Chapter 575

mayiwsk

"Did it fail?"

"Yes."

"No rush, this piece of Hidden Dust Sand is of the third-tier perfection grade and can withstand your tinkering; just try a few more times."

"That is all I can do."

On this day, such a conversation came from inside the ship's cabin.

The Daoist rubbed his temples with his thumbs continuously.

To be able to make a cultivator whose spiritual sense was comparable to the late Core Formation stage feel so exhausted, one could see how mentally draining it was to weave the magic power circulation route on the Hidden Dust Sand.

The reason for such difficulty was not only Luo Chen's own shallow methods but also that Han Zhan himself had never practiced the Primordial Elixir Technique, leaving him unable to provide Luo Chen with detailed guidance.

They could only grope their way forward step by step.

However, as Han Zhan said, fortunately, this piece of Hidden Dust Sand was of an extremely high grade and could withstand his tinkering.

If it had been ordinary third-tier Hidden Dust Sand, it would have been ruined after at most two attempts; not to mention the cost, the energy expended would not have been worth the gain.

Exhaling a breath of turbid air, Luo Chen's mental fatigue seemed to be relieved as well.

Next, he had to rest well for a while.

To carve a complete magic power circulation route on an exotic object and ensure it could run without obstruction was a task of unimaginable difficulty. Therefore, every time he failed, Luo Chen would rest for a period to recuperate and prepare for the next attempt.

However, this time, Han Zhan finally could not hold back.

"You've absorbed all the energy inside the Hidden Dust Sand, haven't you?"

Luo Chen raised an eyebrow, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Of course!"

He had not only absorbed it all, but his cultivation had also surged by twenty percent of progress without him noticing, bringing him one step closer to the fifth level of Core Formation.

If outsiders knew that the magic power stored in a third-tier perfect-grade Hidden Dust Sand had only increased a fourth-level Core Formation cultivator's progress by twenty percent, they would surely curse Luo Chen for wasting heaven's gifts.

But Luo Chen knew clearly that although he understood the essence of the power, his conversion process was still quite crude.

Therefore, most of the energy had been wasted during the conversion process.

Being able to gain twenty percent progress was already a stroke of extreme luck, saving him several years of bitter cultivation.

Han Zhan's spirit lifted, "Your magic power state has reached its peak, and you are about to rest briefly, so why not..."

Luo Chen smiled, and a piece of black wood about an inch long appeared in his hand.

"It's not impossible, but..."

Looking at the black wood in his hand, Luo Chen's smile gradually faded, becoming somewhat solemn.

He had been putting it off all along, not because he didn't keep his word.

It was truly because the baleful energy stained on the Soul-Nourishing Wood had made his heart jump with fear the very first time he touched it.

His subconscious reaction made him refuse to clear the baleful energy.

It was precisely because of this that he had made one excuse after another.

Han Zhan watched this scene, his tone somewhat anxious.

"You promised me!"

Luo Chen looked up and blinked his eyelashes, "I have a premonition that the baleful energy that makes Core Formation cultivators avoid it and Nascent Soul True Persons don't want to touch is not some ordinary thing."

"You have the Great Completion Dragon-Slaying Technique in your hands, what is there to worry about? Besides, this wisp of baleful energy is merely a remnant; as long as you spend a little more effort, I believe you will definitely be able to remove it," Han Zhan said urgently, his urgent tone also carrying a sense of coaxing.

Luo Chen bit his lip, frowning and pondering for a long time.

In the end, he nodded slightly.

It wasn't because of anything else, but because of what Han Zhan had said earlier—that he had promised the other party.

For the sake of this Soul-Nourishing Wood, Han Zhan had indeed paid a huge price.

The Primordial Elixir Technique, the Core Formation Elixir formula, helping him set up formations, taking action against the Blood Nightmare Demon Luo, and even finding time to help him erase the imprints on his storage bags.

Now that things had come to this, if he went back on his word, it would truly be unjustifiable.

Of course, before starting, the corresponding protective measures still had to be done well.

Luo Chen mobilized the magic power in his body, and a layer of azure light screen slowly appeared on his body.

It was precisely the water-attribute defensive magic spell he was most proficient in—the Glazed Sky Curtain.

At this moment, it was extremely shrunken, tightly enveloping Luo Chen, with defensive power not inferior to any top-tier third-tier defensive magic spell.

Not only that!

Luo Chen took the God-Sealing Compass, placed a few top-grade spirit stones into it, activated a protective formation, and protected his main body.

Finally!

A wisp of black light spread out from the depths of Luo Chen's sea of consciousness.

After years of refining, almost reaching the level of a mid-grade magic treasure, the Rotten Wood Black Chess also unfolded its spiritual sense defense.

Magic spells, formations, magic treasures!

With all three working together, it could be called foolproof.

Even so, before starting, Luo Chen still said a word to Han Zhan.

"If things go wrong, Senior will have to take action to protect me."

Seeing Luo Chen so cautious, Han Zhan couldn't help but feel both amused and annoyed, but he also solemnly agreed.

Afterwards, Luo Chen formed spiritual seals toward the black wooden strip floating in the air, half a foot away from him.

Dragon-Slaying Technique, a fourth-tier magic spell.

Originating from the Five Elements God Sect of the Eastern Wasteland.

The effect of the magic spell is to clear away heterogeneous magic power.

After years of cultivation, Luo Chen had long since practiced it to the level of Grandmaster proficiency, just one step away from Great Completion.

At this moment, it was just right to take the opportunity to clear the baleful energy on the Soul-Nourishing Wood and improve his proficiency to Great Completion.

Streams of magic power circulated, combined with hand seals, forming a special output method.

A sharp momentum formed on Luo Chen's palm.

He brought his palms together like a blade and slashed down.

It was as if even a real dragon in front of him would be slashed under his palm.

Luo Chen's force was powerful, but the angle was extremely precise, brushing past the physical body of the Soul-Nourishing Wood.

The first slash was as if it existed or not.

The second slash was like falling into cotton.

Just as Luo Chen's third slash fell, strange phenomena suddenly arose.

An extreme aura broke through the formation of the God-Sealing Compass in an instant and crushed the azure light screen.

"Senior..."

Luo Chen widened his eyes and shouted sharply.

However, before he could finish, the last layer of black halo was also broken through after a moment of stalemate.

Too fast!

The peerlessly tyrannical aura broke through Luo Chen's foolproof defenses in an instant and rushed straight into the depths of his sea of consciousness.

In an instant, Luo Chen felt as if he had fallen into an abyss.

Ghostly shadows were everywhere, and the heavy buildings were gloomy!

"What kind of place is this?"

In a trance, Luo Chen looked at the illusions in all directions; his originally powerful spiritual sense foundation was now as fragile as an infant's.

And the next moment, within the gloomy buildings, the thousands of ghost shadows that had been bound suddenly flew out and pounced toward Luo Chen's spiritual sense.

"My life is over!"

Just as this thought crossed Luo Chen's mind, the next moment he saw a green light burst forth within his sea of consciousness.

"Luo Chen, wake up!"

In the thunderous shout, Luo Chen woke up as if from a dream.

His entire body was covered in cold sweat, as if he had been fished out of water.

He trembled all over and couldn't help but say, "What exactly was that?"

Outside the Ten Thousand Soul Banner, Han Zhan's Nascent Soul infant had already floated out.

At this moment, his phantom brows were also tightly furrowed, and he said uncertainly, "It should have been caused by the owner of this remnant baleful energy. But what kind of thing was this person, and how powerful were they, that just a wisp of baleful energy could make a fully prepared Core Formation cultivator feel as if they had fallen into an abyss?"

"Senior, how about... next time?"

Luo Chen said tentatively, his heart starting to retreat.

The Nascent Soul infant glanced at Luo Chen and said coldly, "Strike while the iron is hot!"

Seeing Luo Chen frown, the Nascent Soul infant sighed and forced a smile.

"Don't be afraid!"

"You saw it too; although this baleful energy carries powerful mental influence, your spiritual sense defensive magic treasure can block it for a moment."

"Plus, with me, a Nascent Soul True Person proficient in spiritual sense secret techniques by your side, I can ensure you won't sink into that illusion."

"Try again, try again!"

Luo Chen forced a smile and remained silent.

Han Zhan did not urge him and just waited quietly for Luo Chen's reply.

During this process, he would occasionally float beside the Soul-Nourishing Wood, observing the wisps of red mist being stimulated on the black wood.

After a long while, Luo Chen nodded slightly.

"Try again."

"Good!" Han Zhan was overjoyed, "Don't worry, this time I will definitely be prepared in advance to ensure you aren't too heavily influenced."

"I hope so."

Luo Chen glanced at Han Zhan and then began to repeat the previous actions.

Although the previous magic spells and formations seemed to have had no effect, he still rearranged them and even added a few more layers of Glazed Sky Curtain.

Perhaps it was just broken too quickly, not that it was useless?

Just like before, Luo Chen formed seals, mobilized magic power, and cast the Dragon-Slaying Technique.

Compared to the previous unhurried pace, this time the counterattack of the baleful energy on the Soul-Nourishing Wood came even faster.

Ghostly shadows were everywhere, and the heavy buildings were gloomy.

A familiar scene appeared in Luo Chen's mind.

The green light also bloomed in an instant, protecting Luo Chen as he walked out of the illusion.

"Again!"

"Yes."

"Again!"

"Rest for a bit."

"Continue!"

"Senior, I seem to have gained some insight."

"Oh, then try again!"

The sun rose and the moon set, the tide rose and the tide fell.

Without knowing it, three days of time slipped away.

At the moment the morning sun rose, Luo Chen finally slashed down with his palm in the air, causing the Soul-Nourishing Wood to tremble in the void.

Seeing this, Han Zhan's expression was filled with great joy.

"Did it succeed?"

Luo Chen replied wearily, "It can be considered a success!"

"What do you mean by 'can be considered'?" Han Zhan was surprised.

Luo Chen explained carefully, "Although it seems like there is only a wisp of baleful energy, this wisp of baleful energy is too massive for me and is deeply rooted. I have only found the angle to shake it; to completely clear it, it will require a long, arduous process."

Han Zhan suddenly realized.

Although he was still impatient in his heart, he still comforted him kindly, "It's good that you've found the method; take your time, I'm not in a hurry."

Luo Chen glanced at him with a half-smile, making the Nascent Soul infant feel awkward.

"Fine, I am a little in a hurry."

"I'll rest for two days first; once my spirit recovers, I'll continue, and I'll call you then."

After saying this, Luo Chen didn't wait for Han Zhan to agree and lay down on the bed, falling into a peaceful sleep.

Han Zhan carefully put away the Soul-Nourishing Wood, his eyes filled with endless hope.

This was the most critical step related to his soul-shaping and re-cultivation.

Whether he could restore his Nascent Soul realm in the future depended on this.

Time passed slowly, and the giant ship rode the wind and waves, sailing rapidly.

Half a year passed, and they were getting closer and closer to Whale Port.

If it weren't for the detours to avoid the righteous-demonic war, they would have arrived at their destination long ago according to the estimates.

But fortunately, nothing happened along the way.

Seeing that they were about to reach their destination, the atmosphere on the ship became more and more restless.

Whale Port was just a port; in reality, they were going to Divine Origin City.

That was a massive city with an incredibly vast area, which could be called a super-large city in the entire Five Continents of the Mountain and Sea World.

If compared to the thirty-six domains of the Eastern Wasteland, just one Divine Origin City could top one domain!

The fact that the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect could possess such a giant city in the Northern Sea showed their influence.

It is rumored that when the Primordial Demon Sect was still around, Divine Origin City wasn't this big; it was only in the last hundred years that Divine Origin City expanded crazily, reclaiming land from the sea and moving mountains to achieve its current scale.

However, this situation is also very common now.

It's not just the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect doing it; other forces are also doing it unscrupulously.

The Mount Langya Mountain cultivators on the ship couldn't wait to rush to Divine Origin City, wanting to see the scenery there.

I heard that it is extremely prosperous there.

It gathers resources from the Five Continents and is also the first choice for cultivators from the Five Continents to come to the Northern Sea.

Even Dao Sect disciples appear there from time to time.

Of course, there are exceptions, and Luo Chen on the ship is one such exception.

Right now, he had his eyes closed, skillfully casting one Dragon-Slaying Technique after another.

Beside him, Han Zhan had his eyes wide open, staring fixedly at the target enveloped by the magic spell.

Suddenly.

Luo Chen opened his eyes.

"What's wrong?" Han Zhan asked without turning his head.

Luo Chen stopped his movements, "Senior, you can utilize even such a small piece of Soul-Nourishing Wood. I wonder, can the method be shared with me?"

Han Zhan turned his head abruptly, "Raising the price while sitting?"

Luo Chen smiled, "If it's not possible, then forget it; I was just saying."

With a light laugh, he resumed his movements.

Seeing that the baleful energy on the Soul-Nourishing Wood was about to be detached, and an aura that made cultivators' souls feel refreshed was about to emerge, Han Zhan couldn't help but say, "It's just a minor technique; I'll pass it to you when the time comes, just hurry up."

Luo Chen's spirit lifted.

"Deal!"

It was worth the half-year he had spent, countless times of mental exhaustion, clearing the baleful energy for Han Zhan, and now he had an extra income.

To be honest, he hadn't expected clearing this baleful energy to be so difficult.

Even with the Dragon-Slaying Technique practiced to the Grandmaster level, and the birth of new special effects, he could only do it bit by bit.

Now it seemed, it was worth it.

With a thought, the Dragon-Slaying Technique came naturally.

Outside the room, Tian Yu Xuan stood gracefully, seemingly having waited for a long time.

She would occasionally look at the scenery outside the window, and occasionally her gaze would fall on the formation of the room.

"Master, we are almost there, why haven't you come out of seclusion yet?"

A dull sound rang out, and the long sails fell down.

The many spiritual lights covering the Mount Langya Ship also gradually extinguished.

On the deck, cheers came one after another.

"We're here!"

"Finally here!"

"This is my first time leaving Mount Langya Mountain; I didn't expect that my first trip far away would involve drifting on the sea for a full year."

"Is that Whale Port ahead?"

"My god, look under the water, so many dragon whales."

"Good heavens, these are third-tier dragon whales; the Heavenly Origin Dao Sect is actually this extravagant, using third-tier dragon whale kings to pull ships. I don't even dare to imagine how fast that speed must be."

"That's why they say the Heavenly Origin Merchant Alliance's business is the biggest in the Five Continents; their speed is truly unparalleled. I heard that in the Western Desert's Vast Sea, they even have Earth-Shaking Divine Oxen pulling carts."

"Get ready, load the cargo, we're about to disembark!"

On the top floor, the Second Elder of Mount Langya Mountain stood with one hand behind his back, stroking his beard with the other, his eyes filled with a sense of relief.

Finally arrived safely.

Business was secondary; settling this batch of sect seedlings meant Mount Langya Mountain wouldn't put all its eggs in one basket.

Even if something happened in the future, there would still be a chance for a comeback.

"I don't know how the righteous-demonic war is going now."

"After going ashore, I must find an old friend to ask about the situation. I imagine that although Divine Origin City is far away, the intelligence there must be well-developed."

Just as the Second Elder was muttering to himself, his expression suddenly changed drastically.

An extremely terrifying feeling, as if a disaster was imminent, surged from his heart.

He looked down abruptly.

He saw a cryptic aura break through layers of formations and soar into the sky from a room on the second floor.

The aura was so fierce that just by sensing it slightly, his heart jumped with fear.

But just as he was bristling like a cat, the aura reached the sky and then dissipated without a trace.

"What was that?"

The Second Elder swallowed his saliva.

Suppressing the fear in his heart, he armed himself fully, activated his defensive magic treasure, and a three-inch small sword flew around his body with a swish, and he landed at that room.

As soon as he landed, he found that the room was already empty.

"Someone come!"

Soon, several figures landed behind him.

Looking at the empty room, the Second Elder felt terrified in his heart, but he didn't show it on his face.

"Who was staying in this room?"

Everyone looked at each other, and finally, Wang An stepped forward.

"Reporting to the Second Elder, it was a loose cultivator named Murong Yuan."

"Murong Yuan?" The Second Elder frowned. He had never heard this name before; he assumed it was an alias.

He had intended to reprimand Wang An for bringing someone on board without knowing their background.

But after some thought, he ultimately held back the harsh words.

Someone who could make him fail to notice them, and even unleash such a terrifying aura, was not someone that a mere Foundation Establishment disciple could see through.

"Elder, what's wrong?" Wang An was still somewhat confused, and at the same time, he was muttering in his heart about how this Daoist Murong had left without saying goodbye before the ship had even docked properly.

The Second Elder waved his hand, "It's nothing, just that in the future, you must be careful not to make friends with loose cultivators whose backgrounds you don't know. Especially since Divine Origin City is relatively close to the Ten Thousand Immortal Assembly, there are many loose cultivators there, and among them, there is no lack of those who moonlight as robbers; be careful in everything."

"Yes!"

Listening to the disciples' unanimous response, the Second Elder nodded and took a deep look at the room before turning and leaving.

In the end, he didn't even dare to enter the room.

It was as if that wisp of terrifying aura still remained inside.

(End of chapter)