Chapter 665: Taiyin Secret Realm
Chapter 665: Taiyin Secret Realm
Yellow Treasure Cave Abode.
Fang Xi stood with his hands clasped behind his back, observing everything around him with keen interest.
After a long while, he finally said to Wang Lingying, who stood beside him, "You chose this cave abode well. The earth qi is abundant, suitable for your cultivation method, and there are several mine tunnels beneath it. Every hundred years, it should yield a considerable amount of 'Yellow Treasure Jade,' which can supplement your cultivation resources."
"The Old Ancestor's discerning eyes are truly like torches," Wang Lingying complimented.
For some unknown reason, even after advancing to the Divine Transformation realm, he still felt that the Old Ancestor remained as unfathomable as ever, which was almost unbelievable. If the Bloodline Plate hadn't been on the Old Ancestor's person, he would have almost thought the Old Ancestor had been replaced by someone else.
Little did he know. . . the spiritual essence within these bloodline restrictions and sensory artifacts had long since been tampered with by Fang Xi, achieving the effect of passing off the fake as genuine. Now, no matter how they tested, they would deem him the Wang family's Old Ancestor, leaving these Wang family disciples utterly stunned.
"Heh heh. . . Your advancement to Divine Transformation is truly cause for celebration. Are you still blaming this Old Ancestor for the family division back then? " Fang Xi asked, his words laden with hidden meaning.
"This grandson wouldn't dare! " Wang Lingying's expression stiffened.
Fang Xi smiled faintly, releasing his aura. A tremendously powerful spiritual energy spilled forth, causing all the flowers, grasses, and trees on the surrounding grassland to flourish vigorously.
Wang Lingying's face flushed crimson as he retreated three steps: "Divine Transformation. . . late-stage! ? And such pure wood-element spiritual energy? !"
Hadn't the Old Ancestor primarily cultivated earth-attribute cultivation methods back then?
"Back then, this Old Ancestor always hid his capacities and bided his time, concealing his cultivation. In fact, I was already on the verge of breaking through to late-stage Divine Transformation when the great chaos in the Profound Nether Abyss occurred, forcing me to resort to the family division plan. . ."
Fang Xi explained, "Later, this Old Ancestor cultivated in seclusion for many years and finally broke through the bottleneck to late-stage Divine Transformation in one fell swoop, beginning to plan for the Return to Void realm. Therefore, I also chose to cultivate a Five Elements cultivation method. . ."
This explanation was indeed quite reasonable. Any late-stage Divine Transformation cultivator preparing to break through to Return to Void would at least need to make sure their five elements were complete. Cultivating a Five Elements method was only natural.
"Old Ancestor, you're going to break through to Return to Void? ! " Wang Lingying's eyes widened.
To break through his Divine Transformation bottleneck earlier, he had no idea how many resources he had consumed, and it had even involved elements of serendipity; otherwise, it would have been impossible to advance.
Yet, the Wang family's Old Ancestor was about to attempt to assault the Return to Void realm?
However, after his initial excitement, Wang Lingying quickly calmed down.
The Wang family's Old Ancestor was originally the most astonishingly talented and brilliant individual in the Wang family; otherwise, he wouldn't have been the first to advance to Divine Transformation back then.
For him to now break through to late-stage Divine Transformation and begin planning for Return to Void, wasn't that perfectly logical?
"The family will definitely provide full support for the Old Ancestor's breakthrough. Please, Old Ancestor, if there is anything you require, just command us! " Wang Lingying bowed deeply to the ground, his expression exceedingly sincere.
Fang Xi observed him for a moment, then waved his hand, sending out a surge of spiritual energy to lift Wang Lingying up: "You are truly thoughtful. . ."
This also meant that he now had another Divine Transformation subordinate. While not very useful for life-or-death battles, they were quite excellent for running errands.
After a pause, Fang Xi asked again, "You've worked here in this city for many years; do you have any means of acquiring 'Taiyin Jade Crystal'?"
Since he was planning for a breakthrough to Return to Void, mentioning the two main materials for the 'Two Forms Void Breaking Pill' was a matter of course.
Wang Lingying even felt that his Old Ancestor had specifically come here to cultivate because Moonlight Immortal City had such a yield. It probably didn't have much to do with whether he himself was here. . .
He pondered for a moment before replying, "Although the 'Taiyin Secret Realm,' which opens once every century in Moonlight Immortal City, does yield some, it's usually acquired or used internally as soon as it appears. . . It's very difficult for it to circulate. If the Old Ancestor intends to refine an ancient Golden Core, it would be best to personally enter the secret realm. . ."
"Taiyin Secret Realm, eh? " Fang Xi sighed.
For such top-tier resources, it was already good enough that there was a source. Wanting to simply purchase them was inherently a pipe dream.
"Never mind, tell me about the Taiyin Secret Realm in detail. " He commanded.
"Yes! " Wang Lingying recalled for a moment before respectfully beginning, "The entrance to this 'Taiyin Secret Realm' is located within Moonlight Immortal City. It is usually heavily guarded, and it is said that even Return to Void cultivators personally stand guard, making security extremely strict. Only once every century, those who obtain a quota can enter to explore after the secret realm opens. . . And the secret realm itself is also extremely dangerous, but the benefits are also numerous. All cultivators who enter the secret realm are usually expelled after three months. This is because the secret realm also needs to recuperate and cannot be excessively exploited. . ."
Fang Xi listened quietly as Wang Lingying finished, a decision already forming in his heart.
...
Eight years later.
Grand Auction.
"One hundred superior-grade spirit stones! Congratulations to the fellow Daoist in Private Room Heaven #3 for securing the quota for the 'Taiyin Secret Realm'. . . " the master of ceremonies announced with vivid expression and emotion.
Inside Private Room Heaven #3, Fang Xi's expression remained unchanged as he sat quietly on his meditation cushion. Wang Lingying, however, was in awe.
It was at this auction that he truly understood what it meant to spend money lavishly!
Even more surprisingly, didn't the Old Ancestor have a bit too many spirit stones?
Had the Old Ancestor stumbled upon a rich opportunity, unearthing some treasure hoard from a past era's cave abode? Or was the Wang family's accumulated wealth merely a facade, and beyond their treasury, there was a secret vault known only to the Old Ancestor?
"Now that the quota is secured. . . " Fang Xi said calmly, "After you go down, inquire about fellow cultivators who intend to visit the Taiyin Secret Realm in ten years' time. I will go and make their acquaintance one by one."
Wang Lingying seemed to understand: "If you make three to five good friends, with the Old Ancestor's strength, perhaps you can have a good harvest. . ."
Unexpectedly, Fang Xi simply gave a mysterious smile and said nothing more.
Those who dared to enter the Taiyin Secret Realm to search for 'Taiyin Jade Crystal' would have at least late-stage Divine Transformation cultivation.
This secret realm could not accommodate Void Amalgamation cultivators, but each time the Moonlight Immortal City's secret realm opened, a direct-line Return to Void cultivator would enter to search for precious resources like 'Taiyin Jade Crystal'.
While he wasn't unable to kill indiscriminately, the cost would be too high and attract too much attention. Moreover, if that Return to Void cultivator was too young, it wouldn't be good news for Fang Xi. With only tens of thousands of years of lifespan, directly confronting such a cultivator would still be somewhat disadvantageous.
...
Ten years passed swiftly.
On this day, somewhere in Moonlight Immortal City.
An ancient, simple altar stood silently. Upon the altar, a yellow-robed cultivator sat cross-legged.
This individual had a rather large head, completely bald on top, with only a few sparse white hairs hanging down around the sides, making him appear somewhat strange and comical.
Yet, the surrounding cultivators stood quietly, none daring to speak loudly.
Because this was a Return to Void cultivator!
Moreover, he was an elder of Moonlight Immortal City, known for his unpredictable temperament, whom countless low-level cultivators avoided like the plague.
Streaks of escaping light trailed in, landing on the ground and transforming into Divine Transformation cultivators of various appearances. Not a single one was below late-stage Divine Transformation!
Fang Xi, clad in green robes and holding Buddhist beads, looked like a benevolent old man. He mingled among the cultivators, occasionally exchanging a few words, appearing utterly inconspicuous.
"Fairy Ma, Daoist Bu, Daoist Kou. . . " He spotted a small group of cultivators, his eyes immediately lighting up, and stepped forward to greet them.
Fairy Ma wore a red dress, her almond eyes and peach cheeks giving her an exquisite, delicate beauty. Her cultivation was at late-stage Divine Transformation, and she was a member of the 'Ma family' within Moonlight Immortal City.
Daoist Bu was very tall, wearing azure armor adorned with ancient patterns.
Daoist Kou's cultivation was the highest among the three, having already reached peak Divine Transformation. He wore a Daoist robe, dressed as a Daoist priest.
Upon seeing Fang Xi approach, Fairy Ma was the first to bow: "So it's Daoist Wang. . ."
They had met this Old Ancestor of the Wang family several times before, enjoying tea and discussing the Dao together, forming a certain level of acquaintance.
But that was all it was. If they were to add this person to their exploration team, they would absolutely refuse. After all, the three of them had long established a tacit understanding, and adding another person midway would only tie their hands and be more trouble than it was worth.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Fang Xi did not mention joining their group. Instead, he said, "Fellow Daoists, after this trip to the secret realm, if any new secret realm maps go on sale, please don't forget this humble one. . ."
"So that's it. . . " Fairy Ma listened, then smiled faintly: "So, fellow Daoist is placing your hopes on the next opening of the secret realm?"
"Your choice is indeed wise, fellow Daoist," Daoist Kou likewise echoed.
In their eyes, although this Old Ancestor of the Wang family was a late-stage Divine Transformation cultivator, his artifacts and divine abilities were truly mediocre. Moreover, even peak Divine Transformation cultivators might not return unscathed from the Taiyin Secret Realm, let alone obtain opportunities and treasures.
Trying it out this time, building good relationships, and understanding the terrain, then betting on the next time, was indeed very reasonable.
In reality, many cultivators went to the secret realm three or four times and still might not obtain a single piece of 'Taiyin Jade Crystal'!
"Alas. . . This old man's cultivation is shallow, and I am not skilled in combat. I can only place my hopes on the next generation. Fortunately, Lingying is a good child. . . " Fang Xi sighed with emotion, bade them farewell, and joined another small group, proposing his acquisition request.
Several hours later, dozens of Divine Transformation cultivators had gathered in the square.
The large-headed Return to Void cultivator suddenly opened his eyes, and two points of golden light seemed to emerge within them.
Above the firmament, a figure parted the clouds and flew swiftly towards them; it was a sword-wielding youth.
"So it's Daoist Guang! " The large-headed Return to Void cultivator smiled and stood up to greet him.
"This opening of the secret realm, I'll leave it to Daoist Chi. " The sword-wielding cultivator, whose cultivation was around early-stage Return to Void, spoke a sentence and then said no more.
The large-headed cultivator surnamed Chi paid it no mind, knowing that this person's temperament was always like this, consistently cold and aloof.
He stood up, his face wreathed in smiles, and said to the Divine Transformation cultivators below, "Each of you holds the 'Taiyin Token' you acquired from the auction. When the secret realm opens later, you can enter using this token as proof. . . There are some matters this old man must make clear beforehand. Firstly, the secret realm is extremely dangerous; even existences like us in the Return to Void realm can perish there. After you enter, rely on your own abilities, and do not blame fate for life or death!"
"Secondly, if you encounter danger, you can crush this token. . . to be directly teleported out of the secret realm."
"And regardless of whether you gain anything, after three months, the secret realm will uniformly close, and all cultivators will be teleported out."
The words of the cultivator surnamed Chi echoed in the ears of every cultivator.
Fang Xi listened very carefully, yet he was certain in his heart:
'This secret realm has requirements for entrants. This early-stage Return to Void cultivator can probably occupy ten or even a hundred Divine Transformation quotas. . . '
'And Moonlight Immortal City should be unable to monitor the every move of all cultivators within the secret realm. . . '
"Then, let's open it!"
After the cultivator surnamed Chi finished speaking, he immediately formed hand seals.
The spiritual energy of heaven and earth violently fluctuated, continuously pouring into the altar beneath him.
Buzz! Buzz!
Amidst clear chimes, streaks of brilliant moonlight emerged from the altar, flashing continuously.
One after another, multicolored spiritual energy orbs appeared, gathering in mid-air.
Time imperceptibly arrived at night. The seven suns unique to the Earthly Immortal World vanished, replaced by nine moons of varying forms.
The moonlight was hazy!
A streak of moonlight drifted down, merging with the numerous spiritual energy orbs, and abruptly transformed into a gateway!
"The Taiyin Secret Realm is open. Why do you not enter, everyone?"
Accompanying the cold shout of the cultivator surnamed Chi, the Taiyin Token in Fang Xi's hand suddenly glowed brightly, turning into a cold ball of moonlight that enveloped him, plunging him into the Taiyin Gateway, and rapidly disappearing.
In the blink of an eye, dozens of Divine Transformation cultivators, along with the early-stage Return to Void sword cultivator surnamed Guang, transformed into balls of moonlight and eagerly plunged into the gateway.
Moments later, the Taiyin Gateway in mid-air rumbled and dissipated into countless streaks of heaven and earth spiritual energy.
"I wonder how many 'Taiyin Jade Crystals' Daoist Guang will retrieve this time? " the cultivator surnamed Chi muttered, gazing at the mid-air.
In truth, he was well aware that the vast majority of Divine Transformation cultivators in the Taiyin Secret Realm gained nothing!
And if they were unlucky, they might even perish directly.
Only those with both strength and good luck might obtain some rare spiritual herbs and mineral resources.
As for 'Taiyin Jade Crystal'?
The few production sites for this item had long been tightly controlled by Moonlight Immortal City, making it virtually impossible for it to fall into the hands of rogue cultivators.
The few times it had, it was Moonlight Immortal City deliberately releasing false information.
Otherwise, how could it attract so many Divine Transformation cultivators to bid for secret realm quotas?
"What a pity. . . Even with the combined efforts of us fellow Daoists, we can only slightly understand the functions of a few major restrictions within the Taiyin Secret Realm, and barely utilize them. . ."
"I wonder when we will truly be able to completely control this secret realm. . ."
Such a secret realm, capable of producing Return to Void resources, was truly extraordinary, enough to make many cultivators risk their lives. . .
...
A flash of light.
A dizzying sensation swept over him.
Faint phoenix seal script characters emerged around Fang Xi, and he immediately stabilized his body.
The surroundings were lush with vegetation, with ancient trees reaching the sky, as if he had arrived in a wild jungle.
"This is. . . the Taiyin Secret Realm? " he murmured, "If I crush the token, I'll be randomly teleported to the vicinity of Moonlight Immortal City. . ."
It was precisely because he understood these rules that he decided to make this trip into the secret realm.
At this moment, he released his Divine Consciousness, sweeping over the entire jungle, and suddenly his expression changed: "Something's not right. . ."
According to common sense, such a vast jungle would be home to countless animals, and even demon beasts.
But right now, within a radius of several hundred miles, there was utter silence.
It could even be described as. . . dead silence!
And Fang Xi's Divine Consciousness seemed to alarm some existence, causing the earth to tremble.
Rumble!
The earth cracked open, and countless root tendrils of plants emerged, twisting and coiling to form a strangely shaped wood flood dragon!
This wood flood dragon was over a thousand zhang long, its body covered in various woody textures, and entwined with numerous withered vines and roots.
An astonishing wood-element spiritual energy and oppressive aura emanated from this wood flood dragon.
"Comparable to late-stage Divine Transformation!"
"As expected, the Taiyin Secret Realm is extremely dangerous. I've encountered a wood flood dragon of this caliber right upon entering."
Fang Xi muttered, and then saw the wood flood dragon let out a roar. Innumerable wood-element divine lights gathered in the void, transforming into emerald arrows that rained down like a downpour.
Splat!
He waved a single hand, and the Little Black Tortoise emerged.
"Awoo!"
The Little Black Tortoise let out an ancient roar, like a dragon and an elephant combined. Its body instantly expanded to the size of a house, firmly shielding Fang Xi behind it.
Pfft! Pfft!
Countless azure arrows directly pierced through the Little Black Tortoise's demonic qi shield defense, smashing onto its thick and mysteriously patterned turtle shell, producing a sound like rain pattering on plantain leaves.
Crackling!
Like large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate, even though the Little Black Tortoise had only just advanced to the mid-grade fifth-tier a few days prior, its defensive power was astonishing, especially its main body's shell.
No matter how that azure wood flood dragon attacked, it simply couldn't break through.
The Little Black Tortoise even let out sounds of contentment while taking out a true blood pill bestowed by Fang Xi from its shell and popping it into its mouth. . .
"Well done, you're a qualified meat shield now."
Fang Xi praised, bringing his hands together.
A phantom of a bronze treasure mirror appeared, and then from within the mirror, a white light emerged, quickly disappearing into the surrounding void, then vanishing again!
—This was precisely a spatial coordinate opened using Immortal Jade earlier!
After obtaining Immortal Jade back then, the 'All-Heavens Precious Mirror' had gained the ability for ultra-long-range teleportation arrays.
One piece of Immortal Jade could open one coordinate, allowing for free round trips.
Having understood the rules and dangers within this secret realm, especially that Moonlight Immortal City couldn't monitor every action of every cultivator in the secret realm, Fang Xi made this decision.
He would not easily enter dungeons, nor would he take risks.
After setting this coordinate, next time he could time it perfectly before Moonlight Immortal City opened, sending his External Avatar, or even numerous puppets and subordinates to explore this secret realm!
"Actually, I'm here for a day trip. . . Now that the coordinates are set, it's time to go."
He looked at the wood flood dragon: "Next time, I'll let my subordinates have a good play with you. . . Eh?"
As if sensing Fang Xi's provocation, the wood flood dragon roared, and a small emerald horn actually emerged from its head.
Roar! Roar!
Accompanied by a dragon's cry from the nine heavens, vines intertwined across the surrounding earth, forming azure giant snakes and azure flood dragons.
And that wood flood dragon roared again, its single horn detaching from its head, striking the turtle shell with terrifying force.
"Master. . . It hurts so much! ! " The Little Black Tortoise cried out in pain.
Fang Xi, however, looked at the wood flood dragon with surprise: "I didn't expect it! It's not an ordinary wood spirit that became a demon and deliberately took the form of a flood dragon; it's a true 'Horned Wood Flood Dragon' bloodline!"
Among demon races, the true dragon bloodline was the most noble.
And beneath true dragons, there were many top-tier bloodlines, including the 'Horned Wood Flood Dragon'!
It was a genuine wood-attribute flood dragon bloodline, possessing even more profound mysteries, seeming like wood yet not wood, like a beast yet not a beast. It could be 'planted' and grow by absorbing earth qi, even 'growing' more wood flood dragons!
"That's right, 'Horned Wood Flood Dragons' are almost extinct in the outside world, but it's reasonable for some to survive in secret realms and dangerous places. . ."
With a thought, Fang Xi held the 'Hunyuan Heavenly Luo Umbrella', directly enduring the countless emerald arrows, and charged towards the Horned Wood Flood Dragon.
He lightly spun the Heavenly Luo Umbrella, and the Primordial Unity Qi instantly turned crimson, making the umbrella appear as clear and red as if crafted from crimson jade. Terrifying fire-element divine light gathered, turning the sky-filling arrows into fiery torches.
Roar! Roar!
A massive earthy-yellow tiger appeared, its body instantly expanding, biting the Horned Wood Flood Dragon's neck.
Fang Xi flicked his ten fingers, and streaks of Taiyi Azure Wood Divine Light flew out, transforming in myriad ways, abruptly forming emerald chains that coiled around the Horned Wood Flood Dragon's body.
"Collect!"
He unleashed various incantations, simultaneously sticking various talismans onto the Horned Wood Flood Dragon, sealing its demonic power and causing it to involuntarily fall into a state of slumber.
He then activated the Mountain Sea Pearl, allowing the Ancestral Demonic Tree's tendrils to descend and capture the flood dragon into the Mountain Sea Pearl's cave abode.
After doing all this, Fang Xi's Divine Consciousness swept the surroundings, confirming that there were no other cultivators or demon beasts, then he took out the 'Taiyin Token' and squeezed it hard with his five fingers.
Buzz!
The token directly shattered, and then a ray of light enveloped Fang Xi.
He actually chose to directly withdraw from the secret realm!
Outside Moonlight Immortal City.
In a wilderness area, silver light flashed, and the void seemed to open an invisible gateway, from which Fang Xi's figure emerged.
"Currently, there are still Return to Void cultivators within the secret realm; it's not advisable to make enemies."
"It's better to wait until this secret realm closes, then acquire various updated resource maps, and send the External Avatar into it to try and pick up some bargains. . ."
"I've taken such a great risk to enter the secret realm and even set a marker. . . It's about time that External Avatar did some work."
With this thought, Fang Xi immediately transformed into a streak of azure light and vanished into the horizon.
He did not return to Moonlight Immortal City but instead prepared to find a secluded place to descend to the lower realm!
What was inconceivable for cultivators of the Earthly Immortal World was as simple as eating and drinking to him. . .
...
Several years later.
Kyushu World.
At the summit of a volcano.
Endless scorching flames ascended, seemingly mixed with streaks of fire-element divine light.
Suddenly, countless streaks of fire-element divine light swept through, and a figure, vaguely discernible within, rode the flames and landed beside Fang Xi.
"Dao Lord. . ."
Ghost Axe Venerable held a large banner with a yellow, turbid pole and a pitch-black flag, a hint of joy appearing on his face: "Fortunately, I did not fail my mission. I have refined part of the materials from that six-stage flood dragon into this 'Netherworld Banner,' specifically, as per the Dao Lord's instructions, preserving that six-stage flood dragon's poison sac, causing this banner to undergo a second transformation. . . Once activated, it will produce a mist containing six-stage potent venom."
"Well done."
Fang Xi took the Netherworld Banner, sensed it briefly, and was very satisfied.
After refining the materials from that Purple Jade Flood Dragon, this banner's ferocious might had increased even further. It could now almost be considered a half-sixth stage treasure!
All it lacked was a Return to Void master to refine it with Immortal Source Qi, or Heavenly Demon, or True Demon Qi. . .
Moreover, Fang Xi had deliberately preserved that flood dragon's poison sac!
The Dragon Taming Sect's Purple Jade Flood Dragon was a poisonous flood dragon. Its venom was so fierce that even Divine Transformation cultivators or Numinous Treasures would find it extremely troublesome to encounter, perhaps even directly perishing!
Its previous encounter with Fang Xi had resulted in its aggrieved demise before it could even unleash its ultimate moves, as it simply couldn't have imagined Fang Xi possessed a single-strike kill capability. . .
When facing a powerful enemy, Fang Xi would definitely use his trump card from the very start, and not dawdle.
"All things considered, the Dragon Taming Sect owes me quite a bit. Now that they've repaid so much, it should be considered settled, right. . ."
"It's just a shame. . . there's only one Return to Void treasure."
Fang Xi estimated that with the Dragon Taming Sect's foundation, there wouldn't be just one Hunyuan Heavenly Luo Umbrella among their six-rank treasures. But remembering that the Dragon Taming Sect had been annihilated, he immediately understood.
Even if there were other six-rank treasures, they were either seized by powerful enemies or destroyed in battle. The Purple Jade Flood Dragon was able to leave the "Hunyuan Heavenly Luo Umbrella" for him entirely because the umbrella had not yet been repaired at the time, and was too precious to be willing to let it be damaged. . .
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