Chapter 52: 049: Refusing to leave the empty valley, the cultivation is too foolish_1 Chapter 52: 049: Refusing to leave the empty valley, the cultivation is too foolish_1 Jiang Qiang found refuge in a secluded valley.
Given his constant evasion of pursuers from Hutong Street, he had chosen an especially concealed hideout.
Packed meticulously with illusionary arrays he’d set up, the hideout was practically invincible – a rare haven in these turbulent times.
Having interacted and corresponded with Jiang Qiang numerous times, Chen Dengming quickly found the place.
The valley was filled with ancient and newly grown trees.
Towering cliffs stood on three sides.
The rugged rock walls looked as if they were cut by a knife and axed by a hatchet.
...
The cliffs were covered with velvety mosses that seemed unaffected by winter.
Looking up from the valley floor, one could only see a tiny patch of blue sky, as fresh as a newly dyed cloth.
A lean, winding path led to the depths of the valley.
However, without the knowledge of array formation, one would easily lose their way.
When Chen Dengming arrived, he used the cry of a monkey as a signal, calling out in varied tones.
Jiang Qiang cautiously showed his face, looking surprised and delighted.
“Qiangzi!”
“Brother Chen!”
Seeing Chen Dengming, Jiang Qiang relaxed significantly.
He had already learned about the events at the rendezvous point, and seeing Chen Dengming safe after the calamity comforted him completely.
The two quickly entered the valley.
Chen Dengming recounted the events he had witnessed to Jiang Qiang, who in turn shared what he had heard.
Upon hearing this, Chen Dengming’s expression darkened.
He said coldly, “I didn’t expect Xu Ning to betray the Luo family.
He even joined forces with Iron Forest Hall to strike against Hutong Street at such a crucial time.
No wonder I was ambushed by Iron Forest Hall.
It must have been this traitor who sold me out.”
Jiang Qiang shook his head.
“Hoping for loyalty and integrity from such people is like trusting that a merchant doesn’t love money.
Luckily, Brother Chen, you are powerful and managed to escape.”
Speaking these words, Jiang felt even more admiration.
Two cultivators of the fourth level of qi cultivation with six other men had surrounded Chen Dengming, but he managed to break free and escape.
It was simply against the heavens.
Jiang Qiang sighed again, “But it’s a pity.
Even though Xu Ning betrayed us and Hutong Street was dispersed, Qian Yuan still managed to escape.
He didn’t die in there.
That is truly a pity.”
Understanding that Jiang Qiang had a grudge against Qian Yuan for killing his wife, Chen Dengming patted his shoulder and said, “Now that Qian Yuan is like a homeless dog, it would be hard for him to come after you.
Concentrate on your cultivation.
The next time you meet him, you might be the one to cut him down.”
After their conversations, both decided to lie low and focus on cultivation, observing the situation outside and waiting for it to stabilize before venturing out again.
Although the valley was sparse with spiritual energy, it had the advantage of being quiet.
In the deep pool in the valley, there were spiritual fish, and by the water, there were spirit vegetables that Jiang Qiang had bought and planted.
However, due to the lack of spiritual energy and suitable soil, they didn’t grow yet.
Overall, the two found it sustainable to stay in the valley for a short while.
They wouldn’t have trouble finding food and drink for the time being.
But for a longer stay, they would have to think of another plan.
After all, Chen Dengming’s two beloved pets were also big consumers of spirit meat.
…
One reluctant to leave the secluded valley for cultivation is overly obsessed.
After cultivating in seclusion for a hundred years, when will one’s head see the light of day?
In a blink of an eye, half a month had passed.
A heavy snowfall had blanketed the valley, glistening under the sun.
The valley was filled with tree branches and trunks as thick as bowl rims, some of which had snapped under the weight of the snow, breaking in succession.
While the valley was free from wind, it was chilled to the bone.
The two wooden houses in the valley were covered in a thick layer of snow.
Inside, the charcoal fire was crackling, warming the room like a sauna.
Thin streams of wood spiritual energy were gathered inside the room.
Suddenly, several sounds like the shattering of glass erupted.
Most of the gathered spiritual energy dispersed, with just a minor part flowing towards the silhouette sitting in a Buddha-like posture at the center.
The Mini Array Spirit that was dancing let out a startle.
Its aura dimmed, and it shrank into the Array Plate, pleadingly emitting a last cry.
“Dao friends, there are no more spirit stones.
I can’t dance anymore…”
Even though she tried to suppress her feelings, Chen Dengming, who felt the fluctuations in her emotions, sensed a hint of joy from the Mini Array Spirit.
Clearly, it was delighted to find a legitimate excuse to slack off and no longer needed to dance for its oppressor.
It was thrilled at the prospect.
Chen Dengming jolted awake from his cultivation state, frowning at the now inactive Soul Snatching Array and the six shattered lower-grade Spirit Stones on the ground.
“Spirit Stones…
I’ve been using them too fast…
I haven’t even cultivated to the fourth level of Qi cultivation, and the resources at hand are nearly depleted…
Seems like, I have to go digging up the Spirit Stones I’ve stashed in other places…”
Visit freewёbnoνel.com for the best novel reading experience.
Chen Dengming got up and carefully inspected the results of his striving cultivation over this period.
“Qi Cultivation Third Level Cultivator[Chen Dengming]
Lifespan: 163/257
Spiritual Root: Metal, Wood (medium grade 50/100)
Martial Arts: “Chen Family Martial Arts Compendium” (Great Perfection)
Daoism: “Gu Refining Chapter” (Master 26/100), “Three Elements Gathering Spirit Skill” (third level 218/300), “Chen’s Dao Method Chapter” (Proficient 20/100) “Life-Shortening Cultivation Enhancement Skill” (first level 37/100), “Artifact Controlling Secret” (Master 3/100) “Vajra Shield Skill” (Beginner 29/100)”
!
Over half a month passed, and with many Spirit Stones invested in the Soul Snatching Array for cultivation, Chen Dengming’s progression speed of the “Three Elements Gathering Spirit Skill” was remarkably fast, with only two or three tenths left to break through to the fourth level of Qi cultivation.
As for the other Daoist techniques, only “Vajra Shield Skill” and “Godspeed Skill” were practiced substantially.
The former, from a novice level, has broken through to the beginner level, adding five years to his lifespan limit.
The latter was used during his occasional outings from the valley for fast travel.
Running many times, it successfully broke through to the proficient level.
After reaching proficiency in the Godspeed Skill, all of his first and second level Daoist techniques had reached the proficient level, with his Artifact Controlling Secret even reaching the master’s level.
Chen Dengming then combined all proficient-level Daoist techniques into “Chen’s Dao Method Chapter”.
In the future, if he wanted to improve, he would have to involve understanding and practicing various Daoist techniques, which would be reflected in the ‘progress’ level.
But the energy spent was still the same.
If the Daoist technique of the first level third stage like “Vajra Shield Skill” also reaches the proficient level, it could also be included in the Dao Method Chapter.
The only issue now is, as his cultivation skills improve rapidly, his Spirit Stone resources are also depleting very quickly.
After all, if he wants to achieve cultivation effects comparable to 60-70% of those in Luo Family while in a wild valley, he has to invest resources.
The over twenty lower-grade Spirit Stones he carried have now been completely depleted, and he needs to leave the valley to retrieve his bag from the several treasure hiding places.
Chen Dengming got up immediately, informing Jiang Qiang that he would be going out.
Lately, thanks to his use of the Soul Snatching Array to absorb metal and wood spiritual energy, Jiang Qiang only needed to focus on absorbing fire spiritual energy from the water, fire, and earth spiritual energy, greatly improving his cultivation efficiency.
He was also approaching the verge of breaking through to the third level of Qi cultivation.
Chen Dengming put on a human skin mask and a bamboo hat, and set off on the snow.
Without the use of Qinggong, his footsteps sank into the snow, making a ‘crunching’ noise.
With the use of Qinggong, his footsteps left no trace on the snow and in an instant, he had covered dozens of feet, leaving no trace behind.
!
Soon.
He left the valley and arrived near Spirit Moon Lake, not far from the gathering place.
His other package was in the quiet dwelling in Spirit Moon Lake.
The dwelling also included a Soul Snatching Array Disk and an Illusion Array Disk.
Once, he was wary of drawing the attention of his enemies here and did not dare to approach.
Now that the major battles between the Zhu and Luo families are intensifying, many Loose Cultivators have been forced into the conflict.
But half a month has passed, and Chen Dengming surmised that no one would be waiting for him here anymore.
He leaped onto the canopy of a large tree to observe the situation there and could see the outline of the gathering place in the distance.
Some snow-covered bodies could be seen, frozen stiff, unknown if they were cultivators or ordinary people.
Some people were even gnawing on something next to these corpses, which remained a chilling sight.
Under the harsh winter, combined with the continued intensity of the battles between the cultivators, many ordinary people who were already struggling to survive the winter were on the brink of life and death.
It was very difficult to find food, and all their energy was expended just to survive and ensure their safety, let alone forage for good food.
The cruel practice of cannibalism was now occurring.
A chill ran down Chen Dengming’s spine as he watched.
Who was to blame for all this?
It could only be said that weakness is a sin.
The cancellation of the marriage agreement between the Luo and Luo families led to this massive war between the cultivation families.
The major families haven’t shown any damage yet, while countless Loose Cultivators and ordinary people have been crushed into pieces.
He quickly concealed his presence and moved towards the secluded cultivation site.
A moment later.
A stern-faced Chen Dengming was standing in the forest outside the secluded cultivation site, squinting his eyes to observe the situation there…