Chapter 1107: The Sword Gates Retrieval (I)
Li Zhouwei had been restrained earlier by the Pit Metal Chain Rings, but he had fortunately, and unexpectedly, subdued them with his Immortal Foundation, or he would have faced far more trouble.
He said, "This item may not be highly lethal, but its restraining power is remarkable. Against cultivators with powerful Dharma Bodies, it is a tier above most tools, perhaps enough for one or two people to trap them."
Li Ximing nodded. Such tools were of little use to him, but they were treasures to Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators. He replied, "This artifact is primarily for restraint and works well, but our family has no Pit Water Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator. The closest we have is Miaoshui, a single cultivator aligned with the Water Virtues.
"She contributed greatly in this battle, but many were injured. The Pit Metal Chain Rings are precious, and casually granting them is not a wise way to manage the family. Let us store them for now and only bring them out in wartime."
Li Zhouwei put away the Pit Metal Chain Rings, then picked up the pitch-black Capital Dao Bell. Sweeping it with his spiritual sense, he said in mild surprise, "It is Pure Essence."
Pure Essence was the most common Dao lineage among rogue cultivators, especially in Jiangnan. Eight out of ten rogue cultivators belonged to the Minor Pure Spiritual Qi Dao lineage. Most of them never advanced beyond the Embryonic Breathing Realm, and a single dharma artifact might be passed down for three generations. As a result, Pure Essence Embryonic Breathing Realm artifacts were extremely common.
Pure Essence cultivators were plentiful at the lower levels, but far fewer reached Foundation Establishment Realm. Still, they comprised a significant portion of cultivators in that realm. As for Pure Essence cultivators who reached the Purple Mansion Realm, Li Ximing had never even heard of one. Foundation Establishment Realm artifacts of that lineage were rare too, and those he had seen were crude and unimpressive. This was the first time he had encountered one of such fine quality.
He turned the black bell over and examined it closely. Its material, refining techniques, and formation patterns all reflected a contemporary style.
Li Ximing frowned. "How strange. Guan Gongxiao, the dignified young master of the Capital Immortal Dao, personally refines a dharma artifact for nurturing and cultivation, yet instead of using Capital Guard, he chose Pure Essence..."
Exchanging a glance with Li Zhouwei, he said, "It seems the Capital Guard and Pure Essence share some connection. Interesting."