Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 444 Crossing the Kunpeng Sea Again - Entering the Black Iron Cave

Because the spirit boat of Pudu Temple was extremely fast.

Therefore, it did not take long for them to reach the westernmost part of the Sea of ​​Compassion, where they saw the famous spectacular sight of the Sea of ​​Ashes.

It was early morning, and the sky was not yet fully bright.

On the contrary, one can see more clearly the magnificent sight of lava gushing out from beneath the sea surface year-round.

Crimson-gold flames surged up, dyeing the vast expanse of waves before them a molten amber hue.

Amidst the surging waves, shimmering gold light danced, making it impossible to distinguish whether it came from lava or the dawn.

The morning mist and sulfurous haze intertwined, forming a crimson veil that lingered over the sea.

"I have long heard of the magnificent scenery of the Jin Hai Sea, where at dawn and dusk, the rosy clouds reflect on the sea, and clouds and mist rise and gather."

This was the first time that Zen Master Fazhao had come here. Standing at the bow of the boat and gazing into the distance, he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Today I have seen it, and it is truly like heavenly fire falling into the sea."

"It has the graceful posture of a Vermilion Bird with drooping wings and the soaring posture of a Fire Phoenix, which is truly dazzling and mesmerizing."

Xiao Chen was much calmer than him, after all, strictly speaking, he had already been here three times before.

Even the most beautiful scenery becomes commonplace after you've seen it many times.

He had a vague feeling that the Jin Hai he saw this time was somewhat different from the previous times.

However, perhaps it's just because of the fog that it looks a bit unfamiliar.

"We should now be on the south side."

Xiao Chen surveyed the surroundings and then gave directions: "First, head north along the Jinhai Sea. It should take about 30,000 li to get there."

Upon hearing this, Zen Master Jinghua immediately waved the array flag in his hand, and the spirit boat quickly turned and headed north.

Before long, the daily morning surge of spiritual energy began to blow in from the east.

During this period, which resembles a tide, the concentration of spiritual energy in the world rises rapidly, generally a level higher than at other times.

As the concentration of spiritual energy increased, the lava erupting on the western seabed suddenly became even more violent.

"Hmm, is there some movement?"

Xiao Chen and the others immediately noticed the loud 'boom' that followed.

Turning my head, I saw pillars of fire gushing out from the cracks in the ground, as if hundreds of fire dragons were dancing in the sea.

The terrifyingly high temperature instantly steamed up a white fog that seemed to blot out the sky, the dense moisture being hundreds or thousands of times more concentrated than the sparse morning mist.

In the blink of an eye.

The entire sea area, along with the spirit ship where Xiao Chen was, was completely shrouded in mist, as if they were in another world.

"Strange, I've never heard of clouds and mist in the Ember Sea."

Zen Master Fazhao's eyes widened, his first thought being to recall if he had missed any relevant descriptions while reading the book.

But it's clear that it wasn't that he wasn't paying attention.

However, for a considerable period of time, no similar incidents had been reported near the Sea of ​​Ember.

When people mention this place, they often only talk about the amber-colored sea and the damp sea breeze carrying the smell of sulfur.

Xiao Chen was also a little surprised at this moment, wondering if he had come at the wrong time the previous times.

Because I missed the Reiki surge, I unfortunately missed witnessing this scene.

Otherwise, how could such a large-scale anomaly suddenly occur here?
It is worth mentioning that although the nearby white fog has rapidly expanded to both sides for thousands of miles.

However, this fog or water vapor can only obstruct vision, but it does not interfere with the cultivator's spiritual sense.

After all, they were formed by high-temperature evaporation, not by some kind of magic or disaster.

Therefore, Xiao Chen could still use his divine sense, which had expanded to a radius of two thousand miles, to continue directing the spirit boat to travel north.

Then he precisely located the underwater canyon where he had obtained the Yang Fire Fiend.

Having already had the experience of diving into lava to search once, this time they arrived at the hollow very smoothly.

At first, Xiao Chen habitually activated the "Fire Absorption Treasure Scroll" to absorb the surrounding fire energy.

However, he soon discovered that after breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage, this level of fire energy could no longer penetrate his true essence barrier.

For Zen Master Jingchen and others, it was even easier.

As is well known, a fourth-level Zen master can manifest a layer of Buddha light around their body. This is not just something to be admired; it can produce many wondrous uses as one's cultivation level increases.

Even the Zen Master Fazhao, who had only recently broken through to the fourth level, was no exception.

Simply by using the Buddha's light to protect oneself, one can easily penetrate deep into the magma, unafraid of the surrounding high temperature and heat.

"This is the place where the Yang Fire Evil was discovered on the spot."

Xiao Chen pointed and roughly drew a circle: "However, there isn't enough time yet, so no new Yang Fire Sha has been generated."

Zen Master Jingchen was prepared for this.

Therefore, he first bowed and thanked him, saying, "It's no trouble at all. This humble monk thanks Fellow Daoist Xiao for his help."

Then he instructed, "Junior Brother Jinghua, come and help set up the array plate. We'll start by checking from the right side."

“Brother Fazhao, use the recording stone to record and preserve the specific environment here.”

Seeing that they were getting busy, Xiao Chen took a few steps back and stood behind Zen Master Fazhao.

Actually, he could have left by now, but since he was already here, there was no need to rush.

I waited patiently for a few more quarters of an hour and carefully watched the process at Pudu Temple.

In particular, I observed their various methods of investigating suspicious areas.

It's important to know that Xiao Chen wasn't just watching the show.

Only by gaining a deep understanding of detection methods can we effectively conduct counter-detection when needed in the future.

It must be said that while major powers have complicated rules, their corresponding detection methods are also quite diverse.

For example, Zen Master Jingchen used the detection array and specially made Buddhist artifacts he carried with him to determine that several groups of people had indeed come to this place one after another.

Various protective and detection spells were cast inside, leaving behind different traces of the spells.

Some relatively fresh traces were even observed.

It can be basically determined that around the beginning of last year, at least two other people must have come here looking for evil energy.

"It seems that it was thanks to Layman Xiao that the yang energy of this place was collected in advance, which made the two later arrivals miss their target."

Zen Master Jinghua couldn't help but sigh, "If they were to take away the evil energy first, the consequences would be unimaginable."

Zen Master Jingchen nodded: "What you say is very true, Junior Brother."

He also added, "However, judging from the traces left at the scene, one of the two people used a protective spell from the Mozhang Sect to resist the attack of the fire."

"The other person looks somewhat unfamiliar; it seems they are using some kind of uncommon talisman."

"Junior Brother Fazhao, please take another recording stone to record this matter. When you return later, you can hand this matter over to the Mozhang Sect along with the recording stone to investigate the traitors."

To be honest, that's pretty impressive.

It's important to understand that the traces they're referring to now are from over a year ago, almost two years ago.

However, they can still identify the sect they belong to, thereby obtaining additional clues.

Hmm~, wait a minute, if that's the case, does that mean the new cultivation world is even more powerful?

Xiao Chen suddenly realized that he had already made two moves over there.

Doesn't that mean that if the Holy City were to investigate, they would soon discover traces of the Soaring Palm technique in both battles?

In this way, they can deduce that the same Nascent Soul cultivator participated in both battles.

Based on the situation on the ground, one can even conclude that they are the only person involved in the battle.

Good heavens, thankfully the spell I used should be considered a relatively uncommon spell in the new cultivation world.

Therefore, they cannot directly determine their origins through magic.

Otherwise, we would probably have been exposed by now.

Hey, wait!

Xiao Chen suddenly remembered that the cultivation technique he was currently practicing came from the Guiyun Sect.

If that's the case, then you'll have to be careful not to reveal in the new cultivation world that you've learned the "Disaster Relief and Misfortune Transfer Technique".

Otherwise, it will leave the other party with a point of suspicion that can be investigated.

And not just in the new cultivation world.

In the future, no matter where you are, whenever you want to disguise your identity.

It is best to proactively replace several spells that have not been publicly used before, and to use spiritual artifacts that have not been used before.

This way, it won't be easily exposed.

Very good, Xiao Chen nodded in satisfaction. This trip was definitely worthwhile.

An hour later, Zen Master Jingchen and his companions, having found nothing, finally prepared to return home.

"Fellow Daoist Xiao, aren't you going back together?"

Seeing that Xiao Chen showed no intention of boarding the ship after emerging from the cave, Zen Master Jinghua asked curiously, "Can we take you back to Cangming Market first?"

"Then we'll go to the next place."

Now that we've brought the person out, we're naturally responsible for sending them back.

"Um, no need to trouble yourself. I happen to have some personal business nearby."

Xiao Chen waved his hand: "It's not far from here, you can go there yourself."

Since that was the case, the other party did not stay any longer.

After exchanging farewells, Zen Master Jinghua waved his battle flag and took the lead in steering the spirit boat further north.

Judging from their appearance, they must have gathered a lot of information and are now heading to the next place where evil energy might exist to try their luck.

With the strength of Pudu Temple, as long as they are determined to find it, it will definitely be much easier for them than for Xiao Chen.

It's estimated that it will only be a matter of time before all the evil energy within the Compassion Sea is completely wiped out.

Fortunately, they acted relatively late.

If it had happened a few years earlier, Xiao Chen would probably have had a hard time gathering all five elements of malevolent energy.

However, on the other hand, if he hadn't formed his Nascent Soul, perhaps the sea creatures wouldn't have been forced to use the Thirty-Six Revolutions Cold Smoke Golden Talisman, and they wouldn't be searching for evil energy now.

Hmm, now that I think about it...

It seems that Master Jingchen and others were forced to travel around on missions to investigate evil energy because of him.

No, no, no, you can't think like that.

Xiao Chen shook his head; this was none of his business.

After watching the spirit ship of Pudu Temple disappear into the horizon, he determined his location and then continued westward, crossing the Sea of ​​Ashes and leaving the territory of the Sea of ​​Compassion.

Then, following the route he took to get here, he crossed the Kunpeng Sea again.

In fact, Xiao Chen is now a Nascent Soul True Monarch, so he can be more daring.

There's no need to be as cautious and evasive as when you were in the Golden Core stage. Whether it's the territory of a fourth-tier demon, a dangerous place that could easily kill a Golden Core cultivator, or the Frosty Mist Lock that forced him to take a detour back then, etc.

Most of the dangers he once faced are no longer obstacles for him.

As long as you avoid the very few super-large natural disasters, you can basically withstand the rest by relying on your strength, and you can even consider doing some jungle clearing on the side.

But Xiao Chen still chose the original route.

It wasn't for any other reason than to visit an old friend.

Only three days have passed.

Xiao Chen then saw again the dark purple algae that stretched for thousands of miles on the sea surface.

Unfortunately, it was daytime this time, and the faint light spots at the tips of the algae leaves were suppressed by the sunlight, so we couldn't see that beautiful scene of stars reflected in the water again.

He continued forward and soon saw the willow tree, about six zhang tall, in the center of the algae.

"Tsk, it seems to have shrunk a lot."

In Xiao Chen's memory, it was a colossal tree standing on the sea, with tens of thousands of willow branches.

But now that they meet again, although the results of his divine sense investigation tell him that the willow tree in front of him is still six zhang tall.

But in my heart, it felt like it was just a slightly larger tree.

That's it.

I have seen many sea monsters that are hundreds of feet long, and even giant sea beasts that are thousands of feet long.

The size of six zhang (approximately 33 meters) no longer brought Xiao Chen the same shock as before.

"Hiss~, it really does feel like things have changed."

Looking at the weeping willow from afar, Xiao Chen suddenly felt that he had grown so much again.

He absorbed a wave of malevolent energy from the outside, only to be strangled by willow branches. He escaped thanks to the Night's Edge.

Even after running a thousand miles in one breath, he could still feel the strong spiritual energy fluctuations in the distance.

But now, he can come back on his own initiative and even approach the tree trunk with ease.

Do you remember me?

Xiao Chen landed in front of the giant willow tree: "When I ran away, I said I would come back to see you."

"Now I'm here to fulfill my promise."

The willow tree did not speak. It was not a demon, and it was not very lucky to have obtained any opportunity, so it had not yet developed true intelligence.

Upon sensing the approach of prey, their instincts compelled them to unleash a burst of energy from the willow branches and launch an attack.

"Oh dear, this is not how you treat a guest."

Xiao Chen easily blocked all the willow branches with the Four Symbols Mountain Suppression Shield: "I came back to see you out of kindness, and you not only don't appreciate it, but you also turn your back on me."

To be honest, he originally planned to come and cut down trees to obtain spiritual materials once he had the ability.

However, upon arriving here, it became clear that this willow tree, aside from the coincidence of being able to generate malevolent energy, had nothing particularly special about it.

Even if you cut it down directly, you'd probably only get a piece of ordinary fourth-tier spirit wood.

At most, you'll gain an extra tree heart; other than that, there's no other benefit.

"Should we keep it to continue generating evil energy?"

After thinking about it for a moment, Xiao Chen realized that from a certain perspective, the Sea Willow Demon was much more precious than a piece of ordinary fourth-order spirit wood.

Anyway, I don't need this piece of spirit wood now.

Instead of cutting it off completely, we should take a gradual approach.

"Be good, don't move."

Xiao Chen reached out and grabbed one of the willow branches, then took out the Xin Jin Bao Gourd and collected all the Yin energy inside.

Then, following the same method, they quickly collected a great deal of malevolent energy.

The giant willow's canopy trembled violently, and nearly 100,000 green willow branches and roots simultaneously lashed out at the "Four Symbols Mountain-Suppressing Cover".

However, it was to no avail; it could not stop the flow of the evil energy at all.

"Well, I'll leave you some room to protect yourself, lest a powerful demon passing by eat you."

Seeing that the gourd was nearly half full, much more than the Yang Fire Qi he had previously stored, Xiao Chen stopped and said, "I'm leaving now, but don't worry about me."

"Stay here and work hard to produce more malevolent energy."

"If I have time in the future, I will come back to see you."

He even waved to the willow tree before breaking through the surrounding willow branches and continuing his journey towards the storm sea.

The giant willow struggled to wave its long branches to block the flow, but it couldn't stop it at all.

It did look like they were waving goodbye.

Of course, if it could develop sentience, it probably wouldn't think about saying goodbye; instead, it would hope that Xiao Chen would never come again.

They then traveled for about three more days.

Unlike the first half of the journey, which was almost the same as the way there.

In the latter half, Xiao Chen took the initiative to change his direction and headed straight for the cave left behind by the Black Iron Venerable.

As a result, he did indeed encounter many unexpected situations that he had not encountered before.

Including, but not limited to, he encountered a super-large thunderstorm along the way, which was still expanding, causing him to take a slightly longer route.

Not long after, they encountered a sea boiling event, but they managed to get through it by relying on the "Four Symbols Mountain Suppressing Cover".

Then they even encountered a four-dimensional great white shark that was over two hundred feet long.

This great shark is no ordinary creature; its fins alone are over thirty feet long.

Fortunately, Xiao Chen learned a relatively basic spiritual material processing technique from Yuntao Sword Pavilion, which is called "Yuntao Suppressing Spirit Technique".

Although he wasn't very proficient, he was only at a beginner level.

But that's enough to initially refine it to a size of three zhang (approximately 10 meters), and then put it into a storage ring.

Xiao Chen even stopped and searched the surrounding area.

However, they did not find any other fourth-tier demons, and even only encountered one Golden Core Sea Fish; the rest seemed to have been eaten by that great shark.

"Huh, why are there wild flying swords here?"

While passing by a rare deserted island, Xiao Chen discovered that there was a flying sword in the center of the island that looked almost undamaged.

There were almost no signs of a fight around them; the flying sword had simply been left on a pile of pebbles.

Curious, he picked it up and discovered that it was actually a third-tier spiritual weapon, with ample spiritual energy remaining on it.

"It looks like it was left here two or three years ago."

Xiao Chen curiously used his divine sense to search the entire island.

However, no one was found. Only traces of a campfire and bloodstains were found on the beach not far away.

It seems that something must have happened that caused a Golden Core cultivator to abandon his flying sword and flee.

"That's really strange, how did they do that?"

Xiao Chen was very curious about this: "No matter what happened, there's no reason to leave the flying sword here, is there?"

Not to mention that for many cultivators, escaping also requires sword control techniques.

Even a cultivator who practices the Five Elements Escape Technique wouldn't discard their weapon.

However, Xiao Chen has a good habit.

That is, when faced with things that he can't figure out in a short time, or things that are too mentally taxing, he can quickly choose to give up thinking about them and get rid of the troubles.

If you can't figure it out, then stop thinking about it for now.

If it's something important, you'll find out sooner or later.

As for unimportant things, they're not important anyway.

After casually putting the found flying sword into his storage ring, Xiao Chen continued on his way.

They rushed to the sea area they had seen in their mind after choosing Hextech.

"Let me see. Hmm, all the details and locations match up. This is most likely the place."

Xiao Chen carefully compared the information, then released his divine sense to search for the location of the cave.

He actually knew that the cave was hidden on the seabed, next to a large, oval-shaped rock.

But what's amazing is that whether he directly probes with his divine sense or stands outside the cave and reaches out to touch the rocks or seaweed, he can do it all.

No one could sense the existence of the cave.

"It looks so real! If I were just passing by here normally, I would never have noticed that there was a hidden cave."

Xiao Chen sighed and took out the token.

When the token appeared near the cave, the seemingly real rocks and seaweed immediately vanished into thin air.

Instead, a deep passage appeared.

The passage was pitch black, and there was no idea where it led.

More importantly, it is filled with powerful restrictions. These restrictions not only suppress divine sense, but also limit cultivators' ability to fly and use escape techniques.

In other words, if you want to get inside, you can only choose to walk in step by step.

If an ordinary cultivator saw this situation, they would inevitably hesitate and have some doubts.

However, Xiao Chen trusted his Hextech completely. Since it had given him a token, it couldn't be wrong.

So he confidently stepped inside and walked in.

After walking for several miles, the passage finally turned three times in a row, leading him to a huge black iron gate.

The door was made entirely of black iron and emitted a faint, cold light.

The surface is covered with intricate patterns, each line flowing with a faint spiritual light, illuminating the entire passage with its intermittent brightness.

In the very center of the gate, there is a circular protrusion that is a foot long.

In the very center of the protrusion, there is a horizontal indentation.

In terms of size, it matches the token Xiao Chen received perfectly.

As clever as Xiao Chen was, he immediately realized that this was a lock, and the way to unlock it was to put the token inside as a key.

So he immediately placed the token on the door.

With a crisp "click," the entire circular protrusion suddenly emitted a bluish light and slowly rotated half a circle counterclockwise.

Immediately afterwards, the heavy door hinges made a dull thud, and the two iron doors, as if pushed by an invisible hand, slowly parted to the sides.

A long-dormant air wafted towards us.

The first thing that comes into view is a stone tablet that is over ten feet tall.

The surface of the stele is engraved with two lines of large seal script characters with sharp strokes, and below it is a densely packed piece of tiny regular script.

(End of this chapter)