Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 298 You'll be my protector?
The person upstairs, Master Mo Yin, was completely dumbfounded when they saw Master Mo Xiu's actions.

What's the situation?
To him, Master Moxiu was a distinguished guest whom he needed to flatter and fawn over.

But this distinguished guest seems to be deliberately trying to befriend this Fellow Daoist Xiao?
Based on his extensive experience, he immediately realized that Xiao Chen might be far more powerful than the rumors suggested.

Since that's the case, he's certainly not stupid.

Silently, he put the array flag he had taken out back down, rubbed his cheek, and tried to make himself look more natural.

Only then did he rush downstairs in what appeared to be a hurried and flustered manner.

He greeted her with a smile: "I have long admired Fellow Daoist Xiao, but it has been a pity that I have never had the chance to meet you. Today I am finally fortunate to meet you."

"Please come upstairs and have some hot tea, fellow Daoist."

“I know all the restaurants in the market well, so I’ll have them send over their signature dishes right away.”

As Master Mo Yin spoke, he glanced at the boy who was slumped on the ground, trembling, out of the corner of his eye.

Although I didn't see what just happened.

However, he had a fairly good understanding of the boy's character and had roughly guessed what was going on.

"Fellow Daoist Moyin, is it? It's not easy to see you."

Xiao Chen gave a light nod, without deliberately reprimanding the boy.

Instead, he changed the subject: "No need for food. I'm here today mainly to share some important news."

"This matter is of great importance and should not be disclosed. Please, fellow Daoists, come upstairs with me for a discussion."

After saying that, he went straight up the stairs to the sixth floor.

Master Mo Xiu deliberately lingered a step, then turned around and said, "Senior Brother Mo Yin, bring the dishes upstairs."

Then they followed him up.

Only then did the boy seem to realize what was happening, and he immediately kowtowed and begged for forgiveness: "Master, I was confused just now and didn't recognize your greatness."

"Please, sir, spare me this time."

However, Master Moyin angrily cursed, "You bastard, get out of here and don't get in the way of the important person."

Then he turned to another servant and instructed, "Go quickly and bring over all the good wine and dishes from each household, and set them up on the second floor."

After saying that, he flicked his long sleeves and hurriedly followed upstairs.

At this moment, the two were still thinking about having dinner.

But it doesn't matter. When Xiao Chen sat down at the tea table, he took out the two array diagrams one by one and spread them out.

Immediately, Master Mo Yin's eyes widened, his mouth gaped open, and his mind went completely blank: "This...this...how could this be?"

For a moment, he was so shocked by the sudden news that he couldn't even speak clearly.

He had always lived a peaceful life in the market and had never seen such a drastic change.

In comparison, Master Moxiu, as a true disciple, performed much better.

After a brief pupil contraction, he immediately and carefully compared the authenticity of the array diagram.

Then, his thoughts raced, and he asked cautiously, "May I ask, Fellow Daoist Xiao, did you obtain this intelligence from the sea tribe? Approximately when did it come about?"

Both of these questions are good and crucial.

Xiao Chen nodded: "That's right, they are the two traitors I met earlier who have secretly defected to the sea tribe."

"The former came from the end of last year, and the latter came a little later."

"It can be basically confirmed that the sea creatures are attempting to launch a large-scale attack, and have secretly stockpiled a considerable amount of resources such as the Yang Stones."

"If left unchecked, war could break out here very soon."

"We hope that your faction can take this seriously in time and prevent problems before they arise."

War?

Upon hearing these two words, Master Moyin immediately felt his hair stand on end.

Her eyes darted left and right at Xiao Chen and Mo Xiu Zhenren, revealing obvious panic.

Should he be listening to such crucial intelligence?
Why did the sea creatures suddenly set their sights on the Mozhang Sect?

In case of war, will the city of Moshifang where he lives be safe?

Various thoughts immediately filled Master Mo Yin's mind, leaving him somewhat at a loss.

However, this is not something Xiao Chen needs to worry about.

He had already done his part by passing the intelligence to the disciples of the Mozhang Sect.

Whether things turn out well or badly is up to their fate.

"All the intelligence I have is here."

Xiao Chen said, "I'll be leaving now, no need to see me off. Just stay and take good care of the things."

After saying that, he left cleanly and decisively.

When I went downstairs, I noticed that the boy from before had disappeared and had been replaced by another disciple from the market who was acting as a temporary doorman.

Since he had come to the market, Xiao Chen took a look at the pastry shop.

We successfully located Jin Hua Fang's branch in Moshi Fang City.

"One hundred servings of Golden Silk Glazed Pastries, please pack them all up and take them away. Please hurry, thank you."

For some reason, Xiao Chen didn't take out the rest of the pastries he bought last time; instead, he ate them himself.

So he decided to buy several more to take back with him this time.

"I'm so sorry, senior, we don't have that many boxes of pastries in our shop at the moment."

The manager in charge of reception apologized repeatedly and asked if they could try something else.

Or give them some time to prepare, and then deliver it to their door.

These are high-end pastries that are priced high and whose main purpose is to build brand awareness; they are usually kept in very small quantities.

"I only want this flavor. How much do you have now? Wrap it all up for me."

Xiao Chen doesn't have a fixed address yet, and the next time he'll come is uncertain, so he declined the other party's suggestion.

Finally, he returned to Silent Island with the only eight boxes of pastries left in the shop.

Since the Spirit Shuttle was no longer needed, those annoying sea fish disappeared.

The journey was smooth and unobstructed.

They successfully reached the outer edge of the island in just ten days.

Coincidentally, three Golden Core Sea Fish lingered inside the illusion array, seemingly lost.

Seeing Xiao Chen approaching, it immediately found its target and pounced fiercely.

Then they turned into three fresh demon cores.

"Why are there so many golden sea fish here too?"

Xiao Chen had already realized that something was amiss.

He recalled that he seemed to have seen many low-level cultivators when he was in the Inkstone Market.

He just thought he might have just happened to be at some kind of gathering, so he didn't pay any attention to it.

However, in addition, they encountered almost no one along the way.

On Ji'e Island, where few schools of sea fish were ever seen before, three golden jutsu sea fish suddenly appeared.

These signs all indicate that the number of fish in the Ocean of Compassion has become excessive.

The disease spread from the east to the entire sea area, severely affecting most cultivators' ability to go out.

After all, if you could encounter the Golden Sea Fish just by walking a few steps...

Therefore, all cultivators below the Golden Core stage lost their eligibility to go to sea.

This matter wasn't originally that serious, but with the current invasion of the sea creatures, it's like adding insult to injury.

Fortunately, Xiao Chen doesn't need to worry too much about these issues for the time being.

Moreover, we shouldn't have to worry about this for the foreseeable future.

"Ding!"

Before Xiao Chen could get close to the island, a snow-white figure rushed towards him at an even faster speed.

"you are back!"

Su Li smiled, more beautiful than the peach blossoms in April: "I saw a big-faced grouper passing by the other day, which is perfect for steaming."

"Look, it's right over there."

She pointed to a spot not far away, in the sea in front of the island, where a grouper that was at least twenty feet long was thrashing about.

However, it was firmly blocked by a solid spiritual energy barrier and could not break free.

Tsk tsk tsk, should we say it's lucky or unlucky?
They were able to break into this place without being affected by the illusion array.

Unfortunately, it looks like they won't be able to leave.

Steamed is delicious!

Xiao Chen agreed: "I haven't eaten fish this year, and I've been craving it for ages."

"Oh, by the way, please save the demon core for me later."

Su Li nodded: "Okay, I'll bring it to you together tonight."

After a brief greeting, Xiao Chen skillfully returned to the beach and began his daily training.

Despite the Hextech enhancement, one still needs to be diligent in training, reviewing spells whenever possible. Over time, this will lead to significant improvement.

Soon it was evening.

As the bonfire roared, the cleaned grouper fell into the large pot.

Xiao Chen then sat down by the fire and took out the Golden Silk Glass Pastry: "Let's bake this too, it might taste better."

“I didn’t know you liked this, so I brought a few extra this time.”

"It's a pity that the store only had eight, otherwise I would have definitely brought more."

Su Li wasn't as happy as she had expected; instead, she frowned slightly and asked, "Why did you buy so many at once?"

"Actually, I don't particularly like eating this kind of food."

"Why not keep these spirit stones and exchange them for other cultivation resources?"

Most cultivators think this way: precious spirit stones should be spent wisely, not used for enjoyment.

Although Su Li is a Nascent Soul True Monarch, her situation is rather special.

Before becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator, he lived in a small sect, and life was naturally very difficult. After finally achieving Nascent Soul cultivation, he arrived at Silent Island a few days later.

As a result, some mindsets have not yet had time to change.

Seeing Xiao Chen spend spirit stones to buy pastries, she actually thought about being frugal.

"Um... I don't mean to blame you, it's just that there's no need to spend spirit stones on me."

Su Li looked at Xiao Chen, who seemed somewhat surprised, and explained, "I'm still very happy that you brought me pastries."

"However, for now, we should focus on accumulating the spiritual materials needed for the Infant Nurturing Altar; that's more important."

"I can't go out right now, so you'll have to make up for all of this yourself."

She spoke very seriously, and Xiao Chen was completely bewildered.

"Um...didn't I mention before that I had already gathered all the materials?"

There's nothing to brag about in this, so he didn't mention it before.

However, Su Li thought that if she frequently asked about the progress of the collection, it might create some pressure.

So I deliberately avoided the topic and didn't ask.

This resulted in such a misunderstanding.

"So fast!"

Su Li looked on in disbelief: "You mean, you've already gathered all the materials for the Infant Nurturing Altar?"

"All materials, including those three special spirit jades?"

Back then, relying on the resources of her own sect, she spent nearly ten years collecting the remaining materials.

But Xiao Chen was all alone, and in just one year, he had already collected them all.

The speed was simply too incredible; no wonder she found it hard to believe. "It was just luck, a stroke of luck, I suppose."

Xiao Chen explained, "Actually, I already had some savings, and then I happened to come across the big auction last year."

"After finishing the job, I also found some extra treasures in the ruins. By chance, I ended up with all of them."

"Oh, by the way, I also ran into Crimson Dew at the auction."

Since we're on the topic, Xiao Chen added, "Also, I met Master Geng in Tingtao Market before, and he helped me refine the Moon-Dyed Jade Marrow Mushroom into a Breakthrough Spirit Pill."

"The preparations are basically complete now."

Upon hearing that there was already some accumulation, Su Li immediately understood.

She had vaguely known before that Xiao Chen was not a local of Cibeihai, but an outsider.

She originally thought he was a rogue cultivator, but now it seems more likely that he left from a powerful force.

Even some reclusive Taoist lineages have entered the world as their successors.

It's just that the age doesn't match up, otherwise she would have suspected that he was a senior elder from some small sect who came out to take a gamble with the sect's resources.

Regardless, this is a good thing.

"I see. Then it's time to prepare for a breakthrough."

Su Li seemed to have thought of something, and her expression became a little downcast: "Breaking through to a higher realm inevitably requires the right timing, location, and people."

"It would be best to find a reliable mentor."

"To prevent outsiders from interfering with the breakthrough process during the Nascent Soul stage."

"Are you going to leave the Ocean of Compassion to prepare for Nascent Soul formation?"

Such an important matter definitely requires finding an absolutely reliable person.

Xiao Chen has only been in the Sea of ​​Compassion for two years, which means he will most likely choose to return to his old home.

If that's the case, it's likely that the two won't see each other again for several years.

"I don't know many people."

Xiao Chen thought for a moment and looked at Su Li: "How about you become my protector?"

He wasn't just saying this offhand; he had given it considerable thought.

He had very few acquaintances in the entire Eastern Region, let alone reliable protectors.

In the past, he would have used the same old method: find an extremely remote place, barren and sparsely populated.

One person hid and made a surprise breakthrough.

But now, it seems he has another option.

That means having Su Li help protect me!

Objectively speaking, the two didn't spend a very long time together.

However, Xiao Chen could tell that Su Li was a kind-hearted person by nature; otherwise, she wouldn't have come to Ji'e Island willingly.

Such people are relatively reliable.

Entrusting his safety to Su Li made him feel more at ease.

Moreover, even from the perspective of mutual benefit alone...

Su Li still needs my help to find a way to completely lift the curse.

The two people have mutual needs, and such a relationship, before encountering greater new benefits, is definitely one of the most solid and reliable in the world.

In other words.

From both a moral and logical standpoint, Su Li is the best candidate.

"No, I can't be your protector!"

Upon hearing this, Su Li was initially delighted, but then shook her head regretfully: "It's not that I'm unwilling, it's just that the environment on Ji'e Island is too poor and it's not suitable for Nascent Soul formation at all."

"A large amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth is needed during the Nascent Soul formation process."

"Only when the core of a third-tier spiritual vein is paired with a spirit-gathering array can it continuously provide enough spiritual energy."

"Even most cultivators who have the means will seek out fourth-order spiritual veins to ensure a sufficient supply of spiritual energy when they break through."

Since Su Li is currently unable to leave Ji'e Island, she naturally cannot go to the spiritual vein to protect the Dharma.

Although she didn't want to break up, achieving a breakthrough was more important.

"That's easy to say, it doesn't need to be so complicated."

Xiao Chen smiled slightly: "I can use spirit stones to replenish the spiritual energy consumed during the breakthrough."

In fact, this wasn't the first time he'd done this; he'd done it before.

Does cultivation require spiritual veins?
Isn't having spirit stones enough?
"This time is different."

Su Li misunderstood something and explained, "Under normal circumstances, if there is insufficient spiritual energy during a breakthrough, spirit stones can be used as an emergency measure."

"However, the process of forming a nascent soul takes a long time, and without the supply of spiritual veins, the amount of spirit stones required for the entire process is enormous."

Although Xiao Chen seemed to have some savings.

However, considering that he had just participated in the auction and prepared the infant nurturing altar, Su Li guessed that he must have already spent several million spirit stones.

Nowadays, I wouldn't say I'm broke, but I probably have very little left.

This speculation is actually quite accurate. Right after attending the auction, Xiao Chen was indeed short of money.

However, times have changed, and he has now accumulated a large number of spirit stones again.

Therefore, after hearing Su Li say that the amount of spirit stones consumed was enormous.

Xiao Chen looked at him with a hint of suspicion: "Do we really need that many?"

"Is six million spirit stones enough? If not, I can add some more."

"Mainly because the number six sounds auspicious. I currently have over eight million spirit stones on hand, as well as some mid-grade spirit stones."

“It shouldn’t be a big problem to artificially create a pseudo-spiritual vein on the island.”

How many?

Su Li was unusually flustered, covering her red lips with her jade hand, her eyes filled with confusion.

She felt like she was hallucinating.

Even setting aside mid-grade spirit stones, eight million spirit stones is definitely a large sum of money, even for a Nascent Soul True Monarch.
For the vast majority of Golden Core cultivators, this is an astronomical sum of money.

After all, although Golden Core cultivators earn a lot of spirit stones, they also have many expenses.

Moreover, third-tier spiritual items are expensive, often costing tens of thousands of spirit stones.

For most Golden Core cultivators, accumulating two or three hundred thousand spirit stones is considered being wealthy.

A strange thought even popped into Su Li's mind.

Could it be that Xiao Chen looted Pudu Temple?

Otherwise, where would he get so many spirit stones?
Or perhaps I've been on the island for too long and have become disconnected from the outside world?
That can't be right. It's only been a hundred years, not a million years.

In fact, Su Li's perception is not wrong at all.

Based on Xiao Chen's years of experience in cracking storage rings, most Golden Core cultivators do indeed only have no more than 200,000 spirit stones on hand.

Those whose numbers exceed this are mostly elite cultivators with powerful backgrounds or abilities.

"Isn't this...isn't this too wasteful?"

Su Li was already a little confused.

"There's no such thing as waste or not waste here."

Xiao Chen disagreed: "There's a saying in my hometown: money is a bastard, you can always earn it back."

"Besides, it would be too risky for me to try to get into someone else's sect's formation and be watched by a group of strangers as I break through."

Spirit stones won't produce offspring if you keep them; you should spend them when necessary.

It would be better to stay on Ji'e Island, where there is still the Dharma Protector Su Li.

It's like paying money to buy peace of mind.

"fair enough."

Su Li thought about it for a moment, and although she still felt it was a bit extravagant, she didn't try to persuade her any further.

Firstly, if a reliable spiritual vein cannot be found, it is indeed better to use spirit stones instead.

If you have the means, safety should definitely be the top priority.

Secondly, she also wanted to act as Xiao Chen's protector, personally overseeing his breakthrough process and witnessing his important growth.

"Then there's only one last question: wait for the auspicious time."

Su Li quickly calculated in her mind: "I remember you said you have a wood elemental root, right?"

"The year before last was the Year of the Wood, so the next one should be the year after next."

Xiao Chen quickly waved his hand: "That won't do. The situation outside is turbulent right now, and we can't wait that long."

"Besides, I'm not that particular."

Other Golden Core cultivators might be willing to wait, but for him, two years was obviously too long; two months would be more like it.

"However, the best auspicious time for this year has already been missed."

Su Li frowned slightly: "Instead of waiting until next spring, we might as well wait another year."

The best time is February, but it's already early May now, so we've definitely missed the best time.

"It's okay, it won't take that long."

Xiao Chen smiled slightly: "For example, in two days it will be the eleventh, which happens to be a wood day, and I can break through on that day."

He is also quite experienced in this, having done it twice before without any problems.

"In two days?"

Although Su Li was a little confused, she was not confused about important matters: "Do you want to pursue the path of body cultivation?"

This is obvious.

First of all, Xiao Chen's cultivation of both physical and magical bodies was something he neither actively concealed nor could be kept from Su Li.

Secondly, this afternoon, he was also practicing his skills on the beach, condensing true essence for the flawless golden elixir.

Therefore, Su Li could easily deduce that if she was about to break through, it could only be by pursuing the path of body cultivation.

"I've been thinking about that same thing."

Xiao Chen countered, "Based on your experience, would it be better for me to attempt the path of cultivation this time?"

"I feel that there is still room for improvement in my blood and qi concentration."

As is well known, increasing the concentration of Qi and blood can significantly reduce the difficulty of breaking through the bottleneck in physical cultivation.

It is equally effective even for breaking through major bottlenecks such as the Nascent Soul stage.

If we extend the timeframe, relying solely on the accumulation of blood crystals, there's a high probability that quantitative changes will eventually lead to qualitative changes.

However, the path of cultivation through magic is different; Xiao Chen does not have a stable channel to improve the quality of his true essence.

Taking all factors into account, his best strategy should be to prioritize breaking through the path of Dharma cultivation.

Then I'll try to collect a second set of upgraded spirit items.

This way, even if something unexpected happens, there will be blood crystals to fall back on.

Su Li nodded: "That's what I think too. There's still a lot of room for improvement in your current blood and qi concentration."

"Next, we'll stay on the island to accumulate true energy, which will allow us to wait for the auspicious time. It's a win-win situation."

Xiao Chen thought about it and realized that accumulating true essence wouldn't take too long.

With so many Golden Core Sea Fish around now, one can easily obtain a large number of Demon Cores simply by staying near Ji'e Island.

With the addition of the Yin Five Elements Seal, it will take at most three months to gather the true essence for the path of cultivation.

Firstly, this period of time is not particularly long.

Secondly, as long as he doesn't stray far from Ji'e Island, he'll be basically safe with Su Li around.

There's absolutely no need to risk jeopardizing your future cultivation by trying to seize these three months.

Ok, deal!
(End of this chapter)