The art of Aerial Control was not only useful for long-distance travel; when faced with an unfavorable situation, it was also an important guarantee for advancing or retreating at will.
With the Wind-Splitting Seal, combined with Qianxun, even if Chen Sanshi encountered a cultivator at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, he would still be able to escape safely even if he lost in a spell duel.
The only drawback was that each burst of acceleration consumed a considerable amount of mana. Instead, it was better suited to be used in conjunction with a mount.
He continuously formed hand seals, his speed increasing again and again, until he turned into a long streak of light and vanished at the far end of the sky.
Dusk Valley.
After several months away, Chen Sanshi returned to the valley with practiced ease.
Calculating the days, he realized he had once again fallen behind on quite a few pill quotas. Without delay, he headed straight to the alchemy workshop.
"Buzz—"
The stone door slowly slid open to both sides, revealing the alchemy furnace erupting with thick black smoke. Bai Chaotong stood there with a soot-covered face, covering her mouth and nose as she coughed—clearly having just experienced a failed refinement.
After years of study, she had now become a first-tier middle-grade alchemist, though she was still a long way from reaching the second tier.
Chen Sanshi raised two fingers like a sword and lifted the furnace lid. After stepping closer and glancing inside, he understood the general process. "When adding the fifth main ingredient to the Clear Spirit Pill, you must first use 70% firepower, then raise it to 100% firepower along with 100% mana. Your failure was clearly caused by insufficient firepower leading to instability."
"You're teaching me?"
Bai Chaotong looked incredulous.
She had studied alchemy precisely so that, in the future, she would not have to rely on outsiders.
"What's there that cannot be taught?"
Chen Sanshi sat down on a meditation cushion. "Clean up first. For this batch of pills, will you be assisting me, or your father?"
"My father."
Bai Chaotong swiftly tidied the alchemy room. "I'll go call him."
Before long, Bai Liangbi, head of the Bai family, arrived carrying a box filled with medicinal materials and handed over a list as well.
Chen Sanshi gave it a quick glance. "So many Fierce Flood Dragon Nourishing Foul Pills?"
"Yes."
Bai Liangbi nodded. "Just refine them, Daoist friend."
Chen Sanshi noticed that the baleful qi within Bai Liangbi's body had undergone subtle changes after this period of nurturing.
The originally highly corrosive baleful qi had actually merged with the spiritual power in his body, blending together seamlessly.
Could it be that the Bai family originally possessed some method of nurturing baleful qi?
He did not ask further and prepared to cover his eyes before beginning the refinement.
"Daoist Xiao, there is no need for that anymore."
Bai Liangbi paused and explained, "Starting from this batch onward, aside from the Bai family's most core pill formulas, the rest may be openly shared with you.
"At present, we rely on one another. There is no need for excessive wariness, lest misunderstandings arise."
"Family Head Bai speaks truly. I will certainly give my full assistance, and any pill formulas I obtain will never be leaked to outsiders."
After exchanging a few polite words, Chen Sanshi began the formal refinement.
Without needing to conceal anything, he fully unleashed his abilities. The success rate of his alchemy rose significantly. What had originally required half a month to complete was finished in just 12 days.
Skill: Alchemy (Second Tier)
Progress: 501/1000
After extinguishing the flames, Chen Sanshi withdrew his attention from the furnace. He kept a portion of the refined pills for himself and handed the rest over to the Bai family.
"Heh heh…"
After putting away the pills, Bai Liangbi spoke again. "Have you considered what we discussed last time?"
"You mean leaving Northern Yang Dao with the Bai family?"
Chen Sanshi replied, "To be honest, my grievances with Daze Market are not yet settled. I'm afraid I cannot leave this place."
"Why insist?"
Bai Liangbi advised, "The Li family holds great power, and in recent years they have even had a Golden Core cultivator overseeing matters. I fear they are not easily shaken by people like us.
"Not to mention that, once the seal on Eastern Victory Divine Continent is broken in a few years, more upper sect experts will surely arrive to suppress the mortal Han court.
"In my view, there is no need for Brother Xiao to forcibly remain in Northern Yang Dao.
"Your aptitude is excellent. With sufficient resources, you will certainly achieve the Golden Core realm in the future. At that time, returning to seek revenge against the Li family market would be as easy as turning your hand."
Chen Sanshi merely shook his head and said nothing more.
"Very well."
Bai Liangbi seemed somewhat disappointed. "True Person Yuling of the Qingxu Sect has already replied. In the next few days, they will likely send someone to Northern Yang Dao. We may soon leave this land of troubles. I hope Brother Xiao will reconsider carefully."
With that, he stepped out of the alchemy chamber.
"The Qingxu Sect is coming."
Chen Sanshi muttered to himself, "And it's someone sent by True Person Yuling. When the time comes, I can try to make contact. If their attitude is good, then perhaps I can seek their assistance."
For 4 consecutive months, he remained in Dusk Valley, living in seclusion and rarely going out. The vast majority of his time was devoted to cultivation.
Under the Spirit-Gathering Formation, the spiritual energy density within the cave abode reached the second tier. As Chen Sanshi continuously wielded his long spear, he also inhaled and exhaled spiritual energy, tempering his physical body.
If someone had stood behind him, they would have seen his spine undulating like a roaming dragon, radiating spiritual light like moonlight.
The entire spinal column was clearly visible, like glowing white jade.
Cultivation Method: Dragon Scripture (True Force middle stage)
Progress: 375/500
The Lushen, named Yili Fu, courtesy name Daozhu, 3.5 cun in length, clad in plain white jade garments!
Of the Eight Lower Scenic Deities, six had been opened.
Only the final two Scenic Deities remained. Once opened, he would break through to the late stage of the True Force Realm.
Cultivation Method: Swallowing Fire Art · Foundation Establishment Early Stage
Progress: 65/500
His immortal path was also steadily advancing. At the current cultivation speed of a Heavenly-grade spiritual root, he should be able to break through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment within 5 years.
His closed-door cultivation ended.
Chen Sanshi pushed the door open and summoned his subordinates to report on recent developments.
The first matter was a letter from the Zhuxian Sect.
Shangguan Siheng claimed that the demonic cultivation techniques of the Seven Kill Sect were indeed still spreading. When they attempted to intervene, they were ambushed. Recently, they had been targeted and were preparing to temporarily flee Northern Yang Dao to avoid the situation, intending to return once things calmed down.
"Your Majesty,"
Sima Yao reported, "We've clarified the situation with the Guiyuan Sect. Their participation in this secret realm treasure hunt was organized independently. There are 12 of them in total—4 at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, 3 at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment. The leader, Xu Baoren, is said to be extremely skilled in spell combat."
Seven Foundation Establishment cultivators, including 3 at the same middle stage as himself.
Chen Sanshi estimated that, if he went all out, handling 2 at the same realm would not be a problem. As for those below his realm, no matter how many came, they would die.
But if there were more than 2 at his level, then even though he cultivated both immortal and martial paths and would not be in danger himself, it would likely be difficult to keep them all. Quite possibly, many would escape.
As for the people of Tianyong City, the strongest among them were only at the early stage of the True Force Realm. They could not pose a lethal threat to Foundation Establishment cultivators or those above.
Therefore,
Chen Sanshi still needed a helper.
At this critical juncture, provoking the Guiyuan Sect again for no reason would surely make the Bai family unwilling to assist. But who else could he turn to…
After pondering for a long time, he selected a candidate in his mind.
Deng Wuchang.
This man was originally a hired blade. If the price was high enough, and if it could be guaranteed that he would not be targeted by the Guiyuan Sect afterward, perhaps he could be persuaded to help.
If he remembered correctly, after several years, Deng Wuchang had already reached the late stage of the True Force Realm, equivalent to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment.
Once he made up his mind, Chen Sanshi acted immediately. He returned to the same marketplace where he had previously met Qu Lingchuan and arranged to meet Deng Wuchang and Zinan.
"Xiao Feng?"
Deng Wuchang and Zinan reacted exactly the same way as Qu Lingchuan had—extreme vigilance written across their faces.
"There's no need for such caution, you two,"
Chen Sanshi said with a smile. "I'm only here to discuss business."
"A ship?"
Zinan looked doubtful. "You only want me to build you a passenger ship capable of crossing the Fog Sea?"
"Correct. The more people it can carry, the better."
Chen Sanshi added, "If you can also build flying ships, that would be even better."
"Flying ships are not possible."
Zinan shook her head lightly. "On one hand, I don't have the blueprints. On the other, my current attainments aren't sufficient to construct large flying artifacts.
"And…
"What do you need a large sea-crossing ship for?"
"At the extreme south of Heavenly Water Isle lies the Fog Sea. In a few years, I plan to sail out in search of treasure."
Chen Sanshi casually fabricated a reason while pushing over a Storage Bag. "If Miss Zinan is willing to help, these are merely the deposit."
Zinan picked up the Storage Bag and swept her divine sense across its contents. A trace of interest appeared in her eyes.
After deliberating repeatedly, she finally agreed. "Very well, I accept. However, for a large vessel capable of carrying over 2,000 people, it must be supported by dragonbone wood of at least 500 years in age. I do not possess such material—you will have to procure it yourself."
"No problem."
Chen Sanshi agreed, then pushed another Storage Bag toward the hired blade. "Brother Deng, I hope you'll lend a hand."
"Tsk, you really are rich, kid. No wonder you followed that group and robbed an auction."
Deng Wuchang weighed the Storage Bag in his hand, clicking his tongue. "But Zinan is just building you a ship. I'd be helping you kill people."
"Isn't that your original profession?"
Chen Sanshi added, "And not long ago you broke through to the late stage of the True Force Realm, didn't you? You must have spent all the savings you accumulated over the past 20 years. You'll need to prepare for reaching Perfection—and eventually the Golden Body Realm."
"Deal."
Deng Wuchang put the items away. "But let me make one thing clear—if my life is in danger, I'll run immediately."
"No problem. I don't require Brother Deng to risk his life. And whatever happens in the end, it will all be attributed to 'Xiao Feng.' No one will trace it back to you."
Chen Sanshi stood and cupped his fists. "Then it's agreed."
"Good."
"I'll return to make preparations."
Zinan and Deng Wuchang did not dare linger and hurriedly departed.
After making the arrangements, Chen Sanshi returned once more to Dusk Valley, entering seclusion again while waiting for the Nine Nether Forbidden Land to open.
Before he knew it, several more months had passed.
According to the time reckoning of Eastern Victory Divine Continent, it was now mid-February of the 12th year of Tianwu.
Cultivation Method: Swallowing Fire Art · Foundation Establishment Early Stage
Progress: 85/500
Chen Sanshi opened his eyes and slowly exhaled a breath of turbid qi. After a long time, he once again picked up his bow and arrows, aiming at a distant target to practice Archery.
Divine Ability: Arrow Dao (First Stage)
Progress: 755/2000
After finishing his cultivation of various skills, Chen Sanshi would stroll about Dusk Valley in his spare time, keeping himself constantly informed of the latest developments.
Just as Shangguan Siheng had said, auction events similar to the one at Luoxia Mountain were still being held in various places. However, security had become extremely tight, making it impossible to disrupt them so easily again.
As for the missing persons, all blame had been pushed onto the demonic Seven Kill Sect.
In response, Shengyun Sect did not simply ignore the matter. They frequently sent people to investigate. But because they did not understand the connections behind the scenes, they gained little.
It was impossible to know how many people the demonic sect had converted over such a long period of time.
Compared to this, Chen Sanshi was even more concerned about the seal over the Divine Continent. In 4 more years, the seal's restrictions would loosen, yet he still had not thought of a better solution.
Especially with the forbidden land refusing to open for so long, the pressure on him only grew heavier.
After all, it was not only the court that needed heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Chen Sanshi himself required them to refine pills and increase his cultivation, so that he could respond to whatever crises might arise later.
As he stood atop the mountain with his hands clasped behind his back, pacing back and forth while pondering how best to make use of this time, Dongfang Jingxing's voice suddenly sounded in his ear.
"Your Majesty!"
"The Nine Nether Forbidden Land has opened!"
Chen Sanshi turned his head. "What is the situation inside?"
When a forbidden land experienced abnormal activity, there were only 2 possibilities.
First, more treasures had appeared.
Second, the secret realm had completely collapsed under the erosion of endless years.
"This servant and the others have not yet entered, but it is certain that a large number of treasures have appeared," Dongfang Jingxing replied. "The forbidden land opened 5 days ago, but the various sects joined forces with the clans to block and suppress the news. Only today did word finally leak out."
As more and more outside forces gathered in Autumn Frost Valley, those sect disciples tacitly occupied various locations within the main valley, preventing independent cultivators from approaching.
Although the open rule for such ownerless secret realms was that anyone under heaven could enter and explore, where was there ever true fairness?
Once inside the secret realm, it still came down to who had the bigger fist and the greater numbers.
"It is said that elders from 2 second-rate sects have already fought inside, the cause being the struggle over a thousand-year-old demon locust tree heart."
A second-rate sect referred to a Golden Core sect below the Thirty-Six Immortal Sects. Such sects typically possessed only 1 or 2 Golden Core cultivators and were extremely vulnerable to losing their inheritance.
Dongfang Jingxing continued his detailed report. "In addition, it is said that quite a few third-tier treasures have emerged, such as the Golden Essence Clay Body. Many martial families from outside Northern Yang Dao heard the news in advance and are rushing here. There are signs that things may descend into chaos."
The Golden Essence Clay Body.
Its effect was similar to the demon locust tree heart that assisted cultivators in forming a false core, but it was meant for martial artists.
The third realm of the martial path was called the Glazed Golden Body Realm. The Golden Essence Clay Body could help martial artists who had no hope of advancing to the third realm forge a Clay Golden Body. Its combat strength was only slightly weaker than a true Golden Body Realm expert, and the lifespan was the same. However, it offered no further advancement in realm whatsoever.
If such a treasure truly appeared, it would indeed drive martial families into a frenzy.
After all, martial cultivation did not increase lifespan in its early stages. The Golden Body Realm directly extended lifespan to 500 years and could protect an entire clan for centuries. How could they not go mad over it?
Since even such treasures had appeared,
Then the dragonbone wood, Earth Spirit Purple Vine, and Phoenix Luan Stone Beast that Chen Sanshi required—and even heavenly materials and earthly treasures capable of opening Scenic Deities for the martial path—were extremely likely to emerge as well.
He wasted no time. "Xiaozhu, deliver my oral decree. All members of Tianyong City are to assemble and prepare to enter the Nine Nether Forbidden Land."