Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 429 Good News Brought by Chu Tianze

Considering that he had been training diligently for more than a month, Xiao Chen decided to go out and relax.

As the saying goes, too much of a good thing is bad; a balance between work and rest is the way to cultivate oneself.

At this point, there were only six days left until the Nascent Soul Ceremony.

Looking around, the entire Cangming Immortal Sect was adorned with red and green decorations, and everything was either being repaired or cleaned up, making necessary preparations in advance for the celebration.

Moreover, compared to a few months ago, there are many more new buildings that have been rushed to completion.

Especially when looking down from the mountaintop, one can see a large area of ​​exquisite pavilions and towers rising up outside the mountain gate.

At that time, some low-level cultivators who come to watch the ceremony will be accommodated there.

Some of the ceremonial activities will also be held there.

"It's been a few days since I last saw you, Fellow Daoist Xiao, and you look even more radiant."

Gangyuan Zhenjun happened to be passing by with Liekong Zhenjun and asked curiously, "Could it be that you have made further progress during this temporary seclusion?"

Xiao Chen waved his hand: "Not at all, I only made some progress in magic."

"I also owe a lot to the kind advice that fellow Daoists have given me in the past few days."

Gangyuan Zhenjun, however, took the opportunity to praise, "Fellow Daoist Xiao, there's no need for such humility."

"Those shallow insights are hardly worthy of being called teachings. After all, so many people listened, but no one else seemed to gain any insights."

"If you ask me, the key is that Fellow Daoist Xiao is exceptionally intelligent and perceptive."

"If there is an opportunity next time, we will have to ask you to give us more guidance."

True Monarch Rift also chimed in in agreement.

Both times, it was about half a year apart, and Gangyuan Zhenjun had hardly changed.

But the changes in Lord Rift Sky are quite significant.

His aura became more refined, and he appeared much more reserved, indicating that he had made significant progress.

The three exchanged a few polite words when they happened to see True Lord Crane Cry passing by with True Lord Purple Sun.

So they also exchanged greetings.

Amidst the laughter and conversation, Xiao Chen also learned that the other True Monarchs and Zen Masters from various sects had also arrived at the Cangming Immortal Sect in the past few days.

Firstly, the Compassionate Sea is now peaceful and stable, with neither external enemies nor internal troubles.

Therefore, there is no need to assign high-level combat power to stay behind in the sect; everyone can leave.

Secondly, the Nascent Soul Ceremony is a relatively important ceremony.

Normally, everyone is either in seclusion or busy with important matters, so it is rare to see other fellow cultivators.

Now that I have this opportunity to come over when I'm not in seclusion, it's a good time to take a trip.

It can both express respect for the new True Lord and provide an opportunity to socialize with others.

It can be considered as getting out for a walk and relaxing.

This is a win-win-win situation.

Therefore, fourth-level cultivators from various sects actively came to participate in this Nascent Soul Ceremony.

Moreover, they not only came by themselves, but also brought most of the Golden Core cultivators in the sect, and even some outstanding Foundation Establishment disciples.

After all, this is the first grand event after the war, both safe and festive, making it the perfect opportunity to bring one's disciples out to broaden their horizons.

This, in turn, made the ceremony even more lively and extraordinary.

Although the number of cultivators in the entire Compassionate Sea is now less than half of what it was five years ago.

However, the number and quality of cultivators who have already arrived at the Cangming Immortal Sect have far surpassed those of the Nascent Soul Ceremony held on Red Flower Island five years ago.

Of course, the presence of Buddhist groups also played a part in this.

As a result, the Cangming Market became dozens of times more bustling in an instant.

However, Xiao Chen didn't have much expectation for the ceremony itself.

He simply took the opportunity to stroll around the market and replenish his supplies of alchemy materials and the goods ordered by the Reverse Immortal Alliance from the stalls that had increased dozens of times over.

I was actually hoping to snag a bargain while I was at it, but unfortunately, I didn't come across such a good opportunity.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, I was just saying I was looking for you."

Having just returned to the Cangming Immortal Sect, he encountered True Monarch Iron Fan: "A Foundation Establishment cultivator came half a month ago, claiming he had something to discuss with you."

"I saw that his words were sincere and he didn't seem to be lying, so I arranged for him to stay temporarily on the side peak to wait."

"I just ran into Fellow Daoist Gangyuan, and he told me that Fellow Daoist Xiao has already emerged from seclusion."

"Therefore, I came to tell you, fellow Daoist, and also to congratulate you on your further progress in your magic."

Xiao Chen was curious upon hearing this. Who would come looking for him?

If we're talking about Foundation Establishment cultivation, then it seems like only Chu Tianze has that level, right?
Xiao Chen exchanged a few polite words with Iron Fan True Monarch, then turned around and went to the side peak to find someone.

With his powerful divine sense at the True Monarch level, he easily found Chu Tianze meditating and cultivating in a bamboo hut.

It's worth mentioning that a Golden Core disciple was also guarding outside the house.

This can be understood as both protecting the law and taking on the responsibility of guarding it.

"Thank you for your hard work, go back and rest."

Xiao Chen released his escape light and casually took out a bottle of third-tier Yuan-replenishing pills, sending them directly to the other party with his true essence.

He had seized a lot of these things, but since absorbing demon cores was more convenient and effective for him than absorbing essence-replenishing pills, he still had several bottles left that he hadn't had a chance to use.

"Thank you for the elixir, True Lord!"

The Golden Core disciple had been guarding the place for over half a month, which was already incredibly tedious.

Hearing this, he was overjoyed, put away the elixir, and respectfully withdrew.

"Brother Xiao, you've emerged from seclusion!"

Chu Tianze appeared to be meditating and cultivating, but he was actually keeping a close eye on the outside world.

Sensing the disturbance, he opened the bamboo door a crack and peeked out.

After recognizing the person, he excitedly rushed out to greet them.

Although he hadn't been bullied in the past two weeks, he had been in an unfamiliar formation and was almost constantly watched by a Golden Core cultivator, which made him very uncomfortable.

"Judging from your expression, are you getting impatient?"

Xiao Chen cut to the chase and asked, "Why did you suddenly decide to come here to find me?"

"But what difficulties have you encountered?"

To be honest, it's quite dangerous for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to travel all the way from Moshifang City.

"Hehehe, I came here on the spirit ship of the Mozhang Sect. I have some good news to tell Brother Xiao."

Chu Tianze took out a Spirit-Nourishing Treasure Box from his pocket: "After we parted ways last time, I immediately went to look for relevant clues."

"It was quite a coincidence that an old gentleman I knew knew a relevant clue."

"I quickly followed the clues and found out that a cultivation family might have fragments of the Star Sand Wave Shield."

"And guess what? There really was a small piece of it in their house!"

As he spoke, Chu Tianze took the initiative to open the treasure box.

In the center of the bright yellow silk cloth, there was indeed a fragment the size of a fingernail.

Clearly, his luck, or rather, his fortune, is extraordinary.

It should be noted that Xiao Chen had only told him about this matter less than six months ago.

As a result, Chu Tianze successfully found a fragment in such a short time.

They even came here on their own initiative because they couldn't find anyone in Moshifang Market.

"Oh, let me see."

At first glance, Xiao Chen was 90% certain that the fragment was genuine.

However, just to be on the safe side, he still took it and checked it.

The result was as expected: the fragment came from the Star Sand Wave Shield.

Moreover, this is not just an ordinary fragment.

Its front is printed with some incomplete patterns, and its back also has several damaged spirit patterns.

If nothing unexpected happens, it should come from the very center of the Spirit Shield.

Although it doesn't look very big, its collection value and restoration value are far greater than the large fragment I received at the Moshifang Market last time.

This efficiency can only be described with one word—amazing!

"Brother Xiao, is it real or fake?"

Chu Tianze seemed to be getting impatient to know the result.

In fact, he had already checked it several times after he got his hands on it.

However, apart from confirming that it is very sturdy and difficult to damage, nothing else can be seen.

"Indeed, this is the ancient artifact fragment I've been looking for."

Xiao Chen nodded and put the fragment away: "I don't know if you've heard about the bounty on the fragment before."

"But it's all the same. According to our agreement, if you help me find the fragment, I will give you spirit stones or spirit items as a reward."

"Since you call me 'Big Brother,' I won't hide it from you."

"Although this fragment looks small, it is a core part, and compared to the previous two fragments, it should be worth at least 1.5 million spirit stones."

"What do you want to exchange for?"

As long as he could get the item, Xiao Chen didn't mind spending a little more spirit stones.

The main reason is that he now has more and more fragments in his possession, and has already collected almost two-thirds of them.

If his initial thought was to try searching first, and if that didn't work, then he would take it to the new cultivation world to refine and fuse spiritual artifacts.

Now there is every reason to change the plan and intensify efforts to find the remaining third.

Although Xiao Chen seems to have spent several million spirit stones on this thing, it seems that the expenditure is a bit too high.

However, it's important to know that if all the fragments can be collected, the ancient artifact, the Star Sand Wave Shield, can ultimately be successfully repaired.

That current expense is just a drop in the ocean.

No, to be more precise, it's just the very tip of the iceberg.

Even multiplied tenfold, it's still not worth mentioning.

Even though Xiao Chen knew in his heart that the collection process would become more and more difficult as it progressed.

It's even quite possible that you'll eventually encounter a situation where you're just missing a tiny fragment, but you just can't find it no matter what you do.

But that's a magic weapon!
Even though Xiao Chen knew in his heart that the repaired ancient magic weapon was ultimately a defective product, and its power would certainly not be as great as when it was brand new.

But that's a magic weapon!
Even though Xiao Chen knew in his heart that the repaired ancient magic weapon might have certain barriers to use.

For example, if one's cultivation level is below the Nascent Soul stage, it is impossible to effectively manipulate the power of the power.

But that's a magic weapon!
The difference between this and a spiritual artifact is far greater than the difference between a spiritual artifact and a magical artifact.

Even in the ancient times recorded in ancient books, only those who had reached the Nascent Soul stage were qualified to possess an ancient magic weapon.

Not to mention that in recent years, since there have been no fifth-order cultivators in the Compassionate Sea, magical treasures have become things that only exist in legends.

Although many people have heard of it, no one has actually seen it.

Under such circumstances, if Xiao Chen can successfully collect all the fragments of the Star Sand Wave Shield and repair it.

That would mean he had become the only cultivator in the Compassionate Sea in the last few hundred thousand years to possess a magical treasure.

This is not just a nice-sounding title.

The restored magic weapon is a genuine magic weapon, but it is qualitatively different from a spiritual artifact.

Moreover, Xiao Chen wasn't afraid of the high barrier to entry for using magic weapons, since he was very confident in his breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

Especially after learning that a peak Nascent Soul cultivator would inevitably break through on the spot during each Immortal Selection Festival in the new cultivation world, he became even more confident.

There are always such coincidences in the world.

Even a fool would know that the Holy City must have some way to increase the success rate of breakthroughs.

Under this premise.

If Xiao Chen really waits until he breaks through to the Nascent Soul stage before thinking about collecting spiritual materials and forging magic weapons.

That would be a bit too late.

Not to mention where to find fifth-tier weapon refiners, who are even fewer in number than Nascent Soul Venerables.

Where will he gather materials by then?

You should know that just to forge a fully fused spiritual weapon, you would have to spend tens of millions of spirit stones, not to mention that you would have to wait a long time to get your hands on it.

Following this logic, it's not hard to guess that the requirements for crafting a magical artifact will only be higher, and the time required will only be longer.

If you can have a magic weapon at hand when you break through to the Nascent Soul stage, even if it's just an ancient magic weapon that has been repaired.

That's still much better than having nothing at all!
In conclusion, Xiao Chen has a strong need to invest a portion of his spirit stones in this area in advance, and may even need to increase the investment depending on the circumstances.

To his surprise, Chu Tianze's face lit up with joy upon hearing this, and his breathing quickened.

Then he seemed to be thinking about something and didn't speak for a long time.

Upon closer inspection, one could see that his face was slightly flushed and his pupils were slightly dilated, making him appear very nervous.

"Don't be nervous. Just tell me what you need without hesitation."

Xiao Chen comforted him, "Even if they are rare spiritual items or specialties from various sects, it doesn't matter."

"It just so happens that the Nascent Soul Ceremony is being held this time. I can try to get it back for you."

"Even if it's something that's hard to collect, there's nothing wrong with you saying it, and I certainly won't blame you for it."

Hearing Xiao Chen's concerned words, Chu Tianze finally came to his senses.

He first swallowed subconsciously, then didn't say what kind of spirit he wanted.

Instead, he asked quite seriously, "Brother Xiao, what if I could find an even bigger fragment, three or four times the size of this one?"

"Does that mean I can exchange it for five million spirit stones?"

Goodness, they're really dreaming.

Xiao Chen smiled and shook his head: "That's not necessarily true. The value of a fragment depends mainly on its original location and the integrity of the spirit pattern."

"If it's just big in size but doesn't have many spirit patterns, it's probably only worth two or three million at most."

Why are you asking this? And in such detail?

Although I didn't hear the answer I expected, the number is still quite substantial.

Chu Tianze couldn't help but lick the corner of his mouth.

Then, with a hint of excitement, he replied, "Brother Xiao, not only did I obtain a fragment of the Star Sand Wave Shield, but I also tracked down another crucial clue."

Xiao Chen was stunned upon hearing this, and immediately gasped: "Hiss~, the kind that's three or four times bigger than this one?"

Although he initially sought Chu Tianze's help to collect the fragments, he believed that Chu Tianze could accomplish this task more easily than other cultivators.

But isn't this efficiency a bit too exaggerated?
It should be noted that Xiao Chen had read almost all the books in the collections of the major sects in the Compassionate Sea.

In the end, they couldn't find even a single word.

Chu Tianze, however, did not have such conditions. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he could only rely on various rumors, some true and some false, to inquire about.

In this situation, he was not only able to find clues, but also to find two clues in succession.

Is this...is this reasonable?
But then again, doesn't this mean I'm one step closer to collecting all the fragments?
"You little rascal, why didn't you tell me about this good news sooner!"

Xiao Chen feigned anger and urged, "Hurry up and show it to me, quick!"

Upon hearing this, Chu Tianze scratched his head sheepishly: "Brother Xiao, I haven't had a chance to get my hands on that bigger fragment yet."

"Actually, both of these fragments are related to the same cultivation family."

"I only found out after I went there that they originally had a large fragment, but it had a crack on it."

"Later, due to improper storage, it broke into two pieces of different sizes."

"The smaller piece was kept in the family warehouse and kept as a family heirloom passed down through generations."

"The other, larger piece, was kept and studied by successive clan chiefs in order to figure out what wonderful uses this ancestral treasure had."

"As a result, in the early years, a clan leader went out to train and happened to encounter the opening of the Earth Dragon Ruins, so he went inside to explore with his companions."

"Once they went in, they never came out again."

"The other clansmen did not find any fragments among the relics, so it is speculated that they were probably carried with them and then lost in the Earth Dragon Ruins."

"So if we want to continue the investigation, we should go into the Earth Dragon Ruins and try to retrieve the items."

The Star Sand Wave Shield had already been broken into pieces hundreds of thousands of years ago.

It's normal for some changes to occur along the way during such a long period of time.

After Chu Tianze finished explaining the clues, he deliberately paused for a moment to allow Xiao Chen time to process them.

Then he added, "But now there's a problem: there are only two ways to get into the Earth Dragon Ruins."

"Either wait for the window of opportunity that opens every hundred years to explore, at which time all cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage can go in for adventure."

"However, the last time the Earth Dragon Ruins were opened was fifty-seven years ago, and we will have to wait another forty-three years."

"Either we must find the forbidden flag left by the original owner of the site to a destined person."

"Then we'll use the forbidden flag to get in early and explore."

Chu Tianze explained the problem he was facing.

Then he revealed the most important reason for his visit: "According to the rumors I've heard from various sources, there may be a flag that breaks the ban at the large auction to be held in the second half of the year."

"However, I am not qualified to participate in the auction, so I would like to ask Brother Xiao to help me with the bidding."

"If it's convenient, I'd also like to go along and broaden my horizons."

At this point, Chu Tianze smiled sheepishly again: "Since I came to the Sea of ​​Compassion, I haven't been able to participate in an auction yet."

"I imagine that at such a top-tier auction, one can certainly see many rare and wonderful items."

In fact, there are many small auctions in the cultivation world.

Unfortunately, Chu Tianze arrived at the wrong time, just in time for the sea tribe's invasion, which disrupted the order of the entire Compassionate Sea.

As a result, I have never been able to attend any auctions.

"Hiss~, wait a minute, let me sort this out first."

Xiao Chen re-examined the current situation: "You mean you found a clue about the fragment, but you can't get into the Earth Dragon Ruins?"

"So now you want to go into the ruins to find the larger, lost fragment."

"You also want to attend the auction in the second half of the year, right?"

Chu Tianze nodded first, indicating that this was his meaning.

Then he shook his head: "Actually, I don't have to go to the auction."

"I came here this time thinking that since you're so capable, Brother Xiao, you might be able to find the seller in advance and then intercept the forbidden flag directly."

"That way we won't have to participate in the bidding."

"I can also go to the Earth Dragon Ruins to look for the lost fragments sooner."

Oh, so that's what you meant.

Xiao Chen now fully understood: "Actually, it's okay to participate in the bidding. I've never lost a bid at an auction."

"And we still don't know if your news is true or false."

"However, I also have a forbidden flag, and it happens to be related to the Earth Dragon Ruins."

As he spoke, Xiao Chen took out a small wooden box and opened it on the spot.

Inside was a small triangular flag and a parchment scroll with a nautical chart marking the exact location of the Earth Dragon Ruins.

Actually, this thing was a trophy I got from the human traitor 'Copper King' after I killed him.

However, Xiao Chen was wary at the time and didn't know what the Earth Dragon Ruins were, so he didn't really want to take the risk.

Moreover, he was busy collecting evil energy to break through to the Nascent Soul stage at that time.

So they didn't go to explore the Earth Dragon Ruins, and therefore didn't use the broken forbidden flag.

After he successfully broke through, he learned in the Tiangang Sect's scripture pavilion that only cultivators below the Nascent Soul stage could enter the Earth Dragon Ruins.

Otherwise, they will be restricted and directly isolated from the outside.

So he completely gave up the idea of ​​going there to take a look.

Looking back now, it really was a coincidence.

If Xiao Chen had already used the broken forbidden flag back then, he might still have to find out the situation now and investigate whether that rumor was reliable.

However, by a twist of fate, he left behind this tattered forbidden flag.

Now I can hand it over directly to Chu Tianze: "The source of this thing is relatively reliable."

"Why don't you take it and try it out first?"

"I will also keep an eye on the auction for you."

"If there are other flags that break the ban, then bring one back."

(End of this chapter)