69novels Chapter 271 Repeated Denials, No Invitation
Chapter 271 Repeated Denials, No Invitation
Chapter 271 Repeated Denials, No One's Invitation
Inside the Star Moon Sect's fourth-tier spiritual vein cave.
Chen Yi was sitting cross-legged in the spirit-gathering array in the cultivation room, fully circulating his cultivation technique to transform the golden spirit energy he had previously absorbed into golden crystal cores.
He can now easily increase the number of golden crystal cores to ninety-nine strands, and if he so desires, he can condense the hundredth strand at any time to form golden crystal marrow and break through the Vajra Kung Fu realm.
However, Chen Yi was not in a hurry to advance. Although with his current strength, even if he condensed the Golden Crystal Marrow at this moment and attracted the covetousness of other Vajra Technique practitioners, he could deal with it with his Soul Thunder Divine Power and Thunder Crystal Marrow methods. However, he always sought stability and was unwilling to take even the slightest risk.
He planned to accumulate a large number of gold crystal cores first, and then proceed to advance to the Vajra Technique when the time was safer, so that he could be absolutely sure of success.
At the same time, he also devoured all the medicinal herbs from the Medicine King Immortal City that he could obtain from the storage bags of the Golden Collar True Monarch and his two Core Formation subordinates, transforming them into spiritual essence of the Azure Wood attribute and storing them in his body to accumulate in preparation for his future Nascent Soul formation. Although these spiritual essences were not particularly pure, they could still provide an extra boost when he formed his Nascent Soul.
Less than half a day after Chen Yi returned to his cave, he had already digested all the energy, and his magical power and spiritual attributes became even more abundant.
Just then, the people investigating Qingyun Cave Heaven arrived outside the Star Moon Sect's gate. At the same time, Chen Yi's communication talisman suddenly lit up, a message from Xuan Yin Zhenjun.
He unfolded the communication talisman, scanned the contents, and sighed inwardly after reading it:
[I owe Master Bu'er more and more favors; it seems I'll have to help her out sometime in the future.]
However, Chen Yi did not regret it. He knew very well that given his current situation, he did need a powerful figure like Xuan Yin Zhenjun to provide assistance from behind in order to avoid a lot of trouble and buy himself enough time and space to develop.
Moreover, through several encounters, Chen Yi also discovered that although his master Ning Bu'er came from a demonic cultivation background, his actions were neither righteous nor evil. Sometimes he was even more loyal than some righteous cultivators and always kept his word.
Chen Yi felt more at ease associating with such people, without having to constantly be on guard against scheming behind his back.
Just then, a subtle fluctuation of spiritual energy came from outside the cave, clearly indicating a commotion outside the mountain gate's grand formation.
At this moment, Lin Yunsheng had already arrived outside the sect and was secretly questioning the Core Formation deacon who had been monitoring the Star Moon Sect: "Are you certain that after Yue Qingqiu and Chen Yi used the Star Moon Combined Escape Technique to return to the sect, they haven't gone out again?"
"Reporting to the Grand Elder, this disciple is absolutely certain! Moreover, during this period, apart from those two, no other cultivators with Core Formation or higher cultivation levels have entered or left the mountain gate."
The Core Formation Steward responded respectfully.
"it is good."
Lin Yunsheng nodded, his last trace of doubt about Chen Yi completely dispelled. [It seems that the mysterious cultivator who knew the Vajra Skill is definitely not Chen Yi.]
Subsequently, under the pretext of investigating the fall of the Golden Collar True Monarch, Lin Yunsheng requested the sect to summon Yue Qingqiu and Chen Yi for questioning.
He didn't ask any complicated questions, but simply inquired about the two men's whereabouts over the past few days. In reality, he was using the opportunity of questioning to secretly use a secret technique to observe whether there were any signs of battle left on the two men's bodies.
During his observation, he noticed that Chen Yi's magical energy fluctuations were quite obvious, so he asked him why.
Chen Yi was already prepared and calmly replied, "Elder Lin, I have now reached the peak of the late stage of Core Formation and am not far from Nascent Soul Formation."
During cultivation, I occasionally lose control of the immense magical power within me, causing slight fluctuations in my aura, but this is not due to any other abnormality.
"Ha, your meager magical power dares to call itself immense?"
Lin Yunsheng chuckled, shook his head, and said nothing more. He then turned and left the Star Moon Sect with the cultivators who had been monitoring them.
He knew in his heart that if he didn't really inquire about the Thunder Soul Sect's inheritance, nor did he investigate whether the two people had mastered Thunder Soul techniques, what should he do if they really had such inheritance and techniques?
The ancient Thunder Soul Sect has a cultivator of unknown level who has been reincarnated and started cultivating again. Both the soul and body cultivation are top-tier inheritances. If such a person has other trump cards hidden, he simply cannot afford to offend him.
"That's enough. We've investigated everything that needed to be investigated. Let's leave it at that for today and investigate further later."
As time goes by, some truths will eventually come to light.
Moreover, the Thunder Soul Sect was not truly invincible; otherwise, it wouldn't have been destroyed back then.
The death of the high-ranking official... let's leave it at that for now, we'll get revenge for the Enforcement Hall later.
Lin Yunsheng pondered this in his heart, suppressing the urge to investigate further.
After returning, Lin Yunsheng took out a specially made communication talisman and wrote a secret letter to a high-ranking official of the Vajra Temple:
Fellow Daoist Xuangang, recently, among the successors of the Vajra Skill, there has been a person who appears to be the reincarnation of an ancient master of the Thunder Soul Sect.
His Thunder Soul Divine Power has reached the Nascent Soul realm, and his Vajra Skill cultivation is suspected to be at the Quasi-Crystal Marrow realm. Furthermore, this person's actions are not righteous or lawful. Fellow Daoists, please be aware of this.
After sending out the secret letter, Lin Yunsheng stopped caring about the matter. What he couldn't investigate, the Vajra Temple would most likely be interested in.
It should be noted that there are quite a few body cultivators in Zhongzhou who practice the Vajra Technique. Even if someone condenses the Golden Crystal Marrow, the true high-ranking officials of the Vajra Temple will only record it and will not pay too much attention to it.
However, if someone simultaneously cultivates the divine abilities of the ancient Thunder Soul Sect, they will have to take them seriously.
After all, tens of thousands of years ago, there was a major conflict between the Vajra Temple and the Thunder Soul Sect, which created a deep-seated grudge.
Lin Yunsheng didn't believe that the Vajra Temple would allow such a prodigy who cultivated the traditions of both schools to grow up.
Half a month after Lin Yunsheng left, the Star Moon Sect welcomed a special guest: the city lord of Medicine King Immortal City, Fairy Qinglan.
The Azure Fairy was dressed in a floral dress, with beautiful features and a tall figure, and exuded a faint medicinal fragrance.
No matter which cultivator gets close, they can feel a gentle aura emanating from her, making them unconsciously feel close to her.
After paying her respects to Yue Qingqiu and explaining her purpose, Qinglan Fairy specifically requested to meet with Chen Yi alone.
Chen Yi had no choice but to temporarily put aside his cultivation and meet Fairy Qinglan in the reception room of his cave dwelling.
Inside the reception room, Chen Yi and Fairy Qinglan sat down several feet apart.
After serving the simple spiritual tea, Hu Mingyue withdrew. Chen Yi raised his hand and waved, and a light blue light shield enveloped the entire hall. Only two figures could be vaguely seen inside the light shield, but no sound or aura could be sensed, ensuring that the conversation would not be overheard by outsiders.
"Lord Qinglan, what brings you here today? Please speak frankly."
Chen Yi picked up his teacup, spoke calmly, and looked at the Azure Fairy.
Only then did Fairy Qinglan take a serious look at Chen Yi. Previously, she had never thought that Chen Yi was a particularly powerful person. She only thought that he was at most similar to herself, both being at the peak of the Core Formation stage and with the potential to break through to the Nascent Soul stage.
But if what my master said before his death is true, this person in front of me may be a hidden dragon lying dormant in a shallow cave, which will one day rise up and stir up the world.
But is that even possible?
A genius of this caliber is one in a thousand years, how could she happen to encounter one by such a coincidence? Fairy Qinglan was full of doubts, but she did not show them on her face.
"Fellow Daoist Chen, before my master passed away, he specially refined a Nascent Soul Pill and asked me to personally deliver it to you."
As Qinglan Fairy spoke, she took out a warm jade box from her storage bag and gently placed it on the table. "However, the materials for refining this Nascent Soul Pill were paid for in advance by me using my personal savings. I would appreciate it if you could reimburse me for the corresponding materials later."
Chen Yi had already guessed that the old valley master would have some belongings to entrust to him, so he wasn't surprised to hear this. He simply asked, "Besides asking you to deliver the pills, did Master Shengshou have any other instructions?"
"My senior master didn't say much, only that as long as Fellow Daoist Chen is willing to accept this pill, that's fine."
The Azure Fairy slowly recited the old Valley Master's last words, her tone tinged with melancholy, "As for what I promised him before, my senior uncle said that it depends on the situation in the future. If you are willing to do it, you can also help out if it is convenient."
If Fellow Daoist Chen is unwilling, he will never force him, nor will he add any karmic burden to him through this transaction.
She paused, then continued, "My master also said that he didn't have much time left, and even without that incident, he wouldn't have lived much longer."
He did this simply to thank Fellow Daoist Chen for his actions, and to express his gratitude that there is such a sincere and devoted cultivator in the world.
He refines pills for his fellow Daoists, hoping that in this corrupt world, there will be one more pillar of strength, like a clear stream flowing through the water.
The Azure Fairy relayed the old Valley Master's words verbatim, her tone filled with respect and remembrance for her senior master.
After hearing this, Chen Yi remained silent for a long time before reaching out to pick up the jade box on the table.
He gently opened the box, and a clear yet mellow fragrance of elixir wafted out instantly. The fragrance seemed to penetrate his soul, and even a wisp of it invigorated him. His internal magical power stirred slightly, and his soul became exceptionally clear.
"It truly is a premium Nascent Soul Pill."
A hint of admiration flashed in Chen Yi's eyes. He then took out a small storage bag from his storage pouch and placed it in front of Fairy Qinglan. "Inside are the materials needed to refine the Nascent Soul Pill. The quantity and quality will only be more than enough. Fellow Daoist, you can check it."
The Azure Fairy did not immediately reach for the storage bag, but simply watched Chen Yi quietly.
Chen Yi thought for a moment and continued, "What Senior Saint Hand said from the perspective of the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth is too much praise. I, Chen, cannot bear such praise."
But since I've accepted this pill, I will fulfill my promise to Senior Master Saintly Hand in the future, provided the conditions are right.
In exchange for this premium Nascent Soul Pill, which would help the lineage of Medicine King Immortal City, Chen accepted it.
He looked at Fairy Qinglan and said solemnly, "Fairy Qinglan, please rest assured that if Medicine King Immortal City encounters danger in the future, or if the conditions in the Immortal City are ripe and you wish to lead the Medicine King lineage back to Medicine King Valley, as long as there is a suitable opportunity, I, Chen, will never stand idly by."
Chen Yi ultimately chose to accept the small karmic debt of helping the Medicine King Immortal City lineage.
As for what the old valley master said, "I don't want to help; I just want to leave behind seeds of great figures who will bring integrity to the world,"
He dared not take on such a vast and complex cause and effect. He was never a virtuous person with a heart for the world, much less a benevolent one. Whether the world was pure or impure had little to do with him.
All he wanted was to develop his cultivation in peace, so that when the great calamity of the world came, he could save his own life.
At this moment, Fairy Qinglan still couldn't fully grasp the profound meaning of her master's dying words, and a question lingered in her mind:
Why did Master Uncle give up on getting Chen Yi to promise to help the Medicine King's lineage?
If that's the case, wouldn't Master's sacrifice have been in vain?
Hearing Chen Yi agree, the knot in her heart finally loosened considerably, and a long-lost smile appeared on her face.
The Azure Fairy rose from her seat, bowed gracefully to Chen Yi, and said sincerely, "Then I thank Fellow Daoist Chen. If the Medicine King lineage is ever revived in the future, I will never forget your kindness today."
"My lady, there's no need for such formality. I was merely doing what I was supposed to do."
Looking at her, Chen Yi couldn't help but sigh softly as he thought of the old Valley Master's sacrifice.
Although he has always acted cautiously, even to the point of being somewhat "shrewd," he also has his own bottom line.
If it weren't for him, he might have chosen to stand by and watch things like Lin Yunsheng forcing the Medicine King's lineage to its death.
But since this matter concerns him, he must find Lin Yunsheng to give him an explanation someday. Otherwise, his Dao heart will be clouded and his mind will be troubled. How can he pursue the Great Dao?
"By the way, Fellow Daoist Chen, there is another matter I would like to ask you."
As if suddenly remembering something, Fairy Qinglan changed the subject, her tone probing, "That day, Elder Lin of the Qingyun Cave Heaven Law Enforcement Hall came to investigate personally, and even wanted to take me back to search my soul in order to find out the cause of Elder Jinling's death."
At the critical moment, Senior Xuan Yin of Qingfeng Ridge suddenly appeared, not only saving me but also immediately accepting me as a disciple.
She paused, her eyes fixed on Chen Yi, and continued, "But when I wanted to thank Senior Xuan Yin later, she said I didn't need to thank her, and that I should thank the person I should thank."
"Fellow Daoist Chen, I truly do not know who I should thank. Would you be willing to enlighten me?"
Although Fairy Qinglan had a vague idea that Chen Yi might be behind this, she still couldn't believe it. How could a Core Formation cultivator possibly command a Nascent Soul cultivator?
She asked the question now to confirm her suspicions.
If the truth is as she thinks, then she should indeed repay this life-saving grace.
But now, apart from her alchemy skills, all she has left is this physical body; she really has nothing else to offer.
The Azure Fairy thought to herself: At worst, she could repay him with her body in the future; she didn't want to owe anyone such a heavy favor.
Unexpectedly, Chen Yi on the other side looked completely bewildered upon hearing this, as if he had never heard of it before: "Senior Xuan Yin?"
I don't know!
If she's willing to help you, why would she need anyone else to facilitate it?
She's a senior expert in the late Nascent Soul stage. If she's willing to help you and even accept you as a disciple, it must be because she values your aptitude or alchemy skills. It has nothing to do with anyone else.
"In this Azure Cloud Grotto, who else could possibly command her senior?"
Chen Yi's answer startled Fairy Qinglan, her eyes filled with astonishment:
Huh? It wasn't you? Then what exactly happened?
Her expression quickened, and she leaned forward slightly, pressing for an answer: "Fellow Daoist Chen, then—the one who saved my master, lured away True Monarch Jinling, and then killed him, shouldn't it be you?"
Chen Yi's expression immediately changed, and he quickly shook his head repeatedly, denying it firmly: "Fairy Qinglan, you can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want!"
When did Chen commit murder?
Moreover, he is a Nascent Soul cultivator from the Enforcement Hall of Qingyun Cave Heaven!
That was a genuine, seasoned Nascent Soul cultivator, and one of the elders of the Cave Heaven Enforcement Hall. Attacking and killing him was a serious crime. Chen Yi neither had the guts nor the ability to do such a thing. Fellow Daoist Qinglan, are you mistaken?
He paused, his tone becoming increasingly solemn, and added, "Besides, after Chen returned to the Star Moon Sect with Senior Sister Qingyue that day, he has been in seclusion ever since and has never gone out again. How could he possibly go thousands of miles away to kill someone?"
Fairy, please consider this carefully again.
Chen dared not accept the charge of being a "murderer."
Chen Yi shook his head three times in a row, his attitude resolute, refusing to admit it no matter what.
He knew in his heart that once certain words were spoken, the very energy of heaven and earth could change. He had gone to great lengths, using the power of the Xuan Tian Qi to conceal the aura that had killed the Golden Collar True Monarch, and he absolutely could not let this reckless girl expose him with a single sentence.
That girl is something else; some things can only be understood implicitly, not explained verbally, and you certainly can't force someone to admit it to your face.
How can one admit to something that involves the life of a Nascent Soul cultivator in public?
Seeing Chen Yi's firm denial, the astonishment in Fairy Qinglan's eyes gradually turned into confusion:
If it wasn't you? Then who could it be?
Moreover, Chen Yi's reasoning was flawless; a Core Formation cultivator instantly killing a Nascent Soul cultivator was simply a fantasy and impossible.
Moreover, he has an alibi. Even Lin Yunsheng, the Grand Elder of the Law Enforcement Hall of Qingyun Cave, personally came to Xingyue Sect to investigate and concluded that the matter had nothing to do with Chen Yi, so it naturally could not be Chen Yi.
But if it wasn't him, why did my senior uncle specifically instruct me to give the Nascent Soul Pill to Chen Yi before his death, and even imply that he was someone worthy of entrusting my life to?
Her newly recognized master, Xuan Yin Zhenjun, refused to accept her gratitude and instead told her to thank "the person who should be thanked."
For a moment, Fairy Qinglan was completely baffled by the reason, and her heart was filled with confusion.
Originally, she thought that if she confirmed Chen Yi's identity, she would follow her master's dying wish and use the special alchemy secrets of the Medicine King lineage to help Chen Yi refine that fourth-grade [Guardian Spirit Pill], even if it meant sacrificing some of her lifespan.
But now it seems that since this matter has nothing to do with Chen Yi, there is no need to bring it up again, and she has given up on the idea.
Qinglan Fairy thought to herself: There's no need to waste her lifespan for someone unrelated, and there's no need to desperately curry favor with Chen Yi. He's just a Core Formation cultivator like herself. Ultimately, a cultivator's cultivation depends on themselves.
Having figured this out, Fairy Qinglan regained her polite expression, finalized some routine details of the pill and puppet transactions with Chen Yi, and then got up to take her leave and departed from the Star Moon Sect.
After the old Valley Master passed away, Chen Yi never mentioned the Guardian Pill again.
He discovered that with the main ingredient of the Guardian Spirit Pill, the Mysterious Pattern Snow Lotus, he could absorb its spiritual essence using the system's devouring ability and use it to protect his mind from falling during the Nascent Soul stage. This would have a significant effect, at least half the efficacy of a finished Guardian Spirit Pill.
Moreover, Chen Yi had years of experience in cultivating Soul Thunder to strengthen his mind, so he was already unafraid of the invasion of extraterrestrial demons. With the spiritual assistance of the Mysterious Pattern Snow Lotus, he was already more than capable.
Now, Chen Yi has accumulated almost all the resources needed to form his Nascent Soul, and his cultivation is not far from reaching the complete perfection of the Golden Core stage.
He estimated that he would be able to meet all the conditions required for Nascent Soul formation within ten years.
At that time, he will choose a suitable time, preferably when the True Lord Xuan Yin is available and willing to help him watch over him, and then he will break through to the Nascent Soul realm in one fell swoop to ensure that nothing goes wrong.
As for the favor he owed to Xuan Yin Zhenjun, Chen Yi was quite open-minded about it:
Since I've already owed them time and time again, I don't care about owing them a few more times.
Having many lice doesn't make you itchy; these favors can be repaid slowly in the future.
In the days that followed, Chen Yi's cultivation plan gradually became clear:
First, one must steadily improve one's magical power to make full preparations for Nascent Soul formation;
Secondly, when you have time, you should go to Thunder Peak to replenish the missing Thunder Crystal resources in your body. If you have the opportunity, you can also try to further improve the quality of Thunder Crystal Marrow, and even start to think about the cultivation method of the second level of Marrow Refinement.
Furthermore, we should learn more about the Black Peak Secret Realm. Thirteen years later, perhaps we can join Ji Wuchen, Yuan Lingling, and others to explore the secret realm and seek opportunities.
In addition, there are many other potential crises that need to be noted:
Practicing the Vajra Technique and Thunder Spirit Body Tempering might attract the covetousness of other highly skilled disciples.
The oppressive influence of the Ji family's secret brewing method;
And the potential threats from Black Serpent True Lord and that old dog Lin Yunsheng.
For a time, Chen Yi sat quietly in his cave, beginning to sort out his future cultivation path and the events that needed attention.
The more he thought about it, the clearer it became to him that the solution to every problem ultimately depended on solid strength.
To achieve true freedom in the world of cultivation, one must possess unparalleled strength.
"The journey is long and arduous!"
After his initial reflection, Chen Yi quickly rallied his spirits and prepared to immerse himself in cultivation.
He took out a communication talisman and sent a message to Yue Qingqiu: "Senior Sister, are you free tonight? Is the Star Moon Essence balanced? Does it need some adjustment?"
He planned to use dual cultivation to let Yue Qingqiu experience the joy of cultivation while he himself could quickly improve his cultivation level. The path of cultivation is like sailing against the current; not a single day can be wasted.
"Good. See you at midnight."
Yue Qingqiu's messages were answered almost instantly.
At night, in the cultivation room of Xingfeng Cave, the two engaged in a passionate and intense session, thoroughly practicing the Star and Moon Union Technique.
With Yue Qingqiu's help, Chen Yi replenished some of the Star Essence he had previously consumed.
The Azure Wood Mana he had accumulated after absorbing a large amount of spiritual herbs was also perfectly enhanced with the assistance and refinement of Yue Qingqiu's Nascent Soul level Mana, and his cultivation level improved by another point.
Of course, throughout the process, the two also experienced the ultimate beauty of life.
Especially Yue Qingqiu's exquisite features, slender and supple skin, and her willingness to set aside her status as a Nascent Soul Fairy and cooperate with Chen Yi in various ways to help his magical essence surge out—this experience, which Chen Yi had gone through in both his lives, made him feel that he had no regrets in this life.
After each dual cultivation session with Yue Qingqiu, his body was cleansed by her pure Nascent Soul level moon spirit magic, making him even more pure inside and out.
At this moment, Chen Yi would always think of Ping Xingye and Ping Dong. He really couldn't understand why the former chief of Xingfeng would choose to give up such a wonderful fairy. He was truly unaware of his good fortune.
And so, the two devoted themselves to cultivation for half a year through dual cultivation.
Chen Yi's physical, mental, and magical abilities have all returned to their best state, and he has almost enjoyed the most enjoyable six months of cultivation.
That day, Chen Yi suddenly received a message from Ning Bu'er, which said, "Master has found an opportunity near the core of that ancient sect at Thunder Peak, but she is not sure if you and I are qualified to obtain it. Moreover, Master herself is unlikely to obtain all the opportunities. She is willing to take both of us in to try. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Chen is available?"
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