Chapter 180: Golden Core Involvement
It was the Zhou Family’s turn.
The Zhou Family Patriarch appeared: “Our family became prosperous with the help of a Spirit Gathering Formation. As everyone knows, this formation gave birth to a formation spirit.”
“The Spirit of the Spirit Gathering Formation can consume a portion of its own spirituality to cast spells and enhance the soul and body.”
“With this spell in place, cultivators can automatically absorb spiritual energy from the outside world, automatically convert it into their own mana, and even reduce the various costs of casting spells.”
The Zheng Family brought out the Ghost Martial Divine Weapon Tempering Art, the Zhou Family activated their Spirit Gathering Formation Spirit, and the Ning Family presented Ning Xie, the Foundation Establishment ghost cultivator with innate talent in Snow Soul Ice Essence!
Ning Zhuo’s mood grew heavy.
These were all the foundational resources of each family, great efforts indeed. Normally kept hidden, now they were brought out.
Ning Zhuo recalled the Ning Family Patriarch’s words, “This concerns the Golden Core Ancestor,” and the actions of the three families made sense.
“Alright, you continue your discussions, we won’t delay you any longer.” The Zhou Family Patriarch waved his hand and left the secret chamber.
The Ning Family Patriarch also followed suit.
Ning Xie, however, still floated in mid-air, arms crossed, staring at Ning Zhuo with cold eyes.
Ning Zhuo acted as if he couldn’t feel it, his indifferent posture making Ning Xie quite frustrated.
Zheng Hua continued, “These five jade slips record all the materials, spirit stones, and mechanical components we’ve gathered.”
“Since it’s extremely difficult to bring items into the Lava Immortal Palace, the only supplies we can use in this battle are these.”
Ning Xie of the Ning Family was considered the greatest achievement of the three families’ joint research into how to bring items into the Lava Immortal Palace.
In fact, all three families had ghost cultivators hidden as part of their family foundations.
Only Ning Xie succeeded, due to his talent, and some mysterious coordination with Ning Xiaohui’s abilities.
Ning Zhuo placed the jade slip against his forehead. After checking its contents, his mood grew even heavier.
The information in the jade slip was incredibly detailed, with even the spirit stones being meticulously accounted for.
It calculated the total number of explorers, and estimated the maximum number of spirit stones the entire exploration team could obtain if everyone chose the spirit stone reward.
If no one chose spirit stones, it calculated how many there would be.
It broke down the stages into 30%, 50%, 70%, and 90%, providing detailed figures for each stage.
The quantities of mechanical components like the Suspension Ring and Small Flying Box were calculated the same way.
The materials and crafting tools that could be purchased with spirit stones in the preparation room, and how long each tool could be used, all had extremely precise calculations.
Not only that, the jade slip also contained over ten different mechanical constructs, categorized and listed.
Zheng Hua explained at the right moment: “These were carefully selected by our three families during our discussions.”
“Their functions and power are described in detail, and the materials, spirit stones, and other resources required to construct them have all been calculated.”
“If anyone has any good ideas for mechanical constructs, feel free to bring them up, and we can further discuss.”
Ning Zhuo remained silent.
Zhou Zhenshen looked at Ning Zhuo, not letting him off the hook, smiling earnestly: “Brother Ning, you must have noticed that most of these mechanical constructs originate from my Mud Flow Sect.”
“The Mud Flow Sect excels in terrain-modifying mechanisms, which is also our sect’s main livelihood.”
“The Earth-Drilling Rat is used to soften mountain bodies and dig tunnels, the Night Bat is used to detect terrain and create three-dimensional maps, the White Tiger Assault Vehicle is for opening large tunnels, and the Mud Flow Hammer is for breaking boulders and consolidating foundations.”
“Brother Ning’s mechanical skills are well known. Your designs of the Mechanical Explosive Monkey and the Fire Bamboo Snake are also adept at combat.”
“So, your suggestions are crucial!”
Ning Zhuo gave a faint smile: “I will certainly do my best, but these mechanisms require careful study before I can give any opinions. This matter is too important for me to speak carelessly.”
“Hahaha.” Zhou Zhenshen laughed, “Then we will await Brother Ning’s insights.”
Zheng Hua continued, “Next, I will introduce a few battle tactics that the three families have already prepared.”
“The first is the Zhou Family’s battle formation.”
…
After the discussions ended, Ning Zhuo returned to his private room.
On the way, he furrowed his brows, feeling a heavy weight on his mind.
“The preparation room, the mature battle tactics, the three families’ resources…” Ning Zhuo reflected, and the more he thought about it, the greater the pressure he felt.
His previous assumptions were correct, the three families were indeed relying on the functions of the preparation room.
But it wasn’t entirely correct.
Whether it was the battle tactics of the three families or the resources they had brought out, almost all of it was beyond his expectations.
The secret “This concerns the Golden Core Ancestor” made it even harder for him to guess what was happening at the upper levels.
“The three families’ alliance… there really is strength in numbers,” Ning Zhuo deeply felt the advantage of numbers.
Even if none of them made it onto the leaderboard to claim ample spirit stone rewards, the clearance rewards amassed through sheer numbers alone would already be an enormous sum.
The three families had consolidated all their resources and made incredibly precise calculations, researching the most optimal distribution.
They had fully tapped into their combat potential.
Right now, Ning Zhuo’s greatest relief was that the soul-entering exploration route of the Immortal Palace prohibited carrying external objects inside.
This was a significant layer of protection for Ning Zhuo.
If external items were allowed, the three families would have unleashed even more terrifying power!
Ning Zhuo took out the Floating Cloud Cloth, entered its depths, and then his soul entered the Immortal Palace.
Sun Lingtong had long been waiting for him.
After Ning Zhuo relayed the latest information, Sun Lingtong immediately grew solemn, “The enemy’s strength is so overwhelming. It seems we must let Qi Bai enter the battle if we want any chance of victory.”
Ning Zhuo sighed, “Relying on Yuan Dasheng alone is indeed difficult.”
“However, we can’t be too aggressive.”
“If things don’t work out, I simply won’t take part in the formation.”
“Above all, we must guard against the Soul-Devouring Sect’s covert schemes.”
Sun Lingtong nodded, “Don’t worry, I know what to do.”
Sun Lingtong’s soul returned to his body. He looked at the storage bag in front of him that belonged to Qi Bai, his brows furrowed, his expression resolute.
He had already made up his mind: “Xiao Zhuo is determined to seize the Lava Immortal Palace.”
“For him, this goal is not just a major life opportunity, but also a task entrusted by his mother—something he must accomplish!”
“To him, it’s of immense importance!”
“He speaks lightly, as if I don’t know? If he doesn’t take part in the formation, the three families will push forward relentlessly, and it could even arouse their suspicions.”
“As his big brother, if I don’t support him at this critical moment, when will I?”
Sun Lingtong made slow progress unlocking Qi Bai’s storage bag, but after accumulating efforts over time, he was finally at the final stage.
“Time is running out, I’ll have to take a bit of a risk.”
As a member of the demonic sect, Sun Lingtong had never lacked the spirit of adventure. Back in the Qi Refining Stage, he had stolen Foundation Establishment-level treasures and was once caught stealing, even imprisoned and tortured by a gang.
He didn’t have to take risks; he enjoyed the thrill of it, relishing the excitement from theft and other dangerous activities, finding both body and mind exhilarated and satisfied.
“Let’s do it!” Sun Lingtong puffed up his cheeks, gathering his strength, and cast his spell.
Soon after, Qi Bai’s storage bag was opened, and a wisp of black-gray smoke floated into the air.
Sun Lingtong, quick-eyed and swift-handed, snuffed out the wisp before it drifted too far.
“Good!”
“My calculations were correct—no other defensive measures. Haha, I’ve unlocked a Golden Core cultivator’s storage bag!”
Sun Lingtong immediately checked the contents. Qi Bai’s storage bag was rich with treasures, their value immeasurable.
There were seven magical tools alone that were rarely used.
Most of the cultivation resources were closely related to soul cultivation.
The unrelated materials were all Golden Core level. These materials would be difficult to sell, requiring the right auction or trade partner.
Thus, they had accumulated in Qi Bai’s hands.
But the most valuable items were some of Qi Bai’s personal belongings.
“These are all excellent fuel for the Fire Burial Prajna Spirit-Resolving Sutra.” Sun Lingtong grinned from ear to ear.
Ning Zhuo had already passed the relevant scriptures to Sun Lingtong.
Thus, under Ning Zhuo’s special training, Sun Lingtong could, with his own power, refine items and add spiritual essence to Qi Bai.
Somewhere in the darkness, two ghostly flames suddenly lit up.
Upon closer inspection, one could see that these ghostly flames were actually the eyes of a cultivator.
It was Luo Shang!
A true disciple of the Soul-Devouring Sect, tasked with finding the real murderer of Qi Bai and seeking vengeance for the sect.
He had long since infiltrated Huoshi Immortal City, drawing no attention, quietly hiding his identity.
“The two Soul-Devouring Sect disciples in the city lord’s dungeon were merely bait and a trap.”
“Why has Han Ming remained missing and out of contact?”
“Up until now, she hasn’t responded to my secret transmissions.”
“Hmm?!”
At this moment, Luo Shang sensed Qi Bai’s aura.
He had been continuously using the sect’s secret technique.
“It’s coming from that direction… inside the mountain!”
The ghostly flames disappeared, and Luo Shang immediately set off.
Not long after he vanished, a female cultivator appeared.
Her face was as beautiful as a peach blossom, and her figure was tall and graceful—it was Yang Chanyu of the No-Void Sect.
Yang Chanyu had been roaming Huoshi Immortal City, constantly changing her appearance as she wandered around. One of her primary goals was to find Sun Lingtong.
In the sect, Sun Lingtong’s soul plaque showed no signs of abnormality.
Though the black market had been shut down and Sun Lingtong had been put on the wanted list, Yang Chanyu was certain that Sun Lingtong was still in Huoshi Immortal City.
“Where is this little rascal hiding?”
“I left coded messages, but none have been triggered by him.”
“Hmph, he’s deliberately avoiding me!”
Yang Chanyu couldn’t find Sun Lingtong, but she unexpectedly discovered Luo Shang.
The moment Luo Shang made a move, Yang Chanyu sensed it. After thinking it over, she decided to secretly follow and see what Luo Shang had uncovered.
Luo Shang cautiously found a gap in the Immortal City’s formation, circled around a large distance, and located a hidden base within the mountain.
However, by the time he entered the secret base, Sun Lingtong had long since vanished.
Sun Lingtong had gone to another underground base to replenish Qi Bai’s spiritual essence.
Luo Shang thought for a moment and decided to wait for Sun Lingtong’s return, planning to lie in wait.
“An underground base… wait, that’s Sun Lingtong’s aura. Hmph, little ghost, I’ve finally found you.” Yang Chanyu snorted coldly and also concealed herself to observe.
Meanwhile, in another secret chamber.
Zhu Xuanji was gathering the Golden Core Ancestors of the three families, engaging in their second secret discussion.
In their first meeting, Zhu Xuanji had proposed cooperation. He sought the full support of the three Golden Core Ancestors, combining forces to enter Mount Huoshi, break into the demon ape’s lair, and retrieve the demon general’s body!
The operation carried high risk—even for Golden Core cultivators, there was a chance of falling. But if the six Golden Core cultivators worked together in earnest, the chances of success were not small.
The key was that the rewards were substantial!
Part of the reward came from the rich spoils of destroying the demon ape’s lair, while the other part was the payment Zhu Xuanji offered to the Golden Core cultivators for their assistance.
The payment was highly tempting.
Thus, the three Golden Core cultivators were all hesitant.
Zhu Xuanji smiled and asked, “Fellow Daoists, have you made your decision?”
Zheng Shuanggou was the first to speak, “Our two people can take part, but… you need to increase the payment!”