed by over four hundred years!
Back then, those True Inheritors who waited desperately for the event, never lived to see the Secret Realm open, ultimately passing away in regret during their seclusion, never glimpsing even the entrance to the Secret Realm.
It is precisely because of such uncertainty, a few days ago in the Grand Hall of Primordial Magnetic Peak, the Inner Sect Golden Core Cultivators of the Daoist Sect could not conceal their excitement, even the usually steady Master Dust Transformation could hardly contain the joy in his heart.
For them, encountering the opening of the Grotto Heaven while at Golden Core Perfection, with lifespan still to spare, was akin to heavenly favor!
It must be understood, even for Nascent Soul True Monarchs, if unfortunate, being caught between two opening intervals, they may not encounter the opening of the Grotto Heaven.
Not only the core cultivators of the Daoist Sect, even the slightly weaker Outer Sect Golden Core, or even those cultivators born from Loose Cultivators, harbored similar thoughts.
Such an opportunity, once encountered, is a divine gift!
Such thoughts have long been ingrained in every cultivator's bones, becoming their greatest motivation to take risks willingly.
Even though they know, the Secret Realm is fraught with dangers, the hope of obtaining the Nascent Fruit is slim, more likely they would only be able to scavenge some ordinary Spiritual Materials in the peripheral areas, possibly even encountering misfortune.
But no one willingly gives up—the path of a cultivator is inherently about seizing opportunities amidst risks, seeking breakthroughs in dire situations, as long as there is a sliver of hope, they're willing to venture.
After all, missing such a chance is missing it for a lifetime.
The more Master Shi Fang spoke, the more excited he became, gesturing with his hands:
"In the Secret Realm, besides the Nascent Fruit, there are Nine Bends Profound Ginseng, Soul-Stabilizing Treasure Marrow, these Nascent Soul Spiritual Materials, even if you don't get the Nascent Fruit, finding a few spiritual materials will greatly aid your Nascent Soul breakthrough!"
"The Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven is vast. Let's be cautious and avoid those Killing Stars. Exploring some remote areas will surely yield rewards."
"Think about it, if you can find a few pieces of Tier Four Golden Materials in the Secret Realm, your Lifebound Flying Sword could progress further, even cultivating it into a Quasi-Tier Four Spiritual Treasure, wouldn't that be ideal?"
Chen Sheng listened quietly and only after he finished speaking did he slowly reply:
"I appreciate your kind intentions, Fellow Daoist, but I have contemplated deeply — for me, the only temptation in the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven is the Nascent Fruit."
"Given my current Cultivation, facing those at Golden Core Perfection, especially the True Sword Child of the Myriad Swords Sect, the chances to compete for the Nascent Fruit are too slim. Rather than taking the risk, it's better to act prudently."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the Spirit Fruits on the table, his tone carrying a touch of calmness:
"As for other Nascent Soul Spiritual Materials, the Daoist Sect Treasure Vault already has reserves. As the Master of Danming Hall, I may be able to exchange for them with contributions in the future."
"Moreover, the High Tier Spiritual Materials that Golden Core Cultivators obtain in the Grotto Heaven will gradually flow into the market, and I can refine a few furnaces of Elixir Pills to exchange for them."
Upon hearing this, Master Shi Fang slightly paused the hand holding the teacup, gradually understanding Chen Sheng's underlying message.
It wasn't that the other party disregarded those Spiritual Materials, but rather found that obtaining them from the outside world was safer compared to taking risks for non-essential opportunities, not worth the risk of falling.
He looked at Chen Sheng and suddenly remembered that the latter was only two hundred and sixty years old, yet already a Tier Three Top Level Alchemist and Master of Danming Hall.
While he himself, over four hundred years old, was only a Late-stage Golden Core and Tier Three High Grade Talisman Dao Grandmaster, the foundation between the two was inherently different.
"Fellow Daoist... I am utterly convinced."
Master Shi Fang put down the teacup, the urgency in his eyes gradually dissipating, replaced by genuine admiration, as he stood and cupped his hands towards Chen Sheng:
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"To be able to decisively choose even such a great opportunity without being swayed by greed, truly a great man! If it were me, even knowing the dangers of the Grotto Heaven, I would definitely be unable to resist taking a chance."
Chen Sheng smiled and waved his hand, his tone carrying a hint of sincerity:
"I wasn't so resolute at the beginning either; I hesitated for a long time."
"However, I already handed over the Ancient Yue Token issued by the Sect to the Chen Clan Commerce Association to auction, thus eradicating any disturbance, which completely restored my usual mindset."
In fact, if not for Chen Sheng possessing the unparalleled opportunity of the Hundred Generations of Reincarnation, he might have been like Master Shi Fang, willing to face the risk of falling to enter the Secret Realm to strive for a Nascent Soul opportunity.
"Even the Token was auctioned off?"
Upon hearing this, Master Shi Fang was even more shocked, then he raised his thumb with a hearty laugh, saying:
"Fellow Daoist, such a mindset, truly admirable!"
"Forget it, forget it. Since you've made up your mind, I won't persuade you further. When I come out from the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven, should I find any good Spiritual Materials, I will certainly come to you to exchange for a few furnaces of Elixir Pills!"
Chen Sheng nodded with a smile, standing up to see him to the entrance of the cave abode:
"Then I shall await your good news, Fellow Daoist."
Master Shi Fang drank a mouthful of wine, transformed into a scarlet red Escape Light, and gradually disappeared into the Cloud Sea.
Chen Sheng looked in the direction he left, lightly nodding his head.
Though the opportunities in the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven are good, to him, steadily accumulating strength and making a gradual progression towards Nascent Soul was the most suitable path.
...
The main hall of the Three Elements Dao Sect is located at the peak of the Sect's main mountain.
The hall is constructed with Cloud Pattern Stone, with thirty-six fist-sized Luminous Beads embedded in the roof, emitting a gentle yet dignified light even in daylight.
True Monarch Chong Xu, dressed in a purple-golden Daoist Robe, sits at the Jade Throne at the head of the hall, with a Water Mirror suspended in front of him, clearly reflecting the names and combat strength evaluations of the Golden Core Cultivators of each lineage.
He taps lightly on the Water Mirror with his fingertip, occasionally annotating beside the names, as the pressure from the surrounding Nascent Soul permeates the air within the hall with intense gravity.
Suddenly, he flicks his finger, and several Spirit Lights float in the hall, manifesting as several Treasures radiating strong auras, each a genuinely valuable item.
At the center, a pale golden infant the size of a fist hovers within a Glazed Shield, breathing gently like a sleeping infant, surrounded by dense Talisman patterns, faintly revealing the flow of Spiritual Power inside.
Beside it is a folding fan with the feathers of five kinds of Spiritual Birds - Golden Roc, Peacock, White Crane, Swan, and Owl - painted on its surface, with fan bones made of unknown blood-colored Spirit Wood. The edge of the fan emits a soft flame halo, exactly the Tier Four Bloodline Spiritual Treasure Five Beasts Li Fire Fan.
Next to it is a faint blue cover...
True Monarch Chong Xu's gaze falls on the Talisman Infant, a hint of solemnity flashing in his eyes.
This Talisman Infant is a supreme treasure painstakingly refined over three hundred years by a Tier Four Talisman Dao Grandmaster of the Sect. It uses thousands of sheets of Tier Three Talisman Paper as the base and incorporates a Dead Infant from a Nascent Soul True Monarch who has reached the end of their lifespan.
Functionally similar to an Outer Pill, cultivators can remove it at any time, and after refinement, though it cannot extend lifespan or grant the Divine Techniques of a true Nascent Soul Cultivator, it provides Nascent Soul level Mana, enough to crush Golden Core Cultivators.
However, the existence of this Talisman Infant is only a thousand years, requiring dozens of High Tier Spiritual Materials to refine, making it extremely rare, with only one left in the Daoist Sect now.
True Monarch Chong Xu taps the Water Mirror with his finger, and a golden light shines beside Master Qian Yuan's name:
"The Talisman Infant is entrusted to Master Qian Yuan for refinement."
"He is originally a Tier Four Lower Grade Array Grandmaster, skilled in setting up the 'Tier Four Killing Array', yet limited by the Mana of his Golden Core Perfection, unable to fully wield the Array's power. If supported by Nascent Soul level Mana, he will surely secure a Nascent Fruit in the Secret Realm."
Afterwards, his gaze turns to the Five Beasts Li Fire Fan, and the Golden Roc image on the fan surface seems to sense his scrutiny, glowing faintly red.
This Tier Four Bloodline Spiritual Treasure was left by a Nascent Soul True Monarch and Artifact Refining Grandmaster of the Daoist Sect, incorporating countless bloodline restrictions during its creation, only to be activated by descendants of that Grandmaster's bloodline, with the denser the bloodline, the stronger the Spiritual Treasure's power.
The fan seals the Flame Divine Techniques of five kinds of Spiritual Birds, capable of drawing upon some of the Spiritual Treasure's power even when wielded by non-Nascent Soul Cultivators, far surpassing the most top-tier Magical Treasures in power.
"The Five Beasts Li Fire Fan is entrusted to Master Shi Peng."
True Monarch Chong Xu taps the Water Mirror lightly again, causing Master Shi Peng's image to enlarge—this young man in the mirror, clad in a red Daoist Robe, with a handsome appearance and vigorous Spiritual Power, has already reached Golden Core Perfection Cultivation.
"He is currently the Zhao Clan descendant with the richest bloodline. Though young and not as seasoned as those few Daoists, with the support of a Spiritual Treasure, he can invoke the Golden Roc True Fire and wield some of the Spiritual Treasure's Divine Techniques, capable of contending with the Sword Children of the Myriad Swords Sect and the Saint Children of other Sects."
"As for the Vast Sea Qiankun Shield..."
Having allocated a series of invaluable Treasures, ensuring the Daoist Sect's baseline harvest in the Grotto Heaven.
True Monarch Chong Xu begins counting the life-saving Spiritual Objects prepared for some core Cultivators.
The Tier Four Teleportation Talismans prepared for the core leaders of various lineages, the Breaking Ban Scrolls prepared for Array Cultivators... each of immense value, all painstakingly collected or refined treasures of the Daoist Sect.
Just then, a Communication Jade Talisman flickers, and as True Monarch Chong Xu extends his Divine Sense into it, his eyebrows slightly raise, a trace of surprise flashing in his eyes:
"I recall this individual, though only at Mid-stage Golden Core, has already grasped Sword Heart and Sword Intent, capable of deploying a Tier Three High Grade Sword Array."
"Previously evaluating his combat strength, among Mid-stage Golden Core he's already at the pinnacle, enough to rival ordinary Late-stage Golden Core Cultivators, yet he directly gave up?"
He sets down the Jade Talisman, yet a smile curls at the corner of his mouth:
"I've heard this individual has never left Three Elements Immortal City, truly cautious, abandoning even the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven—what boldness!"
It should be noted, Chen Sheng is the Daoist Sect's key prospect for nurturing a Tier Four Alchemy Grandmaster.
Currently, at two hundred and sixty years of age, he's already a Tier Three Top Level Alchemist, with Alchemy talent far surpassing his peers, and given time, might not be unable to break through to Tier Four.
The Daoist Sect had already prepared a Tier Four Void Shifting Talisman and a Tier Four Golden Light Talisman for him, to prevent any mishaps in the Secret Realm, but unexpectedly received his message of withdrawal.
"It's just as well, saving the need for preparing life-saving items for him."
True Monarch Chong Xu laughs and shakes his head, directing his gaze back to the Water Mirror, but this time, adding a remark beside Chen Sheng's name:
"Calm temperament, profound potential, worthy of focusing on Alchemy development."
Soon after, True Monarch Chong Xu completes his arrangements, gazing at the densely packed list of Cultivators in the Water Mirror, formulating a comprehensive plan for exploring the Grotto Heaven.
With Master Qian Yuan and Master Shi Peng among other core Cultivators leading teams, along with the coordination of all lineage Cultivators, the Daoist Sect is certain to obtain enough opportunities in the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven to foster several new Nascent Soul True Monarchs for the Sect.