Cultivation of Immortality: Start by Improving Spiritual Root Qualifications

Chapter 928 Return to Silent Spirit Island, Little Gold Advances!

"So you're a fellow Daoist from the Que family!" Zhou Xun nodded in response.

The beautiful woman was overjoyed upon seeing this, and then she revealed another piece of news.

"To be honest, Senior Lei Yu, our Que clan happens to have a Nascent Soul Heavenly Lord who also cultivates thunder magic, known as the Forgotten River Heavenly Lord,"

"If you join my Que Clan, you can also exchange ideas with that senior!"

The number of lightning-attribute cultivators is on a completely different level compared to those of cultivators of the Five Elements, not to mention those at the Nascent Soul stage.

Of the hundreds of Nascent Soul cultivators in Tian Shu City, only two were Thunder Cultivators.

Lei Xiu was renowned for his exceptional combat strength; even though he was only at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm,

Even against a mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, they still have the strength to fight.
Unexpectedly, there was one from the Que family, causing everyone else to turn their heads in surprise.

As for Zhou Xun, his expression was indeed extremely strange upon hearing this.
How could they know that this Lord of the River of Oblivion was also himself?

So he nodded:
"If I am fortunate enough, I will certainly pay a visit to the Que family!"

"The Que family will certainly treat you to a warm welcome!" the beautiful woman said respectfully, but a hint of regret crept into her eyes.
Lei Yutianjun's words clearly meant that he was also rejecting them.

Zhou Xun coughed lightly and then spoke:

"I am deeply grateful for your kind favor towards me, fellow Daoists. However, I have no intention of joining any other forces, so I'm afraid you've made a wasted trip!"

"correct!"

Zhou Xun paused for a moment, then waved his hand, taking out over a hundred bottles of pills.
"Inside here is a fourth-grade high-quality calming pill that I personally refined. I'm giving it to you all as a return gift!"

"Furthermore, with his advancement to the Nascent Soul stage, Wang's alchemy skills have also greatly improved, officially placing him in the fifth-tier alchemist realm,"

"If any of you need alchemy, feel free to come to me!"

The pills Zhou Xun sent out were mostly of the highest quality, which also allowed him to showcase his alchemy skills.
They are all representatives of various powerful forces; they might be able to bring in a few business deals for me.

This is the long-term solution!
"what!"

When everyone heard that Zhou Xun was also a fifth-level alchemist, they were shocked, then delighted, and began to flatter him.

"Senior Lei Yu is actually a fifth-tier alchemist!" A late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator in a green robe suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with shock.
"This is a master who can refine pills for the Nascent Soul stage!"

"No wonder the senior could so casually give away so many high-quality calming pills!" another chamber of commerce representative exclaimed excitedly.

The crowd, who were initially disappointed by the failed recruitment attempt, now had a renewed fervent light in their eyes.

A fifth-tier alchemist is a rare find in the entire Thousand Star Chaotic Sea!

The beautiful woman from the Que family reacted the fastest, immediately rising to bow:

"Senior, my Que clan is willing to offer forty spirit crystals over a hundred years, plus an island with a fifth-order spiritual vein, in the hope that you will become a guest alchemist of our clan!"

"Forty spirit crystals?" The representative from the City Lord's Mansion sneered. "Our City Lord's Mansion is willing to offer forty-five spirit crystals and provide six fifth-grade pill formulas!"

"Wanbaoge will offer fifty spirit crystals, plus four fifth-grade spirit herbs!" The old man in brocade robes retorted, not to be outdone.

Everyone vied for the offer, each condition more astonishing than the last. Zhou Xun, however, simply smiled and shook his head.

"I appreciate your kind offer, but I truly have no intention of joining any faction."

Seeing the disappointment on everyone's faces, he changed the subject:
"However, if any of you have a need for alchemy, I can take on the task. Of course, the payment will be separate."

These words invigorated the crowd once again.

Although we can't tie this fifth-tier alchemist to our side, it would be good to establish a cooperative relationship.

The atmosphere at the ensuing banquet was even more lively.

Everyone offered Zhou Xun a toast, taking the opportunity to chat. Zhou Xun accepted all the toasts and chatted happily with everyone.

After several rounds of drinks, Zhou Xun suddenly stood up: "I am deeply grateful for your hospitality today. How about I explain my insights on alchemy to you all?"

Everyone was overjoyed upon hearing this and immediately sat up straight.

A fifth-level alchemist giving a lecture—this is a rare and precious opportunity!

Even if they don't learn alchemy, it is still an extremely rare inheritance that they have preserved Zhou Xun's teachings!
Zhou Xun cleared his throat and began to explain.

He started by explaining the key points of refining fourth-tier pills, gradually delving into the techniques for refining fifth-tier pills. To enhance the effect, he even took out his pill furnace and demonstrated several fire control techniques on the spot.

With a flick of his finger, a wisp of purple flame transformed into nine fiery snakes in the air, intertwining and swirling together, eventually condensing into a blooming fire lotus.

At the heart of the lotus, a virtual pill gradually took shape, with seven spiritual patterns appearing on its surface.

"This is... the transformation of the elixir fire!" a knowledgeable cultivator exclaimed in surprise.

"It is truly an honor to hear the senior's teachings today!" The representative of the City Lord's Mansion was the first to stand up and bow deeply.

The others also bowed and expressed their gratitude. Zhou Xun's move not only demonstrated his mastery of alchemy but also earned him the respect of everyone.

After the banquet ended, everyone returned to their respective factions and praised Zhou Xun highly.

Soon, the name "Thunder Prison Heavenly Lord" spread throughout Tian Shu City. To Zhou Xun's delight, a few days later, two alchemy commissions actually came to his door.

That day, Zhou Xun returned to his cave after completing his mission.

With a wave of his hand, he took out an exquisite tea set and a packet of spiritual tea, which was the "Heavenly Phoenix Spiritual Tea" gifted by the Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord.

Following the "Phoenix Dance in the Nine Heavens" technique taught by the Red Sun Heavenly Lord, Zhou Xun began to prepare the spiritual tea.

With a flick of his finger, three tea leaves floated up, swirling and dancing in the air before gradually transforming into a phantom of a fiery phoenix. The tea liquor layered, its seven colors swirling, finally coalescing into a miniature landscape painting.

Zhou Xun picked up his teacup and took a small sip, feeling his mind and soul instantly clear.

This spiritual tea truly has countless uses; no wonder the Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord cherishes it so much.

After finishing his tea, Zhou Xun took out the jade slip containing the "Five Heavens Purple Thunder Array" from his storage bag.

This formation was obtained by him in the human realm. It was originally only a top-grade fourth-order formation, but if a fifth-order lightning-attribute spiritual object is incorporated into it, it can regain its fifth-order power.

At that time, it will become one of his trump cards.

Zhou Xun probed the jade slip with his divine sense and began to study it carefully.

The principles behind this formation are profound. It requires a base of thunder crystals, combined with array flags crafted from thunder-attribute spiritual wood, to draw upon the power of thunder from the heavens.

Once the formation is set up, it can unleash five bolts of lightning, combining offense and defense with immense power.

"Besides that fifth-tier 'Thunder Crystal,' we also need fifth-tier thunder-attribute spirit wood to be integrated into the array flags," Zhou Xun muttered to himself.
"It seems we still need to find spirit wood."

With this in mind, he decided to visit Lord Chiyang again, a veteran Nascent Soul cultivator who had lived for ten thousand years, who might have some clues.

The next day, Zhou Xun returned to Crimson Cloud Peak.

The Heavenly Lord of the Crimson Sun warmly welcomed them. After exchanging pleasantries, Zhou Xun directly stated his purpose.

"Fifth-tier lightning-attribute spirit wood?" Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord stroked his beard in deep thought.
"This item is indeed rare; I don't have any myself."

Seeing Zhou Xun's disappointed expression, he added:
"However, in thirteen years, there will be an exchange fair for Nascent Soul cultivators in Tian Shu City, and it might happen then. This exchange fair is held once every hundred years and is dedicated to trading rare materials of the fifth rank and above."

Zhou Xun was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Thank you for informing me, fellow Daoist!" After leaving, Zhou Xun planned to return to Silent Spirit Island.
After all, he had previously promised the head of the Que family to help them set up teleportation arrays and establish a teleportation network.

The exchange program will take another ten years or so.

"This is a good opportunity to see if we can find out any information about lightning-attribute spirit wood from the Que clan. After all, the Que clan is a Void Refining Immortal Clan."

As Zhou Xun pondered this, he transformed into a bolt of lightning and soared into the sky, flying towards Silent Spirit Island.

A month later, a streak of purple lightning ripped across the sky above the vast sea.

Zhou Xun stood on the clouds, his robes fluttering in the wind.

In the distance, where the sea meets the sky, a black dot gradually appears. As it gets closer, the dot expands until it finally reveals the outline of a lush island—his Silent Island.

"Finally home."

Zhou Xun's lips curled into a slight smile. Although Tian Shu City was bustling, it was ultimately not as comfortable as his own dojo.

The protective array surrounding the island sensed its master's return and automatically parted to create a gap.

As Zhou Xun passed through the light curtain, he was immediately surrounded by familiar spiritual energy. The island was covered with lush spiritual plants, and several low-level spiritual beasts roamed through the forest, creating a vibrant scene.

As I slowly walked towards the cave, I could see a beautiful figure busy in the herb garden from afar.

Sun Yuanxuan, dressed in a light purple silk dress, her black hair loosely tied up with a wooden hairpin, was bending over tending to several "Moonflower Grass" plants.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a golden glow on her delicate profile.

As if sensing something, Sun Yuanxuan suddenly looked up.

When she saw who it was, the jade shovel in her hand clattered to the ground.

"Young Master!" she exclaimed, her eyes instantly filled with joy, and with her skirts fluttering, she rushed over like a butterfly.

Zhou Xun opened his arms and caught the beauty steadily.

A familiar fragrance wafted into his nostrils, and he could clearly feel the other person's rapid heartbeat.

"What, you've missed me after only a few years?" Zhou Xun chuckled.
Sun Yuanxuan's cheeks flushed, but she boldly met his gaze: "During the days you were away, I longed for you every single day."

Zhou Xun put one arm around her slender waist.
When feelings are strong enough, things will fall into place naturally.

Zhou Xun swept the beauty up in his arms and strode towards the bedchamber. The room was filled with the warmth of spring.
In the days that followed, Zhou Xun focused on quiet cultivation in his cave. Every day, besides improving his cultivation with Sun Yuanxuan, he also studied the "Five Heavens Purple Thunder Formation".

That morning, he was in his quiet room studying the key principles of the formation.

With a light tap of the fingertip, complex array patterns were projected, and five purple lightning bolts intertwined and changed in the void, sometimes transforming into a thunder dragon that coiled around, and sometimes condensing into a dense network of lightning.

"I see." Zhou Xun said thoughtfully.

The most ingenious aspect of this formation lies in the mutual generation of the five thunders. If one can comprehend its variations, its power can be increased by another three points.

Suddenly, a violent surge of spiritual energy emanated from the west side of the island. Zhou Xun scanned it with his divine sense and immediately revealed a look of delight.

"Little Jin is about to break through!"

He flashed into the courtyard and happened to meet Sun Yuanxuan, who had rushed over after hearing the commotion.

Without a word, he grabbed the beauty's slender waist and transformed into a streak of light, flying towards the source of the fluctuations.

In mid-air, dark clouds covered a stretch of sea.

Golden bolts of lightning weaved through the clouds, and a cyan-gold dragon could be vaguely seen churning within them. With each strike of lightning, its scales shone brighter.

"Young Master, will Xiao Jin succeed?" Sun Yuanxuan nervously gripped Zhou Xun's sleeve.

Zhou Xun patted her hand reassuringly: "Don't worry, Xiao Jin has a solid foundation and the bloodline of the dragon. This breakthrough is almost guaranteed."

As they were talking, a flash of yellow light suddenly appeared beside them, revealing a boy of about sixteen or seventeen years old. He wore a short blue-gold shirt and had a handsome face; it was Xiao Jia, who had fully transformed.

"Master!" Xiao Jia waved excitedly, "I sensed that Xiao Jin was about to break through, so I came to witness the ceremony!"

Zhou Xun nodded with a smile, but his gaze never left Lei Yun.

At this moment, the tribulation lightning had reached its most critical point, and a golden bolt of lightning as thick as a bucket crashed down!
"Roar--"

A thunderous dragon roar resounded through the heavens.

Amidst the lightning, the dragon's body swelled dramatically, the golden patterns on its scales becoming increasingly clear. When the lightning dissipated, a thousand-foot-long azure-gold dragon coiled out, its aura already reaching the upper rank of the fourth grade!
Even more astonishingly, its dragon horns on its head have forked, and each of its four claws on its belly has grown five toes—a sign that the true dragon bloodline is further awakening!

"Congratulations," Zhou Xun said with a hearty laugh.

The azure-gold dragon swayed, its original form of a young child transforming into a boy of about eleven or twelve years old as it descended.

At the same time, the dragon horns on its head had disappeared.

"Owner!"

The boy ran up excitedly, "I finally caught up with Xiao Jia!"

Xiao Jia pouted: "What's so smug about? I'll be breaking through to the fifth rank soon."

Watching the two transformed spirit pets bicker, Zhou Xun and Sun Yuanxuan exchanged a smile.

Time flew by, and finally the day he had agreed upon with Lady Que arrived.
Tianque Island
A middle-aged man dressed in a purple-gold Taoist robe stood up to greet him; he was none other than Que Ming, the head of the Que family.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, your presence is an honor! I have not been able to greet you properly!"

Que Ming smiled broadly and bowed respectfully. Although he was the head of the Refining Void Immortal Clan, he still treated Nascent Soul cultivators with utmost courtesy.

Zhou Xun returned the greeting, saying, "Master Que, you are too kind. I have come here today to fulfill the promise I made earlier."

"Fellow Daoist, you truly keep your word!" Que Ming was overjoyed and quickly led Zhou Xun to a seat. Attendants served spiritual tea, the aroma of which was refreshing and delightful.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Que Ming got straight to the point:
"Regarding the matter of teleportation arrays, I wonder what your insights are?"

Zhou Xun put down his teacup and said seriously, "I have already come up with a preliminary plan. Why don't we take a look at the distribution of power among the nobles first?"

Que Ming understood and immediately took out a miniature map of the sea area, which was full of light and color.

As magic was infused, hundreds of points of light appeared on the map, each representing an island. Five of these points were particularly bright and were arranged in a pentagonal pattern.

"This is the core area of ​​my Que family."

Que Ming pointed to the largest point of light in the center and said,
"This is Tianque Island, and the four surrounding islands are Dongji Island, Nanming Island, Xisha Island, and Beiyuan Island."

Zhou Xun stared at the map, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

He pointed and said, "If we take Tianque Island as the center and build a teleportation array on each of the four large islands to form a 'five-way beaded array,' we can cover the entire Que Clan Sea Area."

"Brilliant!" Que Ming exclaimed, slapping the table in admiration.
He paced excitedly around the room.

"In this way, not only will travel between the islands be convenient, but support can also be provided quickly in case of emergency!"

"It is truly a blessing from heaven that my Que clan has the assistance of Fellow Daoist Zhou!"

Next, the two discussed in detail the location and materials for the formation, and then Zhou Xun began to refine the teleportation array!

(End of this chapter)