Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 437 Then I don't want it either. Then I'll go help.
In less than two hours, the group had dismantled all the recyclable spiritual items.

As a large-scale formation, it naturally uses more than twenty-seven fourth-tier spiritual materials.

However, the rest were melted into the array base, and even if forcibly dismantled, they could not be restored; instead, the array base itself would be damaged for nothing.

Therefore, after everything was sorted out, the next step was to divide it up.

After Zhang Shouquan left, there were still seven people on the island. If each person received four items, the twenty-seven spiritual items would obviously not be evenly distributed.

So Xiao Chen thought for a moment and took the initiative to propose a fairer distribution plan: "Since we're all on the same side, I'll be frank. I want that piece of Earth Mother Heavy Marrow Jade."

"This should be the most valuable item."

"So as compensation, everyone will be divided into four rounds to choose one spiritual item in turn, and I will withdraw early in the last round."

What do you all think?

To put it simply, he offered three spiritual items, but he wanted to take the most valuable one, the Earth Mother's Heavy Marrow Jade.

In the cultivation world, this is considered a very fair distribution plan.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, I... I don't want it."

Mingxiao Zhenjun looked at the spiritual object in front of him with a hint of reluctance, but he still chose to give it up: "Like I said, I was just here to join in the fun."

"I didn't contribute when breaking the formation, so I have no right to share the spoils."

"I just need to take one of the array bases back as a souvenir later."

Mingxiao Zhenjun's words sounded a bit strange at first glance, and even a bit impulsive, like a young man trying to save face by slapping himself in the face.

But in fact, he had already given it careful consideration.

Don't underestimate the fact that fourth-tier spiritual items are priceless treasures for ordinary cultivators.

Even with spirit stones in hand, there's nowhere to buy them, because very few people are willing to sell them.

However, in reality, each of the major powers has its own stable channels for producing ordinary fourth-tier spiritual items.

To put it bluntly, ordinary fourth-tier spiritual items are not that precious to a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

What they really care about are those rare spiritual items that cannot be produced reliably, and which are even rarer with each use.

For example, things like Earth Mother's Heavy Marrow Jade or Azure Phoenix's Burned Feather Ash.

However, it is clear that even if the three good items, including the fourth-order Yin Spirit Heart, were divided equally, they would not be available to True Monarch Mingxiao.

Therefore, he simply withdrew from the allocation, choosing instead to leave everyone, especially Xiao Chen, with a good impression of being humble, sensible, and not competing or vying for anything from beginning to end.

"Haha, that's what I think too."

The Hundred Apertures True Lord also spoke up: "Just now in the hall, I personally said 'I don't want anything,' so we can't go back on our word so soon."

Ok?
No, you're really here for sightseeing?

Xiao Chen was somewhat surprised to hear this. They had seen real spiritual objects, so how could the atmosphere still be so harmonious?
Many independent cultivators often quarrel and even become enemies over valuable spiritual items when they go on adventures together.

On some occasions, they might even resort to assassination to monopolize the benefits.

Now that a bunch of fourth-tier spiritual items are laid out in front of them, some people are actually willing to give up their share.

It truly made him realize the unevenness of the world.

But it's not over yet.

“These array bases look pretty good. If you don’t mind, I’d like to help Senior Brother Gangyuan take these core array bases back with him.”

Even True Monarch Rift Sky spoke up, saying, "However, if you really think about it, the core array base is also quite valuable."

"By doing this, I've already taken advantage of everyone, so I won't participate in the distribution of these spiritual items."

Upon hearing this, Thunderbolt True Lord seemed to receive some kind of reminder.

He then continued, "During the previous great battle, our sect lost a considerable number of mid-grade spirit stones."

"Since we've happened to meet here, I'll just take the spirit item and go back with ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones."

Ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones are equivalent to one million low-grade spirit stones.

If calculated based on the auction price of ordinary fourth-tier spiritual items, it is actually roughly equivalent to three fourth-tier spiritual items.

"Then I'll choose spirit stones too."

True Monarch Ziyang also chimed in, "Recently, the sect has been setting up formations and building strongholds in the north, which is exactly the time when we need to spend spirit stones."

"If I can bring back 10,000 spirit stones after this short trip, Senior Brother Heming will praise me, hahaha."

After they finished speaking one after another, True Lord Die Lang was completely dumbfounded.

No, what do you all mean?
Nobody wants spirit objects, right?

You all don't want it, right? Then I don't want it either!

Die Lang Zhenjun immediately looked around at the surrounding spiritual creatures: "Oh dear, none of the spiritual creatures here have anything to do with swordsmanship."

"Actually, I've always been quite fond of the upper jawbone of that swordfish, but I've always been too embarrassed to say it."

"If Fellow Daoist Xiao doesn't mind, I'd like to shamelessly exchange that maxilla."

To him, that maxilla was worth no less than three ordinary fourth-tier spiritual items, and perhaps even more.

However, to Xiao Chen, they were all ordinary fourth-tier spiritual materials, with almost no difference between them.

In other words, this exchange was a huge win for him, and he had no reason to refuse: "No problem, I don't need that maxilla anyway."

So, after exchanging a fourth-tier spiritual material...

Xiao Chen discovered that the twenty-seven spiritual items and three thousand four hundred and twenty-six mid-grade spirit stones he had dismantled were all his own.

This is no longer a matter of whether the atmosphere is harmonious or not.

Their relationship could only be described as brotherly love and harmony, so close it was almost unbelievable.

But to be fair, they all voluntarily gave up sharing the spiritual items; no one threatened them not to take them.

So Xiao Chen accepted it without hesitation.

With a wave of his hand, he put everything into the Vast Ocean Ring.

At the same time, as the large formation collapsed, the dark clouds in the sky also began to dissipate.

In an instant, the rain intensified over a radius of thousands of miles, as if it were rushing to exhaust all the dark clouds.

Moreover, as the heavy rain continued to fall, it also began to spread rapidly outwards.

The coverage area quickly doubled, but it also lost its original corrosiveness and became ordinary rainwater.

As the clouds gradually dispersed, they became noticeably thinner.

It is estimated that in less than two hours, this heavy rain that has lasted for six and a half years will come to an end.

This means that the team's mission to investigate the unusual celestial phenomena has come to an end.

Instead of standing around waiting for the rain to stop, the group immediately used their spiritual energy to return to the ship.

While turning the boat around to prepare for return, the ship deliberately slowed down so that all the lords could sit at the tables and chairs at the bow, enjoy tea, and appreciate the rain.

In fact, if you think about it carefully, this expedition was actually the first time that many newly promoted True Monarchs had left their fellow disciples to travel far away after breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage.

Therefore, at this time, their states of mind were quite different.

However, Xiao Chen did not choose to stay outside to watch the rain, but went directly into the small attic in the middle.

He didn't feel anything about it; instead, he was thinking about starting to cultivate the newly acquired True Essence Secret Technique as soon as possible.

But as soon as he sat cross-legged, he felt a light prick in his chest from a needle.

"Ok?"

Xiao Chen subconsciously looked down and found it was the same gold hairpin from before.

Before the restriction is lifted, this thing cannot be stored in a storage ring; it can only be kept in one's bosom.

So he immediately decided that before he began cultivating, he should first break the restrictions on the golden hairpin and figure out what it was used for.

The ancient restrictions are actually quite different from the restrictions of today.

However, this was no challenge for Xiao Chen.

With his extraordinary true essence, he broke through the outermost restriction in less than two hours.

Then, in about fifteen minutes, the initial refining of the hairpin was completed.

That's right, it's only the initial refining stage.

Xiao Chen unexpectedly discovered that there was actually an even more complex and sophisticated internal restriction inside this thing.

After completing the initial refining, the cultivator can only unleash a portion of the golden hairpin's power.

The second layer of restrictions inside must be broken to unleash the full power of the golden hairpin.

Well, assuming this thing doesn't have a third restriction.

"Who invented this design? And what was their purpose?"

Xiao Chen was speechless: "It's clearly just a spiritual artifact, but they insist on making it sound like a magic weapon. Isn't that just pure nonsense!"

He had previously learned from ancient books that some magical artifacts would have multiple layers of restrictions.

Only by refining each layer can the full power of the magic weapon be unleashed.

But that's a magic weapon!

This broken hairpin has no destiny to be a magical treasure, yet it has acquired the ailment of one.

Xiao Chen was at a loss for words: "I really can't understand it. What's the point of doing this?"

Realistically speaking, doing this is indeed unnecessary.

However, if we consider not only practicality but also other aspects, then it still has some significance.

Because with this design, it looks more like a magical artifact.

For people with specific needs, the mere resemblance to a magical artifact is enough reason.

Xiao Chen naturally realized this as well, and became even more speechless.

To put it nicely, this means that cultivators in ancient times had quite a bit of leisure and refined tastes.

They're willing to do things that are flashy but impractical.

Fortunately, although Xiao Chen had only completed the initial refining, he was already able to figure out the type and general function of this thing.

This gold hairpin is a defensive magical artifact.

It can be activated when needed, forming a spiritual energy shield that looks like a blooming hibiscus flower beside oneself.

Furthermore, spiritual materials or artifact patterns related to divine consciousness have been added to it.

Wearing it on your head regularly can also help to nourish your spirit.

Not only that, this thing also has a third rather strange effect.

That is, when a cultivator injects true essence into it, it can also emit a very conspicuous spiritual light.

However, although the aura is conspicuous, the light itself is very soft, and it is not dazzling even when looked at directly.

As the amount of spiritual energy injected gradually increases, the light will change from its initial pure white color to pink, and finally to bright red.

Just like the color of the hibiscus flower changes three times a day.

Xiao Chen's assessment of this was—utterly baffling.

At first, he thought this spiritual light could help in the battle.

However, it was soon discovered that it neither dazzled the eyes nor offered any defensive capabilities.

Then Xiao Chen pondered whether there was some hidden mechanism within it that could provide some kind of auxiliary effect. For example, could it expose concealment techniques or dispel poisonous fog?

However, after simple testing, several common possibilities were ruled out.

"Hi~!"

Xiao Chen gasped: "Could it be that it's just for looks?"

Under normal circumstances, he would never think in that direction.

However, considering that the hairpin itself is not very normal.

He now had to wonder if this conspicuous yet inexplicable flash of inspiration had any hidden effect at all.

"Wait, I think I understand!"

Thinking about it from the perspective of simply wanting it to look good, Xiao Chen immediately realized another possibility: "So, could this be a ceremonial object?"

"The main purpose of the initial design was to make it look nice and easy to give as a gift."

"Making it look like a magical artifact and adding this inexplicable spiritual light is simply to make it look more sophisticated and better-looking."

After realizing that it might be a ceremonial object, Xiao Chen examined the patterns on the gold hairpin from a different angle.

It must be admitted that its workmanship is indeed exquisite.

Not only is it exquisite at first glance, but if you look closely, you can also find that many details are also very well designed.

This essentially confirms the speculation about ritual objects.

"Sigh, what a pity!"

Xiao Chen was slightly disappointed; he had been hoping to find some good stuff like a talisman.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a pretty but useless ritual object.

Thinking of this, he didn't even bother to study the subsequent restrictions, and directly put it into his storage ring.

After all, the second layer of restrictions is not only more complex, but it is also located inside the hairpin, making it even more difficult to break.

It's better not to refine it at all. This will save time in breaking the restriction and make it easier to remove the refining process in the future, and then auction it off or give it away to someone else.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Chen took a deep breath.

With the help of a clear mind, one can quickly enter a state of tranquility and focus, freeing oneself from distracting thoughts.

Then, following the guidance of "Yu Feng's Random Notes," he began to cultivate this unique Yellow-level True Essence Secret Technique.

To be honest, after trying it out, I felt that the True Essence Secret Technique wasn't too difficult. You just need to try compressing spiritual energy in the correct order.

The steps or process are obviously quite complicated, and it takes a long time to learn it once.

Nevertheless, Xiao Chen successfully entered the basics of cultivation in less than eight days.

According to his own estimation, the quality of his true essence should have doubled on top of its already very solid foundation.

As a Yellow-level secret technique, "Jade Peak Notes" has four levels: beginner, minor mastery, proficiency, and mastery.

If Xiao Chen continues to cultivate as he is now, he should be able to increase his cultivation from one time to two times, three times, or even up to five times.

However, any skill is easy at first and difficult later. It is relatively simple to get started, but extremely difficult to master.

Dacheng is too far away, so we don't need to consider it for now.

For now, it's advisable to prioritize aiming for the Lesser Completion and Mastery levels.

After all, once the quality of true essence is strong, it can not only amplify the power of spells, but also slightly reduce the difficulty when breaking through bottlenecks.

Even though it's only a little bit, it's still better than nothing.

In particular, many cultivators fail in their breakthrough process because they are just a little bit off at the crucial moment.

"Unfortunately, the strength of one's true essence does not seem to affect the spiritual fire held by the cultivator."

Xiao Chen sighed softly: "So even if one cultivates the Jade Peak Notes to perfection, it cannot amplify the Big Dipper Spirit Fire."

In fact, not only his True Essence Secret Technique, but also his Hextech Ability cannot amplify the Big Dipper Spirit Fire.

Fortunately, it is already powerful enough to easily deal with ancient monsters.

Therefore, before Xiao Chen breaks through to the fifth rank, there should be no need to consider how to strengthen himself.

"Now that we've compressed our true essence, why don't we go out and find something to try it out?"

Feeling the now more refined true essence within his body, Xiao Chen couldn't help but think of finding something to practice on.

His gaze swept over the vases, teacups, and jade ornaments in the attic, before he eliminated them one by one.

Inanimate objects are meaningless; it would be great if I could bump into a fourth-tier demon right now.

Only through actual combat can one truly appreciate the increased spell power resulting from improved True Essence quality.

Where are we now?

Xiao Chen went directly to the bow deck and asked for directions.

"We entered Tingtao Sea yesterday, and we should be halfway there now."

True Lord Mingxiao responded promptly: "If everything goes smoothly, we should be able to return in two more days."

The return journey was significantly faster than the arrival.

The main reason is that we just went on the route, so we are more familiar with the conditions along the way. Also, we don't have to worry about encountering unexpected situations on the return trip, so we can go faster.

"We're already here. I'll take a stroll around Tingtao Market later."

Xiao Chen immediately became interested: "You don't need to wait for me. If I see any news about the great sea monster over there, I'll go and help exorcise it."

However, despite saying that, True Lord Mingxiao and True Lord Liekong changed their course directly.

They followed the spirit ship belonging to Yuntao Sword Pavilion and changed course to Tingtao Market.

Xiao Chen initially declined, saying, "Actually, I can go by myself."

However, True Lord Ziyang said, "We also happen to be seeing off Fellow Daoist Dielang, and we were originally planning to stop at Tingtao Market."

Okay then, let's walk together for a while longer.

Xiao Chen had originally planned to activate his escape technique, but upon hearing this, he abandoned that idea and decided to hitch a ride for a while longer.

However, about half an hour later.

Before the group could even get close to Tingtao Market, they were the first to see a large cloud of fog in front of them.

"what's the situation?"

The Hundred-Aperture True Lord was somewhat surprised: "How can there be such thick fog in the middle of the day?"

True Monarch Liekong, however, had even sharper eyes. He pointed far to the right front and said, "Look, there seems to be a ghost over there."

"A calamity caused by evil spirits must have broken out here!"

Upon hearing this, True Lord Die Lang was the first to become anxious: "How could it be in this location?"

Although to strangers, the vast ocean looks almost the same, once you leave the islands, you can't tell the exact location.

However, for a local like him, it was still easy to tell that Tingtao Market was less than 20,000 li ahead.

Based on the extent of the Yin Spirit Calamity, the entire Tinglang Market should be shrouded in it by now.

"Shua~!"

A sound broke through the air.

Die Lang Zhenjun hurriedly rode his sword and rushed into the mist ahead.

He needed to get to the market as quickly as possible to take charge of the situation.

If the calamity of the Yin spirits is not handled properly, it will be a disaster with serious casualties among low-level cultivators.

However, if a high-level cultivator is present and responds promptly and correctly, it could actually turn into a good thing—hunting down the hearts of Yin spirits.

That's why True Lord Die Lang couldn't even wait that little bit of time.

He didn't know if True Lord Yunwo and the others had discovered it in time, so he wanted to hurry over and see what was going on.

"Since we've encountered this calamity caused by evil spirits, why don't we go and take a look?"

Upon seeing this, True Monarch Ziyang's eyes lit up: "It seems that the fog covers a fairly large area. Perhaps a fourth-order Yin Spirit can be born inside."

Xiao Chen was even more enthusiastic than him: "That's right, since we've encountered this situation, it's simply our duty to help!"

"Let's hurry over and see what's going on."

Isn't that just a coincidence?

I was just saying I wanted to find a fourth-tier sea fish, and then I encountered the calamity of the Yin Spirit.

These spirits, generated from yin energy, are perfect for testing with the Soaring Palm technique. Moreover, it allows for a clearer observation of the amplification brought about by the quality of true essence compared to the Azure Wave Penetrating Needle.

However, when they arrived at Tingtao Market, they saw Yunwo Zhenjun with a big smile on his face.

"Haha, I've worried you all."

The other party was clearly very happy: "However, I happened to be in the market this morning, and I used the great formation to deal with the invading Yin spirits as soon as possible."

"The market is now safe, and no low-level cultivators have died unexpectedly."

This is indeed something to be happy about. If it gets out, it can effectively prove the safety of Tingtao Market and attract more independent cultivators to settle here.

But that also means that everyone is a step too late.

"Huh, where is Fellow Daoist Die Lang?"

Baiqiao Zhenjun looked around curiously, but did not see Dielang Zhenjun who had arrived a step ahead.

"Oh, is that so?"

Yunwo Zhenjun explained, "This morning, while fighting against the invasion of Yin spirits, I also discovered two fourth-tier Yin spirits wandering around the outskirts of the market, eyeing the living people inside the market with predatory intent."

"However, after their failed attempt to break through the formation, they all retreated to the east side."

"Because someone needs to stay in the market to prevent them from returning."

"So in the morning, Senior Brother Lüshuang had to search slowly to the east by himself."

“After Junior Brother Die Lang rushed back, he said he didn’t want to guard the market for me and went to support Senior Brother Lü Shuang on the east side.”

Ok?
You mean there are indeed fourth-tier Yin spirits, but they might not have been caught yet?
Xiao Chen had initially thought that they might have just missed hunting fourth-tier Yin spirits.

Unexpectedly, the fourth-tier Yin spirit actually managed to escape after failing to attack the market!

It should be noted that low-level Yin spirits are almost all foolish; they swarm around living people and try to devour their Yang energy.

But judging from this, the fourth-tier Yin spirit seems to have regained some intelligence; at least it knows to run away.

However, most demonic beasts can transform into human form and awaken intelligence starting from the Nascent Soul stage, so perhaps the two are based on the same principle.

But none of these things matter anymore.

At this moment, the most important thing is of course to set off in time to support True Lord Die Lang.

"I see!"

Xiao Chen immediately said, "This vast fog not only affects visibility but also hinders spiritual senses, making it almost like finding a needle in a haystack to find the Yin Spirit."

"It's obviously not enough for just two people to go looking; they could easily miss it."

"Since we've run into each other, I'll go help."

After saying this, he bowed respectfully, then turned and rushed into the fog on the east side.

(End of this chapter)