mtl008 Chapter 363 The Killing Intent at the Spring
Chapter 363 The Killing Intent at the Spring
"Master Lin, the Yellow Springs are overflowing, but the water will recede soon. Keep an eye out for the Eye of the Yellow Springs and try to find as many 'Yellow Springs Nether Crystals' as possible while the water recedes."
Yunmiao Zhenjun activated his protective magic shield, crossed the surging Yellow Springs below, and, carrying Lin Changsheng, flew towards the depths of the forbidden area.
Nascent Soul cultivators have already begun to control the spiritual energy between heaven and earth for their own use, and can fly freely even without the aid of any magical artifacts or treasures.
"clear."
Lin Changsheng nodded in agreement.
Prior to this, True Monarch Yunmiao had already shown him a sample of the 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal'.
After returning, Lin Changsheng also made a special trip to the Liuyan Sect's 'Library Hall' to try to find out the function of the 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal'.
After searching through many ancient texts that recorded various rare treasures in the cultivation world, there was no record of this 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal'.
The only place where the term "Yellow Spring Nether Crystal" was found was in a travelogue or unofficial history book of unknown origin.
Legend has it that the 'Netherworld Crystal' comes from the Netherworld and is an ominous object, corrupted by evil spirits.
After being smelted using special methods, 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal' can be used to create a special type of Netherworld artifact called 'Three Lives Realm'.
It is said that as long as a wisp of divine consciousness is sent into it, one can see one's past and future lives.
However, Lin Changsheng could only take the contents of the unofficial account as a reference and would not believe it blindly.
However, something that Yunmiao Zhenjun values so highly must be extraordinary.
Immediately afterwards, the two figures suddenly dropped, less than a few feet away from the Yellow Springs below.
The malevolent energy, visible to the naked eye, transformed into wisps of yellow miasma that permeated the water's surface.
Lin Changsheng couldn't help but feel nervous.
Even with the fourth-order defensive magic shield activated by True Monarch Yunmiao protecting him, Lin Changsheng still felt a sense of trepidation.
At this moment, two figures behind them were constantly approaching this place.
"Please wait a moment, True Lord Yunmiao, I have important matters to discuss with you."
The speaker was none other than Lu Le, the newly promoted Nascent Soul True Lord who had been dismissed by Black Tiger True Lord earlier.
At this moment, Lu Le, with the Golden Core cultivator from his clan behind him, chased after him with great effort and barely caught up with the speed of True Monarch Yunmiao.
"Fellow Daoist Lu, what brings you here?"
Yunmiao Zhenjun spoke in a clear, cold voice, his expression completely calm as he looked at the person in front of him.
“I am Lu Le, a cultivator from the Lu family of Qingtuo Ridge. I did not expect that True Monarch Yunmiao would know my name.”
When recognized by a Nascent Soul stage True Monarch like Yunmiao True Monarch, Lu Le was first taken aback, then showed an expression of being flattered.
"The Yellow Springs are about to recede. Fellow Daoist Lu, if you have something to say, please speak frankly."
Yunmiao Zhenjun clearly didn't want to waste any more time, her brows furrowed slightly as she urged him on.
"'Green Camel Ridge,' the Lu family?"
Lin Changsheng muttered a few words to himself, but he had no impression of this family's power.
However, he could also tell that this True Monarch Lu Le had only recently advanced to the Nascent Soul realm and his mindset had not yet fully changed.
He still harbored some reverence for other Nascent Soul True Monarchs, reminiscent of his Golden Core days.
In addition, their families are mostly relatively weak and lack the support of Nascent Soul level cultivators, so they are somewhat lacking in confidence.
"Yes Yes……"
Seeing that True Lord Yunmiao seemed somewhat displeased, Lu Le responded twice and quickly got straight to the point:
“I overheard that True Lord Yunmiao seems to have a special fondness for ‘Yellow Spring Nether Crystal’. I happened to have obtained a piece many years ago, and today I am presenting it to True Lord Yunmiao.”
As he spoke, Lu Le produced a gray crystal the size of a pigeon egg, completely enveloped in magical energy.
"Such a complete 'Netherworld Crystal'?"
"However, Fellow Daoist Lu is entering the Yellow Springs Forbidden Land for the first time, so why does he possess 'Yellow Springs Nether Crystals' of such high quality?"
Yunmiao Zhenjun's expression was no longer cold, and his tone softened slightly. After staring at the 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal' for a moment, he asked with some curiosity.
His words suggested he was quite surprised by the size of the 'Netherworld Crystal'.
"To be honest, True Lord, I obtained this 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal' from another fellow Daoist by chance. I also learned about the Yellow Spring Forbidden Land from him. However, due to his request, I cannot reveal his identity."
Lu Le answered Yunmiao Zhenjun's question truthfully.
"The 'Netherworld Crystal' does have some use to me, but I, the True Lord, will not accept it for nothing. You have just entered the Nascent Soul stage, and apart from your own natal magic weapon, you do not seem to possess any Nascent Soul techniques. Therefore, I, the True Lord, will give you a fourth-tier magic weapon, which will at least give you some confidence when facing other Nascent Soul cultivators."
Yunmiao Zhenjun did not press further. After a moment's thought, he offered a suggestion.
"A fourth-tier magic weapon!"
Upon hearing this, Lu Le's throat bobbed, clearly indicating that he was deeply moved.
But he immediately suppressed his impulse, took a deep breath, and calmly said:
“‘Netherworld Crystal’ is a treasure that may not be of much use to others. Since True Lord Yunmiao does not mind, I will offer it to you without any need for a transaction.”
"However... my 'Green Camel Ridge' Lu family has a weak foundation, especially after supporting me to achieve the Nascent Soul stage, it almost exhausted the family's resources and incurred a lot of external debt."
“I wish to represent my family and form a cooperative alliance with your clan, while enjoying your clan’s protection. In addition to normal cooperation, the Lu family of Qingtuo Ridge is willing to give up 20% of its annual profits to Liuyan Clan for fifty years.”
Lu Le was clearly prepared, and rattled off a series of conditions in one breath.
After advancing from a Golden Core cultivator to a Nascent Soul True Monarch, Lu Le was captivated by the wonders of the Nascent Soul realm, but he soon discovered some unsettling signs.
Originally, the Lu family of Qingtuo Ridge was a single lineage of Golden Core cultivators, and their family foundation was only considered average among Golden Core-level forces.
His advancement to the Nascent Soul stage was entirely due to a training trip he took a few years ago, during which he unintentionally obtained a fragment of a Nascent Soul cultivator's legacy. After returning, he exhausted the resources of his family to plan and cultivated diligently for decades before finally breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.
The Lu family of Qingtuo Ridge thus became a Nascent Soul level family, and also came into the sights of some Nascent Soul level forces in the surrounding area.
In the world of cultivation, every Nascent Soul True Monarch is a being capable of influencing the regional landscape.
Having inherited the power of a Nascent Soul level, and with the protection of True Monarch elders, they can quickly stabilize their position after advancing to the Nascent Soul stage and rapidly overcome the initial 'weak period' upon entering the Nascent Soul stage.
However, if a 'wild' Nascent Soul True Monarch appears, it's like having an extra person out of nowhere, who will share the resources of the cultivation world, and this will have some impact on the other True Monarchs.
Moreover, as "wild" Nascent Soul True Monarchs, those who can still achieve Nascent Soul status without the help of True Monarch elders mostly have rare opportunities.
Lacking any background and being at the bottom of the Nascent Soul realm, yet possessing a fortuitous opportunity at the fourth rank, he is more likely to attract the attention and be targeted by some veteran True Monarchs.
Some extreme and heretical Nascent Soul True Lords will even go out of their way to find or secretly facilitate the birth of some "wild" Nascent Soul True Lords, and then ruthlessly suppress them, seize the newborn "Nascent Souls", refine them, and use them for their own purposes.
Therefore, in the cultivation world, most newly promoted Nascent Soul True Monarchs come from Nascent Soul level forces.
Occasionally, a 'wild' Nascent Soul cultivator will appear, and they will quickly find a trustworthy Nascent Soul level force to attach themselves to and seek protection in order to get through their 'weak period' as soon as possible.
This newly promoted True Monarch Lu Le clearly places his hopes on the Willow Smoke Sect.
After all, as the Supreme Elder of the Willow Smoke Sect, Yunmiao Zhenjun rarely interfered in the sect's affairs, but under her subtle influence, the Willow Smoke Sect had always developed steadily and had an excellent reputation.
It is most suitable for a 'wild' true master with no background to seek refuge with.
"'Green Camel Ridge' is quite far from Willow Smoke Sect, making daily protection difficult. In addition, Fellow Daoist Lu has just entered the Nascent Soul stage, and it will take him several decades to perfect his realm and have the ability to protect himself. During this period, he will also have to consume a fourth-order spiritual vein. If you join my Willow Smoke Sect, you will have to serve the sect for at least a hundred years."
“The ‘Yellow Spring Nether Crystal’ has been accepted by True Monarch Ben. Once we leave the Yellow Spring Forbidden Land, I will inform another True Monarch of our sect, Qingdan, so that he can discuss the matter of joining and cooperating with Fellow Daoist Lu.”
With a flick of his sleeve, True Monarch Yunmiao unleashed a surge of Nascent Soul power, replacing Lu Le's magic power and re-enveloping the 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal' before placing it into a specially crafted ice crystal jade box.
"Thank you, True Lord Yunmiao."
Seeing that the other party accepted the 'Netherworld Crystal', Lu Le breathed a sigh of relief and his expression relaxed. He thanked them repeatedly.
The fact that True Monarch Yunmiao agreed to this matter already indicates that he has achieved seven or eight tenths of his goal.
Thinking that he would finally have protection in the future, not only would he not have to worry about the covetousness of the old True Monarchs around him, but he would also be able to find a suitable fourth-order spiritual vein for cultivation, Lu Le was overjoyed.
Next, as long as you maintain good relations with Liuyan Sect, you can focus on improving your own strength. Once you have completely stabilized your cultivation level and acquired some fourth-tier techniques, you will have enough confidence to face other Nascent Soul True Monarchs.
At that time, they can begin to develop their family's power. Perhaps decades or even centuries later, the Lu family of 'Green Camel Ridge' will have the opportunity to become a true Nascent Soul level power.
……
After watching Lu Le leave, True Lord Yunmiao, with Lin Changsheng in tow, continued flying above the Forbidden Land of the Yellow Springs.
At this moment, the water level of the Yellow Springs below gradually rose, almost submerging the surrounding mountains.
Having confirmed that the surrounding malevolent energy of the underworld could not get close, Lin Changsheng tried to extend his divine sense downwards into the water.
To his astonishment, he discovered that his divine sense, which far surpassed that of a Golden Core cultivator, was unable to penetrate the Yellow Springs water below.
Even the moment his divine sense touched the Yellow Springs, it felt as if he was touched by a burning sensation with corrosive power.
"How strange is this 'water of the underworld'? Could it really come from the Netherworld?"
Withdrawing his divine sense, Lin Changsheng's expression held a hint of curiosity.
Over the next few days, the two continued to fly through the Forbidden Land of the Underworld. At this time, all the mountains within the Forbidden Land were submerged, and a layer of yellow miasma filled the water.
Lin Changsheng obediently followed behind Yunmiao Zhenjun.
On this day, the yellow miasma that had been spreading rampantly began to show signs of dissipating.
A few lonely mountain peaks emerge from the Yellow Springs.
The floodwaters have receded!
Lin Changsheng's heart stirred.
Yunxia Zhenjun's eyes flashed, and he also noticed this phenomenon.
A Nascent Soul level divine sense immediately unfolded, constantly probing the rapidly falling Yellow Springs below, seemingly searching for something.
The Yellow Springs seemed to recede extremely quickly; the Yellow Springs, which had been surging and churning just moments before, were now dropping at a visible rate.
Lin Changsheng kept a close eye on the changes around him and soon discovered that True Monarch Yunmiao was leading the two of them, flying towards a Yellow Spring vortex.
He flew to the edge of the vortex, where a faint gravitational force emanated, causing the Yellow Springs tide to pour into it, forming a vortex with a diameter of seven or eight zhang, resembling a giant funnel.
After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the Yellow Springs flowed back, and a huge pit appeared below the two of them.
The pit was pitch black and bottomless, with the faint echo of the Yellow Springs flowing and striking the rock walls.
Lin Changsheng couldn't help but look down. The deep and empty space he saw gave him a sense of fear and oppression.
"It's the Eye of the Underworld!"
"The Yellow Springs are receding, which is the best time to explore the Eye of the Yellow Springs. Puppet Master, come with me!"
A look of joy appeared in Yunmiao Zhenjun's eyes, and his magical power surged.
Lin Changsheng nodded, and also activated his magic power, ready to unleash his power.
The two then transformed into a streak of cold light and plunged into the Eye of the Underworld.
The moment they entered the Eye of the Underworld, Lin Changsheng felt her and Yunmiao Zhenjun's figures suddenly shudder and unexpectedly sink dozens of feet, experiencing a feeling of weightlessness.
The surrounding temperature also dropped sharply.
Since achieving success in his cultivation, Lin Changsheng had not felt this way for a long time.
Yunmiao Zhenjun seemed to have anticipated this, and increased the power of his nascent soul to stabilize the two figures and descend slowly.
As they went deeper, the surrounding light quickly dimmed, and the light from the opening above their heads became very faint.
Although the intensity of light has a very limited impact on high-level cultivators, being in such a special, quiet environment feels like an invisible pressure.
For several days in a row, the two continued to delve deeper into their relationship, to the point that Lin Changsheng could no longer remember exactly how far they had gone.
All one could feel was the malevolent aura surrounding them, which seemed almost tangible. Along the way, the protective barrier of True Monarch Yunmiao's magic grew thicker and thicker.
Just as Lin Changsheng began to worry about how long Yunmiao Zhenjun's protective shield could last, the two of them paused, feeling a sense of solid ground beneath their feet.
Subconsciously, Lin Changsheng wanted to use his divine sense to investigate the surrounding situation.
But soon, he froze, and a look of horror appeared on his face, which was shrouded in darkness.
His consciousness seemed to be suppressed by some invisible force, and he was unable to extend it out of his body!
“Master Lin, there seems to be some kind of special natural magnetic field here, which has a great influence on the spiritual sense of cultivators. Even Nascent Soul True Monarchs cannot use their spiritual sense here.”
Beside him came the clear and beautiful voice of True Monarch Yunmiao.
Lin Changsheng nodded, calming himself down.
Before coming here, True Monarch Yunmiao had already discussed this kind of issue, and Lin Changsheng was mentally prepared.
However, divine sense is the most commonly used means of investigation for cultivators, and it is even more important than the eyes.
The sudden inability to use it caused Lin Changsheng a moment of panic.
Forcing himself to get used to the environment, Lin Changsheng began to scan his surroundings with his eyes.
At this moment, he and True Monarch Yunmiao were on a smooth boulder, with the Yellow Springs flowing around them, the gurgling sound of the water echoing in the underground pit, and a thin layer of brown miasma surrounding them.
Before he could observe anything else, Lin Changsheng suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, as if he were being watched by something.