The abandoned cannon fodder girl's path to immortality

Chapter 266 Half a Year
Liu Qingchen cautiously glanced at Chen Jinshu.

During the daytime birthday banquet, Chen Jinshu and Xuan Yinzi's secret confrontation had already been noticed by him.

However, due to Xuan Yinzi's strength, he dared not think about it in detail.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, listen to this old man's advice."

Medicine King Valley Market is protected by the Valley Master's prestigious reputation. As long as you are within this area, it is a pure land.

Regardless of the storms outside, the best course of action is to retreat here in seclusion, cultivate oneself diligently, and advance one's alchemical practice.

"This road is blocked; do not mention it again."

I will pretend I never heard what you said tonight. You'd better watch yourself.

Liu Qingchen's expression was serious, and he refused to continue discussing the matter without hesitation.

Chen Jinshu's actions were tantamount to suicide.

If the leader of the Pill Gathering held by Medicine King Valley were to have an accident, how would outsiders view Medicine King Valley?
There will inevitably be some discussion and blame-shifting, at which point Medicine King Valley will be embroiled in controversy.

"Thank you for informing me, Fellow Daoist Liu. I will certainly give it much consideration."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jinshu was speechless for a moment, his face lost its luster, and he spoke with little interest.

After seeing Liu Qingchen off, Chen Jinshu went to the space to meditate and cultivate.

The flow rate inside the spiritual plant space is different from that outside. If you cultivate inside for two years, it may take less than a year outside, at most half a year.

For her, it is not impossible to improve to the same level as Xuan Yinzi.

It just requires more perseverance than ordinary cultivators.

"Jinshu, what should we do next? That person certainly won't let us go easily..."

Qing Teng, having lived for so many years, though now in a crippled state, was aware of Chen Jinshu's precarious situation.

"I know."

Chen Jinshu raised his hand and gently stroked Qingheng's dark green hair, his brows furrowed as if he were pondering something.

"Teleportation arrays are basically out of the question."

Medicine King Valley can protect me for a while, but not forever.

That Xuan Yinzi is at the sixth level of the Golden Core stage; I am far from being his match.

"To remain alive and await death is to become stronger!"

"So powerful that he dares not provoke them, he can't afford to provoke them!"

Soon, a glint flashed in her eyes, and her face showed more determination.

"Qingheng, we will be in seclusion for a long time to come."

Focus all your efforts on improving your cultivation!

I need your help.

Qingheng immediately puffed out her little chest, her bright blue eyes sparkling:

"Yes! Qingheng, help Jinshu! Take care of the spirit plants and make them grow fast and well!"

Chen Jinshu's lips curled into a smile of satisfaction:

"it is good."

With a wave of his hand, Chen Jinshu created layers upon layers of restrictive spiritual light that enveloped the core meditation room of Meiyun Residence, completely blocking any prying eyes or disturbances.

She sat cross-legged on the futon, her mind sinking into the depths of her consciousness.

The phantom of the Mysterious Female Furnace slowly rotated within her soul, emanating a warm and vast aura.

With a thought, she vanished from the quiet room in an instant.

……

Inside the spiritual plant space, an intensely rich spiritual energy wafts through the air.

"Qingheng, I'm leaving this place to you from now on."

"Especially those few Jade Lamp Fruits and Purple Thunder Bamboos, they are crucial to the advancement of my spiritual roots and thunder magic, and cannot be lost."

Furthermore, materials for refining auxiliary elixirs, such as the Mind-Concentrating Flower and the Soul-Nourishing Grass, should also be supplied with priority.

"Don't worry, Jinshu!"

Qingheng nodded vigorously and patted her chest with her little hand.

"Qingheng will definitely make them all grow strong and healthy!"

After she finished speaking, she immediately took short steps and ran to the Jade Lamp Fruit. Her little hand gently brushed over the newly formed jade-colored bud, and the vibrant green light blended into it.

The flower buds were visibly fuller.

Seeing this, Chen Jinshu nodded in satisfaction and then sat down cross-legged.

Time flew by rapidly within the spiritual plant space, its flow rate tripled. One day outside was equivalent to three days within the space.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, two years have passed in the space.

Chen Jinshu slowly opened her eyes.

Two beams of blue light flashed in his eyes and then disappeared, leaving only silence.

The aura emanating from her body, a result of her recent breakthrough to the seventh level of the Golden Core stage, quickly subsided and sank into her body, leaving no trace of her spiritual energy leaking out.

She slowly rose to her feet, her bones emitting a series of fine, crisp popping sounds.

After two years of seclusion and six months in the outside world, he advanced directly from the third level of the Golden Core stage to the late stage of the Golden Core stage.

Only she knows the hardships she endured.

Her will almost gave out, but fortunately, she had many treasures with her, which helped her regain her composure.

"Jinshu!"

Qingheng rushed over with a clear cheer.

Qingheng's small figure crashed into her arms like a cannonball, her little hands tightly wrapped around her neck.

Chen Jinshu lowered his head, a hint of warmth appearing in his eyes.

Two years have passed, and Qingheng has grown a bit taller. Its dark green hair has become even more lustrous, and the tender green buds at the ends have unfolded into several small and delicate green leaves.

The tiny flowers adorning the hem of her short jacket, formed from starlight, were once just hazy specks of light, but now they have solidified and bloomed, like real, rice-grain-sized starflowers, radiating pure starlight, swaying gently with her movements.

“Qingheng has grown up.” Chen Jinshu reached out and brushed his fingertips across the new leaves at the tip of Qingheng’s hair, clearly sensing the abundant spiritual energy of the plants on it.

"Mmm!" Qingheng proudly raised her little face, her blue eyes sparkling.

"Qingheng has been working hard! Look!"

She waved her small hand and pointed to the spirit field in the distance.

Chen Jinshu looked in the direction of the sound, slightly surprised.

The space clearly underwent another transformation during her seclusion.

A pale blue spiritual mist, visible to the naked eye, floated in the air.

The Xuan Yin Spirit Field, which was originally only a few feet square, has now quietly expanded to a radius of about ten feet, with dark light flowing around it and cold energy contained within.

On the Purple Thunder Field, the Purple Thunder Bamboo has grown to three feet tall, with distinct bamboo joints, entwined with purple lightning, exuding vitality.

The Qingning tea trees are lush and verdant, with leaves that shimmer with a jade-like luster.

The most surprising thing was that the six Blood Vermilion Fruit plants were already laden with longan-sized, bright red fruits.

"Qingheng is amazing!"

Chen Jinshu sincerely praised it, and then took out a jade bottle, which was full of the Grade 3 Herbal Elixir that she had specially made before her seclusion. Its medicinal effect was far superior to that of the past.

Qingheng cheered and took the jade bottle, her little face full of satisfaction.

A moment later, she had a thought and her figure appeared in the quiet room of Meiyun Residence.

The outside air rushed into my nostrils, carrying the unique freshness of herbs and soil from Medicine King Valley, but it was also much more mixed than the air inside.

The blue robe she wore remained as good as new even after two years in the space, but the person wearing it had undergone a complete transformation.

She didn't rush out, but instead took out Liu Qingchen's communication jade talisman and sent a calm divine thought:
"Elder Liu, how have you been?"

In less than half an hour, the restrictions on Meiyun Residence were triggered.

Liu Qingchen appeared outside the door, still wearing that understated dark blue casual clothes, but his brows seemed to show more fatigue and worry than they had six months ago.

When he saw Chen Jinshu standing inside the door, he stopped abruptly, his face instantly filled with disbelief and astonishment.

He subconsciously rubbed his eyes, thinking he was seeing things.

The person before me stood tall and straight like a bamboo stalk, his aura deep and resolute like a mountain.

Even though he was just standing there casually, he exuded an invisible aura.

Even Liu Qingchen, a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, felt a slight tremor in his heart. That feeling of completely internalizing spiritual power, as if merging with the surrounding world, was something that no third-stage Golden Core cultivator could possess.

"Fellow Daoist Chen...?"

Liu Qingchen's voice trembled slightly as his gaze swept over her repeatedly.

"You...you...you've broken through?"

He simply couldn't understand how someone could leap from the early stage of the Golden Core realm to such an unfathomable level in just six months.
That calm and steady aura was far beyond what a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator could possess!
Could it be... post-production?
The thought struck him as absurd.

In just six months, even with his exceptional talent, he was unable to break through four realms in succession.

"Even the slightest progress has caused Elder Liu concern."

Chen Jinshu was unwilling to say more, and then said:
"Elder Liu looks hurried, is something the matter?"

Liu Qingchen suddenly came to her senses, forcibly suppressing the turbulent emotions in her heart, and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.

He took out an exquisite visiting card with gold foil and red embroidery from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"There is indeed something wrong."

Three days later, Medicine King Valley, in conjunction with Wanbaolou, held a large-scale auction held once every ten years at Jubaoge.

This is a grand event in the Eastern Region, attracting Daoist friends from all directions.

This invitation is for the VIP seats inside the venue; only those at the Golden Core stage or powerful figures are permitted entry.

This old man... specially brought it for Fellow Daoist Chen.

His voice carried a hint of nervousness.

“That Xuan Yinzi…”

"Still inside the market!"
I booked a quiet room on the top floor of the Guiyun Inn and stayed inside every day.

For a full six months, I haven't left even for a moment!

He looked at Chen Jinshu, his eyes filled with even deeper worry:
"Fellow Daoist Chen, auctions are good, but they are also a mixed bag and a sitting duck!"

If you show up at Jubaoge, he will definitely know!
this……"

Chen Jinshu took the invitation and looked at the three ancient seal characters "Jubaoge".

"Half a year? Xuan Yinzi is so patient? Is the bond between fellow disciples really that important to this demonic cultivator?"

"That's rather absurd!"

She raised her eyes and looked at Liu Qingchen with a faint gaze.

"understood."

"I will still go to the auction."

Liu Qingchen gasped, wanting to offer further advice:

"Fellow Daoist Chen! Think twice! That old demon..."

"I appreciate Elder Liu's kindness."

Chen Jinshu interrupted him, her tone leaving no room for argument.

"After being secluded for so long, it's time to go out and get some fresh air. We can't keep having people blocking our doorsteps forever."

A meaningful smile seemed to appear at the corner of her mouth.

"Having waited for half a year, he must have grown somewhat weary of it."

……

Three days later, at Jubao Pavilion.

As dusk settles, the city lights begin to twinkle and glow.

At the entrance, the guards, dressed in uniform moon-white brocade robes and exuding a calm and composed aura, stood solemnly, their gazes carefully scanning each guest who entered with an invitation.

Chen Jinshu, dressed in a simple blue robe with only an antique-style jade hairpin in his hair, calmly handed over the gold-embossed invitation, concealing all the pressure of his late-stage Golden Core cultivation.

The guard checked the invitation and touched the hidden VIP mark. His expression instantly became extremely respectful, and he bowed to lead her inside.

The VIP seating area is located on the second floor directly in front of the auction stage, divided into relatively independent small rooms by semi-transparent jade screens, offering excellent views.

Chen Jinshu sat down in the small room. The sandalwood chair was large and comfortable, and a few plates of exquisite snacks and spiritual tea with a fragrant aura were already prepared on the low table in front of him.

The circular auction hall below was packed with people, and lower-level cultivators could only squeeze into ordinary seats further away.

Various voices, some expectant, some greedy, and some nervous, merged into a buzzing background noise.

The auction has begun, and rare treasures, seldom seen in ordinary markets, are being displayed on the high platform.

Refining materials with a thousand-year tempering process, incomplete ancient magical artifacts, rare spiritual fruits that can extend one's lifespan by sixty years...

Each bid caused a stir in the room, and the atmosphere gradually reached a climax.

Chen Jinshu calmly scanned each item before making a move.

These things might be rare treasures for a rogue Golden Core cultivator, but for her, they were better than nothing.

She has quite a few in her possession.

Soon, when a beautiful maidservant carried a box about a foot long, made entirely of ten-thousand-year-old Xuanbing jade, and walked onto the auction stage surrounded by several powerful guards, the atmosphere in the entire Jubao Pavilion suddenly froze for a moment.

The auctioneer's voice, tinged with barely suppressed excitement, resounded throughout the hall:

"Fellow Daoists! Next up is the second of the three grand prizes of this auction—the Ten-Thousand-Year Soul-Nourishing Wood!"

The lid of the ice jade box was slowly lifted.

An indescribable coolness instantly swept through the entire venue.

Inside the box lay a piece of wood, about the thickness of an arm and two feet long.

This wood is entirely black, but not a deathly black; rather, it is like the deepest night sky.

Its surface is naturally covered with countless fine and mysterious spiral patterns, emanating a powerful soul energy fluctuation that soothes the soul and clarifies the mind.

Simply being enveloped by that light makes one feel clear-headed and free from all distracting thoughts.

"Hiss... Ten-thousand-year-old Soul-Nourishing Wood! It can nourish and strengthen the soul, resist inner demons, and is also a core treasure for refining top-level soul defense magic weapons and even substitute puppets!"

A discerning cultivator gasped, his eyes filled with fervor.

"Starting price—100,000 low-grade spirit stones! Each bid must be at least 10,000 higher!"

Before the auctioneer could finish speaking, someone immediately raised a bid.

"One hundred and fifty thousand!"

"One hundred and sixty thousand!"

"One hundred and eighty thousand!"

……

"Two hundred and fifty thousand!"

Prices soared and quickly broke through the 500,000 mark, with the main contenders concentrated in a few VIP rooms and among a few men with deep auras in the front row of the lobby.

The atmosphere was extremely tense, with each bid affecting the nerves of many.

Just as the price climbed to 600,000, Chen Jinshu, who had been silent all along, spoke to the maid standing in the corner of the small room, who was specifically responsible for quoting prices for VIPs:

"Eight hundred thousand."

The moment the price was announced, the entire room fell silent.

All eyes turned to the barrier on the second floor, a place from which no one could see.

Xuan Yinzi, who was in a private room, also looked somewhat surprised, and then a strange smile bloomed on his face.

Increase the price by 200,000!
What financial resources and boldness this requires!

The auctioneer was also stunned for a moment, then his eyes lit up with immense joy:

"VIP number seven has bid 800,000! Any fellow Daoists willing to raise the bid?"

After a brief silence, sporadic sounds of resentment began to emerge:
"Eight hundred and fifty thousand!"

"Nine hundred thousand!"

Chen Jinshu didn't even lift his eyelids, and spoke to the maid again, his voice still flat:

"one million."

boom!
The entire Jubao Pavilion was in an uproar!

"Hiss... One million! This... what kind of deity is this?"

"Number Seven of the Heavenly Order?"
He had never bid before, but his first offer was absolutely stunning!

"This is insane! At this price, you could buy three!"