{T/N: My phone's screen is busted, so I can't type or read anything on it. The only thing I can do is receive calls, and that's because I had it set up to use the volume button to answer them a while back.
I had to beg and bribe my little sister to lend me her phone for a bit today so ya'll can get this chapter. Unfortunately though, until I get mine fixed, or until I get a new one, it means I won't be writing, reading, and translating anything during that period.
Yes, I started writing my own sh*t, but this little accident happened midway through the first arc of my fic, which I had yet to post, and which I also can't access now...}
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Raphael suddenly realized that Qingzhi's realm most likely lacked the supplementary materials found in the Northern and Southern Continents.
However, this problem was quickly resolved because the white jade pearl flickered briefly in his mind, causing new knowledge to surface.
After roughly digesting this new knowledge, Raphael smiled and said, "I will first tell you the stable cultivation method for the early stage of the Mortal Realm. You may return and test it, we'll continue our transaction afterwards."
Qingzhi was overjoyed, "Please speak, Demon Monarch."
"Listen carefully," Raphael said, "Before consuming the Inner Core for the early stage of the Mortal Realm, you must first prepare a medicinal solution. The formula is: 5 qian 6 wen of Angelica Dahurica, 4 qian 3 wen of Gentian, 2 Baibu fruits, and 1 Black-Head centipede."
The new knowledge the jade pearl had just provided was essentially a 'translation' of the potion formula.
Raphael wasn't particularly surprised by this. After all, it was the white jade pearl that had summoned him to this world. Though he didn't know what that pearl was or what its purpose was, it was certainly very familiar with this realm.
Therefore, substitutes for the supplementary materials required for the potion formula should exist here...
Having delivered the formula, Raphael added, "You should be aware that the Blood Sect has Inner Cores of different systems. The solution I mentioned is only suitable for the Mortal Realm early-stage Inner Core of the lineage specializing in curses and possession. Prepare the solution according to my instructions, then add the Inner Core. It will react with the solution and turn into an Elixir. Consuming the Inner Core in this manner, combined with this Monarch's cultivation method, I dare not say you'll be completely free of mishaps like a Qi Sect disciple, but at the very least, within the Mortal Realm, there won't be problems like drastic temperamental changes or similar problems."
Qingzhi was momentarily stunned, then asked, "And the unique cultivation method for coordinating with the Mortal Realm that you mentioned?"
Raphael merely smiled and did not answer.
Qingzhi immediately understood, "What does the Demon Monarch wish to ask?"
"I wish to see the Dao lineage, and examine the first three layers of the Mystic Source True Scripture, as well as the Wolf Fang Technique and the Chaos Art." Raphael said.
"This..." Qingzhi hesitated for a moment before replying, "This humble one reports to the Demon Monarch: The Qi Sect refers to the process of infusing power from the Dao lineage as 'Imperial Conferment'. The Jizhou Province branch only possesses the Mortal Realm level of the Imperial Conferment. The Mystic Source True Scripture and the Chaos Art which this humble one once cultivated, I can recite for the Demon Monarch. However, the Wolf Fang Technique is not in my possession..."
"...To undergo Imperial Conferment, one needs access to the 'True Jade', which is an Artifact that is linked to the Dao lineage. Only after undergoing the corresponding Imperial Conferment using the True Jade will the main headquarters sense it and, through the True Jade, instill the Wolf Fang Technique directly into the cultivator's mind."
Raphael nodded slowly, thinking: 'The cultivation system of this realm relies heavily on this True Jade artifact and the cultivation techniques derived from Beyonder abilities. Naturally, the various sects would tightly control both...'
He then said, "First, let me see this so-called True Jade."
Qingzhi acknowledged the request and immediately instructed his subordinates outside to bring the True Jade.
At this point, Raphael had another question. He spoke in a tone that was half certain, half speculation, "The True Jade should be divided into three types in accordance with the Imperial Conferment, corresponding to the different levels of cultivation: Mortal Realm, Deification Realm, and Void Refinement Realm, correct?"
"Yes." Qingzhi nodded.
Raphael voiced his doubt, "Since the major powers all tightly control the Imperial Conferment, and subsequently the True Jade, within their own grasp, where did those medium and small sects with lineages arise?"
Earlier, when Qingzhi described the various powers, he had mentioned that besides the eight great powers, there were many medium-sized sects and countless small sects, many of which had their own inheritance and weren't vassals of the great sects.
"This concerns a great secret regarding the Dao lineages." Qingzhi hinted without elaborating further.
Raphael chuckled knowingly and did not press further...
Soon, Qingzhi's subordinates brought in the True Jade. It was a forearm-high piece of blood-colored jade, presented on a mahogany tray.
The moment Raphael saw this jade, a vague, murmuring whisper seemed to sound in his ears, as if something were calling him.
Qingzhi didn't notice Raphael's strangeness and began explaining, "The True Jade is equivalent to the Dao lineage itself being present, which in our case is the Shadow Cottage secret realm. When you observe the True Jade, the True Jade also observes you. There are generally two ways to undergo the Imperial Conferment. The most common is to drip one's blood onto the True Jade. The other is injecting qi into the True Jade with one's hand. If one gains its..."
Just as he spoke, the True Jade suddenly emitted a faint glow, which was precisely the reaction signifying its recognition! The next step would be the infusion of power!
Qingzhi was astonished and instantly transformed into a shadowy mass, ready to flee at any moment.
Years ago, he had himself attempted to drip his blood onto the True Jade, but had not gained its recognition. That was why Qingzhi had subsequently undergone the Blood Sect's assessment.
At this moment, there was no one else here. So Qingzhi concluded it must've been the Otherworldly Demon Monarch in the cage using some method to awaken the True Jade!
Whatever that method was, it exceeded Qingzhi's comprehension. Hence, his readiness to flee...
At this moment, Raphael stared intently at the True Jade. It seemed he could see a secluded paradise within a gloomy, dark environment. On one side of the valley grew exotic flowers and rare herbs, on the other, rolled lava emitting blue flames.
Between the two stood a thatched cottage formed from intertwined vines, and inside was a mass of shadowy matter that deeply attracted Raphael. In an instant, the True Jade emitted a burst of shadowy light that merged into his body.
Raphael closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He perceived that he had actually gained the abilities of a 'Werewolf' and a 'Criminal'.
Opening his eyes again, he smiled sinisterly toward Qingzhi's shadowy form, "You needn't worry about the Wolf Fang Technique. It has already appeared in my mind."
Then, the glow on the True Jade faded, reverting to a blood-colored piece of jade.
Qingzhi breathed a slight sigh of relief, inwardly thinking: 'Fortunately, my branch only has the Mortal Realm level of the True Jade. If it were the Deification Realm level, this Otherworldly Demon Monarch might have instantly gained the cultivation of the late stage of the Deification Realm!'
But on this point, he was mistaken, because this 'Otherworldly Demon Monarch' possessed only Sequence 7 cultivation...
The 'Werewolf's' powerful regenerative ability began healing the wounds on Raphael's current body, and his weakness rapidly faded. He grabbed the iron chains and casually pulled, stretching them long, and stood up from the chair that had bound him.
Seeing that the Otherworldly Demon Monarch only possessed the late stage of the Mortal Realm, Qingzhi boldly hid behind the True Jade, re-formed his physical body, and said obediently, "I will immediately recite the first three layers of the Mystic Source True Scripture and the Chaos Art for the Demon Monarch."
Raphael nodded and began memorizing attentively.
Then they engaged in another transaction. Raphael traded the name of the 'Prisoner' potion and his self-summarized acting principles for the 'Prisoner' Sequence in exchange for the True Demon Art that Qingzhi had cultivated at the early Deification Realm (Sequence 6), as well as detailed information about the True Jade...