The abandoned cannon fodder girl's path to immortality

Chapter 274 Whale Hunting
Inside the quiet room of the Demon Sea.

Chen Jinshu sat cross-legged on a futon, with the Xingyue Qin (a type of zither) on the table next to her usual Lüqi Qin (another type of zither).

The dark black Star Moon Qin has an ancient and understated body, with seven star-like spots that appear and disappear in the dim light; while the Green Jade Qin, which has been with her for many years, has a warm and smooth body made of paulownia wood, clear silk strings, and a budding blue lotus carved at the end of the instrument.

Her eyes were slightly closed, and the star map of "Zhou Tian Xing Yue Yin" slowly flowed in her mind.

"Gathering starlight as strings and drawing the moon's essence as melody... Under the night sky, when the music resonates, stars fall and the moon sinks..."

The mantra and formula flowed slowly through her heart.

The diagram is divided into three parts: "Guiding Stars" focuses on guiding and tempering, "Soul-Suppressing" focuses on calming the mind and dispelling illusions, and "Slaughtering" focuses on attacking and killing enemies.

She had previously relied entirely on instinct when facing enemies, but now she was truly beginning to analyze the key points.

"I see."

Chen Jinshu's mind stirred, and a wisp of his divine consciousness entered a certain point of the "Star-Guiding Chapter".

“Starlight cannot be drawn by brute force; it requires a specific melody as a bridge to resonate with the stars in the night sky in order to draw upon its power. Although the Green Jade Zither is not made of starwood, it is already connected to my mind and spirit. If I were to incorporate the rhythm of the ‘Zhou Tian Xing Yue Yin’ into my usual zither music…”

She opened her eyes and her gaze fell on the Green Jade Zither.

Qingheng materialized from her hair and landed on the ground, her small hands gripping the edge of the table, her blue eyes filled with curiosity:

"Would Jinshu like to play the zither?"

"Hmm, let's see if we can integrate the newly realized method into the old melody."

Chen Jinshu raised his hand, his fingertips brushing against the cool silk strings of the Green Jade Qin.

She did not play immediately, but first closed her eyes and concentrated, silently reciting the basic operating method of "Zhou Tian Xing Yue Yin · Yin Xing Pian" several times in her mind, until the rhythm almost became part of her breathing.

Outside the window, the Yaohai had resumed a steady voyage.

As dusk fell, a deep indigo blue spread out where the sea met the sky, and the first few stars quietly lit up.

"Let's begin with 'Ode to the Rejuvenation of the Earth'."

She chose the most familiar and gentlest piece of music for her supplementary studies, originally intended for calming the mind and regulating spiritual energy.

With ten fingers lightly pressing the strings, a familiar melody flows from the fingertips.

Ding-dong—Zheng—

The initial sound of the zither was no different from usual, clear and soothing, like a clear spring under the moon.

However, after three or five notes, a noticeable change occurred.

The blue lotus carving at the end of the zither glowed with a faint blue light as the music played.

As Chen Jinshu pressed the strings, faint silver specks began to gather at his fingertips.

hum!
The body of the Green Jade Qin trembled slightly.

The next instant, the starlight of the night outside the window was drawn down, passing through the porthole and blending into the music like fireflies.

Although it was only a trace, almost imperceptible, the music, which was originally purely inspired by spiritual energy, now had a touch of the starry sky's unique coolness and vastness.

Qingheng let out a soft "Ah!" and covered her mouth with her little hand, her eyes wide with surprise.

Chen Jinshu felt a slight surge of joy, but his fingers did not stop.

She continued playing, her mind completely absorbed in the wondrous rhythm.

As the melody progresses, the starlight it draws in, though as fine as a hair, stretches on and on.

These starlight did not directly enhance the lethality of the music; instead, they combined with the calming effect of the music itself, making the spiritual energy of the surrounding space even more serene.

Soon, the music ended, and the air in the quiet room seemed to have been cleansed.

The slight fishy smell that was originally mixed in has faded a lot.

Chen Jinshu exhaled slowly, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes.

"Although the Green Jade Zither is not made of Star Moon Wood and cannot naturally connect with the stars and moon like the Star Moon Zither, the essence of the 'Zhou Tian Xing Yue Yin' is to communicate with the laws of heaven and earth through music. I use my natal magic instrument as a medium to integrate the star rhythms and laws into my own way of playing the zither. Although its guiding power is not as strong as the Star Moon Zither, it is more in line with my spiritual power and mind, and I can use it as easily as my own arm."

She looked down at the Green Jade Zither. The radiance of the blue lotus at the end of the zither had gradually faded, but the body of the zither seemed to be more warm and translucent than before.

"Jinshu is amazing!"

Qingheng rushed over, her little hands gently touching the strings of the zither.

"The music just now seemed to have brought the stars in! It was so soothing to listen to, Qingheng felt much more refreshed!"

"It's just the beginning."

Chen Jinshu smiled slightly and gently rubbed Qingheng's hair.

"This technique demands extremely high control over the soul and spiritual power, and can only be used under the cover of night when the stars are visible. However, it is a rather good sound technique."

"Now that we've tried the auxiliary music, we should also try the 'Soul-Suppressing Chapter'."

The musical passages recorded in "Zhou Tian Xing Yue Yin: Zhen Hun Pian" are specifically designed to intimidate the soul, dispel illusions, and calm the mind.

She chose the most basic section, "A Star Falls into a Cold Pool".

It is not a direct attack, but rather uses music to simulate the cold and chilling intent of falling stars, to intimidate the soul and freeze distracting thoughts.

Clang... Ding...

The music was no longer clear and melodious; instead, it became deep and resonant, carrying a strange echo, as if it came from the distant starry sky.

As Chen Jinshu felt the gradually gathering "soul-soothing" power within the music, his heart calmed down.

She did not release her power outwards, but kept it within three feet of the instrument.

Even so, the flow of spiritual energy in this confined space was noticeably sluggish, as if frozen by invisible ice.

"This technique is more suitable for dealing with evil spirits, illusions, or disrupting the opponent's mind during combat."

She stopped playing the zither and pondered to herself.

"If I were to use the Star Moon Qin, its power would probably be even greater. But the Green Jade Qin is connected to my mind, making it more delicate and controllable to use."

After an incense stick had burned, Chen Jinshu put away the two zithers and took out the demon core from the deep blue demon core of the Devouring Boat Demon Octopus.

"It's time to deal with you."

As the jade box was opened, the pure and powerful water-based demonic energy from the demon core spread out, with a faint trace of lingering fierce and violent aura.

The shrunken phantom of the demonic octopus within the pill coiled slowly, as if struggling.

"Peak of the third tier, half-step Nascent Soul, truly extraordinary."

A cluster of bluish-white flames rose from Chen Jinshu's fingertips, carefully enveloping the demon core.

"Qingheng, protect me."

"Hmm!" Qingheng immediately straightened her small body, her blue eyes scanning her surroundings warily.

The fire did not burn fiercely, but rather seeped into the demon core in a delicate "gentle refining" method.

Chen Jinshu closed his eyes slightly, his divine sense focused like a needle, guiding the pill fire to remove the remaining violent will and impurities from the demon core, preserving the purest water spirit demon power.

This process is quite time-consuming.

The phantom of the demon octopus within the demon core twisted and writhed, emitting a silent shriek as it resisted being refined.

However, Chen Jinshu is now at the seventh level of the Golden Core stage. The spiritual power of the Green Wood Longevity Technique is abundant and long-lasting, and the illusory image of the Mysterious Female Treasure Furnace slowly rotates in her sea of ​​consciousness, providing her with almost infinite spiritual power support.

Three hours passed in a flash.

The deep blue halo on the surface of the demon core had become as clear as the finest aquamarine, and the internal phantom had completely dissipated, leaving only a pure, boundless, and exquisite water elemental power.

Chen Jinshu had beads of sweat on his forehead, but his eyes were bright.

She raised her hand and the demon core fell into her palm. It was cool to the touch and no longer had any ferocity.

"Okay."

She turned to Qingheng, who had been obediently standing guard beside her.

"It's time to call out the Yinshan Sparrow."

With a thought, Chen Jinshu sent out a streak of blue and red light from the spiritual plant space, which landed on the table. The Yinshan Sparrow hopped happily in front of her.

However, its body was slightly shrunken than when it was at its peak, and the brilliant blue-red light of its tail feathers, which was originally as dazzling as the morning glow, had dimmed considerably, and the luster of its feathers was also slightly dull.

Since forcibly breaking through the Brahma Sound Barrier of Zen Master Wunian that day and securing a sliver of hope for Chen Jinshu, its original essence has never been fully restored.

"Owner!"

"I'm sorry to have troubled you." Chen Jinshu gently stroked the soft fur on its head and handed the refined demon core to its beak.

"This substance is very beneficial to you; after consuming it, refine it properly."

Without hesitation, the Yinshan Sparrow opened its mouth and swallowed the demon core, which was the size of a pigeon egg.

In an instant, its blue and red feathers suddenly rose up, and a pure and vast water spirit demon power erupted from its body.

The Yinshan tit let out a short chirp, its wings involuntarily opening wide, and streaks of aquamarine light shone through the gaps in its feathers.

Chen Jinshu was prepared. With a few taps of his fingertips, he sent several streams of green wood spiritual energy into the Yinshan Sparrow's body, helping it to channel its surging demonic power and protect its meridians and internal organs.

Qingheng also came over, her small hands releasing a gentle, plant-like vitality that slowly nourished the Yinshan Sparrow's body.

chi chi-

In the azure light, the dull blue-red markings on the tail feathers of the Yinshan Tit began to brighten again at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Its hunched body gradually stretched out, and its breath rose steadily.

This refining process lasted for a full seven days.

Seven days later, the light in the quiet room dimmed.

The Yinshan tit stood on the table, head held high and chest puffed out, its tail feathers fully restored to their former glory, even surpassing their former beauty.

Its size seemed to have increased slightly, and its eyes shone brightly, with a hint of majesty befitting a peak third-tier sea beast.

"Your cultivation level should now be around the third level of the Golden Core stage!"

The Yinshan Sparrow sensed the change in its aura and became extremely excited. It then flapped its wings and flew up, circling lightly several times in the quiet room before obediently landing back on Chen Jinshu's shoulder and affectionately nuzzling her cheek.

"It seems he has recovered well, and his demonic power has even improved."

Qingheng clapped her hands and laughed, "Little Sparrow has become even more beautiful!"

……

A moment later, a slight ripple was heard outside.

Chen Jinshu took a look and saw that it was Sun Mao's voice, his tone even more respectful than usual:
"Senior Chen, I apologize for the intrusion. The Demon Sea has arrived at the designated sea area outside the 'Guixu Sea Eye'. The head steward and the True Lord invite you to the top-floor council hall for a meeting to discuss important matters. It concerns the hunting of the 'Dragon Whale,' and the reward will be generous."

"Dragon Whale?" Chen Jinshu raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised. This matter shouldn't have anything to do with her.

She remembered that when she boarded the ship, the caravan leader had mentioned that one of the important purposes of the Demon Sea's voyage was to hunt this beast on the outskirts of the Guixu Sea Eye.

Legend has it that the Dragon Whale is a remnant of the ancient Jiaolong, possessing a rare true dragon bloodline. Although most of them are only at the peak of the third rank or just entering the fourth rank, their bodies are as huge as mountains, and their strength can overturn rivers and seas. Every part of them is a treasure.

The whale pearl inside the body can be used to refine magical treasures, whale bones and skin are top-grade refining materials, whale fat can be used to make top-grade lamp oil and pills, and the essence and blood of its heart is a sacred medicine for tempering the body.

No wonder the True Lord of Raging Waves personally oversaw the operation, and so many Golden Core cultivators gathered on the ship.

"understood."

She replied with a text message, tidied herself up a bit, and then got up and went out.

Qingheng transformed into a jade hairpin and retracted into her hair bun, while Yinshan Sparrow concealed its aura and quietly perched on her shoulder.

The top-floor council chamber is located at the highest point of the ship's superstructure behind the mainmast. Although it is not large, its furnishings are quite exquisite.

There were already several people in the hall at this moment.

The Angry Wave True Lord, dressed in a gray robe, sat in the main seat with a calm expression and closed his eyes to rest.

To the left is the head steward, Sun Mao, who is looking down and flipping through a nautical chart.

On the right sat three people: a shirtless strong man, Yin Jiu, and the old man guarding the Golden Core stage.

In addition, there were two unfamiliar Golden Core cultivators, a man and a woman, whose auras were deep and composed, clearly indicating that they were also skilled.

As soon as Chen Jinshu entered, everyone's eyes fell on her.
Especially the magnificent Yinshan Sparrow on her shoulder, whose tail feathers flowed with three colors, showed surprise.

"Fellow Daoist Chen has arrived, please have a seat." Sun Mao quickly stood up to greet her and led her to sit down in the empty seat on the right.

Only then did True Lord Futao open his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the Yinshan Sparrow, and he nodded slightly:
"It seems that your spirit bird has recovered completely and even improved. That's wonderful."

"Thanks to the True Lord's blessing," Chen Jinshu replied calmly.

"Now that everyone is here, I will speak frankly."

Lord Futao stopped exchanging pleasantries and lightly tapped the sea chart on the table in front of him:
"This is the sea area where the 'Dragon Whale' has been frequently appearing recently, about three hundred miles from the edge of the Guixu Sea Eye. According to reports from the scouts ahead, an ancient alien species has been located. Its cultivation level is at the peak of the third rank, but its body is exceptionally large and it has a trace of the rare 'Ice Soul' attribute."

"Ice Soul attribute? That's impressive!"

Most dragon whales are of water or wind attributes, and those containing ice essence are extremely rare. Their whale pearls and blood essence are even more valuable, but they are also much more difficult to hunt.

"Does the True Lord mean to invite us to join forces?"

"Not bad." True Monarch Raging Waves nodded.

“This beast is not something one person can defeat. I must remain on the Demon Sea Ship to guard against other sea beasts and potential spatial turbulence. The main force for hunting it will be all of you present here.”

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd:
"I will use the 'Sea-Stabilizing Seal' to disrupt the sea around it and restrict its movements. You all need to join forces to attack its vitals and finish the battle quickly. After the mission is accomplished, all the spoils will be distributed according to the amount of effort put in."

Sun Mao added as appropriate:

"According to past practice, the person who makes the greatest contribution will have the right to choose two treasures first and will receive an additional 10% of the total reward. The rest will be distributed according to the contribution to the enemy's injury. In addition, each person will receive three thousand mid-grade spirit stones as a basic reward."

Three thousand mid-grade spirit stones is equivalent to several years' income for an ordinary Golden Core cultivator.

The dragon whale is a treasure trove, and obtaining even a portion of it would be incredibly valuable.

The breathing of the people in the hall became slightly rapid.

Yin Jiu waved his bone fan and smiled with narrowed eyes, "True Lord, your kindness is greatly appreciated. We will do our best. However... that dragon whale is hiding in the deep sea. How can we lure it out? And how should we cooperate?"

"I have already made arrangements for this matter."

With a flick of his sleeve, Lord Fury Waves caused several points of light to appear on the sea chart:
"Three days from now, at midnight, when the moonlight is at its brightest, the dragon whale will rise to the surface and inhale its own light. At that time, I will use a secret method to stimulate its lair and force it to reveal itself. You all should lie in ambush at these three locations."

He pointed to three markers arranged in a triangular pattern on the nautical chart.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, does your zither music have the effect of causing large-scale disruption or slowing down?"

Chen Jinshu thought for a moment and nodded:
"A newly acquired melody can calm the mind and spirit, and also slow down the circulation of spiritual energy. Its range is about 100 feet, and its duration depends on the opponent's cultivation level."

"it is good!"

"At that time, you will not need to engage in close combat. You will take a high position on the east side and use your zither music to cover the battlefield, disrupting the dragon whale's demonic power and spiritual perception. This is a crucial step. If successful, you will be credited with the greatest achievement."

Chen Jinshu's heart stirred slightly, and he began to consider the matter more carefully.

The first merit means prioritizing the selection of two treasures and an extra 10% reward, and it's relatively safe, without having to engage in close combat with that behemoth.

"This junior obeys."

"Since there are no objections, everyone may make your own preparations. We will assemble here three days from now."

Everyone left one after another.

As soon as Chen Jinshu stepped out of the council hall, Yin Jiu followed behind him, a smile plastered on his face, but a glint of cunning in his eyes.

"Fellow Daoist Chen, please wait."

"What is it?" Chen Jinshu asked without stopping.

"Fellow Daoist, the music you played that day stirred the stars and moon, truly broadening my horizons." Yin Jiu waved his fan, his tone tentative, "I wonder... if you are interested in selling that ancient zither? I am willing to offer a high price, or... barter is also acceptable."

Chen Jinshu paused, glanced at him sideways, her eyes cold: "Not for sale."

After saying that, he ignored her and went straight downstairs.

Yin Jiu stood there, his smile gradually fading as he stared at her departing figure, tapping the fan ribs lightly in his palm, his eyes dark and unfathomable.

(End of this chapter)