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

Chapter 330 Cultivating the Bright King Technique! Fuyang Sect, Treasure Hunt in Yizhou!

As the words fell, King Xuan Ye's eyes were filled with resentment, but in the end, under the fierce gaze of the silver giant ape and Zhou Yuan's calm yet oppressive stare, he chose to submit.

He slowly opened his mouth, revealing his fangs, and a grayish-white light flew out from deep within his throat, hovering in front of him.

It was a bead the size of a longan, perfectly round, golden in color, with countless fine runes faintly flowing on its surface.

As soon as the bead appeared, it emitted an extremely pure and rich aura of cold, corpse energy.

This is the Heavenly Corpse Pearl!

"This is the Heavenly Corpse Pearl—"

Xuan Ye's voice was hoarse and low, carrying a hint of undisguised heartache.

Zhou Yuan's gaze fell on the grayish-white Heavenly Corpse Pearl. He carefully scanned it with his divine sense and confirmed that it was indeed genuine.

It is an excellent aid for cultivating the "Ming Wang Jue" and strengthening the body's endurance.

Thank you!

Zhou Yuan didn't stand on ceremony. He reached out and beckoned, and the Heavenly Corpse Pearl fell steadily into his palm as if drawn by a force.

It feels slightly cool to the touch and smooth to the touch, as if you are holding a piece of warm jade.

He carefully put it away.

Since the other party has fulfilled the terms of the transaction, Zhou Yuan also keeps his promise.

He pointed his fingers like a sword, and pointed them several times from a distance at the prince, the Corpse King, who was still restrained and whose face was full of terror.

"Pfft pfft pfft!"

With a few soft sounds, the magical runes sealed within the Prince Corpse King's body instantly disintegrated, transforming into pure spiritual energy that dissipated into the air.

At the same time, with a thought, Zhou Yuan quietly withdrew the wisp of azure ice flame that had been lurking deep within the consciousness of the Prince Corpse King.

The Corpse King felt his body relax, and the mountain-like oppression and the deadly chill in his mind vanished instantly, and he regained his freedom.

He scrambled to Xuan Ye's side, still shaken, and looked at Zhou Yuan, no longer daring to show the slightest arrogance.

"Come back." Zhou Yuan waved to the silver giant ape that was still devouring the horde of corpse soldiers.

Upon hearing its master's call, the silver giant ape, transformed from the Soul-Crying Beast, though with a hint of reluctance in its eyes, immediately stopped its devouring actions. Its enormous body rapidly shrank, transforming back into a small silver monkey about half a zhang tall. It turned into a streak of silver light and obediently flew back to Zhou Yuan's shoulder, even rubbing its furry head against Zhou Yuan's cheek, seemingly seeking praise.

Zhou Yuan patted the head of the Crying Soul Beast reassuringly, then turned his gaze back to the weakened and pale-faced King Xuan Ye, saying in a calm tone, "King Xuan Ye, my purpose in coming here is to conduct a fair trade. Since you have handed over the Heavenly Corpse Pearl, I will not take your things for nothing. Is there anything you want? As long as it is within my power, I can offer some compensation as appropriate."

He has always been clear about right and wrong, and since it's a transaction, he won't bully the weak or try to take advantage of them. Of course, he won't be foolish enough to agree to unreasonable demands either.

Upon hearing this, King Xuan Ye gave a bitter laugh, waved his hand, and said in a tone tinged with desolation and self-mockery, "Fellow Daoist, you jest—"

.. "

"Since you are more skilled than I am, I have nothing more to say. Consider this Heavenly Corpse Pearl as my way of buying my life. Take it, and I dare not ask for any further compensation."

He paused, then added, his voice tinged with bitterness: "Moreover, to be honest, this Heavenly Corpse Pearl is not actually the one I condensed myself. When I cultivated the Heavenly Corpse Technique and obtained the cultivation method, I also received this ancient corpse pearl left behind by a senior corpse king. I will never hand over my own natal corpse pearl. Although this ancient corpse pearl is also precious, it is ultimately not something I would entrust with my life. Otherwise, even at the cost of self-destruction, I would never give it up to someone else."

His words were partly true, and partly an attempt to save face.

The reason he dared not ask for compensation was twofold: first, he was wary of Zhou Yuan's strength; second, as a Corpse King, the spirit stones, magic treasures, and pills of ordinary cultivators were indeed of little use to him.

What he needs most is a large number of fresh and powerful cultivators' primordial spirits to assist in cultivating the "Heavenly Corpse Technique".

However, he knew in his heart that even if he asked Zhou Yuan to agree to such a request that would create a deadly feud with human cultivators, he would never agree. On the contrary, he might anger the other party and bring about his own death.

Seeing that King Xuan Ye's attitude was sincere and not feigned, and that he indeed did not make any further requests, Zhou Yuan nodded slightly in his heart.

He pondered for a moment and said, "Since you don't need material compensation, then I, Zhou, will give you a piece of information, information that may be more useful to you than any treasure."

"Oh? What news?"

Upon hearing this, King Xuan Ye's eyes revealed a hint of doubt and curiosity.

He has reigned supreme in the Snow Ridge Mountains for tens of thousands of years, isolated from news and knowing very little about the outside world. What news could possibly be of any use to him?

Zhou Yuan looked at him and slowly asked, "In previous years, did a cultivator who called himself 'True Monarch Tianfeng' ever come looking for you?"

Upon hearing this, King Xuan Ye showed a hint of surprise on his face and nodded: "That's right. About seven or eight years ago, there was indeed a human Nascent Soul cultivator who called himself True Monarch Tianfeng who came to my tomb and had a conversation with me."

"He said he had a way to quickly and safely help me obtain a large number of cultivators' primordial spirits, and I thought it was feasible at the time."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Yuan's lips curled into a cold smile: "Just as I suspected. That so-called method of quickly seizing a cultivator's primordial spirit that True Monarch Feng told you about was actually a ploy to lure you out of your tomb, your home turf that you've cultivated for ten thousand years!"

King Xuan Ye's expression changed drastically: "What?!"

Zhou Yuan continued, "Once you leave the tomb and your strength diminishes due to leaving your home turf, he will notify the sects behind the three great families monitoring you—the sects that sent disciples to establish the Kong, Zhao, and Dong families to monitor you here. At that time, the powerful figures from those sects will ambush you on your way! Even if you manage to escape from them, the 'Two Demons of Fangjian Mountain' will be lying in wait on your path back to the tomb, ready to deliver a fatal blow! They have already laid a trap, just waiting for you to take one step out of this tomb!"

"What?! Is this really true?!" Upon hearing this, King Xuan Ye's entire body bristled with green hair, and a chill ran straight to the top of his head!

His eyes, glowing with emerald green corpse fire, widened in shock, fear, and rage!

He carefully recalled the details of his conversation with Feng Zhenjun that day, and those seemingly considerate suggestions now seemed suspicious at first glance!

If what Zhou Yuan said is true, then once he steps out of the tomb, he will probably face a nine-out-of-ten chance of death, or even be completely annihilated, with his corpse core being taken away!

"Thank you so much for informing me of this life-saving grace!" At this moment, King Xuan Ye's resentment towards Zhou Yuan had long since vanished, replaced by a heartfelt gratitude and lingering fear.

He immediately bowed deeply to Zhou Yuan, his tone utterly sincere: "If it weren't for Fellow Daoist exposing this treacherous scheme, I would likely have already met my demise! I will forever remember your great kindness! In the future, if you ever need my service, as long as it doesn't endanger my life or my foundation, I will certainly be at your service!"

Although he didn't know how Zhou Yuan knew such a secret, given the strength and demeanor Zhou Yuan displayed, he believed that the other party had no reason to fabricate such a lie to deceive him.

"No need for formalities. Our transaction is mutually beneficial; consider this news my compensation."

Zhou Yuan waved his hand, his expression indifferent. "Alright, this matter is settled. I'll take my leave."

Without another word, he put the Soul-Crying Beast on his shoulder and the timid Beast Demon behind him into his spirit beast pouch. With a flicker, he transformed into a pale golden streak of light and quickly left the gloomy underground tomb along the passage he had come from, disappearing into the darkness at the end of the passage.

Only after Zhou Yuan's aura completely disappeared did King Xuan Ye truly breathe a sigh of relief, feeling as if a huge boulder had been lifted from his heart. He stood there silently for a long time before letting out a complex sigh.

"Who exactly is this person? Such strength." King Xuan Ye muttered to himself, his eyes filled with apprehension and relief. "Fortunately, this person is not a bloodthirsty person, otherwise—I might really have been defeated here today."

He glanced at the still-trembling Prince Corpse King beside him, then recalled the shocking conspiracy Zhou Yuan had told him, a cold, murderous glint flashing in his eyes: "True Lord Tianfeng—the Two Demons of Fangjian Mountain—and those sects hiding behind the scenes—Hmph! Now that I know your schemes, we'll see!"

After leaving the Snow Ridge Mountains, Zhou Yuan did not rush to continue his journey.

In a desolate mountain range rarely visited by humans, he found a valley with a decent amount of spiritual energy and used his great magical power to carve out a simple dwelling—

It was a temporary cave dwelling, and several layers of restrictions were set up to conceal its presence and provide defense.

He planned to first master the newly acquired "Ming Wang Jue" here.

Inside the cave, Zhou Yuan sat cross-legged. He did not immediately begin cultivating the "Enlightened Ruler's Technique," but instead took out the Vajra Shield and the Heavenly Corpse Pearl he had traded from King Xuan Ye.

Vajra relics contain the pure and vast Buddhist vows and the profound meaning of indestructibility, making them a supreme treasure for practicing Buddhist body-refining techniques.

The Heavenly Corpse Pearl contains gentle and pure Yin Sha Corpse Qi, which can strengthen the body's endurance and resist the excruciating pain of tearing tendons and bones when cultivating the "Ming Wang Jue". The two complement each other and enhance each other's effects.

Zhou Yuan held the Vajra Relic in his left palm and slowly guided the pure Buddhist vow power within it into his body using his magical power.

Then he refined the Heavenly Corpse Pearl.

After making preparations, he slowly closed his eyes, and the cultivation incantation and practice route map of the first level of the "Ming Wang Jue" clearly appeared in his mind.

"The Bright King Technique, First Level!"

Following the instructions of the cultivation method, he began to slowly draw upon the magical power within his body, using an extremely complex and domineering approach to impact and temper his muscles, bones, and meridians!

"Ugh—!"

On his very first attempt, an indescribable, excruciating pain swept over his entire body like a tidal wave!

The feeling was as if countless red-hot iron rods were scraping his bones, or as if countless blunt knives were cutting his muscles and fascia!

Even with Zhou Yuan's resolute will, he couldn't help but let out a painful groan, his forehead instantly covered in cold sweat!

But he did not back down at all!

He kept his mind clear and focused, enduring the inhuman pain with his strong willpower while carefully controlling the three forces to cleanse and temper his body again and again according to the cultivation method!

Time passed day by day amidst painful torment and slow progress.

Cultivation knows no time.

Nearly a year later.

On this day, in the temporary cave dwelling, Zhou Yuan's seated figure suddenly burst forth with a dazzling pale golden Buddhist light!

Within the Buddha's light, a faint phantom of a wrathful deity, holding a vajra and standing on a lotus, flashed behind him!

His skin shimmered with a faint, metallic sheen, and his muscle lines became even more fluid and powerful.

A steady and profound aura, yet containing explosive power, slowly emanated from his body!

Zhou Yuan slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and restrained, as if a Buddhist fire burned and then died down deep within his pupils.

He looked down at his hands, then gently clenched his fist, causing a soft popping sound in the air.

"The first level of the Mingwang Technique is finally complete."

A satisfied smile appeared on Zhou Yuan's lips.

Although it's only the first level, his physical strength has already improved significantly.

The "Ming Wang Jue" is divided into seven levels. According to the manual, when one cultivates to the fifth level, "The Indestructible Ming Wang Body," the physical body can rival some top-tier magic treasures, becoming indestructible.

However, that's a long-term matter that will require patience and many more opportunities.

It can't be rushed.

Zhou Yuan stood up, stretched his limbs, and made a series of crackling sounds like popping beans.

He waved his hand to remove the restrictions on the cave dwelling and walked out of the temporary residence where he had stayed for nearly a year.

"Next, we need to gather information and collect the remaining precious materials needed to refine the late-stage Nascent Soul puppet and the Three Flames Fan."

Zhou Yuan gazed into the distance, planning his next move.

His main purpose in leaving Tiannan and traveling to Dajin was to collect rare refining materials that were hard to find in Tiannan.

Three months later, after a long journey and several transfers, Zhou Yuan appeared in Yizhou of the Great Jin Dynasty.

Yizhou, located in the central-western part of the Great Jin Dynasty, is a vast region with abundant resources and a flourishing civilization of cultivating immortality.

The state is dotted with numerous sects and cultivation families, and boasts several renowned large markets that gather rare and exotic treasures from all directions.

Zhou Yuan's destination was Taixing Market, the largest and most prosperous market town in Yizhou.

Upon entering Taixing Market, Zhou Yuan immediately sensed the prosperity and profound heritage of the cultivation world of the Great Jin Dynasty.

The market town was extremely large, with wide and clean streets lined with shops on both sides, decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding an extraordinary grandeur.

The streets were teeming with people, including many powerful Core Formation and Nascent Soul cultivators. The aura of various magical treasures, pills, talismans, and materials mingled with the cries of vendors and the sounds of bargaining, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.

Zhou Yuan did not conceal his late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation aura, but only slightly restrained it, maintaining the level of an "ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator," which was neither too conspicuous nor too intimidating, and was enough to deter most petty villains from easily provoking him.

He began wandering through various large shops, carefully browsing the rare materials displayed in the counters, and inquiring with the shopkeepers about the main materials he needed: dazzling crystals, five-colored wood, and several rare minerals and spirit woods used to strengthen the puppet core and the power of the Three Flames Fan.

However, after visiting seven or eight of the top-ranked large shops in Yizhou, the results were not satisfactory.

Treasures like the Radiant Crystal and the Five-Colored Wood are extremely rare natural treasures even in the Great Jin Dynasty. They are mostly treasured by top sects or old monsters and are rarely put up for sale in the open.

Occasionally, when shopkeepers heard what he needed, they would shake their heads, indicating that they were powerless to help, or suggest that he try his luck at a higher-level auction.

Just as Zhou Yuan was feeling slightly disappointed and preparing to leave Taixing Market to find another way, he passed by a medium-sized shop with an old-fashioned facade called "Qizhen Pavilion".

He habitually probed the shop with his divine sense, not expecting much, but when his divine sense swept over a counter deep inside the shop that was protected by a restriction, it suddenly stopped!

In the protected counter, there lay quietly a piece of ore about the size of a fist, with a deep dark gold color and an irregular shape covered with silver spots that shimmered like stars.

The ore exudes an extremely faint yet exceptionally tough and sharp aura, as if it contains some kind of terrifying, undiscovered power!

"What kind of ore is this?!"

Zhou Yuan's heart stirred.

Although he didn't recognize it, he could clearly tell that this ore was extraordinary.

This item seems to be considered the shop owner's "treasure," priced at an extremely high price, but it has remained unsold because most people do not know its true purpose or are unable to use it.

Zhou Yuan walked into the Qizhen Pavilion without making a sound.

A shrewd-looking middle-aged shopkeeper immediately approached with a professional smile: "Senior, what would you like to do? Although our shop is small, we have a number of rare and exotic items in stock."

Zhou Yuan's gaze fell on the ore, and he asked casually, "How much is that ore?"

The shopkeeper followed his gaze, a troubled look on his face: "Senior has a good eye! This is our shop's prized possession, but—it is too hard and cannot be melted by ordinary flames, so no one has been able to use it."

"If you are interested, senior, our shop can offer a discounted price—60,000 spirit stones."

Sixty thousand spirit stones is an astronomical price for a piece of ore whose purpose is unknown and which is difficult to smelt.

But Zhou Yuan knew that the true value of this item was far more than 60,000 spirit stones!

"Sixty thousand spirit stones, I'll take it." Zhou Yuan didn't haggle, and directly took out a storage bag full of spirit stones and threw it to the shopkeeper.

The shopkeeper was taken aback by the senior's straightforwardness. He paused for a moment, then his face lit up with a smile. He quickly took the storage bag, checked it, and respectfully took out the ore.

Zhou Yuan took the jade box and put it into his storage bag, feeling quite satisfied.

Although we didn't find the materials like Radiant Crystal and Five-Colored Wood directly, the unexpected acquisition of this ore made the trip worthwhile.

As he was about to leave the Pavilion of Rare Treasures, a gentle voice suddenly came from behind him: "Fellow Daoist, please wait."

Zhou Yuan paused and turned around. He saw a middle-aged cultivator, dressed in a blue brocade robe, with a refined face, three long wisps of beard, and who looked to be about fifty years old, smiling at him.

This person's aura was restrained, but Zhou Yuan could tell at a glance that he was a cultivator in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

"I am Du Yu, and I hold the honor of being an elder of the Fuyang Sect, a local sect in Yizhou."

The middle-aged cultivator in blue robes introduced himself, his attitude quite polite, "Just now I saw you searching for rare materials in several shops in Taixing Market. It seems that what you need is quite extraordinary. I don't recognize you, may I ask which spiritual mountain you cultivate on? I don't recall ever seeing you in Yizhou before."

Zhou Yuan's heart stirred slightly, but his face remained impassive. He cupped his hands and said, "So it's Fellow Daoist Du. My surname is Zhou, and I come from a land of wandering cultivators overseas. I've long heard of the vastness and abundance of the Great Jin Dynasty, so I've come to travel around and collect some materials for refining weapons. Fellow Daoist Du is very knowledgeable; I wonder if you have any connections?"

"A wandering cultivator from overseas?"

A knowing glint appeared in Du Yu's eyes. The seas surrounding the Great Jin Dynasty were vast, and there were many independent cultivators overseas; it was quite normal to find some unknown experts among them.

Zhou Yuan spoke with him and mentioned the names of several top-tier materials he needed.

Upon hearing this, Du Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Radiant Crystal and Five-Colored Wood are both rare treasures in the world, and are indeed hard to find on ordinary days. However—I do know a place where we might have a chance to find such treasures."

Zhou Yuan's spirits lifted: "Oh? I would appreciate Fellow Daoist Du's guidance!"

Du Yu laughed and said, "Three years from now, a grand gathering of rare treasures of unprecedented scale will be held in the capital of the Great Jin Dynasty!"

"This gathering is spearheaded by the Great Jin royal family and jointly organized by several top-tier merchant guilds and sects. At that time, rare treasures from all over the Great Jin will gather together."

"If Fellow Daoist Zhou truly has a need, he may wish to make a trip to the capital of Great Jin at that time."

"With your strength and wealth, you will surely not return empty-handed from such a grand event."

"Dajin Kyoto————Tianzhen Grand Meeting————"

Zhou Yuan's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he silently memorized the name and the time.

"Thank you very much, Fellow Daoist Du, for informing me of such important information!" Zhou Yuan solemnly bowed to Du Yu in gratitude.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you're too kind. It was nothing at all." Du Yu waved his hand and smiled. "I feel like we've known each other for a long time. If you don't mind, you're welcome to visit my Fuyang Sect for a few days, so I can show you some hospitality."

"I appreciate Fellow Daoist Du's hospitality. However, I have important matters to attend to and cannot stay long. I will definitely pay you a visit when I have more time in the future."

Zhou Yuan declined Du Yu's invitation. His time was precious, and he only wanted to gather materials and improve his strength as quickly as possible, not wanting to waste too much time on irrelevant matters.

"Since that's the case, I won't insist you stay. Fellow Daoist Zhou, farewell!"

Du Yu didn't mind and bowed in farewell.

Until we meet again!

Zhou Yuan returned the greeting, then turned and left Taixing Market.

"The capital of the Great Jin Dynasty—it seems I have no choice but to go to the capital of the Great Jin Dynasty."