Chapter 708: Cloud-Piercing Crane
Chapter 708: Cloud-Piercing Crane
The overflowing magical power of a Return to Void cultivator caused the surrounding Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi to subtly fluctuate.
The terrifying aura made each Divine Transformation female cultivator tremble like a quail, not daring to move a muscle.
The higher one cultivated, the more one understood the gap between Divine Transformation and Return to Void, which was simply as despair-inducing as a natural chasm!
“Heh. . . ”
Seeing that none of the female cultivators dared to speak, Fang Xi couldn't help but be the first to speak, “The Heavenly Charm Sect is truly polite. Are you sending these disciples out to greet me? ”
To be honest, he could, of course, continue to conceal his cultivation, then let that Senior Sister Ding jump around courting death in various ways, and only then reveal his cultivation and turn hostile.
In that case, even if a Heavenly Charm Sect Return to Void cultivator arrived, in front of outsiders, they would at least have to severely punish Senior Sister Ding according to sect rules.
But why bother?
And once the severe punishment was over, this woman's resentment would eighty percent still be focused on Yunxi and Liu Xu, from then on developing into an undying, endless enemy!
In the end, Fang Xi might even have to step in to save the situation, or even face off against the entire Heavenly Charm Sect!
This would be more loss than gain; for a momentary display of power, to sow the seeds of a future great enemy was completely not worth it.
Fang Xi liked to reveal his identity, background, or strength from the start.
And let the other party retreat upon knowing the difficulty.
After all, Senior Sister Ding and Yunxi didn't have a death feud. How foolish would it be then to continue deliberately targeting them, knowing full well that Return to Void cultivators were backing them?
“Indeed, we, on behalf of the Heavenly Charm Sect, respectfully welcome Senior! ”
Senior Sister Ding, being able to cultivate to the Divine Transformation Perfected stage, was naturally not a fool, and hastily bowed deeply.
“Respectfully welcome Senior to be our guest at the Heavenly Charm Sect! ”
Behind her, a group of charming and beautiful women also bowed respectfully, indeed captivatingly charming.
This scene made even Yunxi Xianzi feel a surge of emotion.
In the past, she was still a top-tier Divine Transformation cultivator in the lower realm, had given guidance to Fang Xi, and even traded Divine Transformation spiritual items.
As a result, upon arriving in the Earthly Immortal World, Fang Xi's cultivation still advanced by leaps and bounds, becoming a great figure she needed to look up to.
And her cultivation, not to say it had no progress, but compared to Fang Xi, it was far, far behind.
“Hm. ”
Fang Xi, with the demeanor of an expert, suddenly looked towards the direction of the mountain hollow.
A wondrous light was seen flying over, revealing within it a beautiful woman with her hair tied in a high bun, delicate features, and a gentle demeanor.
Beside her was also Senior Sister Luo.
Clearly, this female cultivator was afraid that Senior Sister Ding and the others would do something irreversible, and directly invited out the 'Thousand Flowers Fairy', the highest-cultivated person in the local Heavenly Charm Sect.
“Your humble servant, Qianhua, greets Fellow Daoist Fang. . . ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy's Divine Consciousness swept over, seeing Fang Xi's Return to Void level magical power, and the genuine demonic qi could not be faked. She couldn't help but slightly bow and perform a salute.
Beside her, Senior Sister Luo looked at Fang Xi, her small mouth slowly widening. . .
“Thousand Flowers Fairy, you're too polite. I merely came specifically to visit two friends who joined the Heavenly Charm Sect. . . ”
Fang Xi had an extremely warm smile on his face and handed out a storage bag, “For my first visit, I offer this ten thousand catties of primeval desolate beast meat as a gift. I hope Fairy does not find it too simple. . . ”
“It's actually primeval desolate beast meat. . . ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy took the storage bag, and as her Divine Consciousness briefly probed inside, she was deeply shocked.
Although this Fellow Daoist Fang was a recently promoted Return to Void cultivator, his divine abilities were probably incredible, to actually possess the strength to kill a primeval desolate beast!
Whether he encountered a heavily wounded primeval desolate beast or cooperated with others, it was extremely remarkable.
If he hunted it alone, then it would be even more terrifying!
A moment later.
On the wondrous flower-shaped Void Cave-Heaven treasure, at the center of its stamens, a palace slowly rose.
There were no flowers around, yet the air was filled with the fragrance of a hundred flowers, making one feel intoxicated without realizing it.
“How is my 'Hundred Flowers Palace'? ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy smilingly poured a cup of spiritual tea for Fang Xi.
Fang Xi took a small sip and couldn't help but say, “Good tea! ”
This tea, combined with the fragrance of a hundred flowers in the void, truly complemented each other.
Not only that, even though he didn't have many lustful thoughts towards this beautiful woman in palace robes, a sense of intimacy subtly arose in his heart.
If it weren't for the Heavenly Demon Secret Sense cultivated through his main cultivation, the Myriad Manifestations True Demon Arts, which was most adept at manipulating human hearts, he truly wouldn't have noticed this point.
‘This woman doesn't seem to be actively using charm techniques, so it's just a passive effect? ’
Fang Xi put down the teacup, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes, and he praised, “There's a worldly aura in this tea. . . ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy's expression subtly changed, and she forced a smile as she replied, “Precisely, 'Worldly Dust Tea'! ”
The Heavenly Charm Sect's cultivation methods primarily focused on charm techniques, yet they were different from others, with extremely strict precepts.
At the Divine Transformation stage, they basically couldn't escape the scope of charm techniques.
But at the Return to Void level, they could cultivate to an even more profound realm, enchanting all beings and cultivating by drawing upon the 'worldly aura'.
Fang Xi originally didn't feel much, but at this moment, with his refined demonic heart, he only then tasted a slight abnormality.
‘This Heavenly Charm Sect truly has something, but I wonder if after the Integration stage, they can truly reach the point of enchanting heaven and earth, allowing their bodies to be reborn and fortunes to surge, and even weakening heavenly tribulations. . . ’
Thousand Flowers Fairy apologized, “My cultivation method's characteristics are such that even if I try my best to restrain it, it will still have a certain influence on those around me. I hope Fellow Daoist can forgive me. ”
“No matter. . . ”
Fang Xi waved his hand, this little bit of goodwill was nothing; no high-level cultivator would be truly deceived.
‘But if they were to spend a long time together, it would be hard to say. . . ’
‘Sure enough, cultivation methods that can reach Return to Void inherently have their unique aspects? ’
He muttered to himself inwardly, and then heard Thousand Flowers Fairy say, “Fellow Daoist Fang is an ascended cultivator and has never truly joined any other major force? ”
Her gaze was bright, seemingly intending to recruit Fang Xi.
This was also very normal. Most Integration sects would not miss out on a Return to Void cultivator with a clean background.
“This. . . I recall, the Heavenly Charm Sect seems to only accept female disciples, right? ”
Fang Xi coughed and said.
“That is naturally true. . . However, once one reaches Return to Void, they can be invited as an Outer Elder. . . ”
Qianhua said, “Our sect's benefits and treatment are quite good, and every ten years, one can apply for us to cooperate to assist Fellow Daoist in cultivation with 'worldly aura'. . . This 'worldly aura' is a special kind of spiritual energy, only Return to Void female cultivators who practice our sect's secret methods have a certain grasp of condensing it, and it is greatly beneficial for cultivation and mental demon tribulations. . . ”
As Thousand Flowers Fairy said this, a faint blush actually appeared on her cheeks, as if assisting in cultivation with 'worldly aura' still required some special steps.
As a cultivator, she naturally wouldn't be like this.
But what she cultivated was the Heavenly Charm Sect's method, and she wasn't like Yunxi and Liu Xu, who joined halfway, but rather cultivated the fundamental method since childhood; every movement, every frown, every smile, had almost become instinct.
Even Fang Xi found this woman adorably naive, and quite pleasing to the eye.
It's just a pity. . .
A man's heart is like iron until death!
Playing around with this woman was fine, but joining the Heavenly Charm Sect or anything like that, just forget about it. . .
After finally dealing with Thousand Flowers Fairy, Fang Xi finally had free time to come to the palace where his two old friends lived.
As Divine Transformation cultivators, Yunxi and Liu Xu both had the right to choose any palace to reside in.
However, their relationship was good, and they jointly chose a 'Dark Fragrance Palace' as their cultivation place.
“This Cave-Heaven treasure has an additional function compared to those in the Minghuan World; it can actually be planted on a spirit vein, directly drawing external spiritual energy. . . ”
Fang Xi felt the restrictions in the void and couldn't help but secretly praise it.
As expected of a Cave-Heaven treasure from the Earthly Immortal World, many of its functions were indeed far more complete than those painstakingly crafted in the lower realms.
“Fellow Daoist Fang. . . ”
Yunxi Xianzi had just seen someone off; it seemed to be Senior Sister Luo.
“Senior Sister Luo, within our sect, is a rare person who doesn't harbor ill intentions towards us. . . ”
Liu Xu explained lightly from the side, and then poured a cup of Green Bamboo Wine for Fang Xi, “Currently, both Sister Yunxi and I are reflecting on whether our decision to join the sect back then was correct. . . ”
“Only those who are alive have the right to ponder this question. . . ”
Fang Xi replied with a smile.
Not every cultivator was like him. If these two women hadn't received the Heavenly Charm Sect's protection, they might have perished in some dangerous mission.
They also wouldn't have received a prior warning for this reclamation, had some leeway for preparation, and after the beast tide erupted, they were able to gain the protection of a Return to Void cultivator from the sect.
Many Divine Transformation cultivators whose cultivation and methods were stronger than theirs either died by the mouths of primeval desolate beasts or became high-level cannon fodder in Celestial Brahma City!
“Fellow Daoist is right. . . ”
Yunxi Xianzi flew back and said calmly, “Currently, my Junior Sister and I must strive together to cultivate to the Divine Transformation Perfected realm as quickly as possible. . . ”
“As for cultivation. . . I do have some good things here. ”
Fang Xi smiled and took out the meat of the Triangular Primordial Rhinoceros.
This primeval desolate beast was as large as a mountain; he had only given away a mere ten thousand catties earlier, and Fang Xi still had quite a bit left.
At this moment, he directly took some out to give to Yunxi Xianzi and Liu Xu, then he also demonstrated his skill, using the primeval desolate beast meat to make a spiritual meal.
Fang Xi had tried the meat of this 'Triangular Primordial Rhinoceros'; if not pre-processed, the meat was actually very hard, even sturdier than ordinary magical artifacts.
Of course, with his physique, it felt like chewing sugarcane; besides being somewhat stringy in texture, it was greatly nourishing for blood-qi and Yuan Qi, and the taste also leaned towards fresh and sweet.
As a spiritual chef at this moment, he naturally couldn't just casually grill it, but instead used alternating gentle and strong fires to slow-stew, stewing the meat until it was tender and soft, then adding various seasonings, creating a pot of fresh and rich meat soup.
“A spiritual meal made from primeval desolate beast meat, today we truly have good fortune to taste it. ”
Yunxi Xianzi stirred it with a jade spoon, and only felt the fragrance assaulting her nostrils.
After taking a small taste, she couldn't help but cover her small mouth.
She felt that this mouthful of rich soup actually seemed to contain a hundred mountain delicacies, incredibly fresh and fragrant, making her reluctant to let even a trace of the aroma escape.
Liu Xu beside her was even more overwhelmed, and unconsciously finished an entire bowl of meat soup.
And the great replenishment of blood-qi that followed made her cheeks flush, with two lovely blushes appearing. . .
“Primeval desolate beast meat is still too nourishing for you all; you can only consume a fixed amount daily. . . After consumption, you must immediately circulate your cultivation to refine it. ”
“If you cultivate body cultivation methods, your progress can be swift. ”
Fang Xi gave a few instructions.
A cultivator's robust physique naturally has quite a few benefits for breaking through major realms.
“Fellow Daoist saved us from dire straits, truly, we have nothing to repay you with. . . ”
Yunxi Xianzi finished eating unhurriedly, her eyes watery, “Why don't you, Fellow Daoist, come over tonight, to listen to this humble one play the zither. . . ”
“That's acceptable. . . ”
Yunxi Xianzi's zither artistry was outstanding, and with Fang Xi, it was quite like a grand master meeting a true connoisseur.
As for why it had to be postponed?
Naturally, it was because Yunxi Xianzi also needed to circulate her cultivation to refine the desolate beast's blood-qi.
Fang Xi politely did not disturb them. . .
He stayed at the Heavenly Charm Sect for several months, during which Senior Sister Ding even brought people to apologize to Yunxi and Liu Xu.
He didn't know how it happened, but a group of female cultivators became inexplicably close, many exchanging handkerchiefs and becoming bosom friends, making Fang Xi exclaim in wonder.
Of course, he also knew that as long as he continued to advance his cultivation, these female cultivators would always remain 'friends' with Yunxi and Liu Xu.
Although it was somewhat realistic, it was also the helplessness of the cultivation world. . .
...
One day.
Fang Xi was savoring tea when he saw a fragrant breeze pass by, and Thousand Flowers Fairy gracefully arrived.
This woman wore a palace gown embroidered with a hundred flowers, her dignified demeanor subtly hiding a hint of charm, and sat down opposite Fang Xi.
“Fairy, please partake. . . ”
Fang Xi brewed a cup of spiritual tea for this woman.
“Fellow Daoist truly has good taste. . . ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy carefully savored a sip of spiritual tea and smiled, “Thankfully, we did not go to Celestial Brahma City, otherwise, who knows what we would have been forced into. . . ”
According to what this woman said, the situation in Celestial Brahma City was now unfavorable, and all cultivators were miserable.
The most miserable were those whose cultivation cities were breached and then fled to Celestial Brahma City; basically all of them were conscripted into military camps, becoming cannon fodder. . .
Of course, Return to Void cultivators might fare slightly better, but it was limited.
Otherwise, this Thousand Flowers Fairy should have entered Celestial Brahma City long ago, instead of struggling to hold on in the wilderness.
“Sigh. . . I only hope reinforcements arrive quickly. ”
Fang Xi sighed.
“Indeed. . . ” Thousand Flowers Fairy sighed softly, “According to our sect's latest intelligence, Senior Luo, who was originally responsible for guarding Celestial Brahma City, has not shown himself for a long time. . . It is suspected that he either fled, or has already perished. ”
If this Integration cultivator of the Brahma Sect were still here, the situation in Celestial Brahma City and even the entire Celestial Brahma Domain would not have deteriorated to such an extent.
“Dead. . . or fled? ”
Fang Xi listened and fell silent.
“However, no matter what, Vajra Child will not abandon the Celestial Brahma Army. . . As long as we hold firm and wait for reinforcements, there will always be a glimmer of hope. ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy smiled, “This humble one came to find Fellow Daoist today for another matter. ”
‘I knew it, this woman doesn't visit without a reason, but having stayed at her place, eaten her food, and drunk her drinks these past days, I should at least listen. . . ’
Fang Xi showed an interested expression, “I'd like to hear the details. . . ”
“Has Fellow Daoist ever heard of 'Immortal Cloud Ganoderma'? ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy suddenly asked.
“Immortal Cloud Ganoderma? Could it be, as rumored, the main ingredient for 'Immortal Cloud Pills', which are extremely useful to Return to Void cultivators? ”
A sharp glint flashed in Fang Xi's eyes as he spoke.
After reaching Return to Void, pills suitable for Return to Void cultivators to increase their cultivation had become extremely rare.
Basically, only auctions of an entire domain might see a few, or a dozen or so pills appear; almost every spiritual pill's refinement required heavenly materials and earthly treasures from the wilderness, making them extremely difficult to obtain.
‘But this place *is* the wilderness. . . ’
Fang Xi looked at Qianhua, with a hint of excitement in his tone, “Fellow Daoist found traces of Immortal Cloud Ganoderma? ”
In fact, he wasn't excited at all.
No matter how good Immortal Cloud Pills were, they only had a slight effect on increasing magical power.
For his main body, that bit of cultivation, he'd gain it by hanging out in his Earthly Immortal Spiritual Realm for a few days; why bother risking it to obtain a spiritual pill?
“Indeed. . . ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy was a little smug; indeed, no cultivator could refuse the temptation of a major cultivation breakthrough.
Fang Xi, however, had regained his calm at this moment, slowly sipped his spiritual tea, and then slowly spoke, “Fellow Daoist actually discovered Immortal Cloud Ganoderma but didn't harvest it. It seems the primeval desolate beast guarding it is quite troublesome. . . ”
“It's more than just troublesome. . . ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy let out a bitter laugh, “When this humble one discovered the Immortal Cloud Ganoderma then, I was truly overjoyed. This spiritual herb, seen from afar, already had five-colored cloud qi rising from it; it was at least ten thousand years old, enough to be used in medicine. . . However, beside this ganoderma, there was also a primeval desolate beast, a 'Cloud-Piercing Crane', guarding it. . . This crane's flight was peerless, its strength formidable, and this humble one was no match for it. . . ”
What she was looking for from Fang Xi was naturally his combat power!
Being able to kill one primeval desolate beast, he could naturally kill a second!
“A Cloud-Piercing Crane? ”
Fang Xi rubbed his chin, “This is somewhat troublesome. This beast's escape speed is extremely fast, and it holds grudges intensely. . . If it can't be killed in one go and it harbors resentment, it will be difficult to deal with. . . ”
“Precisely because of this, we need Fellow Daoist to act. ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy said, “This humble one does have a few treasures specifically designed to counter this beast, but I don't have absolute confidence. If Fellow Daoist lends a hand, then it will be foolproof. . . ”
“My humble strength cannot be called foolproof. ”
Fang Xi said modestly, “If I am to act, then all the Cloud-Piercing Crane's feathers must belong to me. . . ”
Although he now had the Fifth-Generation Green He Sword, that Immortal Abode Rare Treasure-grade flying sword consumed too much Yuan Qi and magical power.
And no cultivator would ever complain about having too many powerful treasures!
The imitation of the Five Fires Seven Birds Fan, after various reductions and substitutions, its power had repeatedly decreased; it was probably far inferior to the Fifth-Generation Green He Sword.
It was, however, a very good alternative that could be used daily.
Immortal Abode Rare Treasures, when categorized by power, could actually be roughly divided into three types!
The first type was naturally complete Immortal Abode Rare Treasures, capable of borrowing the rules of a realm, with immense power, able to burn mountains and boil oceans!
The second type was incomplete Immortal Abode Rare Treasures, and the Fifth-Generation Green He Sword belonged to this category.
This type of Immortal Abode Rare Treasure's power was not as good as a complete supreme treasure, but it could still unleash thirty to forty percent of its power, making even Integration cultivators very covetous.
In terms of power, it could roughly be compared to a 'Semi-Immortal Artifact' painstakingly refined by a Mahayana rogue immortal.
The third type was fragments of Immortal Abode Rare Treasures!
Incomplete Immortal Abode Rare Treasures still retained at least thirty to forty percent, or even fifty to sixty percent of their completeness.
As for fragments of Immortal Abode Rare Treasures, it was hard to say; they might only possess one percent, or even one-thousandth of the original body!
The more so, the lower the power!
Fortunately, in this way, the consumption was also small, and even Return to Void cultivators could regularly use them.
According to Fang Xi's estimation, with the Kyushu World's current preparations for the 'Five Fires Seven Birds Fan' project, the inferior imitation finally produced would probably only have a few tenths of the power of a fragment of the genuine Immortal Abode Rare Treasure. . .
How to put it. . .
At least it was still stronger than a sixth-rank Return to Void treasure. . .
“Moreover. . . the general framework hasn't been completely set yet; if high-grade materials are obtained in the future, they can still be added in. . . ”
The Five Fires Seven Birds Fan required seven types of spiritual bird tail feathers.
Fang Xi now had three types in his hand: Heavenly Phoenix, Green Luan, and Blood Owl, although they were all only fifth-stage. . .
Now, if he could obtain the feathers of the sixth-stage desolate beast, the Cloud-Piercing Crane, he could advance the power of this 'Five Fires Seven Birds Fan' by another layer.
“The Cloud-Piercing Crane's feathers? ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy pondered for a moment, “Although this beast's feathers are excellent materials for refining wind-attribute treasures or flying escape treasures, since Fellow Daoist has spoken, this humble one naturally has no objection. . . It's just regarding the distribution of the pills. . . ”
“Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for your generosity; as for the Immortal Cloud Ganoderma's share, I am willing to concede. . . ” Fang Xi said with a smile.
With this attitude, the subsequent negotiations proceeded very smoothly.
After both parties signed the immortal spiritual document, Thousand Flowers Fairy then told Fang Xi the location where she discovered the Immortal Cloud Ganoderma and more detailed information.
“So that's how it is. . . It really is somewhat troublesome. ”
Fang Xi pondered for a moment and smiled, “I wonder if Fellow Daoist has seen my spirit pet? ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy's eyes suddenly lit up, “That Cloud-Piercing Crane has a nasty temperament; if Fellow Daoist's Green Fire Luan goes forth to provoke it, it will certainly not tolerate it. . . If we can lure it into a pre-arranged formation, then our great endeavor can succeed! It's just that this beast's escape speed is quite fast. . . I wonder if Fellow Daoist's spirit pet can last until the end. ”
“My spirit pet flies extremely fast, and also has a treasure for self-defense; there shouldn't be much of a problem. . . ”
Fang Xi thought of Xiao Qing's Phoenix Seal Script talent and couldn't help but smile.
Phoenix Seal Script was the Dao of Void, and a flying beast involved in the Dao of Void, how could its escape speed be slow?
...
Several months later.
Fang Xi and Thousand Flowers Fairy stood side by side, surrounded by a formation hidden within the mountains and forests, without a single trace of magical power fluctuation.
And in the distance, there was a stretch of towering, cloud-piercing mountain peaks.
“Fellow Daoist's spirit pet has already been released, why has it not yet lured the Cloud-Piercing Crane here? Could something have gone wrong? ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy looked at the part of the mountain peak obscured by clouds and mist, and said with some hesitation.
“No need to worry, it's here! ”
Fang Xi, however, was confident about this. He had originally been watching the show with his arms crossed, but at this moment, he suddenly spoke.
“Hm? ”
Thousand Flowers Fairy released her Divine Consciousness, and immediately saw a Green Fire Luan flying swiftly ahead.
Its entire body was enveloped by a cluster of azure Green Luan Fire; within the azure flames were streaks of silver light, and its escape speed was incredibly fast.
And behind the Green Fire Luan, a giant white crane with a wingspan of over a thousand zhang was in pursuit; its crown a fiery red, its beak long and slender, radiating faint black halos.
Suddenly!
The Cloud-Piercing Crane let out a long cry, its pure white feathers all over its body vibrated like swords, its escape speed surged again, delivering a pecking strike!
Just as its glossy black beak, glowing with a halo, was about to peck the Green Fire Luan.
Whoosh!
Xiao Qing's entire body suddenly shimmered with countless silver Phoenix Seal Scripts, seemingly traversing the void, instantly appearing a thousand zhang away, dodging this fatal blow.
“Master, that bad guy's here! ”
Xiao Qing came to Fang Xi's side, its body instantly shrinking, and hid in the spirit beast pouch.
Immediately after, the colossal Cloud-Piercing Crane, seemingly obscuring the seven suns in the sky, casting a terrifying shadow, plunged headfirst into the range of the grand array. . .
Comments