Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 408 Entering the sea
Dangxia Peak.

The flames rose and the light flickered. Only two people remained in the Flame Hall. Wang Chengyan was ordered to leave and go to take charge of the affairs of the peak. At this time, only Xu Xuan and Wen Guang remained.

"If we are going to rebuild Mount Ling, what spiritual items are we still lacking?"

Xu Xuan sat in the main seat, refining the spiritual mountain. The quality of the spiritual items he needed didn't have to be high, but the quantity and types required were complicated.

“I have taken stock of the treasures in the sect. Among the Kan water is a stream of Qingya spiritual water left behind after Guangji of the Shangshan Path was killed. It is of the spiritual essence level. I have separated a stream of it into a stream of Wuchen water for Foundation Establishment.”

"The Fire element is newly acquired [Zao Li Fire], but it lacks only the Earth element (Gen), Metal element (Dui), and Wood element."

Wen Guang respectfully reported this, but Xu Xuan was somewhat troubled and simply said:

"The Gen and Dui trigrams are easy to find, but the Yuan Wood is extremely difficult to obtain, and even Foundation Establishment grade materials are rare."

Until now, he had only seen the [Jianmu Yuanzhi] in Dongfang Che's hand. He had never refined it, but as a spiritual object, it had all sorts of miraculous effects and endless uses.

“I happen to be going overseas, and I’ll remember this matter on the way. I should be able to retrieve the Gen and Dui spirit objects. As for the Yuan wood, perhaps there’s some way to get it.”

Xu Xuan's heart stirred. There was indeed a sect in the South Sea called Qinghong Dao that cultivated Yuan Wood, and it should possess corresponding spiritual objects.

Now that he has cultivated supernatural powers, it is time to go and keep the appointment with the True Man Pingxiu. In recent years, the other party has also sent people to deliver letters, saying that he is looking forward to his early arrival.

This master is a great alchemist of the True Fire Dao, with extensive connections in the Western Sea, so naturally we cannot offend him.

Wen Guang accepted the order and temporarily withdrew. Xu Xuan paced slowly in the hall, preparing to set sail to see if there were any spiritual items he could exchange for.

'Unfortunately, the desires and greed inherent in the demons have been captured and brought back by the demonic land.'

Xu Xuan felt a little regretful. These two demons had committed evil for many years and should have been very wealthy. However, after they were suppressed during the battle, all their belongings, including their magical artifacts, were taken back by the demons through various means.

If it weren't for the suppression of the pure energy, these two demons would probably have been summoned back by the demonic land, and no one else could have kept them.

As for the other items in the Purple Mansion, there is the [Heart Demon Desire] of the Qi of the Wu family and the [Avici Fire Pearl] of Ding Huo. Both of these are spiritual objects that can be used to refine spiritual weapons.

After defeating Guangji, who was the master of the Supreme Goodness Path, a pool of clear, spiritual water was obtained – the essence of Kan water.

The remaining items are the [Guanghan Moon Laurel] and [Yinque Clear Frost] produced by Ying'e Pool, each in three portions. They are Taiyin spiritual items, usable for alchemy and cultivation, and are extremely precious, but difficult to sell.

Spiritual objects of the Taiyin lineage are extremely rare in the world. If they were taken out, many people would likely have doubts. If their origins could not be explained, the consequences would probably not be pleasant.

'This trip might allow us to establish a connection with the dragon and openly exchange some goods.'

Xu Xuan made up his mind; this was indeed an important matter, but he needed to find a reason. The dragon body currently possessed many things that he needed.

"The most important thing is the [Thunder Grip Technique], which is most suitable for cultivating thunder magic. If one can also cultivate it openly and honestly, both sides' cultivation will be enhanced, enough to continuously elevate this thunder magic to higher levels."

His mind was still on this thunder technique. In the end, this technique was still acting on behalf of the Thunder Palace. It was most suitable for the She Lei (社雷) sect. It was not easy for cultivators of the Zhen Lei (震雷) path to practice it.

However, practicing with both bodies, the Thunderclap enhances one's cultivation, and the Earthly Thunder aligns with the true nature of this technique. With the combined support of both, the progress should be accelerated considerably.

With a single step, he pierced through the void, and silver lightning flashed past. In the blink of an eye, Xu Xuan arrived at Frost Return Peak, where he saw a man in red robes meditating and cultivating in the Treasure Red Hall.

"Master."

Feeling a sense of unease, Liu Xiao opened his eyes and, seeing the newcomer, quickly rose to greet him. Xu Xuan waved his hand and simply said:

"I am going to the Western Sea today, and it will probably take some time. From today onwards, you will temporarily take over all matters of the sect."

After speaking, Xu Xuan took out a crimson token inscribed with the words "Chi Ming," which was the token, and handed it to Liu Xiaowen.

"How is your comprehension of the 'Yangsui Fire-Subduing Divine Scroll' coming along?"

Xu Xuan's gaze sharpened. When asked about this matter, he felt a stirring in his heart, for this scroll of cultivation technique recorded how to achieve the [Flame Immortal] level.

"I have cultivated the inner vision to perfection according to the cultivation method, which is in line with the Dao. I am just waiting to reach the peak before I can prepare for seclusion."

Liu Xiaowen sensed an aura emanating from him, confirming that his immortal foundation was indeed quite perfect, with profound phenomena hidden within and golden-red fire flowing around him.

"This matter is not urgent; we should proceed slowly."

Xu Xuan offered a few words of encouragement, reminding him that breaking through to supernatural powers was no small matter and should be approached with caution.

After exchanging a few more words, Xu Xuan broke through the void, transforming into a streak of lightning and disappearing in an instant, leaving Liu Xiaowen in the hall, clutching several tokens in his hands.
-
Beyond Qingchen Reef lies Changliu Island.

The island's edge is covered with lush forests, dotted with various pavilions amidst the verdant greenery. Many cultivators in green robes travel back and forth on the wind. However, next to a dark palace in the center of the island, there is only a stretch of yellow earth, barren of any vegetation, and it seems to be spreading outwards.

The bronze palace doors opened, and a blue-yellow light flowed, reflecting the changing nature of life and death. A young man in a long black robe stepped out, with sharp eyebrows, narrow eyes, and bright yellow pupils; his figure was slender.

As the sunlight shone down, his shadow began to twist and change, taking on the appearance of a strange sheep and a swarm of locusts, spreading a fierce aura, with dark evil spirits sprouting at its edges.

The strange phenomenon vanished in an instant. Xu Fayan exhaled a breath of turbid air. The yellow earth around the hall spread out again, and the vegetation on the island withered, leaving a desolate scene.

'Luckily, I didn't plant any medicinal herbs, otherwise I would have suffered considerable losses.'

Xu Fayan shook his head slightly. Ever since he personally killed Wei Fengnian, the Daoist of the Wasteland, there had been signs that the Green Locusts had beenfallen him.

The Fen Yang is a vicious beast, devoid of manners and law, born in times of famine, ruling over strange creatures, and its presence is heard in neighboring areas. The Qing Huang is another kind of evil, born in swarms, impossible to eradicate, and even closer to a blood demon.

Changliu Island has been peaceful for many years. He has been in seclusion for several years, focusing on his cultivation, and finally broke through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment. He has just come out of seclusion and is somewhat unable to suppress the energy in his body. His yellow eyes are as bright as lamplight, and a brocade snake is wrapped around his wrist.

"Congratulations on your successful completion of your seclusion."

A gust of wind swept up, and a figure emerged from the shadows behind him. It was Kong Kong'er, dressed in blue and white robes, carrying a spirit sword with long, thorn-like hilt shaped like a white bone skull, which was quite eerie.

Xu Fayan frowned slightly, and the shadow behind him changed, turning into a swarm of locusts that rushed straight towards Kongkong'er, biting and tearing relentlessly, forcing the protector to hide in the underworld again. He then jumped out from another place and stood directly in front of her.

"You have mastered the [Mustard Seed Formless Escape Technique], and this [Subtle Yin Illusion Creation Technique] has also reached a considerable level. Would you like to learn other techniques?"

Kong Kong'er smiled slightly. Both of these were ancient techniques from the Wen You sect, and neither had a grade. The [Mustard Seed Formless Escape Technique] allowed one to transform into a mustard seed to avoid killing intent and hide oneself.

This [Micro Shadow Illusion Technique] focuses on shadows and can create shadow traces. When refined to a high level, it can be used to nurture spirits in shadows or, when combined with escape techniques, to infiltrate the shadows of others or things.

"The method of hearing the hidden is known for its mystery and unpredictability, and it takes too much time to cultivate."

Xu Fayan ignored Kongkong'er and only said:

"I also promised Lin Lang of Qingchen Reef that I would make twelve Earth-Containing Talismans for him. I still owe six. Where would I find the time?" He was not lying. Of all the spells he cultivated, the Dao of Hearing the Dark was the most difficult to comprehend. It could only be mastered by using seal script, but it was still far from perfect.

Suddenly, thunder rumbled in the sky, and a figure could be seen riding on lightning from afar. He did not walk in the void, but landed directly in front of the two.

"Master."

Xu Fayan and Kongkong'er bowed together, and when they saw the real person suddenly appear, they both became solemn.

"Has Fayan just emerged from seclusion?"

Xu Xuan glanced around and vaguely sensed the energy of the place. He knew that someone had been in seclusion earlier, and Fa Yan had already broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage, with signs of his energy dissipating.

"Indeed, disciple has broken through to the later stage."

Xu Fayan's yellow eyes were eerie, and an eerie aura emanated from him, which made Xu Xuan's heart sink slightly. He left Kongkong'er waiting outside and led the disciple into the main hall first.

The two took their seats. The hall was similar in style to the one in the mountains, which was familiar to them. There were still some remnants of the earth's energy in the hall.

"How has Changliu Island fared in recent years?"

"This island has no produce, but its spiritual energy is decent. So I led my disciples to make a living by mining pearls and minerals from the sea, while also raising spirit insects and drawing talismans. Over the years, we have had some success."

As he spoke, Xu Fayan's yellow eyes lit up, and he flipped his hand to summon a black and gray flame, which occasionally transformed into the head of a white lion, ferociously biting and about to explode at any moment.

"There are some special spiritual items produced near the Sindhu lands. I went ashore with the people of Qingchen Reef and found this [Unknown Stone Flame]. Although it is only at the Foundation Establishment level, it is a rare and supreme fire."

Xu Xuan's gaze swept over it. This Foundation Establishment Flame was quite rare, at least in the Great Li. The nearby immortals all went to the vicinity of Shendu to find spiritual objects as a source of harvest.

"We'll see if there's a suitable sacred site later. If it's feasible, moving here would be a good way to produce something."

He lowered his gaze slightly, sensing something amiss with the other person's aura, and asked:
"Now that you've broken through to the late stage, is there anything unusual about your physical body?"

"My destiny is escaping, and the demonic energy within my immortal foundation is intensifying, making it somewhat difficult to suppress. My protector passed on to me a technique called [Micro Yin Illusion Creation Technique], which is a method of hearing the shadows and can condense the remaining energy into a shadow, but it is still somewhat difficult to suppress now."

Xu Fayan's yellow eyes lit up. This matter had troubled him for a long time. The more he cultivated, the more likely he was to become a demon if he was not careful.

"I have come here today because I have a magic technique to impart to you. After practicing it, you should be able to alleviate this situation."

Xu Xuan then took out a crimson jade slip, on which was recorded the [Heavenly Blood Demon Embryo Technique], which could create a demon embryo. It was a fifth-grade technique of the Blood Qi path, with an extremely ancient origin.

Fa Yan took the jade slip and, after only a brief glance, knew it was an extremely powerful demonic technique. He then carefully put it away.

"There is still a trace of blood essence here, left by a demon beast from the Purple Mansion. I have refined all the impurities in it, leaving only pure blood essence. I will use my supernatural powers to help you refine it."

Xu Xuan raised his hand, and a crystal-clear blood bead appeared on his fingertip. It was the blood essence condensed from the Taotie, which was formed from greed and evil, and could be regarded as a blood essence.

A speck of silver lightning landed on the blood bead, continuously extracting blood energy. He flicked his finger and sent the blood bead into his Dharma Sea.

"If you use this, you should be able to perfect this technique at the Foundation Establishment stage. You will have no worries about the release of demonic energy. How is your cultivation of talismans going lately?"

Xu Xuan's gaze shifted slightly. He didn't understand this path, and he had only mentioned it briefly. However, Fa Yan replied in a deep voice:

"There are many cultivators in Qingchen Reef who have ascended to the heavens. Among them is a Foundation Establishment cultivator named Lin Lang, who is responsible for contacting Changliu and we have frequent interactions."

"This person is skilled in talismanic arts. I discussed the art of talismans with him and obtained a set of divine thunder talismans called 'Heavenly Yang Gang Thunder Talisman Art' from him. I am currently studying it."

"Shangxiao's Foundation Establishment was probably authorized by Zhouyou Zhenren. He came to contact you specifically. Just deal with it normally."

Xu Xuan's gaze darkened. At present, Changliu Island is still under the protection of Shangxiao Sect, so the two sides naturally have dealings.

"But there's one more thing that's a bit strange."

After hesitating for a moment, Fa Yan took out a bead surrounded by baleful energy, containing the shapes of black bones and a black sun, which was the [Baleful Sun] armor he had refined.

"In previous years, I went into seclusion to cultivate the [Great Sun Shining Fiend Body] and refined this Fiend Armor. The armor then showed signs of running north, seemingly heading towards the direction of India."

"Heading north to India."

Xu Xuan pondered for a moment. The [Great Sun Radiant Body] was the way of combining the sun and evil energy, which was the symbol of the Mingyi position. As for this Fiend Sun Armor, it was even stranger, with the image of the second son of the Golden Crow being killed.

'I'm afraid this evil spirit, transformed from black bones, is currently in Sindhu.'

A thought stirred within him: something had been amiss with Pilo back then, suggesting a possible collusion between him and Mu Wude. And this serpent that emerged from the Mingze was the result of a conspiracy between the Dragon Court and Yanggu.

"This matter is very serious, so be careful and avoid getting into poison again. Just stay near Qingchen to cultivate."

Xu Xuan's tone became slightly solemn. The sea area near Qingchen was under the jurisdiction of the Shangxiao Immortal Sect and was connected by the magic treasure [Qizhe Celestial Altar], so it was naturally safe. However, it was not necessarily safe in Shendu.

He gave a few more instructions, then transformed into a streak of lightning and disappeared in an instant, heading to the Boundless Sea to meet the True Man Pingxiu.

Inside the hall, the dim light flickered. Xu Fayan silently began to comprehend the [Heavenly Blood Demon Embryo Technique]. The more he studied it, the more powerful he felt this demonic art became.

This method of refining a demonic fetus is extremely profound, containing many ancient Taoist theories. Even with his level of Taoist cultivation, he found it quite difficult to comprehend. This technique involves transferring life force, using blood, energy, and destiny to create a demonic fetus.

This technique was originally intended to cultivate an avatar and prepare for reincarnation, but now Wen You is nowhere to be seen, making it difficult to create an avatar, and this demonic embryo is also difficult to separate from its master.

Its greater purpose is to imbue the cultivator's blood and destiny with divine power, making it an extension of their life and physical body, preventing it from leaving and moving away like an avatar.

He now possesses the destinies of the Feral Sheep and the Green Locust, which can be transferred into the Demonic Embryo. Once the embryo is formed, it will be able to utilize the various talents of these two types of evil beasts.

Furthermore, he has now mastered the [Subtle Yin Illusion Creation Technique], which possesses the wondrous ability to nurture spirits within shadows. This technique can conceal demonic fetuses within shadows, elevating their spiritual nature in a way that is difficult to detect.

'If this technique is mastered, it will provide numerous methods, allowing one to truly utilize these two elements of destiny.'

A thought stirred within him: the evil of the [Fallen Sheep] and [Green Locust] was still greater than that of many noble demon species. The fact that they could be considered as manifestations of the Earth element meant that such a Golden Core had existed in ancient times, and the innate supernatural powers they possessed were even more profound.

The two energies even seemed to complement each other. When the locusts passed through, it was a year of famine, and monsters and beasts emerged from the land, leading them to devour people.

This thought, however, stirred a sense of unease within him, but after a moment's thought, he simply murmured:
'The Wenyao and Zhutun are auspicious beasts associated with the earth, yet the two Purple Mansions of the Qingwu Dao have no good reputations, demonstrating that matters of destiny cannot be generalized.'

He shook his head and smiled, continuing to comprehend this demonic embryo method, refining the blood energy within his body little by little. The lamplight illuminated his back, revealing various strange and monstrous forms.

(End of this chapter)