Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 470 The Misunderstanding of the Mechanical Claw and the Conjecture of the Void King
Most of the time, rumors and gossip from the outside world do not reach the Three Mountains Grotto Heaven.

Because there are only so many cultivators qualified to enter and exit the grotto-heaven or to send messages.

They are not ordinary people; they would not easily believe rumors, much less spread them.

But this time was different. Xiao Chen killed five Nascent Soul True Monarchs in one battle, directly rewriting the landscape of the Eastern Region.

This greatly surprised many Nascent Soul True Monarchs who were cultivating in seclusion in the Three Mountains Grotto Heaven, and even alarmed several Nascent Soul Venerables.

East side of the cave.

Beside a large lake with a diameter of over a thousand miles, there stands an exquisite bamboo house.

In front of the bamboo house, there is a row of bamboo planks that have been fired to a dark black color, which extend to the lakeside and form a fishing platform.

On the fishing platform, there was a small stool, where an elderly man dressed in an ordinary straw raincoat sat comfortably, fishing.

To his right lay a fierce tiger with blue eyes, a white forehead, golden skin, and black stripes. Its eyes shone with spiritual light, and it naturally absorbed a large amount of spiritual energy from heaven and earth with each breath.

Judging from the amount of spiritual energy consumed, it was clearly a fourth-tier great demon in the late Nascent Soul stage.

However, he has deliberately shrunk his size so that he looks more like an orange house cat, accompanying his owner to relax by the lake.

Suddenly, the old man seemed to realize something, put down his fishing rod for a moment, and waved his hand.

A streak of light flew over from a distance with a 'whoosh' and landed in his hand.

It turned out to be a flying sword that transmits sound.

The document above contains a meticulously compiled record of everything Xiao Chen did after appearing in the Storm Sea, based on an objective perspective.

Only at the end does it include some subjective analysis, reasoning, and related rumors.

"To hold his own against five opponents shows he has exceptional talent."

After reading the telepathic flying sword, even the usually calm old man's eyes showed a hint of surprise: "What's even more remarkable is that he's only at the mid-Nascent Soul stage."

"To be able to achieve a near-overwhelming victory against a stronger opponent must require an exceptional understanding of the Way of Fire."

"Even among cultivators who follow the path of cultivation and enlightenment, he can be considered one of the best."

"Even Old Ghost Hongyun, who also followed the path of enlightenment, probably couldn't have achieved this level when he was in the Nascent Soul stage."

"This child has a bright future ahead of him!"

"As long as you are willing to work hard and persevere in the future, you will most likely not be hindered by the bottleneck of the Nascent Soul stage."

"If everything goes smoothly, perhaps within one or two hundred years, another Venerable One will be born in our Eastern Region."

Thinking of this, the old man was clearly in a good mood.

He raised his hand and gently tapped the telepathic flying sword, then tossed it outwards.

The flying sword was several times faster than it had been when it came, and it swept across the lake in an instant.

They skillfully traversed the mountains and rivers along the way, and finally arrived at a pavilion built at the very top of a towering peak.

"What you just talked about... wait?"

At this moment, Venerable Hongyun was instructing his disciples inside the building when he suddenly sensed a flying sword with a sound transmission arriving at an extremely fast speed.

He scanned the area with his divine sense and immediately became curious: "Why does the old man who fishes in the air have time to send me a message? Isn't he in seclusion?"

"Every time we meet, he keeps saying he wants to cultivate diligently,"

"In the end, he just talked about it, and when he went back, all he did was hold onto his fishing rod and waste his time."

“You lot must not follow his example; you must diligently cultivate yourselves every day.”

In fact, Venerable Hongyun also knew that for Venerable Kongdiao, fishing was also a way of cultivating himself, and it was not really a waste of time.

But this doesn't stop him from using it as an excuse to criticize the other party and, incidentally, educate his own disciples.

He habitually made a sarcastic remark about his old friend before reaching out and taking the telepathic flying sword, then reading its contents.

The content is actually not complicated.

The general idea is that the younger generation surpasses the older generation. Someone used to boast about their exceptional talent, but as the saying goes, new talents emerge in every generation, and even more talented successors have appeared in the Eastern Region.

"Xiao Chen? Extremely skilled in fire magic?"

After reading it, Venerable Hongyun couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Is it really true? I just can't believe it."

"How could such a desolate place as the Eastern Region possibly nurture a prodigy who has mastered the Great Dao of Cultivation?"

He was also a cultivator from the Eastern Region, and he had traveled extensively in his early years.

He has seen almost all the rivers, lakes and seas in different parts of the Eastern Region, and used this to comprehend the different external manifestations of the Great Way of Water.

To be honest, in all the places he had been, he had not seen an environment that was suitable for comprehending the Great Way of Fire.

Under such circumstances, how could a top-tier fire cultivator suddenly emerge in the Eastern Region?
Could they be cultivators who came from other regions?

Speaking of environment, the Southern Region does have quite a few volcanic clusters, but it only has third-tier spiritual veins, which basically do not provide the conditions for the birth of a Nascent Soul True Monarch, so it can be ruled out first.

Although there are many cultivators with fire spirit roots in the Central Region, there are no particularly well-known major forces.

Other places are too far away, so where could it be?

It's actually a bit hard to guess.

Although Venerable Hongyun found it hard to believe, he still handed the telepathic flying sword to the nearest disciple.

He then casually reprimanded them, saying, "I know some of you are unhappy that I've said you don't work hard enough."

"Perfect, today I'll show you all what level others are at."

"Don't think too highly of yourself just because you have a Heavenly Spiritual Root. Don't think that breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage within two hundred years is something extraordinary."

"Let's talk about this young friend Xiao mentioned in the intelligence report."

"In terms of age, I'm from the same generation as you."

"In terms of cultivation level, he's only at the mid-Nascent Soul stage, which is about the same as the rest of you."

"Take a good look at how others behave in public, and then ask yourselves if you can do the same."

The disciples in front of Venerable Hongyun were all taken aback by what he said.

Except for the one who was browsing the content of the telepathic flying sword, the others were somewhat dissatisfied.

You should know that they are usually the ones who are praised as geniuses, the ones who are unanimously praised as cultivation prodigies within the family.

Aside from when they first started cultivating, it had been a long time since anyone had said such things to them.

They wanted to see for themselves what abilities this Fellow Daoist Xiao, whom their master had mentioned, possessed that warranted such praise.

"Senior Brother, here you go."

The disciple who had just finished reading the intelligence looked serious and handed out the telepathic flying sword.

His reaction only fueled the curiosity of the others.

"Hi~!"

The senior disciple had only had a few breaths when he gasped and handed the telepathic flying sword to the next person: "Second junior brother, you should take a look too."

After this round of passing around, everyone fell silent.

To be honest, if this information hadn't come from Venerable Kong Diao, they would have definitely thought it was fake news, a rumor fabricated by some rogue cultivators to brag.

The people present were all from prominent backgrounds and well-read.

Some individuals belong to cultivation families with a long history, and their family library alone is better than the scripture pavilions of some small sects.

Not to mention themselves, but also the Nascent Soul cultivators in the ancient books they've read.

You can't find another monster like Xiao Chen, who, at the mid-Nascent Soul stage, fought against overwhelming odds and directly defeated a Nascent Soul Great Perfection cultivator.

Generally speaking, this occurs when there is a difference in cultivation level between the two combatants.

Even if the side with lower cultivation level launches a sneak attack, sets up an ambush in advance, or uses a powerful one-time-use spiritual weapon to assist in the battle, it is not easy for them to win.

But Xiao Chen actually chose to stand up and face the challenge head-on.

Moreover, he didn't use a single talisman from beginning to end, relying solely on his own magical cultivation to win, and it was a crushing victory.

Anyone would be confused by this!
A similar situation occurred in the very center of the Three Mountains Grotto Heaven, in a vast, continuous, and magnificent palace complex.

Moreover, the participants in the discussion were all Nascent Soul cultivators!
"So, which lineage does this young friend Xiao belong to?"

A middle-aged cultivator wearing a radiant golden crown and a robe of five elements and five colors stroked his goatee: "Could he be from the Divine Mechanism Sect?"

"But I remember that the successor of the Shenji Sect has not shown his face for a long time."

An elderly man with a thin face and a high nose, wearing a Bagua robe, shook his head slightly: "Moreover, the successors of the Shenji Sect have always acted prudently."

"They prefer to set up ambushes in advance when facing the enemy, so they probably wouldn't make such a rash move as to directly attack their door."

However, the middle-aged cultivator countered, "But apart from them, no other family has such powerful mechanical techniques."

"Although the Tianyin Sect doesn't have much foundation, it is still a mountain-protecting formation that cannot be broken by ordinary artifacts."

"Not to mention, they managed to bypass all the restrictions and capture the main force directly."

"At least as far as I know, without using magic weapons, only the ingenious mechanisms of the Divine Mechanism Sect could possibly achieve a similar effect."

His focus, however, was on the mechanical grappling hook that Xiao Chen was using.

To be honest, he truly lives up to his reputation as a Nascent Soul cultivator; his insight is indeed sharp.

I immediately saw the most powerful thing in that battle.

In fact, the destructive power represented by the mechanical claw tearing apart the protective mountain array was indeed higher than Xiao Chen's Shattering Sky and Melting Mountain Palm, which he had already mastered.

After all, this is a Hextech artifact.

Let alone the custom-made magical artifacts used by Nascent Soul True Monarchs, even the magical treasures meticulously crafted by Deity Transformation Venerables are far inferior to mechanical grappling hooks.

"I think Fellow Daoist Yaoyang is right."

Another middle-aged cultivator with his hair simply tied up and wearing a long white robe said, "As far as I know, the Shenji Sect is almost always passed down through a single successor, and often there is only one successor."

"Everyone here also has disciples."

"It is obvious that under such a system of succession, it is impossible to guarantee that the successor's character will remain consistent."

"Perhaps this generation just happens to have encountered someone who is impulsive or straightforward."

Upon hearing this, Venerable Yaoyang nodded slightly in agreement.

"If you ask me, perhaps the Shenji Sect's lineage was severed tens of thousands of years ago."

The last old man, dressed in a black dragon robe and exuding an imposing aura, spoke up: "It's just that Xiao Chen is relatively lucky."

"I unexpectedly obtained the hidden inheritance of the last generation of Shenjimen successor, barely managing to continue the lineage of Shenjimen."

After he finished speaking, the other three thought about it carefully.

The old man was the first to agree: "In my opinion, Fellow Daoist Jing's statement is clearly more reasonable."

"If this happens, it can explain why the successor of the Divine Mechanism Sect has not appeared in the world for so long, and it can also explain why the new successor acts recklessly." "Moreover, it feels like this is a good thing."

"The Divine Mechanism Sect has always acted in secrecy, precisely to conceal its ingenious mechanisms and techniques, so as not to alert others to their methods."

"For example, there is no record of them having such special hooks in the past."

"Now we have a successor like this, and it just so happens that the inner world of the Vast Sea Secret Realm has opened."

"I suspect that this young friend Xiao will most likely not miss this good opportunity."

"It's estimated that it won't be long before he reveals more and more new information in the secret realm."

The Venerable Ones also became interested when the topic of the Vast Ocean Secret Realm came up.

Venerable Yaoyang said with a hint of anticipation, "After the inner world was closed last time, some information leaked out. It is said that someone saw a Nine-Leaf Ganoderma that was about to mature in the core area."

"This year's vintage is definitely sufficient, but it remains to be seen which lucky individual will be the first to receive it."

Nine-Leaf Ganoderma is a fifth-tier spiritual herb that has long been extinct in the outside world, and it is considered a treasure even to the Nascent Soul Venerables present.

If a Nascent Soul cultivator could truly bring it out of the inner realm.

They wouldn't mind exchanging other resources, including rare and valuable breakthrough items for True Monarchs.

Of course, this also depends on who brought them out.

If someone already has a background as a Nascent Soul cultivator, then they will naturally only offer sacrifices to their own venerable one in exchange for rewards.

"In recent years, the Great Jing Kingdom has become increasingly powerful, and I have heard that several Nascent Soul cultivators have emerged among the younger generation."

The white-robed cultivator laughed and said, "I estimate that we will obtain more than one fifth-tier spiritual item this time. I hope Fellow Daoist Jing can share two with me so that I can also benefit from it."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jing waved his hand and said, "Why do you say such things, Fellow Daoist Chengming?"

"I have long heard that the Xuanxuan Sect has produced an unparalleled talent."

"Before he was even forty years old, he broke through to the Nascent Soul realm in one fell swoop. Later, he was unstoppable and advanced to the late Nascent Soul stage in just a hundred years."

"He has now become the youngest senior disciple in the history of the Canxuan Sect."

"So-called national strength is nothing but fleeting smoke; what use is a bunch of mediocre people?"

"In the end, only a prodigy like him can truly revitalize the sect and ensure the long-term prosperity of our family's foundation."

After exchanging a few polite words, the group then shared their latest cultivation insights.

They then rose and bid farewell to Emperor Jing one by one.

During their exchange, the relevant information was also sent to Pudu Temple, one of the only two Buddhist temples in the Three Mountains Cave Heaven.

Indeed, this Pudu Temple shares the same name as the Pudu Temple in Cibeihai, meaning they are essentially from the same source and inseparable.

Although the boundary-breaking stone restricts their ability to frequently enter and exit freely.

However, the two sides maintain a very close relationship.

Both the special spirit ship and the incredibly powerful fifth-order formation relied on the support from the Three Mountains Grotto Heaven.

Correspondingly, some outstanding disciples with innate talent will also be sent here for careful training.

This is also one of the reasons why Cibei Haipudu Temple can produce several fourth-level Zen masters in almost every generation.

Another reason, of course, is the best spiritual veins and top-tier cultivation resources like the Purple Gold Bodhi Fruit, as well as the related insights and experiences accumulated over generations.

Inside the Mahavira Hall at the very back of the temple.

Upon receiving the information, the Void King was quite surprised: "I did not expect that this Layman Xiao would make such rapid progress."

"He has only been at the Nascent Soul stage for a few years, yet he has already achieved such an amazing feat."

He had previously received reports about Xiao Chen's situation.

It mentions both his incredibly advanced age and his numerous contributions in the fight against the sea creatures.

This also includes the sea-like murderous aura emanating from Xiao Chen, as well as the many suspicions that arose in the mind of Zen Master Jingxing back then.

It can be said that within the Three Mountains Grotto Heaven, the Void King is probably the person who understands Xiao Chen the most.

But that's precisely why it seems so incredible.

If you only hear that a peerless genius has suddenly appeared in a certain place.

Most people would simply marvel at the vastness of the cultivation world and marvel at the countless heroes in this world.

You might forget about it once you look back.

After all, what do things outside have to do with me?

However, the Void King had already learned about Xiao Chen's general growth process through the battle report.

I've watched him grow stronger over the past few years, so I'd say we're practically acquaintances.

Therefore, the shock in my heart was far more real and intense than when I heard about the unfamiliar cultivator.

This also made him pay more attention to that special message from before.

"How could he possess such ferocity? Could he truly be the reincarnation of an Asura demon?"

The Void King hadn't really cared about this matter at first.

After all, even if a mere Nascent Soul True Monarch has entered the demonic path, how could he possibly turn the world upside down?

But now, seeing Xiao Chen's exaggerated growth rate, which can even be described as unprecedented, is truly astounding.

Even the Void King couldn't help but have a doubt: "Is it really for the purpose of eliminating demons and protecting the righteous path, or is there another hidden reason?"

"Could it be one of those demonic arts that allows you to plunder the cultivation of others after killing them?"

"Or perhaps, he and his sect have achieved even greater success in utilizing malevolent energy?"

Both of these possibilities are extraordinary.

If it's the former, then we need to find a way to nip the disaster in the bud, rather than letting it drag on until it becomes an unmanageable situation in the future.

Although Xiao Chen has already demonstrated considerable combat skills.

However, once it is confirmed that he is the demon incarnation of Asura, it is simply a matter of sending out another divine thought.

At that time, let alone the mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, even the Sea Clan's Venerable One, who was already a half-step Venerable, would still be unable to withstand it and would have no power to fight back at all.

Although it takes a lot of time and effort to condense one's divine thoughts.

If too much spiritual energy is lost, it can cause irreparable damage.

But if it's truly to eliminate the reincarnation of Asura, then this price is nothing.

The key is to send people to intensify their investigation of Xiao Chen and confirm as soon as possible whether he has cultivated demonic arts and whether he is a real demon.

If it's the latter, then that's even more incredible!
If we could truly make effective use of such powerful evil energy...

That might represent a completely new path to heaven!

This means entirely new opportunities and entirely new possibilities.

For those of them who have already reached the pinnacle of the spiritual path.

A brand new opportunity or possibility may be more important than any rare and precious treasure!

Furthermore, it should be noted that although malevolent energy can regenerate, the process is extremely slow and the cycle is excessively long.

Therefore, for cultivators, it can be considered something whose usefulness diminishes with each passing moment.

In other words, those who enter first get the meat, while those who arrive a little later get the soup.

But if you fall behind others, you won't get anything.

The Void King had already obtained the 'Gama Sect Inheritance' personally written by Xiao Chen.

However, he now has some doubts about whether what he received was the complete version.

Or perhaps it has been edited, with the remaining content omitted.

Especially since there are formations that restrain evil energy, is there any other related content?

"Perhaps we should find an opportunity to meet this Mr. Xiao?"

A thought popped into the mind of the Void King: "It seems unlikely that we can rely on the people below to handle such an important matter."

"The results of their investigation may not be very credible."

"At most, it's just a matter of paying the price of two Boundary-Breaking Stones, plus a small gift."

"In this way, we can use the Buddha lamp to determine whether Xiao Chen is a demonic cultivator or not, and give a definite answer directly."

"Secondly, we can question him face-to-face and personally check whether he is hiding anything."

"Isn't this a win-win solution?"

In the main hall of the Three Mountains Grotto Heaven, a demon-subduing Buddha lamp is enshrined year-round.

These have only one function: to accurately sense whether there are people with demonic energy nearby, and to immediately give corresponding prompts once an anomaly is detected.

The Void King pondered this carefully and felt more and more that it was necessary to do so.

Paying a small price is nothing; what's truly a case of losing more than you gain by being negligent and failing to detect the reincarnation of an Asura.

For this reason alone, the cost of the two boundary-breaking stones and the initial gift is not worth mentioning.

Moreover, if he could speak with Xiao Chen in person...

As long as one is willing to observe the other party, there is absolutely no need to use any special methods; the powerful perception and divine sense of the Ming King alone can detect any subtle changes.

This allows you to determine whether the other person is telling the truth or lying.

Even when necessary, it is not impossible to use some of the secret methods from the Heart Sutra.

At worst, we can do it discreetly and for a short period of time, so that the other party doesn't have a chance to notice.

If it was finally confirmed that he had obtained the complete book, Xiao Chen did not keep anything to himself.

The Void King could finally relax, no longer worried that someone would exhaust all the malevolent energy before him.

Even if no one knows how to use the evil energy, leaving it lying around is still better than someone else knowing how to use it while you don't.

If it is discovered that Xiao Chen has actually secretly kept a portion of the inheritance from handing it over.

Then it's inevitable to have a heart-to-heart talk with the other person.

The Vajra of Emptiness has considerable experience in this area, and it could even be considered one of his specialties.

After all, one of the traditional skills of Buddhism is to persuade evil people to repent and lay down their weapons.

In comparison, ordinary conversations are a piece of cake.

Even if we take a step back...

Once you enter the gates of Pudu Temple, you won't have to worry about not being able to convert others.

(End of this chapter)