Body refinement techniques all rely on visualization diagrams as their foundation. With this Ancient Elephant Visualization Diagram, Chu Xuan was now able to continue elevating his cultivation. He immediately sat down, tossing a piece of Black Magic Whale meat into his mouth. He swiftly began refining it and continued focusing on visualizing the Ancient Elephant.
In the blink of an eye, ten years passed in the blink of an eye. Chu Xuan's internal aura surged explosively, as though an ancient giant elephant was about to burst forth, roaring through the heavens!
"It's done!"
He opened his eyes, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
After ten years of painstaking cultivation and consuming massive amounts of whale meat, he had indeed broken through to the 42nd level of body refinement.
The 42nd level of body refinement was equivalent to the second stage of Deity Transformation.
However, lacking martial techniques, he was essentially a powerhouse in raw strength but was not yet able to contend directly with a second-stage Deity Transformation cultivator.
Still, with his formidable physical prowess, as long as he closed the distance to a first-stage Deity Transformation cultivator, that opponent would be heavily injured in the blink of an eye. Within seven steps, his fists were both fierce and fast!
"It's time to return to Desolate Island. It's been more than a year, they should have forgotten about me by now," Chu Xuan said with a smile as he took a confident stride, heading back toward the Starshatter Sea.
...
Desolate Island. The small market established a year ago had grown considerably, now bloated and sprawling. Dark stone houses sprang up from the ground.
When Chu Xuan returned here, he was quite surprised by these stone houses. For he realized with astonishment that his spiritual sense could not even penetrate them.
He casually grabbed a Golden Core cultivator and asked, "Fellow Daoist, how were these stone houses built? Why do they block spiritual sense?"
The Golden Core cultivator, clearly annoyed, replied, "I don't have time. Ask someone else..."
Chu Xuan exuded a faint Nascent Soul aura.
The Golden Core cultivator's expression stiffened, and he immediately grew respectful. "...Better to ask me, Senior. These stone houses are made of Nether Stones. That's why they can block spiritual sense."
Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow. Nether Stones? He had indeed seen them mentioned in ancient texts. However, they were said to be rare and precious. Why, then, did it seem like they were so common now?
The Golden Core cultivator respectfully explained, "Half a year ago, the volcano erupted again, and large amounts of Nether Stone were ejected. The closer one gets to the volcano cluster, the more Nether Stones there are. As a result, the price of Nether Stone has dropped significantly.
"Now, throughout the entire Southern Third Ring Sea, Nether Stones are as common as ordinary stones, with little value. The only way to make money off them is by taking them out of the Southern Third Ring and selling them elsewhere.
"However, instead of reselling Nether Stones, it's better to make room for other more valuable treasures. After all, Desolate Island is truly teeming with treasures now."
Chu Xuan nodded thoughtfully. So, it was the volcano eruption again. That was unexpected.
The Golden Core cultivator winced, "Senior, could you please let go? It really hurts."
Chu Xuan smiled faintly. "Don't rush, I have a few more questions."
The Golden Core cultivator forced a smile, "Of course…"
A moment later, Chu Xuan received the information he was after and released his grip.
The Golden Core cultivator immediately darted away like a rabbit, not daring to look back. He feared that this eccentric Nascent Soul senior might grab him again to continue questioning.
"Black Wind Island has long since stopped investigating my whereabouts. I didn't expect it was because they suffered such heavy losses…"
Chu Xuan couldn't help but chuckle. When the volcano erupted six months ago, many Nascent Soul cultivators from Black Wind Island were out searching for treasures.
As a result, most were wiped out. Even Black Wind True Master had been severely injured. Fearing that enemies would target him, Black Wind True Master fled under the cover of night, retreating back to Black Wind Island.
Naturally, the cultivators of Black Wind Island had scattered as well. As for the deaths of Dong Wei and Wang Pengjie, they had long been forgotten. With their lives in jeopardy, who would care about old comrades?
Now, Desolate Island had fallen under the control of the three great powers—Moon Association, Yellow Spring Island, and Baigu Island.
The B-grade forces from the West and East Third Rings had been hearing of the volcano's eruption and the vast treasures that appeared, and they had all been eager to get in on the action.
However, they were blocked at the entrance by Hao Yue True Master, Huang Quan True Master, and Bai Gu True Master.
At most, a few scattered loose cultivators had managed to sneak in. As for the B-grade forces from the East and West Third Rings, they couldn't make large-scale incursions.
"It's quite a coincidence that Black Wind Island's majority of cultivators ran into the volcanic eruption while searching for treasure. It's hard not to think something fishy was at play…"
Chu Xuan stroked his chin, a smile creeping across his face. Black Wind Island's retreat was most beneficial to the other B-grade forces in the Southern Third Ring. If anyone believed that the Moon Association, Yellow Spring Island, and Baigu Island had no involvement, no one would believe them.
However, this was quite advantageous for him. Since Black Wind Island had fled, his current identity was still usable. There was no need to come up with a new name. After all, inventing a name was also a troublesome matter.
Chu Xuan strode into Desolate Square, his gaze sweeping across the empty stone houses.
Earlier, the Golden Core cultivator had mentioned that the stone houses in the busier areas required a rent to be paid. Currently, half of the land in Desolate Square was controlled by the Moon Association, with the remaining half claimed by Yellow Spring Island and White Bone Island. Therefore, to rent a stone house, one had to pay rent to one of these three factions.
Before long, Chu Xuan selected a stone house and stepped inside. Looking through the window, he could see that the house was empty, with only a few stone tables and chairs inside. A talisman was affixed to the door, a sound transmission talisman.
Chu Xuan sent his voice into the talisman, and soon after, a sharp-faced Golden Core cultivator hurried over, his face full of smiles.
"Senior, greetings. I am Zhu Yong, a Golden Core cultivator from the Moon Association. Your choice is excellent. This stone house is the best in this area," he said with a grin. "The rent is twenty great spirit stones per month. If the rent is not paid within a month, we'll consider it as you voluntarily abandoning the stone house. All the items inside will be reclaimed, so please understand, Senior."
Chu Xuan's face remained emotionless. Twenty great spirit stones? That could buy two high-grade magic treasures. Why not just rob someone?
He furrowed his brows. "The monthly rent is a bit too high. Could you lower the price?"
Zhu Yong nodded eagerly, "Of course, Senior. Please, tell me what you'd like."
Chu Xuan casually said, "Just drop a zero. Two great spirit stones."
Zhu Yong stared at him, dumbfounded. After a long pause, he finally croaked out, "Huh?"
Chu Xuan glanced at him sideways, "What? You don't want to? This is just a plain stone house. Two great spirit stones is already too much for me."
Zhu Yong shrank back his neck, "Senior... I don't have the authority to decide this. Please wait a moment, I'll go get a Nascent Soul cultivator from our Moon Association."
He took out a sound transmission jade and muttered a few words.
Chu Xuan stood with his hands clasped behind his back.
A moment later, someone hurried over.
"Having more friends always makes things easier. Naturally, the price is negotiable, but fellow daoist dropping the price by ten times at once... isn't that a bit..."
Chu Xuan heard the familiar voice and narrowed his eyes. It was none other than Tie Jun. He smiled slightly and released the aura of a Nascent Soul cultivator at the seventh layer.
Tie Jun froze for a moment, then laughed heartily and cupped his hands. "Fellow daoist has such cultivation. Why didn't you say so earlier? I'll take charge! This stone house, with the monthly rent of two great spirit stones, is yours, fellow daoist!"
Chu Xuan smiled and nodded. "That is indeed excellent."
In the end, it all came down to strength. Had he been a Deity Transformation cultivator, he would have simply seized several stone houses without hesitation. Who knew, perhaps even Moon True Master would personally come to discuss matters with him. This was the power of true strength.
Moments later, the contract was signed.
Chu Xuan did not opt for a long-term lease, but a short one instead. After all, he could not be certain of the day he might decide to leave the Blue Star. Thus, a short-term lease suited him well.
Though he possessed numerous spirit stones, he knew better than to waste them. As a cultivator of the demonic path, he was accustomed to hardship and frugality.
Tie Jun eyed Chu Xuan curiously, then suddenly spoke, "Fellow Daoist, you seem somewhat familiar. Have we met before?"
Chu Xuan smiled. "I am merely a loose cultivator. I once sold a few Demon Soul Talismans here."
Tie Jun immediately recalled the previous encounter and was taken aback. "If I remember correctly, Fellow Daoist's name is Liu Zhenxiong? How is it possible that Daoist Liu is still alive?"
Chu Xuan only smiled without responding.
Tie Jun, embarrassed, realized his mistake. He quickly cupped his hands in apology and excused himself. "Please, Fellow Daoist, this stone house is yours now."
Chu Xuan nodded and placed over a hundred Demon Soul Talismans down. He then casually stepped outside the stone house to hang a sign for selling magical talismans and elixirs.
Just as he finished carving the wooden sign, a figure descended nearby, walking into a stone house that dealt in demonic beast materials.
The cultivator was a robust man with a lion-like nose and broad mouth, a mighty presence exuding from him. He was accompanied by a strong golden lion. Truly, he was an imposing figure.
From the aura he emanated, it was clear he was a Nascent Soul cultivator, seemingly at the seventh level, though he concealed at least one more level of cultivation.
As someone who had long mastered the art of hiding his own cultivation, Chu Xuan could easily estimate the hidden strength of others. It was a skill that had become second nature to him.
The cultivator strode into the stone house, and after a while, he emerged.
Just as he was about to leave, his gaze fell upon Chu Xuan. He paused, a curious look on his face. "Fellow Daoist seems familiar. Have we met?"
Upon noticing the sign Chu Xuan had hung, the cultivator's expression changed as realization dawned. "Ah, it's you! Liu Zhenxiong, is it? I bought some of your Demon Soul Talismans over a year ago."
With a cheerful laugh, he continued, "Those two talismans were a great help to me!"
Chu Xuan also smiled and nodded.
Although he had sold many Demon Soul Talismans in the past, he remembered the faces of the cultivators who had purchased them very clearly. After a brief moment of recollection, he recognized this man.
The burly cultivator grinned heartily. "My name is Zhao Kongming, a late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator. I was originally a loose cultivator, but now I serve under the Moon Society. Since Fellow Daoist has returned, I assume you have more talismans for sale?"
Chu Xuan nodded. "Indeed."
Zhao Kongming laughed heartily. "I'll take two! Same price as before—six great spirit stones for a low-grade Nascent Soul Demon Soul Talisman, right?"
Typically, low-grade Nascent Soul talismans were priced at fifty thousand small spirit stones, equivalent to five great spirit stones. Demon talismans were more sought after than regular ones, which justified the higher price.
Chu Xuan had priced them at six great spirit stones per talisman during his last sale. He also accepted equivalent treasures in exchange.
Jade marrow, light spirit crystals, and other such treasures had been acquired this way.
Chu Xuan smiled and shook his head. "This time, I not only have low-grade Nascent Soul talismans, but also middle-grade ones. The middle-grade Nascent Soul talismans are priced at eleven great spirit stones."
Zhao Kongming's eyes brightened. "Good! I'll take two of the middle-grade ones! To think that after more than a year, Fellow Daoist can craft middle-grade Nascent Soul talismans now."
Once their transaction was complete, Zhao Kongming suddenly asked, "Fellow Daoist, do you happen to have any blood suitable for reviving the heritage of a Blaze Mane Lion for sale? If you do, I am willing to pay double the price for it!"
Chu Xuan took a moment to observe the golden lion by his side, a little surprised.
The Blaze Mane Lion, with its golden fur and imposing presence, certainly drew attention. However, this demonic beast had limited potential.
At birth, its strength was that of a Qi Refining stage demonic beast. Only after over a hundred years of growth could it reach the Foundation Establishment stage.
Only a select few Blaze Mane Lions could ascend to the Golden Core stage, and even then, that was the peak of their potential.
Such beasts did not possess strong bloodlines and could never reach the Nascent Soul stage in their lifetimes.
The golden lion beside Zhao Kongming was clearly at the Golden Core stage.
Zhao Kongming lovingly stroked the lion's head, his eyes filled with affection. "Back when I was just a Qi Refining cultivator, it saved my life. I swore to help it break through as far as it could. I came to the Desolate Island because I heard someone had found ancient demonic blood preserved in amber, but I have yet to find it. I wonder, Fellow Daoist…"
Chu Xuan shook his head. "I don't have it either. If I ever come across it, I will be sure to save it for you, Fellow Daoist Zhao."
Zhao Kongming intrigued him. To forcibly cultivate a demonic beast with such limited potential to the Nascent Soul stage was an act of defiance against nature. It must have consumed vast resources.
All these resources could have been used to elevate his own cultivation. Yet, Zhao Kongming, bound by his oath, showed no sign of giving up.
Zhao Kongming nodded with a smile. "In that case, I shall take my leave. If I run out of these talismans, I'll be sure to come find you again."
He cupped his hands toward Chu Xuan, then mounted the golden lion and swiftly left.
As he stroked his chin thoughtfully, Zhao Kongming muttered, "This Liu Zhenxiong is impressive. To survive the pursuit of the Black Wind Island and return to the Desolate Island unscathed is no small feat. His strength seems to have grown. Despite I am at the ninth level of Nascent Soul, he manages to make me feel a deep sense of threat. This person is worth befriending. If that's not possible, he must certainly not be provoked…"
A few days later, the news of the return of the talisman master Liu Zhenxiong spread within a small circle.
In the vast Southern Third Ring, there were many talisman masters. In fact, it could be said that nearly everyone could draw some common talismans. However, the output was not high.
Rather than buying talisman paper, brushes, and ink to draw talismans themselves, enduring repeated failures until their success rate improved, most cultivators found it easier to simply purchase ready-made talismans with spirit stones.
Yet, there were not many who knew how to craft Demon Soul Talismans. And those who could produce such a large quantity were even rarer.
Thus, as soon as the news of Chu Xuan's reappearance spread, it quickly attracted a large number of cultivators.
Chen Huozhao and Chen Xin even paid him a visit, bringing a small gift to show their appreciation. However, they stayed for only a short while before claiming urgent matters and leaving in a hurry. Whether it was a genuine emergency or an excuse, no one could say.
Chu Xuan's small business had earned a good reputation. Within less than two hours, all the Demon Soul Talismans he had put out were snapped up.
Of course, not everyone came with the intent to pay. Some tried to take advantage of the situation.
Chu Xuan's solution was simple. Their bodies were concealed within the Heavenly Corpse Tower, while their head were placed at the entrance of the stone house. A slight reminder to some, and the rest of the cultivators quickly understood what was expected of them.
Especially after witnessing how Chu Xuan had casually slain a Nascent Soul cultivator at the seventh level, who had caused trouble.
Those who came to buy talismans soon became well-behaved. Each of them practically rushed to hand over their spirit stones, eager to avoid giving Chu Xuan the impression that they were here to take advantage and end up casually disposed of.
Chu Xuan not only acquired treasures but also gathered information.
After a few days, he had become increasingly well-versed in the current situation on Desolate Island. From his sources, he learned that the three Deity Transformation cultivators—Moon True Master, Yellow Spring True Master, and White Bone True Master—were all absent from the island.
These three Deity Transformation cultivators were instead meeting with other Deity Transformation cultivators in the vicinity of Desolate Island, discussing Dao over tea. Their primary purpose was to prevent the entry of Deity Transformation cultivators from the Eastern and Western Third Rings into Desolate Island.
The strongest beings on the island were limited to a few Nascent Soul cultivators at the ninth level. Notable among them were Moon True Master's eldest disciple, Feng Zhutie, Yellow Spring True Master's underling, Xia Shi, and White Bone True Master's disciple, Qu Xiao.
Beyond these few, the greatest danger on the island came from the fire spirits living beneath the surface.
These fire spirits were similar to the Nether Fire Spirits found in the Holy Flame Star. Their sentience developed over the course of countless years due to the overwhelming concentration of Fire Spiritual Qi, gradually taking on beastly forms. With volcanic eruptions, these fire spirits had risen to the surface.
However, they could not stray too far from the volcano, for doing so would cause them to dissolve. Despite this limitation, their existence made obtaining treasures on the island an arduous task, forcing cultivators to bring numerous hidden cards with them.
The strength of these fire spirits varied. The weakest were comparable to Golden Core demonic beasts, while the strongest were equivalent to late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. So far, no Deity Transformation Fire Spirit Kings had been discovered.
Upon learning this information, Chu Xuan felt a sense of security.
Desolate Island held no creatures capable of threatening him. This truly was the ideal dungeon environment for demonic cultivators—safe, reliable, and brimming with treasures!
Filled with confidence, Chu Xuan planned to choose an auspicious day to venture into the dungeon.
However, just as he was fully armed and about to leave the stone house, he suddenly felt an odd sensation, his gaze shifting toward a figure not far off.
The figure was cloaked in a hooded robe, just stepping out of a stone house that dealt in information.
The person didn't seem to notice Chu Xuan. But a strange feeling washed over Chu Xuan. This individual exuded a powerful sense of threat—far surpassing any Nascent Soul cultivator he had encountered on Desolate Island.
In that instant, Chu Xuan was certain: this person was undoubtedly a Deity Transformation cultivator who had concealed their cultivation!
Chu Xuan inwardly cursed.
What were Moon True Master, Yellow Spring True Master, and White Bone True Master doing?
A Deity Transformation cultivator had hidden their cultivation and infiltrated Desolate Island right under their noses.
And yet, they couldn't detect a thing.
What a disgrace to Deity Transformation cultivators!
Without a moment's hesitation, Chu Xuan turned and swiftly returned to his stone house, reopening his business.
The cultivator passing by stopped in his tracks, surprised. "Huh, Master Liu, weren't you closed earlier? Why have you reopened?"
Chu Xuan glanced at him indifferently. "Do you have a problem?"
The cultivator immediately shuddered. "No, no, how could I dare?!"
He quickly walked away, not daring to approach this formidable talisman master.
Chu Xuan suppressed his aura with all his might, using the escape technique to conceal his presence. He sighed deeply.
"I finally had a change of heart, thinking of diving into a dungeon. Why is it so difficult?"
He shook his head and decided to return to his usual business. "I'll continue selling my small talismans. A few more days of Nascent Soul mid-grade demonic talismans, then I'll start selling Nascent Soul high-grade ones. Prices will go up again. Let's drain these cultivators' pockets a little more."
...
Meanwhile, Master Tiancang frowned as he pondered. "Strange, I felt a strange sensation just now. Since coming to the Starshatter Sea, I've often had this feeling. Could it be that Desolate Island is the place where a rare treasure will emerge? It doesn't seem like it."
He thought for a moment, then decided to observe the situation for a few more days and gather more information before making any plans.
...
Several days later, Chu Xuan's shop was visited by a familiar customer.
Zhao Kongming walked into the stone house with a hearty laugh and cupped his hands toward Chu Xuan. "Master Liu, I'm here again. Same as last time, two Nascent Soul mid-grade demonic talismans."
As he was about to take out the spirit stones to pay, he noticed that the demonic talismans displayed on the counter had been divided into three categories. Just one glance told him that the quality of these talismans was far superior to those he had purchased before.
The sign beside them indicated that each talisman now cost seventeen great spirit stones.
Zhao Kongming was taken aback. "Master Liu, these talismans... could they be..."
Chu Xuan smiled and nodded. "Indeed, they are Nascent Soul high-grade demonic talismans."
Zhao Kongming burst into laughter. "Good, good, good! I never expected that Master Liu could even craft Nascent Soul high-grade talismans!"
He generously took out thirty-four great spirit stones and purchased two of the Nascent Soul high-grade talismans.
His straightforward payment without any haggling made Chu Xuan feel rather pleased.
Suddenly, Chu Xuan asked, "Master Zhao, since you frequently visit Desolate Island, are there any recent major events?"
Zhao Kongming nodded. "Actually, yes! You must have heard of Qu Xiao from White Bone Island. He's a Nascent Soul ninth level cultivator, incredibly strong."
Chu Xuan nodded.
Zhao Kongming lowered his voice. "I heard that Qu Xiao, along with two Nascent Soul early-stage cultivators from White Bone Island, went out on a treasure hunt and were suddenly ambushed by a large number of fire spirits. The two Nascent Soul early-stage cultivators were killed on the spot. Qu Xiao was heavily injured but managed to escape with luck. That day, I happened to be nearby and heard the deafening roars. The threat was undeniable… I suspect that a Deity Transformation fire spirit king might have appeared."
Zhao Kongming's face darkened. "Luckily, my golden-maned lion was quick-witted. It immediately carried me away, and we barely escaped that area."
Chu Xuan immediately raised an eyebrow.
A Deity Transformation fire spirit king?
He hadn't expected that to be the case. However, upon further thought, it made sense that a Deity Transformation demonic beast might exist. After all, Desolate Island had been around for an unknown length of time, and the underground lava had been boiling and roaring for countless years. It was only natural that a Deity Transformation demonic beast could be nurtured there.
Zhao Kongming added, "That day, many cultivators heard that roar. If you ask a few more people, Master Liu, you'll know I'm not lying."
Chu Xuan smiled and nodded. "I trust what Master Zhao says."
After Zhao Kongming left, a few more cultivators came to purchase demonic talismans. After questioning them, they all confirmed similar details to what Zhao Kongming had said. This further confirmed the existence of the Deity Transformation fire spirit.
Chu Xuan stroked his chin thoughtfully. It was fortunate he hadn't entered the dungeon yet, or he might have encountered that fire spirit king.
"Now there's a shameless Deity Transformation cultivator on the island. Perhaps I could use that fire spirit king... drive the tiger out to swallow the wolf..."
An idea suddenly arose in Chu Xuan's mind. If he let the others know that a Deity Transformation cultivator had infiltrated Desolate Island, they would certainly appear and help drive this shameless intruder away. In this way, there would be no one left on the island who could threaten him.
The only problem now was how to lure the Deity Transformation cultivator into a confrontation with the fire spirit king, thus revealing his Deity Transformation cultivation.
Chu Xuan thought quickly and soon came up with an idea.
Beast-luring incense.
Beast-luring powders and incense were quite common, but to target a specific type of demonic beast, one needed to concoct a unique beast-luring incense.
This required not only profound knowledge of alchemy but also a deep understanding of the habits of the demonic beasts. The bar was set high.
Luckily, Chu Xuan had been collecting vast amounts of information recently and was well aware of what the fire spirits most desired.
Fire Cloud Mushrooms!
By using Fire Cloud Mushrooms as the main ingredient, he could craft a specialized beast-luring incense to attract fire spirits.
A day later, Chu Xuan received two Fire Cloud Mushrooms from several cultivators. These spirit plants were similar to ordinary mushrooms, but entirely crimson in color, especially the caps, which resembled a fiery cloud, hence the name Fire Cloud Mushroom.
Fire spirits had an intense craving for this plant, though they hadn't yet reached the level of obsession, where they would do anything to get it. First, this was because the mushrooms had not aged enough. Only a hundred-year-old Fire Cloud Mushroom could attract fire spirits. A five-hundred-year-old mushroom would draw a large number of fire spirits.
Chu Xuan estimated that a thousand-year-old Fire Cloud Mushroom would be the key to attracting the attention of the Fire Spirit King.
Additionally, the correct preparation of incense powder was needed to truly create a beast-luring scent that would stir the fire spirits into a frenzy. However, thousand-year-old Fire Cloud Mushrooms were extremely rare.
The two mushrooms Chu Xuan acquired were of one hundred and two hundred years of age. For an ordinary cultivator, there would be no way to hasten the growth of the mushrooms. But Chu Xuan was no ordinary cultivator.
He returned to Blue Star, planting the mushrooms in the soil of Merit and surrounding them with a number of Fire Spirit Crystals. These crystals, derived from fire spirits, were the condensed energy of their fiery essence. They were invaluable to cultivators with a fire spirit root, those practicing fire-based cultivation techniques, or those crafting fire-related magical treasures.
By using so many Fire Spirit Crystals, Chu Xuan had artificially created a fire-spiritual Qi-rich environment. With the influence of the Merit Soil, the growth rate of the Fire Cloud Mushrooms was greatly accelerated.
Ten days later, the two-hundred-year-old mushroom had grown significantly larger. Its color had changed from a bright red to a purple-red hue, resembling a fire that had burned for a thousand years and was now on the verge of extinction. This was the appearance of a thousand-year-old Fire Cloud Mushroom.
Chu Xuan was satisfied and quickly harvested the mushroom, preparing to concoct the beast-luring incense.
Though incense powder and pills were not the same, they shared a similar principle. As a cultivator skilled in both alchemy and poison arts, Chu Xuan quickly grasped the technique after only a few failures, successfully crafting a small bottle of Fire Spirit Beast-Luring Incense.
"Hmm? Why does the Merit Soil look withered?"
Chu Xuan, noticing the state of the Merit Soil in the glass jar, immediately felt that it seemed to have lost its vitality, much like a cucumber that lacked water.
"Could it be that hastening the growth of these two Fire Cloud Mushrooms drained too much of the soil's fertility?" he mused.
That seemed plausible. Even in cultivation, the principle of energy conservation applied. The Merit Soil was able to hasten the growth of the mushrooms because it contained an immense amount of fertility. Now, after hastening the growth of both the Fire Cloud Mushrooms and the Spiritual Shadow Root, the soil's energy had probably been depleted.
"Next time there's a Merit Rain, I'll bring you along," Chu Xuan chuckled lightly, striding forward to return to the Starshatter Sea.
One day, Chu Xuan rubbed his chin thoughtfully, feeling a bit of a headache. "I've got the things I need... but how do I sprinkle the beast-luring incense on him without him noticing?"
Although the other person was shameless, he was still a Deity Transformation cultivator. Getting the incense on him without being discovered would definitely be a bit tricky.
Just then, a booming sound echoed from outside. It sounded like two cultivators were fighting in mid-air, and judging by the intensity, the battle was bound to be fierce.
Without a second thought, the cultivators inside Chu Xuan's shop dropped their demonic talismans and rushed out to watch the commotion.
Chu Xuan shook his head. "Young people, always so eager to watch the drama. What's so interesting about it? What if they get caught in the crossfire?"
"It's a battle between two Deity Transformation cultivators!" one of the onlookers exclaimed in surprise.
Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow and quickly rushed out, moving with speed.
"A battle between Deity Transformation cultivators? Where? Where?" he wondered as he scanned the sky. Sure enough, two figures were engaged in a fierce duel, riding their spiritual weapons, clashing with an incessant sound of metal and energy.
"That person on the left, wearing a stark white robe, thin and bony—looks like White Bone True Master!" someone in the crowd said.
"And the one on the right, who is he? I've never seen this Deity Transformation cultivator before."
"Yeah, I've never seen this one either. Could he be from the East or West Third Ring?"
"But didn't they say most cultivators from the East and West Third Rings were blocked from entering the island? How could a Deity Transformation cultivator have sneaked in?"
The cultivators around were in shock, murmuring among themselves.
Chu Xuan's eyes lit up when he saw the figure draped in a cloak—this was the very same shameless Deity Transformation cultivator he had noticed earlier!
He had been wondering how to discreetly apply the beast-luring incense, and now, it seemed that this person had been spotted by White Bone True Master!
This was great. He could save the precious incense for another time. But how had White Bone True Master discovered him? Could it be…?
Chu Xuan smirked to himself. "Could White Bone True Master also be hiding his cultivation and sneaking into the island?"
Thinking about it, it seemed perfectly reasonable.
A grand Deity Transformation cultivator, always involved in some underhanded deeds. Chu Xuan watched the spectacle with amusement, not feeling the least bit guilty. After all, he was just a small Nascent Soul cultivator—what could he have done wrong?
"Who are you? Why have you trespassed on Desolate Island?" White Bone True Master bellowed, his voice dripping with an icy menace.
"This is the sacred land of the Southern Third Ring cultivators! No one else is allowed to set foot here!"
He struck out with a massive, eerie hand formed of dark spiritual energy, his voice thunderous.
True Master Tiancang coldly snorted, still keeping his face hidden beneath his hood. With a flick of his hand, he effortlessly shattered White Bone True Master's gigantic palm.
However, his expression turned grim. He hadn't expected that in his mere attempt to gather information, he would run into another Deity Transformation cultivator—especially one who was also hiding his cultivation. The moment two Deity Transformation cultivators met, they could immediately sense each other's power. That was why a battle had erupted.
Now, the commotion had escalated far beyond his expectations, and this was bad for him. If more Deity Transformation cultivators from the Southern Third Ring were drawn to the scene, even though he was more powerful than them, he could still fall here.
True Master Tiancang thought for a moment, then unleashed a spell that pushed back the White Bone True Master. Taking the opportunity, he prepared to use his escape technique and withdraw.
However, White Bone True Master had no intention of letting him leave so easily.
In dealing with external Deity Transformation cultivators, he had a similar mindset to Yellow Spring True Master and Moon True Master—they all had the same stance. Now, an outsider had wandered in like an easy target. He wasn't about to let him slip away without extracting something.
With a growl, White Bone True Master summoned a pair of eerie, bone-white dragon claws.
"White Dragon Seize!" he cried.
"Stay where you are!"
The dragon claws expanded at a visible speed, rapidly moving to encircle True Master Tiancang from both sides. As they approached, waves of verdant light rippled outward from the claws, sapping the speed of True Master Tiancang's movements.
His expression changed slightly. This white bone artifact—made from who knows what demonic beast materials—actually had the effect of restraining his movements.
White Bone True Master was trying to trap him!
"To try and keep me here with your mere Deity Transformation Stage One cultivation? You're not worthy!" True Master Tiancang's voice turned cold with fury.
With a swift motion, he summoned a jade vial into his hand. Slamming it down, a foul-smelling dark green liquid sprayed from the vial in a vast torrent.
The White Dragon Seize, unable to avoid the spray, was covered in the liquid. Instantly, White Bone True Master felt his control over the claws weaken.
His face changed drastically. He fought desperately to retract the claws, but they struggled, the once unyielding strength of the artifact now faltering.
True Master Tiancang, however, had no intention of letting Moon True Master simply take the spiritual artifact away.
He raised his hand and slapped it down, summoning the Myriad Souls Banner. The banner swirled as dark energy howled through the air, and in an instant, the sky turned chaotic with the presence of hundreds of ferocious spirits.
At the forefront was an ominous and sinister Ghost King, followed by countless Ghost Commanders and Generals. The endless sea of ghosts swarmed forward, quickly overwhelming White Bone True Master.
The White Dragon Seize, now drenched in the foul green liquid, began to lose its luster, its once brilliant aura fading rapidly.
True Master Tiancang waved his hand again, and an immense pulling force erupted from his sleeve, snatching the White Dragon Seize away from White Bone True Master's control.
The crowd of onlookers gasped in shock.
White Bone True Master, in a matter of moments, had fallen into a disadvantageous position! This unknown Deity Transformation cultivator seemed incredibly formidable!
Chu Xuan, watching from the sidelines, narrowed his eyes as he looked at the Ghost King at the forefront. The figure was menacing and ferocious, but for some reason, something about it seemed oddly familiar.
He sifted through his vast memories and finally recalled someone—someone he had nearly forgotten. He was none other than He Ze.
Back when Chu Xuan was posing as alchemist He Liang, he had stayed at the extraterritorial battlefield for a period. At that time, He Ze was just a Golden Core cultivator. Chu Xuan had needed someone to help run his shop, and He Ze had eagerly volunteered for the task.
Later, when the outer battlefield showed signs of collapse, Chu Xuan had sensed the danger and left early, losing contact with He Ze. But now, to his astonishment, He Ze had been pulled from his soul and transformed into a Ghost King?
Chu Xuan's mind flashed back to a conversation with Ximen Changqing back in the Heavenly Metal Battlefield.
"Zhao Tiancang has been searching for the whereabouts of alchemist He Liang. He Ze worked for me. Naturally, Zhao Tiancang would have found him. Could it be..."
Chu Xuan's gaze shifted toward the Deity Transformation cultivator cloaked in a dark robe, his face suddenly freezing into an expression of cold fury.
This man was none other than Zhao Tiancang, the infamous True Master Tiancang!
It was highly likely that Zhao Tiancang had found He Ze, used a soul-searching technique on him, and perhaps sensing something special about He Ze's soul, had turned him into a ghost. And now, this very soul had slowly evolved into a Ghost King.
Chu Xuan inhaled sharply, his mind roiling with rage.
"I did not kill He Ze... but He Ze has died because of me."
The weight of this revelation, combined with the malevolent actions of Zhao Tiancang, ignited an overwhelming surge of murderous intent deep within Chu Xuan's heart. But now, clearly, was not the right time to strike.
A lion with its claws bared under the bright sun is hardly capable of taking a life. It is the serpent, hidden in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, that is truly deadly.
At this moment, the battle between the two Deity Transformation cultivators, White Bone True Master and True Master Tiancang, had already stirred up a great commotion.
The surrounding Spiritual Qi of Desolate Island was in chaos, sending ripples throughout the island. Even Moon True Master and Yellow Spring True Master, sensing something was amiss, immediately made their way toward Desolate Island.
True Master Tiancang, still intent on furthering his dominance and taking White Bone True Master down, was suddenly interrupted. Two figures, like flashes of light, appeared at his sides, one to the left and one to the right.
"A mere ghost, unable to escape the moonlight's judgment!" Moon True Master sneered coldly as he waved his hand.
The cool, ethereal moonlight surged forth, sweeping across the battlefield.
A vast number of Ghost Generals and Ghost Soldiers screamed in agony as they were dissolved into wisps of green smoke. Even the Ghost Commanders howled and scattered, too terrified to approach the moonlight. Only the Ghost King, at the very front, continued to madly assault White Bone True Master.
Seeing his reinforcements arrive, White Bone True Master let out a triumphant cry and immediately summoned another white bone spiritual artifact, forcing the Ghost King back.
The three True Masters, now all wielding their spiritual treasures, advanced together, attacking True Master Tiancang.
True Master Tiancang, with some reluctance, withdrew his spirits and began retreating rapidly. Facing three opponents, he knew better than to engage directly.
Chu Xuan watched as they disappeared into the distance. Using the Gilded Lotus Seal to conceal his presence, he followed closely behind.
Revenge waits for no one. Today, death would come!
From behind, a voice called out, "Master Liu, don't go! I want to buy talismans!"
Chu Xuan tossed over his shoulder, "Don't rush, I'm just going to gather some materials."
The cultivators exchanged confused glances.
"Gather materials?" they thought, suddenly shivering.
They realized what kind of materials Master Liu might be referring to, and hurriedly distanced themselves from the shop, fearing they might end up as the materials themselves.
On the other side, on a nameless deserted island.
True Master Tiancang had concealed his presence, hiding on this island. His chest bore a deep, crushing imprint, a dent where White Bone True Master's Ten Thousand Bones Tower had struck. His entire right calf had vanished, severed by the Yellow Spring True Master's Yellow Spring Sword. Half of his neck had been severed, a wound left by Moon True Master's Black Moon Sword.
Of course, Moon True Master and the others were not unscathed either. Each of them bore varying degrees of injury.
The battle had raged from Desolate Island, and the fight had eventually brought them to the edge of this nameless island. A Black Magic Whale, roaming the sea, sensed the clash between the Deity Transformation cultivators, particularly Moon True Master's aura, and decided to get involved. The four cultivators, wary of each other, were forced to retreat.
Only then did True Master Tiancang find a moment to catch his breath. He let out a bitter laugh.
This time, he had gained only a low-grade spiritual artifact, the White Dragon's Claw, yet he had lost over ten thousand souls, and even his carefully cultivated Ghost King, He Ze, had been severely injured. The wounds on his body would take a long time to heal. For the foreseeable future, he would be unable to act. He needed to find a place rich in Spiritual Qi to recuperate.
Of course, the fastest way to recover was to consume a few Nascent Soul cultivators.
Though he had served as a Deity Transformation elder in the Reincarnation Sect, his knowledge of demonic arts and evil techniques was extensive, though rarely shown on the surface. He had long since become accustomed to using the Golden Core, Nascent Soul, soul, and flesh of cultivators for his own gain.
True Master Tiancang expanded his spiritual sense and quickly discovered that someone had stepped onto the island. A faint smile curled on his lips.
Most cultivators in the Starshatter Sea were greedy and brave. It was normal for Nascent Soul cultivators to covet Deity Transformation ones. But these Nascent Soul cultivators likely didn't realize that he wasn't a spent force. He still retained at least thirty percent of his strength. With such cultivation, it wasn't something a few late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators could pick up on.
Nevertheless, True Master Tiancang still acted as though he were on the brink of death, hiding motionless in the cave, intentionally releasing the scent of blood to attract the foolish cultivators.
The presence of a living being approached, growing nearer and nearer. Though this Nascent Soul cultivator was extremely cautious, even enveloping his feet with Spiritual Qi to muffle his footsteps, the suppression from a Deity Transformation cultivator over a Nascent Soul cultivator was immense.
When the person approached within a hundred zhang, then fifty, then twenty, and finally just ten zhang, True Master Tiancang suddenly struck. In an instant, he seized the cultivator and pulled him into the cave. Before the latter had a chance to react, his vitality was snuffed out in an instant.
Just as True Master Tiancang was about to begin refining the Nascent Soul with his demonic arts, he sensed the presence of several more individuals stepping onto the island.
"Four in total, one of them a body cultivator."
Body cultivators were particularly suited for healing. A mocking smile appeared on True Master Tiancang's lips. It seemed that what he needed had indeed arrived.