Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 282 The Dragon Cannot Be Bringed Back to Life
East of the Sea of ​​Compassion.

A massive nautilus is slowly crawling along on its tentacles, seemingly chasing the setting sun.

The seawater here is thousands of feet deep and is not considered a shallow sea area.

However, even though it was standing on the seabed, half of its body was still exposed above the water.

It displays a smooth, disc-shaped shell with reddish-brown stripes.

"The ruins are over."

A middle-aged man dressed in a crane cloak stood atop the nautilus shell, his hands behind his back.

His gaze was fixed on the sea, yet seemed to linger on something even further away. He spoke slowly and deliberately, "But Huang'er's life lamp still hasn't regained its sensitivity."

"He will most likely never come back."

His words were devoid of emotion, neither sadness nor anger.

It was as calm as if they were reciting from a script.

However, the nautilus beneath its feet paused for a moment, then quickly swung its arms to keep moving forward.

It's clearly just a mount, so why does it have such a useless organ as ears?

Fortunately, there was another unfortunate person nearby who could help distract him.

"Your subordinate has failed in his duty and has not been able to protect the prince properly. Please punish me, Your Majesty."

It was a lobster much smaller than a nautilus, only a little over 600 feet long.

At this moment, his entire body was completely arched, and from a distance, he looked like a blue sphere.

It had already advanced to the fourth rank a thousand years ago, and even in the sea it had almost lost all its natural enemies.

But at this moment, it only felt that the September evening breeze was a bit chilly, as if autumn had arrived early.

Unlike the human race, cultivators of the same level are relatively polite to each other.

In the sea, the phrase "survival of the fittest" is almost perfectly exemplified.

A difference of even a small realm is enough to distinguish between superior and inferior.

"Huang'er has always been competitive, loves adventure, and enjoys challenging others to duels. This time, it was probably his own idea to run away; it has nothing to do with you."

The middle-aged man's tone remained calm and unwavering: "A dragon that dies cannot be brought back to life."

"But a king should not travel alone."

Without him making any move, a small token suddenly appeared in mid-air and fell onto the lobster's head.

"Take the token and go to Jinluan. He will provide you with the necessary information. Then find all the cultivators who entered the ruins and have them buried with Huang'er."

"I'm leaving this to you. Do it well, make sure no one slips through the net, and don't drag it out for too long."

"Go."

The lobster immediately breathed a sigh of relief: "Yes, sir! I'll go right away!"

Before he finished speaking, he grabbed the token and rushed toward the Sea of ​​Compassion at top speed.

He maintained full speed until he was out of the range of divine consciousness, and dared not relax in the slightest.

One of his targets, Xiao Chen, was a secluded deserted island nearby.

After skillfully setting up the array plate, he began refining the storage ring in his hand.

After exploring the ruins, it's only natural to take stock of what you've gained.

"Ugh!"

While breaking the restrictions, Xiao Chen sighed slightly: "There's no Nine Apertures Jade, no evil energy, just a few useless broken inheritances."

"I only managed to get a small teleportation talisman; otherwise, I wouldn't have bothered coming."

"Hopefully, I can get something useful from the storage ring."

Logically speaking, it should take about 57 hours, or nearly five days, just to crack the nineteen storage rings.

Including the rest breaks to recover spiritual energy, the amount is at least as much as it should be.

However, thanks to the fact that this was not Xiao Chen's first time doing this kind of thing, he was able to finish all the storage rings in just three days with his skillful movements.

It's almost twice as fast as it was initially.

As is customary, he first picked out all the spirit stones separately, sorted them, counted them, and sorted them.

It's worth mentioning that although this task seems rather tedious, it's actually quite engaging and not at all annoying.

"Hiss~, so many mid-grade spirit stones, what are they going to do with this?"

Xiao Chen found two thousand mid-grade spirit stones, all neatly stored in small wooden boxes, in the storage rings carried by those burly men.

The ten people combined amount to a full 20,000 mid-grade spirit stones.

Strangely, they didn't carry even a single low-grade spirit stone.

On the contrary, the nine human traitors managed to gather a total of more than 1,225,000 spirit stones.

The main reason is that the storage ring, which is just as complex as the 'Copper King', contains a full 430,000 spirit stones.

Such wealth easily leads one to believe that this was the money the sea creatures used to bribe him.

After putting away all the spirit stones, Xiao Chen chose to first count the ten standard storage rings.

The main reason is that not only are they identical in appearance, but the contents inside are also almost exactly the same.

Apart from a few miscellaneous items that were clearly personal.

Each of them was equipped with a spirit shield shaped like fish scales, a spare bone flying sword, and three strangely shaped stones.

"No array plate?"

Xiao Chen found it a bit strange. Logically speaking, carrying so many mid-grade spirit stones should be for activating the formation.

"Or rather, these stones are the array plate?"

He examined it carefully and even tried to infuse it with his true energy.

However, no obvious runes were observed, nor was any special reaction of the stone to true essence found; it seemed to be just an ordinary sea stone.

"Never mind, I'll just keep it for now and have it appraised later."

Xiao Chen didn't investigate further. He tidied up the items and then began to check the other nine storage rings.

Compared to those trained assassins.

The storage rings of these traitors contained a much wider variety of items.

For example, some of them carried more than ten jars of different kinds of third-tier spirit wine in their storage rings.

Some people have collected the corpses of dozens of kinds of poisonous snakes, scorpions, centipedes, toads, and spiders in their storage rings.

Some people also kept many dresses with scented powder, ribbons, sachets, and pink bibs embroidered with mandarin ducks in their storage rings.

There's no need to elaborate on some common elixirs, talismans, and cultivation techniques.

According to Xiao Chen's estimate, he could probably sell it for over 100,000 spirit stones.

Crucially, among the first eight storage rings, there are only two Spirit-Nourishing Treasure Boxes.

However, the last and most complex storage ring contained not only two spirit-gathering treasure boxes.

There were also two parchment scrolls, two pamphlets, and a letter.

Having learned from his previous experience with 'Copper King', Xiao Chen opened the letter directly this time.

It still had that tone of a superior instructing their subordinates.

The cultivator named 'Copper Wolf' was instructed to travel to a place called 'Zhiyi Cave' as soon as possible, based on the sea chart.

Then, using the Xin Jin Bao Gourd and its accompanying secret method, they took the contents and delivered them to Jin Luan.

"The accompanying secret techniques?"

Xiao Chen picked up the two booklets without titles.

Upon opening the first book, one discovers that it does not contain any so-called secret techniques, but rather a book of insights into formations.

Moreover, this is not the complete version; rather, it is like a handwritten copy of a source text, recording the author's insights.

Basically, it's the kind of personal notes where I jot down whatever comes to mind, with almost no connection between the contexts.

However, Xiao Chen noticed that the term "Cunyang Stone" was mentioned frequently.

This means that several of the formations he comprehended used this special spiritual ore unique to the Mozhang Sect.

"Could this guy be a traitor to the Mozhang Sect?"

Xiao Chen asked curiously, "But they weren't recognized in the ruins before. Does that mean they were studying the formations of the Mo Zhang Sect?"

Generally speaking, such research is conducted for two purposes.

The first purpose is naturally to learn, since array formation is a rather popular art.

As for the second purpose, it is nothing more than trying to find loopholes in the formation, or studying how to break the formation.

This usually means that there will be targeted actions to follow.

"I hope it's not the second scenario."

Xiao Chen offered a heartfelt blessing.

He immediately opened the second booklet and, unsurprisingly, saw the so-called secret method.

"A mirror suspended in eight directions, used to ward off evil spirits?"

"A knotted loop, used to ward off evil spirits and dispel malevolent influences?"

"Qi circulates around the Nine Palaces, dispelling evil and turning to nothingness?"

hiss~!

Xiao Chen was completely bewildered: "What kind of secret technique is this? It can't be used to combat evil energy, can it?"

"Could it be that……"

He immediately perked up and grabbed the two parchment scrolls.

The first one was exactly the same as the one he had sent out before, marking the movement route of the giant sea monster.

The second image resembles an ancient nautical chart, with a prominent island marked by a red circle amidst a large expanse of black and white.

Overall, the island is located in the middle of the Compassionate Sea and is very close to Pudu Temple.

No wonder the sea creatures needed to hire a traitor to infiltrate, because it was almost impossible to get there without the nearby monks.

From a directional perspective, the center belongs to the earth element, so this could potentially be considered an inauspicious earth element.

"Oh no, we have no choice but to go now."

Actually, after receiving a similar task before, Xiao Chen didn't really want to get involved.

He didn't know much about the sea creatures, nor did he really want to get involved with them.

The problem is that it was mainly because he wasn't very interested in the ancient cave dwelling. Now that it involves malevolent energy, it naturally needs to be considered differently.

Although it's unknown what the sea creatures intend to do with the collected malevolent energy.

But that doesn't matter. Now that Xiao Chen already knows this information, he naturally can't just give it away.

While the sea creatures find it inconvenient to travel near Pudu Temple, he has no such taboos.

Besides, evil energy, being something naturally generated by nature, is ownerless; whoever gets it first gets to keep it.

"very good!"

Xiao Chen examined the sea chart again carefully before storing it in his Vast Ocean Ring.

"As expected, participating in various secret realms or ruins is the best way to get new clues!"

Although this clue is not directly related to the ruins, it was still obtained from within the ruins, wasn't it?

"Hoo~!"

Xiao Chen took a deep breath, calmed himself down, and turned his gaze to the last four Spirit-Nourishing Treasure Boxes.

He picked up the first two treasure boxes and opened them one by one.

The first thing you see is a crystal clear crystal, but unfortunately it belongs to the water element.

Fortunately, Xiao Chen currently has a considerable number of wood-elemental Dao-nurturing crystals, so although there are some minor regrets, it's not too bad.

Then he saw three thick, rich tortoise shells.

This item is a small piece from the very center of a sea turtle's shell. Its most distinctive feature is that its shape is almost identical to a large copper coin. It is one of the very rare materials used in crafting.

"Oh~!"

Xiao Chen sighed softly. Every time this happened, he felt a pang of regret that he wasn't a weapon refiner.

In fact, theoretically speaking, alchemy, artifacts, runes, and arrays should not conflict with each other.

A cultivator can learn whichever they like; theoretically, they can even embrace all of them and develop comprehensively.

The only challenge is whether you can learn so many things at the same time.

The problem is that Xiao Chen doesn't actually have much free time to cultivate these things.

He spends most of his time either cultivating or collecting spiritual items that can help him cultivate; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to achieve such a fast cultivation speed.

Faced with this rather troublesome problem.

Xiao Chen chose to make a wish directly: "I hope that in the future I can draw another Hextech item related to the Hundred Arts of Cultivation, so that I can master all the skills directly."

This is much better than him struggling to learn it all from scratch.

Open the third Spirit-Nourishing Treasure Box.

In the very center was a tiny umbrella, only three inches in size.

Although the items are small, they are made with exceptional care.

The umbrella is decorated with colorful patterns that, when combined, resemble a beautiful painting. At the very edge, where the ribs are, fine silver threads hang down, strung with tiny pearls.

"what is this?"

Xiao Chen originally thought that this might be some kind of special spiritual artifact.

But as soon as he got his hands on it, he immediately realized that it was actually a defensive talisman!
Although it differs in form from the imitation white jade Vajra bracelet he acquired at the Tingtaohai auction, both possess the unique tactile feel of a talisman.

"I just don't know what grade of talisman this is?"

Xiao Chen carefully examined it, but unfortunately there were no particularly conspicuous markings on it.

Judging from the details alone, the quality shouldn't be too bad.

It seems I need to have it appraised.

The sea stones we got earlier were also going to be identified, so we might as well process them all at once.

"Then the last one left should be the Xin Jinbao Gourd."

Xiao Chen put away the small umbrella-shaped talisman and opened the fourth Spirit-Nourishing Treasure Box.

Sure enough, inside was a bright white gourd, with special runes engraved on it that resembled swimming fish.

The purpose of this thing is naturally to collect evil energy.

After all, not everyone is like Xiao Chen, who can directly absorb evil energy.

For most cultivators, including demonic cultivators, tools are needed to collect and store evil energy.

Speaking of which, there is a saying in the Five Elements that Xin metal benefits earth.

Based on this gourd, it can be inferred that it was most likely a custom-made gourd specifically crafted to collect earth evil.

"How thoughtful of them, they even prepared the secret method and tools for you."

Those fish-like runes were very similar to the ones Xiao Chen had seen in the ruins before.

Therefore, this gourd was clearly made by a sea creature weapon refiner.

"Wait, but this thing seems pretty good, I'll take it."

Xiao Chen originally intended to put it directly into his storage ring and exchange it for spirit stones.

But then I thought, I might actually need this thing.

Firstly, such customized magical artifacts are difficult to sell for a high price, since they are practically useless to cultivators who don't need them.

Rather than selling it cheaply, it's better to keep it for yourself.

If there's enough malevolent energy in that Zhiyi Cave, he can use this gourd to collect it.

It might come in handy sometime in the future, or even have a surprising effect.

Secondly, although there is a saying that Xin metal benefits earth, it does not mean that it cannot contain other evil influences.

Even if Xiao Chen didn't encounter any extra malevolent energy this time, there will always be other opportunities in the future.

Even after he has gathered all five elements of malevolent energy, he may encounter the existing malevolent energy again.

Therefore, after careful consideration, he still stored the Xin Jinbao Gourd in his Han Hai Ring.

"All done!"

After reviewing all the findings from this new site, Xiao Chen lay down on the spot and rested for a while.

Then he took out the detailed sea chart of the Sea of ​​Compassion that he had bought earlier and began to study his route of action.

In the original plan, after leaving the ruins, he was supposed to go to Ankylosaurus Island to hunt dragon turtles.

But the question now is, do the sea creatures already know that the 'Copper Wolf' and the others perished in the ruins?
Considering that there seem to be quite a few cultivators who have defected to the sea race, this news should not be kept secret.

In that case, would they switch to someone else to collect the evil energy?

"That shouldn't be the case, right?"

After considering it for a moment, Xiao Chen realized that similar tools and secret techniques were probably not uncommon even for the sea creatures.

In other words, this shouldn't have any impact.

"No, you can't think like that."

After careful consideration, Xiao Chen realized that he didn't actually know much about the sea tribe.

In case the other party takes this very seriously and has already prepared a backup plan, it is likely that they have taken precautions.

Or rather, from the very beginning, the other party may not have simply assigned one person to carry out this task.

"Hiss~, could it be that someone has already tried to steal my evil energy?"

Thinking of this, Xiao Chen suddenly felt a jolt, and without thinking any further, he quickly glanced at the route on the sea chart.

Then he put away the array plates around him and, without saying a word, headed straight for Zhiyi Cave.

At this moment, we must act quickly and take the initiative to eliminate the evil energy.

As for that dragon turtle, well... let it live a few more days.

Anyway, the hunting plan has already been postponed several times, so one more time won't make a difference. Right now, the killing intent is more important.

Back when Xiao Chen was busy cracking the storage ring...

The special circumstances that occurred in the new ruins were promptly relayed back to the major factions through a variety of means at the fastest speed.

In the Cloud Wave Sword Pavilion.

Die Lang Zhenjun, who was just about to go into seclusion in the spiritual vein to comprehend the way of the sword, has not yet activated the formation.

Suddenly sensing something, I turned around and saw a small, azure sword rushing towards me at high speed.

However, once the small sword arrived at the outer edge of the spiritual vein, it couldn't find a specific target and immediately began to hover around like a headless fly.

"Hmm, is that a distress flying sword from a true disciple of the sect?"

Immediately, True Lord Die Lang reached out and beckoned, and the small sword landed in his hand.

As fellow cultivators of the Sword Pavilion, the restrictions above naturally posed no challenge to him.

He flicked his index finger and the information it contained was immediately absorbed into his ears.

"Hmph~!"

Upon hearing the sea creatures' plan, True Lord Die Lang immediately snorted coldly: "They're just a bunch of sea beasts, yet they dare to turn the world upside down."

As a newly promoted True Lord, and especially as a sword cultivator.

He was not afraid of this sudden change; on the contrary, he was somewhat eager to try it out.

It should be noted that since True Monarch Dielang broke through to the Nascent Soul stage, he has only sparred with his senior brother twice, and both times he stopped short of defeat.

As for fighting outsiders, there was simply no chance of it.

After all, as a Nascent Soul True Monarch, he was carrying a flying sword and coming to challenge them to a duel.

Even if you say you simply want to learn from others, they still have to be willing to believe you.

If things go wrong, it could escalate into a hostile conflict between two major powers.

If the sea creature thing is true, then he will undoubtedly have many more opportunities to fight.

"Om~!"

As if sensing the surging fighting spirit in its master's heart, the sword at his waist emitted a clear hum.

"Hehe, don't worry, there will be a day when you drink blood."

Die Lang Zhenjun chuckled and reached out to stroke his natal flying sword.

As a sword cultivator, one must drink the blood of an opponent of equal level with a flying sword to truly hone one's skills.

"And this young friend Xiao, his performance is indeed amazing."

After hearing the whole story, True Lord Die Lang's expectations grew even higher.

Last time, he hoped that Xiao Chen could break through to the Nascent Soul stage as soon as possible and become his testing ground.

Now it seems that the other party's potential is indeed ridiculously high, and their background is also quite impressive.

That's good; having a background makes it relatively easy to make breakthroughs.

He looked forward to having another young comrade and rival like this, so that he wouldn't always have to compare himself with those old guys who broke through to the Nascent Soul stage hundreds of years ago.

at the same time.

Chongzhen Temple, which is closer to the new ruins than Yuntao Sword Lodge, also received the intelligence.

The disciple in charge of guarding the Trust Pavilion immediately ran to deliver the message to the sect's rear hall.

"How...can it be so fast?"

After carefully reviewing the intelligence, True Monarch Crane Cry frowned.

"Senior brother, what happened?"

Upon seeing this, True Lord Ziyang immediately inquired with concern.

Because Chongzhen Temple was newly established, they did not follow the practice of other sects where one person would take the opportunity to go into seclusion and cultivate while the other was on duty.

Instead, they worked together to handle the various affairs within the sect during this period.

For small matters, each person is responsible for half; for big matters, they discuss and handle them together.

"Hey, take a look at this first."

Crane Cry True Lord handed over the intelligence.

"Sea creatures? Giant sea monsters?"

Ziyang Zhenjun was immediately taken aback: "What's going on?"

According to Chongzhen Temple's original plan, after establishing its authority initially...

The next thirty to fifty years should be a period of steady development for them to cultivate three generations of new disciples and strive to catch up with the strength gap between themselves and the five major sects.

The best-case scenario is that in thirty years, we will have a new batch of Golden Core disciples.

At that time, there will be enough manpower to operate the formations, explore the ruins, and compete for the secret realm.

But now, this plan is about to be disrupted.

"Senior brother, given this situation, it's unlikely we'll be able to get through the next three years safely."

True Monarch Ziyang frowned as well: "We only recruited new disciples a few months ago, and I'm afraid they haven't even reached the Foundation Establishment stage yet."

Crane Cry True Lord was also worried about this: "Yes, such a short time is really too short."

"I originally hoped to select a few more promising talents who could break through from the first level of Qi Refining to the Foundation Establishment stage within five years."

"It now seems that we may have to reduce the time by half again."

Ziyang Zhenjun couldn't help but worry: "Isn't this request a bit too difficult?"

"Besides those two celestial spiritual roots, is there really anyone who can possess such a fast cultivation speed?"

(End of this chapter)