Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 166 (186): The Peak Master's Departure, His Dao Heart Burns Wildly (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Tickets 3030)

Concentration Pill.

Zhao Wuji had only heard of this thing, but had never seen it before.

Two peak masters were once lured into a fight by a Spirit Concentration Pill in the hands of Cave Master Zhong Kui, and they fought fiercely. That was no acting.

Even the two peak masters could only hope to break through using the Concentration Pill before they could resolve the cold and fire poison within their bodies.

This gives an idea of ​​how precious this elixir is.

"The Concentration Pill is a precious resource in our Xuanming Dynasty, mainly because some of its main ingredients are almost extinct and extremely difficult to cultivate."

Wang Zheng pondered for a moment and said to Zhao Wuji, "However, if you can truly restore the dragon vein completely this time, I can personally arrange for you to exchange for a Spirit Condensation Pill to help you secure your position as the cave master."

"Thank you, senior! I will do my utmost to restore the dragon vein," Zhao Wuji said, bowing in gratitude.

Regardless of whether he needs this pill for his breakthrough.

It's best to take advantage of such a good opportunity to get something for nothing.

Even if he breaks through to the Concentration Realm without the Concentration Pill in the future, he can still leave the pill to those around him who will need it in the future.

Or they could sell them in some bustling markets.

Seeing that Wang Zheng looked like he was about to leave in a hurry, Zhao Wuji asked, "Senior, are you going to find the whereabouts of Zhang Sichen, the first emperor of the Xuan Kingdom?"

Wang Zheng paused, then nodded. "Not bad!"

He originally intended to rush to Qingming Cave Heaven and reclaim Qingming.

However, upon hearing that the one occupying the Azure Nether Cave was none other than Huang Shang, an old monster from the Song Dynasty, he temporarily abandoned the idea.

The plan is to first report this news to the dynasty and the clan, and seek further instructions and support.

Ancient cultivators are all extremely difficult to deal with, let alone Huang Shang, a prominent figure among ancient cultivators of the Song Dynasty.

Zhao Wuji bowed and said, "In the past few months, I have been governing the Dragon's Lament in various prefectures and counties of Xuan Kingdom, but I have not seen the whereabouts of Zhang Sichen."

This junior suspects that Zhang Sichen may have already fled beyond the Xuan Kingdom, and this junior happens to have a spirit insect cultivated with dragon energy.”

Zhao Wuji flicked his sleeve, and a dark gold dragon-patterned Soul-Eating King Insect flew out.

"Given the insect's sensitivity to dragon energy, it will surely sense something if it gets close to Zhang Sichen."

"Oh?" Wang Zheng was surprised, taking the Spirit-Eating King Insect for examination, and was slightly moved. "It is truly not easy to cultivate such a spirit insect."

He had a very discerning eye and could tell at a glance that this spirit insect was no ordinary creature. He immediately patted his storage bag, took out an ancient spirit stone, and handed it over.

“I will not take this spirit insect for nothing. This spirit stone should be enough to compensate you.”

Zhao Wuji was slightly surprised, but feigned hesitation, "This, senior."

"Stop arguing, I don't have time for formalities!" Wang Zheng tossed the spirit stones aside, turned around, and led the team away.

Zhao Wuji watched the departing figures of the envoys, then looked at the ancient spirit stone in his hand, feeling pleased.

"As expected of a cultivator from a dynasty, they are so generous, giving away an ancient spirit stone directly. Tsk, and it's not even called ancient."

It seems that the Nascent Soul cultivators on the other side of the dynasty use this stone for daily trading?

After thinking for a moment, he threw the ancient spirit stone he had unexpectedly acquired into the Pot Heaven space.

There are still over a hundred Spirit-Eating King Insects in the Pot Heaven Space.

If the Dragon Vengeance Pill is used up in the future, it will indeed be difficult to cultivate the King Insect again, so it is not wrong to say that it is precious.

However, trading an ancient spirit stone for a king insect is still a huge profit.

Moreover, it wasn't as simple as him giving the king insect to the other party.

Firstly, he wanted to help Wang Zheng find Zhang Sichen as soon as possible and resolve this major concern.

Secondly, the King Insect has a mental connection with him, and they can sense each other within a certain range, which makes it convenient for him to monitor the movements of this late-stage Concentration Realm cultivator.

"I still have two hundred Dragon Vengeance Pills left. If I don't need to use them for cultivation, I won't. It would be a bit tough if I used them all to cultivate the King Insect. I'll just use the ancient spirit stones to cultivate."

Zhao Wuji stood under the tree, observing the changes in the ancient spirit stones within the Pot Heaven space.

He still had five of these spirit stones, which was considered extremely abundant for someone in the Qi Refining stage.

At this moment, within the Pot Heaven Space, as soon as the ancient spirit stone landed, the crystalline soil surged and devoured it like a thirsty beast.

The tiny spiritual veins beneath the soil greedily absorbed the pure spiritual energy from the spirit stones, their patterns rapidly spreading and widening, like blood vessels extending to the edge of space, causing the chaotic mist to slowly dissipate.

The swarm of Spirit-Eating King insects buzzed and pounced, devouring the remnants of the spirit stones, their dragon patterns on their backs suddenly glowing.

The golden spiritual liquid secreted by the insect's abdomen seeped into the crystal soil and gradually condensed into "spiritual marrow crystal nuclei" the size of sesame seeds at the nodes of the spiritual veins, which began to improve the efficiency of the internal circulation.

Inside the Yang Pearl, the proficiency level of the Pot Heaven Technique was also fluctuating and rising.

"His Heavenly Pot Technique is also about to break through."

With a slight thought, Zhao Wuji caused the spatial barrier within his sleeve to ripple with water-like Dao patterns, becoming somewhat stable.

After his left hand was inserted, he did not experience much discomfort.

If he were to take another step forward and break through to a point of minor success, he would be able to move this space at will and his true body could escape into this small cave.

Even when the enemy attacks with magical weapons and artifacts.

With just a flick of his sleeve, he can take away the opponent's magical artifact.

At this moment, a mayfly-like vortex of spiritual energy has spontaneously formed deep within the crystal soil.

Though only as thin as a hair, it signifies the birth of a true spiritual energy cycle.
"The effect of an ancient spirit stone is still quite significant, but unfortunately, I don't have many on hand."

Zhao Wuji touched the storage bag at his waist.

After looting that group of dynasty cultivators, he had already obtained over a hundred source crystals, as well as treasures such as jade marrow spirit liquid and morning glow purple aura.

If it weren't for the fact that draining all these people would leave them without source crystals and resources, arousing Wang Zheng's suspicion, he really would have stripped them all bare.

"Go back and collect that little spiritual spring inside the fox den into the Pot Heaven; perhaps it will have a miraculous effect."

Zhao Wuji gathered his sleeves, turned around, and strode quickly toward the octagonal building, which was now eerily quiet.

Inside the octagonal building, a scene of utter chaos unfolded.

When Zhao Wuji entered, he saw Yan Lan and Hua Qingshuang sitting and talking with a woman in white.

The woman wore a plain white dress, with exquisite features and a cool yet sharp demeanor.

"Wuji, you've come at the perfect time."

When Yan Lan saw him come in, she nodded slightly and introduced him, "This senior is Hua Lingxiang, a member of the third branch of the Wang family, and also your peak master's cousin."

Hua Lingxiang glanced at Zhao Wuji, knowing that he was close to Hua Qingshuang, and nodded slightly as a greeting.

Zhao Wuji bowed and said, "Greetings, Senior Hua."

Yan Lan continued, "Just now, that envoy Wang Zheng suddenly launched an attack, attempting to forcibly take your peak master away."

She began by briefly recounting the intense situation that had just unfolded.

Hua Qingshuang added, "Now it's all fine."

Zhao Wuji felt somewhat relieved after hearing this, and turned his gaze to Hua Lingxiang: "Thank you for your help, senior."

Hua Lingxiang said calmly, "No need to thank me, this is also the purpose of my visit here."

Although our third branch is weak, we are not so easily manipulated as to be controlled by others.

"Qing Shuang is coming back to the Wang family with me this time. She will be protected by the elders of the clan and will be fine."

Zhao Wuji's heart skipped a beat, and after looking at the frost-covered figure, he asked, "Does Senior mean... that Senior Hua Lengyun had already made arrangements?"

Hua Lingxiang glanced at him and nodded: "Although my father now holds an important position and is not in the clan, he has always been concerned about the safety of Junior Sister Hua."

"This time, the dragon vein crisis was brought on by Wang Zheng with overwhelming force. My father had anticipated this, which is why he sent me to rescue my younger sister."

Zhao Wuji suddenly realized that Hua Lengyun hadn't completely abandoned the matter, but was still secretly keeping an eye on things.

They even made arrangements to ensure Hua Qingshuang's safety this time.

In this way, it would be safer for Hua Qingshuang to go to the Wang family than to stay in Linlang Cave.

But he still had doubts, "Since Senior Hua Lengyun has always been paying attention to the Peak Master, why all these years..."

Hua Lingxiang was already impatient upon hearing this.

She thought Zhao Wuji, an outsider, was asking too many questions, but after glancing at Hua Qingshuang, she still spoke.

"The specific reasons are very complicated. I have already briefly told Qing Shuang about them. In short, my father also had his own difficulties. In fact, he returned to the clan with a criminal record back then, and he had a very hard time all these years. He only turned his life around in recent years."

"If I hadn't been abandoned by him and left in the clan so young, I would have been implicated back then."

She paused, then continued, "Actually, it wasn't just Qing Shuang who was abandoned by Father for over ten years. Back then, when Father abandoned me in the clan, didn't I also consider him dead?" Upon hearing this, Hua Qing Shuang's cold expression softened somewhat.

This older woman, like her, is in a similar predicament.

But it seems that Dad also had his own difficulties.

“In that case,” Zhao Wuji nodded solemnly, “I am relieved.”

Hua Lingxiang said no more, stood up and said to Hua Qingshuang, "Qingshuang, this matter has nothing to do with us anymore. In order to prevent Wang Zheng from changing his mind again, we should set off immediately to return to the family."

"Setting off so soon?"

Hua Qingshuang was surprised, her eyes flickered, and she looked at Yan Lan and Zhao Wuji.

Yan Lan waved her hand dismissively, "Go ahead. With the protection of the Third Branch of the Hua Clan and your father, you should be fine, Junior Sister."

However... the situation in the dynasty is complex, you still need to be vigilant and careful.

She paused, then chuckled lazily, "This Linglang Cave Heaven is rather dull without Old Dog Zhong to fight, and with you gone too."

Perhaps in the future, I will also go out, and then I'll let my precious junior nephew sit here.”

She looked at the stunned Zhao Wuji and blinked, "This can be considered fulfilling the promise that your senior uncle made to you."

"Sister."

Hua Qingshuang hesitated for a moment, then sighed inwardly, looked at Zhao Wuji, and stood up, saying, "Wuji, come with me."

Hua Lingxiang frowned slightly, watching Hua Qingshuang and Zhao Wuji walk out of the pavilion, and finally remained silent.

"Unrestrained".

The pines on the mountaintop rustled in the wind, and Hua Qingshuang, dressed in a plain white dress, stood on the edge of the cliff, her voice as clear and cold as frost.

"With your talent, breaking through to the Concentration Realm is only a matter of time."

My trip to the Wang family is not only to find out about my father's situation, but also to find out about my origins. I will keep an eye out for news about the Mind-Concentrating Pill for you.”

Zhao Wuji shook his head and smiled, looking at the undulating mountain outline in the distance. "Peak Master, there's no need for you to worry. You yourself said that I have exceptional talent, and I have my own method to break through to the next realm. I don't need the Spirit Condensation Pill."

But you…

He paused, his gaze calm, "The Xuanming Dynasty is a treacherous place, and the Wang family is no better."

Your taking care of yourself is the greatest help you can give me; at least I won't have to worry about being distracted.

Hua Qingshuang's eyelashes trembled slightly. As she turned, sunlight outlined the lines of her profile: "Tiannan is but a tiny place; the Dharma-ending Age cannot provide Golden Cores. Once you concentrate your mind, you will eventually step out of this place."

She gazed intently at Zhao Wuji, saying, "When the time comes, come to the Wang family to find me."

Although the Wang family is powerful, the Hua family is not without its place.

"I once helped you reach Cold Moon Peak, so naturally I can help you establish a firm foothold in Xuanming."

“Alright, then you can take another peak in the Wang family and still be my peak master.”

Zhao Wuji smiled casually, then suddenly sighed, "However, with your departure, given Senior Sister Yan's personality, I'm afraid she won't stay in the cave for long."

"She has never been content to stay confined to one place."

Hua Qingshuang sighed, the jade pendant in her sleeve jingling softly. "I fear the day you complete the continuation of the dragon vein will be the day she departs. However, your Uncle Yan is of an extreme and ruthless nature, easily led astray. I am only worried about that."

The image of Huang Shang flashed through her mind, then she shook her head and said, "Never mind, now the only hidden danger..."

"Peak Master, are you referring to Zhang Sichen?"

Zhao Wuji picked up the conversation calmly, saying, "Now that Wang Zheng has his eye on him, he won't allow this old devil to cause any more trouble. Even if he manages to escape..."

He immediately told Hua Qingshuang about his deal with Wang Zheng.

A glint of light flashed in his eyes as he looked up. "With the time that Wang Zheng has secured, I can focus on my cultivation."

"Once I concentrate, relying on the protective array of the cave, even if that old monster Zhang Sichen comes back with a vengeance, I can still escape unscathed. Peak Master, there's no need to worry."

"You have always been prudent and alert."

A touching smile of relief appeared on Hua Qingshuang's usually icy face. "Since you've already made arrangements, I'm relieved."

With a flick of her wide sleeves, the "flower" token formed from ice crystals at her waist fell into Zhao Wuji's palm: "Hold this, and when the time is right, come to the Wang family to find me..."

She gave Zhao Wuji one last, deep look.

Zhao Wuji felt as if the ice crystal token still carried the peak master's faint fragrance, turning into ice silk that wrapped around his wrist, and he solemnly nodded.

"it is good!"

The wind carried their sighs, and amidst the sound of the pine trees, two figures vanished in a flash of light.

Only a single wild orchid, newly blossoming, remained on the edge of the cliff, swaying in the wind.

Outside the octagonal building, Yan Lan, dressed in a fiery red robe, watched them go, as if the heart she had fought for for many years was also leaving with them.

The thought of plotting with Huang Shang resurfaced in her mind.

"With your talent, if it were during a time of abundant spiritual energy, attaining the Golden Core stage would have been a piece of cake. Unfortunately, this is the age of Dharma decline, hehehe."
Having perused the Daoist canon, I find only two or three methods that can help you attain enlightenment. One of these requires you to personally travel to Yizhou in the East Sea and retrieve one item!

She suddenly came to her senses, the sharpness hidden in her eyes like a knife sheathed, turning into a lazy smile.

"The Unruly Little Doctor"

Yan Lan leaned against the carved railing, her crimson robes trailing like fire, her fingertips casually twirling a strand of hair.

Seeing Zhao Wuji staring at her in a daze, she slightly curved her red lips and raised a hint of mockery in the corner of her eye.

"What? You're reluctant to see your peak master go on his long journey?"

Before he could answer, she suddenly smiled, her red lips curving upwards. "My senior sister-in-law is reluctant to let me go, so hurry up and cultivate. Otherwise, you'll fall too far behind her."

She narrowed her phoenix eyes, her words as sharp as knives dipped in honey.

"Be careful, you might not even be able to see her from behind."

"The disciple understands."

Zhao Wuji bowed his head in greeting, only to see Yan Lan turn and step into the inner room.

A crimson wide sleeve swept across the doorway, revealing a section of her fair, frosty wrist.

What are you still standing there for?

She turned her head to the side and glanced at him, then beckoned with her jade-like fingers.

"Come in. Your peak master won't have the fortune to enjoy your acupuncture skills in the future, but your master can enjoy them for a while longer."

"Uncle-Master, you've also decided to leave?" Zhao Wuji immediately turned and went into the building.

“Why not leave? This grotto has been through this calamity. Even if you reconnect the dragon vein, the spiritual energy will never be able to recover to its peak.”

Yan Lan, dressed in a bright red robe, sat on a jade futon, her back straight and upright, like a sword that would never be sheathed.

"When you break through to the Concentration Realm in the future, this cave will not be able to support two Concentration Realm cultivators."

Moreover, with my master's cultivation at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, the resources and environment within this cave can only be stabilized; any further advancement will be extremely difficult!

Yan Lan turned around lazily, her delicate chin resting gently on her fair shoulder, a complex look flashing in her eyes. "In this world of declining Dharma, every step after reaching the Condensation Realm is like rowing against the current, requiring a massive accumulation of resources."

She gazed at Zhao Wei Wuji as he removed the golden needles, a mocking smile playing on her lips. "Your skill in applying golden needles to acupoints is indeed a rare talent. It's a pity... your senior uncle can't take you with him."

Zhao Wuji snorted coldly, and with a flash of cold light, he pierced the vital acupoint on the back of her neck without hesitation.

"Senior Uncle, you and the Peak Master both think my cultivation level is too low."

His voice was calm, but his needlework became increasingly sharp. "But one day, I will catch up with you all!"

"Hmm~"

Yan Lan suddenly let out a soft, comfortable groan, her hair slightly disheveled.
The way her delicate chin rested on her fragrant shoulder.

This momentarily made Zhao Wuji feel dazed, as if he had returned to the scene when he first went up Hanyue Peak and gave Hua Qingshuang acupuncture.

The person before me was dressed in fiery red, a stark contrast to the aloof and icy figure I remembered.

He kept using golden needles and various techniques, but his resolve only grew stronger.

Hua Qingshuang and Yan Lan are both steadfast in their Daoist convictions. Once they concentrate their minds, they bravely climb to the peak and never stop.

He is the same.

"Don't worry, Uncle-Master."

He held the golden needles like rain, but his tone grew increasingly firm: "I will catch up with you sooner or later."

As the last needle was inserted, crimson-gold spiritual flames suddenly rose around Yan Lan, illuminating her beautiful features.

She slowly opened her eyes, her gaze seemingly blazing with the wings of a fiery phoenix, brimming with fighting spirit and ambition for enlightenment: "Then, Master Uncle, we'll wait and see."
(End of this chapter)