Chapter 189

You should know, passing down techniques among demon beasts is far more difficult than among cultivators.

Translation: "You should know, the transmission of cultivation techniques among demon beasts is far more difficult than among cultivators."

But need to be faithful, not padded. Keep meaning.

Although demon beasts can inherit techniques through bloodline awakening, this applies only to a tiny minority with sufficiently pure bloodlines; for most demon beasts, even as their cultivation and strength increase, they rely on accumulating power over long ages.

Translation: "Although demon beasts can inherit techniques through bloodline awakening, that applies only to an extremely small number of beasts with sufficiently pure bloodlines; most demon beasts, even if their cultivation base and strength increase, rely on long years of accumulation."

Unlike cultivators, who can obtain or transmit techniques via trade, sects, taking disciples, and other means.

Translation: "Unlike cultivators, who can obtain or transmit techniques via purchase, sects, taking disciples, and various other means."

Moreover, due to the special nature of demon beast technique inheritance, what Yunhe gained was not just a single technique manual; it also included various experiences, insights, compatible spells and secret arts, plus many supporting methods for forging demonic weapons.

Translation: "But also because of the special nature of demon beast technique inheritance, what Yunhe obtained was not merely a single technique; it also included various experiences, understandings, matching spells and secret arts, as well as many supplementary methods for forging demonic implements."

However, part of it can only be unlocked after obtaining the Sever Immortal Strategy.

Translation: "However, part of these things can only be unlocked after one possesses the 'Sever Immortal Strategy'."

It feels like having a treasure mountain right before you but being unable to open it—a feeling that has troubled Yunhe for a long time.

Translation: "It feels like having a treasure mountain right before one's eyes yet being unable to open it—a feeling that has troubled Yunhe for a long time."

Fortunately

Fortunately,

Now he begins to refine the Sever Immortal Strategy; once the refinement is complete and he gains its recognition, he can truly cultivate the Profound Demon Sever Immortal Strategy and also test whether he can indeed practice two demon beast techniques simultaneously.

Translation: "Now he has begun refining the 'Sever Immortal Strategy'; once the refinement is complete and he acknowledges it as his master, he can start truly cultivating the 'Profound Demon Sever Immortal Strategy', and at the same time test whether he can indeed cultivate two demon beast techniques simultaneously."

Yunhe circulates his demonic power.

Translation: "Yunhe circulated his demonic power."

Roar!!

The onomatopoeia should be rendered as an English bear roar, e. g., "Roar!!".

With a pinch of his claws, a wisp of profound demonic flame rose.

Translation: "With a pinch of his claws, a wisp of black demonic flame rose."

Profound Demon Purifying Fire!

Translation: "Profound Demon Purifying Flame!"

Afterwards he lifted the flood dragon bones and began refining them with profound fire.

Translation: "Then he lifted the flood dragon bones and began refining them with the profound fire."

A faint "hiss-hiss-hiss" echoed in the quiet cave dwelling.

Translation: "A faint 'hiss-hiss-hiss' sound echoed in the quiet cave dwelling."

The world of cultivation.

Translation: "The world of cultivation."

In the Heaven Pillar Mountain cave dwelling lies the Poison Insect Chamber.

Translation: "Inside the 'Tianzhushan' cave dwelling, the 'Gu Chamber'."

The name should be rendered as "Heaven Pillar Mountain" and the chamber as "Poison Insect Chamber".

Thus line: "Inside the Heaven Pillar Mountain cave dwelling, the Poison Insect Chamber."

But we need to keep the structure: maybe "Inside the Heaven Pillar Mountain cave dwelling, the Poison Insect Chamber." That seems okay.

Yunhe's divine sense enveloped the modest Poison Insect Chamber.

Translation: "Yunhe's divine sense enveloped the entire modest Poison Insect Chamber."

Before him, a seemingly tranquil grayish-white insectoid creature was undergoing a strange transformation within its body.

Translation: "Before him, a seemingly tranquil grayish-white insectile creature was undergoing a strange transformation within its body."

"If we consider the soul spirit of the Corpse Soul Insect as a kind of poison, then they have already accumulated this poison to overflowing; thus, if they wish to continue holding more poison, they must change."

Translation: "\"If one considers the 'soul' a poison to the Corpse Soul Gu, then they have already accumulated this 'poison' to overflowing; thus, if they wish to continue holding more 'poison,' they must undergo a change. \""

As for the insect, the best way to change is undoubtedly

Translation: "And for the gu worms, the best way to change is undoubtedly"

Yunhe's eyes flickered as he lightly formed a seal and unleashed the Devour Insect Technique from the Thousand Insects Myriad Creatures Method.

Translation: "Yunhe's eyes flickered; he lightly formed a seal and executed the 'Devouring Gu Technique' from the 'Thousand Gu Myriad Insects Art'."

As the technique took shape, the formed grayish-white insectoid creature instantly fell apart, turning into numerous frail, thread-like tiny insects.

Translation: "As the seal formed, the formed grayish-white insectile creature instantly fell apart, turning into numerous feeble filament-like tiny insects."

After a brief moment of panic.

Translation: "After a brief panic,"

One by one, the Corpse Soul Insects lunged at each other and began to fight.

Translation: "One after another, Corpse Soul Gu flung themselves together and began to fight."

Yunhe then slowly retreated from the Poison Insect Chamber, merely casting a few more seals to strengthen the outer barrier.

Translation: "Yunhe then slowly withdrew from the Poison Insect Chamber, merely casting a few more seals to reinforce the outer restriction."

This is destined to be a brutal slaughter, and this slaughter will certainly waste a great deal of beast souls; however, it is foreseeable that the surviving Corpse Soul Insects will become stronger, and their abilities against ghosts and souls will undoubtedly increase as well.

Translation: "This is destined to be a brutal slaughter, and this slaughter will certainly waste a great deal of beast souls, but it is also foreseeable that the surviving Corpse Soul Gu will undoubtedly become stronger, and their abilities against ghosts, souls, etc., will definitely grow stronger."

However, whether the devouring process or the metamorphosis, both are destined to take a considerable amount of time, so there's no need to rush.

Translation: "However, whether the devouring process or the metamorphosis process, both are destined to take a not‑short time, so there's no need to rush."

Three months later.

Translation: "Three months later."

"Congratulations to this fellow cultivator for successfully obtaining a Blood Shaping Pill!"

Translation: "\"Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on successfully obtaining one 'Shaping Blood Pill'! \""

Inside Heavenly Palace City lies a massive auction house.

Translation: "Inside a huge auction house in Tian Palace City."

This is the auction house established by the Cloud Merchant Alliance, the largest commercial power in the Cloud Upper Realm, in Cloud Palace City, and it is also the largest auction house in the entire Cloud Palace City.

Translation: "This is the auction house established by the Yun Shang Realm's largest commercial power, the 'Yun Merchant Alliance', in Yun Palace City, and it is also the largest auction house in the entire Yun Palace City."

The auction currently underway is the Cloud Merchant Alliance's once-in-a-decade grand auction, attended not only by Golden Core cultivators but even by a few rarely seen Nascent Soul elders, demonstrating the high quality of this auction.

Translation: "What is currently taking place is the Yun Merchant Alliance's decennial grand auction; participants include not only Golden Core cultivators, but even a few Yuan Infant elders who are rarely seen, demonstrating the high quality of this auction."

Inside a certain private booth of this auction.

Translation: "Just inside a certain private booth of this auction."

Several Golden Core cultivators sat around an Eight Immortals table, watching the ongoing auction outside while sipping spiritual tea and chatting casually.

Translation: "Several Golden Core cultivators sat around an Eight Immortals table, watching the ongoing auction outside while sipping spirit tea and chatting idly."

"Fellow Daoist Yun, you're actually bidding for a Blood Shaping Pill? Could it be that you are also a body cultivator?"

Translation: "\"Daoist Yun, you actually bid on the Shaping Blood Pill? Could it be that you are also a body‑refining cultivator? \""

Fan Sanjin, whose body was filled with coiled, knotted muscles, asked in surprise.

Translation: "Fan Sanjin, whose body was packed with coiled‑rope muscles, asked with a face full of surprise."

His question was also on the minds of those seated at the table.

Translation: "His question was also what the others at the table wanted to ask."

Yunhe merely smiled, took a sip of spiritual tea, and remained silent.

Translation: "In response, Yunhe merely smiled and took a sip of spirit tea, saying nothing."

The Blood Shaping Pill is a third-tier elixir, relatively rare.

Translation: "\"The Shaping Blood Pill is a third‑tier elixir, relatively rare. \""

Although it affects only the cultivator's fleshly body, its effect is immensely powerful, aiding body cultivators in breaking through their physical bottlenecks, especially from mid- to late-stage Foundation Establishment body cultivation.

Translation: "\"Because it acts only on a cultivator's fleshly body, yet its effect is tremendous, it can assist body‑refining cultivators in breaking through the fleshly bottleneck, especially the body‑refining stage from mid‑Foundation Establishment to late‑Foundation Establishment. \""

At this moment, Yunhe's physical strength is comparable to that of a mid-tier second-rank demon beast; with the Blood Shaping Pill, he might be able to break through to reach the strength of a late-tier second-rank demon beast.

Translation: "\"At present, Yunhe's physical strength is comparable to that of a mid‑second‑stage demon beast; with this Shaping Blood Pill he might be able to break through, reaching strength akin to a late‑second‑stage demon beast. \""

Seeing Yunhe's lack of response, Fan Sanjin quickly realized his question was somewhat sensitive.

Translation: "Seeing Yunhe give no answer, Fan Sanjin instantly realized his question was somewhat sensitive."

"I was rude; let me substitute tea for wine." He raised his cup toward Yunhe and drained it in one gulp.

Translation: "\"I was rude; let tea stand in for wine. \" He raised his cup toward Yunhe and drained it in one gulp."

"Daoist Fan, you're overreacting; I merely bought it for the demon beast I keep." Yunhe waved his hands repeatedly, returned a sip, and gave a barely plausible excuse.

Translation: "\"Daoist Fan, you're overreacting. I merely bought it for the demon beast I keep. \" Yunhe waved his hands repeatedly, returned a sip, and also gave a barely plausible excuse."

Upon hearing this, everyone showed an expression of sudden realization.

Translation: "Hearing this, everyone showed an expression of sudden realization."

Judging by Yunhe's appearance alone, he hardly looks like a body cultivator.

Translation: "Just looking at Yunhe's appearance, he certainly does not look like a body‑refining cultivator."

But how many actually believe his words is a matter of personal judgment.

Translation: "But how many actually believed his words is a matter of personal judgment."

They have gathered here because of the auction of three Longevity Pills; this elixir is costly, and it determines how many spirit stones they can receive.

Translation: "They have gathered here because of the auction of three 'Life‑Extending Pills'; this elixir is costly, concerning how many spirit stones they can each receive."

Strangely, although six people entered the restriction that day, only five are present now, yet no one questions it, as if they tacitly accept the absence of Fei Ling.

Translation: "Strangely, although six people entered the restriction that day, today only five are present, yet no one raises doubt, as if they tacitly accept Fei Ling's nonexistence."

However,

Translation: "However,"

Everyone's attitude toward Yunhe has improved considerably.

Translation: "Everyone's attitude toward Yunhe has improved considerably."

Needless to say, Li Yuanfan and Fan Sanjin—who already thought Yunhe was hiding his cultivation—have always been on good terms with him.

Translation: "Needless to say, Li Yuanfan and Fan Sanjin—both had long thought Yunhe was concealing his cultivation, and their attitude had always been good."

The biggest change is still seen in Yu Ying Fairy; she, who is naturally adept at long-sleeved dance, often finds topics to chat with Yunhe a couple of sentences, but since she knows her bounds, she doesn't become annoying.

Translation: "The biggest change is seen in Yu Ying, Yu Xianzi; she, who is naturally adept at long‑sleeved dance, often finds topics to exchange a few words with Yunhe, but because she knows propriety well, she does not become annoying."

On the other hand, Qing Ling Fairy, perhaps because she recalls that day's embarrassment or for some other reason, speaks little and doesn't even glance at Yu Ying's attempts to ingratiate herself.

Translation: "As for Qing Ling Xianzi, whether because she recalls that day's embarrassment or for some other reason, she speaks little, and she doesn't even glance at Yu Ying's attempts to curry favor."

But the group, originally led by Qing Ling Fairy, now subtly shifts to follow Yunhe's lead, and no one finds it odd.

Translation: "Yet the group of five, originally led by Qing Ling Xianzi, now subtly presents itself with Yunhe as the leader, and no one feels it's amiss."

If this subtle atmosphere were noticed by unaware Golden Core cultivators, they would certainly find it strange.

Translation: "If this subtle atmosphere were seen by an unaware Golden Core cultivator, they would certainly find it strange."

After all, in terms of cultivation, Yunhe is the one who achieved Golden Core latest among the five; as for reputation, whether it's Qing Ling Fairy, Yu Xianzi, or Li Yuanfan, they all far surpass him.

Translation: "After all, when it comes to cultivation base, Yunhe is the one among the five who attained Golden Core latest; in terms of fame, whether it's Qing Ling Xianzi, Yu Xianzi, or Li Yuanfan, all far surpass Yunhe."

While the five were chatting intermittently, the auction continued.

Translation: "While the five were chatting off and on, the auction continued."

From the stage, the voice of the flamboyantly dressed and revealing female master of ceremonies rang out again:

Translation: "From the stage, the voice of the flamboyantly dressed and revealing female master of ceremonies rang out again:"

This auction item is incredible—it's a volume of the 《Yun Zhen Formation Dao》 left by the Formation Dao grandmaster Yun Zhenzi! This senior is a renowned Formation Dao grandmaster of the Cloud Upper Realm, having once set up a Fourth Level formation for a sect; I believe everyone has heard of him!

Before she could finish speaking, an impatient voice sounded: 'Although Senior Yun Zhenzi has passed away, who doesn't know of his formation arts ability? Who is unaware? Let's start quickly.'

Hehe — please allow me to add one more thing: this scroll, 'Yun Zhen Formation Arts,' contains first-, second-, and third-level formations, and does not include fourth-level formations.

After a pause, her voice spread throughout the venue: 'The starting price is eighty thousand Low-grade Ling Stones, and each bid increase must not be less than one thousand Low-grade Ling Stones.'

What?! It doesn't include fourth-level formations? Hong Ni'er, explain clearly what level the highest formation in this scroll is.

The auction hall immediately became tumultuous.

'It couldn't be that the highest is only a third-level low-grade formation, right? Then this price...'

'Please rest assured, this scroll contains a third-level medium-grade formation and also a third-level high-grade formation, which is the result of Senior Yun Zhenzi's painstaking research; it will certainly not disappoint you fellow cultivators.' Knowing it was impossible to fool these sharp people present, hostess Hong Ni'er spoke truthfully.

The inheritance of the four arts of cultivation is often the foundation of major sects and families, and they rarely take it out for auction.

Therefore, although it might be somewhat disappointing, there are still people competing to bid.

Moreover, upon reflection it becomes clear: if it contained a fourth-level formation, setting aside whether one would be willing to take it out for auction, just the price could not be this starting bid.

In the cultivation world, cherishing one's own broken broom is normal, but formation arts differ from the three paths of alchemy, artifact crafting, and talismans, with even greater limitations.

Consider this: if a formation master sets up a formation for a sect or family, but then sells the method of laying that formation and some secrets, which sect or family would still dare to use such a formation?

Not to mention that the formation might not be usable; it could even cause that power to target the formation master.

Similarly, if one sells the formation scroll, the formations within become hard to sell; otherwise, no one would know whether their own formation might suddenly be broken by someone.

Therefore, formation arts scrolls circulating in the market are exceedingly rare.

Ninety thousand!

Ninety-five thousand!

Inside the private booth.

'It is actually Senior Yun Zhenzi's formation arts scroll; even I, a humble woman, am covetous.' Fairy Yu Ying sighed.

'I've heard Senior Yun Zhenzi has descendants, right? How could he put such a precious item up for auction?' Li Yuanfan raised his hand to stroke his beard, only to find his chin clean-shaven, and he sipped spirit tea to hide his embarrassment.

'Actually, that's also a good thing.' Fan Sanjin also said, 'Formation arts depend on talent; if one lacks talent and forces study, it's better to exchange spirit stones for cultivation base, perhaps still offering a chance.'

That remark actually gained approval from several people.

'Tsk, it's already one hundred fifty thousand low-grade spirit stones—that's one hundred fifty thousand!'

Faced with this price, everyone could only stare in awe.

The number of bidders has also dwindled greatly; one hundred fifty thousand spirit stones already exceeds the net worth of most cultivators.

Moreover, as Fan Sanjin said, formation arts value talent most; sometimes it truly cannot be forced.

Just as several people were speaking, Fairy Qingling seemed to sense something and looked toward Yunhe.

Then I saw him gently set down his cup and softly say, 'One hundred sixty thousand.'

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanfan and the others widened their eyes in shock.

Actually, Yunhe was also helpless.

He also didn't want to show off his wealth in front of everyone.

Formation arts scrolls are truly too precious and rare; normally one can only buy introductory formation arts materials, and occasionally see a scroll containing a second-level formation, while scrolls with third-level formations have never been seen.

Formation arts have always been Yunhe's weak point; he doesn't use them much here, but his Demon Beast Body side desperately needs them.

After expanding his territory, he has always wanted to find suitable formation devices to set up.

However, either there were none suitable or they were too expensive; after careful consideration, Yunhe felt it would be better to learn it himself.

Although he doesn't know whether he has talent in formation arts, he believes that as long as he is willing to invest time, even if he spends ten or twenty times more time than a formation arts genius, he will surely gain something.

Even if the progress is slow, he can rely on time to gradually grind away.

Compared to other cultivators, what he lacks the least is time.

Besides, how can one know if something works without trying it?

At worst, he could try teaching it to the little fox, Qing Yao, and the White Ape King; surely one of them would have talent.

As for showing off wealth.

He has the title of a renowned artifact refiner there, so that excuse works.

Anyway, the Spirit Sense is obtained from other cultivators, yielding profit without cost.

One hundred seventy thousand!

There are still cultivators unwilling to give up, continuing to bid.

'One hundred eighty thousand.' Yunhe's calm voice also rang out across the venue again.

After a while, once Hong Ni'er inquired and no one bid, she announced that Yunhe had successfully won the item.

Having bought what he wanted, Yunhe was in a good mood; he didn't really care about the expressions of the others in the private booth, and simply drank his tea by himself.

'The next auction item, I believe, will interest all fellow cultivators present—it is the Wood Extension Pill! There are three pills! Each pill can at least extend lifespan by twenty years; it is an extremely precious elixir.'

Lifespan-extending elixir!

Upon hearing this, the venue erupted again.

And the few people in Yunhe's private booth also perked up their ears, suppressing their earlier surprise.

This concerns the profits from their previous adventure, and it should not be bad.

After the auction ended, everyone received their respective gains, all smiling broadly.

'Fellow cultivator Yunhe, I, a humble woman, reside in the West Lodging Island market; if you have time, come for tea.' Fairy Yu Ying gave Yunhe a meaningful look, then turned into a stream of light and departed.

Li Yuanfan and Fan Sanjin also each departed after saying their goodbyes.

Only Fairy Qingling remained.

'That piece of bronze is a family heirloom; I, Qingling, do not know exactly where it comes from.'

When faced with Yunhe's question, Fairy Qingling, after a moment's thought, also gave an answer.

This made Yunhe feel a little disappointed.

However, he still offered his thanks.

"Right, Daoist Yunhe, the 'Golden Ear Grass' you need might be found here."

Just as Yunhe was preparing to take his leave, Qingling Fairy suddenly spoke again.

"Oh?"

He took the Jade Slip Qingling Fairy handed over with some surprise, and a simple sweep of his divine sense obtained the information, his eyes brightening slightly.

Qingling Fairy pressed her lips, gazing at Yunhe with a somewhat complex expression, then gave a graceful bow.

"Daoist Yunhe, Qingling will take her leave now."

"Good." Yunhe also returned the salute.

Watching her departing graceful figure, Yunhe revealed a smile.

"Not bad."

He had actually obtained the news of the 'Golden Ear Grass' he most desired from Qingling Fairy.

Although he didn't get the source of the 'Immortal-Slaying Gourd', participating in this auction was still worthwhile.

The 'Blood-Shaping Pill' could further strengthen his physical body.

The 'Formation Dao Scroll' was also enough for him to study for a long time.

To him, anything that could be bought with Spirit Stones was worthwhile.

Moreover, although he spent 180,000 Spirit Stones on the Formation Dao Scroll, after selling the 'Wood-Prolonging Pill' he gained tens of thousands of Spirit Stones back, giving him the illusion that Spirit Stones were inexhaustible.

Yunhe tightened his grip on the Jade Slip.

"The He Clan of South Lodging Island?"

(End of Chapter)