Chapter 408: Ice Bone Vessel, Taihe Blood Cauldron

It was fifteen.

It was a few less than the twenty originally requested, but Tier 4 demon corpses are not readily available. Given they had already resorted to digging up ancestral graves, it was understandable they couldn't procure more. What Peng Qing and Patriarch Hei discussed privately was irrelevant; it was likely about other forms of compensation. They still needed Wang Yu's help and had no desire to offend Jin Manlou.

As an envoy, Peng Qing's demeanor spoke volumes. The elixir requested by the Five-Colored Holy Master was not for cultivation or breaking through bottlenecks. Instead, it was an elixir primarily used for healing soul injuries. Wang Yu suspected it was for the Azure Dragon Patriarch, but without evidence or clues, such speculation couldn't be considered fact.

After a thorough inspection, satisfied, Wang Yu pocketed the storage bag and stated gravely, "The matter concerning the Demon Cat Clan is now concluded. I, Wang, have a second request for Brother Peng Qing."

As a Great Demon in human form, Peng Qing's appearance was indistinguishable from a human, save for the golden-green feathers at his temples. His subtle expressions were remarkably lifelike. The repeated dealings had made him somewhat agitated, but he patiently replied, "Alchemist Wang, please speak. If it's within my duties, I am bound to assist."

"I wish to meet with the Heavenly Peng King. Is that possible?"

"Ah… please wait."

Peng Qing pondered, then drew out a golden feather. After closing his eyes to communicate for a moment, he reopened them and said, "The Peng King has agreed. He will arrive within three days. Do you have any other matters?"

"No, that is all. Please feel free."

"Very well. Please ensure the Holy Master's elixir is delivered on time in another six months, Alchemist Wang."

"Of course."

Wang Yu nodded, with no intention of reneging on his promise.

The tripartite meeting concluded. The next step was to negotiate with the Heavenly Peng King, seeking to enlist this formidable Grand Completion Nascent Soul expert to assist him against Sword Monarch Nine Evils. Indeed, Wang Yu felt that relying solely on Monarch Jin Xi was not secure enough. When assessing an enemy's strength, it's crucial not to underestimate or be overly conservative. Planning for the highest possible power ensures utmost safety.

While the cultivation world also operates on personal connections, it differs from mortal empires. The presence of powerful cultivators often allows problems to be resolved directly, with few possessing truly demonic cunning. Schemes typically revolve around personal gain or hidden information. The former often leaves traces, but the latter is pure information asymmetry. No matter how brilliant you are, if you lack the information, you simply lack it, and there's no counter. Just like the secrets of the Ice Hell Realm, without prior knowledge, one can only guess based on clues, often leading far astray from the truth.

Or consider the secret of the Demonic Embryo Profound Origin Incantation. Wang Yu had long known that Sword Monarch Nine Evils submitted it to the sect. The issue was that centuries had passed, and many cultivators had practiced it. The two had never even met, and Wang Yu's assumed adversary had always been Fu Xiao, not Sword Monarch Nine Evils. His sudden emergence truly caught Wang Yu off guard. This is the essence of information asymmetry.

As for why the other party sought to capture him, Wang Yu vaguely sensed a connection to the Innate Demonic Embryo. However, the placement slot was an absolute secret, undetectable by anyone. It was impossible for the other party to have known in advance that he could form an Innate Demonic Embryo body. The most they could presume was a Post-natal Demonic Embryo body. This was more logical. Thus, Sword Monarch Nine Evils' objective in capturing him must be related to the Post-natal Demonic Embryo body. After careful consideration, could it be that the Monarch also wished to revert from Post-natal to Innate? He would soon uncover the truth.

With this thought, Wang Yu looked at Jin Miaoshan, then bowed to Monarch Jin Xi and asked, "Senior, may I inquire about the specifics of your cultivation level? In a one-on-one combat, would you be confident in defeating a Great Cultivator at the seventh layer of Nascent Soul, who has recently advanced in the past few decades?"

With the meeting concluded, Peng Qing and Patriarch Hei departed. Only the three of them remained in the deliberation hall. The sound-insulating restrictions, which provided double protection by obscuring all six senses, ensured they would not be overheard. The scrupulous Monarch Jin Xi glanced at Jin Miaoshan and truthfully answered his question.

"This humble Daoist has reached the eighth layer of the Nascent Soul stage and mastered the Golden Light Dharma Intent. My speed is unparalleled among those of my rank, though I am not adept at direct offense."

Wang Yu's expression remained impassive, as he understood her meaning. She could fight, but not kill. While early and mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators might be eliminated through considerable effort and cunning, late-stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivators are typically beyond reach unless a Venerable intervenes. Otherwise, their lives are rarely threatened in this realm.

To seal a Great Cultivator's spatial movement technique, his current mastery of the Heavenly Lock was insufficient. He had been cultivating this secret art for approximately twenty years. The Heavenly Lock, formed by accumulated spatial energy, could extend roughly eight hundred meters, manifesting as a silver spatial pattern imprinted within his Nascent Soul. This was already sufficient to counter the spatial movement of early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. Furthermore, Wang Yu had been in secluded cultivation, integrating various arts. Currently, he was focused on comprehending Dharma Intent, so he had temporarily paused its cultivation.

Spatial power is challenging to cultivate. The efficiency of a single placement slot remained too slow. Moreover, secret arts originating from the Void Daoist Sutras have virtually no upper limit; they are akin to spatial marvels, and the longer the Heavenly Lock is condensed, the more potent its effect. Furthermore, even with minor achievements in the secret art, he was still unable to draw power from normal space; the environment was too stable. He could only rely on the unique absorption capability of the placement slot for cultivation. This illustrated the principle that even a clever cook cannot make a meal without ingredients.

Beside him, upon hearing Wang Yu's words, Jin Miaoshan exclaimed in surprise, "You offended a Great Cultivator? No wonder there's been no news from you for years—you've been fleeing for your life!"

"You could say that." After a brief pause, he continued, "Miaoshan, if we can persuade the Heavenly Peng King to act, do you possess any spatial secret treasures capable of sealing spatial movement techniques?"

"Well… what are you prepared to offer?"

Business is business; personal relationships are separate. Given Jin Manlou's foundation, they surely possessed such treasures. The difficulty lay in the fact that even as a successor candidate, it wasn't easy for her to mobilize such a significant treasure. Furthermore, it couldn't be known that she was assisting Wang Yu. After all, the boy's reputation in Jin Manlou was in tatters; it would be good enough if they didn't kick him while he was down, let alone actively help him.

"Name your price. If this matter can be resolved, I can return to the Sacred Sect and reach the pinnacle of Cold Blood Peak."

Following this, there was the matter of the war between the righteous and demonic factions. He had thought it through: seventy percent of his previous evasiveness stemmed from the pressure of survival. It was perfectly normal, and quite "Red Kite-esque," to be ruthless when acquiring resources. Now, with the Inverse Spirit Blood Sect in disarray, it presented another opportunity to climb higher. If he could endure, he would ascend to become an Ancestor of the sect. He would gain free access to core inheritances and uncover more secrets of the Ice Hell Realm. If he couldn't withstand it, his pre-established relationship with Lei Yao offered a fallback: temporarily seeking refuge with the Thunderfire Temple. Should that fail, he would become a rogue cultivator. The world was vast, and he could go anywhere. This confidence stemmed from his cultivation level; an elevated realm invariably granted him more options.

As for why he intended to participate in this war between righteous and demonic forces, resources were only a minor factor. What truly puzzled him was the Underworld Temple's unyielding stance; he always sensed a hidden conspiracy. He had grown suspicious back when he intercepted Gui Ling's sacred offering. The people from the Underworld Temple were searching for something, and it was likely located in Yunling Prefecture, or more precisely, perhaps within the territory of the New Chasing Moon Prefecture. As a ceded territory, its resources appeared scarce, yet the fierce competition for it was another point of suspicion. These matters would inevitably come to light, so there was no need to dwell on them now. Seeing Wang Yu's expression, as if offering an open bid, Jin Miaoshan's lips curved into a smile, and she narrowed her eyes, saying, "We'll discuss the terms another time; it will certainly be something within your capabilities. For now, I'll assist you."

"Alright, let's sign a contract then."

"No need. Miaoshan has that much trust in you."

"Very well."

After a slight surprise, Wang Yu patiently awaited the Heavenly Peng King's arrival. The King proved even swifter than Peng Qing, arriving a day earlier than the promised three. Towards this burly and handsome Demon King, Wang Yu adopted a very humble posture, keenly aware that his current standing was insufficient for equality. After his private discussion with the Heavenly Peng King, the King departed immediately. He did not interact with Jin Miaoshan or Monarch Jin Xi. Seeing this, she asked curiously, "What was the outcome?"

Wang Yu's expression grew thoughtful as he gently shook the Peng feather token in his hand. "It's settled, though the price was significant, it's worth it."

"What price?"

"A secret."

Gently pushing away the curious 'baby' who had leaned too close, Wang Yu's next plan was to enter secluded cultivation to profoundly comprehend the Demon Refining Art, continue its advancement, and then refine a batch of magical artifacts.

"Miaoshan, Daoist Jin Xi, this is my token. Please await me in Fengzhou Prefecture City for three years; that will be the moment for us to act."

Three years was not a long time for high-level cultivators, so they readily agreed.

With the matter finalized and the Demon Cat Clan's compensation delivered, the affair was concluded. Most of the migrating and hidden demon cats would likely return, but Wang Yu had no intention of remaining here. After all, it was merely a low-grade Tier 4 spirit vein. Unlike other Nascent Soul cultivators, his cultivation had remarkably low environmental demands; he could even advance his cultivation in spirit-depleted environments, entirely due to the formidable placement slot.

Leaving the Cat Demon territory, he flew three hundred miles in the direction of Fengzhou. He found a random mountain peak to settle upon. After retrieving the Heavenly Enlightenment Dao Platform, with its seventy-year lifespan, Wang Yu began his secluded cultivation, simultaneously comprehending and refining. Fifteen Tier 4 demon corpses would suffice for his creations. Regarding the elixir primarily requested by the Five-Colored Holy Master, he had actually already refined it long ago, merely feigning that he hadn't. He kept it in his Small Spirit Mountain cave dwelling. Now that he had direct contact with the Heavenly Peng King, and with a long future ahead dealing with the Northern Demon Race, there was no need to fear him fleeing or refusing further cooperation.

Three years passed in the blink of an eye.

Within the desolate cave dwelling, not a trace of spiritual essence lingered. Yet this did not impede the surging, roaring flames. Three years was neither a long nor short period, insufficient for the artifact forging chapter of the Demon Refining Art to advance to Tier 4. However, much like his past elixir refining, his perfected Tier 3 mastery already allowed him to attempt Tier 4 creations. While high-grade items remained beyond his reach, low-grade items held significant promise. Moreover, meditating on the Heavenly Enlightenment Dao Platform was akin to entering a state of constant epiphany; his exceptional comprehension brought an ceaseless flow of inspiration. The first item he forged was an insect container. Based on his estimations, the Ice Flame Imperial Butterflies were nearing emergence. The insect container's forging difficulty was relatively simple, as its primary use was containment. He selected the corpse of an ice-attributed demon cat for it. Supplementing this with Tier 4 ice-attributed materials acquired from the treasure exchange and spatial materials salvaged from melted storage rings, he used the Ice Dragon Pill Flame to forge a Tier 4 auxiliary magical artifact.

The Demon Refining Art's Artifact Path chapter. It could only be described as a sinister art; the refining process was gruesome. Under the influence of the Demon Refining Artifact Art, an entire demon cat corpse rapidly shed its flesh and blood, coalescing into a sphere of gore. It was a grotesque mix of fur, claws, eyeballs, and internal organs. Utterly repulsive. Fortunately, after calcination by the Ice Dragon Pill Flame, it transformed into a wriggling mass of flesh. The remaining bones also rapidly melted, precisely controlled by artifact refining hand seals and fine-tuned by divine sense.

A bone-crafted insect container quickly took shape. A 'zhong' (盅) is typically a stewing vessel or a pot for simmering wine, usually around nine inches tall with a rounded lid. It was also ideal for housing Gu worms, which are typically contained in vessels shaped like bags, tubes, or 'zhong.' After the demon corpse was initially refined, Wang Yu continued to melt the spatial materials, forming them into silver patterns that integrated into the inner walls. Thanks to the Heavenly Lock secret art, his understanding of space was far from rudimentary. No specific refining blueprints were necessary; the Demon Refining Artifact Art championed adapting to the materials—a principle of 'teaching according to aptitude'! It allowed the refiner to create finished products according to their will. Its power, however, was closely tied to the quality of the demon corpse used.

As the final cold-attributed materials liquefied and merged into the bone container, and the previously separated sphere of flesh covered it, Wang Yu let out a low cry, "—Refine!"

The Ice Dragon Pill Flame surged even more fiercely, and mysterious, unfathomable demon-refining runes formed a five-directional, five-element pattern, causing all materials to blend seamlessly, becoming indistinguishable. Within the bone container, a space was created, with several ice mountains rising from its base, forming an environment perfectly suited for the Ice Flame Butterflies, complete with endless ice crystal blooms. The internal scenery was truly exquisite.

The aforementioned scene occurred early in his three-year seclusion. After two years of nurturing and gestation, it finally fully manifested and emerged today!

"Tier 4 Low-Grade: Ice Bone Container!"

This artifact was primarily for housing the Ice Flame Butterfly swarm, not a main combat artifact. The unique properties of the Demon Refining Artifact Art also granted it potential for further advancement. As long as suitable demon corpses were incorporated, advancement would not be a problem. Of course, this characteristic was insufficient to imbue it with sentience and elevate it to a Tier 5 Spirit Treasure, but it was already ample for Wang Yu's needs.

The Ice Bone Container's base was a delicate, snow-white like bone, with interwoven red and blue forming butterfly patterns, appearing at first glance like a work of art. After a quick appraisal, Wang Yu placed it into his Qi Sea for refinement.

Concurrently, using the Dragon Blood Demon Tree, a Tier 4 demon cat corpse, Taihe Flowing Silver Gold, and other materials as primary components, the magnum opus of this secluded cultivation—a cauldron-type artifact Wang Yu named the Taihe Blood Cauldron—simultaneously came into being. Both tripod-style cauldrons and furnace-style vessels could be used for alchemy. The distinction was that the former could also serve a significant purpose in combat, unlike the latter, which was solely for alchemy. He had long desired a Tier 4 alchemy cauldron.

The Taihe Blood Cauldron was a product of the later stage of this seclusion. Its gestation period was short, yet the craftsmanship was exceptionally refined. Though it didn't reach mid-grade, it was still among the highest quality Tier 4 low-grade magical artifacts. With several more batches of elixirs, nurturing it with the spiritual essence of precious pills, it could potentially advance to Tier 4 mid-grade within three hundred batches at most. Considering the scarcity of materials required for a single batch of high-tier elixirs, it would likely take a considerable time to accumulate them. The creation of these two artifacts resolved many issues.

Theoretically, the remaining Dragon Blood Demon Tree material could be used to refine a coffin. However, its attributes did not align with the Thunder Corpse, so there was no immediate need to forge it. He did not proceed, leaving thirteen Tier 4 demon corpses.

In addition, among his current artifacts, he still lacked a primary combat item. The Underworld Demonic Sword was no longer sufficient, and the Glazed Ice Heart Pagoda, his natal artifact, was occupied suppressing two Nascent Souls. He needed a frequently used artifact, and his gaze instinctively fell upon the Ghost Wail Flute. It was an old, reliable companion.