Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 403 Giant Scallop
The final battle has ended.

Although three days had passed, Xiao Chen still witnessed all sorts of human beings along the way when he returned to Pudu Temple.

Many Buddhist disciples wore expressions of sorrow, clearly still immersed in grief.

The sea creatures' desperate gamble came far too suddenly.

There were dozens of low-level disciples who were crushed to death under the nautilus.

Nearly two hundred others were killed in the chaos of battle or were injured by the aftermath.

However, many Buddhist disciples also had a noticeably energetic look in their eyes.

Whether it was the encouragement of victory or the joy of surviving, I don't know.

By the way, at this time, several large ships of the Daoist sect had also docked at the White Jade Wharf.

In contrast, many Taoist disciples had beaming smiles on their faces.

They gathered in small groups around the island's perimeter, gazing at the mangled remains of countless sea monsters on the open ground along the shore.

Others waved photo stones to record these precious moments.

“Mr. Xiao, please rest here for a while.”

Zen Master Fazhao led Xiao Chen to a well-preserved side hall: "My fellow disciples are all quite busy right now, so let's tentatively meet at 5 PM tonight."

"Most of the other True Lords have also returned."

"They should all be resting in the six small courtyards next door and behind now."

“If Mr. Xiao has nothing urgent, I must go and help him.”

Xiao Chen shook his head: "Of course I'm fine. You just go ahead and do your work. We'll see each other again at 5 PM."

Now that the great battle has just ended, there must be a huge amount of things to deal with.

Especially now that the position of abbot of Pudu Temple is vacant, there is no backbone, so it is normal that they are too busy to handle everything.

On the contrary, Xiao Chen had it much easier.

He had neither apprentices nor subordinates; as long as he took care of himself, his whole family would be well taken care of.

"Oh, it's finally over."

Xiao Chen casually found a chair and sat down, mentally estimating the time: "Just this trip alone has taken almost half a year."

Time really flies!

"I wonder what the situation is like over there now."

According to what True Monarch Broken Gold said before, it takes about six months to a year to customize a fully fused spiritual weapon.

Xiao Chen originally thought the crafting process would take a little too long.

The result was that they had only managed to get one real task done, and it had taken them more than half a year.

This is under the condition that everything goes relatively smoothly. If there is any delay in the middle, it is not impossible for it to take a full year.

"As one's cultivation level increases, time really does seem to fly by faster and faster."

Xiao Chen sighed, "No wonder when I said that time flies, Iron Fan Zhenjun said that we would get used to it in a few years."

There's no need for a few years at all.

He now truly understands why the other True Lords often measure things in years.

It turns out that a year really isn't much for Nascent Soul cultivators.

Fortunately, we have now collected almost all the spiritual materials.

Xiao Chen plans to find an opportunity to trade with them in a couple of days, and then he can consider going to the new cultivation world to customize a second fully fused spiritual artifact.

"Hey, isn't there something else I need to say?"

Xiao Chen suddenly remembered that he seemed to have a business deal to do with the Reverse Immortal Alliance.

I took a 30% deposit to purchase goods, but I was busy fighting the sea creatures in the meantime. More than half a year has passed, and I still haven't had time to send the goods back.

If this were a legitimate business, it would be considered an accident.

"Well, it's not a big problem. They don't have anywhere else to trade anyway."

Because he was in a near-monopoly business, Xiao Chen wasn't worried at all that the delay would affect future sales: "It's just that when I go there again this time, I'll have to make a couple more trips."

The reason I thought of making two extra trips wasn't to compensate the Reverse Immortal Alliance.

Rather, it was because they wanted to earn more spirit stones through trading.

Firstly, it was used to cover the enormous expense of acquiring a second custom-made magical artifact.

Secondly, I also want to accumulate some savings so I can see if I can find another opportunity to buy some good items similar to the Enhanced Formation-Breaking Cone.

Then Xiao Chen also took the opportunity to review the actions of the past six months.

Before I knew it, it was getting late.

Before long, it was early afternoon.

He didn't need anyone to come and invite him; he walked out of the side hall on his own initiative.

Just then, they saw True Lord Qian Shu and True Lord Tie Shan walking together, seemingly having just come from the small courtyard at the back.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries...

Then everyone came together to the front of the main hall.

Buddhist disciples had already brought out tables and chairs and set out tea and fruit platters.

They even brought in several huge screens from who-knows-where to surround and cover up the severely damaged buildings, such as the Bodhi Dharma Altar.

Although it does seem a bit like burying one's head in the sand.

But at least when people sit down to talk, they won't look up and see ruins.

According to tradition, we should have gone directly to the main hall.

It not only demonstrates sufficient respect, but it is also very well preserved.

However, considering the previous situations of Zhang Shouquan and Xiao Chen.

Ultimately, Zen Master Jingchen, who was in charge of the temporary scheduling, insisted on moving the location outside the Mahavira Hall, even though it was a bit more troublesome.

Soon, Xiao Chen and the others had taken their seats in turn.

However, the Zen masters from Pudu Temple did not arrive for a long time, and no one knew what had gone wrong.

At the same time, both Gangyuan Zhenjun and Zhang Shouquan were nowhere to be found.

Even the True Lord of Hanchuan didn't know where his senior brother had gone.

I waited for about half an hour.

Only then did everyone see Zen Master Jingchen rushing over.

Upon meeting everyone, he immediately apologized: "I'm so sorry to have kept you all waiting."

“Previously, my fellow disciples and I were dealing with some important matters within the temple, and we were all so busy that we neglected our time.”

"Please wait a moment, we'll be right there."

Before he could finish speaking, he saw Zen Master Jingchi arrive with True Lord Gangyuan and Zhang Shouquan.

He also started by apologizing: "I'm so sorry, I was busy dealing with the array base and didn't keep track of the time properly. I've kept you all waiting."

Judging from their appearance, the three of them must be repairing the array base together.

To be honest, this surprised Xiao Chen a bit.

The threat from the sea creatures has been eliminated, so why would Pudu Temple allow 'outsiders' to participate in the repair of the great formation?
You know, time is no longer a concern.

Shouldn't such an important matter be handled privately behind closed doors?
Out of curiosity, Xiao Chen took advantage of the waiting time to quietly ask Gang Yuan Zhenjun a question.

Only then did I realize that Pudu Temple had actually considered refusing at first.

The plan is for Zen Master Jingchi to lead his personal disciples to be responsible for repairing the great formation.

However, at Zhang Shouquan's enthusiastic suggestion, considering the severity of the damage and the large number of array bases that needed to be dealt with, the problem was solved.

Furthermore, since Gangyuan Zhenjun and Zhang Shouquan had already participated in repairing the array base, there seemed to be no need to keep it a secret from them.

So he didn't refuse their help anymore.

Of course, both parties also agreed that what followed was simply helping each other out.

Their responsibilities were limited to repairing ordinary array bases; they did not involve repairing the core array bases or participating in the subsequent re-laying of the array.

"Oh, so that's what happened."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen immediately understood.

On the contrary, True Monarch Hanchuan, who was standing to the side, was quite surprised when he heard this; "I really didn't expect that Fellow Daoist Zhang would be so willing to help others."

He had previously suspected that the other party might have come to Pudu Temple with the intention of stealing his skills.

I never expected that they would actually come to help.

Even though the decisive battle was already over, they were still willing to participate in the repair of the array base free of charge.

Zhang Shouquan blushed slightly upon hearing the praise.

He coughed lightly and said modestly, "Well, it's just a small favor. It's not dirty or tiring work anyway, so I'll help out as much as I can."

He wasn't being helpful; he simply wanted to stay and reinforce what he had learned over the past two weeks.

Although both parties agreed that he could only participate in repairing ordinary array bases.

However, this way he can continue to use those fourth-tier spirit ores for training without charge.

The key point is that Zhang Shouquan is a rogue cultivator.

He had neither accumulated any fourth-order spirit ore nor possessed a fourth-order grand formation of his own.

Even after returning to the Tiangang Sect, Gangyuan Zhenjun was still able to maintain his sect's protective mountain formation.

You can use the fourth-tier spirit ore in your own warehouse to review what you've learned before.

However, once Zhang Shouquan leaves Pudu Temple, he will no longer have the means to continue handling physical objects for some time to come.

Gangyuan Zhenjun and the others were all cultivators from sects, and they didn't think about the issue of spirit mines for the time being.

So they continued to wait on the sidelines, exchanging polite words and taking turns praising him.

On the contrary, Xiao Chen, who was also a rogue cultivator, vaguely guessed the truth from Zhang Shouquan's slightly unnatural reaction.

It seems that although the other party has broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, they are still not very wealthy.

Could this be an opportunity?
If I need anything in the future, I might be able to hire Zhang Shouquan to help me by offering a high price.

For example, in places like the Vast Ocean Secret Realm in the future, as well as other similar places.

Just as Xiao Chen was pondering, another series of hurried footsteps approached.

Master Jinghua and the others finally all arrived.

The first step, of course, is an apology: "I'm so sorry for taking up so much of everyone's time."

Then came a round of introductions.

The main purpose is to explain the identities of the newly promoted True Lords and let them get to know each other.

Then they began to discuss the main topic of tonight's gathering, with Zen Master Jingchen taking the lead in explaining.

He stepped to a screen and waved his hand.

The Buddhist scriptures that were originally on the screen suddenly disappeared, and then a detailed sea chart slowly appeared.

The image also includes markers of different colors.

"Please look at this map, everyone. This is the current situation on the northern front!"

Zen Master Jingchen pointed to the series of red dots above: "According to the routine contact eleven days ago, the sea creatures have arranged for at least seven great demons in the north."

They are roughly divided into two parts.

"One group consisted of four powerful demons, along with a giant scallop, which blocked the Lianhua Temple and the Mozhang Sect here."

"Another group consists of three great demons who are entrenched around Huiming Temple, carrying out blockades and harassment."

As he explained, the nautical chart on the screen was split in two from the center, becoming two more detailed diagrams.

Zen Master Jingchen continued, "The previous agreement was to contact each other once every two weeks."

"So it's not time to make contact yet, and they haven't received news of our great victory." "However, in that case, the sea creatures probably haven't heard a word either."

"Considering some short-sighted traitors, I believe that asynchronous messaging is the best option."

Zen Master Jingchen waved his hand again, guiding the two diagrams to be reunited as one.

Then he drew two encirclement circles with his hand: "If we can seize the opportunity within these four days, we can split our forces into two groups and surround these seven sea monsters."

"There is a great chance of achieving a perfect annihilation battle."

"And we now have a relatively sufficient number of people to accomplish this!"

"Of course, considering the coordination issue, my fellow disciples and I all thought it would be best for us to take charge of rescuing Huiming Temple."

"Then I'll trouble you lay Buddhists to deal with those four great demons and that giant scallop."

In fact, things have come to this point.

It's practically like we're already discussing who gets the loot in advance.

However, the reason why Zen Master Jingchen proposed this distribution plan was that he deliberately chose the side with fewer powerful demons.

The main reason is manpower considerations.

After all, Pudu Temple can only send out a maximum of five Zen masters.

Even if they could launch a pincer attack with Lianhua Temple and Mozhang Sect, it would be difficult to guarantee that they could perfectly intercept those four great demons.

It is also difficult to guarantee that no one will be injured or killed by giant scallops.

As the saying goes, "Don't bite off more than you can chew."

Why not just choose one that's easier?

In this way, since Buddhism had taken the initiative to back down, Taoism naturally had no objections.

"Of course, participation in this operation is not mandatory."

Zen Master Jingchi asked, "If any layperson has something to attend to and cannot go to the northern route, that is perfectly fine."

"It's just that we should have mentioned it in advance so that everyone could make the arrangements."

He had barely finished speaking when Zhang Shouquan spoke up first: "I won't go north."

"I'm not afraid to admit it, fellow Daoists and masters, but after truly fighting against the great demon of the sea race, I have also deeply realized that I still have many shortcomings."

"We have only recently broken through to the Nascent Soul stage, and our accumulation of experience is clearly insufficient."

"Therefore, I won't go and cause trouble for everyone."

Zhang Shouquan now only wants to stay at Pudu Temple to help with the array base.

Firstly, he had no emotional ties with any of the major powers, and he had absolutely no desire to continue fighting for the sake of humanity.

If, during the hunt, a powerful sea monster were to break through the encirclement and injure oneself, it would be a complete loss.

It would be better to stay and continue studying array formations.

Secondly, Zhang Shouquan didn't want to work with Xiao Chen anymore; being with that guy was bound to bring nothing good.

Don't be fooled by the fact that we seem to have won this decisive battle.

It should be noted that he was assigned to the far left of the right side, less than a hundred feet away from the Bodhi altar in the middle.

If His Excellency had trembled even slightly during the attack, he would probably be lying in bed recovering by now.

Therefore, let alone going to the northern route together.

Even though they had agreed to work together to investigate the strange phenomena in the heavens and earth, Zhang Shouquan was no longer planning to participate.

In short—cherish life, stay away from Xiao Chen.

However, apart from him, none of the other cultivators expressed their unwillingness to go.

Even Zen Master Tinghai of Juehai Temple hesitated for several breaths.

However, considering how others would perceive it, he ultimately remained silent.

We've weathered many storms, so what's one more final battle?

He needs to be more proactive now so he can have more say in front of others later.

They divided up the seven great demons and the giant scallops in advance and agreed to set off to provide support early the next morning.

Everyone then dispersed to rest.

"Tsk, so many people and only four great demons and one scallop, it feels a bit insufficient to share."

Xiao Chen returned to the side hall and felt that the total number of sea monsters was still a bit small: "In the blink of an eye, there are only these last few left."

"Why didn't we bring more back then?"

Without this most convenient method, he really didn't know where to go to collect fourth-tier spiritual materials in the future.

Thinking about it this way, Xiao Chen actually felt a strange sense of reluctance.

If only another group of fourth-tier great demons could come.

Of course, Xiao Chen quickly dismissed this strange and absurd idea.

For the sake of the peace of the Ocean of Compassion, it's best to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Early the next morning.

The group boarded the spirit ship and set off together to the northern front to provide reinforcements.

In the end, only Zen Master Jingchi remained at Pudu Temple to repair the formation with Zhang Shouquan.

All remaining personnel were mobilized to ensure a flawless final battle.

This will bring a perfect end to this disaster that lasted for more than three years, affected the entire Ocean of Compassion, and caused millions of monks to be displaced.

Given the human race's all-out effort and exceptional attention to this matter.

The actual combat process was rather uninteresting.

Almost exactly as expected, it was overwhelmingly dominant.

Those seven-headed sea monsters weren't particularly strong to begin with, and when faced with an attack by several times their number of people, they were truly unable to fight back or escape.

As for that giant scallop, it was indeed quite fierce.

In particular, its incredibly sturdy carapace glowed with an earthy-yellow spiritual light after being infused with demonic energy.

Even when bombarded by more than a dozen True Lords, they held out for quite a while.

It's practically a moving city wall!
However, the problem with giant scallops is that their size is so large that they move very slowly.

It is no exaggeration to say that none of the Nascent Soul True Monarchs present who had mastered the fourth-order escape technique were slower than it.

You can easily follow behind it and wear it down from a distance using spells.

After fleeing and resisting for about five hours.

The giant scallop finally exhausted its demonic energy, and its spiritual light was forced to dim.

"Wait, stop fighting!"

Xiao Chen quickly activated his true energy and shouted, "Everyone, let's work together to reduce the damage of the spell. We can't damage such good spiritual materials."

Since arriving on the northern front, Xiao Chen had been mostly just going through the motions in the previous battles.

The main reason was that the human race had a numerical advantage of nearly three times, so he really had no room to perform.

But at this moment, he suddenly perked up.

Xiao Chen had witnessed firsthand just how resilient that giant scallop was.

Even before the fight was over, he was already thinking about how he could use this shell as the main material to create a defensive, fully fused magical artifact.

Imagine that more than ten True Lords chased and attacked it for several hours, but they still couldn't break it.

If it were further strengthened through the fusion of weapon-refining techniques, its sturdiness would be unimaginable.

I'm afraid that if any True Monarch could possess such a custom-made spiritual artifact, they would be able to transform into a crab and roam freely within the fourth rank.

Therefore, Xiao Chen spoke up in time to stop everyone.

I was afraid of accidentally breaking the seashell.

Fortunately, the dozen or so human True Monarchs present were all very willing to give him face upon hearing this.

They actually stopped attacking and then voluntarily reduced the destructive power of their spells.

Following Xiao Chen's command, they began to slowly weaken the giant scallop.

It can only be said that, thanks to the series of victories and battle reports before, Xiao Chen has already gained considerable weight in everyone's minds.

"Good, that's it!"

"Hold on, it's about to give out!"

"Please hang in there a little longer, everyone. I'll treat you all to drinks after we're done!"

……

Soon, about three more hours had passed.

The giant scallop looked very weak, but it was able to stubbornly resist thanks to its sturdy shell.

This even made Xiao Chen suspicious.

Is it because the shell is too sturdy, or is it actually just putting on an act for everyone?

More importantly, this is after such a long period of attrition and stalemate.

The true essence of the human race's True Monarchs is also running low.

If the money supply continues to be released, there may be further changes later.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, how about we just let it go?"

Iron Fan True Lord sensed something was wrong: "If this continues, it might get away."

"Besides, with such a large shell, even if it's slightly damaged, it shouldn't be a problem."

They could guess that Xiao Chen was consciously collecting defensive spiritual materials, half of which were for crafting custom spiritual artifacts such as shields.

After all, he had previously selected a large number of defensive spiritual materials in the Shallow Sky Sea.

However, in the eyes of Iron Fan Zhenjun...

Such a large scallop; the shells left behind are enough to make several shields.

It doesn't matter if part of it is damaged.

"No, let's try a little longer."

Xiao Chen was a little reluctant: "Let me try a few more times!"

He had been attacking with the Azure Wave Penetrating Needle, but unfortunately the effect was not ideal.

That damned shell always manages to keep all three flying needles out.

Seeing that he couldn't get anywhere, Xiao Chen simply took out a Purple-Gold Bodhi Fruit and swallowed it.

There was no other meaning behind it; I just wanted to use the enhanced comprehension effect to see if I could achieve a breakthrough in battle.

If he can advance the Azure Wave Penetrating Needle to a minor level, then perhaps he can pry open the seashell.

Unfortunately, this idea is clearly not very realistic.

Breakthroughs in the heat of battle are rare occurrences; they're not that easy.

The Bodhi fruit can enhance one's understanding, but it cannot lead to sudden enlightenment.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be a fourth-tier spiritual fruit, but a fifth-tier spiritual fruit or even a celestial fruit.

However, this thing can indeed make a cultivator's mind more agile and their thinking faster.

Therefore, although Xiao Chen did not break through in the face of battle, he suddenly remembered something good.

If you use this tool, you should also have a chance to pry open the shell!

With that in mind, he immediately rushed forward and pulled out the giant tooth from the giant scallop to try it out.

The giant scallop would not tolerate such provocation.

So when Xiao Chen got close, she unusually opened her shell and swallowed him whole!

(End of this chapter)