After leaving the Medicine Valley, Chen Sanshi concealed himself in an uninhabited area. Only after confirming that all of Dusk Valley was safe did he return to his cave dwelling.
Before he even reached it, he saw a figure waiting at the entrance.
"Family Head Bai."
After greeting him, Chen Sanshi spoke directly. "I am already aware of what happened today. If it was Xiao who implicated the Bai family, then I can choose not to return."
"Fellow Daoist Xiao jests."
Bai Liangbi shook his head lightly. "The search was merely a pretext. Even without you, they would have found another excuse to break in. This matter cannot be blamed on you.
"That said, Fellow Daoist, you actually have connections with Zhuxian Sect and people from Eastern Victory Divine Continent?"
A few days ago, the commotion caused by that group had indeed been enormous. They had killed more than 100 righteous cultivators in Northern Yang Dao—almost certainly the greatest case in the past century.
In the past, even when evil cultivators stirred up trouble, it was mostly a game of 'cat and mouse,' hiding everywhere. Who would dare openly confront their opponents?
"To deal with the Li family, I naturally cannot rely on myself alone."
Chen Sanshi said frankly, "Zhuxian Sect and Divine Continent are forces that cannot be ignored. In fact, I would advise Family Head Bai that if one day the situation spirals out of control and there is no path left to retreat, you might consider withdrawing to the Great Han side."
"There is no need for Fellow Daoist to recruit on their behalf. Cooperation is possible, but seeking refuge is absolutely out of the question."
Bai Liangbi spoke calmly. "First, the spiritual energy in Eastern Victory Divine Continent is thin. If we cultivators were to fall to such a place, we would likely be left merely clinging to life.
"Second, Shengyun Sect has been busy with matters concerning the seal. I estimate that opening the seal will happen within the next few years. When the sects flood in at that time, they may not even be able to protect themselves, let alone take in others.
"Moreover, I do not advise Fellow Daoist Xiao to grow too close to those mortals. At best, they are merely Foundation Establishment–level families. They will not amount to much.
"I have already sent word to Qingxu Sect. Presumably, they will dispatch people soon. At that time, my Bai family may relocate the entire clan. I hope Fellow Daoist Xiao will accompany us.
"After relocating, the conditions in all aspects will only be better than Dusk Valley, not worse. I hope you will consider it carefully."
"Relocate?"
Chen Sanshi could not press further and only replied, "I will consider it seriously."
"Since Fellow Daoist is aware of what happened during the day, you must also know of the Divine Wood Spiritual Liquid."
Bai Liangbi continued, "To express our sincerity, the Bai family can help you cultivate a spiritual plant to 1,000 years of medicinal age."
Chen Sanshi understood that the other party was trying to retain him as much as possible.
He did not stand on ceremony. "Then I will accept the offer."
"Once you decide what you want, simply inform me."
Bai Liangbi said nothing more. Brushing past him, he soon disappeared from sight.
Chen Sanshi looked at the footprints left behind and felt that something was amiss.
"Something's off."
When he had been in the Medicine Valley earlier, he had already sensed something wrong.
One must know that the conflict between the Bai family and the Demon-Suppression Bureau was not a matter of one or two days. Similar situations had occurred years ago.
In the past two years, these people had clearly shown that they both wanted to obtain the Bai family's treasure and yet did not dare let Shengyun Sect learn the inside story.
Since they had painstakingly plotted for so long, how could they suddenly act recklessly, force their way into Dusk Valley, draw in Shengyun Sect, and expose everything so completely?
Either they were foolish enough not to anticipate that Shengyun Sect would come, or it was deliberate!
Both sides had reached some tacit understanding and used this method to deceive Shengyun Sect.
In other words, the so-called Nine-Colored Divine Tree spiritual liquid was merely a smokescreen. The Bai family's true clan treasure had never seen the light of day.
Thinking this through, even Chen Sanshi felt somewhat astonished.
The Divine Wood Spiritual Liquid alone was already precious. Just the half glass bottle seen today was enough to create at least two Golden Core cultivators.
If they were still hiding something, it could only mean that what they possessed was even more valuable than the Divine Wood Spiritual Liquid.
Something more precious than guaranteeing the cultivation of Golden Core cultivators—what could it be?
No wonder undercurrents were surging throughout Northern Yang Dao. Most likely, the majority of it was aimed at that very thing.
Combining this with what Chen Sanshi knew, the Bai family, the Li family, and the Demon-Suppression Bureau were negotiating. They were presumably discussing the division of the true treasure, and for now, it seemed no agreement had been reached.
If so, the chaos had yet to subside.
Everything that followed would depend on how Qingxu Sect chose to act.
Because the Bai family's intention was already obvious—they wished to present the treasure to Qingxu Sect in exchange for protection.
If Qingxu Sect truly sent people here, Chen Sanshi could also attempt to make contact, to see whether he could request reinforcements. Even if they were unwilling to help, he would at least try to secure a retreat route for the court's core personnel through Qingxu Sect—perhaps some hidden place where they could take refuge.
No one in this world could guarantee victory. One could only act with unwavering faith in certain triumph.
At present, Chen Sanshi still had two matters to prepare. The first was the control over the teleportation array at Daze Market. The second was to make preparations for the imminent trial of the Nine Nether Forbidden Land.
Without hesitation, after altering his appearance with the Art of Disguise, he assumed an unfamiliar face and went to Daze Market. He planned to use the independent cultivator Mo Zhu to invite Qu Lingchuan of Little Bamboo Peak out for a meeting. However, he did not see the old man at his usual stall and had no choice but to wait at his residence.
It was not until dusk that he saw Mo Zhu slowly approaching, clutching a wine gourd.
After not seeing him for some time, the old man had grown even more aged. He walked with a hunched back, and his robe bore signs of damage, as if he had recently been in a fight.
Only after inquiring did he learn that the man had gone hunting in Red Ridge Mountain.
Chen Sanshi chatted idly, "Fellow Daoist Mo is a talisman master. Why engage in such life-risking work?"
Mo Zhu took a sip and smacked his lips. "I've never had much ambition. I've spent my whole life circling in the middle stage of Qi Refining. But I must think of the younger generation, mustn't I? Recently, the various sects have been recruiting disciples. My grandson's aptitude is neither outstanding nor poor. Some arrangements are needed for him to have a chance to enter as an outer disciple.
"This Fellow Daoist looks unfamiliar—were you introduced by a friend? Are you here to buy talismans, or do you need me to do something?"
"Help me invite someone out."
Chen Sanshi took out 2 spirit stones. "At the tavern in the town 50 miles outside the market."
He stated the detailed requirements.
"Understood!"
Mo Zhu did not ask a single additional question.
2 hours later, Chen Sanshi waited in a mortal tavern and met the person he had invited.
Qu Lingchuan stood at the entrance with his hands behind his back, secretly forming a hand seal. He scrutinized the people inside vigilantly before cautiously approaching the table.
Chen Sanshi revealed Xiao Feng's face.
"You?"
Qu Lingchuan stepped back half a pace. "Fellow Daoist Xiao, you and I bear no grievances. Why have you called me here today?"
Several years ago, after the disturbance at Little Bamboo Peak, he had never seen this man again, followed by the recent Luoxia Mountain incident.
In his eyes, Xiao Feng concealed himself deeply and was an extremely dangerous individual—one he did not wish to approach.
"Fellow Daoist Qu, do not be nervous."
Chen Sanshi gestured for him to sit and poured him tea. "I invited you today to ask whether, on your path of cultivation, there is anything I might be able to assist you with."
Qu Lingchuan sat down warily but did not touch the tea. "Fellow Daoist Xiao, for the sake of our past acquaintance, I will not expose your presence. But please speak plainly and do not beat around the bush."
"I want the teleportation array."
Chen Sanshi paused, then added, "The one connecting Daze Market and Eastern Victory Divine Continent. I know Fellow Daoist Qu oversees its formation defenses."
Qu Lingchuan frowned. "Fellow Daoist Xiao, I am an offering enforcement elder of the Hall of Affairs. I will never cooperate with evil cultivators.
"Let us pretend we never met today. Do not seek me again."
As he spoke, he made to rise.
"Fellow Daoist Qu!"
Chen Sanshi's tone hardened. "You have been stuck in the middle stage of Foundation Establishment for over 20 years, haven't you? If you fail to break through to the late stage within 10 years, I fear you will have no hope of forming a Golden Core in this lifetime."
Qu Lingchuan cast him a sidelong glance. "What? Could it be that Fellow Daoist Xiao can help me form a Golden Core?"
"Of course not."
Chen Sanshi replied, "But what I am willing to give Brother Qu will certainly be more than what the Li family is willing to offer. In the future, if there are resources that can aid in forming a Golden Core, I can promise to prioritize you. I keep my word.
"Brother, do not blame me for speaking bluntly. If you continue in this middling state, your Dao path will likely end here."
Qu Lingchuan gazed out the window at the sky. After a long silence, he spoke again. "I want a Breakthrough Pill. When Fellow Daoist can obtain this item, we may discuss cooperation."
With that, he left without looking back.
"A Breakthrough Pill."
Chen Sanshi quickly searched his memory based on the classics he had read.
As the name implied, the Breakthrough Pill was specifically used to help cultivators trapped at a bottleneck break through their realm. Its value was considerable.
The pill formula itself was not rare. The costly part lay in a 1,000-year medicinal herb called the Phoenix-Luan Stone Beast.
Though it bore the word "beast" in its name, the Phoenix-Luan Stone Beast was actually a sentient spiritual plant. It had earned its name because it could devour spirit beasts and even living humans.
The Phoenix-Luan Stone Beast was already rare to encounter. One that had reached over 1,000 years of medicinal age was exceedingly difficult to obtain and was virtually a must-compete item for all Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Moreover, it was a heavenly material and earthly treasure specifically aimed at spell cultivators. The chances of Dusk Valley possessing it were extremely low.
In the short term, the only way Chen Sanshi could think of to obtain it was likely through the Nine Nether Forbidden Land.
His neighbor from Little Bamboo Peak had set quite a steep price.
But it was worth it.
Only by controlling the teleportation array could the army advance and retreat freely.
And if he truly managed to obtain this item, Chen Sanshi could even modify the formula to refine a pill that aided those in the early stage of Foundation Establishment—benefiting both sides.
"Phoenix-Luan Stone Beast."
He silently committed the name to memory. It would be his primary target in the Nine Nether Forbidden Land.
Having made up his mind, Chen Sanshi did not linger. He returned to his cave dwelling in Dusk Valley and began a prolonged period of secluded cultivation.
The forbidden land had not yet opened, but time absolutely could not be wasted.
In the blink of an eye, a full 4 months passed.
Cultivation Method: Swallowing Fire Art · Early Stage Foundation Establishment
Progress: 35/500
Progress on his immortal path realm advanced slowly.
However, calculating it carefully, Chen Sanshi was only 35 years old. A Foundation Establishment cultivator of that age was unquestionably considered young in the cultivation world.
The progress of the Dragon Scripture was also extremely arduous. He estimated that before the forbidden land opened, he would be able to open one more Jing Divine Spirit.
After growing fatigued from cultivating various techniques, he would shift his focus to the hundred arts of cultivation.
Foremost among them was puppet technique.
During his seclusion, Chen Sanshi would spend 1 to 2 hours each day remotely controlling the puppet at the Wujiang Hall in Tianyong City to handle government affairs.
But even 2 hours was time.
According to the records of the Heavenly Derivation Ten Thousand Soldiers Art, if one could cultivate puppet technique to a certain level, it would be possible to divide one's mind in two.
One only needed to leave a wisp of split soul within the puppet. Even without active control, the puppet could act according to the master's will.
Only in this way could time be utilized to its utmost.
Technique: Heavenly Derivation Ten Thousand Soldiers Art (First Layer)
Progress: 278/500
It was not only puppet technique. Chen Sanshi had not neglected any of his other skills.
Technique: Beast-Taming (Beginner)
Progress: 239/500
All three of his spirit pets had reached the late stage of the Spirit Aperture realm, and Qianxun was on the verge of breaking through to the Mysterious Body realm.
The cultivation speed of spirit beasts could also be increased through resources, further confirming the importance of collecting heavenly materials and earthly treasures.
Technique: Alchemy (Second Rank)
Progress: 466/1000
Technique: Formation (First Rank)
Progress: 471/500
Technique: Talisman Drawing (First Rank)
Progress: 489/500
Talisman Drawing was the closest to breaking through, so Chen Sanshi devoted more than a dozen days specifically to improving its proficiency.
Talismans could be understood as spells stored within talisman paper. They required no hand seals or incantations, no learning, and incurred no consumption. They could be released directly.
For that reason, they were among cultivators' favorite methods.
However, while using talismans incurred no consumption, drawing them was far from easy.
Holding the talisman brush, every half-inch of ink Chen Sanshi laid upon the talisman paper caused the mana and divine sense within his body to be consumed at an astonishing rate.
Ordinarily, a talisman master in the Qi Refining stage could draw at most 2 or 3 talismans per day. Drawing more would damage the divine sense.
In the Foundation Establishment stage, that number doubled to 4 or 5.
Moreover, after each session, one often needed to rest for 2 days to protect the divine soul and divine sense.
The higher the talisman's grade, the greater the consumption required from the talisman master. This was why talisman prices remained high.
If one could simply scribble randomly and produce 1,000 or 800 talismans per day, talismans would have long since flooded the market and become worthless.
Because Chen Sanshi cultivated multiple arts, and because the Heavenly Derivation Ten Thousand Soldiers Art tempered his divine sense, he was somewhat stronger than ordinary people and could draw 7 or 8 talismans in one go.
He gritted his teeth and endured the pain brought by the consumption of divine sense as he sketched the final talisman of the day. Gradually, a resonance began to emerge—a resonance with the laws of heaven and earth.
It was as if the talisman brush in Chen Sanshi's hand was a divine artifact meant to stir the laws of heaven and earth, and he himself was the creator who controlled those laws.
In this state, not only did he become more adept, but even the consumption upon himself during talisman drawing was greatly reduced.
Technique: Talisman Drawing (Second Rank)
Progress: 0/1000
Effect: Deft and Skilled
Deft and Skilled: Talisman drawing grows ever more proficient, forming a faint resonance with the laws of heaven and earth. Consumption during talisman drawing is reduced, and speed is increased.