Chapter 454: Two kinds of spiritual treasures

It's been a few years, and you've already achieved Foundation Establishment; that was quite fast.

Zhong Qian slightly raised his head, glanced at the stern man in golden armor standing before him, and replied:

"Thanks to your care, Senior, I managed to solidify my Dao foundation in the Heishui Sea when the opportunity arose. Then I inquired about your whereabouts and traveled all the way here."

His implication was that achieving Foundation Establishment wouldn't take three or four years at all; it likely took him only one or two years, leaving him ample time for a leisurely journey here.

Such a person's cultivation speed was indeed extraordinary. Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly, awaiting his next words. Zhong Qian paused briefly, then said softly:

"Your kindness, Senior, is deeply ingrained in my heart, and I have been unable to repay it. I possess nothing valuable, but I do have information about a cave dwelling, which I would like to offer to you!"

'Most likely the Green Pine Temple...'

Li Xuanfeng listened attentively. He knew Zhong Qian was destined for greatness, and he absolutely didn't believe Zhong Qian had no valuable treasures. Now that Zhong Qian said this, Li Xuanfeng understood:

'He's just revealing information about this cave dwelling. Of course, I can't just abandon him and go explore it myself... That's clever.'

If Li Xuanfeng hadn't already known about this man's destiny, he truly would have accepted this favor, sending Li Qinghong or Li Yuanjiao to accompany him. Zhong Qian would have repaid the favor and gained assistance, achieving two goals at once.

However, Li Xuanfeng had already received information from various sources, so he asked softly:

"What kind of cave dwelling?"

"On Green Pine Island... the ruins of Green Pine Temple!"

Zhong Qian responded, seemingly worried that Li Xuanfeng might not grasp the importance of the ruins, and chuckled:

"This Green Pine Temple was an ancient immortal sect, and its ruins are a grotto-heaven. I have a method to enter it; it just requires a few people to work together!"

"Green Pine Temple."

Li Xuanfeng showed a hint of surprise, feigning curiosity as he asked:

"That's a grotto-heaven! Several immortal sects have been contending for it for a long time. As far as I know, the Sword Gate, the Pure Unity Sect, and Crimson Reef Island fight over it every year. You actually have a way to enter? Can you guarantee it?"

Zhong Qian was momentarily stunned, seemingly just realizing how famous Green Pine Temple was. He said softly:

"I obtained it from a demonic cultivator... it's very detailed. I've studied it carefully for a long time, so there shouldn't be any problem. The few people needed to set up the formation also have requirements: they must have cultivated fourth or fifth-grade cultivation techniques... possessing sufficient profoundness..."

"I was born in the East Sea and am just a rogue cultivator, but fortunately, I know two friends from immortal sects who can enter with us... one is from the Purple Mist Sect, and the other is from the Great Owl Sunflower Temple."

Zhong Qian explained for a while, and Li Xuanfeng listened generally, a cold sneer forming in his heart:

'The True Masters have certainly made good arrangements, fearing that the opportunities would be snatched by others, so they set numerous thresholds... I'm afraid the requirements for the number of people and the grade of cultivation techniques are just a smokescreen. Those destined for it can enter by means of it... it's merely to let their own people hitch a ride.'

At this, he nodded, replying quite courteously:

"That's quite a coincidence; I also have several cultivation techniques I need to seek within the grotto-heaven. Thank you."

"I wouldn't dare. It is we who are benefiting from your presence, Senior."

Zhong Qian was immediately overjoyed. Being able to enlist a formidable figure like Li Xuanfeng instantly gave him much more confidence for this trip. He then reminded him:

"It is said that others have also obtained this method, so there will likely be a battle within the grotto-heaven. We will still need your ample protection, Senior."

This information was most likely given to him by members of those immortal sects. Zhong Qian was reminding him to be fully prepared. Li Xuanfeng nodded slightly, then saw the young man say:

"I will come to find you, Senior, in three months. At that time, several disciples from the immortal sects will also accompany me. Please be prepared."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Zhong Qian withdrew swiftly. Li Yuanjiao followed closely and approached. Li Xuanfeng said:

"There are still three months. We can retrieve the magic artifact and try it out."

Li Yuanjiao nodded with some hesitation, saying softly:

"Grotto-heavens are dangerous; there's a risk of entering and never returning. It would be best if we could find the entrance, but it might not be suitable to enter with the artifact. If anything happens to it inside, that would be troublesome."

Li Xuanfeng nodded and said in a deep voice:

"Indeed. Let's retrieve it and give it a try. It would be best if we could locate that entrance."

Li Yuanjiao departed by wind, while Li Xuanfeng remained silent, deep in thought:

'Elemental True Master... Is he truly giving me an opportunity... Can Yu Muxian truly be killed...?'

He pondered Elemental True Master's words from that day. They seemed to hint that killing Yu Muxian would have no consequences, but could the true explicit meaning actually be a warning to him?

Li Xuanfeng gripped his golden bow. Yu Muxian had been cultivating in the peak day after day, never making a move, which made it even harder for Li Xuanfeng to gauge his strength.

He slowly closed his eyes, his thoughts sinking into the golden bow. Inside, the vast, ocean-like golden arrow auras shone brightly, dense and sharp, their power immeasurable.

"This particular arrow intent... I'm afraid I can't spare it."

Li Xuanfeng had sealed an arrow intent within the golden bow. For tens of thousands of days and nights over several decades, he had continuously refined and honed it. Its current power was now beyond his own comprehension.

When he was young, just after forging this artifact, he had mentioned it once to Li Tongya, but never to anyone else. With Li Tongya's demise, this secret remained buried, and now only he knew about it.

He exhaled and quietly went to cultivate.

Green Pond Mountain, Yuanwu Peak.

Yuanwu Peak stood towering, shrouded in clouds and mists, with fire veins gushing forth. This peak was Green Pond's dedicated immortal peak for artifact refining, bustling with cultivators coming and going.

On a mountaintop within this peak stood a Jade Pavilion, constructed of white jade. Mists swirled ethereally, spiritual energy was dense, and spring water tinkled. A long-haired middle-aged man sat cross-legged on the jade platform, cultivating silently.

His demeanor was extraordinary, his long hair flowed loosely, and a white jade clasp adorned his neck. As he formed hand seals with two fingers, a clanging sound resonated beside him, as if metal struck metal within his body, emitting rapid, faint noises.

As the mists dispersed, a girl in white, looking elegant and graceful, slowly ascended from below. She knelt before the man's platform and said softly:

"Master, True Master is calling for you."

The long-haired man slowly opened his eyes, and spiritual light flowed from his glabella. He said softly:

"Qingyi, did he say what it was about?"

"No, he didn't."

The young woman was indeed Fei Qingyi of the Fei family, now possessing late-stage Qi Condensation cultivation. As she hailed from Yuanwu Peak, her attire was quite valuable. She responded, then hesitated slightly:

"This disciple does not know, but judging by recent rumors, it might be related to the Green Pine Temple."

This man was Yu Muxian. Having been in seclusion for many years, his cultivation had grown increasingly profound. Seeing this, he let out a slight breath, lightly stepped onto the wind, and ascended the mountain. Cultivators on the path greeted him respectfully, cupping their hands in salute:

"Greetings, Daoist!"

On Yuanwu Peak now, apart from the Purple Mansion True Master Yuanwu, Yu Muxian held the highest status. He merely nodded slightly and continued upwards, arriving at the cave dwelling on the mountaintop, where he waited silently outside the stone gate.

After waiting for a moment, the stone gate gently opened. Yu Muxian stepped inside. Golden light flowed within the cave, dazzling and brilliant, so piercing that one could barely open their eyes. Scorching heat erupted from the ground. Yu Muxian bowed his head and said softly:

"Greetings, Master."

The person seated at the head was shrouded in a hazy golden light, their face indiscernible. A powerful, resonant voice rang out:

"Muxian... excellent... you've already reached late-stage Foundation Establishment."

True Master Yuanwu seemed very pleased. He paused, his voice softening considerably:

"From what I see, your spells and cultivation have both progressed significantly. I called you out today because I need you to make a trip to the East Sea."

"Please instruct me, Master."

Yu Muxian disliked worldly matters the most, wishing only to cultivate in seclusion on the peak until he reached the Purple Mansion realm. However, since True Master Yuanwu had personally spoken, he had no right to refuse and respectfully replied.

True Master Yuanwu seemed to have long seen through his thoughts. His voice echoed through the cave, sounding vast and grand:

"I know your heart is set on cultivation, but this matter concerns your Dao path, and there are a few items I am determined to acquire. Among my subordinates, only you are capable of handling this."

Yu Muxian's own cultivation technique could lead him straight to the Purple Mansion realm, so he didn't believe talk of it concerning his Dao path, deeming it merely comforting words. Then, True Master Yuanwu said:

"Make a trip to Green Pine Temple... Tang She is already waiting for you in the East Sea. He is now also at late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation and has befriended someone with a significant destiny. You will enter the grotto-heaven with him."

Yu Muxian nodded and replied:

"I wonder about the origin of this grotto-heaven... And what items does Master wish to acquire?"

True Master Yuanwu let out a few muffled laughs, causing the golden light within the cave to flicker slightly. He replied:

"The Green Pine Grotto-Heaven is the grotto-heaven of the ancient Daoist lineage of Green Pine Temple. It has endured much over time. The Green Pine Immortal Temple rose and fell three times from ancient to recent times, being destroyed multiple times and then rising again. This grotto-heaven is the last remnant of the Green Pine Daoist lineage."

Yu Muxian, having some understanding, replied softly:

"The Pure Unity Sect?"

"Precisely. The current Pure Unity Sect prides itself on the Green Pine Temple lineage. If you encounter them inside, you must be extremely careful."

Yuanwu affirmed. The golden light in the cave flickered repeatedly, and he continued:

"I want you to retrieve three items from within. If the opportunity arises, and you discover the corresponding fortunes, you must bring these items out. I will have a reward for you."

True Master Yuanwu said softly:

"Firstly, there is the Sun-Gazing Ring. Your senior brother obtained this item from the sea back then but hadn't thoroughly studied it before he was killed by Guo E of Crimson Reef Island. Guo E might not have recognized this item, but he disappeared and died on Green Pine Island, perhaps stumbling upon a fortunate encounter. The relic should be within the grotto-heaven."

A phantom image appeared in his hand: a small golden-red ring. Yu Muxian recognized it, and True Master Yuanwu continued:

"Secondly, there is the Silent Bell, a rather mystical spiritual treasure. It would be best if you could acquire it, but if the fortune isn't there, then so be it."

A phantom image appeared in True Master Yuanwu's hand: an ancient, grand stone bell, engraved with two peculiar talismans, which Yu Muxian recognized. He continued: "Thirdly, there is the transmission of cultivation techniques."

Yu Muxian, hearing this, was finally greatly moved and quickly asked: "Master, will this transmission of techniques grant me access to any cultivation method I choose?"

"Naturally."

True Master Yuanwu seemed to have anticipated his reaction, saying softly:

"Your Golden Pin Grotto also contains complementary cultivation techniques. It is said that three of the five paths there are ancient methods. Perhaps you can still absorb spiritual energy, or perhaps the energy has already been cut off; it all depends on your luck."

A look of genuine delight finally appeared on Yu Muxian's face. His own Golden Pin Grotto had no complementary techniques in the Green Pond Sect, and he hadn't expected to find them in this grotto-heaven. He was immediately overjoyed and nodded, saying:

"Thank you, Master!"

True Master Yuanwu nodded gently, pondered for a moment, and replied:

"This grotto-heaven is very dangerous. You will need spiritual treasures for self-defense on this trip."

With a gentle wave, two spiritual treasures flew from his sleeve. One was a glittering golden ring, about the thickness of a pinky finger and the size of a head, inscribed with numerous seal characters.

The second was a short sword, appearing ordinary, shaped like a small rhombus, with two patterns carved into its hilt. It floated gently in the air, without any discernible peculiarities.

"Cease Conflict and Depart Cloud."

Yu Muxian had been by his side for many years and recognized these spiritual treasures clearly. Both were Purple Mansion spiritual treasures, which meant they were extremely valuable.

Although True Master Yuanwu had forged these two spiritual treasures relatively recently and hadn't had ample energy to nourish them or perform golden tempering, making them inferior to those nurtured by Purple Mansion True Masters for many years, they were still Purple Mansion spiritual treasures nonetheless.

He immediately bowed, skillfully revealing a touch of apprehension, and replied:

"This disciple wouldn't dare! These two spiritual treasures are so precious; I fear they might be lost outside, and this disciple cannot bear such responsibility."

"Haha!"

True Master Yuanwu laughed twice and replied:

"Who would dare take them? Inside that grotto-heaven, there's just a bunch of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Not only can they not contend with you, but which Foundation Establishment cultivator would dare to take them? Which Foundation Establishment cultivator could even take them?"

He said nonchalantly:

"Once you exit the grotto-heaven, they will naturally break through the Void and return to me; you need not worry."

Yu Muxian nodded and said softly:

"This disciple understands."

The light on True Master Yuanwu's body flickered slightly, and he replied:

"Ning Tiaoxiao sent a Li Xuanfeng there, who seems to be from the Li family of Wangyue Lake. You can certainly have a chat with him; after all, you both originate from the same sect, and cooperating inside will bring many benefits."

Yu Muxian nodded and withdrew, exiting the cave dwelling and pondering to himself:

'Li Xuanfeng... Since he's become the son-in-law of the Ning family, the petty squabbles within the family amount to nothing. I can certainly talk to him.'

'As for these spiritual treasures... I'm probably the only one among the various sects who can carry two Purple Mansion spiritual treasures like this. This trip might actually be a good assignment... to bring back more cultivation techniques and treasures...'

As Yu Muxian withdrew, True Master Yuanwu remained seated high at the head, the light emanating from him growing stronger. The cave dwelling became so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. He murmured:

"The Green Pine Temple can make up for the deficiency in our Daoist lineage. This time, it will certainly be lively. Perhaps we might even see people from the North... The True Monarchs are likely also paying close attention, to see if they can lure out the true inheritors of the Immortal Temple..."

What the Green Pine Temple currently held within its ruins was primarily attractive to Foundation Establishment cultivators; for Purple Mansion experts, it merely served to complete a few Daoist lineages. However, what truly garnered the attention of True Monarchs could only be someone capable of triggering the grotto-heaven's inheritance.

"Elemental... Yuanxiu... Zipai... Tiantong... Back when the situation was changing rapidly, more than a dozen individuals rose to prominence. Now, only these few remain. Their lifespans are dwindling; it's time for them to be anxious."

He gazed in the direction Yu Muxian had departed, his golden pupils shifting slightly:

"Whether there's enough time or not, we must try..."