Starting with a daily divination to build an immortal clan

Chapter 276 Astral Projection
Xu Zhan understood the importance and urgency of the matter, and turned to Shen You, saying, "Senior Sister, I'll explain in detail to you later. I'll head over now."

Shen You nodded and watched him head towards Yunshui City.

In the side room of the old house, everyone sat together.

Shen Chongming took a sip of tea and said in a deep voice, "The place where this supernatural phenomenon manifested was the Yunmeng Marsh in Dang County."

"According to the report from the cultivators sent by my Shen family, it is currently April, but black snow suddenly fell from the sky over the Yunmeng Marsh. After the Yunmeng Marsh, which stretches for thousands of miles, was covered by black snow, the air of frost permeated the area, turning the entire Yunmeng Marsh into a forbidden zone."

Upon hearing this, Liu Qixuan from the Qingluo Sword Pavilion asked curiously, "How can Patriarch Shen be so certain that this strange phenomenon is a sign of spiritual manifestation, rather than the appearance of a rare treasure?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Huang Lingshan glanced at him and shook her head helplessly.

When the seven of them first arrived in Yangnao Land, she asked Shen Chongming how many spirits were in Yangnao Land. Shen Chongming was able to give an answer, which proved that the Shen family had a certain understanding of the spirits in Yangnao Land.

The fact that the Shen family received the news immediately after the strange phenomenon appeared in Yunmeng Marsh in Dang County further proves that they had already sent people to keep an eye on the area.

"Senior Brother Liu, you should drink less alcohol, it's bad for your brain."

Seeing that Liu Qixuan still looked bewildered, the Moonflower Sword Immortal on the other side couldn't help but tease him.

Liu Qixuan wanted to argue further, but Huang Lingshan interrupted him and looked at Shen Chongming: "Ignore him, continue."

Shen Chongming nodded, then added, "This time it's different from Tianyuan Mountain."

"After the battle at Tianyuan Mountain, those Golden Core forces in the Southern Frontier should be very wary of us."

"So, we probably won't have the chance to sit back and watch the tigers fight again."

Huang Lingshan and the others nodded after hearing this.

In the battle of Tianyuan Mountain, the Shen family and Qingluo Sword Pavilion dispatched a total of nine Golden Core warriors. Having witnessed their terrifying strength, any Golden Core forces in the Southern Border who still wanted to obtain the Spiritual Essence would have to devise some countermeasures in the past two years.

We will certainly not give them the chance to reap the benefits without lifting a finger again.

"So, what's your plan?"

Huang Lingshan pondered for a moment before speaking.

Shen Chongming lowered his head and pondered for a long time before shaking his head slightly.

"There's nothing particularly good planned."

"Given the current situation, we can only proceed step by step by sending people over to occupy advantageous positions next to the Yunmeng Great Swamp."

"Once their spirits manifest, no matter what countermeasures they take, it will inevitably lead to a battle, and the outcome will be decided by strength."

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Qixuan slapped the armrest of the wooden chair he was sitting on.

"Whoa!"

"We're going to have to fight sooner or later, so there's no need for us to waste our energy on planning anything."

"In my opinion, Qingluo Sword Pavilion and the Shen family should all go there together, set up their forces in front of Yunmeng Great Swamp, and once the spirit appears, they can simply take action and seize it."

"you shut up!"

Huang Lingshan glared at him fiercely.

This old man spends all his time cultivating and drinking; he's utterly lacking in strategy and wisdom.

After being scolded, Liu Qixuan wasn't angry; he just smiled sheepishly and rubbed his nose.

"Just shut up."

He shifted his body somewhat awkwardly, then squatted on the large wooden chair, took off the wine gourd from his waist, and began to enjoy a leisurely drink.

Everyone was already used to this and chose to ignore him.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang of Luoxia Mountain has considerable skill in array formations. It would be best to have him join in this time."

After a moment of silence, the Moonlit Sword Immortal spoke softly.

Clearly, she felt that this spiritual essence wouldn't be as easy to obtain as the crimson glow of Tianyuan Mountain.

We need to make thorough preparations in advance.

Shen Chongming lowered his head.

Jiang Xiuqi did not participate in the battle of Tianyuan Mountain because the destruction of the mountain gate in Danzhou had greatly weakened Luoxia Mountain's strength.

At that time, there were several sword immortals from the Qingluo Sword Pavilion who were able to control the overall situation, so there was no need to ask him for help.

Let Luoxia Mountain contribute to the spiritual restoration of Yunmeng Daze this time.

"Besides that, does anyone have anything to add?"

Shen Chongming glanced at everyone present and spoke.

Everyone shook their heads, but Huang Lingshan frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and said slowly, "As for Yunmengze, my Qingluo Sword Pavilion can go there first. The Shen family can wait until their spiritual essence has fully manifested before making their move."

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongming frowned slightly.

But she quickly realized that Huang Lingshan was worried that the Golden Core forces in the Southern Frontier would resort to any means necessary to attack Yunshui City during this period.

If they all go to Dang County, and Yunshui City is attacked, it may be too late to send reinforcements.

"Auntie is the most thoughtful."

"Let's leave it at that for now, and we'll adjust it as needed if anything changes."

After confirming this, Huang Lingshan and her group of six did not delay and headed directly to Yunzhong County.

Only the three members of the Shen family remained in the side room.

Shen Chongming looked at Xu Zhan, who had been silent beside him, and said, "Tell me about what happened to you."

"Have you now cultivated a flawless golden body?"

Xu Zhan smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "This was all by accident, and I'm sorry to have worried my senior brother, third uncle, and everyone in the family."

After taking a sip of tea from the teacup in front of him, he continued.

“In recent years, I have been going into seclusion every few days in order to comprehend the method of cultivating the flawless golden body.”

"Whenever I go into seclusion and gain nothing, I feel anxious."

"The more impatient you are, the less you will understand anything."

He paused slightly, a strange expression on his face, and continued, "After leaving the pass a month or so ago, I originally planned to just wander around the city, but it seems that I was guided by some kind of force."

"While strolling around, we arrived at the South Gate, and then, for some reason, we went directly to the Laishui River."

Upon hearing this, Shen Wen'an and Shen Chongming exchanged a glance.

Xu Zhan continued, "After I entered the Laishui River, my body sank all the way down. By the time I came to my senses, my life force had been almost completely extinguished by that strange, icy power."

Shen Chongming frowned and asked curiously, "What's the deal with the ice coffin and the vortex?"

"And who is that strange golden skull?"

Xu Zhan shook his head slightly.

"I don't understand ice coffins and vortexes either."

"But I do have a guess about that golden skull."

After a pause, he immediately revealed the secret he had obtained from the underworld general during his battle with him.

Upon hearing this, both the uncle and nephew in front of him were somewhat surprised.

After a moment's thought, Shen Wen'an said, "So, that golden skeleton is very likely the one who escaped from the underworld back then?"

"You obtained your 'Nine Fiends Body Convergence Technique' from him?"

Xu Zhan nodded; that was his guess, but he still wasn't entirely sure of the specifics.

When he emerged from that eerie ice coffin, he only saw a golden skeleton sitting cross-legged in the dark purple whirlpool at the bottom of the river, waving gently at him.

Then, his body was swept up by a force emanating from the dark purple vortex and burst out of the water.

Shen Chongming also asked, "So, have you now comprehended the cultivation method for the Flawless Golden Body?"

This is the key.

If Xu Zhan's flawless golden body was cultivated with the help of the ice coffin at the bottom of the Laishui River and the golden skull, then the other body cultivators under the Shen family's rule will still have to find their own way to cultivate the flawless golden body.

Otherwise, if another body cultivator reaches the fifth realm in the future, they will still face the risk of being targeted by other cultivators.

After careful consideration, Xu Zhan nodded and said, "I think I've figured it out."

"However, this method has several drawbacks, each of which poses a great danger to body cultivators, with a nine-out-of-ten chance of death."

"With the help of the ice coffin at the bottom of the river and the skeleton senior, I almost died back then..."

A serious expression appeared on Xu Zhan's face.

As soon as he sank to the bottom of the river and his life force was completely extinguished, his consciousness sank into endless darkness for a very long time.

Ultimately, if it weren't for the deep-seated obsession with Shen You and Xu Jingzhe that redeemed his consciousness, releasing the immortal golden nature belonging to the Yin Tiger Demon King within him, slowly refining it, and fusing it with his own bones and flesh, he would have regained his vitality.

He might really be dead.

The predecessors of body cultivation referred to the four realms of body cultivation as the realms of life and death.

However, Xu Zhan felt that for body cultivators, the real life-or-death tribulation was when they were cultivating the flawless golden body!

After all, breaking through to the fourth realm only involves a life-or-death crisis, while cultivating the flawless golden body truly requires "dying" once.

He used external forces to completely destroy the vitality of his physical body, but ultimately, with his own tenacious will, he integrated the immortal golden nature into his flesh and bones, and was reborn from the ashes.

In such a situation, the slightest mistake could really mean death.

After hearing his words, the uncle and nephew clearly realized how dangerous it was to cultivate the so-called "leak-free golden body" of body cultivation.

However, the higher the risk, the greater the reward.

"The effects of the flawless golden body must be very strong, right?"

Shen Wen'an glanced at him and asked.

He could clearly sense that Xu Zhan possessed an extremely hidden yet terrifying power within him.

Judging from his aura alone, Xu Zhan's presence at this moment was no weaker than that of other cultivators in the late Golden Core stage.

Xu Zhan nodded with a smile.

He didn't hide anything from Shen Wen'an and Shen Chongming, and asked directly, "Third Uncle and Senior Brother have witnessed the strength of that golden skull, right?"

Upon hearing this, Shen Chongming asked in surprise, "You mean that the golden skull is actually a fifth-realm body cultivator who has achieved the flawless golden body?"

Xu Zhan shook his head repeatedly.

"That senior possesses the flawless golden body, but his cultivation level is definitely not at the fifth realm."

"I estimate that it has at least the seventh realm, or even more than the seventh realm."

"It's just that without flesh and blood, I can no longer use my vital energy and the power hidden within my body."

Xu Zhan paused for a moment, then gave an analogy.

"If I don't use my blood and qi, my current physical body, relying solely on the defense of the flawless golden body, is no weaker than a superior mid-grade magic robe or armor."

"If I defend with all my might... Golden Core Immortal cultivators should be unable to harm me without special methods or high-grade offensive magic weapons."

Upon hearing this, both the uncle and nephew were stunned.

They had considered that this so-called "leak-free golden body" should greatly enhance Xu Zhan's physical defense.

But I never expected it to be so perverted.

If what Xu Zhan said is true, when he is in full defensive mode, he is practically a human-shaped magic weapon!
Not only does it possess terrifying defensive capabilities, but the flawless golden body's influence on the physical body will undoubtedly greatly enhance its strength.

Even without any weapons, a single punch or kick will be a deadly weapon.

Suppressing his shock, Shen Chongming said in a deep voice, "I'll have to trouble you to study the matter of the Flawless Golden Body. Whether our Shen family's body cultivation can achieve anything in the future depends entirely on you."

Xu Zhan smiled slightly after hearing this: "Senior brother, there's no need to be so polite. This is all I should do."

As he spoke, he stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "There shouldn't be anything else here. I'll go back and check on You'er and Jingzhe first."

“The mother and son must have been extremely worried during this time.”

Shen Chongming nodded repeatedly and watched him leave the room.

……

The spiritual phenomena in Yunmeng Marsh lasted much longer than those in Tianyuan Mountain.

It is unclear whether this is due to the special nature of the spirit, or because the spirit of Tianyuan Mountain was forcibly matured by the major Golden Core forces in the Southern Frontier using the method of "Yin and Yang in harmony".

With the addition of the Azure Sword Pavilion, the major powers in the Southern Frontier are now extremely wary of the Shen family and the Azure Sword Pavilion.

Without a firm grasp on how to deal with both sides, the major powers naturally wouldn't go through the trouble of capturing cultivators from Yangnao Land to sacrifice and give birth to this spirit in Yunmeng Great Swamp.

Neither the Qingluo Sword Pavilion nor the Shen family ever considered using such a bloody sacrificial method to induce the birth of a spirit.

Under these circumstances, the strange phenomenon in Yunmeng Marsh lasted for nearly half a year, and the spirit showed no signs of materializing.

September.

After autumn arrived, the various affiliated families under the Shen family divided the newly harvested spirit rice into portions, and according to the requirements, they also added some spirit crystals and spirit ores to make up the amount of tribute to be paid. They then sent people to deliver the goods to Yunshui City.

Inside the main hall of the clan's main courtyard.

Shen Chongming sat upright to one side, while Shen Xiuyan stood quietly beside him.

The two had just seen off an elder from the Zhan Tai family of Tancheng.

"The Zhan family is your mother's family, and they have done quite well over the years."

Shen Chongming picked up the teacup in front of him, took a small sip, and smiled faintly.

Shen Xiuyan pondered for a moment, then slightly cupped his hands and said, "Closeness or distance is not the standard for judging the noble families under my rule."

“My father often taught me that because of his relationship with the Zhan family, he should be even stricter with them after he takes over the Shen family.”

"We must not let them become arrogant and spoiled just because they are his nephews."

Hearing this, Shen Chongming smiled, shook his head, and looked at him, saying, "Xiuyan, you must keep your great-grandfather's words in mind."

"My Shen family started from humble beginnings, and my initial motivation for cultivation was to protect the family."

"When managing your household in the future, you should also give more consideration to human kindness and compassion."

"Your great-grandfather once said, 'If the water is too clear, there will be no fish.'"

Shen Xiuyan nodded upon hearing this, and just as he was about to speak, a report came from outside the main hall from the cultivator of the Clan Head Academy.

"Reporting to the patriarch, Lord Zhao Tuan from the Zhao family of Anyang has arrived."

Upon hearing the report, Shen Xiuyan swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

"Invite him in."

Shen Chongming sat up straight and spoke calmly.

Not long after the cultivators from the main courtyard of that clan withdrew, Zhao Tuan, dressed in a long, loose hemp robe and with white hair and beard, slowly walked in.

"Your subordinate Zhao Tuan greets the master of the household."

"Greetings, Young Master Xiuyan."

Zhao Tuan entered the hall, straightened his sleeves, and respectfully cupped his hands.

Shen Chongming nodded with a smile and said, "Brother Tuan, please have a seat."

Zhao Tuan straightened up, sat down in the next seat, and then took out a storage bag.

"Master, this is the offering from Anyang City this year."

Upon seeing this, Shen Xiuyan slowly walked up to him, took the storage bag and carefully examined it. He then beckoned to the cultivator next to him and asked him to put the contents of the storage bag into the treasury.

A maidservant hurriedly brought tea from the side hall.

"Lord Zhao, please have some tea."

Zhao Tuan cupped his hands in greeting, took the teacup, and placed it on the desk beside him.

After the maid retreated with small, quick steps, Shen Chongming said, "I observe that Brother Tuan's cultivation has broken through the Nascent Soul stage; this is truly a cause for celebration."

Zhao Tuan waved his hand with a smile: "I am fortunate to have glimpsed the realm of embryonic breathing, and I must thank Young Master Xiu Bai and Young Master Chong Yi."

He was born without spiritual roots, and his cultivation level was stuck at the mid-stage of the ninth level of Qi Refining, unable to make any progress.

It was Shen Xiubai who spent a great deal of effort to perfect the "Inner Five Elements Cultivation System" proposed by Shen Yuan. Together with He Chongyi, they refined the Array Spirit Pearl, which could carry the Five Elements Spirit Array and be refined and absorbed into the internal organs, ultimately making him the first person to master the "Inner Five Elements Cultivation System".

Over the years, with the help of the five elements formation circulating in his internal organs and nourished by the essence of the five elements, he finally achieved the state of embryonic breathing.

As he spoke, Zhao Tuan took out a thread-bound book from his bosom.

"Master, these are some insights and precautions I have gained from cultivating with the Inner Five Elements Formation in recent years."

"Young Master Xiu Bai told me back then to pay close attention to the details in order to improve this 'Inner Five Elements Cultivation Method'. I brought it with me when I came to Yunshui City this time."

Shen Xiuyan came to him again, took the book from him, and then had someone bring him a new set of clan rules.

"Patriarch Zhao, these are the newly established clan rules of the main family. After the annual sacrifice, the clan head will use these clan rules to govern the cultivators of the major families under its jurisdiction."

"The Zhao family of Anyang has always been a model among the various affiliated families under the Shen family's rule. Xiu Yan hopes that the Zhao family can continue to maintain this reputation."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tuan quickly cupped his hands in greeting and accepted the clan rules, which were noticeably a third thicker.

"Young Master Xiuyan, rest assured, I will definitely have someone spread this new clan rule after I return."

After returning the greeting with a cupped hand, Shen Xiuyan returned to stand beside Shen Chongming.

After chatting for a while, the clan leader, who was in charge of putting the offerings into the treasury, respectfully brought the storage bag into the hall.

Zhao Tuan took back his storage bag and tied it to his waist. He then bowed and said, "If the patriarch and Young Master Xiu Yan have nothing else to say, I will take my leave now."

Shen Chongming quickly stood up and said, "Brother Tuan, don't be anxious."

"It's been several years since we brothers last saw each other."

"Let's rest in the side hall first. After I finish what I'm doing, we brothers can have a drink and have a good chat."

Zhao Tuan wanted to refuse, but Shen Chongming had already spoken, asking the cultivator next to him to lead him down to rest.

He could only accept it with his hands clasped.

After one by one, the heads or elders of the affiliated families delivered their offerings, Shen Chongming left the final verification to Shen Xiuyan and went to drink with Zhao Tuan.

A small courtyard at the foot of the mountain.

Inside the pavilion, the two brothers sat facing each other, and Chen Youran personally brought them a delicious meal.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Tuan immediately stood up and bowed respectfully.

This made Chen Youran pretend to be angry and say, "After all these years, Brother Tuan still hasn't gotten rid of this bad habit."

Zhao Tuan smiled awkwardly: "Of course, we cannot neglect our manners."

Shen Chongming shook his head and smiled, "Madam, please sit down and join us."

After a slight hesitation, Chen Youran sat down gracefully. In their early years, the three of them had gone through thick and thin with Shi Miao of the Shi family, forging a deep friendship.

Unfortunately, Shi Miao and the Shi family behind him were too ambitious. They secretly embezzled the spirit mine and openly violated the clan rules, which was eventually discovered by the clan's main academy.

After the plot was exposed, Shi Miao refused to be executed according to clan rules and chose to lead several cultivators from the Shi family to fight to the death against the monsters of Mount Dawu, ultimately perishing.

After taking their seats, Chen Youran personally poured wine for the two brothers, which made Zhao Tuan feel flattered.

Shen Chongming picked up the jade cup in front of him, and the two brothers gently clinked their cups together before each drinking the wine.

The three of them drank and talked about the past.

From their parents' generation to their childhood, and then to a few years ago, they looked back together on the arduous journey of the past hundred years.

After a few rounds of drinks, Chen Youran excused herself, saying she couldn't hold her liquor, and quietly left.

Only the two brothers remained in the pavilion.

“My father once said this when he passed the position of head of the family to me.”

“Each generation should have its own ideas. When it comes to matters of life and death, the retired patriarch of the Shen family has no need to interfere with the decisions of the new patriarch.”

"Now Xiuyan is also growing up..."

"What does Brother Tuan think about Xiuyan managing the household?"

Zhao Tuan was just sighing when he heard this question. He was suddenly startled and quickly cupped his hands and said, "Young Master Xiuyan is a man of great wisdom and discipline, and is very intelligent."

"After taking over the position of family head, I will surely make the family prosper, and our affiliated families will also be able to benefit from the family's blessings and go further."

Shen Chongming smiled.

"Brother Tuan is getting more and more cunning. You're always keeping things to yourself when we brothers talk."

Changing the subject, he sighed and said, "Managing a household requires strict adherence to the law..."

“This is exactly what my grandfather and I are most worried about.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tuan picked up the wine pot in front of him and filled it with wine for both of them. After a moment of thought, he said, "I think this is precisely the advantage of Young Master Xiuyan."

"The law is meant to restrain lawbreakers."

“In essence, there is not much difference between immortal clans and secular dynasties.”

"I believe that strict laws and regulations are the only way to ensure long-term sustainability."

Shen Chongming lowered his head, raised his jade cup, and said, "Since Brother Tuan thinks so, let's just let this matter go."

"In the end, we, the ancestors of several generations of the family, can still protect him."

The two brothers drank for more than an hour before Zhao Tuan finally left Yunshui City.

On his way back to Anyang City, a gentle breeze blew, and Zhao Tuan, now sober, let out a soft sigh.

He knew that Shen Chongming was telling him all this to see what the various affiliated families thought of the newly promulgated clan rules by the Clan Court.

However, what he said at the banquet was not flattery.

From his own perspective, he also felt that upholding the law was a good thing.

If the laws are not strictly enforced, and the cultivators under its jurisdiction become stronger and stronger, allowing them to continue to be so undisciplined will inevitably lead to trouble sooner or later.

"I hope that Young Master Xiuyan can truly bring a different look to the Shen family..."

Zhao Tuan pondered to himself, his hand gestures subtly changing as he swiftly headed towards Anyang City.

……

That night.

The bright moonlight shone on the earth with a touch of melancholy.

The back mountain of the Shen family's old residence in Yunshui City.

Ever since that strange phenomenon occurred at the place where Shen Xiubai was in seclusion, all the paths leading to this place have been strictly guarded by the clan's cultivators, and no one is allowed to approach.

On the winding bluestone path, two Shen family cultivators stood intently on either side of the path.

Suddenly, a slender figure dressed in a moon-white robe with her hair tied up in a bun walked slowly down the winding path behind the two of them.

The moonlight shone on the figure, giving it a faint fluorescent glow.

Strangely, the two Shen family cultivators did not sense anything at all.

It wasn't until the figure turned the corner and came within ten feet of the two people's backs that one of the early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators belatedly realized that something was amiss.

He turned around with some suspicion, only to be startled!
He immediately summoned a magical artifact and activated his spiritual power to make his move.

Upon seeing this, another cultivator also thought something had happened and immediately frantically made hand seals.

"stop!"

The cultivators at the early stage of the embryonic breathing stage had already activated their magical artifacts and were preparing to make their move when they noticed that the figure in the moon-white robe was none other than Shen Xiubai, whom they were supposed to protect!

He quickly stopped another cultivator beside him who was about to attack, then withdrew his aura and cupped his hands to Shen Xiubai, saying, "This subordinate greets Young Master Xiubai."

Shen Xiubai walked over slowly, his body emitting a faint glow. He bowed to the two of them and said, "Don't make a fuss. I'm going to Blackwater Pavilion and will be back from here in a while."

"You two must keep this a secret."

Upon hearing this, the two Shen family cultivators, though puzzled, still cupped their hands in greeting.

"Young Master Xiu Bai, rest assured, we two will not divulge a single word!"

Shen Xiubai nodded and walked straight down the mountain to the old house.

The two people behind him looked at his back with strange expressions.

"Brother Jing, I feel like Young Master Xiu Bai is acting a bit strange."

"He walks without making a sound, and his body glows..."

Upon hearing this, the cultivator at the early stage of embryonic breathing murmured in astonishment, "I heard Commander Mu say that when cultivators reach a certain level of cultivation, they can separate their soul from their body..."

"very!?"

The Qi Refining cultivator exclaimed in a low voice, "Brother Jing means that what just passed by was Young Master Xiu Bai's... soul!?"

The cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage did not answer, but slowly turned around and said solemnly, "Young Master Xiu Bai, have you remembered what you just said?"

"If even a single word of this matter leaks out, you and I will be subject to punishment according to clan rules."

The Qi Refining cultivator immediately nodded and shut his mouth.

Shen Xiubai arrived at the Blackwater Pavilion without making a sound.

Shen Yuan, who was sitting cross-legged on the second floor, suddenly opened his eyes.

When his gaze fell on the stairs, he saw Shen Xiubai, who was emitting a faint glow, slowly appear.

Upon seeing this, Shen Yuan's heart sank, and he quickly got up and came over.

"Child, you..."

Shen Xiubai smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Great-Grandpa, don't worry."

"Xiu Bai is fine."

Hearing this, the worry in Shen Yuan's eyes did not lessen.

In the later stages of cultivation, cultivators can separate their soul from their body, but as far as he knows, only cultivators at the Purple Mansion Realm or above can easily do that.

While some Golden Core cultivators can briefly manifest their Yang Spirit, this is something Shen Xiubai is not capable of doing.

"Child, where is your physical body?"

"What have you been trying to understand these past few years?"

Shen Xiubai's current state is very strange.

If it were a physical death, given that he hadn't yet reached the level of embryonic breathing, his soul simply couldn't possess such independent consciousness and come to talk to him.

Moreover, his soul was very solid and full of vitality, unlike the ghost that forms after the death of the physical body.

"Grandpa, Xiu Bai is really alright, you don't need to worry."

"Xiu Bai's physical body is trapped and he is temporarily unable to move."

"But this is not a bad thing."

With a smile, Shen Xiubai continued, "This time, Xiubai used some rare power to temporarily separate his soul from his body and come out to find his great-grandfather."

"Grandpa, please don't speak yet. Xiu Bai needs your help with a few things."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan immediately nodded: "Child, please speak."

Shen Xiubai continued slowly, "Xiubai's previous guess about constructing the Five Elements cycle is true."

"The place behind the mountain has slowly transformed into the prototype of a secret realm. Xiu Bai plans to completely separate it from Yangnao Land and form an independent small world."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan was greatly shocked!

He couldn't understand how Shen Xiubai, with a cultivation level below the Nascent Soul stage, had managed to do all this.

Transform a space into a secret realm, then separate the secret realm from the main world to form an independent small world...

Although he had doubts, Shen Xiubai clearly had more important things to tell him, so he didn't dare to disturb him.

"Xiu Bai would like to ask Great-Grandpa to bring some spirit crystals to the back mountain tomorrow. I will open a portal then, and Great-Grandpa will put all the spirit crystals into the secret realm."

"How many spirit crystals do we need?" Shen Yuan couldn't help but ask.

Shen Xiubai thought for a moment, then cupped his hands in a gesture of respect and replied, "The more the better."

"Great-grandfather, there's no need to force it. We need to ensure that the clansmen have what they need for cultivation first, and then we can use the rest for Xiu Bai."

"The second thing."

"Cultivating white requires some of the five elements' essence."

“The essence of the five elements is not hard to find; cultivators can extract it directly from some spiritual objects of the five elements.”

"At that time, it will be placed in a container with the five elements in a mutually restraining manner. Every three months, I will open a door, and Great-Grandfather will have someone put the essence of the five elements into it."

Shen Yuan nodded.

"Is there anything else you need?"

Shen Xiubai nodded and looked up at the third floor of the Blackwater Pavilion.

"Does Great-Grandpa still remember that old tree root on the third floor?"

Old tree roots?
Shen Yuan frowned slightly, then quickly went to the third floor of the Blackwater Pavilion and found a withered old tree root among the many antique shelves.

"Is this what you're talking about?"

He remembered this thing.

He discovered it when he secretly explored the Dragon Tamer's mansion, and found it on a solemn altar inside the mansion.

Also brought back at that time were the copper pot that could condense spiritual liquid and the basic orthodox cultivation methods such as the "Mist Dragon Nourishing Meridian Technique".

"What is this?"

Shen Xiubai shook his head slightly: "Xiubai doesn't know, but this thing is not from Yangnao Land."

"Great-grandfather, please send this item to the back mountain tomorrow."

"Please also bring some blank jade slips with you."

Shen Yuan nodded, looking at the illusory body of Shen Xiubai in front of him, his face still showing some worry as he said, "Child, some things should not be forced, they can be taken slowly."

Early on, he discovered that although Shen Xiubai had a gentle personality, he was very stubborn at heart.

He still doesn't know what this kid has been researching in the back mountain in recent years.

But the fact that he was able to trap his physical body and had no choice but to send his soul out to ask for help proves that his current situation is not as easy as he claims.

Shen Xiubai nodded with a smile, then said apologetically, "Great-Grandpa, there's something I need your forgiveness for."

Shen Yuan looked curious but didn't say anything.

Shen Xiubai sighed, "When I borrowed that bronze pot, I promised my great-grandfather that I would only study the formation on it and wouldn't do anything reckless."

"But... in the end, I couldn't resist."

“Now that the bronze pot has become one with that secret realm, Xiu Bai is afraid he will be unable to return it to his great-grandfather.”

"Please forgive me, Great-Grandpa."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuan immediately waved his hand: "It's alright, it's alright. Treasures are just external things. As long as you're well, that's all that matters."

Shen Xiubai lowered his head, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Great-Grandpa, Xiu Bai should go back first. I'll leave the matter I just mentioned to you."

After bowing respectfully, Shen Xiubai reluctantly walked downstairs from the Blackwater Pavilion.

Shen Yuan chased after him to the first floor and saw that the glow emanating from his soul under the moonlight was getting brighter and brighter. He immediately shouted in a deep voice, "Child, listen to your great-grandfather and don't force it."

Shen Xiubai paused slightly, then without turning back, headed straight for the back mountain.

After his figure disappeared, Shen Yuan silently returned to the Blackwater Pavilion, put his hands behind his back and looked at the water surface outside the window, which was ruffled by the breeze. His expression changed for a long time before he finally resolutely sat down cross-legged on the futon behind him.

After holding his breath and concentrating, he immediately began to activate the white jade tortoise shell in his sea of ​​consciousness, preparing to deduce what exactly was going on with Shen Xiubai's fate.

However, just as he activated the white jade tortoise shell and mobilized the Great Evolution Power within his body to begin the deduction, a dark bolt of lightning suddenly flashed across the originally clear night sky!

The jet-black lightning was like a terrifying wound revealed when the sky was torn apart!
With unparalleled power, it cleaved towards Yunshui City!
Such a terrifying phenomenon instantly alarmed all the cultivators in the city!
As the dark lightning spread from the distant void, a streak of azure lightning suddenly shot into the sky from within Cloudwater City!

Shen Chongming, holding a large bow, charged into the night sky. His body immediately burst forth with a large amount of lightning, as if he had transformed into a thunder god of war. Facing the black lightning, he instantly fired hundreds of lightning arrows!
Two completely different forces of thunder exploded in the night sky!

The jet-black lightning that spread from the distant void seemed to be enraged by Shen Chongming's overestimation of his abilities. Countless tiny black lightning bolts, flashing with scarlet light, twisted and intertwined, transforming into a giant spear that pierced directly through his body!
In an instant, Shen Chongming, who had been pierced by the lightning spear in the void, screamed and plummeted down!
A streak of cyan sword light shot out from Yunshui City and caught the heavily injured Shen Chongming.

"Are you okay?"

Holding Shen Chongming, whose body was covered in black lightning, Shen Wen'an spoke with a solemn expression.

Shen Chongming, enduring the pain, shook his head slightly: "That thing is too terrifying..."

"The moment it locked onto me... cough cough..."

"Don't speak yet." Looking at the large hole in Shen Chongming's chest, Shen Wen'an immediately activated the primordial tree in his sea of ​​consciousness, injecting a large amount of life force into his body.

The rich life force slowly extinguished the black electric sparks at the wound, allowing it to heal rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"Let me try it!"

The moment the uncle and nephew landed, a streak of blood-red light shot straight into the void!
Moments later, several muffled rumbling sounds erupted from the night sky overhead, followed by a figure plummeting rapidly towards the outside of the city and crashing into the Laishui River.

Shen Wen'an glanced at the spot where Xu Zhan had fallen, and immediately flew out of the city on his sword, preparing to search for him.

But just as he reached the bank of the Laishui River, a golden figure suddenly darted out from the rushing water!
The golden figure tossed Xu Zhan, whose body was charred black by lightning, over, then transformed into a golden ray and shot into the void.

As the golden skull made its move, the energy fluctuations erupting from the void above became even more terrifying!
After channeling a pure life force into Xu Zhan's body to ensure he was unharmed, Shen Wen'an looked up at the dark night sky.

With his eyesight, he could vaguely see that the power emanating from the golden skull and the black lightning had directly caused cracks to appear in the surrounding void!
After a series of rapid explosions lasted for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, a golden figure suddenly plummeted from the void towards the Laishui River.

boom!
The golden skull smashed the Laishui River, creating a huge column of water, and then disappeared.

Inside the Blackwater Pavilion, Shen Yuan could sense that the terrifying lightning in the void was aimed directly at him.

He immediately activated the white jade tortoise shell again, enveloping his divine sense as he charged forward.

Despite being repeatedly blocked by Shen Chongming, Xu Zhan, and the golden skull, the black lightning remained undiminished. Upon sensing Shen Yuan's presence, it transformed into thousands of lightning spears, piercing towards his location!

Those jet-black lightning spears simultaneously pierced the same spot in the void, tearing space apart and creating a massive rift.

Faced with such an attack that resembled the might of the heavens, ninety percent of the cultivators in Yunshui City had already been terrified and knelt on the ground.

After all the strange phenomena above his head disappeared, Shen Wen'an disregarded everything else and rushed directly into the Blackwater Pavilion.

"father!"

Inside the Blackwater Pavilion, blood trickled from the corner of Shen Yuan's mouth, yet he gazed at the night sky, which had returned to normal, with a strange smile on his face.

"Dad, are you okay?"

Shen Wen'an came up to him and asked with concern.

Shen Yuan shook his head slightly, his eyes still gazing thoughtfully at the night sky.

"I have some things to tell you."

"Bring the spirit crystal with you tomorrow..."

Slowly turning around, Shen Yuan's eyes were like an eerie, deep pool as he told Shen Wen'an everything Shen Xiubai had instructed him to do.

He then added, "I am going into seclusion. No one should disturb me during this time."

Shen Wen'an cupped his hands in greeting and only left Blackwater Pavilion after confirming that his father was alright.

Thanks to the restoration of their life force, Shen Chongming and Xu Zhan's injuries were not as severe as they had imagined.

The two men supported each other. When Shen Wen'an came out of the Blackwater Pavilion, Shen Chongming quickly asked, "Third Uncle, is Grandpa alright?"

Shen Wen'an shook his head: "Your grandfather is going into seclusion and has issued an order that from this day forward, no one is allowed to set foot in Blackwater Pavilion."

"You two go back and rest well. I'll go and appease the cultivators in the city."

……

The next morning, Shen Wen'an, following his father's instructions, brought many things to the back mountain.

At this moment, the area where Shen Xiubai had once secluded himself had become illusory, and the entire space had been almost completely stripped away.

Shen Wen'an arrived, unsure how to inform Shen Xiubai that he had brought the items back.

Suddenly, a portal opened in the illusory space before them, which resembled a mirage.

"Third Grandfather, please put everything in here. Don't use the storage bag."

A clear, ethereal voice came from the portal. Shen Wen'an was slightly taken aback, and then threw in a large amount of spirit crystals, jade slips, and the strange tree root.

After doing all this, he was about to ask a question when he saw the portal flash with light and close directly.

After surveying the space with a solemn expression, Shen Wen'an flew down the mountain on his sword.

As soon as he arrived in front of the old house, a guardian cultivator hurriedly came to his side.

"Third Master, that Nascent Soul senior from Danzhou has arrived."

As soon as the cultivator finished speaking, another cultivator rushed over from the direction of the south gate.

"Reporting to Third Master, Senior Zhai from Qingluo Sword Pavilion has arrived."

Hearing their words, Shen Wen'an vaguely understood that the two of them had come at this time because they were both alarmed by the terrifying black lightning of the previous night.

But he didn't know what the black lightning from last night was all about, and he was wondering how he should answer when the two of them asked him about it.

Alright, let's invite them in first.

(End of this chapter)