Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 440 Hidden Dragons and Crouching Tigers

Chapter 440 Hidden Dragons and Crouching Tigers (Seeking Subscriptions)

Upon hearing Shen Xuan's conditions, Chen Zhifang gave a wry smile.

He claimed he had no right to decide and took him to see the family patriarch.

Along the way, every member of the Chen family they encountered bowed respectfully.

The forbidden area behind the Chen family manor, atop the mountain.

What comes into view is a waterfall that plunges three thousand feet straight down.

The air was filled with moisture, exuding a vibrant and lush sense of life.

This is the area with the most concentrated spiritual energy on Shenlong Island, approaching the level of a second-grade top-quality spiritual vein.

The waterfall, like a silver river, rushes and cascades between the cliffs, its roar deafening.

The ancestral temple of the Chen family was built a hundred feet away from the waterfall.

"Master Shen, please have some tea."

Across from him, the Chen family patriarch personally served tea to Shen Xuan.

Chen Zhifang sat beside him.

Shen Xuan's requirements were very simple.

They allocated a separate island and built a cave dwelling there.

Chen Zhifang dared not agree without authorization.

Here, the place is quiet and natural, with a gentle breeze blowing from time to time, bringing a misty atmosphere, as if you are in a fairyland.

The patriarch of the Chen family was about two hundred years old, with all his hair and beard turned white.

He looked robust, though his face was covered in wrinkles, and his smile resembled that of a kind old man from the mortal world.

Shen Xuan estimated that the cultivation method the other party practiced was the same as his own, and had the effect of nourishing life.

However, judging from the aura emanating from him, it is not pure enough, and he will be stuck at the late stage of Foundation Establishment in this life, making it difficult for him to achieve perfection.

"I heard from Zhifang that Master Shen is a rogue cultivator. I wonder which country he comes from?"

After Shen Xuan finished his sip of spiritual tea, the Chen family patriarch asked with a smile.

"The State of Song".

Shen Xuan said calmly.

His accent and lifestyle both bore traces of Song Dynasty monks.

There's no need to hide it.

"The State of Song is wonderful! I visited the State of Song many years ago; it is a land of outstanding people and abundant resources."

The Chen family patriarch remarked with emotion.

A subtle divine sense swept across Shen Xuan.

Shen Xuan found it amusing.

With the late Foundation Establishment stage cultivation of the Chen family patriarch, he certainly couldn't see through his disguise.

The cultivators of the Yan Kingdom are somewhat stronger than their counterparts in the Song Kingdom.

But it is also limited in strength.

Shen Xuan's spiritual power and soul power both surpass those of an ordinary Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator.

Once mastered, the [Illusionary Form Technique] is sufficient to deceive even a fake Core Formation cultivator.

At this moment, Shen Xuan changed his appearance.

Using the "Thousand Transformations" technique, he transforms from a refined middle-aged scholar into a younger, more handsome, and dashing young man.

"More than a hundred years ago, Chen traveled to the State of Song and made a special trip to Xuantian Mountain and Jinyang Mountain."

The patriarch of the Chen family smiled as he recounted the past.

I am quite nostalgic for the youthful vigor I once had.

The two chatted for a while.

Shen Xuan discovered that the Chen family patriarch knew a little about all seven sects of the Song Kingdom.

When asked about Shen Xuan's background.

Shen Xuan admitted that he was a member of a minor cultivation family in Qingyang Prefecture, but not from the same clan.

Before the war between Song and Liang Daoist and Demonic forces, he traveled abroad to avoid the war.

By sheer chance, the foundation was successfully laid.

We traveled all the way here.

Upon seeing Shenlong Island, I felt a connection and wanted to settle down there.

By the way, I broke through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment.

Shen Xuan was well-prepared for the Chen family patriarch's probing.

This place is far from the State of Song, and they have been mortal enemies for a thousand years.

Given the strength of the Chen family on Shenlong Island, they simply did not have the ability to investigate the Song Kingdom.

The Chen family patriarch only asked casually.

As long as one is not a demonic cultivator and abides by the law in the Yan Kingdom, everything is negotiable.

“Master Shen, Zhifang has told me about your request. Allocating a branch island is indeed difficult.”

The Chen family patriarch probed with his divine sense and did not sense any demonic or malevolent energy, so he was basically at ease with Shen Xuan.

A first-tier top-grade talisman master has a high chance of breaking through to the second tier.

Such talents are perhaps commonplace in the Great Immortal City of the sects.

But in this remote, starry sea, it is extremely rare.

The Chen family patriarch pondered for a moment and said, "If Master Shen doesn't mind, you can go to the smaller branch island and open up a cave dwelling there."

"However, two of our family's guest retainers live and serve there."

The Chen family patriarch smiled.

"Master Shen, rest assured. Although he is called a guest retainer, he is actually an old friend of mine and the descendant of an old friend."

"Zhifang, take Master Shen to meet Elder Zheng and Mu Yatou."

The head of the Chen family replied respectfully, "Yes, Ancestor."

Then, he took Shen Xuan to a smaller side island next to Shenlong Island.

……

Although it is a side island, it is still connected to the seabed veins and has set up a protective formation.

Moreover, upon entering, Shen Xuan discovered that both spiritual vein nodes on the branch island had been transformed into cave dwellings and defensive formations had been set up.

The Chen family head led Shen Xuan to one of the cave dwellings.

The cave's owner was a short, stout old cultivator with white hair, a youthful face, and a cheerful appearance.

He was in the mid-Foundation Establishment stage, around the same age as the Chen family patriarch, estimated to be around two hundred years old. He had a serious expression, as if someone owed him money.

The head of the Chen family introduced the two.

"This is our ancestor's good friend, alchemist Zheng Ziyi."

"This is Shen Fei, a guest master of talismans who has just joined our family."

Shen Xuan took the initiative to clasp his hands in a gesture of respect.

"Shen Fei has met Master Zheng Dan."

"You're welcome!"

Zheng Danshi returned the gift hastily.

"What, old man Chen, are you trying to send people to Spring Breeze Island?"

It turns out that this side island is called Spring Breeze Island.

"Please forgive me, Master Zheng. Spring Breeze Island is a good place to open another mid-grade second-tier cave dwelling."

A second-tier mid-grade spiritual vein or spiritual land can accommodate up to three cave dwellings, providing space for three mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators to cultivate.

"Hmph, that's not what we said back then."

"Elder Zheng, please help us! Master Shen was invited here by our ancestor after going through great lengths and many hardships."

The Chen family head spoke fluently and without hesitation.

"Forget it, I'm too lazy to argue with old man Chen! What about Ling'er? Have you asked her for her opinion?" "I've already sent a message talisman, she'll be here in a bit."

Master Zheng nodded and said to Shen Xuan, "Master Shen, I'm not targeting you. This old man Chen is no good; he's very stingy. When he tricked me into coming here, he made all sorts of promises."

"They'll turn their backs on you in the blink of an eye. Be careful. Make sure you get what you're owed first!"

Shen Xuan looked on with a knowing expression.

“Master Zheng’s words of wisdom are invaluable. I have learned a great deal. Thank you.”

The head of the Chen family, standing to the side, chuckled awkwardly as he listened.

He didn't say anything to explain.

Before long, a female cultivator in the early stage of Foundation Establishment entered.

Her face was veiled by a thin gauze, her figure was slender and graceful, her legs were long and her skin was as white and smooth as jade. Her eyes were bright and lively, and she looked radiant.

The head of the Chen family went to greet them.

"Fairy Mu, this is Shen Fei, the new guest master of the family."

“Master Shen, this is Fairy Mu Ling’er, a second-tier array master.”

Shen Xuan glanced at Mu Ling'er, and was slightly startled.

After using the [Smell and Perceive] skill, Shen Xuan smelled a faint, pure, and fresh fragrance emanating from Mu Ling'er.

He was about thirty years old, had established his Dao foundation, and was a second-tier array master.

This made Shen Xuan reveal a hint of admiration.

"Shen Fei has met Fairy Mu."

"Young Master Shen is a talisman master? What kind of talismans can you make?"

Mu Ling'er's eyes fell on Shen Xuan, scrutinizing him repeatedly, revealing a hint of curiosity.

Her voice was both delicate and charming, innocent and carefree.

"My expertise lies in water escape talismans and rejuvenation talismans. I am currently developing ice talismans."

“That’s good. After Master Shen develops the Frost Talisman, let Ling’er know. Ling’er can buy a few.”

"Ok."

Shen Xuan smiled and said, a flash of crimson light in his eyes.

After using the [Illusion-Breaking Spirit Eye Technique] and [Clear Observation], Shen Xuan was able to see Mu Ling'er's general appearance.

Her face was slightly round, fair with a rosy glow, and her features were delicate and refined. Her cherry lips were soft and tender, and her nose was small and three-dimensional, making her look cute and lively.

Shen Xuan guessed that Mu Ling'er came from an extraordinary background.

With such stunning beauty, if she were among the lower-level cultivators, she would have long since lost her personal freedom and become a plaything of those in power.

It is impossible to smoothly build a foundation for one's path and become a second-tier array master.

"Fairy Mu, Master Shen has settled in Spring Breeze Island. Elder Zheng has agreed, you have no objections, right?"

Zheng Danshi gave a loud "humph" in protest.

But he did not refute it.

That means tacit consent.

Mu Ling'er shook her head slightly.

"No objection. Ling'er is more than happy that Master Shen is willing to take up residence here!"

Mu Ling'er's tone was soft and sweet, as if she were being coquettish, which sounded very pleasant.

"Then thank you very much, Master Zheng and Fairy Mu. After I develop the Frost Talisman, I will send a few to you two for your appraisal."

Shen Xuan smiled and bowed.

Master Zheng rolled his eyes and didn't say anything.

He had seen too many of these vague and unrealistic promises.

Second-tier talismans are not so easy to develop!

Mu Ling'er smiled sweetly and said in a charming voice, "Ling'er thanks Master Shen!"

She was quite blunt.

In her words, she clearly had a good impression of Shen Xuan.

It's probably because Shen Xuan is handsome.

They left Master Zheng's cave.

Shen Xuan imprinted a magical mark into the spiritual contract, signing a guest elder contract, with each party holding a copy.

The Chen family head summoned an old cultivator in the late stage of Qi Refining.

"This is my cousin Chen Dafu, who is in charge of the trivial matters on Spring Breeze Island. Master Shen can ask him for anything."

"it is good!"

After seeing off Patriarch Chen, Shen Xuan, led by Chen Dafu, took a stroll around Spring Breeze Island.

Spring Breeze Island is a mid-grade second-tier spiritual vein, and three mid-grade second-tier cave dwellings are the limit.

Aside from the cave dwellings of Master Zheng and Mu Ling'er, Shen Xuan could only choose a main peak on the easternmost side of the island.

This is the best remaining second-tier spiritual vein node.

Shen Xuan glanced at it.

The mountain peak is relatively low, and the summit is open. After the cave was built, the usable area was a hundred zhang in diameter.

"This is it!"

After inspecting the area, Shen Xuan determined the location of the cave dwelling.

A second-tier, mid-grade spiritual vein is simply not enough for his cultivation needs.

The spiritual energy absorbed into his body was divided 30/70 between the eight-colored lotus and him.

He can only use 30% of it.

Look around.

This mountain peak has a wide open terrain and faces the sea.

Below the summit lies a sheer cliff thousands of feet high, overlooking the East China Sea.

Opening up a second-tier mid-grade cave dwelling is a systematic project.

The Chen family has specialized cultivators who are in charge of this task.

However, Shen Xuan's wishes must be respected in the design of the cave dwelling.

Chen Dafu, accompanied by a Chen family formation master, listened to Shen Xuan explain the design of the cave dwelling.

"Ten zhang outside, set up a water curtain and flowing light array as an illusion array; at the entrance, set up a reversed five elements wind and thunder killing array; and inside, set up..."

Shen Xuan spoke eloquently.

The Chen family's array master looked bewildered.

Clearly, this was beyond his capabilities.

Shen Xuan sighed.

He obtained the "Essentials of Rao Family Formation" from Rao Baiyi.

In my spare time, I studied it for a while.

In theory, he should be a top-tier first-order array master.

The Chen family array master in front of me is probably only a first-grade high-level master.

His mastery of array formations is not even as good as his!

"Let's change the person! Let's get a better formation master!"

Shen Xuan said with dissatisfaction.

Just then, a delicate fragrance wafted over.