Chapter 357: Chapter 314: Talisman Treasure
"I don’t think so, it’s just that my fate is like this.
Accept what cannot be changed and seize the present, that is my attitude."
Lin Jiuxiao’s face showed no sadness or melancholy. When he was a Foundation Establishment Stage disciple, he cultivated the Fire Element Technique.
He felt that a cultivator’s mindset should be as positive as the sun, shining wherever it goes.
"Very good, our generation of cultivators should have this mindset!"
Daoist Master Zhengyang praised. A cultivator’s mindset greatly influences breakthroughs.
It’s said that there is a Heart Inquiry Barrier when breaking through to the Nascent Soul. If one’s state of mind is flawed, they cannot become a Nascent Soul Daoist Monarch.
He nodded in satisfaction and continued:
"Chao Origin Stage Cultivators will open the fifth Divine Mansion much faster, and the speed of strengthening the core of the Divine Mansion will also be much quicker."
When opening the fifth Divine Mansion, the cycle of the Five Elements begins to establish, as if there is momentum pushing the cultivator forward.
Based on his experience, after the Divine Mansions are opened, the time spent on strengthening the core decreases gradually.
The time to strengthen the core of the last opened Divine Mansion is greatly reduced, only half of the first.
"When the Five Mansions are opened simultaneously, the Five Viscera and Five Qi will circulate spontaneously, and understanding the Five Elements Endless Life will not be particularly difficult.
At that time, come to me for the secret technique to guide the Five Qi, diligently cultivate it, and strive to reach the Five Qi Chaoyuan realm as soon as possible."
Lin Jiuxiao cupped his hands and said:
"Thank you, ancestor, for the guidance."
"One day, the sect will be passed on to your generation of disciples. If you all can quickly break through to the Golden Core, I can die with no regrets, unashamed of our ancestors."
Daoist Master Zhengyang said in a low voice. Among the disciples most hopeful to breakthrough to the Golden Core, the master and disciple duo Lin Qiubai are both Sword Cultivators.
Even if they achieve Golden Core, they’re not suitable for the position of Sect Leader.
On the contrary, Lin Jiuxiao has served in the Law Enforcement Hall for many years and knows how to handle various affairs.
Years later, when Junior Brother Yuxiao reaches the end of his lifespan, he would be the most suitable candidate for Sect Leader.
The sect will continue to be passed down, and one day will become a Nascent Soul Sect.
Lin Jiuxiao remained silent, as external threats are severe, and the ancestor has only a little over a hundred years left.
The sect must quickly produce a third Golden Core Daoist Master to stabilize the increasingly precarious situation.
Determination flashed in his eyes, and he said firmly:
"I will give my all and not let the ancestor’s expectations down."
The rise or fall of the sect concerns every cultivator, and he has the ability and willingness to contribute to the sect’s growth.
Moreover, achieving the Golden Core is his urgent desire!
Daoist Master Zhengyang nodded slightly and said:
"The sect paid a great price to acquire a few Gold Core Pills and spiritual objects that aid in core formation from the Middle Continent Cultivators.
As long as you meet the conditions for core formation, the sect can exchange the pills to you first."
The sect has made all necessary preparations, and now, it depends on whether the disciples live up to expectations.
Lin Jiuxiao’s eyes gleamed with delight. "Thank you, ancestor, for nurturing me."
How could such a sect not give him a sense of belonging?!
"Maintaining the sect’s heritage is my duty as Sect Leader."
Daoist Master Zhengyang said righteously. He took out a golden talisman base imbued with treasure light, with a delicate earth-yellow treasure tower sketched on it.
"You often execute missions outside, inevitably encountering dangerous situations. This is a Talisman Treasure condensed by extracting Essence Qi from my Magical Treasure, given to you for protection. It can resist attacks at the mid-stage Golden Core level."
With the Talisman Treasure, if a disciple encounters an overwhelming enemy, they stand a better chance of escaping alive.
"Ancestor, is this necessary?"
Lin Jiuxiao’s face showed astonishment, his voice somewhat choked.
His cultivation is at the Fourth Transformation of Chao Origin, placing him among the top in Chao Origin Stage cultivators. He shouldn’t need a Talisman Treasure.
A Talisman Treasure requires extracting the original energy of a Magical Treasure, causing irreversible damage to the treasure.
The ancestor only has one Magical Treasure, the Profound Yellow Tower, which is his Lifebound Magical Treasure.
For a Golden Core cultivator, a Lifebound Magical Treasure is akin to a second life, worthy of utmost care.
Moreover, a Lifebound Magical Treasure directly affects a Golden Core cultivator’s combat strength.
Daoist Master Zhengyang waved gently, his voice low:
"It’s not only for you. Qiubai and his disciples will also receive my Talisman Treasure.
The Qingxu Daoist Master of Luofeng Valley has perished. The external statement is that his old wounds recurred, and his lifespan ran out, but in truth, he was assassinated by a late-stage demon cultivator.
Who knows if this Golden Core demon cultivator values his reputation? If he attacks you all regardless of his status, the situation will be dire."
The Profound Yellow Tower is a Defensive Treasure, and since he remains in the sect, he doesn’t often use it.
Unlike ordinary Magical Treasures, a Lifebound Magical Treasure has a special connection with its cultivator. If the cultivator dies, these treasures cannot be used by others.
The materials of the treasure are stained with the owner’s aura, making it impossible to reclaim even if salvage attempts are made.
He handed over the Talisman Treasure, urging:
"When performing missions, do not leave the sect more than five hundred miles away. Caution can prevent many errors."
Lin Jiuxiao solemnly accepted it with both hands. "I will heed the ancestor’s teachings."
Daoist Master Zhengyang began to transmit instructions, telling the disciple how to activate the Talisman Treasure.
...
Cyan Cloud Immortal City, a grotto mansion on the mountain top.
Chen Sheng, with a fair face and a few strands of beard, tapped the table with his hand, his voice filled with hatred:
"The demon beasts have now all retreated, cowering on the west side of Mingfeng Mountain.
Without Chao Origin Stage demon beasts to hunt, we are short of four demon beasts to exchange for Gold Core Pills.
I’ve heard news that if there are no movements from the demon beasts within five years, the Three Sects intend to rescind the reward.
If that happens, all our efforts will have been in vain!"
When the Demon Calamity broke out, the Three Sects offered a reward of Gold Core Pills for killing twenty Chao Origin Stage demon beasts.
Later, he let out the news that he was striving to exchange for the Gold Core Pill.
The reason for being so high-profile was the fear that after completing the task, the Three Sects might not keep their promise.
So, every time he killed a Chao Origin Stage Demon Beast, he would widely publicize it.
Over the years, he and his friends have managed to complete sixteen.
Seeing that just a few more attempts would grant his wish, the Demon Kings were driven away by the Three Sects.
Now, if he wants to hunt Chao Origin Stage Demon Beasts again, he must take a risky venture to the Ten Thousand Mountains.
That’s akin to seeking death; it’s said the Demon Kings haven’t retreated yet!
Wu Long habitually touched the scar on his forehead and said:
"It’s destiny, there’s nothing to be done."
"I’m so unwilling..."
Chen Sheng gritted his teeth and sighed up at the sky; it was the only way he could get the Gold Core Pill.
He had inquired about the resources needed to trade for the Gold Core Pill from Middle Continent Cultivators, which were immense.
The key point was that Middle Continent Cultivators did not accept purchases using Spirit Stones.
Otherwise, he would have transformed into a Tribulation Cultivator long ago.
He was already over four hundred years old, and in a few more years, his vitality would inevitably begin to decline.
The time left for him, at most, was thirty or forty years.
As a Loose Cultivator, he spent four hundred years opening the Five Mansions; he figured that if he were a Sect Cultivator, he would have already achieved Gold Core.
Wu Long was silent for a moment and said:
"Brother Chen, a few days ago, an Elder from the Zhang Clan of White Stone Mountain introduced me to a seemingly extraordinary Cultivator.
He told me that even if we acquired the Gold Core Pill, the hope of Core Formation is slim.
The other party explained some critical insights, indeed secrets unheard of by us, and they sounded very reasonable."
Chen Sheng frowned slightly:
"What is the cultivation level of that Cultivator; can you probe it, dear brother?"
"I tried probing, but it’s unfathomable.
By his side, there’s a Body Cultivator at the Chao Origin Stage called ’Xiong Ba,’ and the Body Cultivator is very respectful to him."
Wu Long lowered his voice and continued:
"That Cultivator also said he has a Secret Technique for Core Formation and is willing to grant the technique if we agree to serve him.
The Cultivator’s demeanor was quite extraordinary, and I somewhat believe in him."
After speaking, he recounted the situation in detail.
Chen Sheng’s eyes were deep, and he asked:
"Can you still contact this Cultivator, dear brother?"
"The Cultivator said I could let the Elder from the Zhang Clan of White Stone Mountain relay the message, but if we were to meet again, the meeting location would be determined by them."
"Dear brother, could you reach out? I also want to meet this Cultivator."
Wu Long nodded urgently, "Alright."
...
Li Haoran descended from the sky riding on Sword Light, landing by the Cold Pool.
Ji An greeted him, clasping his hands in salute:
"Senior Brother arrived quickly, please come into the guest hall and have some Spirit Tea."
He had sent the Communication Golden Sword to inform the other party about the Treasure Plants, inviting him over to discuss the matter of rewards.
Li Haoran waved his hand, saying:
"Upon receiving Junior Brother’s message, I immediately urged Sword Escape to come; let’s take a look at the Spirit Plants first."
"Very well, Senior Brother, please."
Ji An rode the clouds in Flying Escape, and the other party maintained absolute speed harmony with him.
The two arrived at the Magma Pool, and he pointed at the Spirit Plants and said:
"Till now, I haven’t figured out what type of Spirit Plants these are, only that they’re quite extraordinary.
In the category of Treasure Plants, they should also be very rare."
He felt amazed that the Canglan Secret Realm, this little world, could foster Treasure Plants, feeling the mystical creation.
If it weren’t for being brought out by Li Haoran, he wouldn’t know to what extent they could grow in the Secret Realm.
Li Haoran released his Divine Sense to sense the life aura of the Spirit Plants, showing a bit of surprise on his face:
"A Tier One Upper Grade Spirit Plant that can foster Treasure Light is indeed rare."
He was still aware of the common knowledge that only Tier Two Spirit Plants could emit Spirit Light.
To bring such an extraordinary Spirit Plant out from the Secret Realm was something he hadn’t expected.
Upon obtaining the Spirit Plants, he believed they should have the potential of at least Tier Two Upper Grade or even Tier Two Top Grade.
Now it seemed, he had vastly underestimated, feeling as if hit by a huge surprise.
Ji An coughed lightly and said:
"Since I can’t determine the genre of the Treasure Plants, I can’t assert their value. However, regarding rewards, I’m willing to add eight pounds of Middle Grade Sword Bamboo Leaves to Senior Brother.
But it needs to be paid in four years, starting next year, with two pounds each year.
Moreover, I had promised to share a portion with Senior Brother after the Spirit Plants begin producing, and this promise remains valid forever.
Once it becomes Tier Two Spirit Plant, I’ll grant a tenth of its yield."
"Junior Brother is generous, I agree to these terms.
If someday Junior Brother learns the use of the Treasure Plant and feels it’s not worth such a great value, please inform me."
Li Haoran smiled and said, though the Treasure Plants are good, their maturation speed is slow, and the other party would have to pay a huge price to cultivate them.
This is equivalent to the other party offering ten pounds of Middle Grade Sword Bamboo Golden Leaves, purchasing a distant hope.
He wouldn’t allow himself to take advantage of others, nor would he take advantage of fellow sect members.
