Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 650 Wolfish Ambitions (Seeking Subscriptions)

Among the five, a composed-looking middle-aged scholar said urgently as he flew away, "Elder Mo, this can't go on."

"Our spiritual energy is too depleted, so why don't we split up and escape?"

He was the strategist of the team, a scholar named Fang Yuan.

"no!"

Mr. Mo categorically rejected the idea.

"Once separated from the group, there is absolutely no chance for any one of us to escape from the Ironback Bear. Only by working together can we have a glimmer of hope!"

"What do we do then? Fight them!"

Iron Tower roared, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes.

"With five against two, we have the advantage of numbers and might not be without a chance of winning!"

The last one was a young scholar with fair skin and a scholarly air.

His name is Ning Xiaoqi. He has just reached the Foundation Establishment stage and is the youngest and weakest member of the team.

At that moment, two deafening roars came from behind, and a foul stench swept over them.

"Can't run away!"

A fierce glint flashed in Mo Lao's eyes. He stopped his escape and shouted, "Iron Tower, Little Seven, you two, stop that male bear for ten breaths at all costs. Yi Yi, Fang Yuan, come with me to repel that female bear first."

"Ten breaths later, regardless of success or failure, the two of you should move closer to us."

Eiffel Tower's expression changed.

He glanced at the slender Xiao Qi, then looked at the Ironback Bear shrouded in demonic energy, and gritted his teeth, saying, "Fine, ten breaths it is. Within ten breaths, you guys take care of that mother bear, and I, your old buddy, will risk it all."

Given Mr. Mo's extensive experience, his response is understandable.

Ning Xiaoqi's face was pale, but she still nodded heavily and gripped the crimson flying sword in her hand tightly.

He was a fire mage.

"Do it!"

At Mo Lao's command, he transformed into a beam of blue light and, along with Liu Yiyi and Fang Yuan, charged straight at the smaller female bear on the left.

With a roar, the Iron Tower's muscles bulged, and its golden blade emitted a dazzling light as it charged like a mad tiger toward the more imposing male bear on its right.

Ning Xiaoqi followed closely behind, her sword flashing, attempting to restrain him.

"Roar!"

Seeing that the iron tower had taken the initiative to fight, the male bear became even more enraged. Its huge bear paw brought up a gust of demonic wind, tearing through space, and fiercely slammed down on the iron tower.

This palm strike was powerful and heavy, enough to split mountains and shatter rocks.

"when!"

The sound of metal clashing against metal rang out.

A tremendous force emanated from the golden knife.

Iron Tower's tiger's mouth split open, the golden knife slipped from his hand, and he flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily into an ancient tree and spitting out a mouthful of blood.

Having landed a successful blow, the male bear did not stop. On all fours, like a black mountain of flesh, it charged toward the injured iron tower with an earth-shaking momentum, its blood-red maw already wide open.

"It's over. I'm dead this time."

Despair was evident in the tower's eyes.

Even if he manages to dodge the fatal blow, he cannot escape the subsequent attacks.

This iron-backed bear is not only enormous in size, but also as hard as steel.

Its movements are also extremely agile.

As a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stages, it was impossible for him to escape the Ironback Bear's pursuit.

Just now.

"Iron Tower, get out of the way!"

A slightly trembling voice rang out.

It was Ning Xiaoqi who was part of the support team.

The iron tower instinctively rolled over lazily to the side.

Almost at the same time.

A dazzling crimson light shot out from Xiao Qi's hand.

The light grew longer in the wind, instantly transforming into a crimson fire dragon over ten feet long, its body swirling with crimson clouds. With bared fangs and claws, it carried a powerful aura capable of burning everything, and with lightning speed, it slammed solidly into the back of the male bear.

"Fire Dragon Talisman?"

A glimmer of hope had just risen in Eiffel Tower's heart when it sank again.

"A mid-grade second-tier fire talisman has limited power; it's good enough if it can hold out for a breath or two."

An ordinary fire dragon talisman is only 30% as powerful as the golden knife in his hand, and cannot threaten the iron-backed bear with its tough demonic body.

however.

"boom."

A deafening explosion suddenly rang out.

The moment the fire dragon collided with the demon bear, it exploded violently, transforming into a blazing, cloud-like crimson spiritual fire that instantly engulfed most of the male bear's body.

"Roar!"

The male bear let out a piercing, mournful howl.

That crimson spiritual fire was clearly not an ordinary fire.

Like a malignant tumor clinging to the bone, it burned wildly.

The Ironback Bear rolled and thrashed about, channeling its demonic power in an attempt to extinguish the flames.

The crimson flames not only scorched its fur and flesh, but also seemed to be eroding its demonic essence.

The aroma of meat instantly filled the air.

The iron-backed bear roared angrily and turned to run away.

On the other side, the female bear, who was dealing with the three men, seemed to have received some kind of summons. She swatted away the three men with her paws and fled in panic towards the male bear.

"Xiao Qi, what kind of talisman did you use just now?"

"A fire dragon talisman?"

Ning Xiaoqi's face was deathly pale, and she was panting heavily.

Just now, when he activated the Fire Dragon Talisman, the spiritual power in his dantian was sucked in like a wave, which gave him a big fright.

Activating a Fire Dragon Talisman consumed 30% of my spiritual power, which is truly terrifying.

“Where did you buy it?”

Ning Xiaoqi's still somewhat immature face flushed slightly.

This Fire Dragon Talisman wasn't bought.

Rather, it was because he had worked hard all night, cultivating diligently.

The proprietress of "Fengqi Pavilion" was satisfied and gave it to him.

At the time, he was somewhat dismissive.

With the mindset of "why not take it if it's free," I put it in the storage bag.

Just now, in a critical situation, I inexplicably remembered what the landlady had said.

"This Fire Dragon Talisman contains a trace of extraordinary heavenly fire, making it extremely powerful, even stronger than a fine talisman. My little nemesis, keep it safe. It can be used to save your life in a critical moment."

Only then did they hurriedly take it out to stimulate it.

Unexpectedly, the effect was so good.

The Iron-Shouldered Bear, unable to bear the pain, was burned by the Fire Dragon Talisman and fled in panic, saving everyone's lives.

Due to a lack of experience, Ning Xiaoqi's activation of the Fire Dragon Talisman was not perfectly guided, and she failed to injure the Iron Shoulder Bear's vital points.

This also deeply saddened the Eiffel Tower.

Seeing that Ning Xiaoqi did not answer where the Fire Dragon Talisman came from, he did not press the matter further.

Even among cultivators with the best relationship, it is taboo to pry into each other's affairs.

"Xiao Qi, you're awesome! You drove the demon bear away and made a great contribution, saving our demon-hunting team."

At this moment, the three elders, including Mo, came over and looked at Ning Xiaoqi with complicated expressions.

Joy, shock, and a touch of the strange.

Just now, they saw the Iron-Shouldered Bear being roasted by the spirit fire and fleeing in a sorry state.

That's a mid-grade second-tier bear demon.

Once ignited by the fire talisman, it was difficult to extinguish completely no matter what methods were used.

Ning Xiaoqi could only respond with a silly smile.

Even if he's stupid, he wouldn't reveal the origin of the Fire Dragon Talisman.

The fire dragon talisman given to him by the proprietress of "Phoenix Pavilion" was far more powerful than he had imagined.

Ning Xiaoqi's mind was racing.

He planned to return to Yueyun Immortal City and get some rest.

Go and work hard for a few more nights to get more copies.

"Luckily, Xiao Qi has a high-quality fire talisman, otherwise today would have been dangerous."

"Old Mo said with emotion."

He did not inquire about the origin of the talisman.

Instead, he winked at Liu Yiyi.

Liu Yiyi nodded slightly.

Dealing with such a greenhorn is a piece of cake for her.

……

At the summit of Crimson Cloud Peak, a sea of ​​clouds churns and surges.

Yang Huofeng stood gracefully on a blue stone, her little face full of excitement and pride.

She made hand seals, and spiritual light flowed around her. Nine exquisite fire dragon talismans, gleaming with spiritual light, seemed to have a life of their own, fluttering around her and arranging themselves into a simple talisman array.

The talismans were connected by energy, faintly radiating a scorching and sharp aura.

"Master, come and see."

She looked at Shen Xuan not far away with a boastful expression, her voice clear and crisp.

"I have mastered this Nine-Character Linked Array and can activate it at any time."

Shen Xuan glanced at the nine talismans and nodded slightly.

"Yes, it's taking shape. However, we can't say we've mastered it. This is just the beginning."

Before he could finish speaking, Shen Xuan's divine sense stirred slightly.

"Buzz!"

In an instant, the situation changed drastically.

Centered on him, eighty-one exquisite fire dragon talismans appeared out of thin air without any warning.

These talismans were arranged and combined in a mysterious formation, layer upon layer, and in an instant, they transformed into a magnificent talisman array that covered half of the mountaintop.

The moment the rune array was formed, a terrifying aura capable of destroying the heavens and the earth and incinerating all things suddenly erupted.

The air was distorted by the high temperature, and scorch marks appeared on the ground, as if it would melt at any moment.

The aura of the rune array was extremely domineering.

Yang Huofeng felt a terrifying pressure, like a towering mountain crashing down on her.

Her face turned pale instantly, she cried out in alarm, and staggered back several steps, her spiritual energy stagnating for several breaths.

This was not the Crimson Cloud Elemental Fire she was familiar with.

Instead, it is a more violent and destructive spiritual fire.

Seeing that Yang Huofeng was intimidated, Shen Xuan had a change of heart.

The suffocating array of runes vanished instantly.

Eighty-one talismans disappeared into his sleeve like weary birds returning to their nests.

The terrifying pressure then vanished.

"Master."

Yang Huofeng was still shaken, her voice trembling.

"Your Fire Dragon Talisman is not Crimson Cloud Elemental Fire."

She was certain that her master's Fire Dragon Talisman was far more powerful than hers.

Shen Xuan smiled and said, "Of course not."

"Master, what kind of strange fire is it?"

"Cultivate diligently, first nurture the Crimson Cloud Yuan Fire in your dantian into a physical form, control it at will, and refine it to the point of perfection."

"You will understand when you reach a certain level of cultivation. Trying to do too much at once and aiming too high are major taboos in cultivation."

Shen Xuan did not lie to her.

When she forms her nascent soul, she will naturally witness the heavenly tribulation fire again.

"Yes, the disciple understands."

Yang Huofeng said respectfully.

She took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart.

Just how many terrifying protective methods does Master still have hidden?

At this moment, Shen Xuan was like a god in her eyes.

She is even more powerful than Master Ming Shen, who often came to guide her.

Shen Xuan nodded slightly, then changed the subject: "Yang Huofeng, you are exceptionally talented and have excellent aptitude. If you calm down and spend more time cultivating your physical body, spiritual power, soul, and consciousness, you will make progress."

“Cultivating the Tao is most about cultivating the mind. You are impulsive and impatient, which are your weaknesses and you need to work on them.”

Upon hearing this, Yang Huofeng's pretty face flushed slightly.

Shen Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "How about this, I will teach you a sword technique called Tai Chi Sword Technique. This sword technique emphasizes intention over strength, and aims to harmonize Yin and Yang and temper one's character."

"Has the Flying Phoenix Sword that Brother Mingshen gave you been successfully refined?"

"The ritual is complete."

Yang Huofeng quickly summoned a crimson magic sword from her dantian.

Shen Xuan scanned it briefly with his divine sense and nodded, saying, "Yes, it uses Crimson Fire Essence as the main ingredient, melted with Earth Core Flame Iron, which is quite compatible with your fire attribute spiritual power, making it perfect for you."

He paused, then casually mentioned, "Brother Ming Shen also has a fine sword."

Yang Huofeng's eyes lit up, and she blurted out, "Yes. Uncle-Master Mingshen said that Master Yuanhuo's magic sword will be passed on to me after I form my core."

"That's the Yuanhuo Sword, a high-grade third-tier spiritual weapon flying sword. It's difficult to control without reaching the Golden Core stage. Cultivate diligently, and Brother Mingshen will keep it for you."

After saying that, Shen Xuan flipped his wrist, and the Ice Soul Divine Sword was already in his hand.

"Okay."

Shen Xuan then slowly began to wield the Ice Soul Divine Sword.

The movements are slow and gentle, like clouds rolling and water flowing, completely lacking the fierce and killing aura of ordinary swordsmanship. Instead, they are full of a unique charm of harmony, ease, and balance between movement and stillness.

The sword moves flowed continuously, shifting between yin and yang, subtly aligning with the Way of Heaven. Though seemingly slow, they contained the supreme principles of overcoming strength with softness and striking after the opponent has moved.

Yang Huofeng was exceptionally intelligent and watched intently.

After Shen Xuan demonstrated it twice, she had memorized about 70-80% of it. At first, Yang Huofeng only resembled her in appearance.

Under Shen Xuan's guidance, he gradually grasped the essence of the Taijian sword technique.

As his mind gradually calmed down, the surging fire elemental energy within his body became more docile and peaceful, guided by the sword techniques.

"Practice the sword technique once every morning and evening, with the intention preceding the sword, keeping the mind calm and the breath at ease, and carefully comprehending the principles of yin and yang transformation and smooth, effortless movement."

Shen Xuan sheathed his sword and stood there, instructing Yang Huofeng, "The stronger the power you control, the more steadfast your Dao heart must be to bear it."

"Yes, Master. This disciple will certainly cultivate diligently."

Yang Huofeng sheathed her sword and bowed.

She didn't fully understand what Shen Xuan was saying.

I just subconsciously felt that my master's words must be right.

……

Zhong Sumingdong Mansion, reception room.

After Master Ming Shen focused his attention on teaching Yang Huofeng, Zhong Suming took over the management of the general affairs of Flame Island.

He simply moved the council to his own cave dwelling.

They claimed it was to avoid disturbing Master Mingshen.

Zhong Suming serves as the moderator of the monthly council meeting.

After the meeting ended this time, Zhong Suming said, "Junior Brother Chen, please stay behind."

Zeng Yuyuan looked at the two of them with some suspicion, but said nothing more, and left with her disciple in charge.

Chen Xingyu was visibly nervous.

Zhong Suming smiled and handed over a cup of spiritual tea.

"Junior Brother Chen, please take a look at this intelligence report."

Zhong Suming smiled and handed a jade slip to Chen Xingyu.

"Are the Fire Dragon Talismans from Phoenix Perch Pavilion selling like hotcakes?"

After examining the information in the jade slip, Chen Xingyu was a little confused.

Be caught off guard.

He knew that the Fire Dragon Talisman that Yang Yunfan was selling was exceptionally powerful.

After all, Shen Haoming had incorporated a trace of Crimson Cloud Elemental Fire.

Throughout the entire Fire Cloud Sect, not a single Foundation Establishment disciple possesses a Heavenly Flame.

Not only is there no such opportunity.

If one's cultivation level is insufficient and one has not yet formed a core, it is difficult to control the strange fire of heaven and earth.

Unless one has a special physical condition or other circumstances.

Chen Xingyu had instructed Xiao Fengxian to sell the products discreetly and not to make a big fuss about it.

Unexpectedly, she made such a big fuss.

"The intelligence has just reached Yueyun Sect, and they must have seen it by now."

Zhong Suming said in a deep voice.

What can they find out?

Chen Xingyu's expression changed slightly.
Anyone with a keen eye can easily find out about his relationship with Xiao Fengxian.

Xiao Fengxian herself is not trustworthy.

"So what if we found out?"

Zhong Suming disagreed.

"The proprietress's name is Xiao Fengxian, right? She's not married, and you're not married either. She just sells some fire dragon talismans. What could possibly happen to her!"

Chen Xingyu breathed a long sigh of relief.

As expected, I was just too nervous.

His relationship with Xiao Fengxian was consensual, a fleeting affair.

Such things are commonplace in the cultivation world.

Not to mention that neither of them had a Daoist partner.

Even if you have a partner.

As long as the two partners don't come forward to complain, neither the sect nor the immortal city will pay any attention.

"What's the deal with that Fire Dragon Talisman?"

Zhong Suming looked at Chen Xingyu with a strange expression.

Chen Xingyu doesn't have that level of skill; he knows it very well.

"Senior Brother Zhong, this is what happened..."

Without hesitation, Chen Xingyu recounted the whole story in detail.

“Originally, I didn’t want to sell these Fire Dragon Talismans. Senior Brother Zhong, you know we Fire Cloud Sect disciples are too poor. Yang Yunfan always buys a lot of Fire Dragon Talisman materials, so I had no choice but to sell some to make up for the costs.”

Chen Xingyu said sincerely.

Although he made a mistake, it was only a minor one.

It was nothing more than settling Yang Yunfan's public accounts, embezzling some high-quality fire dragon talismans, and gaining some benefits from it.

Strictly speaking, it did not cause too much damage to the Fire Cloud Sect's talisman room.

This is nothing.

None of the disciples in charge who held official positions received any personal gain.

The stipend from the Fire Cloud Sect is barely enough to cover the most basic daily cultivation needs.

"Junior Brother Chen, there's no need to overthink it."

Zhong Suming reassured him.

"Did you bring Shen Haoming's Fire Dragon Talisman? Let me see it."

"Yes."

Zhong Suming carefully examined the Fire Dragon Talisman, gently tracing its surface with his fingers to sense the Crimson Cloud Primordial Fire contained within.

"Great talisman!"

He looked at it for a while and then returned the Fire Dragon Talisman to Chen Xingyu.

"Brother Zhong, keep it. I have plenty more here."

"Never mind, you've had it tough too."

Zhong Suming smiled.

“Junior Brother Chen, we have traveled through mountains and rivers to come to the Yue Kingdom, and more than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye.”

"Yes, eleven years have passed in the blink of an eye."

Chen Xingyu said with emotion.

"Many people couldn't hold on and left the sect. We must unite, support each other, and overcome this difficult time together."

"Junior Brother Chen, do you think I'm right?"

Zhong Suming stared at Chen Xingyu with a solemn expression, his gaze carrying a hidden meaning.

“Brother Zhong is absolutely right. I have always followed Brother Zhong’s lead. This has never changed.”

Zhong Suming smiled and patted Chen Xingyu on the shoulder.

"Very good. Junior Brother Chen, I believe in you."

“You are the chief disciple of the Fire Cloud Sect, and you have not made any mistakes. Even the Yueyun Sect cannot control you or touch you in the slightest.”

Chen Xingyu immediately expressed his gratitude and loyalty.

As long as Zhong Suming doesn't expose this matter, no one else can do anything to him.

"So, what should we do next, junior brother?"

"As usual. Just sell a smaller quantity at Fengqi Pavilion."

He didn't let Chen Xingyu and Xiao Fengxian completely sever their relationship.

We're all men, there's no need to be so harsh.

"If anyone finds out, just say that you and I have reported it. This is a decision we made together to stockpile some of Junior Brother Shen's Fire Dragon Talismans, just in case."

As for why the funds weren't deposited into the public accounts and were instead kept by Chen Xingyu, that's another story altogether.

In any case, Zhong Suming is now in full charge of managing the sugarcane affairs of the Fire Cloud Sect.

Master Mingshen basically doesn't get involved in anything.

The reason for not letting Zeng Yuyuan and others know about it can be said to be for the sake of secrecy.

In this way, Chen Xingyu could openly line his own pockets and be grateful to Zhong Suming.

……

The days passed by.

As Yang Huofeng grew rapidly, Shen Xuan settled into a peaceful life of cultivation on Flame Island.

His Fire Dragon Talisman quest was also completed by Yang Huofeng.

In fact, Shen Xuan stopped after creating three sets of fire dragon talisman arrays.

Crimson Cloud Primordial Fire, Solar True Fire, and Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire, each with eighty-one copies.

With his current mastery of talismans.

The success rate of each Fire Dragon Talisman is 100%, and the rate of obtaining high-quality items is 100%.

Comparatively speaking, Yang Huofeng was much worse.

The success rate is approximately 40% to 50%.

The rate of high-quality products is only 50%.

Each time Yang Huofeng creates a talisman, she has to consume most of her spiritual power.

Yang Huofeng kept the finest fire talismans for her own use.

The ordinary fire talisman was sold back to the Fire Cloud Sect's talisman room by the adoptive father, Yang Yunfan, in the name of Shen Haoming.

Fortunately, the Fire Dragon Talisman fetches a good price when recycled.

After offsetting the cost of materials for the Fire Dragon Journey, you can still earn some spirit stones to purchase second-tier monster meat.

I wonder if it's because I have a trace of phoenix blood in my body.

Yang Huofeng not only has a large appetite.

The spiritual power extracted from the flesh of demonic beasts is much stronger than that of ordinary cultivators.

It increased significantly faster than when she meditated and practiced her internal energy.

Master Ming Shen would visit Yang Huofeng every few days.

Occasionally, he would offer guidance to Yang Huofeng on her cultivation, detailing various mysteries of cultivation.

Shen Xuan hid in the inner part of the cave and persisted in cultivating the ice technique.

He set up a large-scale Xuanbing Soul-Locking Array inside.

One high-grade water spirit stone is required every day.

Having cultivated to the early stage of the Golden Core realm, Shen Xuan only needed to practice ice magic for two hours each day.

As time went on, there was not much progress.

Every night, Shen Xuan would conceal himself and fly from Crimson Cloud Peak to the East China Sea outside Flame Island.

He transformed into a dragon and cultivated various body-refining techniques and innate skills.

The bottleneck cannot be broken through for the time being.

During this period, the main focus is on improving perception and enhancing various practical talents and skills.

Examples include: "as big as you wish", "overturning rivers and seas", "immense strength", and "awe-inspiring in all directions".

On the contrary, fire magic training is the easiest.

All you need to do is refine the Yuanhuo True Person Golden Core and focus on attacking [Heavenly Thunder Tribulation Fire] and [True Sun Fire].

He didn't even care about the Crimson Cloud Elemental Fire and was too lazy to cultivate and advance.

In addition, nurture the Mysterious Ice Talisman and cultivate the [Other Shore Demon Flower].

The three Xuanbing Treasure Talismans had been nurtured in his dantian for over forty years.

Its power is enough to threaten a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

The Demon Flower of the Other Shore is constantly draining his life force and consuming his lifespan.

However, Shen Xuan did not make talismans or refine pills.

There is still plenty of time for the four cultivation methods: ice magic, body tempering, fire magic, and secret techniques.

"My current cultivation progress should be at the peak of the early Golden Core stage. After a few more years of honing my skills, I can try to break through to the middle Golden Core stage at any time."

"However, to be on the safe side, we should try to break through after obtaining the Primordial True Water."

Shen Xuan was not worried about breaking through the bottleneck of the minor realm.

What he values ​​more is that after advancing to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, when the objective conditions are right, he can continue to break through the Body Refining Technique and strive for the Divine Power Realm.

Obvious.

The Divine Power Realm is a major hurdle for Body Refiners, and it is extremely difficult.

Shen Xuan needs to be fully prepared.

The body is likely to suffer severe damage.

If you can't get it, you might even attract heavenly tribulation lightning.

Therefore, the Primordial True Water, which can heal injuries, becomes indispensable.

He was a water-based cultivator.

Logically speaking, cultivation speed is the slowest among the five attributes.

After Shen Xuan formed his core, he gradually showed signs of accelerating his progress.

Actually, it wasn't something he did intentionally.

On the one hand, all aspects, such as physical body, spiritual roots, and talent, are getting better and better.

On the other hand, he was always worried about the invasion of the demon race and the threat of Nascent Soul cultivators.

The feeling of powerlessness, of not being able to control his own destiny, always left him with a sense of unease and fear.

It is impossible for him to break through to the Nascent Soul Realm in the short term.

He would be satisfied as long as he could escape with his life from a Nascent Soul cultivator.

As for lifespan, Shen Xuan was not in a hurry.

Anyway, he has a long lifespan, so even if the [Other Shore Demon Flower] consumes some of his energy, it's within expectations.

In the future, try to take some high-quality longevity elixirs or rare and precious herbs that can increase lifespan.

Breaking through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm will significantly increase one's lifespan.

After reaching the Divine Power Realm, it might increase somewhat.

At this stage, Shen Xuan no longer needs to rush things; seeking stability has become the main theme of his cultivation.

"The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Alas, troubles always come in times of great difficulty."

(End of this chapter)