CHAPTER 381: CHAPTER 322 GRANDMASTER HAS ARRIVED! [VOTE FOR MONTHLY PASS!]

[Magical Treasure: Taiyin Qingling Bamboo Leaf Divine Talisman]

[Level: Fourth-order]

[Description: One of the Seven Treasures in the Sumeru Immortal Sect’s ’Seven Treasures Pond.’ It can spontaneously produce talismans, specifically designed to resist Evil Techniques and protect the True Spirit, making it an unparalleled self-defense tool. In the event of a strong enemy, if you wish to counterattack, simply unleash it according to the instructions, and it will attack the target as willed. If the opponent lacks sufficient Mana, they will either die or sustain severe injuries. Without a Magical Treasure to resist it, they will inevitably suffer harm. Once it affixes itself to the enemy, it does not retreat. Any resistance results in it shattering into countless fragments, multiplying endlessly, unable to be completely destroyed. Eventually, it transforms into a cluster of chilling stars that relentlessly pursue its prey, launching an unceasing barrage. A moment of carelessness will lead to fatal consequences. Its effects last thirty-six days before dissipating, but it can regenerate. Within its box, one Divine Talisman can be formed every thousand years, with a maximum capacity of three hundred and sixty-five talismans.]

...

[Magical Treasure: Five Thunders Hurricane Mother Car]

[Level: Fourth-order]

[Description: One of the Seven Treasures in the Sumeru Immortal Sect’s ’Seven Treasures Pond,’ embodying the mysteries of wind and thunder. When activated, it summons a hurricane that condenses into wheels, moving at unmatched speeds. If faced with obstacles, the immortal beast at the vehicle’s front opens its mouth, unleashing five thunders instantaneously. No matter how sturdy, extraordinary the copper wall or iron fortress, or how advanced the sealed Magical Treasure Array, even those cultivators with profound Daoist accomplishments cannot withstand its destructive power!]

...

"Five Thunders Hurricane Mother Car!"

"Taiyin Qingling Bamboo Leaf Divine Talisman!"

Chen Jichuan spent a complete sixty-year cycle in the Seven Treasures Pond. Aside from cultivation and insightful deductions, he also explored and stole treasures from the pond.

Most of the one thousand four hundred forty million Primordial Stones he obtained were harvested from lotus flowers within the pond.

These two fourth-order Magical Treasures were also among Chen Jichuan’s spoils from the Seven Treasures Pond.

Among them, the Five Thunders Hurricane Mother Car was a Travel Treasure, exceptional in speed whether traversing the starry sky or the land.

The Taiyin Qingling Bamboo Leaf Divine Talisman was even more extraordinary.

It could produce Divine Talismans that repel evil techniques, protect True Spirits, and enable defensive counterattacks.

"One for self-defense."

"One for escape."

"Truly worthy of being part of the Seven Treasures!"

Within the Seven Treasures Pond, the Sumeru Immortal Sect’s priceless treasures were stored. Though many fourth-order Magical Treasures existed, they had been degraded by the erosion of time. Only the pond itself and the seven supreme treasures it nurtured survived intact.

Chen Jichuan’s possessions now included two among these Seven Treasures.

Another, the Inverted Eight Gates Immortal Suppression Banner, obtained from Xiao Lan, was also one of the Seven Treasures.

"I worked tirelessly for a whole sixty-year cycle, yet I only managed to acquire two fourth-order Magical Treasures from the Seven Treasures Pond by sheer luck."

"Meanwhile, Xiao Lan spent sixty years tempering herself in the mortal realm, and treasures of the fourth order simply came to her unbidden."

"This woman—"

Chen Jichuan shook his head. "People simply cannot be compared to one another."

He chose not to dwell on it, pulling an Immortal Flag from his Storage Bag. With a casual wave, the Immortal Flag split into eight parts.

It was the Inverted Eight Gates Immortal Suppression Banner.

Unlike the first two treasures Chen Jichuan had acquired, this set of Formation Flags was difficult to deploy. But in the hands of a cultivator proficient in Array techniques, it had endless applications for attack, defense, suppression, and confinement.

Fortunately—

"I happen to excel in Array techniques."

Chen Jichuan gazed at the Eight-sided Immortal Flags with immense joy on his face.

In future confrontations.

He already possessed the Ten Thousand Leaf Sword River, an unparalleled offensive treasure. Complemented by the Eight-sided Immortal Flags, which could set up powerful formations, even Primordial Unity Realm Second-layer cultivators would not cause him fear.

Moreover, as his cultivation and mastery of Array techniques advanced, the power of the Immortal Flags would continue to amplify.

The future ahead was filled with boundless potential.

...

"Primordial Stones and Magical Treasures are external possessions."

"The most valuable gain from this expedition was undergoing one hundred fifty-two rounds of cultivation in the Seven Treasures Pond, solidifying the foundation of my Divinity Transformation Realm cultivation. For now, Primordial Stones are sufficient, and with dedicated practice, my cultivation will advance rapidly."

Though Chen Jichuan was currently only at the Heavenly Human Realm Third Layer, the path to the Fourth, Fifth, and even the Sixth and Seventh layers appeared smooth and promising.

For Chen Jichuan, this was an immense accomplishment.

"Next."

"First, I’ll return to Magic Sound Mountain, purchase pills and various cultivation resources, then reconnect with Senior Brother and Fellow Daoist Zhenwu. Afterward, I’ll make a trip back to Wuhe Star to strengthen my bond with Xiao Lan and to hand over the Dual-element Immortal Spider to Huang Quan for safekeeping."

"Following that, I can linger on Wuhe Star for a while, leveraging the Dharma Pills purchased from Magic Sound Mountain to nurture two or three cultivators into Divinity Transformation Realm."

"Once this is accomplished, my position among the Divinity Transformation cultivators from the Wuhe Star sect will be irrefutable."

With his plan laid out meticulously in his mind, Chen Jichuan arranged his steps carefully.

He used the Dual-element Immortal Spider as a travel companion.

During the journey, Chen Jichuan was in no rush, though. Seated on the Immortal Spider’s back, he was immersed in cultivation, focusing on taming and refining the Exotic Fire, while also working on the assimilation of his newly acquired treasures.

He moved forward steadily, occasionally pausing.

Time passed away quietly.

...

Ten years later.

Chen Jichuan was still on his way back.

On this day.

Two newcomers arrived at Magic Sound Mountain.

One wore a Star Robe, exuding a harmonious and upright aura.

The other donned a black robe. Middle-aged in appearance, he had an aura of dignity and righteousness.

These two individuals were none other than Galaxy Ancestor and True Martial Ancestor Master.

Three hundred fifty-two years had passed since the two had left Wuhe Star and ventured into the starry void.

From Wuhe Star to Magic Sound Mountain.

Under normal conditions, their travel would have taken them about two hundred years. However, various delays along the way meant they only arrived now.

Upon closer inspection—

The former appeared unharmed.

However, True Martial Ancestor Master’s face looked bloodless, a sure sign of grave injury.

"Magic Sound Mountain!"

"Finally, we’re here!"

Both Ancestors gazed at the azure star surrounded by dozens of satellites in the distance, wide smiles breaking across their faces.

"Junior Xu mentioned that no fighting is allowed within Magic Sound Mountain’s bounds. Now that we’ve arrived, there’s no need to worry about the Taiyin Sect, at least for the time being."

True Martial Ancestor Master, physically weakened, let out a sigh of relief.

Galaxy Ancestor beside him expressed his anticipation: "Magic Sound Mountain is reputed for its prosperity and abundance in treasures. Finding Spirit Pills to cure your injuries should be no problem."

With high hopes, the two entered Magic Sound Mountain together.

...

As soon as they entered.

They received unexpected news—

"Junior Xu arrived one hundred eighty-three years before us!"

Upon reviewing the letter left by Chen Jichuan, passed on by a Magic Sound Mountain envoy, the two Ancestors experienced a mix of astonishment and regret.

They were amazed that Chen Jichuan had reached Magic Sound Mountain so far ahead of them.

They felt regretful as Chen Jichuan had only stayed for sixty-six years before setting out into the starry wilderness. Having been gone for one hundred seventeen years, he had yet to return.

The missed opportunity for an immediate reunion weighed on them.

"Junior Xu carries the Nine Peak Palace inheritance and has far deeper knowledge of the starry path than the two of us do."

"He’ll surely be safe."

Galaxy Ancestor and True Martial Ancestor Master rented a modest D-grade cavern dwelling. Discussing Chen Jichuan, they then turned their thoughts to the cost of renting the dwelling, chuckling bitterly: "Even the cheapest D-grade dwelling costs thirty thousand Spirit Crystals a year. Junior Xu stayed here for sixty-six years, which would have cost him one million nine hundred eighty thousand Spirit Crystals. I can see why he didn’t stick around."

Like Chen Jichuan when he first arrived at Magic Sound Mountain, these Ancestors were unaccustomed to the exorbitant costs.

Caught by surprise by the rental rates, they even assumed Chen Jichuan had left due to financial constraints.

"At this rental rate, we likely won’t be able to stay long ourselves."

True Martial Ancestor Master’s expression darkened with worry.

"We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it."

"For now, let’s focus on healing your injuries."

"Magic Sound Mountain gathers Divinity Transformation experts. Solutions shouldn’t be hard to find."

Despite his own concerns, Galaxy Ancestor held onto high hopes regarding Magic Sound Mountain’s reputed abundance.

The two chatted for a while before deciding not to linger in the cavern dwelling. They wandered across Magic Sound Mountain instead.

Their goal, however, was clear.

They were in search of pills or treasures to heal True Martial Ancestor Master’s dire injuries.

For seven consecutive days.

Galaxy Ancestor and True Martial Ancestor Master returned to their dwelling. Facing each other, their expressions were rife with bitterness.

"Taiyin Sect."

"Taiyin Six Absolute Divine Needles."

True Martial Ancestor Master frowned, sighing deeply: "The two of us barely scraped two third-order Magical Treasures from that cavern dwelling during the raid. Their combined value doesn’t exceed two million Spirit Crystals. Yet, the Taiyin Six Absolute Divine Needles embedded in me require two thousand Spirit Crystals even for the slowest-acting remedy— the Five Elements Extinguishing Powder."

True Martial Ancestor Master’s exhaustion was palpable.

Throughout the past seven days, he had scoured Magic Sound Mountain for information about his affliction and finally understood its nature—

The Taiyin Six Absolute Divine Needles were an insidious invention of the Taiyin Sect, refined through meticulous processes. Once one is struck, the needles penetrate the Divine Soul like parasitic maggots, incessantly eroding it until death and soul annihilation.

While the needles could be removed—

A Divine Separation cultivator’s intervention could accomplish it.

Alternatively, premium pills like the Two-Phases Pill or the Yang Spirit Pill could achieve the same effect.

Even the least effective solution, using the Five Elements Extinguishing Powder, would cost two thousand Spirit Crystals.

More potent remedies like the Two-Phases Pill or the Yang Spirit Pill were even pricier.

As for seeking help from a Divine Separation cultivator, those figures were highly esteemed throughout Magic Sound Mountain. Preoccupied with their own cultivation and racing against time to ascend to Divine Transformation, no one would willingly waste energy on such tedious tasks without prior relationships or incentives.

After seven days of fruitless searching, True Martial Ancestor Master found despair creeping into his heart.

"Two million Spirit Crystals is nothing more than pocket change."

"I remember seeing in the Four Directions Sect that Magical Treasures of the Green Grain Sword tier were priced around one thousand eight hundred thousand Spirit Crystals."

"If we sell it, fetching one million six or seven hundred thousand shouldn’t be an issue. Adding the two hundred thousand Spirit Crystals we have left between us, it’s just barely enough. Selling those two third-order Magical Treasures would cover the difference easily!"

Galaxy Ancestor calculated briskly, sounding optimistic.

Having come from Wuhe Star, most of their belongings like Magical Treasures, pills, and talismans couldn’t fetch proper prices here.

Nevertheless, they had brought a few items worth three or four million Spirit Crystals. Much of it had since been spent on cultivation and travel costs, leaving them with just two hundred thousand remaining.

Given the situation, selling off their Magical Treasures seemed their only viable recourse.

Galaxy Ancestor searched himself thoroughly, bringing out the Green Grain Sword gifted by Chen Jichuan.

"Green Grain Sword?"

"This won’t do!"

"Our escape from the Taiyin Sect’s encirclement was thanks to this very sword wielded by Senior Brother. Without it, any future confrontation with the Taiyin Sect would leave us completely vulnerable."

Though True Martial Ancestor Master shook his head, the reality of his situation caused his words of protest to lack conviction.

"Let the future take care of itself."

"Magical Treasures can always be earned back, but your life hangs in the balance."

Galaxy Ancestor spoke firmly.

...