Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 633 A Triumphant Return (Please Subscribe)

Within the blessed land, the spiritual energy gradually thinned out.

Master Yuanhuo sat cross-legged on a futon, his face ashen.

The aura that was once as intense as a furnace has now flickered like a candle in the wind.

He suddenly looked up at Shen Xuan, who was sitting cross-legged opposite him, and revealed a childlike smug smile.

“Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, the Holy Maiden Mingyu of the Hehuan Sect was very enthusiastic towards me back then.”

His tone carried a hint of boasting.

"Several times, the Holy Maiden Mingyu invited me to travel together under the guise of discussing Taoism, to admire flowers and the moon..."

"How could I not understand what she means!"

"I only wish to achieve the Nascent Soul stage."

"The more beautiful and charming the female cultivator, the more profound her cultivation, the greater the tribulation of love she will face. I would rather disguise myself and drown my sorrows in alcohol at a tavern, indulging in that fleeting illusion, than fall into that trap of tenderness and ruin my hundreds of years of arduous cultivation!"

At this point, a complex look flashed in Yuan Huo Zhenren's eyes.

There was pride, but also a hint of barely perceptible loneliness.

"In my life, I achieved the Golden Core stage and once reached the perfect state, breaking the record set by the Zhou family and the Fire Cloud Sect!"

"I have devoted my entire life to the path of Taoism, abandoning all worldly desires. I don't know if it was right or wrong? If..."

Yuan Huo Zhenren's eyes became bewildered.

It was as if they were lost in a fantasy of some wonderful life.

A slight smile appeared on his aged face.

After a while, Master Yuanhuo awoke from his reverie and let out a long sigh.

"Forget it, there aren't that many 'what ifs' in this world!"

He seemed to want to dispel the gloom, and his voice suddenly rose.

"My Crimson Cloud Primordial Flame was forged by extracting the essence of a top-grade third-tier Earth Core Flame Vein and refining it over two hundred years of arduous work. It is extremely yang and extremely strong, with unparalleled power. To nurture this flame, the most important thing is to maintain primordial yang, and it is best to remain a virgin."

He looked at Shen Xuan.

"Hehe, even if I agree to marry that Saintess Mingyu, I'm afraid she won't be able to withstand my extremely masculine body."

A blush crept onto Yuan Huo Zhenren's face, revealing a sickly arrogance, like that of an old child.

At this moment, seeing that Yuan Huo Zhenren's aura was becoming increasingly weak, Shen Xuan had no interest in listening to him recount these old stories.

He wanted to change the subject and discuss a deal with him, hoping to get him to willingly offer up his Golden Core and Crimson Cloud Flame.

However, Shen Xuan discovered that he still retained some kindness and was not the kind of cold-hearted person.

Too thin-skinned, he felt a pang of pity for Yuan Huo Zhenren, a lonely old man on the verge of death, and couldn't bring himself to ask.

Yuan Huo Zhenren was a scion of a prominent family within the Fire Sect. From a young age, he was nurtured by the Fire Cloud Sect, which devoted all its resources to supporting him in condensing his Golden Core and achieving perfection in his cultivation, making him the de facto number one in the sect.

His teachers, relatives, friends, and juniors were all disciples of the Fire Cloud Sect.

Yuan Huo Zhenren's feelings for the Huoyun Sect are unparalleled.

Although Shen Xuan could not empathize with her, he could understand.

In his predecessor's time, when a superpower disintegrated, the meritorious marshal's beliefs collapsed, and he chose to commit suicide to die for his country.

The marshal preferred to perish along with the country he had fought for his entire life rather than live a life of dishonor.

Shen Xuan patiently listened to Yuan Huo Zhenren's rambling, occasionally chiming in with a few words.

It wasn't until Master Yuanhuo said he was tired and needed to take a break that he finally stopped.

Shen Xuan seized the opportunity and said, "Brother Yuan Huo, the Fire Cloud Sect is on the verge of collapse and may soon disband."

"Even if the sect can continue, it will become a puppet of the major sect."

"To be honest, I am now also cultivating fire magic, hoping to use the principle of water and fire to break through to the Nascent Soul stage. Brother Yuanhuo, you know in your heart that your time is running out."

"If Brother Yuanhuo is willing to help, I will certainly repay him."

Shen Xuan carefully chose his words, his gaze clear as he stared intently at Yuan Huo Zhenren, and solemnly spoke.

"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, how could I not understand your meaning?"

"In the entire Fire Cloud Sect, only my Golden Core, this Crimson Cloud Yuan Fire, and this Yuan Fire Sword have any value. The rest of the items are probably not of any interest to you."

"We cultivators are here to steal the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, conceal the secrets of heaven, and defy the heavens. What kind of friendship is there between cultivators?"

Yuan Huo Zhenren's eyes were bloodshot as he stared intently at Shen Xuan. His golden core aura suddenly erupted, and his robes fluttered in the wind.

His imposing presence was completely different from before; he hardly resembled a dying old man.

"Ah."

Shen Xuan wasn't that thick-skinned, and felt slightly embarrassed.

Master Yuanhuo was not wrong.

That's just how it is.

He risked coming to the Fire Cloud Sect for the Fire Cloud True Man's golden core and strange fire.

The Yuanhuo Sword doesn't matter; he doesn't need it right now.

In the future, there will naturally be better fire-attribute magical swords.

As for the Demon Winged Roc, Shen Xuan knew very well.

Even if he were restricted by the rules of the Xuan Yuan Realm and his cultivation level dropped, Shen Xuan would still be able to kill him.

“Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, it’s not difficult for you to obtain my Golden Core and Crimson Cloud Yuan Fire. You only need to make a Heavenly Dao oath and do three things for me.”

Shen Xuan looked very serious.

"Brother Yuanhuo, please speak."

"The first thing you should do is help my junior brother, True Person Ming Shen, to revitalize the Fire Cloud Sect. After that, find a destined person within the Fire Cloud Sect to pass on my Yuanhuo Sword."

Shen Xuan did not agree immediately, but instead pondered for a while.

He asked, "Brother Yuan Yan, to what extent would it be considered complete to revitalize the Fire Cloud Sect?"

Master Yuanhuo paused for a moment, then said in a consultative tone, "What do you think about having a Golden Core cultivator in your sect, possessing a third-grade superior spiritual vein, and having over ten thousand disciples?"

Shen Xuan nodded: "Okay."

This level of revitalization of the Fire Cloud Sect is still within Shen Xuan's capabilities.

There's no need to wait until he condenses his nascent soul.

Once he breaks through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm and his body-refining technique advances to the Divine Power realm, he can offer his assistance.

If one wants to return to the peak of the Fire Cloud Sect, one needs a third-grade top-quality spiritual vein, three Golden Core cultivators, and more than twenty Core Formation cultivators.

It would be impossible without several hundred years.

Centuries later, Shen Xuan had no idea where he was.

"The second thing is that if you succeed in body refinement, reach the Divine Power Realm, and condense your Nascent Soul, you will help me kill that Demon Winged Roc."

This time, Shen Xuan considered it for much longer.

“Brother Yuan Huo, I will only kill that Demon Winged Roc if my strength allows and my own safety is guaranteed.”

"As you've seen, this monster has an extraordinary background, possessing the bloodline of the divine bird phoenix. It's likely a powerful overlord in the demon realm. It might very well be a fully-formed demon."

Master Yuanhuo did not force him.

“Alright. Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, we will do as you say. As long as your strength allows and your own safety is guaranteed, please do your best to help me kill that Demon Winged Roc.”

"The third matter is my personal affair. After you take the Golden Core and the Crimson Cloud Flame, place me in the coffin, but do not bury me in the ground. After the Fire Cloud Sect is revitalized, bury me in the new Fire Cloud Sect forbidden ancestral tomb."

"it is good."

Shen Xuan made a Heavenly Oath in front of Yuan Huo Zhenren.

If he breaks his oath and fails to help Yuan Huo Zhenren fulfill his three promises, Shen Xuan is willing to suffer the Heavenly Tribulation, his Dao foundation will be completely destroyed, and his soul will be annihilated.

It has to be said that after Shen Xuan made the oath to Heaven, it seemed as if an invisible shackle was falling on him.

Although I can't see or touch it, I can still vaguely sense something is wrong.

"Is this what they mean by 'words become law' and 'cause and effect are intertwined'?"

Shen Xuan felt a sense of solemnity.

As his cultivation level increased, the influence of the laws of heaven and earth on him grew stronger.

In other words, his perception of the will of Heaven is becoming increasingly clear.

The will of Heaven is not fictional, but exists in reality.

The restrictions imposed by the rules of heaven and earth on the strength of the extraterrestrial demons on the Xuan Yuan Continent are a manifestation of the will of heaven here.

"very good."

Master Yuanhuo was very satisfied with Shen Xuan's oath.

“Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, let me tell you a little secret. My coffin and burial clothes have been prepared long ago.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Xuan felt a sudden pang of sadness in his heart.

After a few breaths, Master Yuanhuo changed into a simple and clean red burial robe, and his face regained its radiance, becoming rosy and peaceful.

He lay down calmly in the coffin, which was meticulously carved from warm amethyst and fire jade.

"Remember to close the coffin lid tightly for me."

Master Huoyun spoke softly, as if giving instructions before a long journey.

Then, a fist-sized, cloud-shaped crimson flame spewed from his mouth, radiating a powerful and intensely hot aura.

It was the life-bound true fire that accompanied him throughout his life of battles and was tempered for four hundred years.

Shen Xuan was prepared. He took out a jade box containing the fire spirit stone and carefully stored it away.

"I am so tired."

Life is like a dream, and I am a dreamer.

Master Yuanhuo let out a deep sigh and slowly closed his eyes.

A few breaths later, the breath completely stopped.

Shen Xuan leaned forward and looked over, only to see that Yuan Huo Zhenren had passed away peacefully on a crane.

Looking at Yuan Huo Zhenren lying in the coffin, Shen Xuan felt a pang of sadness once again.

This is a cultivator at the peak of the Golden Core stage.

They still cannot escape the dictates of fate.

"Brother Yuanhuo, rest assured, I, Shen Xuan, am an upright and honest person. As long as I can do it, I will keep my word."

Considering that the Fire Cloud Sect had already declined and that the five sects of Yan Kingdom could send people to take over at any time, Shen Xuan dared not stay here for long.

He silently performed a magic incantation and beckoned towards Yuan Huo Zhenren's dantian.

A golden pill containing pure fire elemental power slowly floated out.

The temperature inside the cave rose sharply, and it shimmered with golden light.

Shen Xuan quickly put the golden pill into a specially made jade box.

Then, he cast several [Size As You Wish] spells at the amethyst fire jade coffin.

The coffin quickly shrank to about a foot in length.

Shen Xuan took off his outer robe, carefully wrapped it up, and solemnly put it away, carrying it on his back.

Yuan Huo Zhenren's storage bag, Yuan Huo Sword, and other items were also carefully stored away.

As his divine sense swept over this dilapidated blessed land, he found that the once abundant spiritual energy had gradually dried up, and there were no other precious spiritual objects.

Clearly, Yuan Huo Zhenren and Huo Yun Zong have exhausted all their resources in order to break through to the Nascent Soul realm.

"It's time to leave."

Shen Xuan concealed himself and quietly left the blessed land.

Before leaving, he manifested his form in the air and, with a solemn expression, bowed three times towards the ancestral tomb in the forbidden area behind the Fire Cloud Sect.

"By the venerable ancestors of the Fire Cloud Sect, I, Shen Xuan, am deeply grateful for the generous gift of instruction from Brother Yuan Huo. I will forever remember this kindness and virtue. In the future, I will do my utmost to repay your kindness and help your sect rebuild its foundations and continue its lineage!"

After saying that, Shen Xuan didn't linger. He turned around and transformed into a streak of light, disappearing silently into the vast sky.

……

Several days later, an inconspicuous streak of light swept across the sky and quietly fell into the mist that shrouded Starshine Island.

Shen Xuan concealed his escape light and stepped onto the familiar bluestone slabs of the harbor, the sea breeze carrying a slightly salty and moist scent.

There's also the fragrance of spiritual plants and the unique lively atmosphere of Starshine Immortal City.

He left Starshine Island only a few months ago.

The place remains bustling and crowded.

The enormous spirit ship slowly sailed into the harbor and unloaded various cultivation supplies.

Shops lined both sides of the street, their talismans, elixirs, and magical artifacts gleaming in the sunlight.

The monks came and went in an orderly fashion.

The entire Starshine Island is like a paradise, peaceful and harmonious, full of life and vitality.

Shen Xuan walked around casually, and most of the cultivators he saw had good spirits and energy.

The entire Starshine Immortal City resembles a flowing scroll painting.

Most of the cultivators looked serene and had clear eyes. Some were improving their cultivation, some were studying their skills, and some were exchanging ideas. Everyone was busy and immersed in their own world, enjoying themselves.

Here, there is a gentle yet unwavering upward force; tranquility harbors ambition; peace teems with vitality. That is because they have seen hope.

The hope that a better life can be realized.

"Ordinary people don't need to know the truth."

"The people may be made to follow a path, but they may not be made to understand it."

Shen Xuan pondered to himself.

Whether they are cultivators or mortals.

As long as they live peacefully, create wealth, and abide by the law.

Whether they are aware of the general trend of the world is insignificant.

Because the overall situation is ultimately controlled by a small group of highly capable individuals at the very top.

Those people are at the very top of the pyramid.

The vast majority of cultivators can only become the bottom of the pyramid.

The cultivators on Starshine Island live a happy and stable life, mainly because Shen Xuan does not exploit them excessively.

The continuous large-scale trade between Starshine Island and the Wilderness Plains Demon Clan has created a constant stream of wealth.

The monks here can accumulate enough wealth to solve their basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation by working hard.

Shen Xuan returned to the Ice Cave.

The ground is covered with ice and jade, bathed in soft spiritual light, where spiritual plants grow comfortably.

Qin Yuehan, Shangguan Yan'er, and Lin Yueying were exceptionally enthusiastic about Shen Xuan's return.

In the blink of an eye, Lin Yueying had lived on Starry Island for more than ten years.

She grew into a graceful and beautiful young woman, with an exquisite appearance, like a celestial being.

Nominally, she was Shen Xuan's disciple.

In fact, he spent most of his time by Qin Yuehan's side.

His entire heritage was passed down from Qin Yuehan.

In fact, this was in line with Shen Xuan's original intention.

His acceptance of Lin Yueying as a disciple was, of course, to continue the family line and support the Lin family of Wohu Ridge.

Also taking into account that Qin Yuehan has someone by her side to carry on her legacy.

Qin Yuehan remained aloof and radiant.

When she looked at Shen Xuan, her pretty face softened.

Shangguan Yan'er, dressed in men's clothing, had a hint of surprise in her beautiful eyes.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while...

Shen Xuan found an excuse to let Shangguan Yan'er handle the island affairs first, while Lin Yueying cultivated on her own.

Inside the cave dwelling, only Shen Xuan and Qin Yuehan remained.

Years of companionship have forged an unspoken understanding.

Shen Xuan reached out and put his arm around Qin Yuehan.

He pulled her soft, delicate body into his arms.

in the following days.

Shen Xuan seemed to want to vent all the frustration he had accumulated over the past few months away.

The interior of the Ice Cave was warm and cozy, like springtime.

All day long, indescribable moans could be heard.

Sometimes whispering, sometimes joking.

Later, even Shangguan Yan'er, who came to report on island affairs, was brought in by Shen Xuan.

He, Qin Yuehan, and Shangguan Yan'er lived a life of reckless abandon and shamelessness.

More than ten days passed in a row.

Qin Yuehan and Guan Yan'er were both exhausted and languid.

Shen Xuan then reluctantly stopped.

This morning.

He covered the two women with the brocade quilt, then got up alone, put on his clothes, and turned to enter the training room.

The stone gate slowly closed, shutting out all the warmth and noise from the outside world.

At this moment, Shen Xuan's heart calmed down.

The death of Master Yuanhuo deeply affected him.

Even with the Golden Core fully formed, one is powerless to struggle amidst countless schemes and falls quietly.

"The demons' actions are becoming increasingly aggressive."

"A full-scale invasion of the Xuan Yuan Realm is only a matter of time."

"Without reaching the Nascent Soul stage, one is ultimately just an ant, unable to control one's own destiny."

Shen Xuan sat in the secret room, sorting out his thoughts.

Although due to the restrictions of the Xuan Yuan Continent's rules, the cultivation level of demons who descend here will drop.

But the demons are simply too powerful.

The Jinling Clan alone could treat the five kingdoms of Yan, Liang, Song, Lu, and Yue as their private domain.

The Golden Spirit Clan is merely a mid-level demon clan in the Demon Realm.

"The Xuan Yuan Realm is still too small."

Afterwards, Shen Xuan looked at several intelligence jade slips.

Demonic passages appear from time to time, and various demonic birds, beasts, and even insects invade the five nearby countries.

The five sects were exhausted from fighting off the demons.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of Core Formation cultivators falling in various places.

Some small and medium-sized sects and cultivation families were inexplicably wiped out.

"There are still quite a few people who have secretly sided with the demons."

"In Liang Kingdom, the Dark Star Alliance has become semi-public."

Shen Xuan shook his head.

The demons' strategy was quite effective.

A multi-pronged approach.

On one hand, they continuously open the passage to the Demon Realm, releasing low-level demonic birds, beasts, and insects into the Xuan Yuan Continent, thus corrupting the environment there.

On the other hand, they established a cultivation force like the Dark Star Alliance that was close to the demon race, starting with the high-ranking members of the sects on the Xuan Yuan Continent, and carried out division and manipulation through methods such as defection, infiltration, assassination, and recruitment.

When the time was right, the demons launched a massive invasion. With the help of those human traitors, they achieved great success and turned the Xuan Yuan Continent into a demon colony.

Fortunately, there is still time.

This is the most fundamental reason why Shen Xuan can feel at ease.

From any perspective, the time is not yet ripe, and the demon race will not launch a large-scale invasion of the Xuan Yuan Continent for the time being.

However, the Dark Star Alliance's activities will inevitably affect the power dynamics among the five kingdoms' sects.

Fortunately, the Qingyun Sect is a Taoist sect, and the Dark Star Alliance has much less influence.

"There's always a way out. At any time, we must improve our strength. The most urgent task is to reach the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm and break through to the Divine Power realm as soon as possible."

The Body Refinement Divine Power Realm is equivalent to a fourth-tier cultivator.

Whether in terms of status or strength, he is no match for a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Yet it can crush third-tier cultivators and demon lords.

It is capable of fighting against fourth-tier cultivators such as Nascent Soul True Monarch and Demon Infant Demon Ancestor.

"Fortunately, I was lucky and returned with a full load this time."

Shen Xuan took stock of the spoils from this trip.

The Golden Elixir of True Man Yuanhuo and the Crimson Cloud Yuanhuo; the Golden Elixir of True Man Yuanyang and the Purple Flame Yanghuo.

As for Yuan Huo Zhenren's Yuan Huo Sword and storage bag, Shen Xuan plans to temporarily seal them away and return them to the Huo Yun Sect when it is revived.

He has always been upright and honest, a man of his word, and only takes what he deserves.

I will try my best to keep my promise to Master Yuanhuo, as long as conditions permit.

As for the nine red willows, they were only second-tier top-grade spiritual plants, not worth mentioning.

"With these two golden cores, plus the strange fire I've obtained, my fire cultivation will take a qualitative leap, and I won't have to worry about fire-attribute spiritual resources before I form my core."

In fact, Shen Xuan gained even more in the Demon Realm.

If transplanted properly, the roots of a thousand-year-old parasol tree should be able to regenerate a parasol forest.

The most precious item was the ten drops of the Flaming Firebird's essence blood.

If Shen Xuan's guess is correct, he can obtain the divine fire spirit body of the Flaming Firebird from these ten drops of essence blood.

He collected everything from that black water demon dragon, except for its flesh, including its demon core, essence blood, reverse scales, tendons, horns, and skin.

"A third-tier top-grade divine dragon descendant, with a complete dragon core essence, blood, and reverse scale, which will help me break through to the Divine Power Realm."

Shen Xuan's Nine-Colored Lotus can purify demons.

He can use the mysterious jade talisman and the nine-colored lotus to refine the essence, blood, and reverse scales of the Black Water Demon Dragon.

It takes more effort than against monsters of the same level.

However, this is a descendant of a top-grade third-tier divine dragon.

This is the limit of the number of dragon descendants that Shen Xuan, at his level, can hunt.

"These four Dragon Bone Fruits are likely close to the fourth rank, and their uses are unknown. However, since Demon Lord Cuiyun has been so attached to them, they must be very valuable. I'll ask Senior Brother Changchun about them in person when I have the chance."

"Seven blood marrow demon leeches, descendants of ancient ferocious insects, five of which are third-tier water-attribute demon insects. Hmm, let's see whether to refine them or raise them in captivity, which would yield the best results."

These blood-marrow demon leeches are adept at concealing their presence and disguise, making them quite effective when launching sneak attacks.

The Demon Lord Wuya was drained of his life force in a single encounter, reduced to a skeleton.

"Two pieces of ten-thousand-year-old blood crystal stones. Refined from high-grade blood essence, they can be used by demonic cultivators to enhance their cultivation, forge demonic weapons, and cast secret spells. Their value is unknown."

"Two four-winged insect kings, both of which are mid-grade third rank and have extraordinary bloodlines. Their subjects number in the tens of thousands of four-winged ferocious insects."

These four-winged ferocious insects are also descendants of ancient ferocious insects, and should possess considerable bloodline skills.

"All of Mo Chen Demon Lord's assets. In this way, I can take his place and act accordingly."

For Shen Xuan, the most important thing was to be able to use the identity of Demon Lord Mo Chen to obtain confidential information from the Dark Star Alliance.

"A quasi-fourth-tier Xuanmen treasure, the Seven Hearts Bodhi, has the special effects of opening wisdom, awakening the spirit, comprehending the Dao, and increasing intelligence. It is perfect for use on the Purple Essence Tree to awaken its spiritual intelligence."

"A Netherworld Poison Lotus. Alas, the growth requirements of this Netherworld Poison Lotus are too demanding; I'm afraid I can't cultivate it."

As for other miscellaneous items, such as magic stones, spirit stones, various talismans and elixirs, Shen Xuan was too lazy to count them.

Ordinary spiritual objects held no appeal for him.

"Oh, right, and these too."

While sorting through his spoils, Shen Xuanxin discovered some spiritual items that he had casually placed in the box.

Among the many wings of the Flaming Firebird, three are its natal wings.

The Flaming Firebird is a near-fourth-tier spirit bird, and its innate wings are of extraordinary value.

It can be used to refine the Five Fires and Seven Birds Fan.

There are also a few feathers from the Demon Winged Roc.

He casually put it away after the battle.

Although its condition is average and it has some defects.

However, the wings of the Demon Winged Roc are still rare treasures.

These wings were not particularly valuable among the many spoils of war.

But for Shen Xuan, it was an excellent material for replicating the Five Fires and Seven Birds Fan.

"Ice magic is better at defense than offense. Once I condense the Fire Magic Golden Core and replicate the Five Fire Seven Birds Fan, combining ice and fire, there will be nowhere in the world I cannot go!"

After taking stock of the spoils.

Shen Xuan sat in the secret room, lost in thought.

It's impossible for him to side with the demons.

Perhaps he is selfish, lecherous, cowardly, and afraid of trouble...

But he was always a good person.

At least, that's what Shen Xuan thought.

Never kill innocent people indiscriminately.

They would never resort to any means to achieve their own selfish ends or do anything against their moral principles.

As a human spiritual cultivator, he swore an irreconcilable enmity with the demon race!

(End of this chapter)