Chapter 981 - 708: Flood Dragon Transformation
This is definitely not the relic of an ordinary Flood Dragon Snake.
Its origins in life likely reached the Tier Four level.
The existence of a Transformed Great Demon!
An Ancient Cultivator’s Cave Mansion possibly containing Tier Four Flood Dragon remains?
Shen Xuan’s heart couldn’t help but surge.
Even if the Inner Core and Essence Blood, such core items, have long dispersed over the ages,
but if he could find the Reverse Scale and Flood Dragon Bone, they are also precious Tier Four Spiritual Materials.
He possesses the divine power of "Devouring All Things," capable of refinement.
It’s just a bit troublesome, that’s all.
Usually unnecessary, ordinary Demon Beast bones are not very useful.
Far less rewarding compared to refining Inner Core and Essence Blood.
Seeing Shen Xuan’s slight change in expression, Liu Qiunian said solemnly: "Regarding the matter of this Ancient Cultivator’s Cave Mansion, besides my Liu Family’s ancestor, Qiunian has never mentioned it to a third person. This time coming here is also under the ancestor’s orders; firstly, to thank you for your past kindness towards Yiyun and the Liu Family, and secondly, to give this opportunity to someone deserving."
His words were sincere, clearly presenting the family’s stance.
With this cave mansion clue, they settled past debts.
Shen Xuan understood the deeper meaning.
He nodded slightly, no longer hesitating, and with a sweep of his sleeve, he collected the cyan Jade Scroll along with the Storage Pouch.
"After you return, Qiunian Daoist, you may convey my message to Ming Liu True Master."
Shen Xuan’s voice was steady, with no trace of emotion.
"I appreciate his goodwill, and from now on, there are no debts between us and the Liu Family."
Shen Xuan speculated that Ming Liu True Master vaguely sensed the subtle relationship between him and the Bright Flame Sect.
The Liu Family delivered this generous gift as a repayment of favors and to draw a clear distinction.
If there are no direct conflicts of interest, they are happy to befriend him.
But once he is opposed to the Bright Flame Sect, the Liu Family would surely stand with the Sect without hesitation.
This cave mansion data is the gift for resolving debts.
In this regard, Shen Xuan feels neither surprised nor resentful.
Having lived so long, he understands all too well the iron rules of the Cultivation Realm.
No matter how great the kindness, in the face of personal interests, it is insignificant.
This is not about morality; it is the instinctual choice for the survival and development of a Cultivation Clan.
Shen Xuan does not resent Ming Liu True Master.
On the contrary, upon meeting again in the future, he would still greet him with a smile, as if nothing ever happened.
This is basic, tacit conduct among High Tier Cultivators.
...
Time flies, and yet another two years have passed.
Inside the secret chamber, Shen Xuan slowly opened his eyes.
He finished refining the Inner Core of the Molten Fire Divine Turtle.
The script on the Mysterious Jade Talisman was clear.
[Lifespan: 242/891]
[Talent: Molten Fire Divine Armor Entry Level (8/100)]
[Dao Rhyme: 6546886]
His lifespan had unexpectedly increased by a year.
Shen Xuan felt a slight stir in his heart.
It seems that the Yin and Yang of the Ice and Fire Dual Golden Core profoundly nourishes the essence of life, far surpassing a single Golden Core.
Not in vain for the hardship he endured.
If he hadn’t used the Secret Techniques like "Other Shore Demon Flower" and "Dragon Blood Boiling," which overdraft potential, with the Talents of "Longevity" and "Endless Life" he possesses, his lifespan should have been calculated in millennia.
To outsiders, over the past nine years, this "True Master Guo" seemed like an ascetic, never stepping foot out of Tiger Roar Peak.
However, the truth was otherwise.
Under the guise of "seclusion," Shen Xuan quietly executed the Divine Powers of "Concealing Breath" and "Invisibility," following Liu Yiyun and others out of the Bright Flame Sect.
With the cover of the Sky-Covering Stone, the Sect Protection Array of the Bright Flame Sect was unable to detect.
This was Shen Xuan’s confidence to remain in the Bright Flame Sect.
He could leave freely at any moment.
To be cautious, Shen Xuan did not travel far but only moved within Mingyan Immortal City, collecting frontline battle reports and observing the various trends.
Fortunately, the Human Race and Demon Race were still stalemated on the front lines, without any risk of collapse.
"In these years, the continuous refinement of Tier Three Demon King Inner Cores has solidified the spiritual power foundation of the Fire Technique Golden Core quite a bit."
Shen Xuan viewed inside his Dantian; the light of the Fire Technique Golden Core was warm, revolving with natural rhythm.
However, compared to the Primordial Ice Golden Core, the Fire Technique Golden Core is far inferior.
Since the condensation of the Fire Technique Golden Core, only nine years have passed.
There’s still a long way to reach the peak of the Golden Core Early Stage.
Even if sufficient Tier Three Fire Attribute Demon Core Essence Blood could be guaranteed, it would still take nearly twenty years of effort.
The current progress is barely one-third.
The further the cultivation progresses in the late stage, the harder the advancement becomes, requiring more time.
Shen Xuan concluded his cultivation and stood.
He began researching Puppetry Techniques.
As an Honored Guest Elder of the Bright Flame Sect, holding the True Monarch Red Lotus token.
Currently, collecting High Tier Puppet materials is quite convenient.
Handled by True Master Miao Lian.
Two years ago, rejected by Shen Xuan, True Master Miao Lian left in displeasure, her anger vented.
Yet, just a month later, she returned again.
On that day, True Master Miao Lian’s eyes were bright, and her smile was radiant, as if nothing had happened.
She did not come empty-handed.
Brought a Demon Core of a Three-headed Fire Wolf.
A Tier Three Upper Grade Fire Attribute Demon King Inner Core.
This was the payment for the last Thunder Peng Puppet, full of sincerity.
Shen Xuan took the Demon Core and reiterated the conditions: "The refining cost of one Tier Three Puppet is one Tier Three Upper Grade Fire Attribute Demon Beast Inner Core."
True Master Miao Lian readily agreed with a smile: "Naturally so."
Thus, Shen Xuan silently improved and created a new Thunder Peng Puppet during his cultivation intervals.
Of course, Shen Xuan continuously honed and enhanced his skills as a Puppet Master.
Every design adjustment, material substitution, and array optimization is precious practical experience.
Backed by the big tree of the Bright Flame Sect, whether acquiring rare Tier Three Upper Grade Demon Cores or collecting a variety of Puppet Spiritual Materials, it is far more convenient than collecting them on his own.
...
The stone door of the cultivation chamber opened silently.
Shen Xuan walked out slowly.
The maid Xiangcao awaited outside, presenting a Jade Scroll: "Master, the Sect has just sent the frontline battle report."