Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 273 Benefactor Xiao, You Must Have an Affinity with Buddha
"Huh, what's going on?"

Out of curiosity, Xiao Chen followed them into the courtyard.

The courtyard was even larger than I had imagined.

Apart from a row of green bamboo planted along the wall on both sides, there are no other landscape features or buildings.

The people sitting cross-legged on the stone slab were all rogue cultivators of varying cultivation levels, numbering at least a thousand!
On the far left, a young Arhat dressed in a moon-white monk's robe is walking around, striking a wooden fish and chanting sutras.

"The Buddha told Ananda about all sentient beings."

“From beginningless time, all kinds of delusions have occurred, and the seeds of karma naturally gather like a cluster of evil forks…”

His voice wasn't loud; it could even be described as muttering to himself.

If someone were to pass by outside the door, they would only hear the clear sound of the wooden fish, but would not hear the contents of the scriptures.

However, the chanting could be clearly heard by every monk present.

Even though Xiao Chen was standing right at the door, he heard everything clearly, not missing a single word or sound.

If he were the only one here, it wouldn't be a big deal.

However, considering that there were more than a thousand people present, the ability to do this alone represents an extremely terrifying level of manipulation and control of true essence.

“Fellow Daoist, standing at the door won’t do you any good. Come and sit here quickly.”

Suddenly, a very low voice came from the right.

Xiao Chen turned his head and saw a thin old man with goatee eyebrows and a mustache sitting in the last row, waving at him.

He then gestured with his eyes to go and sit in the empty seat next to him.

"Hey, you're not sitting like that. You have to sit like this."

Seeing Xiao Chen sit cross-legged on the spot, the thin old man whispered a reminder again: "Put your left foot on your right leg and your right foot on your left leg."

"The reverse is also fine, but neither foot should touch the ground."

"They call this the lotus posture, and only those who do it can receive the spiritual fruit in the end."

“Yesterday there was a young man who didn’t know the rules and ended up getting nothing.”

what?
As Xiao Chen adjusted his posture, he asked curiously in a low voice, "Spiritual fruit? What kind of spiritual fruit?"

He already had a guess in his mind, but he still needed to verify it.

"Hey, what's there to hide?"

The thin old man smiled and subconsciously reached out to stroke his mustache: "Among everyone here, who didn't come here to receive the spirit fruit? There's nothing wrong with admitting it."

"Do you really think anyone is there to listen to them preach Buddhist scriptures?"

"Hmph, who has that kind of free time?"

Hearing this, Xiao Chen re-observed his surroundings.

Sure enough, only the monks in the first two rows were listening intently to the scriptures.

Many of the monks behind them appeared to be listening attentively to the sutra, but in reality, their minds were already wandering far away.

He wondered why there were so many independent practitioners coming to the Buddhist temple to listen to sutras.

So there's a Spirit Fruit layer inside too.

“Hey, fellow Daoist, when that long-eared monk comes over later, let’s be witnesses for each other.”

The thin old man waited patiently until the young Arhat turned around and walked to the left again before speaking again: "Just tell him that we arrived at Shenshi (3-5 PM) in the afternoon."

Goodness, so that's what it was all about.

Xiao Chen wondered why he had dragged him over for no reason.

However, he shook his head slightly: "I would like to help you, but I'm afraid it's not possible. There are people watching over there."

The thin old man raised an eyebrow: "Oh dear, you're just too honest. There are so many cultivators here, how could they possibly remember everything so clearly?"

Actually, what he said is true.

There are over a thousand cultivators here, and they all seem to be strangers attracted by the spiritual fruit. It's not easy to tell them apart.

But that applies to ordinary cultivators.

However, Xiao Chen is currently in the Sea of ​​Compassion, and while he may not be a household name, he is certainly not an unknown figure.

It's normal that the thin old man didn't recognize him, after all, rogue cultivators don't have an intelligence network and can't get accurate information in a timely manner.

However, all the major powers must have already spread his portrait far and wide.

They might have even seen a photographic stone recording the process of a duel in the ring.

In fact, Xiao Chen's guess was correct. The moment he entered the door, the two Arhats in the courtyard immediately noticed him.

One person was busy preaching Buddhist scriptures, while the other hid in the back hall to maintain the amplification array.

I just didn't have time to worry about him for the time being.

"Fellow Daoist, please listen to the sutra. I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

Xiao Chen smiled, and amidst the astonished gaze of the gaunt old man, he stood up and left.

He only went in out of curiosity.

But I don't have time to stay here and pretend just to get a worthless spiritual fruit.

If it were any other day, Xiao Chen wouldn't mind staying to learn more about Buddhism.

But with the new ruins about to open, he has other things to prepare for first.

“Amitabha, why is Benefactor Xiao in such a hurry to leave?”

However, right at the entrance, an old monk wearing a bright red Zen robe appeared out of nowhere: "Buddha guides those with affinity."

"This old monk believes that Benefactor Xiao has a connection with Buddhism."

With a smile, the other person gestured, "Why not come to the back room for a chat, to see through the sea of ​​suffering and understand your true nature?"

What a coincidence!
Xiao Chen waved his hand and decisively refused: "No, I'm busy."

Upon hearing this answer, the old monk's face showed sorrow: "Alas, worldly desires cloud the mind. Benefactor Xiao, you are blinded by demons, and your mind has been clouded by defilement."

"If one does not awaken in time and cultivate oneself, one will likely sink into the sea of ​​suffering and be trapped in the cycle of reincarnation."

What he said was so sincere that it seemed like the truth.

But the problem is, what does all this have to do with anything?

Xiao Chen couldn't understand what he was saying at all.

Where are you being blinded by demons? How did you end up in this sea of ​​suffering? You're not planning to sell my blessed Buddhist artifacts, are you?

He firmly refused, saying, "I don't believe in this. Farewell!"

After saying that, he was about to leave.

“Benefactor Xiao, please allow me to offer you one last piece of advice.”

The old monk put his hands together and first chanted the Buddha's name: "Amitabha, benefactor, you have the potential for wisdom and should take refuge in my school. Do not be deluded and do not regret it later."

"Know that the sea of ​​suffering is boundless, but turning back is the shore!"

After saying that, he took a step back.

After he said that, Xiao Chen understood.

To put it bluntly, they've taken a liking to me and want to recruit me; it's that simple.

Essentially, it's the same as the previous grand ceremony for transcending the world where they shaved off the tribulation cultivators; they were poaching talent, recruiting people, and expanding the number of their own Golden Core cultivators.

They even use phrases like "sinking into the sea of ​​suffering" and "being trapped in the cycle of reincarnation" to frighten themselves.

LOL, who are you trying to scare?

Xiao Chen's goal is to ascend to immortality and live a long and prosperous life.

He immediately strode away without hesitation.

He turned and went to Lingtong Pavilion on the next street to buy some information about the ruins.

"Do you have any more reliable information?"

Xiao Chen looked at the collection of rumors and gossip in his hand, somewhat speechless: "I can pay more!"

He was about to go to the ruins, and he really didn't want to try to analyze and judge the truth from this pile of stories.

The manager opposite shook his head; Lingtong Pavilion never sells reliable intelligence.

This is why they can survive among various powerful forces.

However, he offered a relatively reliable suggestion: "If you have acquaintances, you should be able to get the latest information from the major chambers of commerce."

Are all the major chambers of commerce here too?
After being reminded, Xiao Chen immediately went outside the store and, sure enough, found a cluster of chamber of commerce compounds under construction not far away.

The Jade Leaf Merchant Guild is naturally among them.

Although the temporary courtyard was not luxurious, the various sculptures and ornaments inside were quite exquisite.

As soon as you enter, a servant greets you: "Welcome, senior! Please come to the backyard!"

Following the other person to the back, we found that simple little houses had been partitioned off there.

Although it couldn't compare to the quiet room Xiao Chen had seen before, it was still quite elegant for a place like this.

"Please rest for a while, senior. The steward will be here shortly."

The servant helped push open the door to the small hut, bowed, and was about to leave.

Xiao Chen stopped him directly: "Wait a minute, let me ask you, did your chamber of commerce bring any appraisers this time? And which one was it?"

Since I'm already here, and it just so happens that I have a strange storage ring on hand.

This is a good opportunity to gather information and also conduct an assessment at the same time.

The attendant immediately replied, "Reporting to senior, the guests who have come this time are Master Kuang, Master Qi, and Master Liu."

Isn't this a coincidence?

Xiao Chen immediately asked, "Is it Fellow Daoist Kuang Ruihong?"

The other person nodded: "Exactly."

Xiao Chen immediately instructed, "Please invite him over here."

The servant immediately replied, "Yes, sir."

I wonder if it's because I'm too busy.

After waiting for about half an hour, Kuang Ruihong finally arrived late: "Oh dear, I just received a request for help from a friend this afternoon. He was surrounded by a school of sea fish."

"I just rushed back from outside the island. I'm sorry to have kept Fellow Daoist Xiao waiting."

Compared to the last time they met, his aura was fluctuating, and he did indeed look like he had just fought.

It seems that quite a few cultivators have been attacked by the sea fish.

"Saving lives is the most important thing, of course."

Xiao Chen didn't care about that. Instead, he took out the storage ring and said, "I'll have to trouble you to take a look at this."

Kuang Ruihong first took out a small flag and waved it.

Immediately, a spiritual energy barrier rose up, completely surrounding the hut.

She then took out a pair of silk gloves and put them on before taking the ring and beginning to examine it carefully.

"Huh, what is this?"

He frowned slightly, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, as if he were activating some kind of magic.

Immediately afterwards, Kuang Ruihong made a hand seal, and two streams of true energy, one on the left and one on the right, like two nimble little snakes, wrapped around the ring and entered it.

He immediately closed his eyes.

"Wow, this is truly an exquisite design!"

After about fifteen minutes, he suddenly opened his eyes and exclaimed, "I have seen all kinds of storage rings in my life."

"But this is the first time I've seen such a special storage ring."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen immediately pressed for details: "Is there really a secret inside this storage ring?"

Kuang Ruihong nodded, then thought for a moment and asked in return, "Fellow Daoist, have you ever seen a Yin-Yang Pot used for holding wine?"

"This storage ring is similar, containing two completely different spaces."

"Not only does it utilize powerful barriers to separate it, but it also employs special concealment techniques, making it impossible to open or see what's inside using ordinary methods." That makes sense!
Xiao Chen said that when he was trying to crack the restrictions, he felt that the restrictions were extremely complex and it took him a lot of time.

The space inside was strangely small, and there was nothing there at all.

He continued, "Then what should I do to open up another space?"

Kuang Ruihong held up two fingers: "There are two ways to solve this."

"The first way to break it is to find a master of formations, carefully study the structure of the restriction, and deduce the way to open it in reverse."

"Based on my experience, it should take about six months to lift the restrictions."

Half a year?

Xiao Chen certainly didn't want to wait that long: "Is there another way that will be faster?"

Kuang Ruihong nodded: "The second method of solving the problem is quite fast."

"But it will cause irreparable damage to the ring's restrictions."

"From now on, it will be impossible to conceal divine sense or refine it, which is equivalent to destroying this storage ring."

Xiao Chen decided without hesitation: "This is the way!"

He had no shortage of storage rings, and was more interested in what was inside: "Please teach me, fellow Daoist, how can I remove the restriction?"

Normally, this step of cracking the code should have been handled by Kuang Ruihong.

After all, that's how they make money.

However, considering the suspicious identity of the bronze-masked cultivator, Xiao Chen was somewhat reluctant to let others see what was inside.

"This...this is a secret technique passed down in our family."

Kuang Ruihong looked troubled: "Under normal circumstances, it is not passed on to outsiders."

He emphasized the word 'generally'.

Xiao Chen immediately understood: "This storage ring involves some secrets, so I would appreciate your help, fellow Daoist."

"If there's anything I can do, please feel free to ask."

Kuang Ruihong reached out and flipped through a small booklet: "I have no other wishes, but I am getting old and I am worried about my family."

"If you agree to my request, I will help you out if I am able to in the future."

"The solution lies within this book."

As a senior appraiser, Kuang Ruihong is very experienced in similar matters.

Throughout his life, he had met many different monks who brought him items from various sources for appraisal.

Therefore, he had long ago learned not to inquire about the origin of things.

For example, why is it that even though Xiao Chen took the ring, he is asked to provide a solution?

In addition, he also carried a small booklet containing secret techniques with him to facilitate transactions.

"Is this the only condition?"

Xiao Chen was a little suspicious. Could it be that the so-called secret technique, which was not to be passed on to outsiders, was sold so easily?
"Of course, as the saying goes, a gentleman's word is as good as gold."

Kuang Ruihong answered decisively: "I am willing to believe in your character."

Actually, that's not the case. If it's someone else, the price will be different, and even for the same person, there will be different situations.

If this had happened before the auction...

Kuang Ruihong refused Xiao Chen's request outright, citing the need to prevent the leakage of his family's secret techniques.

If it were before the Eight Directions Arena, he would demand a substantial hush money.

But now, he has chosen to ask for a favor on behalf of his family.

Don't think that a verbal promise, with its limitations, is useless.

The real value of this thing lies not in its use.

At least in Kuang Ruihong's view, given Xiao Chen's situation, there is a very high probability that he will become a Nascent Soul True Monarch in the future.

At that time, as long as one says a word of support for the Kuang family, without having to do anything proactively, the Kuang family will naturally benefit immensely.

"Of course, then thank you for your secret technique, fellow Daoist."

Xiao Chen nodded in agreement and took the booklet: "By the way, does Fellow Daoist Kuang know anything about the new ruins?"

Kuang Ruihong frowned: "I don't know much about this either."

"A fortune teller previously predicted that this site is likely from ancient times and will open tomorrow night."

"However, because it was so long ago, there are not many clear records."

"There are some rumors circulating, but I'm afraid they shouldn't be taken seriously."

For Xiao Chen, the fact that no one had any additional information was actually good news.

He stood up to say goodbye: "In that case, I'll take my leave. There's no need to see me off."

As Kuang Ruihong took out a small flag to dispel the formation, he politely said, "Fellow Daoist, please take care."

However, upon opening the door of the small hut, they saw a middle-aged monk with a plump figure standing outside.

"Manager Qian, what brings you here?"

Kuang Ruihong was somewhat taken aback, then introduced, "Um, this is Manager Qian from our Chamber of Commerce, who is in charge of managing the shops outside the ruins this time."

The middle-aged cultivator smiled and said, "Haha, Fellow Daoist Xiao is an honored guest."

"Since you're here, we should treat you well."

"With the opening of the ruins this time, the Drunken Spring Garden has also been moved to the island."

He stepped forward and handed over a token: "I just got a Hehuan Token yesterday. If Fellow Daoist Xiao is interested, you might as well give it a try."

Manager Qian had naturally heard about the previous Eight Directions Tournament.

So he waited at the door on purpose, hoping to get closer to the person.

The difference is that, based on his past experience, he chose to start with physical beauty.

"Um, no need for that, I have something to do, goodbye!"

Xiao Chen waved his hand, directly refusing.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, a new white fox arrived yesterday. It is an absolute beauty. Why don't you go and take a look?"

Manager Qian still wanted to persuade him to stay.

However, Xiao Chen strode away from the Jade Leaf Merchant Guild.

The white fox will only slow down my speed of unlocking the storage ring.

They found an inn to stay in and activated all the defensive formations.

Xiao Chen immediately opened the booklet and began studying the solution.

The method itself is not complicated, since its essence is to directly destroy all the restrictions in the storage ring while protecting the item from damage.

Therefore, once you've read it once, you can start practicing it step by step.

Four hours later.

Xiao Chen carefully manipulated his true essence to remove the last layer of restrictions on the storage ring.

With a burst of blinding light, a large number of runes that were originally engraved in the storage ring began to disintegrate and break apart layer by layer.

In the next fifteen minutes, the entire storage ring will disintegrate.

At this moment, without needing to refine it, Xiao Chen's divine sense could directly probe into it, examine it, and take what was inside.

He immediately dumped all his belongings out, filling half the room in no time.

The largest quantity of these items was naturally piles and piles of spirit stones.

It almost submerged Xiao Chen's neck.

Upon careful counting, there were a total of 1,294,000 low-grade spirit stones and 5,680 mid-grade spirit stones.

"Carrying so many spirit stones with you?"

Xiao Chen was somewhat taken aback; such a situation was quite rare.

Putting aside his special case, the Yuntao Sword Pavilion disciple whom we found in the Cangran Secret Realm only had a little over 300,000 spirit stones with him.

Moreover, it should be noted that the true disciples of Jianlu are already among the relatively wealthy.

Although most Golden Core cultivators can earn a lot of spirit stones, they either scrape together the money to prepare spiritual artifacts for themselves or actively use it to buy various cultivation resources to help them cultivate.

There's really not much left in my hand.

The bronze-masked cultivator must have had another purpose in carrying so many spirit stones.

Next were three spiritual artifacts that hadn't been used yet, including a rather valuable spiritual shield.

Then there were some good quality pills, talismans, and other miscellaneous items.

Then there was a special cultivation technique.

"The Sutra of the Supreme Bright King Who Saves the World?"

Xiao Chen glanced through the contents and realized it was a cultivation technique.

However, unlike other texts, it contains many obscure words and even uses archaic script in many places.

He seemed to be stumbling and struggling, unable to understand what was being said.

But at least we can deduce that the other party's background is indeed extraordinary.

"Could he also be a descendant of some reclusive Taoist lineage?"

Considering the current situation in the Sea of ​​Compassion, Xiao Chen could easily deduce that the other party must also have some extraordinary background.

Of course, this alone is not enough to confirm.

"However, the black market token also seems to be written in ancient script."

Xiao Chen frowned: "Moreover, they specially changed to new identity tokens, and the cultivators in the black market also wear different masks, just with different styles."

Is there any connection between them?

"Or is it just a coincidence?"

Putting those questions aside for the moment, Xiao Chen continued to examine the remaining items.

There was another booklet without a title in the storage ring.

Upon opening it, I found it contained handwritten prescriptions for elixirs.

"Oh, you're an alchemist?"

Xiao Chen hadn't seen anything like this in a while.

He patiently examined it carefully and was surprised to find that the entire booklet only described the refining process of a fourth-order elixir.

That's right, it's over ten pages long, containing several thousand words and more than twenty illustrations.

Only one formula is recorded, named the Three Treasures Nourishing Soul Pill.

Its main function is to slightly enhance spiritual sense and greatly improve its quality.

"Goodness, why is it so complicated?"

Xiao Chen carefully stored the pill formula in his Vast Ocean Ring, considering it a rather precious resource.

Besides these items, there are six spirit pearls, four spirit-gathering treasure boxes, two parchment scrolls, and a letter.

First, there are those six spirit orbs, all of which are fourth-order water-type spirit orbs.

Each one is as big as a small watermelon; you can't hold it in one hand, you have to hold it up.

Simply by holding it in your hand, the abundant and powerful water elemental energy within it immediately seeps into your body.

At first glance, Xiao Chen thought they looked like pearls.

Strangely, all six spirit orbs were exactly the same size and color, with no discernible difference, as if they were carved from the same mold.

If they are indeed pearls, it would probably take tens of thousands of similar pearls to select six that are so similar.

But where exactly can one find tens of thousands of fourth-tier spirit orbs?
This kind of thing is absurd just to think about.

(End of this chapter)