CHAPTER 401: CHAPTER 342 IMMORTAL BONE AND TREASURE MEDICINE! [VOTE FOR MONTHLY TICKETS!]

"A Fourth-order Great Power must have extraordinary insights and understanding of cultivation. If I could receive Xiao Lan’s guidance, it would undoubtedly benefit my own progress greatly."

"Not only that."

"Having ascended to the Fourth-order, Xiao Lan is soon to ascend to a higher plane. Many valuable yet cumbersome treasures she no longer deems necessary might be left behind in Wuhe Immortal Sect."

"This too would be beneficial for my cultivation."

Chen Jichuan was filled with anticipation, though he kept his expression neutral. Looking at Xiao Lan, he smiled and said, "Just a slight breakthrough—it’s nothing compared to yours."

Breaking through from the Second Realm of Divinity Transformation to the Third Realm might be a significant accomplishment among Divinity Transformation cultivators,

but compared to Xiao Lan’s ascension from the Third-order to the Fourth-order, it was indeed just a minor improvement.

Having said that,

Chen Jichuan added, "Your return is well-timed. I was just considering relocating Wuhe Immortal Sect back to Wuhe Star. After all, this place remains the territory of the Ten Star Lords, which often proves inconvenient."

Not long ago, he’d offended both the Witch Bone Demon and the Eight Extremes Venerable.

The journey back might very well be fraught with danger. But with Xiao Lan accompanying as a safeguard, things would undoubtedly be more secure.

"Back to Wuhe Star?"

Hearing this, Xiao Lan furrowed her brows and hesitated. "If Master isn’t in too much of a hurry, this matter may need to be delayed for a few days."

"What do you mean by that?"

Chen Jichuan looked at Xiao Lan, a thought stirring in his mind. He speculated that Xiao Lan likely needed something from him.

By now, he was already accustomed to this.

Whether it was Xiao Lan’s avatar,

or her main body,

every so often, whenever encountering troublesome caves or relics, Xiao Lan would always seek Chen Jichuan’s assistance.

Primarily, it was for solving formation arrays.

Chen Jichuan’s exceptional skill in the Formation Dao was universally acknowledged. Xiao Lan had experienced this firsthand in the Sumeru Immortal Sect. She particularly trusted his abilities after witnessing him walk a single round through the Sumeru Immortal Sect and, incredibly, commit the entire ’Small Sumeru Right and Left Nine Palace Immortal Formation’ to memory and replicate it.

With Xiao Lan’s luck, following her promised substantial yields.

Chen Jichuan, on the other hand, was more than happy to act as a ’tool,’ letting Xiao Lan direct him as she pleased.

If there was an opportunity, he would seize it to gain more benefits.

If there wasn’t, he could still enjoy sipping at the leftovers.

Over the course of three millennia, Chen Jichuan had accumulated considerable gains.

This time, however,

even with Xiao Lan’s main body having ascended to the Fourth-order, she still sought his help. Whatever it was that could not be relinquished by a Fourth-order cultivator on the verge of ascension would undoubtedly be unimaginably tempting!

"Returning to Wuhe Star is not urgent."

"If you have something in mind, just let me know."

Chen Jichuan said to Xiao Lan.

The latter, knowing full well Chen Jichuan’s temperament, immediately revealed her intentions: "Master may not yet be aware, but East River Fairy has already ascended to the Fourth-order."

"What?"

"The Fourth-order?!"

Chen Jichuan was visibly shaken by the news, looking at Xiao Lan in complete disbelief.

"Indeed,"

nodded Xiao Lan. "It’s been some years since her breakthrough, and she will also ascend to a higher plane before long."

Chen Jichuan was deeply astonished. It took him a long while to steady his thoughts before he sighed with a hint of melancholy, "When I first met East River Fairy, we were both at the Heavenly Human Realm. Now, several millennia later, I never expected—"

He couldn’t help but express some sentiment,

before shaking his head with a faint laugh, as though unwilling to reveal these feelings in front of Xiao Lan. Shifting to the main topic, he asked, "East River Fairy’s ascension to the Fourth-order—how does that connect to my return to Wuhe Star? Could it be that East River plans to invite us to witness her ascension ceremony?"

"No."

"East River Fairy has always been reserved and is unlikely to hold any grand ascension ceremony."

Xiao Lan continued without suspense, explaining to Chen Jichuan, "Master must already know that East River Fairy is a descendant of the Immortal Vine Clan, specifically a Moyun Vine subspecies, and she possesses the Supreme Bone. Over the years, the Immortal Vine Clan has pursued her multiple times, attempting to seize the Supreme Bone. Fortunately, she has managed to escape danger each time. Now, with her ascension to the Fourth-order and impending departure, it’s only natural for her to seek revenge!"

"The Immortal Vine Clan?"

Chen Jichuan looked toward Xiao Lan, genuine astonishment flickering across his face.

For once, the surprise was not feigned; he truly was unaware that Xiao Lan had been hunted by the Immortal Vine Clan.

This was one of the strongest factions under the stars, boasting few members but each an exceptional powerhouse. Even their Fourth Realm experts were numerous, making them far more formidable than forces like Starfall Pavilion or Beast Spirit Palace.

For Xiao Lan to not only survive the Immortal Vine Clan’s pursuit but also cultivate to the Fourth-order—it was indeed remarkable.

Nonetheless—

"The Immortal Vine Clan wields immense power,"

"and East River Fairy possesses outstanding cultivation."

"If she seeks revenge, what could I possibly contribute?"

Chen Jichuan looked at Xiao Lan.

If Xiao Lan needed his help against the Immortal Vine Clan, it certainly wouldn’t be in terms of cultivation or combat strength.

His only notable talent was in Formation Dao.

As expected,

Xiao Lan explained, "The Immortal Vine Clan’s ancestral land is protected by a top-tier array. East River Fairy fears she won’t be able to break through it and would like to request Master’s assistance in this matter. As for the strong foes, East River Fairy, her disciples, and the Ten Star Lords will handle them."

"The Ten Star Lords?"

Chen Jichuan pondered for a moment before turning to Xiao Lan and saying, "I’ve heard that the Immortal Vine Clan’s ancestral land harbors a ’Qilin Immortal Bone’ from which grows the ’Qilin Treasure Medicine.’ It’s said to strengthen the Primordial Spirit and even allow its transformation. Consuming a complete plant of this Treasure Medicine could lead one to directly reach the Ninth Transformation in the future. This is the ultimate treasure of the Immortal Vine Clan and their foundation for standing resilient under the stars for countless eons."

The Immortal Vine Clan.

The Qilin Immortal Bone.

The Qilin Treasure Medicine.

These were whispered secrets beneath the stars.

Chen Jichuan, always keen on collecting secrets and lore to broaden his horizons, was well-versed in the stories surrounding the Immortal Vine Clan.

The ’Qilin Immortal Bone’ and ’Qilin Treasure Medicine’ were among the most fantastical tales.

The Immortal Vine Clan was incomparably powerful, its members rare. All accounts of ’Qilin Immortal Bones’ and ’Qilin Treasure Medicines’ were mere rumors, never verified by anyone.

"Could Xiao Lan’s targeting of the Immortal Vine Clan be for these two treasures?"

Chen Jichuan’s mind began to race.

The purpose of the Qilin Immortal Bone remained mysterious and not immediately clear,

but the ’Qilin Treasure Medicine’ was a supreme Spiritual Medicine that could lead any Divinity Transformation Venerable to direct ascension to the Ninth Transformation.

This was something every cultivator in the Divinity Transformation stage yearned for.

Chen Jichuan was no exception.

"Master’s insight is truly remarkable; this disciple is in awe."

Xiao Lan, knowing she couldn’t conceal the truth from Chen Jichuan, chose full transparency. "Indeed, the Immortal Vine Clan’s ancestral land contains both the ’Qilin Immortal Bone’ and ’Qilin Treasure Medicine.’ East River Fairy, already at the Fourth-order, has no need for the Treasure Medicine and thus solely desires the Immortal Bone. As for the Treasure Medicine, according to our information, the ancestral land has at least two plants. If all goes well, there will be one for you and one for me."

"One for both of us?"

Chen Jichuan paused in thought.

It was said that the Qilin Treasure Medicine could make the path forward smooth for any Divinity Transformation cultivator, allowing them to reach the Ninth Transformation and perhaps even aiding those at the peak of Divinity Transformation in breaking through to the Fourth-order.

But Xiao Lan’s avatar was already at the Ninth Transformation, established through the Pure Yang Immortal Lotus, and thus suppressed by the Third-order bottleneck, incapable of further breakthroughs.

Her main body, having already attained the Fourth-order, had little need for the Treasure Medicine as well.

Under such circumstances, why would Xiao Lan still desire the ’Qilin Treasure Medicine’?

Moreover—

"Didn’t East River Fairy also enlist the help of the Ten Star Lords?"

"If there are only two plants of Treasure Medicine, how will the Star Lords accept it?"

Chen Jichuan furrowed his brows slightly.

"East River Fairy has prepared substantial rewards for enlisting the help of the Ten Star Lords. If there’s a third plant of Treasure Medicine, it will go to the Star Lords. But if there are only two, they will belong to you and me."

"With East River Fairy’s presence, the Ten Star Lords won’t be able to make much trouble."

"Once we’ve obtained the Medicine and consumed it immediately, finding a safe retreat to quietly cultivate, the Star Lords will be helpless."

Xiao Lan explained to Chen Jichuan.

"I see."

Chen Jichuan remained skeptical.

Always inclined to assume the worst of others, after hearing Xiao Lan’s explanation, he couldn’t help but think, "Xiao Lan tells me I’ll get one plant of the Treasure Medicine, but she might have a different story for the Ten Star Lords. Plus, she said the Immortal Vine Clan ancestral land has at least two plants. This claim has no solid basis and is currently unverifiable. For all I know, we might only find one, or even none, after helping her breach their ancestral land."

Such possibilities were not unfounded.

For Xiao Lan to take such a significant risk just before her ascension underscored the importance of this venture to her.

And—

The Supreme Bone.

The Qilin Immortal Bone.

There might be untold secrets tied up in all this as well.

Xiao Lan’s manipulations of Chen Jichuan and the Ten Star Lords might not be out of the question.

"But regardless, it’s worth the gamble!"

Chen Jichuan’s thoughts whirred before he promptly made his decision. "Since East River Fairy has provided her assurances, there’s no reason not to go! If I can secure a plant of the Qilin Treasure Medicine, I might even break through to the Fourth-order!"

"Rest assured, Master,"

"East River Fairy has meticulously planned this for years. Success is practically guaranteed!"

Xiao Lan, seeing Chen Jichuan’s agreement, relaxed and smiled at him.

"Let’s hope so."

Chen Jichuan smiled faintly, saying nothing more.

...

With her imminent ascension, Xiao Lan worked with swift decisiveness.

On one hand, her avatar convinced Chen Jichuan; on the other, her main body gathered the Ten Star Lords.

A group of twelve assembled quickly.

"East River Fairy,"

"my Lords Star."

Chen Jichuan exchanged greetings with Xiao Lan’s main body and the ten Star Lords, who, each in their unique forms, returned the gesture.

This was Chen Jichuan’s first time seeing all ten Star Lords gathered simultaneously.

The combined aura of the ten Seven Tribulations Independent Immortals was vast as an ocean. Even before Xiao Lan, they did not appear overly subdued.

"The Ten Star Lords are bound through their shared bloodline. Though merely at the Seventh Tribulation, their combined strength can rival, if not surpass, Ninth Transformation or even Nine Tribulations Great Powers."

Ninth Transformation or Nine Tribulations Great Powers were hard to find and even harder to summon.

Moreover, bringing just one of them could introduce instability.

The Ten Star Lords, by contrast, were far easier to control.

After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Lan’s main body—East River Fairy—brought forth a single green leaf and cast it underfoot. Instantly, it expanded and transformed, carrying Chen Jichuan and the others aloft.

"This is the ’Shell Leaf Immortal Shuttle,’ capable of traversing the stars and journeying through river domains."

"The Immortal Vine ancestral land is located three thousand four hundred light-years from the Ten Wheel Star. Though we could opt for traditional ’Galaxy Walking,’ the journey would be too lengthy. Thus, please allow East River to expedite our travels."

East River Fairy offered the explanation.

Chen Jichuan directed his gaze toward the green leaf beneath them—

[Magical Treasure: Shell Leaf Immortal Shuttle]

[Level: Fourth-order]

[Description: Specialized for starry sky traversals, capable of seamless teleportation. Note: Usable exclusively within this cosmic realm.]

The Shell Leaf Immortal Shuttle.

A Starry Sky Treasure crafted for unparalleled speed in interstellar travel, vastly surpassing the concept of light speed in mobility.

However, it was functional only within the starry expanse.

"Our gratitude to the Fairy!"

No one voiced any disagreements.

The journey commenced immediately.

The Immortal Vine Ancestral Land lay three thousand four hundred light-years away from the Ten Wheel Star. Under Xiao Lan’s propulsion of the Shell Leaf Immortal Shuttle, they arrived within three months.

In terms of pure speed,

it was beyond comprehension.

But this felt more akin to teleportation than conventional flight, highlighting a difference impossible to measure simply in terms of velocity.

...