Chapter 180: Repairing the Magic Treasure

Cultivation World, Douyun Island.

"Demon Beast Body can be considered a 'genius' in the Yao Shou Shijie, while Cultivator Body is comparatively difficult. Even so, the Cultivation Base increase speed of Cultivator Body is much faster than that of Demon Beast Body; this kind of racial limitation."

Yunhe slowly opened his eyes, murmuring softly.

When the Demon Beast Body broke through, the Cultivator Body was not idle; although most of the attention was placed on the Demon Beast Body, after over a hundred years of adjustment and attempts, he had long been able to do proficient dual-tasking, during this time the Cultivator Body has been refining his natal magic treasure.

He originally wanted to try the 'Year Ring Technique' to test his current lifespan.

But considering the Demon Beast Body is still consolidating its realm, the Cultivation Base isn't very stable yet; estimating the test would also be inaccurate, so he decided to wait until the Demon Beast Body finishes consolidating its Cultivation Base before saying more.

He took out the Nine-Curve Gourd and took a sip.

After he broke through to the Golden Core stage, the spiritual liquid in the Nine-Curve Gourd now enhances his bodily strength much more slowly, because it contains only Second Stage Beast Blood flesh.

"【'After finishing this gourd, we can then put the blood and flesh of the Black Heron and the Thunder-Horn Crystal Crocodile into it for refinement.'】"

Yunhe flipped his palm, and two crystal-clear spheres appeared in his hand.

One is white-crystalline, faintly exuding a cold aura, while the other is intertwined with black and gold, with tiny arcs of lightning jumping across its surface.

These two are the inner cores of the Black Heron and the Thunder-Horn Crystal Crocodile, Third Stage Beast Inner Cores!

"【'Give two cultivators who have reached Foundation Establishment perfection, they have a chance to condense an external core, possessing a Cultivation Base comparable to an early Golden Core cultivator; if their attributes match, they could even be somewhat stronger than a cultivator who has just broken through to early Golden Core.'】"

Naturally, forming an external core is many times easier than breaking through to the Golden Core realm, but it's not foolproof; the failure rate is also not low.

"【'For me, indeed, maximizing the efficacy of refining elixirs is still the best.'】"

Every part of a Third Stage Beast is a treasure.

The Black Heron's black feathers, long beak, and claws; the Thunder-Horn Crystal Crocodile's outer skin, thunder horn, and their bones are all precious materials for forging.

Especially the Thunder Horn of the Thunder-Horn Crystal Crocodile, which is almost its most precious and valuable thing aside from its inner core.

"【'The Black Heron's materials aside, the Thunder-Horn Crystal Crocodile is not a mere crocodile but a crocodile jiao; its outer skin made into talisman paper should be able to bear the 'Cloud Escape Symbol' to produce a 'Cloud Escape Talisman', whose effect should be stronger than that made from the skin of a Rotting Wood Jiao.'】"

"【'The Cloud Escape Talisman is a life-preserving talisman; under the right conditions, Yunhe still hopes to make more of them.'】"

Thus.

He took out the Thunder-Horn Crystal Crocodile's crocodile hide and began to process it.

The hide of a Third Stage Beast, especially the Thunder-Horn Crystal Crocodile which naturally possesses extremely strong defensive power, is not simple to process.

Not to mention turning it into talisman paper.

In the following days.

Yunhe, on one hand, processed the crocodile hide in preparation for making Cloud Escape Talismans, and on the other hand, inquired on Douyun Island about news concerning secret realms and elixir formulas.

Although the secret realm has been seized by multiple forces working together, it hasn't deprived rogue cultivators of the qualification to enter; as long as they purchase a slot, they can still get in, so the possibility of rogue cultivators selling elixir formulas is much higher than that of some forces selling them.

Not to mention.

Yunhe actually managed to obtain two ancient elixir formulas.

However, when he saw these two ancient elixir formulas, he understood why the other party chose to sell them, because they really aren't very useful.

One is for strengthening the foundation and replenishing primordial qi to compensate for the cultivator's bodily losses; the other is for replenishing qi and blood, the first being somewhat useful.

But the materials required for this elixir formula are by no means cheap or simple.

Quite obvious.

Because in the ancient cultivation world, resources were abundant, the materials needed for these two elixir formulas are relatively precious for today's cultivators, but for ancient cultivators gathering them was comparatively easy.

Furthermore, the ancient cultivators' cultivation system is not as perfected as now; from the powerful but single-effect ancient treasures they used, it can be seen that their cultivation path was also relatively simple, or put another way, they were more reckless than today's cultivators.

Naturally, this also inevitably causes bodily depletion and deficiency of qi and blood, thus requiring such elixirs to make up for it.

But nowadays, cultivators all cherish their reputation; even when dueling, unless there is truly a major grudge or they are fighting over precious resources, the number of times they truly go all out is still relatively low, mostly just stopping at a light touch.

However, Yunhe still spent some Spirit Stones to buy both of these elixir formulas.

Better than nothing.

Moreover, judging from the materials used, they should all reach Third Stage level; they can be used for practice to cultivate one's alchemy skills, and expanding one's elixir formula collection is also possible.

Who knows, they might actually come in handy sometimes.

What a pity.

He lingered on Douyun Island for a long time, yet never found the elixir formula he needed that could enhance his own Cultivation Base.

That day.

Yunhe was preparing to draw the Cloud Escape Talisman.

Knock knock knock—

The restriction outside his cave abode was suddenly struck.

"【'Has the rental time for the cave abode not expired yet?'】"

With this doubt, Yunhe gathered his things and went to the outside of his cave abode, opened the restriction, and saw two people standing outside the door.

One of them is his familiar old Daoist Li Yuanfan, and the other, though not inferior, has also met him once before, the Qingling Fairy of the Qingmu Sect!

Regarding their arrival, Yunhe showed doubt, but after a brief exchange, he still led the two into his cave abode.

"【'My humble abode is simple; I hope the two fellow cultivators will not stand on ceremony.'】"

Yunhe brewed a pot of spiritual tea, poured a cup for each, then smiled and said.

The faint aroma of the spiritual tea quickly filled the hall of the cave abode.

Li Yuanfan stroked his beard while looking at this indeed somewhat simple and undecorated hall, yet he chuckled and said:

"【'At a glance, one can tell Fellow Cultivator Yunhe is someone devoted to secluded cultivation; although this place looks simple, it also depends on whose residence it is.'】"

These words of his left Yunhe speechless, and he replied with a touch of self-mockery and teasing:

"【'This is a humble abode, but my virtue makes it fragrant, right?'】"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanfan and the Qingling Fairy silently holding their teacups couldn't help but brighten their eyes.

"【'Indeed, indeed.' Li Yuanfan kept nodding and stroking his beard.】"

Yunhe smiled and shook his head.

"I don't know what brings the two of you here?"

"It's like this, Qingling Xianzi wants to find a skilled artifact refiner; upon thinking, I realized Yun Daoist isn't exactly that? So I'll act as an intermediary and recommend him." Li Yuanfan said.

Upon hearing this, Yunhe looked toward Qingling Xianzi, who still wore a veil and had an air of mystery; coincidentally, Qingling Xianzi was also looking over.

Seeing her give a simple salute, a clear, bell-like voice rang out:

"Qingling often hears fellow cultivators speak of an artifact refining master on Douyun Island; I never expected it to be you, Yun Daoist."

"I dare not accept the title of master; it's merely excessive praise from fellow cultivators." Yunhe waved his hand.

"Do the two of you know each other?"

This left Li Yuanfan somewhat surprised and embarrassed.

"Just happened to meet once by fate." Yunhe gave a casual reply, then asked: "May I ask, Fairy..."

Li Yuanfan beside them, perceptive, quickly responded: "I just remembered I have some matters to attend to, Yun Daoist, Qingling Xianzi; I'll take my leave now."

Having said that, he strode out of the cave dwelling.

After Li Yuanfan left, Qingling Xianzi continued:

"I have a damaged treasure in my hand; I wonder if you have a way to repair it?"

"A treasure?" Yunhe startled, then his expression turned slightly odd: "Shouldn't the Greenwood Sect also have artifact refiners?"

"Most of the sect's artifact refiners stay within the sect, and Douyun Island lacks a teleportation array, so a round trip would take nearly a year." Qingling Xianzi explained softly.

Yunhe suddenly understood: "May I take a look? Without seeing the extent of the treasure's damage, I cannot guarantee anything."

"That's only natural."

Having said that.

Qingling Xianzi's fair, slender jade hand lightly brushed the tabletop, and a jade-green flute resembling bamboo appeared on the surface.

Its surface flowed with a hazy green glow, faintly accompanied by fluctuations of spiritual power; evidently it is a treasure of fine quality.

However, at the flute's tip, a hint of scorched black appears, clearly indicating damage.

After receiving consent with a glance, Yunhe carefully picked up the flute and slowly infused it with magical power to probe and explore.

And his eyes glimmered with a spiritual light as he examined it closely.

Seeing Yunhe employ the Spiritual Eye, Qingling Xianzi remained silent but showed a hint of surprise and some hesitation.

After a while.

Only then did Yunhe turn toward the flute, his fingers lightly tapping the tabletop, revealing a thoughtful expression.

"Yun Daoist, how is it?" Qingling Xianzi asked softly upon seeing his expression.

"Oh, sorry, I was lost in thought. This treasure can be repaired." Yunhe responded, apologetic.

Before Qingling Xianzi could show joy, he quickly added:

"However, if I'm not mistaken, this treasure is likely a replica of an ancient artifact? Moreover, it seems somewhat like a 'key' for a seal. It's just a pity that the artifact refiner who made this replica wasn't very skilled, so the imitation is rather ordinary."

"Huh?"

This time Qingling Xianzi was genuinely surprised, she glanced at Yunhe with some astonishment.

Originally she just wanted to find someone to test it, but she never expected that this Yun Daoist's artifact refining skill surpasses her imagination; not only can he see that the treasure is a replica of an ancient artifact, but he can also tell that it is a kind of seal's "key."

"Yun Daoist has eyes like torches; truly deserving of the acclaim as a master artifact refiner." Qingling Xianzi praised sincerely.

Afterwards she asked: "Qingling can provide materials; what compensation do you require, Yun Daoist? Spirit stones? Elixirs? Spiritual materials? Or something else?"

But Yunhe merely shook his head, tapped the table again, and said:

"Does Qingling Xianzi have a pill recipe? One suitable for Core Formation cultivators that can enhance cultivation base? Of course, any price difference I will make up for Qingling. Even if you have it and are willing to sell, I could repair this treasure for you free of charge."

Upon hearing this, Qingling Xianzi first froze, then showed a helpless expression.

"Yun Daoist is joking. Such pill recipes are not something a Core Formation cultivator like Qingling can decide to keep or discard; even the sect lord lacks the authority—only the Supreme Elder can decide."

Indeed.

Yunhe silently sighed.

"However." Qingling Xianzi lightly bit her teeth, as if making a decision, and gave a wry smile:

"Since Yun Daoist has discerned the treasure's function, you probably have guessed somewhat; Qingling won't hide it from you. Indeed, this treasure is the key to opening the Ancient Alchemist Master's Secret Realm."

Afterwards, she began to explain slowly.

Some of her words indeed matched Yunhe's suspicions quite closely.

This replica treasure is not only the "key" to the Ancient Alchemist Master's Secret Realm, but also the "key" to a hidden seal within the secret realm.

The Ancient Alchemist Master's Secret Realm was indeed discovered by Qingling Xianzi, after which it was occupied by her sect, the Greenwood Sect, and various other forces.

Regarding this, Qingling Xianzi didn't say much; after all, as a sect disciple, discovering the secret realm and informing the sect is appropriate.

However, in seeking this secret realm, Qingling Xianzi also has her own ulterior motives.

As for what those motives are, she didn't elaborate, only knowing they relate to the hidden seal that her flute treasure can open.

As Yunhe said, the person who fabricated this treasure had limited artifact refining skill, so when attempting to open the entire secret realm's seal, it was damaged, prompting them to seek a master artifact refiner for repair.

She hasn't even informed her sect about this, and has already invited several trusted fellow cultivators to decide to explore together.

If treasures are found within the seal, they will be distributed according to labor.

The sole condition is that if they find what she needs, they must first satisfy her requirements.

If Yunhe is willing, she can invite him to join them.

Of course, the materials for repairing the treasure will still be provided by her, and she will also pay a certain amount of spirit stones.

Within that seal, Qingling Xianzi cannot guarantee that Yunhe will definitely find the pill recipe he needs, but she thinks the possibility is not small.

"'What I've been waiting for is exactly these words of yours.'"

Actually, after confirming the function of this flute magic treasure, he had basically guessed it.

That ancient cultivator's secret realm had already been open for a while before he arrived, many cultivators had gone in to explore it, and the remaining valuable items were estimated to be scarce, so he merely tried to buy pill recipes in the market.

But this time is different.

Only Qingling Xianzi knows that seal, and only she has the "key" in her hand; obviously it has not been explored.

Moreover, the ancient pill master's secret realm has been mostly explored, and the dangers have mostly been cleared; now is the time!

Yunhe pretended to think it over, then agreed to the conditions proposed by Qingling Xianzi.

As for when to go, it depends on when Yunhe repairs this treasure.

That seal could also be discovered and forcibly opened by someone, so we need to hurry.

Regarding this, Yunhe naturally said he would do his utmost.

Qingling Xianzi also did not urge him further; after leaving enough materials and spirit stones, she took her leave and departed.

Obviously, to enter the seal and search for what she needs, she must make some preparations.

Yunhe, meanwhile, began to study this magic treasure.

With his artifact‑crafting skill, repairing it is not difficult, especially since all the materials are available.

Moreover, he hopes to gain a better understanding of the seal's "key" left inside that magic treasure, just in case.

(End of chapter)