SWDnovel Chapter 201 Heading to Tianji Island
Chapter 201 Heading to Tianji Island
Chen Xu's powerful divine sense swept across the crystal platform, attempting to penetrate the seemingly ordinary stone skin.
But the moment his divine sense touched the surface of the ore, it was as if he had crashed into a bottomless swamp.
A deep, cold, and eerie power, seemingly capable of devouring everything, suddenly emerged, silently absorbing and annihilating the probing divine sense.
Chen Xu felt a sudden chill, and a faint stinging sensation came from his soul.
This feeling was cold and filthy, somewhat similar to the aura emanating from evil spirits.
"Fellow Daoist Zhou, what is the origin of this item?" Chen Xu's voice remained calm, without any discernible emotion.
Zhou Caisheng followed Chen Xu's gaze, a fleeting hint of surprise crossing his face. He then stroked his beard and explained:
"Oh? Fellow Daoist Xu is interested in this piece of nameless black iron? This item was salvaged from the wreckage of an ancient shipwreck by an exploration team from the Chamber of Commerce."
"It is said that the shipwreck was frighteningly ancient, and its design was unknown to us. At that time, this object was wrapped in layers of restrictions, which were no longer effective, but it was clear that the original owner valued it extremely highly."
He paused, his tone carrying a hint of deliberation and uncertainty:
"Several top appraisers from the Chamber of Commerce have jointly studied this item, and its material is extremely special and incredibly hard. Even fourth-tier magic weapons cannot leave a mark on it."
"What's even more peculiar is that it can spontaneously devour any approaching spiritual energy, consciousness, or even light."
"We tried various methods to stimulate and refine it, even using the spiritual fire of a Nascent Soul Ancestor to burn it, but there was no reaction. We could not explore its internal structure, let alone its specific use."
Looking into Chen Xu's eyes, Zhou Caisheng added, his tone tinged with a hint of admonition:
"Although this item is peculiar, it cannot be refined, and prolonged contact with it can cause mental unease and even stagnation of spiritual energy, so it is kept at a distance."
"If you hadn't asked, I would have almost forgotten about its existence. According to the Chamber of Commerce's assessment, its value can barely be considered as a third-grade high-quality material."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xu frowned slightly.
The negative effects Zhou Caisheng mentioned include the absorption of spiritual energy, mental unease, and stagnation of spiritual energy.
These things didn't seem to have any effect on him.
He possessed pure and abundant Xuan Shui spiritual power within his body, and further cultivated the "Qing Yuan Jue," which had a remarkable effect on stabilizing his soul.
Although I felt a stinging pain and a chill when my consciousness was devoured, it was far from enough to shake my mind.
As for the stagnation of spiritual energy... his extraordinary recovery ability might be able to offset most of the effects.
Most importantly, this material, tainted with evil energy, piqued Chen Xu's curiosity.
This object can devour spiritual energy and consciousness, and even the spiritual fire of a Nascent Soul cultivator cannot harm it, so its material must be extraordinary.
It comes from an ancient shipwreck and is protected by numerous restrictions, making it anything but ordinary.
After a moment, Chen Xu withdrew his gaze, looked at Zhou Caisheng, and said calmly, "That's it. As for the other one..."
His divine sense swept across the treasure vault once more, finally settling on a jade platform radiating a thick yellow light.
A solid piece of jade floated on the platform. A crystal with a deep yellow color that is almost brown.
The crystal has a smooth surface, and inside it seems that countless fine grains of sand are slowly flowing, emitting an extremely pure and condensed earth elemental power.
"Fellow Daoist Zhou, what is the origin of this object?" Chen Xu pointed to the deep yellow crystal.
Zhou Caisheng followed Chen Xu's gaze and smiled, "This piece of Earth Essence was mined from the core of a spiritual vein at great cost by the Chamber of Commerce."
"This item contains the purest essence of Earth, its purity and richness making it the crown jewel of fourth-tier Earth-type materials!"
"Whether used to refine top-grade earth-attribute magic weapons or to assist in cultivating earth-based techniques, especially in tempering the physical body, it has incredible effects."
"Its value is absolutely among the top of all the fourth-tier treasures in the Chamber of Commerce's treasury."
Zhou Caisheng paused, looked at Chen Xu, and said meaningfully, "However... if you choose this item, along with that piece of nameless black iron, its value will far exceed that of two third-tier treasures..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.
The two items you chose are both very valuable, especially the Earth Essence. If you want it, you'll have to pay extra.
Chen Xu's heart stirred slightly. A fourth-tier earth-attribute treasure was just right for cultivating the third level of the "Mysterious Bone True Demon Art," and he naturally wouldn't miss it.
"Fellow Daoist Zhou," Chen Xu said calmly, without a trace of urgency.
"For these two items, I, Xu, am willing to add a thousand-year-old jade marrow fungus to make up the price difference."
"This thousand-year-old jade marrow fungus is mild and mellow in nature. It is a sacred product for strengthening the foundation, nourishing the vital energy, and prolonging life. It is also of great use to Nascent Soul cultivators. Fellow Daoist Zhou must know its value."
As he spoke, Chen Xu flipped his hand, and a warm, smooth jade box appeared in his palm.
As the lid of the box was slightly opened, a refreshing and vibrant medicinal fragrance instantly filled the air, making the spiritual energy of the entire treasure vault seem to become more active.
Inside the box lay a Ganoderma lucidum, radiating a milky-white glow. The stem of the mushroom is thick and strong, indicating that it is a thousand-year-old chalcedony mushroom!
Zhou Caisheng's eyes widened instantly, and his breathing became heavier.
A thousand-year-old jade marrow mushroom! This is a truly rare and precious treasure!
"Fellow Daoist Xu is indeed generous!"
"Deal! These two treasures are yours, Fellow Daoist Xu!"
Fearing that Chen Xu might change his mind, Zhou Caisheng immediately began to perform a magic incantation.
The crystal platform light shield that enveloped the essence of Wutu and the nameless black iron vanished instantly.
Chen Xu didn't stand on ceremony and waved his hand to put the two treasures into his storage bag.
The essence of the Earth element was incredibly heavy in my hand, as if I were holding a small mountain. The pure and profound earth elemental power could be faintly sensed through the storage bag.
The nameless black iron felt icy cold to the touch, and the chilling sensation of it devouring one's divine consciousness was even stronger.
However, the Qingyuan Technique within Chen Xu's body operated on its own, easily suppressing the discomfort.
"Thank you for your kindness, Fellow Daoist Zhou." Chen Xu handed over the Cold Jade Box.
Zhou Caisheng took it with both hands, carefully checked it, and after confirming that it was correct, his face lit up with a smile:
"Not at all, not at all. It was I, Old Zhou, who took advantage of you, Fellow Daoist! If you ever have any needs in the future, please feel free to come to my Meteorite Merchant Guild. I, Old Zhou, will do my utmost to help!"
The transaction was completed, and Chen Xu took his leave without lingering.
Zhou Caisheng personally escorted him to the entrance of the Chamber of Commerce, his attitude extremely respectful.
Upon returning to the floating island cave, Chen Xu immediately went to the Spirit Gathering Array to check on Nan Longyue.
She remained unconscious, her breath faint, and the cracks in her golden core did not worsen thanks to the medicine.
However, the dissipated primordial energy is still like a candle flickering in the wind, which may be extinguished at any time.
Time is of the essence, and the auction in half a month is not to be missed. But before that, we should first take stock of the proceeds from this transaction with Zhou Caisheng.
First and foremost is that crucial Myriad Treasure Token.
When Chen Xu took it out of the storage bag, he immediately noticed the difference.
Under the influence of the dual purpose, the originally pure white Wanbao Token was now covered with a layer of warm, jade-like light golden halo.
The patterns on the back of the token have become more intricate and mysterious, subtly forming a miniature pattern of stars guarding a palace.
At the same time, a clear stream of information flooded into Chen Xu's mind: it was a VIP invitation from Wanbao Palace.
Those who possess this warrant will not only enjoy access to a private VIP box at the Wanbao Palace auction, but also...
The unexpected bonus of having the opportunity to participate in the bidding for three non-public treasures after the auction is truly delightful.
Next was the jade slip that recorded information about the auction.
Chen Xu immersed his consciousness into it and found that the contents had been greatly expanded and deepened.
It not only includes detailed text and images of all the auction items and their starting prices, but also provides additional information on three previously undisclosed treasures.
These three treasures are only known to those who hold VIP tokens and are eligible to participate in the auction. Moreover, they are all fourth-tier treasures, far superior to ordinary auction items.
The first item is the Nine-Turn Divine Forging Pill, a high-grade fourth-tier spiritual pill.
It can only be refined by collecting the essence of nine thousand-year-old spiritual herbs, supplemented with the pure energy of the heavens and the spiritual marrow of the earth's veins.
This elixir excels at nourishing the spirit and soul, and is quite effective in breaking through realms.
Chen Xu's mind raced. If he could acquire this pill, he would be much more confident in breaking through to the mid-stage of Core Formation.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and continued looking at the second item.
The second item is a celestial compass, of unknown origin, suspected to be an ancient relic.
Although incomplete, the holder, through the stimulation of essence, blood, and consciousness, still possesses some ability to deduce heavenly secrets, discern fortune and misfortune, and seek opportunities.
However, the secrets of heaven are unpredictable, and forcibly prying into them will inevitably backfire. At best, it will damage one's soul; at worst, it will shorten one's lifespan. Therefore, it must be used with caution.
Chen Xu's pupils contracted slightly as he looked at the information on the Heavenly Secrets Compass.
It can deduce the secrets of heaven and foresee fortune and misfortune! Such a treasure is truly heaven-defying.
Although it is incomplete and has a huge backlash, its value is immeasurable.
For a cultivator like him who carries a great secret, being able to sense a crisis in advance or find key clues is far more significant than a powerful offensive magic weapon.
His gaze then fell on the third treasure.
The third item is an unnamed bronze box. This item was obtained from the depths of an ancient forbidden area of the sea race, where it was kept in the same room as the remains of several Nascent Soul cultivators.
The box contains a jade carving, entirely black, shaped like a strange fish, containing an extremely pure and cold power. Consuming the Yin Spirit Jade can unleash a full-force attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator.
"Unleashing a full-force attack from a Nascent Soul cultivator!?"
Chen Xu was deeply shaken, and a sharp light flashed deep in his pupils.
In the current cultivation world, the power of a Nascent Soul level cultivator is enough to establish a sect and become a powerful force in the region.
Even for a Nascent Soul cultivator, a full-force attack requires a huge amount of spiritual energy.
And this jade carving inside the bronze box can unleash such power by consuming Yin Spirit Jade.
He instantly realized that the value of this item far exceeded his imagination.
"This must be obtained!" A resolute glint flashed in Chen Xu's eyes.
Then, he took out the nameless black iron and the essence of the earth element.
Under the influence of this dual purpose, both items naturally received a boost in quality.
The original deep yellow-brown essence of the Earth element has now shrunk to the size of a finger.
Its color becomes incredibly deep, and the surface of the crystal has strange patterns naturally engraved, like a miniature of mountains and rivers.
An indescribable, heavy aura emanated from it. Just by getting close, Chen Xu felt a faint humming in his bones and an instinctive desire emanating from his flesh and bones.
Its value has long surpassed the category of fourth-order materials, making it a rare and precious treasure.
Using it to cultivate the third level of the "Mysterious Bone True Demon Art" will have effects far exceeding expectations, and may even bring about unexpected transformations.
The nameless black iron also looked very different at this moment.
It shrank several times, becoming only the size of a pebble.
Moreover, it no longer merely devours spiritual power and divine consciousness, but faintly exudes a terrifying aura that distorts space and devours all things.
Chen Xu tried to probe again with his divine sense, but this time, it was no longer a feeling of annihilation like sinking into a quagmire.
Instead, it was as if one were seeing a rotating miniature black hole, emanating a cold and deathly aura, yet carrying an indescribable sense of eeriness.
After studying it for a while and still not knowing what its use was, Chen Xu put it back into his storage space.
He then began refining the essence of the Earth element and cultivating the "Mysterious Bone True Demon Art".
……
Half a month later, in the quiet room, the pervasive spiritual mist suddenly contracted inward, completely disappearing into the seated figure.
Chen Xu slowly opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing in them.
He clenched his fist lightly, and the air in his palm crackled under the strain. The pure physical power he possessed was several times stronger than before.
The dark blue-black demonic energy beneath his skin had disappeared, but with every gesture, a calm and unwavering aura naturally emanated from him.
The Profound Bone True Demon Art, the third level of the Skin Refining Realm, is finally complete!
After passing through the pass, he came to Nan Longyue's side.
Nan Longyue remained unconscious and her breath was weak, but thanks to the pills she had taken earlier and the Xuan Shui spiritual power that Chen Xu occasionally channeled into her, the cracks in her golden core did not widen.
After carefully inspecting the cave's protective barriers to ensure its safety, Chen Xu left several protective divine sense imprints before disappearing into the cave in a flash.
The night was deep, and outside Meteor City, on a secluded sea cliff.
As midnight approaches, the sea breeze carries a salty and cool scent.
Chen Xu took out the Wanbao Token, which emitted a warm, pale golden luster.
When the time came, he did not hesitate to inject a wisp of spiritual power into the token.
hum...
The token suddenly lit up, and a dazzling golden light instantly enveloped him.
A gentle spatial force descended, causing the surrounding scenery to distort violently like ripples in water before shattering completely.
Chen Xu felt a sudden lightness in his body, as if he had been thrown into a rapidly flowing galaxy tunnel, with countless bizarre and colorful lights flashing around him.
The teleportation process was extremely stable, far surpassing that of ordinary teleportation arrays, demonstrating the superior skill of Wanbao Palace.
Just a few breaths later, their feet found solid ground.
Chen Xu found himself in a completely unfamiliar space.
Beneath my feet was a smooth white floor, radiating a soft glow.
Looking up, there was a vast sea of clouds.
Before them stood a magnificent and splendid palace.
Pavilions and towers, with flying eaves and brackets, layer upon layer, stretch to the horizon and disappear into the clouds.
The palace complex is connected by a series of light bridges, which are shimmering with light and colorful, and you can vaguely see figures riding various rare and exotic beasts or flying magical artifacts to and fro.
A faint, exotic fragrance filled the air, soothing the soul, while ethereal music drifted through the air, bringing a sense of tranquility.
This is the secret realm of Wanbao Palace, Tianji Island!
The Myriad Treasures Token in Chen Xu's hand trembled slightly again, and a golden light shot out, forming a small golden rune in front of him, which then entered his body.
At the same time, a stream of information flooded into my mind: some of the basic rules of Tianji Island.