Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 652 Iron-Toothed Thunder Shark (Seeking Subscriptions)

Inside the cave at Chixia Peak, light and shadow shift and change.

Shen Xuan slowed down the scene of the battle at the deserted temple last night and re-enacted it on the ice mirror.

Every move, every technique, every subtle fluctuation of spiritual energy was clearly presented before Yang Huofeng's eyes.

"It seems like you're cutting melons and vegetables with lightning speed. But actually, your timing was bad, and activating the superior fire dragon talisman was unnecessary."

Shen Xuan meticulously analyzed every detail of Mo Lao's attempt to escape by car, Liu Yiyi's use of the Bewitching Handkerchief, and Mo Lao's final attempt to take Yang Yunfan hostage, pointing out Yang Huofeng's haste and oversights in her response.

The explanations are insightful yet easy to understand, getting straight to the point.

Yang Huofeng listened intently, completely convinced.

She originally thought that she had defeated three enemies in one battle, and her performance was perfect.

Only after his master's guidance did he realize that the scheme was full of flaws.

In other words, the three of them, including Mo Lao, were too weak.

If the opponent were even slightly stronger, she would struggle to recover.

Fortunately, the Crimson Cloud Elemental Fire was incredibly powerful, and the three opponents were also in a state of panic, which allowed her to quickly succeed.

"Master, I know I was wrong."

Yang Huofeng's pretty face flushed slightly: "When Father was in danger, I was thinking of a quick victory and acted impulsively and recklessly."

"Ah."

Shen Xuan nodded slightly: "Remember. In the face of great events, remain calm. The closer you are to life or death, the more calmly you must analyze and judge the situation, and act only after careful consideration."

He looked at Yang Huofeng and said earnestly, "From now on, cultivate the habit of reviewing the battle after each battle and carefully analyzing the gains and losses. Only in this way can you turn the experience of each battle into the foundation of your own combat strength."

"Yes. Master's teachings will be kept in mind."

Yang Huofeng solemnly agreed, taking her master's words as her guiding principle.

Afterwards, Shen Xuan played the battle footage again in its entirety. Yang Huofeng humbly asked for advice, repeatedly scrutinizing every detail, and Shen Xuan patiently answered her questions.

After reviewing the situation, Yang Huofeng felt she had gained a great deal.

As the light and shadow faded, silence returned to the cave.

Yang Huofeng's lips moved, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.

Shen Xuan glanced at her: "Want to know who's behind this?"

Yang Huofeng nodded emphatically, a flash of hatred in her eyes: "Master, you are wise. This disciple wants to know who is so vicious as to harm my father."

Shen Xuan pointed.

The scene in the ice mirror changes.

What is presented is the perspective of a Yin-devouring demon worm.

Silently following a shadowy figure as fast as a ghost and as shaped as an ape, they crossed desolate mountains and finally arrived at a remote wilderness.

In the wilderness, a masked monk shrouded in black robes was already waiting.

He was more than ten feet away from the monkey-shaped black shadow.

Clearly, they are wary of each other.

"Boss, Elder Mo and his men have failed."

The monkey-shaped black shadow had a strange, mechanical voice.

"They were caught up by Yang Huofeng, and all three of them were wiped out."

"How could this be?"

The masked monk shuddered, his voice filled with surprise.

"How could Elder Mo and his two companions, with their extensive experience, fail?"

"I don't know."

The shadowy figure replied, "I suspect that Yang Yunfan already had a hidden tracking mark on him. Yang Huofeng knew about it as soon as he left Flame Island."

"Yang Huofeng has only been at the Foundation Establishment stage for a year, how could she possess such abilities? Unless..."

The masked monk spoke with suspicion.

"Unless what?"

The masked monk did not answer; his gaze, sharp as a knife, fixed on the shadowy figure beneath his mask: "Are you sure you're not being tracked?"

"Hehe, don't worry, boss."

The dark figure let out a strange laugh: "No one below the Inner Core Realm can track me. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to make a living this way."

The masked cultivator breathed a sigh of relief and pondered, "How are Elder Mo and the others?"

"What else could they do? In just a few breaths, they were all wiped out by that little girl. Tsk tsk, as expected of a genius from the Fire Cloud Sect, that Crimson Cloud Yuan Fire is truly formidable; it ignites upon contact and is difficult to extinguish."

The shadowy figure spoke with a hint of lingering fear.

"Trash! A bunch of trash!"

The masked cultivator cursed in a low voice, "Although this matter failed, it was not your fault. According to the rules, you will receive 30% of the reward." After saying that, he tossed a spirit stone bag to him.

The shadowy figure took it, examined it with his divine sense, and then put it away: "Boss, you're very straightforward. This matter is settled. Until we meet again."

"Wait a minute!"

The masked cultivator suddenly called out to him, "If I'm willing to pay double the price, could you bring Yang Yunfan out again?"

"cannot!"

The shadowy figure answered decisively.

“Yang Yunfan is not a concern, but Yang Huofeng is too terrifying. No matter how high the price, it will be useless unless you can get rid of her first, or erase the mark on Yang Yunfan.”

"Forget it. Goodbye."

The masked cultivator transformed into a streak of crimson light and swiftly disappeared into the horizon.

The dark figure did not leave immediately, but waited quietly in place.

About an incense stick later, another almost identical monkey-shaped black shadow swept in from a distance, quickly approaching the previous black shadow.

It turned out that the dark figure was actually an exquisitely crafted monkey-shaped puppet beast.

The real person behind the scenes never actually showed up.

The scene then slowly faded away.

Yang Huofeng was horrified by what she saw.

"Master, that masked man..."

Yang Huofeng asked anxiously.

The masked cultivator's escape light was clearly of the fire attribute.

"You guessed right, it's someone from your Fire Cloud Sect."

Shen Xuan waved his hand: "I know who this person is. Pretend you don't know and focus on your cultivation. In the cultivation world, strength is paramount. Being strong enough is the right path."

Yang Huofeng took a deep breath, suppressing the surging anger in her heart, and respectfully replied, "Yes, disciple understands."

……

Yang Huofeng left with a displeased expression.

She finally experienced the wickedness of human nature.

The real mastermind was his own fellow disciple.

Moreover, his cultivation level is not weak.

Her master told her not to investigate this person's identity.

All you need to do is diligently cultivate yourself.

This was the first time Yang Huofeng had ever fought a magical duel, killed an opponent, and rescued her father.

It doesn't really matter who the mastermind is.

There are only about twenty Foundation Establishment disciples in the entire Fire Cloud Sect.

Yang Huofeng could vaguely guess what it was.

She wanted to thank the other party for accelerating her growth.

In fact, Shen Xuan did see through that person's identity.

The masked cultivator was none other than Zhong Suming, the senior disciple of the Fire Cloud Sect.

A monk's appearance and physique can be faked.

However, the aura of spiritual energy is difficult to change.

The flash of light further confirmed Shen Xuan's judgment.

"That's good. Having a needle in your heart will make you more mature."

Yang Huofeng was, after all, a seventeen-year-old young girl.

What comes out on paper is ultimately shallow.

Only through experience can one truly understand the wickedness of the human heart.

Shen Xuan didn't take the matter to heart.

He was just staying here temporarily.

They will leave Flame Island in ten years at most.

However, Master Ming Shen was extremely shocked upon learning of this.

The next day, he rushed to Chixia Peak.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, who exactly is the mastermind behind the plot against Yang Huofeng?"

Master Ming Shen first consulted with Yang Huofeng before meeting with Shen Xuan.

"Zhong Suming".

"how is this possible?"

Master Mingshen could not believe it.

These are his disciples.

The entire Fire Cloud Sect was entrusted to his management.

Shen Xuan did not answer, but slowly sipped his tea, appearing indifferent as if it were none of his business.

"I'm sorry. I lost my composure."

Master Mingshen bowed deeply.

The two were equals.

True Man Xuanbing is a Golden Core cultivator.

It's impossible to wrongly accuse a Foundation Establishment disciple.

"It seems that I have been focusing on training Yang Huofeng these days and have neglected him."

Master Mingshen sighed deeply.

"No."

Shen Xuan shook his head slightly.

"This person is of bad character and is not fit for a great responsibility."

After thinking for a moment, Master Ming Shen did not refute Shen Xuan's statement and tacitly agreed with it.

In any case, as the senior disciple of the sect, one should not use such despicable means to deal with the junior sister of the same sect.

Entrusting the sect to such a person would be nothing short of a disaster.

“In the future, I will reduce his power as appropriate.”

Master Mingshen sighed.

The remnants of the Fire Cloud Sect have few notable figures.

Aside from Zhong Suming, only Zeng Yuyuan is someone I can think highly of.

However, Zeng Yuyuan is a female cultivator, so her combat strength is slightly weaker.

It's difficult to control the situation.

The others are not as good as Zeng Yuyuan.

Master Ming Shen apologized to Shen Xuan.

"It was my oversight that caused Fellow Daoist Xuanbing trouble."

"It's nothing, not worth mentioning."

Shen Xuan said calmly.

"By the way, have you clarified the matter of the quota for the Spirit Stream Secret Realm?"

Collecting the Primordial True Water was Shen Xuan's top priority.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, rest assured. Even if I have to risk my reputation, I will get you a spot."

Master Ming Shen looked at Shen Xuan and said thoughtfully, "However, in the Spirit Stream Secret Realm, the cultivation level is limited to the Foundation Establishment Realm. If one is at the Core Formation Realm, their life may be in danger, and they may be punished by the Heavenly Dao of the Secret Realm with divine lightning."

"It's alright. I have something to conceal the secrets of heaven. I am Shen Haoming, a mere Foundation Establishment Fire Mage."

Shen Xuan said with a smile.

"That's good. The sect leader of Yueyun Sect, Master Qingxi, summoned me for a meeting, so I can bring this up at the same time. Leave this matter to Mingshen."

Master Ming Shen solemnly promises.

There is no such thing as a free lunch.

Xuanbing Zhenren resided in the Huoyun Sect, discovered Yang Huofeng, and imparted to her the true method of the strange fire.

The spot in the Spirit Stream Secret Realm was the reward he paid to True Person Xuanbing.

The exchange of benefits goes without saying.

……

A month later.

Master Mingshen has met Master Qingxi.

“Master Xuanbing, Master Qingxi and I have reached an agreement. Our Huoyun Sect disciples can participate in the Yue Kingdom Sect Grand Competition and obtain a spot in the Lingxi Secret Realm, just like the Yueyun Sect disciples.”

"Oh, the Yue Kingdom's sect competition?"

"That's right, the Spirit Stream Secret Realm is the best Foundation Establishment Realm secret realm in the Yue Kingdom. All thirteen sects in the Yue Kingdom are qualified to participate in the Sect Competition. The top three hundred can obtain a spot in the Spirit Stream Secret Realm."

There are only 300 spots available.

I wonder how Tian Wenxi managed to sneak in back then.

"Those who participate in the sect competition must be guaranteed by their respective sects and have their origins verified. Cultivators from outside the Yue Kingdom, demonic cultivators, tribulation cultivators, etc., are not allowed to participate under false names."

Master Ming Shen smiled slightly: "You are Shen Haoming, a secret disciple of Senior Brother Yuan Huo, so you are naturally qualified to participate."

"However, Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, I've heard that the vast majority of those who can obtain a spot in the secret realm are at least at the late Foundation Establishment stage, and many are at the peak of Foundation Establishment."

"Your cultivation at the fourth level of Foundation Establishment is indeed a bit strained." Shen Xuan said calmly, "Brother Ming Shen is too kind. Isn't there still more than eight years? With my efforts, I am quite confident that I can break through to the seventh level of Foundation Establishment."

"Seven years. The sect competition will be held more than a year earlier."

"Then it will take seven years to break through to the seventh level of Foundation Establishment."

Shen Xuan took a sip of spiritual tea and said slowly.

While refining the Golden Elixir of the Primordial Fire True Person, extend the time spent cultivating fire techniques.

For him, spending a little more time and effort would make breaking through from the Foundation Establishment stage to the seventh level of the Foundation Building stage a piece of cake.

"That makes things safe."

Master Mingshen remarked with emotion.

In his view, Xuanbing Zhenren's practice of fire magic was time-consuming and laborious, and somewhat counterproductive.

However, True Person Xuanbing is a Golden Core cultivator.

Preserve the hope of the Nascent Soul Path.

Xuanbing Zhenren may have had a deeper meaning.

In terms of spiritual practice, Master Mingshen was not qualified to guide him.

As long as True Person Xuanbing remains on Flame Island, the Fire Cloud Sect can rest easy.

Yang Huofeng will be fine and will grow up safely.

After rescuing Yang Yunfan, Shen Xuan relaxed the restrictions on Yang Huofeng.

You can leave Crimson Peak and explore Flame Island.

But they cannot leave Flame Island.

On Flame Island, there are only two Core Formation Realm cultivators: True Person Ming Shen and himself.

Ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators are no match for Yang Huofeng.

Yang Huofeng is not a flower in a greenhouse.

The worldly world refines the heart.

There are some things that Yang Huofeng must learn to face.

Subsequently, Ming Shen Zhenren and Shen Xuan had an affair.

Master Qingxi invited him to hunt a third-tier sea monster in the distant sea.

Tens of thousands of years ago, the Yue Kingdom was manipulated by a sea monster that had transformed into a human, and the sea submerged most of its territory.

The powerful figures from the five kingdoms' sects fought a magical duel with a transformed sea monster, narrowly winning and establishing the borders.

In principle, third-tier sea monsters do not enter the sea area within 50,000 li of the land coast.

As the time goes.

This rule between the two races has begun to loosen.

The thirteen sects of the Yue Kingdom each divided up their own sea areas.

Human cultivators piloted sea ships to hunt second-tier sea beasts in waters approximately 50,000 miles away.

Meanwhile, third-tier sea monsters also appear from time to time, attacking ships and human cultivators.

The main problem is that no one can truly define the boundaries of the 50,000-mile sea area.

The closer you get to the open sea, the more second-tier sea beasts you'll find.

The greater the profit from hunting monsters, the more profitable the sea ship.

Nowadays, the spiritual veins of various sects are gradually declining and their output is limited.

Sailing ships and hunting sea monsters has become an indispensable source of income for various sects.

This time, Master Qingxi proposed that Master Mingshen and other Core Formation Realm Masters from the vassal forces take action to kill the third-tier sea monsters in the Yueyun Sect's affiliated sea area.

The main purpose is to intimidate the sea creatures and make it easier for the Yueyun Sect's ships to hunt second-tier sea beasts.

Secondly, among the vassal forces, the survival of the fittest is achieved.

Hunting third-tier sea monsters yields enormous rewards.

A third-tier sea monster can be exchanged for a Golden Core Pill and a Core Formation Spiritual Object, which can help cultivate a Core Formation True Person.

Of course, high returns mean high risks.

Master Mingshen hesitated.

On the one hand, he couldn't refuse Master Qingxi.

Accepting the summons from the upper sect is an obligation of the sect's affiliated forces.

On the other hand, this voyage can reduce the number of sect missions for the Yueyun Sect.

Even if the voyage yields no results, it can still alleviate the burden on the Fire Cloud Sect.

After listening to what Master Mingshen said, Shen Xuan asked, "In that case, Brother Mingshen, please agree to Master Qingxi's request."

Master Ming Shen said with a wry smile, "Fellow Daoist Xuan Bing, I have my reasons."

Firstly, he is already old and his lifespan is limited, so he should try to reduce his fighting activities, conserve his energy, and live a few more years.

Secondly, he was a fire mage, and was somewhat unaccustomed to the vast open sea. He didn't have much of a chance against a third-tier sea monster.

Thirdly, he was worried about the Fire Cloud Sect and Yang Huofeng. Zhong Suming's wolfish ambitions were obvious, and he had secretly won over many disciples.

Considering the small number of Huoyun Sect disciples, he did not want to escalate the conflict by settling scores with Zhong Suming at this time.

Shen Xuan asked, "When hunting third-tier sea monsters, is it possible to encounter powerful demons that have transformed into human form?"

"That won't happen."

Master Ming Shen pondered for a moment and said, "The boundaries of the 50,000-mile sea area are inherently difficult to define clearly."

"A third-tier sea monster attacked the ship and human cultivators, saying that our human race had crossed the border of 50,000 li."

"We, the True Immortals of the Human Race, also hunt down third-tier sea monsters near the 50,000-mile border."

"In the end, each side has its own version of events, and they are all just after blood and food. Neither the human Nascent Soul True Monarch nor the sea race's transformed great demon has shown itself."

Upon hearing this, Shen Xuan felt relieved.

"That's easy."

Shen Xuan laughed and said, "Brother Ming Shen, behold my skills."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Shen Xuan transformed himself.

His figure and appearance became exactly the same as Ming Shen's.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, you are truly skilled!"

Master Mingshen couldn't help but praise.

This ability to "change in countless ways" makes it difficult to distinguish between the real and the fake.

Moreover, Shen Xuan practiced fire-attribute magic.

The faint fire elemental energy emanating from his body was exactly the same as that of True Person Ming Shen.

Even Master Mingshen himself thought he was seeing things.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, what do you mean?"

“You reply to Master Qingxi, that you are about to depart. We will switch identities. Brother Mingshen will reside on my Chixia Peak, teaching Yang Huofeng under the name of Shen Haoming. I will travel in place of Brother Mingshen.”

On the continent, powerful beings of the demon and human races had long established rules.

True cultivators at the Core Formation Realm and third-tier demon kings are not allowed to trespass into each other's domains without authorization.

Furthermore, it is strictly forbidden to act without authorization.

Unexpectedly, the open sea can be used to hunt third-tier sea monsters.

And so on!

Shen Xuan naturally agreed without hesitation.

If we could hunt down a descendant of the dragon bloodline, we'd be set for life.

Master Ming Shen rose and bowed deeply: "Fellow Daoist Xuan Bing, I am deeply grateful."

After accepting the greeting, Shen Xuan smiled and said, "There's no need for such formalities between us."

Master Mingshen sat down again, slowly sipping his tea, his expression noticeably more relaxed.

He seemed to have suddenly thought of it.

“Fellow Daoist Xuanbing, since you are going in my place, why not take Yang Huofeng with you?”

Shen Xuan almost spat out the spiritual tea after taking a sip.

……

January passed in the blink of an eye.

Yueyun Immortal City.

Outside the East Gate, the vast expanse of blue water blends seamlessly with the sky.

In the harbor, a massive ocean-going vessel, hundreds of feet long, is quietly moored.

On the side of the ship, the three large characters "Feiyun" are engraved in a flamboyant style.

This is a Tier 3 superior-grade sea vessel, sufficient to withstand the winds and waves of the open sea and attacks from Tier 3 sea monsters.

At that moment, a streak of crimson light streaked across the sky at an astonishing speed.

The rainbow light faded, revealing two figures.

The leader was an old man dressed in a crimson Taoist robe, exuding the spiritual pressure of a late-stage True Core cultivator.

It was Shen Xuan, disguised as the real Ming Shen.

Following behind was a lively young girl dressed in fiery red, none other than Yang Huofeng.

Shen Xuan followed Ming Shen Zhenren's advice and brought Yang Huofeng with him.

It turns out that the True Immortals who go out to sea to hunt down third-tier sea monsters will bring one or two personal disciples with them.

Yang Huofeng accompanied him.

This will both increase the credibility of Master Ming Shen and give Yang Huofeng a chance to grow.

Kill two birds with one stone.

The moment the two revealed themselves, their powerful late-stage True Core aura immediately alarmed the cultivators on the Flying Cloud ship.

A streak of light, light blue, rose from the deck and came forward, stopping two zhang away from Shen Xuan.

This is the default safe distance between unfamiliar Core Formation cultivators.

The light dissipated, revealing a burly, dark-skinned man who was clearly a mid-stage True Core cultivator.

He bowed respectfully and said in a loud voice, "I am Liu Ruoping, the owner of the Flying Cloud. I greet you, fellow Daoist. May I ask your honorable title and what brings you to my humble abode?"

As he spoke, his gaze swept over Yang Huofeng behind Shen Xuan with a hint of curiosity, and he was slightly surprised.

He could naturally tell that Yang Huofeng was very young, less than twenty years old.

They've already established their foundation.

Moreover, its solid foundation and refined aura are truly rare.

"Could it be her?"

Shen Xuan, who had transformed into "Master Ming Shen," nodded slightly: "I come from the Huoyun Sect, and my Daoist name is Ming Shen."

Upon hearing this, Liu Ruoping's face instantly broke into a warm smile, and he solemnly cupped his hands again, his tone becoming even more respectful.

"So it is Brother Mingshen in person. I have long admired your name, which is renowned throughout the land. It is truly an honor to meet you today."

He turned his gaze to Yang Huofeng and smiled, "This little girl must be your sect's genius disciple, Yang Huofeng."

There's a reason why he was so humble.

Firstly, the Liu family and the Huoyun Sect are both vassals of the Yueyun Sect, but the Liu family is merely a cultivation family, while the Huoyun Sect is an orthodox sect with a higher status.

Secondly, True Man Ming Shen is a late-stage True Core cultivator, whose cultivation level is definitely superior to his.

Thirdly, Master Ming Shen is the main force on this deep-sea expedition, and we still need to rely on him to take action.

"Fellow Daoist Liu, you flatter me."

Shen Xuan responded.

“Brother Mingshen, Junior Nephew Yang, please follow me. The cabin is already prepared.”

Liu Ruoping stepped aside to lead the way, personally welcoming the two onto the Feiyun ship and arranging for them to enter the most spacious first-class cabin.

After settling in, Liu Ruoping smiled and said, "Brother Mingshen, please rest for a while. When the other two fellow Daoists arrive, I will introduce you to them."

"Thank you for your trouble." Shen Xuan nodded.

Not long after, Liu Ruoping came to invite him again.

Everyone gathered in the elegant hall prepared specifically for True Core cultivators.

Two people were already waiting inside the hall.

Upon seeing Shen Xuan arrive, the two immediately stood up.

One of them, tall and thin with a cold face, was the first to cup his hands in greeting: "I am Ye Qinghan from the Ye family of Qingliang Mountain. I greet Brother Mingshen."

His aura was cool and aloof, belonging to the Water Magic lineage.

Another strong and sharp-eyed cultivator bowed and said, "Lin Xuanyuan of the Lin family of Longyuan Mountain greets Brother Mingshen."

This person exudes a profound aura and is also from the Water Magic lineage.

Shen Xuan returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Fellow Daoist Ye, Fellow Daoist Lin, greetings."

His manners were impeccable, maintaining the demeanor of a true master of the sect without appearing overly arrogant.

Yang Huofeng stood quietly behind Shen Xuan, her bright eyes curiously observing Ye Qinghan and Lin Xuanyuan.

The respect these two Core Formation cultivators showed to their master filled her with a sense of pride and honor.

As the host, Liu Ruoping warmly invited everyone to take their seats.

Soon, maids served the spiritual tea and immortal fruits.

Liu Ruoping raised his glass and said with a smile, "I am extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to cooperate with Brother Mingshen and Fellow Daoists Ye and Lin on this trip to the deep sea! With this small cup of tea, I would like to express my respect and wish us a successful trip and a fruitful return."

During the banquet, Liu Ruoping introduced the target of this mission.

It was a group of Iron-toothed Thunder Sharks, numbering in the hundreds.

Its teeth are sharp and indestructible.

It is imbued with lightning and can be fired remotely to paralyze cultivators and demonic beasts.

Within the Iron-Toothed Thunder Shark swarm, there was a Thunder Shark King, a mid-grade third-tier shark, which had awakened its intelligence.

"The task is not easy. After finding this group of Iron-Toothed Thunder Sharks, I, Liu, can only provide logistical support. At that time, it will all depend on the three of you."

Ye Qinghan and Lin Xuanyuan both looked at Shen Xuan with solemn expressions.

Clearly, they hoped that this Ming Shen Zhenren of the Fire Cloud Sect could serve as the main force in directly confronting the Thunder Shark King.

(End of this chapter)