Spiritual plants.
In the cultivation world, they were precious resources no less valuable than spiritual energy.
Take the Foundation Establishment Pill, for example.
Without this pill, no matter how outstanding one's talent, the impurity of the world's spiritual energy would prevent the body from being transformed, making Foundation Establishment impossible.
The value of spiritual plants often depended on whether they could be cultivated, how many existed, and their growth age.
Generally speaking, the older the plant, the more spiritual energy of Heaven and Earth it had absorbed. It was the same principle as with cultivators and spirit beasts—the older they were, the higher their realm tended to be. Thus, the medicinal effect would naturally be better.
For ordinary second-tier pills, the main ingredient typically required an age of about 200 to 500 years, while the auxiliary materials only needed a few decades.
Through Identify Formula Upon Seeing Pill, Chen Sanshi recognized the pill in the Bai family head's hand as a second-tier pill called the Fierce Flood Dragon Nourishing Foul Pill. Originally, its two main ingredients only required 200 years of age, yet the ones used here were all over 1,000 years old.
No wonder he had clearly sensed something unusual while refining it.
Replacing the main ingredients of a second-tier pill with millennium-old herbs would indeed significantly enhance the pill's effects,
but it was somewhat wasteful.
After all, millennium-old herbs were fully sufficient for refining third-tier pills.
The Bai family's actions truly showed boldness. Still, they were a clan with several hundred years of inheritance—having such reserves was only natural.
Especially at a critical juncture like this, they would certainly have to expend some of their stockpile in exchange for increased strength.
It was just that—
This Fierce Flood Dragon Nourishing Foul Pill was a pill used to nourish Foul. Its effects were extremely violent. Typically, it was favored by those of the demonic path, though martial cultivators would occasionally use it to temper their physiques.
Chen Sanshi did not think too deeply about it and simply put away his own pill.
In comparison, the materials for his Mixed Profound Pill were much more frugal—the main ingredient was 300 years old, and the auxiliary ingredients were around 20 years old.
Of course, that was actually the normal standard for a second-tier pill.
"Thank you for your hard work, Fellow Daoist Xiao."
Bai Liangbi put away the pills. "You may need to open the furnace more frequently in the coming days. Rest assured, we will not treat you unfairly. If you have any conditions, feel free to state them."
"Patriarch Bai."
Chen Sanshi did not stand on ceremony. "Do you have materials such as Undying Grass, Mirror God Fruit, or Spirit Rhinoceros Horn—items that can help a martial artist open the Mirror God?"
On the imperial court's side, these were what they lacked most.
Even within the Ninefold Nether Forbidden Land, such heavenly materials and earthly treasures rarely appeared.
"Hmm."
Bai Liangbi pondered for a moment. "Do you have some junior who needs them, Fellow Daoist Xiao? To be frank, the reason our Bai family has endured until today is precisely because we have cultivated Undying Grass for many years. This is, in fact, a foundational resource that all martial aristocratic families must possess.
"As for whether we have surplus, I will need to check the allocations of recent years. If there is any remaining quota, I can provide you with one plant."
"If that is truly possible, then I thank Patriarch Bai in advance."
Chen Sanshi cupped his hands in salute.
After exchanging a few more casual words, he returned to his cave dwelling.
Early the next morning, Sima Yao and Zhang Shun hurried back.
"Your Majesty,"
Sima Yao said in a deep voice, "the Ninefold Nether Forbidden Land will open within the next half year. The exact time may fluctuate somewhat."
Forbidden lands of this kind often involved the laws of Heaven and Earth. The precise timing could not be as exact as sunrise and sunset.
It was precisely because of this uncertainty that large numbers of rogue cultivators gathered in Northern Yang Dao to wait. Only by doing so could they enter at the first possible moment once the forbidden land opened and begin collecting materials.
"Transfer personnel in."
After a moment of thought, Chen Sanshi issued his order. "Convey my imperial decree: Wei Xuan and Song Guizhi are to remain in the capital to guard it and must not leave without authorization.
"Summon Wang Zhi, Rong Yanqiu, and all other True Force martial artists, as well as 20 cultivators above the fifth layer of Qi Refining.
"They are to enter Heavenly Water Isle in batches and disperse among mortal cities or villages to await the opening of the forbidden land and participate in this trial."
"This minister obeys the decree!"
Zhang Shun replied.
It was said that the interior of the Ninefold Nether Forbidden Land was vast. If Chen Sanshi entered alone, no matter how capable he was, he would not be able to gather many resources.
It would be better to transfer personnel in and cast a wide net once the forbidden land opened.
Moreover, since the establishment of Tianyong City, the vast majority of its people had never participated in true spell combat. At most, they had engaged in sparring among fellow disciples.
Without experiencing bloody battle, even if one's realm was cultivated high, one would be at a loss when faced with sudden danger.
This expedition to the Ninefold Nether Forbidden Land was not only to collect resources for the court, but also a trial for Tianyong City. After the trial, rewards and subsequent resource allocation would be determined according to performance.
It was just that—
In the end, this was a one-time opportunity.
Whether a clan or a sect, if a power wished to endure for the long term, one essential condition was a steady and continuous supply of resources.
Not only spiritual veins were required, but also spiritual lands.
After all, there would not always be forbidden lands for outsiders to harvest resources from. The best approach remained self-sufficiency.
However, spirit beads could only release spiritual energy for cultivation; they could not transform ordinary earth into spiritual soil. Thus, crops could not be planted.
Having stayed in Heavenly Water Isle for so many years, Chen Sanshi had naturally read quite a few books. There were indeed certain heavenly materials and earthly treasures that could solve this problem—but whether he would encounter them depended entirely on luck.
After giving his instructions, he ordered Zhang Shun to set out on an auspicious day. He himself changed his appearance through the Art of Disguise and, together with Sima Yao, left Dusk Valley for Daze Market.
Today was the agreed date with Duan Silu to meet the disciples of the Zhuxian Sect at the teahouse.
His ultimate purpose in coming to Heavenly Water Isle remained to resolve the trouble of the seal. If no solution could be found within 5 years, he would have no choice but to seek another path.
Qingxu Sect was the final option for assistance. However, since his master had told him to avoid going there if possible, he could only wait a little longer.
"How much do you know about the Zhuxian Sect?"
Chen Sanshi suddenly asked.
"Madmen."
Sima Yao answered briefly.
"Madmen?"
Chen Sanshi asked, "Why do you say that?"
"Your Majesty may not know," Sima Yao said at length. "In the cultivation world, whether righteous sects or unorthodox paths, people always act with their own objectives.
"Take the Seven Kill Sect for example. They delight in slaughtering mortals and cultivators for blood sacrifices. Their fundamental purpose is to increase their own cultivation.
"But the Zhuxian Sect has no purpose.
"When they act, it seems not for gain. It feels as though they destroy simply for the sake of destruction.
"Several decades ago, in the far south of Heavenly Water Isle, a spatial relic appeared. It was said that third-tier and even fourth-tier treasures might be found within. Cultivators across the entire isle flocked there, regardless of realm, gathering outside the relic well in advance.
"And then—
"A few days before the relic opened, the Zhuxian Sect arrived with their people. They acted without regard for anything, wreaking havoc and forcibly destroying the entrance to the relic.
"If you trace back even further, a century ago they even destroyed one of Heavenly Water Isle's largest medicinal valleys. The losses were enormous.
"In doing such things, they gained nothing in essence and even suffered casualties themselves. If that isn't madness, what is?"
"Heh, that does sound a bit mad."
Chen Sanshi recalled Duan Silu's death-seeking tone back at the black market.
However, his contact with them was for two reasons: first, the subsequent techniques of the Swallowing Fire Art; second, the Li family. Since this group intended to deal with the Li family, they must know at least something about matters related to the seal.
During this period, he had also inquired about the Zhuxian Sect from others. No matter whom he asked, they all spoke of the sect with great caution.
"They are not only mad, but exceptionally vicious."
Sima Yao stroked his beard. "It is said that among the upper ranks of the Zhuxian Sect there exists an ancient forbidden technique for seizing spiritual roots.
"They can use a special formation to transfer a cultivator's spiritual root onto a mortal, allowing the mortal to cultivate.
"In the past, there were often cases where the spiritual roots of holy sons or holy maidens of major sects were plundered by Zhuxian Sect demonic cultivators.
"These people are by no means benevolent. Your Majesty must be cautious in dealing with them."
Before long, the two arrived at Daze Market.
Sima Yao remained in the outer perimeter of the market, prepared to respond in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Chen Sanshi went straight to the teahouse.
The Zhuxian Sect had not specified the exact manner of the meeting. He simply altered his appearance to the face he had used in the black market, then casually took a seat, ordered a cup of tea, and waited quietly.
In less than the time it took to drink half a cup of tea, a waiter approached him.
"Immortal Master, there is someone in Room Ding on the second floor who claims to be your friend and invites you upstairs to catch up."
Private room on the second floor.
The waiter pushed open the door. By the flowing tea tray near the window sat two figures. One was Duan Silu; the other was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, dressed in a dark blue robe, with a dignified appearance.
"Fellow Daoist, you've arrived."
Duan Silu stood up. "Allow me to introduce him. This is Shangguan Siheng, the branch master of our Zhuxian Sect in Northern Yang Dao!"
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist."
Shangguan Siheng rose and cupped his hands.
"Xiao Feng."
Chen Sanshi replied calmly.
"Oh?"
Shangguan Siheng showed slight surprise. "So it is Fellow Daoist Xiao. A pleasure, a pleasure! It seems we are destined to become like-minded friends."
Above late-stage Foundation Establishment lay the Golden Core elders. In the cultivation world, their status was unquestionably high.
Yet the man before him displayed no airs whatsoever.
"Fellow Daoist Shangguan."
After sitting down, Chen Sanshi went straight to the point. "Let us speak plainly about how we are to cooperate before you are willing to hand over the Swallowing Fire Art."
"Fellow Daoist Xiao is a mortal enemy of the Li family. That makes you my friend. It is merely a cultivation technique—no conditions are required."
Shangguan Siheng placed a jade slip on the table. "I gift it to you now."
Chen Sanshi picked up the jade slip and infused it with spiritual energy to examine it. After confirming there were no issues with the technique, he said with a faint smile, "Fellow Daoist is quite forthright.
"To speak frankly, I have come to Daze Market this time and will likely be locked in a struggle to the death. What is the Zhuxian Sect's stance?"
"Does Fellow Daoist know,"
Shangguan Siheng personally poured him tea, "what the Shengyun Sect is planning on the Li family's territory?"
Chen Sanshi lifted his teacup. "I am all ears."
"The seal!"
Shangguan Siheng emphasized the word. "There is a seal between Heavenly Water Isle and Eastern Divine Continent. You should have heard of it, Fellow Daoist Xiao."
"Whether talismans or formations, in the end they are nothing more than methods of deciphering and applying the laws of Heaven and Earth. Since they follow the Heavenly Dao, they naturally possess flaws.
"This seal experiences a minor tremor every 50 years and a major tremor every 200 years. The next major tremor will occur in 5 years.
"More than a decade ago, outside Daze Market, there was even an instance where the seal fractured. It was Senior Gui Qi who repaired it, barely maintaining the seal, though some hidden dangers were left behind.
"This time—
"The people of the Shengyun Sect intend to take advantage of the once-every-200-years loosening of the restriction, together with the pre-existing cracks in this region, to tear open a gap in the seal that will never close!
"And their specific method is to use an ancient remnant treasure to set up a formation, drawing energy from the spiritual veins of the entire Northern Yang Dao as fuel. At the very instant the restriction loosens 5 years from now, they will destroy it!"
Chen Sanshi digested the information.
So that was how it was.
"So—"
Shangguan Siheng continued, "our Zhuxian Sect plans to make our move in 5 years. First we will destroy the formation, and then we will wipe out the Li family!"
"Why?"
Chen Sanshi had not expected their objective to align so closely with his own. "Breaking the seal of Eastern Divine Continent does not seem to have much to do with the Zhuxian Sect, does it?"
"How could it have nothing to do with us?"
Shangguan Siheng paused before explaining, "Perhaps Fellow Daoist does not yet know what the doctrine of our Zhuxian Sect is?"
Chen Sanshi nodded. "Indeed, I do not."
"The answer lies in the name itself."
Shangguan Siheng said solemnly, "Zhuxian—Slay Immortals!"
"Exactly!"
Duan Silu chimed in. "The pursuit of immortality itself goes against Heaven! The so-called Dao follows nature—birth, aging, sickness, and death should be the norm. Yet some seek eternal life, turning the world into chaos and corruption! The highest doctrine of our Zhuxian Sect is that no one in this world shall cultivate immortality!"
Chen Sanshi did not continue listening to their preaching. Instead, he asked directly, "On this matter, your sect and I are in accord.
"In 5 years' time, I will certainly assist with full strength.
"However, how many people does the Zhuxian Sect have in Northern Yang Dao?"
At this point, he felt somewhat relieved.
Since the Zhuxian Sect was widely known, its influence must surely be vast. Perhaps the matter of the seal could indeed be resolved with ease.
However—
Shangguan Siheng raised his hand and gestured, enunciating each word, "There are exactly 8 of us! If we include Fellow Daoist, then there will be a full 9!"
"9…"
Chen Sanshi wondered whether that was somewhat few. The Li family and the Demon-Suppression Bureau alone had considerable numbers. He could not help but ask, "Are there any Golden Core elders—or anyone above the Golden Core realm—participating in this matter?"
"No."
Duan Silu calculated aloud, "Branch Master Shangguan is the highest-realm cultivator of our Zhuxian Sect in Northern Yang Dao. Among the remaining 7, there are 2 at Foundation Establishment, 2 at the late stage of Qi Refining, and 3 at the middle stage of Qi Refining."
Chen Sanshi's heart sank.
It seemed this Zhuxian Sect was not merely somewhat deranged—it was also rather unreliable.
8 people, opposing the entirety of Northern Yang Dao?
He reminded them, "Fellow Daoist Shangguan, there are Golden Core cultivators stationed within Daze Market. With only the few of us, would that not be somewhat difficult?"
"That is not correct!"
Shangguan Siheng said with utmost seriousness, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, are we cultivators to shrink back merely because something is difficult?"
"Even so," Chen Sanshi replied, "we cannot simply go and throw our lives away, can we?"
It was like leading troops in war. If one could not win head-on, one sought another method. Who insisted on smashing their head against a wall?
"Then so be it if we die!"
Shangguan Siheng slammed the table. "I am not afraid!"
"Farewell."
Chen Sanshi shook his head. There was truly no way to continue this conversation.
"Rumble—"
At that very moment, a tremendous crash sounded from outside. Immediately afterward, the entire Daze Market began to shake violently.