Before Year's End, Bring Xiao Chen's Head Back to Me

"Is Xiao Chen really that powerful?"

Jin Luan looked doubtful. "In any case, he's just a Newly Promoted Nascent Soul."

"How could it possibly play such an important role?"

Upon learning of the unexpected turn of events, her first reaction was naturally disbelief.

His eyes held a hint of doubt as he looked the two people in front of him up and down.

"Ah, it's perfectly normal for Your Lord Jin Luan to have doubts; I understand perfectly."

The Wang Family Ancestor showed no surprise, instead patting his chest and assuring everyone, "But I can assure you, everything I just said is absolutely true."

"Although Xiao Chen has only recently broken through, the Lineage treasures he possesses are truly formidable."

"Caught completely off guard, we suffered a great loss right from the start."

The Fan Family Ancestor chimed in, "What Daoist Wang said is absolutely true. We were ambushed by the Heavenly Dipper Sect and almost didn't make it back."

"This operation was clearly orchestrated by Gang Yuan and his gang to ambush and kill us."

They had already rehearsed their story, and now they took turns pouring out their grievances and recounting their hardships.

Upon hearing this, the Mirror Reflection True Monarch, who was standing nearby, believed it to some extent. "I saw Xiao Chen on Red Flower Island before, and he is indeed a rare talent."

"Moreover, judging from subsequent intelligence, he is clearly Genius Cultivator pursues the Comprehension Path."

"As far as I know, cultivators who pursue the Comprehension Path have always been exceptional individuals."

"In that case, it's only natural that Xiao Chen's Nascent Soul Formation strength is extraordinary."

This left Jin Luan somewhat unsure of what to do.

Although she didn't know much about Comprehension Path, she understood the phrase "a dragon among men".

It should be noted that within the Sea Race, any mutated Demon Beast with the bloodline of Divine Beast possesses power far exceeding that of ordinary Demon Beast of the same level.

Take Jin Luan herself as an example; she benefited from the bloodline of Azure Luan.

Therefore, upon reaching adulthood, he directly broke through to the fourth tier.

Later, when facing other Nascent Soul Sea Fish, he was always invincible thanks to his innate Fire Method.

If that's the case, then it seems plausible that Xiao Chen acted more impressively?

Although she still had some doubts, Jin Luan knew that it was too late to pursue the matter further.

After all, the two sides are in a mutually beneficial relationship.

The Sea Race also need to use these traitors to put pressure on the western side.

Seeing that the three Human True Lord had reached an agreement, it would be detrimental to the overall situation if they were pushed too far and refused to cooperate.

Secondly, the situation of the Sea Race is different from that of the Human Race.

First of all, there is almost no affection between the different Great Demon; they are all simply subordinates of the Venerable One.

Jin Luan and Mud Fish are completely different races, so naturally she doesn't care much about them.

Secondly, the Endless Sea is a place where the strong prey on the weak, and almost every few years Fourth-Order great demon dies in battle.

Unlike the Human Race in the past, where it would take decades for a single True Lord to fall.

Therefore, after some thought, Jin Luan did not delve into the matter further. "It seems that the Heavenly Dipper Sect was cunning this time. You two have worked hard."

"But we can't just let this go."

"We have never suffered such a great loss since the start of the war."

"I will report to His Venerable One and request additional personnel to deal with Xiao Chen."

Jin Luan first looked at Mirror Reflection True Monarch: "Next, we must intensify our attack on the Ink Barrier Sect and strive to capture Yunfeng True Monarch as soon as possible."

I heard a few days ago that Po Wang's injuries have almost healed.

"Then let him come along too."

Previously, during the hunt for Mist Barrier True Monarch, the opponent fought back desperately and injured Illusion Breaker True Monarch.

Actually, the injury wasn't very serious, but for the past year I've been receiving subsidies and spiritual items while slowly recuperating in seclusion.

After all, he was injured for the sake of the Sea Race' great cause, so he was somewhat taking the opportunity to slack off.

Originally, Jin Luan considered her own advantages and, in order to put on an act that the Sea Race would not mistreat her if she worked hard, she did not press the matter too hard.

But now that we've suddenly suffered a defeat, we can no longer afford to be so complacent.

Moreover, they've already given them a year to recuperate, so it can't be considered that they're mistreating them.

The Mirror Reflection True Monarch also understood this point, so he directly agreed on behalf of him, "I also heard that Junior Brother Po Wang is almost fully recovered, but he still needs a little time to adjust."

"Please rest assured, Your Excellency, we will definitely be able to leave the pass and join the battle by the end of this month at the latest."

Jin Luan nodded, then turned to Fan and Wang and instructed them, "You two go back immediately to guard the front-line formation."

"Temporarily halt the offensive and focus on defending against the Heavenly Dipper Sect's counterattack."

They were sent to invade the Heavenly Dipper Sect in order to expand their gains and exert pressure.

The situation has changed, making an attack difficult in the short term.

Naturally, the priority should be to deal with the Ink Barrier Sect, which is already besieged.

However, those Fourth-tier Grand Array that have already been occupied cannot be abandoned directly, otherwise it will take a lot of effort to take them back later.

So Jin Luan specially sent the two of them back.

Fan and Wang exchanged a glance, feeling somewhat displeased.

But this result wasn't too bad, so they didn't protest and agreed together.

Anyway, they had already discussed it before coming.

If I'm sent back to defend, I'll stay inside the Fourth-tier Grand Array and not come out.

Protect the strongest central formation; for the rest, send out tribesmen to offer token resistance and then abandon them.

Although this might result in some members of the tribe sacrificing their lives in vain.

But considering the generous reward, they figured they could afford the price; it was all for the sake of the Lineage's development.

Once they had reached an agreement, the news was immediately relayed back to the Sea Race.

Universal Salvation Temple.

The enormous nautilus Nautilus stood thousands of miles away, facing the temple's protective array that shimmered with dazzling Golden Light.

A large number of Fourth-Order great demon were gathering around to recuperate.

Every now and then, violent explosions would be heard, accompanied by bursts of Spiritual Power.

That's because there's another group of Great Demon ahead, launching a full-scale attack on Universal Salvation Temple.

If someone were to look down from above, they would discover that a total of seventeen Fourth-Order great demon had gathered in this sea area.

They are in groups of five, taking turns to rest, and they besiege each other for more than six hours every day.

And this rotation has been going on for more than half a year.

In other words, Universal Salvation Temple possesses Fifth-Order Grand Array and has ample reserves of Spirit Stone, which can support huge expenditures.

Otherwise, it would have fallen long ago.

"As expected, they're a bunch of useless idiots, a mob that's good for nothing."

A middle-aged man dressed in a crane-feather cloak sat cross-legged on top of the Nautilus, casually tossing out the intelligence he held, which immediately turned into a cloud of ashes and fell into the sea.

He turned his gaze to the Universal Salvation Temple in the distance.

If it weren't for this obstructive array, he would have already seized the Spirit Vein and the treasure, and wouldn't have wasted the spiritual items on those guys from the Illuminating Void Sect.

Although I had long suspected that those profit-driven guys wouldn't actually work with any sincerity.

But he still didn't expect that just because a Newly Promoted Nascent Soul had appeared, those good-for-nothings would cry and complain, making excuses.

What Hidden Dao Heritage, what Path of Enlightenment —these are nothing but excuses for incompetence.

If Xiao Chen were to come here, he could easily crush him with one hand.

"There's a saying among Human Race that's true: 'One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black.'"

The man in the crane-cloak withdrew his gaze and looked to the side. "Spending time with those insects, even Jin Luan has learned to make excuses and isn't as obedient as before."

What do you think?

Below was a huge red crab, which trembled upon hearing this.

He was a little unsure of the Venerable One's attitude, but he couldn't refuse to answer the question.

So he could only cautiously say, "That Jin Luan has learned nothing good and only bad, he has failed His Venerable One's training, he deserves to die!"

The man in the crane-cloak suddenly changed the subject. "Inform Yun Qing, its movements are far too slow."

"Bring Xiao Chen's head back to me before the end of the year."

"If you can't do it, then never come back."

Yun Qing was that Green Big Shrimp, who was tasked with eliminating all the cultivators who had participated in the New Ruin.

Over the past two years, it has indeed cleaned up about a third of the people on the list.

This progress seems a bit slow.

However, considering that many of the disciples come from various sects, and many, like Fa Zhao Arhat, have already broken through to the Nascent Soul, the efficiency is actually quite astonishing.

Upon hearing this, even the Red Crab couldn't help but silently mourn for the other party.

Then, a sense of relief arose in my heart, thankful that it wasn't the one serving the Venerable One at the time.

Otherwise, this incredibly difficult hunting task would have fallen on its shoulders.

However, it immediately replied, "Your subordinate will go and inform Yun Qing right away."

He then hurried to the nearby sound transmission array to relay the latest orders.

At the end of the telepathic message, the Red Crab specifically advised, "His Venerable One only mentioned Xiao Chen. Discuss with Jin Luan and find a way to kill him first to report back."

"As for the remaining difficult prey, we can deal with them later."

The reason for doing this was not because of her good relationship with Yun Qing.

It was simply because the Red Crab was worried that if Yun Qing failed in his duties, the Venerable One would have it take over the task.

With the help of the Fourth-Order Transmission Array, the message quickly reached Listening Wave Sea.

Yun Qing was hiding on the outskirts of an island, preparing to ambush one of the True Disciple, felt a chill run down his spine upon receiving the news.

Another prey has broken through to the Nascent Soul?

It must have had the worst luck in its life to encounter such a cursed task.

I carefully read through the intelligence that was sent along with it.

Yun Qing breathed a slight sigh of relief. Fortunately, this guy named Xiao Chen was a rogue cultivator, and he was currently within the territory of the Heavenly Dipper Sect, where the Human Race's power was weakest.

As far as he knew, there were originally only three Nascent Soul there.

Moreover, one person was injured, and another had just broken through to the next level and had almost no strength left.

If I can get there in time and work with Jin Luan to trap Xiao Chen within the territory of the Heavenly Dipper Sect, there is still hope of taking him down.

With this in mind, Yun Qing took the Red Crab's advice and decisively abandoned the target she was currently lurking around.

They immediately set off at full speed towards Heavenly Azure Peak.

It even activated a Escape Talisman to increase its speed.

After all, the intelligence indicated that Xiao Chen was a rogue cultivator, so it had to get there quickly.

To prevent the other party from running off to some more difficult sect for other messy reasons, or simply finding a place to hide and disappear.

If that happens, it's doomed.

However, this was simply an overreaction on its part.

In fact, Xiao Chen had been staying on Heavenly Azure Peak all this time and had no intention of hiding at all.

During the past two weeks, various messages have been circulating from the outside world.

He first spent six whole days reading through all the books stored in the Scripture Pavilion.

Then, following the order, they began to practice different Law Technique one by one.

With survival as the top priority, we'll start with Water Escape.

Because of the foundation laid during the previous cultivation of the <Northern Darkness True Water Robe>.

In addition, I obtained one fourth-tier Five Elements Spiritual Objects item from Old Dog Yi.

He naturally took out the Water-element Spirit Item without hesitation to accelerate his Cultivation Progress.

Therefore, it only took Xiao Chen three days to master the basics of the <Flying Cloud Stepping Wave Art>.

His escape speed has officially increased to three times that of the Golden Core Realm.

Although no formal comparisons or tests were conducted.

However, judging from the speed at which Xiao Chen witnessed the Wang Family Ancestor fleeing, his escape speed has already surpassed that of his opponent.

In other words, the next time the two meet...

Whether he chooses to fight or retreat, the initiative is now in Xiao Chen's hands.

In most situations, having high mobility almost guarantees victory.

Next, of course, is the Defensive Spell, <Four Symbols Suppressing Mountain Shield>.

This is also very important. After all, the Night's Edge is a trump card that should be saved for crucial moments, so we have to rely on Defensive Spell to fight enemies in normal times.

When choosing the first of the Four Symbols Spirit Pattern, Xiao Chen picked the Black Tortoise.

It wasn't for any other reason.

However, considering that I don't have many Fourth-Order Spiritual Item at the moment, I can use the fish fins that I recently acquired as a substitute for water-type Spiritual Pattern.

This allows one to reserve the other three types of spiritual objects for the cultivation of Auxiliary Spells.

Because the fins weren't very effective, it took him five days to master the Law Technique.

In this way, Xiao Chen's offensive and defensive Law Technique, as well as his escape techniques, were all upgraded.

It can be said that he has taken another step closer to becoming a true Nascent Soul True Lord.

Once he has gradually completed the remaining Auxiliary Spells or Spirit Artifact, he can be removed from the category of "newcomer" in the usual sense.

Of course, in reality, Xiao Chen could no longer be viewed through the lens of Newly Promoted Nascent Soul.

This is simply a requirement he sets for himself.

However, when it came to the Auxiliary Spells...

Xiao Chen encountered a new problem: insufficient foundation.

During his Golden Core Realm, he was busy breaking through to the next level and did not cultivate any Auxiliary Spells.

Although he chose to practice the <Swift Wonder Fire Avoiding Art> first in order to make it easier for himself to learn.

However, after two days, the Fire-element Spirit Item had been completely used up, and the cultivation progress remained stagnant.

Clearly, there are only two options left.

Alternatively, one can spend time slowly cultivating, which is the method adopted by most cultivators.

Alternatively, one could collect additional Fourth-Order Spiritual Item to accelerate their cultivation process.

Xiao Chen naturally chose the latter without hesitation.

I will never waste my time on any problem that can be solved with Spirit Stone.

Therefore, it was only half a month after he arrived at the Heavenly Dipper Sect that he went out to the local markets to purchase supplies.

"Get a batch of Fourth-Order Spiritual Item, and also get some Talisman Making materials to take back."

As Xiao Chen walked, he wondered, "I wonder if there are any local delicacies around here?"

However, when he arrived at the market, he was taken aback.

Contrary to expectations of a bustling market, the Heavenly Azure Market at the foot of the mountain was almost deserted.

There were hardly any cultivators to be seen in the entire market, and most shops had their doors and windows tightly locked, with only a few shops in the center still welcoming customers.

It looked exceptionally desolate, like some kind of run-down little town.

"Oh no, did I come to the wrong place?"

Xiao Chen muttered a complaint, but he had already realized that the market was definitely affected by the Sea Race Invasion.

Actually, you don't even need to come and see; you can guess what's going on.

The situation was critical, and all capable independent cultivators had fled towards the Storm Sea, while many sect disciples were busy with defense.

Few people bothered to come to the market, so it naturally became deserted.

In fact, if Xiao Chen wanted to trade for Fourth-Order Spiritual Item, the best trading partner would undoubtedly be to go directly to Gang Yuan True Monarch.

It was simply because he was used to trading in the market.

In addition, he had been spending the last two days either reading or cultivating, without having thought things through carefully, so he subconsciously ran into the market.

"Well, since we're already here, let's go inside and take a look around."

Xiao Chen didn't pay any attention to that and went straight to the remaining two shops in the city center.

To his disappointment, after visiting three shops, he found that none of them had Fourth-Order Spiritual Item for sale.

Even the variety of items has decreased significantly; they are almost entirely materials such as Demon Core, fish skins, and animal teeth obtained from Sea Fish or Sea Beast during battles with the Sea Race.

"I was unaware of your presence, senior. Please forgive my lack of proper welcome!"

Xiao Chen had just come in and taken a look around when a slightly plump cultivator hurriedly ran over from a distance. "My name is Zhang Mingli, and I am currently the market Inspector."

"If you need anything, just tell me."

As he spoke, he directed the men beside him, "What are you all standing here for?"

"Quickly move some tables and chairs over, and prepare Spirit Tea for the senior to quench his thirst."

Xiao Chen waved his hand. "No need for that trouble. Let me ask you, are Fourth-Order Spiritual Item still sold here?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mingli shook his head. "Reporting to Senior, there were occasionally Fourth-Order Spiritual Item before the great battle, but since last year they have been under the control of the sect and their circulation has been prohibited."

"Currently, only the sect's contribution hall can exchange for it."

This result was not unexpected.

Xiao Chen immediately lost much of his interest, but still asked, "Do you have any branches of Golden Flower Workshop around here?"

"It's the shop that sells high-quality pastries."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Mingli paused for a moment, then nodded decisively. "Yes!"

"Please have a seat for a moment, senior. What would you like to eat? I'll go get it for you right away."

As they spoke, the staff around them had already carried down a whole bunch of items from upstairs, including tables and chairs, screens, two large fans, an incense burner, and so on.

"You don't need to be so nervous, I'm not the kind of person with a bad temper."

Xiao Chen waved his hand again. "No need to sit. Just take me there where the shop is."

"Take these things away, I don't need them."

He doesn't care about these formalities.

"Um... well, senior."

Zhang Mingli wiped away a bead of cold sweat and quickly explained, "The Golden Flower Workshop in the market has already closed."

"But I know the courtyard where their boss and his employees live."

"It will only take a quarter of an hour... no, half an hour. I can bring everyone here."

"What kind of pastry would you like? I'll have them prepare the ingredients and bring it over so we can make it right here."

Xiao Chen frowned slightly after hearing the first half of the sentence.

Since it's already closed, are you trying to fool me?

However, after hearing the explanation that followed, he was also taken aback.

It seemed the other party wasn't lying, since the question was whether there were any branches, which they did have, but they were closed.

And it even managed to call people back.

"There shouldn't be any inconvenience, right?"

Xiao Chen thought for a moment, then asked, "Do you know them?"

"Don't force them if they don't want to."

Zhang Mingli immediately patted his chest and assured him, "Convenient, very convenient!"

"I used to frequent their pastry shop and I was quite familiar with the owner."

"Please rest assured, senior, they will definitely be willing to participate in such a good opportunity, and I guarantee there will be no coercion whatsoever."

Xiao Chen looked at him seriously. "Don't lie to me."

"No need to call them over. I want one hundred servings of Golden Thread Glazed Crisp. Once they're made, just pack them up and send them directly to Jade Bamboo Peak."

Since there were no spiritual materials here, he didn't plan to stay any longer.

There's no point in waiting here to make pastries.

Xiao Chen still planned to go back and discuss the Spirit Item Transaction with Gang Yuan True Monarch first.

Zhang Mingli immediately agreed, "I would never dare to deceive you, senior."

"Once this is done, I will definitely deliver one hundred servings of Golden Thread Glazed Crisp over as soon as possible."

Xiao Chen turned and left.

But then I suddenly remembered the last time I bought pastries.

So he turned back and instructed, "By the way, the situation is special right now. If you don't have enough materials, just make as many as you have."

"If they don't have any Golden Thread Glazed Crisp, then forget it. You can't make things difficult for them."

A hint of surprise appeared on Zhang Mingli's face.

But then he clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, repeating loudly, "This junior understands. If there aren't enough materials, we'll make as many as we have."

After watching Xiao Chen's figure disappear outside the market.

Zhang Mingli then straightened up, a hint of curiosity and excitement in his eyes.

He was curious because he had never met such a kind senior before.

He was excited because it was just a small matter to him, but if he handled it well, he could take the opportunity to leave a good impression on his own True Lord and the others.

Xiao Chen was half right; the supply of raw materials in the market is indeed limited, and many things are missing.

If you strictly follow the existing ingredients, you can only make a few portions of Golden Thread Glazed Crisp.

However, this does not mean that the Heavenly Dipper Sect lacks materials.

In the Sect Warehouse, there are more than a hundred, let alone a thousand or ten thousand, relevant materials.

But precisely because of this, Zhang Mingli was able to openly and legitimately seek an audience with his sect's True Lord in the Sect Hall.

Don't let his position as a market Inspector fool you; he may seem to hold an important post.

In fact, the opportunity to meet the True Lord directly is very limited.

After all, the Heavenly Dipper Sect has no shortage of Golden Core cultivators, and those who are not True Disciple generally have no say in the matter.

Zhang Mingli happily ran to the Sect Hall, and as expected, he received a special approval from Han Chuan True Monarch, who was on duty inside the hall.

And a compliment. "You did a great job delivering the items on time. You'll be credited with a A-class contribution."

He felt a surge of joy and gratitude towards Xiao Chen.

Thanks to this senior colleague, he almost earned a A-class contribution for free.