Wanfa Daojun, starting from the Little Cloud and Rain Technique

Chapter 748 Chongxuan Zhenren
The collision of their avatars was silent. Hu Yuniang's avatar could not withstand the impact and shattered. She sensed the opponent's realm—the first level of the Nascent Soul stage, while she was already a second-level Nascent Soul cultivator, currently comprehending the mystery of breaking through to the third level of the Nascent Soul stage.

Logically, she should have won decisively in a clash of wits, but the result was unacceptable to her.

Her mind raced, pondering the other person's origins.

The opponent's Dharma image shows the bright moon rising from the sea, with both Ren and Gui water present; all trees wither and flourish, with both Jia and Yi wood present; the sun rises and sets, with Bing and Ding fire able to freely transform; high mountains and deep valleys coexist in the earth, demonstrating an extremely high level of understanding of Wu and Ji earth.

From this perspective, the coexistence of the four elements of water, wood, fire, and earth, and the interdependence of yin and yang, demonstrate that the other party's understanding of the power of the five elements at the Golden Core stage has reached a remarkable level.

Moreover, the Dharma form can also achieve cyclical circulation, a power she had never heard of before.

Even the strongest elder in the clan, whose Dharma form did not encompass so many elements.

'Could it be a cultivator from a major sect in the Central Continent? But the situation in the Central Continent should be the most tense after the outbreak of the True Demon Tribulation, so it's impossible to send a True Monarch out.'

Besides Central Continent, where else could such well-rounded cultivators be trained?

Hu Yuniang was surprised, while Ji An was delighted. He put away his Dharma form.

Maintaining the Nascent Soul Technique consumes a great deal of magical power and spiritual consciousness, and it is not currently used as a regular combat method, so it is put away.

On the surface, his Dharma form lacks the full power of the Five Elements, but in reality, the power of the Metal element is hidden deep within the rocks, and it will reveal its brilliance when necessary.

His current Dharma form can overwhelm cultivators with higher cultivation levels than him, which shows that he has even greater potential to be developed in the future.

He cleared his throat and said gently:

"I have long admired the reputation of the Qingqiu Celestial Fox Clan, and I have no intention of offending them."

"This trip to the Ten Thousand Mountains is to search for resources in preparation for the calamity of the True Demon."

Creating one's own Daoist aura is certainly considered searching for resources.

Hu Yuniang's expression was solemn as she said:
"Since you're searching for resources, I wonder if you've found anything?"

As she spoke, she silently unleashed her charm.

"Nothing was gained."

Ji An felt his mind wandering, and his nascent soul immediately regained its senses by making a hand seal.

He immediately realized that the other party had made a move in secret, and his hands, which were hidden in his sleeves, changed into hand seals, ready to strike at any moment.

The Qingqiu Celestial Fox Clan is equivalent to a top-tier Nascent Soul sect in the Central Continent. Its lineage is longer than that of any other human sect, and it is said that it once followed the divine beast Qilin in ancient times.

This ethnic group is very mysterious, and he didn't know much about them, so he acted rather restrained.

"The demon beast clans that are affiliated with Qingqiu have recently been attacked and killed by outsiders. Our clan elders are furious and have dispatched True Monarchs to search for them. Fellow Daoist, you may have some misunderstandings here."

Although there was no concrete evidence, Hu Yuniang was already certain in her heart that the other party was the cultivator who had secretly attacked and killed the demon king.

Who would search for resources in the dead of night, when it's pitch black? Although Nascent Soul cultivators have good visibility at night, they still prefer to act during the day.

The opponent was able to win in the clash of faculties, thus revealing that it would not be easy for me to win by resorting to force.

The Grand Elder once said that cultivators with powerful Dharma Aspects possess a greater total amount and quality of magical power than ordinary cultivators, and they also have a deeper understanding of power. Such individuals can fight beyond their level.

It should be noted that even cultivators at the Nascent Soul level would find it difficult to achieve this.

She unleashed her innate charm technique, and the opponent instantly regained consciousness upon being affected, their spiritual strength undoubtedly far exceeding that of cultivators of the same level.

The Enchanting Technique is a secret skill of the Celestial Fox Clan. It is released silently, and even a Nascent Soul cultivator at the third level would be affected if she were not careful. However, the opponent immediately regained consciousness, making her hesitant to act.

How could Ji An not understand that the other party was giving him a way out? He immediately cupped his hands and said:
"I see. I apologize for my rudeness and will take my leave now to avoid any misunderstanding."

He put the golden-feathered eagle into his spirit beast pouch, rode away on auspicious five-colored clouds, and cast a beautiful radiance across the night sky.

Now that we've been discovered, there's no point in trying to fly covertly anymore.

Hu Yuniang stared as the light and shadow disappeared in the east. She was unsure if the other party had really retreated, so she needed to report this news back to her clan.

Three thousand miles west of Qingqiu lies a medium-sized demon cave, which has drawn the attention of the Celestial Fox Clan. Making enemies now would not be a wise choice.

As long as the other side is willing to retreat, those demon kings who were attacked and killed are simply dead.

Half an hour later, she looked up to the sky and roared, and the demon kings who were scattered across this land all gathered here.

After all the demon kings had arrived, Hu Yuniang said in a deep voice:
"I discovered a suspicious target. After the collision between the Nascent Soul and Dharma Form, the target retreated, but I don't know if the disappearance of those demon kings is related to the target."

I will report this matter to the clan's Grand Elder. You all must guard the territory well, and I will inform you of any news.

"As ordered."

The demon kings shouted in unison, and they all breathed a sigh of relief.

We participated in this search with a heavy heart. If we didn't encounter any enemies, it would be fine, but if we did, we wouldn't be able to escape.

Ji An flew away slowly, pondering whether to continue searching for demonic beasts at the Golden Core level.

There are still eight batches of Five-Flower Elixir herbs that need to be ripened, and seven Golden Core demon beasts need to be captured.

Continuing the search would inevitably lead to a direct conflict with the Celestial Fox Clan, and he was not yet qualified to challenge such a behemoth.

This trip was very profitable, so it's time to call it a day.

Thinking that he still had more than thirty pills to use, and that the spiritual fruits in the small world would ripen one after another in a few years, Ji An thought it would be better to go to the Southern Continent to see if he could make any gains.

It's only been two months since I left home, there's still time.

Having made up his mind, he changed direction and sped off in a south-east direction.

After three days of flying, at midday when the sun was high in the sky, he crossed the Kuangsha River and arrived at the Qianren Mountains, where he established the Water God's Palace.

Now, the place is filled with black demonic energy, and the wind howls fiercely inside, like the wailing of ghosts and wolves. Even in broad daylight, there is a chilling atmosphere.

If you're timid, you probably wouldn't dare to go near it at all.

"It is said that this place connects to the Netherworld, and it seems that a demon's lair is hidden deep in the mountains."

Ji An sighed, "This mountain range has a complex terrain with thousands of mountains and valleys. The surface water veins connect to underground rivers. The pollution of this place by demonic energy will have a profound impact on the entire Western Continent."

Suddenly, a thought struck him, and he thought to himself:
'If a Golden Core stage True Demon were thrown into the tribulation clouds, would a lightning tribulation descend?'

Theoretically, it should exist; if there is a tribulation of lightning, it will inevitably generate Daoist rhyme.

However, he quickly became dejected and scratched his head. With his Nascent Soul level power, he would inevitably clash with the demonic energy, causing a shock. The Golden Core level true demon would discover the target before him.

After a moment of contemplation, Ji An determined his approximate location and continued flying southeast based on his vague memory.

As the sun sets, the mountains turn blood red, and Ji An's shadow stretches long in the twilight.

He landed in the Immortal City of Golden Lion Ridge, a place that also holds some of his memories. It is the Immortal City closest to the Thousand-Ren Mountain Range.

Back when he and Han Yan established the Divine Palace, they would come here every year to replenish their supplies.

Fortunately, this immortal city has not yet been invaded by demonic energy. The streets are bustling with people, and cultivators walk among them in groups of three or five.

Ji An entered a restaurant, ordered several signature dishes, and began chatting with the owner:
"I have a question. I want to post a private mission, but I don't know where to do it." As he spoke, he casually placed a mid-grade spirit stone on the counter.

The restaurant owner's eyes lit up. He covered the spirit stone with his sleeve and said with a smile:

"Senior, please tell me what you need. I can help you make the contact, and I will only charge a small information fee."

Setting up a banquet requires preparing ingredients and hiring a famous chef. After deducting all expenses, the profit is only about 30%.

The information fee for connecting people is mostly net profit. The restaurant spreads information very quickly, so why not earn more spirit stones by working part-time as a middleman?
Ji An gave a polite smile and said:

"My mission is aimed at Golden Core cultivators, preferably late-stage Golden Core cultivators. Can you contact a few? At least three."

It wasn't that he looked down on the shopkeeper; the other party was only suitable for late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and had no right to get involved.

The shopkeeper's expression immediately turned serious. He clasped his hands in a fist salute and raised them above his right shoulder, saying:

"That depends on whether you can afford the price, senior. Although my cultivation is low, the owner of the restaurant is a Golden Core cultivator."

He paused, then continued, enunciating clearly and with a proud expression:

"Moreover, he is a late-stage Golden Core cultivator."

Ji An smiled, "I can let your employer come and talk; price is not an issue."

It was like a godsend; his goal was to get in touch with a Golden Core cultivator, and now he could achieve it in one go.

"May I ask what price you can offer, senior? I'd like to report to my employer."

"High-grade spirit stones, top-grade third-tier spirit fruits, top-grade third-tier Gengjin Divine Thunder Talismans. In addition, I can help you refine pills or draw talismans."

The innkeeper nodded repeatedly, "Okay, I'll take you to room number one in the top tier."

Although his cultivation level was not high, his vision was not low. He knew that top-grade third-tier resources were used by cultivators at the ninth level of the Golden Core stage.

It is true that the master is a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, but he is only at the seventh level of the Golden Core realm.

The other party spoke with a calm and composed tone, exuding a unique air, and was very likely a powerful cultivator at the ninth level of the Golden Core stage.

As for what the other party wants to do, that's not something a Foundation Establishment cultivator like him can concern himself with.

The two arrived at a private room on the third floor, where the innkeeper instructed the maid:

"Brew a pot of the finest spiritual tea."

"Yes," the maid replied, taking small, quick steps as she left.

"Senior, the spiritual food will be served shortly. Please wait a moment while I inform the master. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

Ji An waved his hand, "You're welcome. I'll be waiting for your good news."

Half an hour later, Ji An was drinking wine while listening to the heroes playing the zither and flute.

The melody is melodious, and the flute sounds mimic the sweet singing of birds, as if you are in a secluded mountain after a fresh rain, a place of tranquility.

At this moment, the door to the private room was pushed open, and the innkeeper led in a kind-looking, round-faced monk.

The innkeeper addressed the female cultivators who were playing the flute and zither:

"Alright, that's enough playing. You can all leave."

After the group left, the round-faced cultivator cupped his hands and smiled, saying:

"I am True Man Chongxuan. May I ask your name, fellow Daoist, and where your Daoist temple is located?"

Upon receiving the report from his subordinates, he rushed over immediately. Now, upon meeting the other party, he felt that the other party had a dignified demeanor and was clearly a person in a high position.

As he spoke, he intentionally or unintentionally released a trace of his aura, clearly indicating to the other party his cultivation level.

"True Lord Xuanqing, I won't go into the details of your Daoist temple."

Ji An released spiritual pressure at the Nascent Soul level, then immediately withdrew it.

Master Chongxuan looked startled and said respectfully:
"I was too presumptuous just now, please forgive me, True Lord."

He had never heard of the name Xuanqing Zhenjun in the Southern Continent, so the other party must be a cultivator from another continent.

"Let's skip the formalities and sit down to talk."

Ji An immediately sat down and got straight to the point:

"To be frank, my goal is to obtain a Golden Core level True Demon, regardless of the specific realm, whether it's the early or late Golden Core stage."

The condition is that the person must be alive, although they can be disabled.

They can provide top-grade third-tier Bodhi Fruit, Blazing Immortal Apricot, Purple Cloud Fruit, and Dark Night Fruit, among other spiritual fruits, to help with alchemy.
If I capture a true demon in the early stage of the Golden Core realm, I am willing to offer two spirit fruits, of any kind.
"Four spirit fruits for a mid-stage Golden Core True Demon, ten for a late-stage Golden Core cultivator. You can also pay with a top-grade third-tier Gengjin Divine Thunder Talisman. I wonder if the True Man is interested?"

His terms are very generous, leaving no room for the other party to resist. If the other party is truly unmoved, he can ask them to help him contact other real people; there will always be someone willing.

Master Chongxuan smiled and said:
"The price offered by the real person is very generous, but I have a question: why don't you come yourself?"

To capture a true demon, one must enter an area shrouded in demonic energy. For a Nascent Soul cultivator, capturing a few Golden Core level true demons is a piece of cake.
There must be a reason why the other party is unwilling to take action; if you don't tell them, they'll have doubts.

Ji An gently shook his head and explained the reason:
“The search range for cultivators in demonic energy is much smaller. Even if I try my best to suppress my magic power, I will still generate an invisible shock force when I enter the area shrouded in demonic energy.”

The true demons will hide once they find out, unless I happen to pass by in person.

He briefly explained the underlying principles.

"I see. I'm willing to take on this mission with a friend, but it's likely to take a long time. I'm afraid we might enter the demon-shrouded area for a long time without any results."

Master Chongxuan's implication was clear: he wanted some kind of guarantee, which was actually a bit much. Hmm.

Ji An, of course, understood what the other party meant, and said:

"With a three-month cycle, if you enter the demonic aura for that long without any gains, each of you will receive a reward of two hundred high-grade spirit stones."

Even if the true demon is successfully captured, these spirit stone rewards will still be issued.

He pondered for a moment, then said:
"I'll stay here for a maximum of nine months, and I'd better get paid as soon as possible."

If he stays for nine months, it will be almost a year since he left the sect. The sect should be shrouded in demonic energy soon, and he must go back to oversee it.

"We will speed things up as much as possible. To be honest, when the demonic energy first appeared in the Thousand-Ren Mountains, my friends and I spent several months there. We know exactly how to capture the true demon. Just wait for our good news."

"I'll wait and see. Do you need to sign an agreement with me?"

Master Chongxuan hurriedly waved his hand and said amicably:

"No need, we completely trust you."

Even if an agreement is signed, there's nothing they can do if a True Lord wants to renege on his debts.

(End of this chapter)