bayedsolid Chapter 368 Returning to the Land of Smoke
Chapter 368 Returning to the Land of Smoke
After several attacks, the damage to the fire beetles was limited, but it also depleted Yunmiao Zhenjun's already limited mana.
As a Nascent Soul True Monarch, the power of his spells and supernatural abilities is immense, but the cost is naturally not low either.
However, on ordinary days, when a Nascent Soul True Monarch mobilizes the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, it does not consume much of his own magical power.
However, within the Forbidden Land of the Yellow Springs, all the consumption of magical power must be borne by oneself, which is extremely difficult for a Nascent Soul cultivator like True Monarch Yunmiao.
However, Yunmiao Zhenjun's offensive was not entirely useless; it at least slightly hindered the movement of the fire beetle swarm, buying the two of them an opportunity.
Next, the two returned the way they came and retreated from the shore of Yellow Springs Lake.
Some 'Nether Beasts' avoided them at all costs. When they came into contact with these enraged fire beetles, the flames intensified after they came into contact with the bluish-green flames, until they were burned into stark white bones. With a 'thud,' the bones scattered on the ground and turned into dust when they struck each other.
Upon seeing the 'Nether Beasts' that had previously chased the two, Lin Changsheng realized that what these 'Nether Beasts' feared was these strange fire beetles.
……
The two ran for hundreds of miles in one go, but unfortunately the fire beetles behind them seemed determined to fight to the death, relentlessly pursuing them.
During the journey, True Monarch Yunmiao used his Frost Divine Power multiple times, completely exhausting his internal magical power. He even relied on Lin Changsheng's Body Refinement Realm to escape.
"No, if this continues, we'll be burned to ashes by these fire beetles sooner or later."
Lin Changsheng silently observed the fire beetles behind him, no longer bothering to hold back his abilities.
He gently embraced Yunmiao Zhenjun's soft body with one hand, while using the other hand to continuously activate top-tier third-order spell runes, attempting to slow down the speed of the fire-armored insect swarm behind him.
But the effect was minimal; in fact, the buzzing sound of wings flapping seemed to get even closer.
The only time it seems to be used is when using the Thunder Talisman, which has a certain restraining effect on these fire beetles.
Whenever the lightning talisman is activated, a large amount of lightning-attribute energy surges forth. These fire beetles seem to avoid it and try to bypass it. Only a few that cannot avoid it are blasted apart by the lightning arc.
Even so, it was still a drop in the ocean for Lin Changsheng.
Although he had a considerable reserve of third-tier lightning runes, he still couldn't kill all of these fire beetles.
One day later.
After Lin Changsheng consumed a large number of magic runes, the number of fire beetles seemed to have decreased.
In order to conserve magical talismans, Lin Changsheng used another natal magic weapon, the 'Five Thunder Fan', for the first time.
From afar, a magic fan encircled by lightning arcs floated around Lin Changsheng. As he channeled his magic power into it, the Five Thunder Magic Fan gently fanned itself, creating hurricanes of lightning arcs that scattered a large number of fire beetles.
In addition, Lin Changsheng even went so far as to use a talisman array to buy time for the two of them to escape.
After seven or eight days of fleeing, Lin Changsheng, who was practicing the Everlasting Spring Technique, felt a rare sense of weakness and detachment.
This is a consequence of excessive mana consumption without timely replenishment.
In this critical moment, Lin Changsheng had no choice but to take out the precious 'Wanmu Spirit Glue' to replenish his own energy.
In her arms, Yunmiao Zhenjun, who had felt hopeless about surviving, looked at Lin Changsheng, whose magic power had been exhausted just a moment ago, and suddenly became full of magic power again, her beautiful eyes shining with brilliance once more.
In recent days, she has witnessed too many incredible things in this puppeteer.
He has a variety of tricks and trump cards up his sleeve, and although he is only a Golden Core cultivator, he gives people a very reassuring feeling.
However, a faint hint of gloom occasionally flickered in Yunmiao Zhenjun's calm and gentle eyes.
……
With the support of the Myriad Wood Spirit Glue, Lin Changsheng's internal magical power remained above half.
They used all sorts of methods to evade the fire beetles' pursuit.
Even at the very end, Lin Changsheng released the 'Bright Silver Insect' that he hadn't used for many years.
After years of cultivating these 'Bright Silver Insects' and breeding them for countless generations, a mutated variety emerged that matched Lin Changsheng's own Everlasting Spring Technique, reaching the level of a third-tier spirit insect, making it a troublesome method.
However, Lin Changsheng had many other hidden methods besides this insect, so he didn't use this third-tier 'Bright Silver Insect' very often.
On the contrary, it was surprisingly effective in blocking these fire beetles.
During their escape, under Lin Changsheng's control, a bright silver cloud of insects rose up, transforming into a silver barrier that blocked the fire beetles behind them.
In an instant, the swarm of bluish-green fire beetles collided with the silver insect cloud.
These bright silver insects, improved by Lin Changsheng, possess the unique wood-attribute energy of the Changchun Gong, making them incredibly vigorous and immediately attracting the attention of these fire beetles.
The two insect swarms intermingled.
As time went on, a large number of bright silver insects, stained with bluish-green flames, fell from the sky.
Clearly, these specially bred silver beetles are still no match for these fire beetles.
The silver worm is characterized by its tenacious vitality and amazing recovery ability.
The flames released by the fire beetle are even more bizarre; once you get even a little bit of them, it's hard to get rid of them, and they'll fight to the death.
Fortunately, these fire beetles seemed to have a great appetite for the bright silver beetles that contained the aura of wood, and they fought over them, temporarily ignoring Lin Changsheng and his companion.
This discovery relieved Lin Changsheng. Although he had lost a lot of Bright Silver Insects, he finally had a solution.
Thus, after sacrificing a large number of bright silver insects, the two finally managed to get rid of the fire beetle crisis for the first time.
……
Half a month later.
Having recovered some of his magical power, Yunmiao Zhejun led Lin Changsheng to the exit and flew out of the Forbidden Land of the Underworld.
On the way, to avoid encountering the Nascent Soul True Monarch, they deliberately chose a secluded place, rode the Azure Cloud Magic Treasure, and took a detour back.
"Master Lin deserves much credit for our successful escape. He will be rewarded upon our return to the sect."
The Cloud Mist True Lord, dressed in plain clothes, had recovered most of her magical power, but her pretty face still showed some paleness.
"Senior Yunmiao's injuries have not yet fully healed. Why not find a place to recuperate and recover first? It won't be too late to return to the sect once you've recovered."
Lin Changsheng noticed that Yunmiao Zhenjun's condition had not recovered to its best, and there seemed to be some worry between his brows.
Since 'Black Tiger True Lord' and 'Nether Tiger Mountain Lord' have already broken off relations and started fighting, they will probably not give up until they achieve their goals.
Furthermore, given that Chen Xingzhou had been secretly colluding with the Ziyun Sect within the Liuyan Sect, his open return poses a significant hidden danger.
"Master Lin, rest assured, without the suppression of a special magnetic field, I, True Monarch, am naturally not afraid of the 'Black Tiger True Monarch' and his beast. Moreover, the mountain-protecting formation of the Willow Smoke Sect is an ancient formation, which can withstand a strong attack from a late-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch for a time."
Yunmiao Zhenjun's eyes flickered, and he spoke calmly.
Judging from her appearance, she not only showed no intention of delaying, but seemed eager to return to the sect.
Having said all he could say, Lin Changsheng didn't press the matter further.
He had a vague guess in his heart about the reason why True Lord Yunmiao was so eager.
It is likely that this is related to the 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal' that was searched in the Forbidden Land of the Underworld.
Lin Changsheng also collected some 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystals' under the influence of True Monarch Yunmiao, but he was troubled by not knowing their uses.
After deliberating for half a day, Lin Changsheng couldn't help but say:
"This journey into the Forbidden Land of the Underworld has been fraught with difficulties. I wonder how well Senior Yunmiao has managed to gather the necessary items?"
"If that's not enough, I do have some left here."
Lin Changsheng asked the question in a calm and collected manner.
"Thank you for your trouble, Master Lin. After this search, I have enough 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystals' in my possession. I won't need to risk entering the Yellow Spring Forbidden Land again."
Upon mentioning this, Yunmiao Zhenjun's tone seemed to lighten, indicating that he was in a very good mood.
“That’s wonderful. I congratulate you, senior, on achieving your wish.”
Lin Changsheng offered a congratulatory greeting with a smile, and seeing that True Monarch Yunmiao was in a good mood, he then changed the subject, asking with a puzzled expression: "
"This 'Netherworld Crystal' seems to be quite rare in the cultivation world. It contains a trace of Netherworld evil energy, which doesn't seem to be of much use to cultivators."
As he spoke, Lin Changsheng produced a gray crystal the size of a pigeon egg in his hand, which he casually played with.
"Master Lin is right. This 'Netherworld Crystal' is rumored to be something from the Netherworld, and it is of little use to us cultivators."
"I, the True Lord, collect 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystals' in order to refine a special kind of 'imitation Nether Artifact,' which has nothing to do with cultivation level, but is for other purposes."
Seemingly sensing Lin Changsheng's unspoken meaning, True Monarch Yunmiao pondered for a moment and then revealed a little something.
The two supported each other in the forbidden land of the Yellow Springs, experiencing life and death together. Although there was a difference in their cultivation levels, they became much closer.
To a certain extent, in the eyes of True Monarch Yunmiao, Lin Changsheng was no longer an ordinary Golden Core cultivator.
With a mid-stage Golden Core realm, late-stage third-order body refinement, and mastery of numerous techniques far exceeding those of the Golden Core level, such a foundation is something that even a Golden Core cultivator carefully nurtured by a Nascent Soul-level force like the Willow Smoke Sect would likely find difficult to match.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this puppeteer has a very good chance of advancing to the Nascent Soul realm in the future.
Even if they cannot advance to the Nascent Soul stage, they are still among the top cultivators in the late Golden Core stage.
"The Underworld?"
"Could it be that there is a Netherworld beyond this world?"
Upon learning that the 'Netherworld Crystal' was useless to ordinary people, Lin Changsheng felt slightly disappointed, but soon became curious about what True Monarch Yunmiao had said.
And take the opportunity to ask the questions that have been bothering you.
In the cultivation world, due to the limitations of spiritual veins, there can only be a maximum of fourth-tier top-level spiritual veins.
Theoretically, one can cultivate to the late Nascent Soul stage.
However, in existing records, a very small number of late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, by chance, advanced to the Divine Transformation realm within the limited spiritual vein conditions, reaching the limit that this world can bear.
However, Lin Changsheng would occasionally peruse ancient texts to find detailed records of the Nascent Soul realm, but he never found any clues whatsoever.
It was as if the methods of cultivation after reaching the Divine Transformation stage simply did not exist.
"Naturally there is."
Yunmiao Zhenjun was somewhat surprised that Lin Changsheng would be interested in such a thing. His expression shifted, as if he were lost in a memory.
"Legend has it that beyond our world, there exists a world of even higher rank, where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is incredibly abundant, making it even more suitable for cultivation."
"However, to escape this world and enter a higher-level world, one needs to break through space, traverse the void, and cross spatial turbulence. Perhaps there is a chance to reach that point. At least the Nascent Soul realm cannot do it."
"It is said that only by reaching the Nascent Soul stage, where the nascent soul transforms into a primordial spirit, can one possess the ability to traverse the void, also known as 'ascension'."
Upon hearing this, Lin Changsheng's eyes lit up, but he also asked with some doubt, "Could it be... that those spatial rifts within the Yellow Springs Forbidden Land are the passages to 'ascend' to the upper realm?"
Yunmiao Zhenjun's words seemed to open the door to a new world for Lin Changsheng, allowing him to learn for the first time about the secrets of 'ascension' in this world.
"That's possible. I've consulted many ancient texts, and there are indeed claims about the Yellow Springs Underworld, which is very likely an independent world separate from this one."
"However, the cultivation environment in the upper realm should be superior to that of this realm, with abundant spiritual energy, which seems inconsistent with the situation in the Yellow Springs Forbidden Land. Perhaps there is another hidden reason, but to understand these things, one must at least advance to the Nascent Soul realm."
"However, advancing to this realm requires a spiritual vein of the fifth rank or higher. But to find a spiritual vein of the fifth rank or higher, one must become a Nascent Soul Heavenly Lord and ascend to the Upper Realm. This contradiction has troubled almost every late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator."
"It is said that only in the prosperous easternmost part of this world can there be a divine transformation level power inheritance. Through certain heaven-defying secret techniques, even without the need for a fifth-order spiritual vein, one can still cleverly achieve the divine transformation heavenly monarch realm."
True Monarch Yunmiao truly lived up to his reputation as a Nascent Soul cultivator; his recounted experiences and observations were truly eye-opening.
After a casual chat, Lin Changsheng benefited greatly.
The only regret is that there are no records of 'ascension' to the upper realm within the Willow Smoke Sect; most of the information comes from True Monarch Yunmiao's own observations.
Lin Changsheng didn't care much about this, since he was only at the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, a long way from the Nascent Soul realm.
When the opportunity arises, perhaps I can personally visit the Eastern Realm that True Monarch Yunmiao spoke of and broaden my horizons.
……
The border of Yanguo.
In the sky above a certain mountain forest, space suddenly rippled slightly.
A burly figure flashed by and disappeared into the crowd.
Before long, faint whispers could be heard from the surroundings.
“Old friend, the Azure Pill True Monarch of the Willow Smoke Sect sent word that Yun Miao has not returned since she went out that day. The two of us should wait here quietly; perhaps there is still a chance.”
"The nascent soul energy within this person is unusual, possessing a quality that makes me drool. Although I do not know what it is, consuming it would be of great benefit to me."
More than ten days later.
After taking a long detour, True Monarch Yunmiao led Lin Changsheng to the border of Yan Kingdom.
However, as they passed above a mountain forest, the surrounding space suddenly flickered with an unusual light, and a dark aura continuously enveloped and surrounded the Azure Cloud Magic Treasure.
Within the Azure Cloud Magic Treasure, True Monarch Yunmiao suddenly opened her eyes, then her delicate brows furrowed slightly, as if she had sensed something.
"It's a fourth-order ancient trapping formation!"
A moment later, a cold glint appeared in Yunmiao Zhenjun's eyes. He stood up solemnly, dressed in plain clothes that accentuated his voluptuous figure.
Immediately, a chilling aura burst forth from his body, even stronger than when he was in the Forbidden Land of the Underworld.
“Senior Yunmiao, the people who came here deliberately set up an ambush here. It seems that they have a clear purpose and have been lying in wait here for a long time.”
Lin Changsheng sighed softly to himself.