Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi

"Is that so..."

Zhang Yao showed a thoughtful expression, then waved his hand and said:

"Forget about this, I already have enough Fengxi Mountain Copper."

The Passing Arhat continued:

"The second one, Taiyin Dew, is a treasure with the Taiyin attribute, obtainable from the Liangyue River Lord of Jing Kingdom."

"Every two hundred and ninety-six years, Liangyue River hosts the Taiyin Tide event. With your cultivation and array skills, it shouldn’t be difficult to acquire some Taiyin Dew."

"I know about this too."

Zhang Yao stroked his chin and said:

"The next Taiyin Tide is in thirty-five years. I can just make it in time, so as not to delay your big plans, old monk."

"Then let’s talk about the third one."

The Passing Arhat spoke again:

"Bright True Flame, stored in the ’Jueyan Palace’ of Bingzang Kingdom. If you are interested, I can introduce you."

"Back in the day, I roamed the Central Plains Countries and formed a deep friendship with the current Palace Master of Jueyan Palace."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao frowned slightly:

"Bright True Flame, I’ve had it for a long time... Old monk, can’t you offer something more substantial?"

"Hahaha... Don’t be anxious, my friend."

The Passing Arhat smiled slightly and said:

"The fourth one, Water of the Ruins."

"This item is extremely rare outside the East Sea and very difficult to obtain. You surely don’t have it?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao’s spirits lifted, waiting for the old monk to reveal the secret.

The Water of the Ruins originates from the deepest part of the Nine Great Sea Apertures in the East Sea. Not only is it produced in meager quantities, but even fewer ever drift out. It has long been monopolized by the Flood Dragon clan, the overlords of the Outer Sea.

Ordinary Golden Core Cultivators not to mention obtaining it, even wandering near the Sea Apertures poses a life threat.

Back then, Five Elements Wanderer Liu Cang purely got lucky, after wandering the East Sea for years without success, he randomly killed a severely injured Golden Core Perfection Cultivator in the Outer Sea and found it while rummaging through the opponent’s Storage Bag, feeling ecstatic at the scene.

Zhang Yao asked himself not to hope for Liu Cang’s luck, unable to replicate his approach, making this information immensely valuable.

"The Water of the Ruins, at the deepest part of the Sea Aperture, on regular days, even Nascent Soul Level Transformed Flood Dragons find it difficult to dive to the bottom, only during specific times it can be done."

"And by chance, I happen to know a secret passage leading to the Sea Aperture in the ’Sea of Ten Thousand Stars’, avoiding the supervision of the Flood Dragon clan."

"I can tell you this passage, but how to penetrate the Sea Aperture is up to you."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao nodded and said:

"No problem."

So, the Passing Arhat revealed the secret passage and a series of related information to Zhang Yao.

After memorizing it all, Zhang Yao further inquired about other treasures and spiritual objects’ clues.

Regrettably:

The information Passing Arhat knew already heavily overlapped with Zhang Yao’s existing knowledge, with only the intelligence on Divine Essence Pill Jade being useful among the remaining four treasures.

And for the two unknown treasures’ whereabouts, one was Thunderstruck Divine Wood, the other the most precious Heaven and Earth Treasures with the Great Sun attribute.

"Unexpectedly, only two pieces of information were useful..."

There was an unmistakable look of disappointment on Zhang Yao’s face.

The Passing Arhat clearly hadn’t anticipated this situation either, looking slightly embarrassed:

"Unexpectedly, with the clues you already have and control, no wonder you haven’t tried your luck at the grand Commerce Association or auction houses in the Celestial Continent..."

He sighed here and said:

"With such an exchange, I would indeed be taking a great advantage."

"How about this, when the matter is accomplished, I’ll offer you an Ancient Spiritual Treasure from the Secret Vault within the temple. Not only does this treasure possess formidable killing power, but it also has unmatched water-bypassing ability, far surpassing any Magical Treasure."

"Having such an Ancient Spiritual Treasure will surely be of great help for you in finding the Water of the Ruins."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao’s expression eased considerably, and he said:

"Alright, I’ll thank you in advance, Master."

An Ancient Spiritual Treasure of such nature, still one of a direct offensive type, was far more precious than his Lamp of Truth, enough to justify the risks he took.

Once the great wish is accomplished, and his inner conflict resolved, with the abundant accumulations of Passing Arhat, achieving the status of Great Arhat would not be difficult at all.

By that time, with the collapse of the Merit System, and several Great Arhats losing their realms, he would become the Sect Celestial Pillar, naturally acquiring the authority to make all sect decisions, hence not fearing accountability afterwards.

Of course, if the scheme fails, then forget about the Ancient Spiritual Treasure, just the dozens of Golden Body Arhats within the temple would be enough trouble, escaping would be the only option.

...

On the day:

Zhang Yao and the Passing Arhat, after a few hours of secret talks, departed from the Great Awakening Hall.

Having stayed in Mani Temple for a few days, participating in the full ceremonies of the rituals, Zhang Yao then used the channels of Jialan Hall to send his Future Dharma Body back to Changle Palace.

In Changle Palace:

"Hmm..."

Zhang Yao sat cross-legged, fiddling with the small metal bottle in his hands, still pondering the agreement reached with the Passing Arhat.

Considering such a major matter, he originally had no intention to participate in the ceremonies, but worried about raising suspicions among the high-ranking officials of Mani Temple, he deliberately stayed for a few days.

At this moment, withdrawing his mind, he began to weigh the gains and risks of this matter, contemplating possible changes and fallback plans.

"This trip to Mani Temple has been a mix of gains and losses."

"But just this Precious Luminous Golden Nectar alone has saved me a hundred years of work, making the journey worthwhile..."

Thinking of this, Zhang Yao looked at the small metal bottle in his hands, a gleam flashing in his eyes.