I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Enjoy reading "In Huangfeng Valley, I Have an Equipment Slot!"

"Infant Carp Beast... Reverse Star Alliance... Ugly Crow... Extreme Yin Island!" Zhou Yuan's mind raced, instantly grasping the enormous risks involved.

In the original story, the hunt for the Infant Carp Beast eventually turned into a massacre targeting those who knew about it.

The cause was the sudden appearance of Wu Chou, which revealed the identities of the two Core Formation elders of the Six-Linked Hall as members of the Reverse Star Alliance!

With his current true strength, his early Core Formation cultivation level is comparable to that of a late Core Formation cultivator, and he possesses several perfect spells, plus an avatar. He might not necessarily be afraid of Wu Chou, who is at the early Core Formation stage.

However, as a disciple of the Extreme Yin Ancestor, Wu Chou's methods and magical treasures must be quite formidable.

Perhaps there's a way to save your life.

and.

Once action is taken, the true strength will inevitably be revealed.

What's even more troublesome is that behind Extreme Yin Island stands the Nascent Soul stage Extreme Yin Ancestor, an existence that Zhou Yuan absolutely cannot afford to provoke at present.

Being targeted is a big problem.

Therefore, participating in the setup makes one a potential target for "silencing"?

Absolutely not!

Zhou Yuan had already made up his mind.

However, he remained outwardly calm and continued listening to Feng Sanniang's story.

"...Brother Zhou, the authority given to us by the palace is to recruit four pseudo-core cultivators, with each person receiving a Dust-Clearing Pill as payment."

"Oh? Recruiting a few cultivators to set up formations requires such a high price?"

Zhou Yuan showed a hint of surprise at the opportune moment, his tone carrying a trace of confusion.

Seeing that Zhou Yuan seemed to lack an understanding of the value of the Infant Carp Beast, Feng Sanniang patiently explained:

"Brother Zhou, you've lived in the Inner Sea for so long, you might not be aware of the value of a special demon beast like the Infant Carp. The inner core of an ordinary level six demon beast is worth only ten or twenty thousand spirit stones on the market."

But the Infant Carp Beast is different. Although it is only level six, the essence of water and lightning within its inner core is extremely pure and rare, worth nearly 80,000 spirit stones, and it is often priceless!

A fervent light flashed in her eyes: "Pills made with this inner core as the main ingredient are highly nourishing for cultivators in the late stage of Core Formation."

It even has a slight nourishing effect on those in the early stages of the Nascent Soul realm. Moreover, the Infant Carp Beast is a treasure trove; its bones, scales, and tendons are all excellent materials.

"What's even more special is that this beast has a natural fondness for collecting deep-sea spiritual materials and rare artifacts. It often holds four treasures in its four hands, making it a veritable mobile treasure trove."

Therefore, the total profit from hunting a single Infant Carp Beast is extremely high, and the cost of recruiting four Pseudo-Core Formation cultivators is entirely within budget, or even a drop in the ocean.

Zhou Yuan nodded slightly, feigning being persuaded, and then asked, "So where exactly is this demonic beast now?"

"It's in the waters near Nylon Island, about 4,000 miles away."

Feng San Niang answered instinctively.

After speaking, she paused slightly, but then she remembered that Zhou Yuan was now a branch steward and they had a close relationship, so she felt relieved.

The location of the Infant Carp Beast is a secret within the Six-Linked Palace. Only a handful of people on Kui Xing Island know about it, for fear that the news might leak and attract the covetous eyes of other forces.

"When will the elder sent by the palace to oversee the demon hunt arrive?" Zhou Yuan asked again.

"It's estimated that it will take another half a month or so to reach Nylon Island," Feng Sanniang replied. "Therefore, we must speed up the recruitment of pseudo-core cultivators, and it would be best to gather four within a month. We cannot keep the two elders waiting for too long, and we also need to prevent the infant carp beast from moving its location."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan deliberately frowned, calculated with his fingers, and pondered for a moment before saying:

"Third Sister, those recruited cultivators still need time to familiarize themselves with the 'Six Escapes Water Wave Formation,' right? If that's the case, it'll probably be another month or two before we can actually organize the hunt?"

"Brother Zhou is absolutely right. The preparations do indeed take this long."

Feng Sanniang nodded, then noticed something was off about Zhou Yuan's expression and asked with concern:

"Brother Zhou, is there something urgent? If time is really an issue..."

Ouyang Gong, who was standing to the side, also cast an inquiring glance.

Zhou Yuan sighed, his face showing difficulty: "To be honest, the cultivation method I practice is somewhat special. Every ten years or so, there will be a period of weakness lasting several months. My cultivation level will drop significantly, and it will even be difficult to maintain the pseudo-core realm. I have calculated that the next period of weakness will be exactly one month away."

His tone was sincere, tinged with regret: "Originally, I would have been duty-bound to help if there were any matters in the palace. However, the flaws in this cultivation technique are beyond human control. If I were to force myself to participate, my insufficient cultivation would not only prevent me from assisting but could also become a burden and jeopardize the important matter."

Seeing the understanding looks on Ouyang Gong and Feng Sanniang's faces (it's not uncommon for cultivation techniques to have periods of weakness), Zhou Yuan continued, "This matter may affect the recruitment progress because of me. How about this, the cost of the two Dust-Reducing Pills needed to recruit the pseudo-core cultivators will be charged to my account as a small compensation to the hall."

"Brother Zhou, this won't do!"

Ouyang Gong immediately waved his hand, his tone resolute, "You have made great contributions to the palace, why should you spend money on such a small matter?"

We should expedite the recruitment process; there shouldn't be too late. Your primary concern is to focus on your weakened state and preserve your cultivation.

Feng Sanniang echoed her sentiments, her eyes revealing genuine concern. Clearly, neither of them doubted Zhou Yuan's words and were thinking of him instead.

"Alas, what bad luck!" Zhou Yuan sighed again, cupping his hands in greeting. "Then I'll have to trouble Brother Ouyang and Third Sister to take care of things. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to send a message."

After exchanging a few more polite words, Zhou Yuan got up to take his leave and departed from Yu Huan Residence.

As Zhou Yuan walked out of Tiandu Street, the regret and helplessness on his face quickly faded, and his eyes became calm and sharp.

By not participating in the formation, they simply avoided the most obvious trap.

But the immense value of the Infant Carp Beast tempted him.

"In the original story, Wu Chou was able to appear precisely when the elders of the Six-Linked Hall had just finished hunting the Infant Carp Beast and were greatly weakened by magic, which must mean that someone inside the Six-Linked Hall leaked the information and the exact time."

As Zhou Yuan walked, he pondered, "Now that the Infant Carp Beast has only been discovered recently, it's impossible for Wu Chou to be guarding the vicinity so soon."

The Six-Linked Halls likely only sent Foundation Establishment cultivators to monitor their movements…”

A bold plan quickly took shape in his mind.

"Since you're planning to wait a month or two before making your move, I might as well... strike first!"

That night, it was dark and windy.

Zhou Yuan left the Jade Peak cave quietly, without alerting anyone.

Once outside the vicinity of Kuixing Island, he quickly changed into a loose black robe, covered his face with the hood, and concealed or even disguised his aura.

Then, through mental perception, he summoned his avatar Zhou Tian to join him.

Two figures, both shrouded in black robes, met on the sea, far from their shipping lanes.

Without further communication, after determining their direction, they transformed into two inconspicuous streaks of light and sped off towards Nylon Island, four thousand miles away.

……

Three days later, in Kuixing City.

A young monk with an ordinary appearance and slightly dark complexion walked into the city with the flow of people.

His gaze was calm, and his aura was restrained; it was Han Li.

For the past twenty years, he has not left the waters around Kuixing Island, but has instead lived in seclusion and practiced asceticism on its affiliated Xiaohuan Island.

With the help of abundant elixirs, he has successfully dissipated his cultivation and started anew once.

Now, his cultivation has returned to the peak of Foundation Establishment (false core), and his foundation is far more solid than before.

This is our trip into the city.

Han Li was buying spiritual items for Core Formation, making final preparations for his breakthrough to the Golden Core stage.

As Han Li strolled along Tiandu Street, a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes when he saw the enormous pavilion suspended in mid-air in the central area.

Soon, he arrived at the square where the Six-Linked Palace Shop was located. After a brief look around, he headed towards "Jade Ring Residence," which specialized in selling elixirs.

The shop assistants greeted him warmly. When Han Li explained his purpose for visiting and wanted to buy "Heavenly Fire Liquid" and "Snow Spirit Water", the shop assistants did not dare to neglect him and immediately informed the shopkeeper.

A moment later, Ouyang Gong greeted him with a beaming smile: "Hehe, fellow Daoist, you've come to purchase Core Formation spiritual items? My name is Ouyang Gong, and I am the shopkeeper. May I ask your name and which immortal mountain you cultivate on?"

"Li Feiyu," Han Li said, using his usual pseudonym, his voice flat.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Li, a pleasure to meet you." Ouyang Gong greeted him politely, waving his hand to have a waiter bring over a packaged Heavenly Fire Liquid and Snow Spirit Water, which he then pushed in front of Han Li. "Fellow Daoist, please take a look. The quality is top-notch, I guarantee you'll be satisfied."

"How many spirit stones?"

Han Li asked directly.

Ouyang Gong laughed heartily and waved his hand, saying, "Fellow Daoist, you jest. Although our Six Linked Palace is not among the four major merchant alliances, we are still a well-known name in the Chaotic Star Sea. These two spiritual items, though rare, are nothing to us. Fellow Daoist Li, please take them as a congratulatory gift from our Six Linked Palace to wish you a speedy Core Formation!"

Han Li frowned slightly. He understood this principle better than anyone: there is no such thing as a free lunch.

He maintained his composure and insisted, "I appreciate Manager Ouyang's kindness, but I cannot accept a reward without having done so."

"These two items should be sold for the right amount of spirit stones; I, Li, would never stoop to such a low level."

Seeing Han Li's resolute attitude, Ouyang Gong's smile faded, replaced by a solemn expression: "Since Fellow Daoist Li is a wise man, then I will speak the truth."

"I do indeed have a matter I wish to ask for your assistance with. These two spiritual items can be considered a deposit. If the matter is resolved successfully, our shop will offer a generous gift, guaranteed to satisfy you."

"Oh? What is it?" Han Li did not refuse immediately.

"Fellow Daoist, you only need to assist this hall in hunting down a level six demonic beast." Ouyang Gong lowered his voice. "Fellow Daoist, rest assured, you will not be fighting it head-on. You only need to work with a few other fellow Daoists to set up an array to trap the demonic beast. At that time, two guest elders of this hall at the Core Formation stage will personally take action to kill it."

Upon hearing this, Han Li became even more vigilant.

He always seeks stability in his work and is unwilling to easily get involved in unknown risks.

"This matter... I will consider it."

He didn't rule out the possibility entirely, but he didn't agree immediately either.

Seeing this, Ouyang Gong knew he needed to add more chips, so he smiled and said:

"Fellow Daoist Li must be concerned about the matter of Core Formation. To be honest, the reward I will give you after the matter is accomplished is a Dust-Clearing Pill! This pill is of great help to Core Formation and can effectively increase the success rate of Core Formation. It is a treasure that is hard to come by."

"Dust-Subduing Pill? Increases the success rate of Core Formation?"

Han Li was taken aback.

He only knew about Snow Spirit Water and Heavenly Fire Liquid in Tiannan, and was unfamiliar with the Dust-Reducing Pill unique to the Chaotic Star Sea. However, the words "increase the success rate of Core Formation" had a fatal attraction for him.