CHAPTER 1818: CHAPTER 673: LOTUS PLATFORM ACQUIRED, BORROWING TREASURE FOR CULTIVATION

A magnificent yet perilous lake quietly nestled within the enormous Vermilion Bird Mountain.

From above, it seems like flowing fire.

Deep within the dazzling, blinding Magma Lake, one can’t help but speculate whether there are hidden demons within or if this lake is a gateway to another world.

Demons, are nonexistent.

Sacred Bird, however, there is one indeed!

In the depths of the earth vein, surrounded by colorful halos, a palm-sized firebird sleeps soundly with closed eyes, its feathered wings covering its body.

It seems unaffected by the tumultuous events outside, remaining undisturbed.

Tiny strands of red flame emanate from its small form, spreading outward.

As it passes, mountain rocks and hard stones melt into hot liquid, becoming part of the Magma Lake.

These flames, however, are well-contained, only enveloping a thousand-zhang radius.

Beyond the thousand-zhang, a terrifying heat replaces them.

Being within it feels as if even thoughts are melting.

This place is undeniably one of the forbidden areas.

Without the corresponding fate, it’s virtually impossible to tread here.

Drip!

Drip!

Strands of black liquid continually fall from a figure.

A man of ordinary appearance, closely observed, possesses an aura somewhat resembling that of Luo Yun Sect Supreme True Master Han Zhan.

Indifferent to his body’s melting, he fixates his gaze on a small lotus platform within the heat zone.

The lotus platform, in the scorching high temperature, appears restless.

It seems unable to withstand the terrifying heat.

Yet, it doesn’t dare to leave, subconsciously knowing there are those in the outer world coveting it.

Advance further?

Instinctively fearful!

Even though it has been cultivated in seclusion in Vermilion Bird Mountain, absorbing the breath of Vermilion Bird Sacred Fire, it’s merely a sliver, preventing it from being expelled.

The man quietly watches the scene.

Suddenly, he turns his head.

Outside the high-temperature zone, a silhouette races like the wind.

The man’s figure moves, swiftly arriving in front of Luo Chen.

"It’s right there!"

After uttering these words, he can no longer persist, his whole body inexplicably dissolving into a puddle.

Subsequently, a ghostly light flies from within, spiraling before merging into the Soul Nurturing Wooden Plaque hanging from Luo Chen’s chest.

Witnessing this, Luo Chen’s pupils slightly constrict.

Is this Han Zhan’s spirit refining achievement?

Splitting the divine soul, casually possessing puppet refined corpses as an incarnation.

Recalling when Han Zhan wholly possessed that Nascent Soul Stage Puppet, Luo Chen’s expression turns solemn.

"You possess extraordinary divine power, must have mastered the ’Soul Cleaving Technique’ to its peak!"

Han Zhan is surprised, not expecting Luo Chen to mention this suddenly.

He replies casually, "Hardly the peak, just a minor accomplishment."

Luo Chen is incredulous, "Such freedom in splitting the divine soul, yet it’s only a minor accomplishment?"

Han Zhan smiles faintly, "According to the ’Soul Cleaving Technique’, splitting into two is merely beginner level, I fortuitously achieved it in the Ice Castle’s Ice Prison years ago. After painstaking cultivation for two hundred years, reaching the count of nine souls, I finally attained mastery. As for the so-called ultimate completion, ha... I’m afraid it’s difficult to achieve in my lifetime."

"Is it so challenging?" Seeing Han Zhan’s divine soul aptitude, even among numerous Nascent Soul True Masters he has encountered, Luo Chen inquires probingly, "Is it a limitation of talent? Or perhaps the cultivation technique is lacking?"

"Neither." Han Zhan sighs, "Merely lacking an auxiliary precious item mentioned in the technique for spirit refining cultivation."

As Han Zhan speaks, he suddenly realizes.

Why was Luo Chen complimenting him, probing about divine soul cultivation?

The aftermath of the previous battle indeed!

Luo Chen, confident of his strength advancing, unafraid of Nascent Soul experts, yet during initial encounters fell for the captivating sound of Jiao Emperor Liu Jun.

Fundamentally, due to a deficiency in divine soul endowment.

Though it didn’t shake Luo Chen’s confidence, it made him deeply aware of his gap with Nascent Soul True Masters.

Hence, inquiring now to bridge this gap.

Understanding this, Han Zhan chuckled, "Don’t contemplate it, in a short period, you can’t elevate your divine soul endowment beyond the Nascent Soul level, even if I impart the ’Soul Cleaving Technique’ to you."

Being read, Luo Chen’s cheeks reddened.

However, reflecting in the Vermilion Bird Sacred Fire, it wasn’t clear if it was embarrassment.

He asks in a usual tone, "Why? Is it a matter of time?"

"It’s not a matter of time." Han Zhan refutes, then explains, "We True Masters, when advancing to Nascent Soul, confront Heaven’s majesty, transcending tribulation. Survivors not only have greatly enhanced realm but their divine soul essence begins to transform, as Heaven and Earth cleanse us. You lack this step, how can you compare?"

Luo Chen remains silent.

Transcending tribulation!

Clearly, this ordeal also brings immense fortune.

Even if he wishes to compensate with inner strength or other items, they pale in comparison to a celestial baptism.

Observing Luo Chen’s despondence, Han Zhan, fearing his discouragement, comforts him, "You’ve already done well. At such an age, such a realm with profound divine soul endowment, why pursue more? When your realm advances, reaching Golden Core Seventh or Eighth Level, even finalization, perhaps your divine soul endowment will approach Nascent Soul True Masters infinitely."