Chapter 556: Great Snow Mountain (Bonus Chapter for Monthly Votes! )
"Breaking through to Soul Transformation is not that simple; this is merely Divine Consciousness crystallizing. . ."
Fang Xi patted Xiao Qing's head, sighing with emotion.
After several days of secluded cultivation and fully consuming the tranquilizing and brain-nourishing oral liquid, his Divine Consciousness had made great strides, now capable of rudimentary crystallization!
However, to his surprise, the 'Seven Emotions Departure Spectrum' was still a tiny bit short of completion, likely related to his state of mind.
"The strength of my Divine Consciousness now might not be inferior to an early-stage Soul Transformation cultivator. . ."
"As long as I fully cultivate the second layer of the 'Seven Emotions Departure Spectrum', I will certainly be able to materialize my Divine Consciousness!"
"At that time, the heart demon tribulation during Soul Transformation will be significantly less difficult."
Fang Xi sighed with considerable emotion.
The preparations for breaking through to Soul Transformation were steadily progressing towards completion.
Xiao Qing's eyes seemed to twinkle with little stars as she tugged at Fang Xi's sleeve: "It's so stuffy inside the Mountain Sea Pearl. . . that tree and the Taisui don't talk, and Horned Dragon is boring now. . . Can I please go out and play?"
"Mhm, I'll let you out when there's a chance."
Fang Xi didn't immediately agree.
He looked around the Mountain Sea Pearl abode.
After experiencing the Fang Xian Dao Palace and the Boundless Sea Realm, this place indeed felt a bit narrow and confined to him.
"However, the Saint Son was only at Core Formation. . . to possess such an abode was already quite good. This was, after all, a result of the great development in spatial treasure refinement techniques in that realm. . ."
"After I reach Soul Transformation, perhaps I can visit that second world?"
Although the Core Formation resources in that mystic realm were no longer of any interest to Fang Xi.
But perhaps he could use that Wu clan mystic realm to access the *Minghuan World* where the *Primordial Demon Sect* was located!
After all, a mystic realm that merely relies on a major world to exist is extremely simple for Fang Xi to break through.
It would largely be similar to escaping the Boundless Sea Realm; as long as he had the strength to tear open the void of that mystic realm and endure the brief spatial turbulence, he could reach the major world!
Even the current Fang Xi had a certain degree of confidence in achieving this.
'The *Minghuan World* was a terrifying realm where Soul Transformation cultivators continuously ascended! '
'Fang Xi felt that even compared to the ancient times of the Human World, it might not be much inferior! '
'Early-stage Soul Transformation might not be safe enough, maybe I should explore it in the late stage? '
'Forget it, you have to eat your food one bite at a time, and walk your path one step at a time. The current me can't even claim the Boundless Sea Realm yet. . . I should just improve my little abode first. '
He sighed, taking out a Spatial Crystal from his storage ring.
This crystal was translucent, like a shimmering piece of crystal, and within it contained dense spatial power.
Xiao Qing, being from the Heavenly Phoenix clan, was naturally extremely sensitive to spatial power. Seeing this Spatial Crystal, her large eyes immediately lit up, and she sucked on her tiny finger: "Master, I want it. . ."
"Mhm. . ."
Fang Xi casually tossed this Spatial Crystal to Xiao Qing, then took out an even larger one.
Seeing this, Xiao Qing couldn't help but pout.
"This Spatial Crystal is extremely precious. . ."
Fang Xi explained.
These Spatial Crystals were probably a small portion of the Boundless Sea Realm's accumulated treasures over countless years.
They were originally used to seal the black Taisui, but Shui Lingxin, being misled, destroyed part of the seal.
'I wonder if that formation spirit, the great sea turtle, can still hold on. . . but even if it can't last another century, it's not something I need to worry about. '
Fang Xi arrived at the edge of the Mountain Sea Pearl, gazing at the hazy chaos, and tossed out a Spatial Crystal.
The Mountain Sea Pearl rumbled, and silver restrictions emerged, forming pillars of light that enveloped the crystal.
The Spatial Crystal rapidly melted, and in response, the internal spatial area of the Mountain Sea Pearl seemed to slowly expand. . .
The Ancestor Demonic Tree let out an excited roar, its countless roots immediately spreading outwards. . . It was as if a giant, trapped in a narrow, confined shack, had finally moved to a new place where it could stretch a little. . .
Fang Xi continuously fed Spatial Crystals into it, expanding the Mountain Sea Pearl abode by more than half before stopping his actions.
These crystals were precious; naturally, he couldn't consume them all in one go.
"Such an excellent territory, both safe and rich in spiritual energy. . . it would be a waste not to plant something here."
Fang Xi looked at the still vast and empty abode, feeling that he couldn't just plant a few exotic flowers and plants; he had to cultivate fields and spiritual rice!
"Horned Dragon, Xiao Qing. . . don't you find it boring? Then cultivate some spirit fields in the abode."
Fang Xi looked at the wooden puppets hanging from the Ancestor Demonic Tree: "They will help you."
Upon hearing this, Horned Dragon and Xiao Qing's faces immediately showed a hint of bitterness.
Fang Xi, on the other hand, felt a pang of nostalgia for a certain fellow; if Hai Da Gui were here, who knows how excited he'd be!
These two spirit beasts truly don't know how good they have it!
...
Great Snow Mountain.
This mountain was the sacred mountain of the Northern Plains Cultivation World, and moreover, a fifth-tier spirit vein!
On the sacred mountain, when the weather was clear, one could vaguely discern magnificent multicolored palaces through the hazy mist, referred to as the 'Heavenly Palace' by the local snowfield inhabitants.
In reality, this was where the Ice God Palace was located.
At the foot of the Great Snow Mountain, there was a massive city named Wanbing City, capable of accommodating a million people.
Countless cultivators and mortals lived together here.
This was because of the Northern Plains' harsh climate; without the protection of cultivators, it would be difficult for mortals to survive.
And among mortals, a continuous stream of individuals with excellent spiritual root aptitudes could be born, serving as a supplement for cultivators.
The two subtly formed a symbiotic relationship.
This day!
Fang Xi, wearing a bamboo hat, quietly entered Wanbing City.
During this period, he had made acquaintances in various places and purchased spiritual items and secret arts unique to the Northern Plains, gaining quite a bit of harvest.
At this moment, he finally arrived at the largest city in the Northern Plains.
As soon as he entered Wanbing City, the first thing he felt was the sudden disappearance of the outside wind and snow.
The terrifying white blizzard was completely blocked by the formation outside the city, and within the ice-brick walls, streaks of seemingly frozen talismans emanated multicolored radiance.
On the streets, various cultivators could be seen everywhere. Most of the men wore magical robes sewn from various animal hides, which provided excellent defense while also offering warmth against the cold.
Female cultivators, on the other hand, competed in displays of beauty. Besides common fox furs, many outfits from the East Sea and Western Desert could also be seen.
Although low-level cultivators found it difficult to be impervious to hot and cold, it was no problem at all if they engraved a few formation patterns onto their magical robes.
It was just that doing so would make the price much more expensive.
Therefore, those who could afford to be unique certainly had a good number of Spirit Stones in their pockets.
Fang Xi took a stroll around, found a teahouse, and walked in.
There was also a concealment formation at the entrance of this teahouse, clearly indicating it did not welcome mortals, but rather catered specifically to cultivators.
And to see through it at a glance, one would at least need to be a Foundation Establishment cultivator possessing Divine Consciousness.
Fang Xi had no particular objective; he merely intended to drink tea and listen to some interesting gossip, then wait for the next grand auction at Great Snow Mountain to open, to see if he could find some good items.
'After I've finished traveling through the Northern Plains. . . it will be time to return to the South Barrens Cultivation World and prepare for Soul Transformation. '
His previous travels were, firstly, because he needed to cultivate the 'red dust tempering heart' aspect of the 'Seven Emotions Departure Spectrum'.
Secondly, his magical power had advanced too quickly, requiring a pause.
Now, his first objective was nearly achieved, and the second objective was not far off.
"Is this your first time here, honored guest?"
A female attendant's eyes lit up upon seeing Fang Xi: "What kind of spiritual tea would you like?"
Fang Xi swept his gaze over the menu. He could now read the Northern Plains script on it without issue. He smiled and said, "A pot of 'Cold Plum Amidst Snow', and some four-colored pastries. . ."
"Yes, sir!"
The female attendant left, and soon a tea-serving lady approached. Her figure was plump and graceful, her face exquisitely beautiful, and as she poured the tea, an indescribable charm exuded from her.
"Guest, your 'Cold Plum Amidst Snow'!"
From the tea set in the tea lady's hand, a stream of snow water flowed down. Within the teacup, five-petaled plum blossoms slowly unfurled, emitting a strange, faint fragrance.
"Excellent!"
Fang Xi took a sip; it felt cool on his tongue and had an endless aftertaste. He couldn't help but exclaim: "One can't drink this kind of tea anywhere else. . ."
"Naturally. The snow water in our establishment is specially supplied from the Great Snow Mountain. Without connections to the Ice God Palace, one wouldn't be able to brew tea with this kind of snow water. . ."
The tea lady smiled, then presented the four-colored pastries before taking her leave.
Fang Xi caressed the teacup, watching the plum blossoms unfurl within, lost in thought.
'According to the information I've gathered these past few days, the Ice God Palace is quite formidable. . . In this Realm Descent battle, they actually counter-attacked into the demon race's territory. . . ultimately gaining a substantial harvest. '
'The people of the Northern Plains are fierce, and cultivators often enjoy fighting, frequently engaging in magical duels at the slightest disagreement. . . '
'Reportedly. . . the Ice God Palace's patriarch even unleashed immense divine power and killed a grand demon at the Soul Transformation stage? Could their cultivation be at the mid-stage, or even late-stage, of Soul Transformation? '
Alas, these were merely rumors.
But Fang Xi's heart was somewhat stirred.
Because for his 'Four Sacred Beast Armor', the Heavenly Phoenix and Flood Dragon were already in hand, and the Fire Qilin also had a lead.
The only difficult one was the fifth-tier Profound Turtle.
The Profound Turtle race remained holed up in the Demon Realm and was hard to find in the Human World. Perhaps he could only substitute with the fourth-tier essence blood of a Land Mountain Turtle and Golden Flood Dragon Turtle, and then search again after ascending to the Earthly Immortal World. . .
But now. . .
'The Ice God Palace actually broke into the Demon Realm, so they must have clashed with the Profound Turtle race remaining there. . . I wonder if there's any fifth-tier essence blood, and what kind of grand demon at the Soul Transformation stage was killed? '
In truth, the news of a Soul Transformation demon venerate being killed was just a rumor among Nascent Soul cultivators; no one knew its veracity.
But Fang Xi still held a certain hope: if the one killed was a fifth-tier Profound Turtle, wouldn't there be as much essence blood as he wanted? Even the Ice God Palace's Nascent Soul cultivators could get a share.
That would naturally make the transaction much simpler.
'Mhm, I'll wait a bit longer. . . The Great Snow Mountain auction happens once every sixty years, so there should be many good things. '
With this thought, after listening to some interesting anecdotes from low-level cultivators, Fang Xi threw down a few Spirit Stones to pay for the tea, then went to the Wanbing City steward to rent an abode.
Since he had the Mountain Sea Pearl, he didn't rent a high-grade abode; it only had spiritual energy of around the third tier.
Time flew by, and several years passed.
That night, Fang Xi was meditating within the Mountain Sea Pearl when the external puppets suddenly sent a warning.
He frowned, immediately flew out of the Mountain Sea Pearl, and then felt the abode shake.
Fang Xi walked out of the abode, looked in the direction of Great Snow Mountain, and was immediately astonished.
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