Chapter 857: Everything Unknown

857. Chapter 855 Everything remains unknown

In the valley where Lu Yuan was undergoing tribulation, several cultivators were investigating the surroundings; they discovered some strange signs but could not determine exactly what had happened.

Meanwhile, Lu Yuan was already on the road back to Dream Source City; he needed to heal his wounds quickly, as dangers still existed in the wilderness.

In the valley, a golden light flew past, drawing the attention of several cultivators.

One cultivator furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed on the direction of the golden light, filled with doubt.

"What's going on with this golden light?"

"Could there be some precious treasure?"

Another cultivator raised his hand and pointed: "Look over there, there seem to be some traces, not like those left by ordinary birds and beasts."

The three quickly walked toward the spot where the golden light was, only to see ancient runes carved on a stone, flickering with a faint golden glow.

"This is……"

"The runes from the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword!"

One cultivator exclaimed.

"Could a cultivator have cast a powerful spell here?"

Another cultivator's eyes shone brightly, filled with worry.

At that moment, a gust of wind blew over, scattering the runes on the stone, leaving only a few blurred lines of text before the cultivators' eyes.

One cultivator's face changed: "Could it be……"

"Is a cultivator undergoing tribulation here?"

The three looked at each other, each feeling a hint of unease.

They knew that during tribulation, a cultivator's strength is at its weakest; should an accident occur, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Meanwhile, on the road back to Dream Source City, Lu Yuan tightly gripped the 'Cold Jade Ice Slice', exerting all his strength to withstand the pain from his injuries.

He knew clearly that this was the most dangerous moment; a moment's inattention could land him in peril, even cost him his life.

"I cannot fall; Zi Xi'er is waiting for me."

Lu Yuan gritted his teeth, using his will to support his weak body, unwilling to let his beloved worry.

In the streets and alleys of Dream Source City, people whispered and discussed animatedly.

Rumors of the mysterious event from the valley stirred curiosity among the city's residents, yet also filled them with fear and caution.

"Have you heard?"

"Something strange happened in that valley!"

"Yeah, I heard some cultivators went to investigate, but none returned."

"Could demons have appeared there?"

Rumors spread, and the city's atmosphere instantly grew tense.

Yet, in these discussions, no one mentioned Lu Yuan's tribulation, as if he had vanished into silence.

Lu Yuan urgently needed to go to Profound Heaven Sect to become an outer disciple, so he could make use of the previously exchanged spiritual artifact; however, his contribution points were nearly exhausted, and he needed to reach the sect quickly to earn more.

In the market, Lu Yuan began purchasing alchemy materials and, through conversation with shop assistants, learned about the cultivators' levels from various places.

He found that his alchemy and forging skills in the Central Province were relatively ordinary, while his formation skills were somewhat stronger.

Then, he happened upon a shop selling calligraphy and paintings; the works there contained heavenly and earthly power, possessing strong offensive capability.

After purchasing the alchemy materials, Lu Yuan arrived at that calligraphy and painting shop; a sign hung at the entrance reading 'Heavenly Earth Spirit Talisman Workshop'.

He pushed open the door; a faint fragrance wafted over him, and a middle-aged man in splendid Daoist robes stood behind the counter arranging the calligraphy and paintings.

"Greetings, sir, what do you need?"

The middle-aged man smiled and asked.

Lu Yuan's eyes flickered; he noticed that each calligraphy and painting seemed to contain a mysterious power.

He pointed to a painting on the counter and said, "This piece of calligraphy and painting looks extraordinary; could you tell me its effect?"

The shopkeeper smiled mysteriously and said, "This is a spirit talisman from my shop, named the 'Heavenly Gang Thunderbolt Talisman'; it contains thunderous power and can unleash a powerful lightning attack in critical moments, comparable to a Fobao of a Golden Core Stage cultivator."

Lu Yuan's heart stirred; he knew such a talisman would greatly benefit his cultivation.

After asking the price, he immediately produced a bag of spirit stones to pay and stored the 'Heavenly Gang Thunderbolt Talisman' away.

Just after leaving the 'Heavenly Earth Spirit Talisman Workshop', Lu Yuan suddenly felt an ominous aura pursuing him from behind.

He swiftly turned around, only to see a black shadow lunging toward him.

He hurriedly dodged, simultaneously waving the 'Heavenly Gang Thunderbolt Talisman' in his hand; a brilliant bolt of lightning flashed out, repelling the black shadow.

"It seems this 'Heavenly Gang Thunderbolt Talisman' is indeed extraordinary."

Lu Yuan secretly rejoiced, but also realized he needed to be more vigilant when acting outside.

That night, Lu Yuan secluded himself in an inn to cultivate, activating the Five Elements Escape Technique; his aura gradually condensed, as if merging with the entire earth.

He sensed an increase in his cultivation, and his resolve to move forward grew firmer.

Lu Yuan encountered Ning Chen again, who told him he had joined a sect called the Literary Ferment Institute, which focuses on the study of calligraphy and painting, not seeking empty fame but emphasizing the original heart.

The two discussed many issues concerning the cultivation world and spirit stones.

Ning Chen asked Lu Yuan why he didn't use a teleportation array to reach his destination, but Lu Yuan explained that his destination differed from where the elder who brought him here wanted to go, and moreover, using the teleportation array was costly.

Ning Chen, have you joined the Literary Ferment Institute?

Lu Yuan asked curiously.

Ning Chen nodded, speaking confidently: "Yes, there are many like-minded people there, devoted to the study of art, unaffected by worldly fame and profit."

Lu Yuan secretly envied him, also hoping to find a true place of his own.

After a moment's thought, he decided to continue exploring the cultivation world, seeking his own path.

"What plans do you have?"

Ning Chen asked concernedly.

"I plan to find a way to earn spirit stones; perhaps I can seek inspiration from alchemy or artifact refining."

Lu Yuan answered honestly.

Ning Chen smiled slightly, "Perhaps you could consider becoming a vein seeker; that is one of the most profitable professions in the Central State."

Lu Yuan's heart stirred—vein seeker?

He recalled having heard people mention this profession before, but he was not certain whether he had the aptitude.

"Vein seeker?"

He asked hesitantly.

"Yes, they can search for spirit veins, detect treasures, and it is a very popular profession."

Ning Chen explained.

Lu Yuan pondered, knowing he was not unfamiliar with the Detection Technique; perhaps this was his opportunity.

"Perhaps I can give it a try."

He made up his mind.

Lu Yuan and Ning Chen chatted while sipping tea.

Lu Yuan decided to wander through various cultivation cities during his cultivation journey to practice alchemy.

In order to accumulate the spirit stones needed for teleportation.

Although this plan would take him a relatively long time.

But he was willing to accept this challenge.

He realized he needed to improve his alchemy skills.

So as to accumulate wealth more quickly.

He wanted to visit some renowned alchemists.

Hope to learn more techniques from them. (End of chapter)