Then I Won't Take Any Either; Then I'll Go Help Too

In less than two hours, the group had dismantled all the recyclable spiritual items.

As a large-scale formation, it naturally requires more than twenty-seven fourth-tier spiritual materials.

However, the rest were melted into the Array Foundation, and even if forcibly dismantled, they could not be restored; instead, they would only damage the Array Foundation base itself.

Therefore, after everything was sorted out, the next step was to divide it up.

After Zhang Shouquan left, there were still seven people on the island. If each person received four items, the twenty-seven spiritual items would obviously not be evenly distributed.

So Xiao Chen thought for a moment and took the initiative to propose a fairer distribution plan, "Since we're all on the same side, I'll be frank. I want that piece of Earth Mother Heavy Marrow Jade."

"This should be the most valuable item."

"So as compensation, everyone will take turns choosing one spiritual item in four rounds, and I will withdraw early in the last round."

What do you all think?

To put it simply, he wanted three spiritual items, but he wanted to take the most valuable Earth Mother Heavy Marrow Jade.

In the Cultivation World, this is considered a very fair distribution plan.

"Daoist Xiao, I... I don't want it."

Ming Xiao True Monarch looked at the spiritual creature before him with slight reluctance, but he still chose to give it up. "Like I said, I was just here to join in the fun."

"I didn't contribute anything when Break Formation, so I have no right to share in the spoils."

"I just need to take one of the Array Foundation back as a souvenir later."

Ming Xiao True Monarch's words sounded a bit strange at first glance, and even a bit impulsive, like a young man trying to save face by slapping someone in the face.

But in fact, he had already given it careful consideration.

Don't underestimate the fact that Fourth-Order Spiritual Item are priceless treasures for ordinary cultivators.

Even with Spirit Stone in hand, there's nowhere to buy them, because very few people are willing to sell them.

However, in reality, each of the Great Powers has its own stable channels for producing some ordinary Fourth-Order Spiritual Item.

To put it bluntly, ordinary Fourth-Order Spiritual Item are not that precious to Nascent Soul True Lord.

What they truly care about are those rare spiritual items that cannot be produced reliably, and whose supply dwindles with each use.

For example, things like Earth Mother Heavy Marrow Jade or Azure Luan Incinerated Feather Ash.

However, it is clear that even if the three valuable items, including the Fourth-Order Yin Spirit Heart, were divided equally, they would not be available to Ming Xiao True Monarch.

Therefore, he simply withdrew from the allocation, choosing instead to leave everyone, especially Xiao Chen, with a good impression of being humble, sensible, and uncompetitive from beginning to end.

"Haha, that's what I think too."

The Hundred Apertures True Monarch also spoke up, "Just now in the hall, I personally said 'I don't want anything,' we can't go back on our word so soon."

Um?

No, are you really here for sightseeing?

Xiao Chen was somewhat surprised to hear this. They had already seen a real spiritual object, so how could the atmosphere still be so harmonious?

Many independent cultivators often quarrel and even become enemies over valuable spiritual items when they go on adventures together.

On some occasions, they would even resort to assassination to monopolize the benefits.

Now that a bunch of Fourth-Order Spiritual Item are laid out in front of them, some people are actually willing to give up their share.

It truly made him realize the unevenness of the world.

However, the matter was not over yet.

"These Array Foundation look pretty good. If you all don't mind, I'd like to help Senior Brother Gang Yuan take these Core Array Foundation back with him."

Even Rift Void True Monarch spoke up, saying, "However, if you really think about it, the Core Array Foundation is also quite valuable."

"By doing this, I've already taken advantage of everyone, so I won't participate in the distribution of these spiritual items."

Upon hearing this, Thunderbolt True Monarch seemed to receive some kind of reminder.

He then continued, "During the previous great battle, our sect lost a considerable number of Mid-Grade Spirit Stone."

"Since we've happened to meet here, I'll just take the spirit item and the ten thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone back with me."

Ten thousand Mid-Grade Spirit Stone are equivalent to one million Low-grade Spirit Stone.

If calculated based on the auction price of ordinary Fourth-Order Spiritual Item, it is actually roughly equivalent to three Fourth-Order Spiritual Item.

"Then I'll choose Spirit Stone too."

Purple Sun True Monarch also chimed in, "Recently, the sect has been setting up formations and building Stronghold in the north, which is precisely the time when we need to spend Spirit Stone."

"If I can bring back 10,000 Spirit Stone from this short trip, Senior Brother Crane Cry will definitely praise me, hahaha."

After they finished speaking one after another, Surging Wave True Monarch was completely dumbfounded.

No, what do you all mean?

Nobody wants spirit objects, right?

You all don't want it, right? Then I don't want it either!

Surging Wave True Monarch immediately looked around at the surrounding spiritual creatures. "Oh dear, none of the spiritual creatures here have anything to do with the way of the sword."

"Actually, I've always been quite fond of the upper jawbone of that swordfish, but I've always been too shy to say it."

"If Daoist Xiao doesn't mind, I'd like to shamelessly exchange that maxilla."

To him, that maxilla was worth no less than three ordinary Fourth-Order Spiritual Item, and perhaps even more.

However, to Xiao Chen, they were all ordinary fourth-tier spiritual materials, with almost no difference between them.

In other words, this exchange was a huge win for him, and he had no reason to refuse. "No problem, I don't need that maxilla anyway."

So, after exchanging a fourth-tier spiritual material...

Xiao Chen discovered that the twenty-seven spiritual items and three thousand four hundred and twenty-six Mid-Grade Spirit Stone he had dismantled were all his own.

This is no longer a matter of whether the atmosphere is harmonious or not.

Their relationship could only be described as brotherly love and harmony, almost unbelievably so.

But to be fair, they all voluntarily gave up sharing the spiritual items; no one threatened them not to take them.

So Xiao Chen accepted it without hesitation.

With a wave of his hand, he stored everything into the Vast Sea Ring.

At the same time, as the large formation collapsed, the dark clouds in the sky also began to dissipate.

In an instant, the rain intensified over a radius of thousands of miles, as if it were rushing to exhaust all the dark clouds.

Moreover, the heavy rain was spreading rapidly outwards as it continued to fall.

The coverage area quickly doubled, but it also lost its original corrosiveness and became ordinary rainwater.

As the clouds gradually dispersed, they became noticeably thinner.

It is estimated that in less than two hours, this heavy rain that has lasted for six and a half years will come to an end.

This means that the team's mission to investigate the Heaven and Earth Phenomenon has now come to an end.

Instead of standing around waiting for the rain to stop, the group immediately used their spiritual energy to return to the ship.

While turning the boat around to prepare for return, the ship deliberately slowed down so that the True Lord could sit at the tables and chairs at the bow, enjoy tea, and appreciate the rain.

In fact, if you think about it carefully, this expedition was actually the first time that many Newly Promoted True Monarch had left their fellow disciples to travel far away after breaking through to the Nascent Soul.

Therefore, at this time, their State of Mind were quite different.

However, Xiao Chen did not choose to stay outside to watch the rain, but went directly into the small attic in the middle.

He didn't feel anything about it; instead, he was thinking about starting to cultivate the newly acquired True Essence Secret Art as soon as possible.

But as soon as he sat cross-legged, he felt a light prick in his chest from a needle.

"Um?"

Xiao Chen subconsciously looked down and found it was the same gold hairpin from before.

Before the restriction is lifted, this thing cannot be stored in Storage Ring; it can only be kept in one's bosom.

So he immediately decided that before he began cultivating, he should first break the restrictions on the golden hairpin and figure out what it was used for.

The Ancient Restriction and the restrictions of today are actually quite different.

However, this was no challenge for Xiao Chen.

With his extraordinary true essence, he broke through the outermost layer of restrictions in less than two hours.

Then, in about fifteen minutes, the initial refining of the gold hairpin was completed.

That's right, it's only the initial refining stage.

Xiao Chen unexpectedly discovered that there was actually an even more complex and sophisticated Internal Restriction inside this thing.

After completing the initial refining, the cultivator can only unleash a portion of the golden hairpin's power.

The second layer of restrictions inside must be broken to unleash the full power of the golden hairpin.

Well, assuming this thing doesn't have a third restriction.

"Who invented this design? And what was their purpose?"

Xiao Chen was speechless. "It's clearly just a Spirit Artifact, but they insist on making it sound like Law Treasure. Isn't that just pure nonsense!"

He had previously learned from Ancient Books that some Law Treasure possessed multiple layers of restrictions.

Only by refining each layer completely can the full power of the Law Treasure be unleashed.

But that's Law Treasure!

This broken gold hairpin has no destiny to Law Treasure magical treasure, yet it has acquired the ailments of Law Treasure.

Xiao Chen was at a loss for words. "I really can't understand it. What's the point of doing this?"

Realistically speaking, doing this is indeed unnecessary.

However, if we consider not only practicality but also other aspects, then it still has some significance.

Because with this design, it looks more like a Law Treasure.

For those with specific needs, the mere resemblance to Law Treasure is enough reason.

Xiao Chen quickly realized this as well, and became even more speechless.

To put it nicely, this shows that cultivators in Ancient Times had quite a bit of leisure and refined tastes.

They're willing to do things that are flashy but impractical.

Fortunately, although Xiao Chen had only completed the initial refining, he was already able to figure out the type and general function of this thing.

This gold hairpin is a defensive Spirit Artifact.

It can be activated when needed, condensing a Spiritual Power shield that looks like a blooming hibiscus flower around oneself.

Furthermore, it also incorporates spiritual materials or Artifact Inscription related to Divine Sense.

Wearing it on your head regularly can also help to Divine Sense.

Not only that, this thing also has a third rather strange effect.

That is, when a cultivator injects true essence into it, it can also emit a very conspicuous spiritual light.

However, although the aura was conspicuous, the light itself was very soft, and it was not dazzling even when looked at directly.

As the amount of Spiritual Power injected gradually increases, the light will change from its initial pure white color to pink, and finally to bright red.

Just like the hibiscus flower whose color changes three times a day.

Xiao Chen's assessment of this was -- utterly baffling.

At first, he thought this spiritual light could help in the battle.

However, it was soon discovered that it neither dazzled the eyes nor offered any defensive capabilities.

Then Xiao Chen pondered whether there was some hidden Profound Mystery within it that could provide some kind of auxiliary effect.

For example, it can reveal Stealth Technique or dispel poisonous fog.

However, after simple testing, several common possibilities were ruled out.

"Hiss~!"

Xiao Chen gasped, "Could it be that it's just for looks?"

Under normal circumstances, he would never think in that direction.

However, considering that the hairpin itself is not entirely normal...

He now had to wonder if this conspicuous yet inexplicable flash of inspiration might not have had any concealing effect at all.

"Wait, I think I understand!"

Following the initial thought that it was simply for aesthetic purposes, Xiao Chen immediately realized another possibility. "So, could this be a ceremonial object?"

"The main purpose of the initial design was to make it look nice and easy to give as a gift."

"Making it look like Law Treasure and adding this inexplicable spiritual light is simply to make it look more sophisticated and better-looking."

Realizing that it might be a ceremonial object, Xiao Chen examined the gold hairpin's patterns from a different angle.

It must be admitted that its workmanship is indeed exquisite.

Not only is it exquisite at first glance, but if you look closely, you can also find that many details are also very well designed.

This essentially confirms the conjecture about ritual objects.

"Sigh, what a pity!"

Xiao Chen was slightly disappointed; he had been hoping to find some valuable items like talismans.

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be a beautiful but useless ritual object.

Thinking of this, he didn't even bother to study the subsequent restrictions, and directly put it into his Storage Ring.

After all, the second layer of restrictions is not only more complex, but it is also located inside the hairpin, making it even more difficult to break.

It's better not to refine it at all. This will save time in breaking the restriction and make it easier to remove the refining process in the future, and then auction it off or give it away to someone else.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Chen took a deep breath.

With the help of Heart of Clarity, one can quickly enter a state of tranquility, concentration, and the elimination of distracting thoughts.

Then, following the guidance of <Jade Peak Essays>, he began to cultivate this unique Yellow-grade True Essence Secret Method.

To be honest, after trying it out, I felt that the True Essence Secret Method wasn't too difficult. You just need to try compressing Spiritual Power in the correct order.

The steps or process are obviously quite complicated, and it takes a long time to learn it once.

Nevertheless, Xiao Chen successfully mastered the basics of cultivation in less than eight days.

According to his own estimation, the quality of his true essence should have doubled from its already very solid state.

As Yellow-grade Secret Law, <Jade Peak Essays> has four levels: Beginner, Minor Success, Proficiency, and Major Success.

If Xiao Chen continues to cultivate at the current pace, he should be able to increase his cultivation from one time to two times, three times, or even up to five times.

However, any Cultivation Method is easier at first and more difficult later on. It is relatively easy to get started, but extremely difficult to master.

Dacheng is too far away, so we don't need to consider it for now.

For now, it's advisable to prioritize aiming for the Lesser Mastery and Proficiency Realm.

After all, when the quality of true essence is strong, it can not only amplify the Spell Power, but also slightly reduce the difficulty when breaking through bottlenecks.

Even though it's only a little bit, it's better than nothing.

In particular, many cultivators fail in their breakthrough process because they are just a little bit off at the crucial moment.

"Unfortunately, the strength of one's true essence doesn't seem to affect the Spirit Fire a cultivator possesses."

Xiao Chen sighed softly, "Therefore, even if one cultivates the <Jade Peak Essays> to its fullest extent, it cannot amplify the Big Dipper Spirit Fire."

In fact, not only his True Essence Secret Art, but also his Hextech cannot amplify the Big Dipper Spirit Fire.

Fortunately, it was already powerful enough to easily deal with Ancient Demon.

Therefore, before Xiao Chen breaks through to the fifth rank, there should be no need to consider how to strengthen himself.

"Now that we've already compressed our true essence, why don't we go out and find something to try it out?"

Feeling the now more refined true essence within his body, Xiao Chen couldn't help but think of finding something to practice on.

His gaze swept over the vases, teacups, and jade ornaments in the attic, then he eliminated them one by one.

Inanimate objects are meaningless; it would be great if I could bump into a Fourth-Order great demon right now.

Only through actual combat can one truly appreciate the increased Spell Power resulting from improved True Essence quality.

Where are we now?

Xiao Chen went directly to the bow deck and asked for directions.

"We entered Listening Wave Sea yesterday, and we should be about halfway there now."

Ming Xiao True Monarch responded promptly, "If everything goes smoothly, we should be able to return in two more days."

The return journey was significantly faster than the outward journey.

The main reason is that we just went on the trip, so we are more familiar with the conditions along the way. Also, we don't have to worry about encountering unexpected situations on the return trip, so we can go faster.

"We're already here. I'll take a stroll around Wave Listening Market later."

Xiao Chen immediately became interested. "You don't need to wait for me. If I see any news about the Sea Race Great Demon over there, I'll go directly to help exorcise it."

However, despite saying that, Ming Xiao True Monarch and Rift Void True Monarch and the others directly changed course.

They followed the spirit ship belonging to Cloud Wave Sword Abode and changed course to Wave Listening Market.

Xiao Chen initially declined, saying, "Actually, I can go by myself."

However, Purple Sun True Monarch said, "We also happen to be seeing Surging Wave Daoist, and we were originally planning to stop at Wave Listening Market."

Okay then, let's walk together for a while longer.

Xiao Chen had originally planned to activate his escape technique, but upon hearing this, he abandoned that idea and decided to hitch a ride a little longer.

However, about half an hour later...

Before the group could even get close to Wave Listening Market, they were the first to see a large cloud of fog in front of them.

What's going on?

The Hundred Apertures True Monarch was somewhat surprised. "How can there be such thick fog in the middle of the day?"

Rift Void True Monarch, however, had even sharper eyes. He pointed far to the right front and said, "Look, there seems to be Yin Spirit over there."

"Yin Spirit Calamity must have broken out here!"

Upon hearing this, Surging Wave True Monarch was the first to become anxious. "How could it be in this position?"

Although to strangers, the vast ocean looks almost the same, once you leave the islands, you can't tell the exact location.

However, for a local like him, it was still easy to tell that Wave Listening Market was less than 20,000 li ahead.

Based on the extent of the Yin Spirit Calamity, the entire Listening Wave Market should be shrouded in it by now.

"Whoosh!"

A whooshing sound rang out.

Surging Wave True Monarch hurriedly rode his sword and rushed into the mist ahead.

He needed to get to the market as quickly as possible to take charge.

If the Yin Spirit Calamity is not handled properly, it will be a disaster with serious casualties among low-level cultivators.

However, if a high-level cultivator is present and responds promptly and correctly, it could actually turn into a good thing—hunting down the Yin Spirit Heart.

That's why Surging Wave True Monarch couldn't even wait that little bit of time.

He didn't know if Cloud Vortex True Monarch and the others had discovered it in time, so he wanted to hurry over and check the situation.

"Since we've encountered this Yin Spirit Calamity, why don't we go and take a look?"

Upon seeing this, Purple Sun True Monarch's eyes lit up. "It seems that the fog covers a considerable area; perhaps Fourth-Order Yin Spirit can be born within it."

Xiao Chen was even more enthusiastic than him. "That's right, since we've encountered this situation, it's simply our duty!"

"Let's hurry and go see what's going on."

Isn't that just a coincidence?

I was just saying I wanted to find a Fourth-tier Sea Fish, and then I encountered the Yin Spirit Calamity.

These Yin Spirit, generated from Yin Qi, are perfect for testing with the Sky-rushing Palm. Moreover, it allows for a clearer observation of the amplification brought about by the quality of true essence Azure Wave Piercing Bone Needle.

However, when they arrived at Wave Listening Market, they saw Cloud Vortex True Monarch with a beaming smile.

"Haha, I've worried you all."

The other party was clearly very pleased. "However, I happened to be in the market this morning, and I used the great formation to deal with the invading Yin Spirit as soon as possible."

"The market is now safe; no low-level cultivators have died unexpectedly."

This is indeed something to be happy about. If it gets out, it can effectively prove the safety of Wave Listening Market and attract more independent cultivators to settle here.

But that also means that everyone is already a step too late.

"Hey, where's Surging Wave Daoist?"

The Hundred Apertures True Monarch looked around curiously, but did not see the Surging Wave True Monarch had arrived a step ahead.

"Oh, is that so?"

Cloud Vortex True Monarch explained, "This morning, while fighting against the invasion of Yin Spirit, I also discovered two Fourth-Order Yin Spirit wandering Market Outer Perimeter, eyeing the living people inside with predatory intent."

"However, after their failed attempt to break through the great formation, they all retreated to the east side."

"Because someone needs to stay in the market to prevent them from returning."

"So in the morning, Senior Lüshuang Senior Brother had to search slowly towards the east side by himself."

"After Junior Surging Wave Junior Brother rushed back, he said he didn't want to guard the market for me and went to support Lüshuang Senior Brother on the east side himself."

Um?

You mean, there are indeed Fourth-Order Yin Spirit, but perhaps they haven't been captured yet?

Xiao Chen had initially thought that they might have just missed hunting Fourth-Order Yin Spirit.

Unexpectedly, the Fourth-Order Yin Spirit actually managed to escape after failing to attack the market!

It's important to know that low-level Yin Spirit are almost all foolish; they swarm around living people and try to devour their Yang Qi.

However, judging from this, the Fourth-Order Yin Spirit seems to have regained some Spiritual Intelligence; at least it knew to run away.

However, most Demon Beast can transform into human form and awaken Spiritual Intelligence starting from the Nascent Soul, so perhaps the two are based on the same principle.

But none of these things matter anymore.

At this moment, the most important thing is, of course, to set off in time to support Surging Wave True Monarch.

"I see!"

Xiao Chen immediately said, "This dense fog not only affects visibility but also hinders Divine Sense, making it almost like finding a needle in a haystack to find the Yin Spirit."

"It's clearly not enough for just two people to search; they could easily miss it."

"Since we've run into each other, I'll go help."

After saying this, he bowed respectfully, then turned and rushed into the mist on the east side.