Chapter 149: Relic Stirring? Fishing!
Inside the Earth Element Formation.
The Azure-scaled Python let out a frenzied hiss, its massive body thrashing wildly.
However, with the seamless coordination between Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao, the two of them took advantage of their joint strike technique, keeping their distance while bombarding it with spells.
From time to time, the Green-Horned Ox and the Ice Flood Dragon also ambushed it.
Especially targeting its already wounded abdomen.
Blood dyed the ground red, and the two also consumed a tremendous amount of energy.
This quasi-third-rank demon beast possessed terrifying strength, even causing cracks to appear in the trapping formation barrier.
Yet under the joint strike secret art, even their mana recovery speed doubled.
This was precisely why many powerful sects and clans would arrange for their disciples to cultivate a joint strike secret art.
The power unleashed was indeed overwhelming.
“This quasi-third-rank demon beast truly is troublesome.”
Although the formation restricted the Azure-scaled Python, it also prevented its terrifying poisonous mist from dispersing outward.
In the face of life and death, the Azure-scaled Python spewed venomous mist madly, causing the entire formation to be filled with a faint poisonous haze.
“Brother Lin, are you alright?”
Unaware of Lin Chang’an’s natural immunity to toxins, Yun Yao grew solemn as she noticed her own magical robe corroding and dimming.
“It’s alright. Wood-attribute cultivation methods naturally grant some resistance to poison.”
Lin Chang’an inhaled deeply and spoke in a steady voice. But when he saw frost aura manifest on Yun Yao’s cheeks, faintly dispersing the venomous mist, he could not help but marvel. His ancient cultivation method might have been powerful, but that did not mean current methods were weak.
Yun Yao’s cultivation also had its unique merits.
His method’s true strength lay in his Life-bound Spirit Plant.
Although the venom was terrifying, the two did not panic and continued their guerilla tactics.
Lin Chang’an’s Yellow Dragon Bell occasionally crashed down, drawing furious roars.
Yun Yao’s spear was even more formidable. Razor-sharp, every strike left behind deep wounds.
Furthermore, Yun Yao possessed an ice-attribute defensive magical artifact. Cold, scale-like barriers encircled them, with the faint phantom of an ice turtle flickering upon it, stirring Lin Chang’an’s envy.
“Another top-grade artifact. This Daoist Yun truly has a rich background.”
And well she should. She had once been the personal disciple of a Golden Core True Lord of the Palace of Blazing Fire, wealthy to begin with.
Before faking her death and leaving, she had even acted as an insider to rob the Treasure Pavilion of Tianxuan City.
Naturally, she was overflowing with riches.
“Indeed, alchemy and drawing talismans can’t compare to the overnight wealth of a robber cultivator.”
Lin Chang’an sighed inwardly. But the risks were great.
It was better for him to advance steadily without gambling his life.
After all, Yun Yao had only gone so far because she had been forced into a desperate corner.
“This beast is about to fall. Brother Lin, beware of its dying counterattack.”
Finally, after the two consumed over half their mana—supplemented midway with spirit stones and pills—and two hours of battle, the heavily wounded quasi-third-rank demon beast could no longer hold on.
Its massive body collapsed weakly among the rocks, serpent blood staining the earth.
Yet at this moment, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao only grew more cautious.
The final moment was always the most dangerous.
Too many cultivators had perished in such lapses.
Not only did the two refrain from approaching, they even signaled their spirit beasts to retreat further back.
【Giant Sword Technique】
This time, the two joined forces to channel Yun Yao’s top-grade artifact—the Icy Spear.
A colossal spear imbued with frigid power hovered above them, aimed directly at the fallen Azure-scaled Python.
Under the joint strike secret art, the icy spear expanded to over a dozen zhang in length, radiating dazzling brilliance and surpassing all previous strikes.
Sensing death’s approach, the nearly-dead Azure-scaled Python suddenly stiffened and shot forward like an arrow released from a bowstring.
Its bloody maw opened wide, lunging straight at them.
“Go!”
Yun Yao shouted sharply. The icy spear streaked through the sky with a hiss, leaving behind a trail of freezing air.
Puchi!
Blood splattered in all directions, instantly frozen into crystalline frost that scattered like shards of ice.
But in its dying frenzy, the python’s eyes glowed viciously, and from its gaping maw it spat out a blood arrow.
“Careful!”
Lin Chang’an roared. With a wave of his hand, nine second-rank high-grade Vajra Talismans instantly formed nine protective barriers before them.
At the same time, he and Yun Yao combined their power to conjure three solid mana shields.
The blood arrow carried the python’s venom, its power utterly terrifying.
The nine talisman-formed barriers were pierced through instantly.
The three mana shields lasted a moment longer but were corroded one after another.
In the end, only their top-grade defensive artifacts blocked the strike.
Puchi!
The venom splattered with a sizzling hiss as the two quickly retreated, cleansing the poison with spells.
Even so, their artifacts grew dim and dulled.
“What a terrifying venom.”
Landing on the ground, Lin Chang’an stared at the damaged artifacts, his heart shaken.
Together with Yun Yao, under the joint strike art, they had unleashed power no weaker than that of a cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment.
And yet, even against an already gravely wounded beast, it had taken so long and such effort to bring it down.
…
After several more cautious attempts—and only after the Ice Flood Dragon entered through the wounds and extracted the python’s gall—the two finally confirmed the beast was truly dead.
“Brother Lin, it seems our trip wasn’t in vain after all.”
Yun Yao wiped the sweat from her forehead, revealing a rare smile.
Lin Chang’an, panting, nodded. “Indeed. At the very least, this joint strike secret art has been tempered in practice. We’ve also discovered many shortcomings.”
Even after slaying the beast, they dared not relax.
The formation remained intact, though luckily, no opportunistic hunters appeared behind them.
“The scales of a quasi-third-rank Azure-scaled Python—this is top-tier artifact refinement material.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head regretfully. Unfortunately, they needed it more for crafting high-grade talisman paper.
Next, Lin Chang’an formed a hand seal and cast the Soul-capturing Technique.
From the python’s corpse, a spiritual essence emerged. Yun Yao’s eyes flickered with surprise upon seeing this.
“Soul-capturing Technique! It seems Brother Lin is full of hidden depths.”
Yun Yao glanced at him with layered meaning. Such an unorthodox technique was rare even among the disciples of great sects.
But she did not pry. Everyone had their own secrets.
Sealing the python’s essence into a prepared jade bottle, Lin Chang’an smiled.
Thanks to Fellow Daoist Huang’s generosity, he might now be able to forge a top-grade offensive artifact.
“Daoist Yun, you too are full of hidden depths.”
The two exchanged glances and shared a smile.
Their bond was one of mutual restraint—neither probing into the other’s secrets.
“The python’s hide is best suited for talisman paper at the abdomen. The rest, though inferior, is enough to refine two fine inner armors.
As for the gall, my Ice Flood Dragon is at a crucial stage, so I’ll be taking it.”
“Very well. Then I shall accept these fangs and venom sacs without courtesy.”
Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao divided the spoils with ease.
Perhaps due to preparing for the secret realm years down the line, neither argued over distribution.
Even the serpent’s blood, laced with deadly poison, was collected. Properly refined, it too held immense value.
Even the serpent meat and bones were all collected.
For Lin Chang’an, this battle had yielded immense harvests.
After Yun Yao collected the crystalline core of the quasi-third-rank demon beast, she shook her head slightly, as though regretting that it was not a rare Demon Core Condensation.
Seeing this, Lin Chang’an only nodded inwardly and did not argue.
Though a quasi-third-rank demon core was precious, what he needed more now was a top-grade offensive artifact.
“Yun Yao already has no shortage of top-grade artifacts, but I too profited this time. Still, my storage pouches are no longer enough. It seems I must buy a few high-grade ones.”
The jade bottle sealing the spirit essence could not be stored inside the pouch, so he had to carry it close to his chest.
The Green-Horned Ox limped over covered in wounds, and Lin Chang’an felt a pang of distress.
“But since this beast had been hiding beneath the pool to heal, there must be spirit herbs here.”
Yun Yao then released the Ice Flood Dragon to explore underwater, but it found nothing.
Most likely, the Azure-scaled Python’s wounds had been too grave, forcing it to devour even the immature spirit herbs.
Normally, demon beasts that discovered spirit herbs or fruits would guard them until maturity to enjoy them later.
But in times of grave injury, they would cast aside all restraint.
After finishing their collection of spoils, the two did not hurry to leave.
Instead, they slowly dispersed the venomous mist within the formation and restored their mana inside it.
Their two spirit beasts kept watch.
…
Half a day later.
Inside the formation, Lin Chang’an and Yun Yao slowly loosened their palms. By simultaneously circulating their dual cultivation secret art, both their mana recovery and healing speed far surpassed what one person alone could achieve.
Over the years, Yun Yao had silently reflected. It seemed Brother Lin too had his fortuitous encounters—most likely cultivating a high-grade or even top-tier wood-attribute method.
“But I must congratulate Brother Lin. A second-rank high-grade talisman master is a rarity in all of Tianxuan City.”
She stood and teased with a light smile.
Lin Chang’an simply nodded without denial.
Being a second-rank high-grade talisman master was proof of his talent on the talisman path, and it also strengthened his bargaining power.
“Some time ago, I had some insight and thus broke through. But crafting a second-rank high-grade Restriction-Breaking Talisman still requires more tempering.”
Lin Chang’an spoke humbly, but Yun Yao only smiled without comment.
If a second-rank high-grade talisman master were to gain materials from quasi-third-rank talisman paper, there was a chance of producing one or two quasi-third-rank Restriction-Breaking Talismans.
Even if not, any talisman drawn on quasi-third-rank talisman paper would far exceed ordinary second-rank talismans.
“Lin—”
Just as Yun Yao smiled and raised her hand to collect the formation, her expression suddenly changed.
“Not good!”
A jade talisman floated from her chest, flashing with brilliant light.
Seeing this, Lin Chang’an exclaimed: “This is a sensing jade talisman!”
Such talismans were of little use but extremely rare, owned only by great sects.
The Yin-Yang Sensing Talisman, as the name suggested, came in pairs.
Lin Chang’an immediately realized what this meant and cried out in alarm. Could they really be so unlucky as to have been discovered by other cultivators?
Yun Yao’s face darkened as she spoke in a low tone:
“This was one of the sensing talismans I buried around the secret realm. They react whenever large fluctuations of spiritual energy appear.
Though there were two previous reactions, they were fleeting and came from demon beasts’ auras.”
With a wave of her hand, over a dozen sensing jade talismans circled before her. Only one shone with strong light.
“This is the aura of cultivators using mana. Perhaps they have not yet discovered the secret realm.”
Her tone grew heavy.
For if another cultivator truly found this relic, once word spread, their chances at fortune would vanish.
Lin Chang’an naturally understood this.
If only the two of them knew of this relic cave abode, they could prepare slowly.
But if others found it, who knew what would unfold?
“Brother Lin!”
“Daoist Yun!”
The two exchanged solemn gazes.
Even Lin Chang’an furrowed his brows in unwillingness.
They had finally stumbled upon the relic of a Golden Core cultivator. If they missed this chance, they might never encounter such fortune again.
“Let us observe first.”
Considering their current strength and that together they could still rely on his Talisman Treasure as a trump card, escaping would not be an issue.
“Alright.”
Yun Yao responded decisively, collecting the formation flags and plates.
They recalled their spirit beasts and headed toward the relic of the Golden Core cultivator.
…
Along the way, Lin Chang’an was secretly alarmed. The relic lay so deep within the Yunwu Mountain Range.
Without Yun Yao leading, he would never have risked venturing so far.
In their cooperation so far, the initiative had always been in Yun Yao’s hands—because she alone knew the relic’s location.
Whether this accident was fortune or calamity remained uncertain.
At least now, he roughly knew the location of the relic.
“Brother Lin, if it is only some Foundation Establishment cultivators who wandered here, we can disguise ourselves as hunting cultivators and scare them off. But if they find traces of the relic…”
Though Yun Yao did not finish, the icy light in her eyes revealed her meaning.
In the cultivation world, it was always the law of the jungle.
“Daoist Yun, let us be cautious. To reach such depths, the other party must be skilled. If matters go beyond us, we should retreat at once.”
Though Lin Chang’an was reluctant, he knew if the opponent was too strong, withdrawal was wiser.
“If we cannot obtain it, then no one shall!”
Yun Yao’s cold tone revealed her resolve. After preparing for so long, if someone else seized the prize, she would rather burn it all.
If she could not have it, then no one could. Better to expose it and let chaos erupt.
At that, Lin Chang’an nodded heavily.
Such was the cultivation world.
For now, only one talisman had reacted, so perhaps the relic had not been discovered yet.
…
Deep in the Yunwu Mountain Range, several cultivators carefully laid down arrays until a barrier slowly rose.
It was not the relic Yun Yao had detected.
Among them was a familiar figure.
“Senior Brother Song, everyone here is one of ours. There will be no mistakes.”
The leader was none other than Song Tingfeng, third disciple of Master Lu of Tianxuan City.
His expression was unusually grave as he scanned their surroundings cautiously.
“Now that the beast tide is worsening, all eyes are on Tianxuan City. None would expect Senior Sister Su to return here to form her core. You have all followed from the Sea Abyss of Beasts for years.
Once the Han Clan cultivators of Tianxuan City gather attention with their Core Formation phenomenon, Senior Sister Su will condense her core. By the time others realize, it will be too late…”
The eight cultivators behind him nodded solemnly.
“Senior Brother Song, my life was saved by Master Lu. As long as Young Mistress can form her core, this old life is worth spending.”
“Indeed. This place is far from Tianxuan City. Even if word spreads, the demon beasts along the way will delay pursuers.”
“Yes. The Yunwu Mountain Range is perilous, and even we tread carefully.”
Smiles appeared on their faces.
This Core Formation site had been chosen temporarily.
But with Su Miaoyin personally arriving, anyone could guess her intent.
Thus Song Tingfeng made no effort to conceal it.
Together, the nine of them laid down a third-rank grand formation. The spiritual energy here was rich enough for Su Miaoyin to attempt Core Formation.
Inside the formation, Su Miaoyin gazed at them gravely, though her thoughts drifted toward Tianxuan City.
“Master, I wonder if this time we can truly lure the big fish.”