Tasting the Dragon Blood Red Cod King: Withered Leaf True Monarch's Assurance

Oh, I didn't know such a thing happened.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen immediately believed it to some extent.

Of course, it's more likely that someone overheard the conversation between Spirit Transformation Venerable and then dared to go around spreading rumors.

He was more inclined to believe that this was a message intentionally spread by the Venerable.

The purpose was to encourage other Nascent Soul True Lord to exchange their Fifth-Tier Spirit Item with them.

This sounds like a good thing.

I just don't know what exactly I can exchange for.

If one could freely choose, or if there were more than one type of Breakthrough Spirit Item, it would seem like a good approach.

Xiao Chen secretly kept this in mind, intending to keep an eye on the situation later.

With his strength, he should still have a good chance of obtaining Fifth-Tier Spirit Item in the Inner Realm, if he really does encounter one.

As long as the bounties offered by the Spirit Transformation Venerable are reasonable, he is happy to redeem them.

"The second rumor concerns the participants."

Lie Que True Monarch continued, "As everyone knows, the Vast Sea Secret Realm has more than one entrance."

"Cultivators from other domains can also enter, and naturally they can also go to the Inner Realm to search for treasures."

"In this way, it's inevitable that there will be some competition among everyone."

"After all, although there are more spiritual items in the Inner Realm than in the outside world, the total number is still relatively limited. If someone takes more, then others will take less."

"In this situation, the circumstances differ among cultivators from different regions."

"It is said that cultivators from the Central Region tend to be relatively more amiable, and most of the time they mainly use a more conservative approach of issuing warnings and driving them away."

"Even if you encounter a powerful enemy, as long as you activate your spirit shield in time to defend and then run away with all your might, the enemy will almost certainly not give chase."

"Moreover, it's usually difficult to encounter cultivators from the Central Region on the outskirts. Most of them head towards the Core Area."

"But the cultivators from the Western Region were generally not very friendly."

"They are more aggressive, and once they gain the upper hand in a battle, they will often relentlessly pursue their prey."

"If you encounter cultivators from the Western Region, you must be vigilant and never easily believe what they say."

"Especially to prevent the enemy from using insidious and vicious methods such as Strange Poison, Gu Worm, and Curse to launch sneak attacks."

Speaking of this...

Xiang Yiyang nodded. "My senior brother also mentioned it to me; those bastards from the Western Region aren't normal people."

"Especially those two groups from the Flying General Manor and Five Gu Mountain, they are simply evil cultivators."

"If you encounter them, either chase them away directly or simply stay away from them; in short, avoid dealing with them."

It's clear that cultivators from the Western Region don't have a good reputation outside the region.

This is mainly because their cultivation methods and behavior are different from those of people outside the community.

In places like the Eastern Domain, major conflicts usually don't easily erupt after one has cultivated to the Nascent Soul True Lord.

Even if any conflicts arise, they are mostly resolved through discussion.

Although negotiations often result in the weaker party making concessions, at least relative stability is maintained.

However, for the entire Western Region, chaos and the survival of the fittest have always been the main themes.

The various Secret Method there, whether it be Refined Corpse or raising Gu, have also contributed to this trend, or rather, been influenced by this trend and become increasingly suitable for it.

Actually, you can also detect some clues by looking at the Yin Corpse Sect.

They only need to hunt down other Nascent Soul True Lord to create fourth-tier Corpse Puppet to quickly enhance the sect's strength.

The enormous profits generated from this are practically encouraging such violent expansion!

However, Xiao Chen wasn't too worried about this.

If they were to meet on a narrow path, he shouldn't be the one who's afraid.

After all, with the Divinity Veil in place, the so-called Strange Poison and Curse will have no effect.

As for Gu Worm?

Xiao Chen was now hoping to meet a Western Region True Lord knew how to Raise Insects, so he could ask him about methods for raising Demonic Insect.

Others might still worry that cultivators from the Western Region are difficult to get along with.

However, he is now worried that the Inner Realm sounds like it's quite large, and he might not be able to encounter the Western Region Gu Cultivator there.

However, while he thought this way in his heart, Xiao Chen still criticized the cultivators from the Western Region for their vulgar and impolite behavior.

"Knock knock knock~!"

As the three were talking, a knock suddenly came from outside the tense palace door.

Immediately following was a child's voice. "Reporting to the Pavilion Master, the Spirit Fish is ready. Shall we bring it in now?"

Lie Que True Monarch immediately got up and personally brought in the large platter of Dragon Blood Red Cod King that had already been prepared.

Since the three of them had almost finished discussing their business.

So he also brought in several attendants and maids, who stood around to help pour wine and tea.

"Come on, let's talk about other things later, let's eat the fish first."

Lie Que True Monarch enthusiastically gestured, "Fellow Daoists, you must try this Dragon Blood Red Cod King while it's still hot!"

"The best flavor can only be enjoyed within the short time it takes to brew a cup of tea right after it's cooked."

"If it's a little later, or if you reheat it, then it'll be much worse."

When it comes to eating fish, especially preparing Sea Fish, the major sects throughout the Eastern Domain are quite professional, as this is considered a regional specialty.

Since Lie Que True Monarch specifically emphasized it, it means there must be some truth to it.

Xiao Chen didn't refuse. He picked up his chopsticks first and directly took a piece of the fattest fish belly for himself.

As soon as the snow-white, plump fish was picked up, a few strands of golden-red juice seeped out, and a layer of glistening oil droplets covered the surface.

This isn't just uncleaned blood; it's the unique Red Cod Oil found only in Dragon Blood Red Cod.

They are usually bright red, but only the Dragon Blood Red Cod King has an extra touch of gold.

The moment it entered my mouth, the fish meat instantly transformed into Jade Liquid, releasing its umami flavor like a soup dumpling.

The fish skin, treated with hot oil, is initially very crispy, but quickly becomes soft and chewy.

When combined with the fish, it creates a completely different and delicious flavor.

It may seem like you only ate one bite, but it's equivalent to tasting three absolutely exquisite dishes in a row.

The most amazing thing is that the golden-red cod oil really seems to contain a trace of dragon's blood.

As soon as it went down Xiao Chen's throat and into his stomach, it was like pouring a spoonful of sesame oil into a furnace that was already burning brightly.

Immediately, he felt a burning sensation rise from his abdomen, and a warm current spread throughout his body.

Wherever I went, I felt as if my blood was flowing faster than usual.

"Huh, could this thing really carry a trace of True Dragon Bloodline?"

Xiao Chen was now somewhat curious. "It definitely feels quite unusual."

It should be noted that after undergoing Body Tempering in the Black Iron Cave Residence, his physical attributes were further enhanced.

Now, let alone third-tier Spirit Beast Meat, even ordinary Fourth-Order Spirit Beast meat cannot produce such a significant effect.

"This saying has existed since ancient times, but whether it's true or false is hard to say."

Lie Que True Monarch gave a skillful explanation, his gaze first sweeping across Xiao Chen's cheek, then across his neck, and finally looking at the fingers holding his chopsticks.

After realizing that everything was normal, my heart was once again filled with turmoil.

In the past, other Nascent Soul True Lord, if they were to consume Dragon Blood Red Cod King for the first time, would inevitably experience a surge of qi and blood upon taking a single bite.

If someone usually has poor blood circulation, they will likely experience a flushed face and dry mouth on that moment.

For example, Xiang Yiyang, who was standing next to him, had already closed his lips tightly and was breathing heavily.

He was clearly trying to control the turmoil of qi and blood within his body.

Even those who have consumed many heavenly materials and earthly treasures and have abundant qi and blood will inevitably experience a burning sensation and redness in their neck and fingers.

If you observe carefully, you can always detect some clues.

However, no matter how you looked at Xiao Chen, he seemed completely unaffected, and could even speak with ease.

This can only mean that he either has ridiculously strong Qi and blood, or he has a Body Cultivator foundation equivalent to at least the Golden Core Great Perfection!

Whatever the reason, it is enough to prove that his background is extraordinary.

"Wow, what a fiery fish!"

As Cultivator of Magic, Xiang Yiyang hadn't paid much attention to physical training, so he finally couldn't hold on any longer and gasped for breath.

He felt as if he had swallowed a burning ember, a sensation more potent than downing a whole glass of strong liquor.

To be honest, before coming here, he really didn't expect that a mere Third-tier Spirit Fish could have such an effect.

Xiao Chen had already picked up his second chopstick, confirming his suspicions.

It's true that the effects are only so potent on the first taste.

The second bite didn't taste as amazing as the first.

The effect diminishes significantly after swallowing, and it's foreseeable that it will only get worse over time.

To put it bluntly, this thing is ultimately just a Golden Core Spirit Fish; it's only good for eating when it's fresh, and you can't really rely on it for body tempering.

Of course, if it were someone else, it would likely bring about a significant improvement as well.

The main reason is that for Xiao Chen, who already possesses an extremely high level of physical training, this level of improvement is already negligible.

He now needs a more powerful body-tempering artifact.

The most important thing is to find some time as soon as possible to raise your Body Cultivator to the fourth level.

If he continues to be stuck at the Golden Core Great Perfection stage, it's clearly too low, and it could easily hinder the further enhancement of his Qi and Blood Concentration.

Next, the three compared the Dragon Blood Red Cod King with some other Spirit Fish.

They ate and chatted, which helped them get to know each other better.

After finishing the Spirit Fish Banquet, Xiang Yiyang did not linger and took his leave first.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Chen also took the initiative to Lie Que True Monarch Lieque, politely declining the other party's warm invitation to stay. "I understand your good intentions, fellow Daoist."

"I have two personal matters to attend to outside, so I won't stay any longer this time."

"Next time, if I have time, I will definitely stay for a few more days."

Upon hearing this, Lie Que True Monarch offered a few more words of advice.

But she didn't try to stop him too much. Instead, she politely escorted Xiao Chen to the edge of the island, waving goodbye as he left. "Then it's settled."

"If you have time in the future, fellow Daoist, please come often!"

After leaving the Soul Division Sword Pavilion, Xiao Chen first headed west back to the Southern Lao Sea, and then went to Hundred Herbs Island to purchase supplies.

Because the agreed-upon trading day with the Rebellious Immortal Alliance is fast approaching, and there's still a shortfall in the quantity of a few common spiritual items.

He decided to collect them as soon as possible, wherever possible.

Since these were all common spiritual items, purchasing them didn't take much effort.

It only took an hour and a half and cost over 100,000 Spirit Stone to complete the task.

Xiao Chen then turned again and headed straight east towards the Lightless Sea.

He planned to go and ask Withered Leaf True Monarch if he had found the Azure Wave Rogue.

After all, this concerns the Ancient Magic Treasure, the Star Sand Wave Stabilizing Shield, so we definitely need to pay a little more attention to it.

If we could gather all the fragments and restore this Ancient Magic Treasure...

That would definitely be a great help to me.

It should be noted that what the Pagoda True Lord possessed was merely a failed attempt at crafting a magical Law Treasure.

Even so, it allowed him to stay in the Vast Sea Secret Realm for many years and fight against Nascent Soul from various domains.

If Xiao Chen could repair the Star Sand Wave Stabilizing Shield...

Even if it cannot fully restore all its power, its effect will certainly not be much worse than the pagoda, and may even be better.

Moreover, judging from the current situation, he is not worried about whether Chu Tianze can find the lost fragment.

Although the other party returned quite late, they may have encountered some unexpected changes along the way.

However, Xiao Chen believed that the other party would eventually return safely and bring back the fragments with them.

The greatest risk to repairing the Star Sand Wave Stabilizing Shield now comes from the missing Azure Wave Rogue.

If he survives the Kunpeng Sea safely, that's good.

If something unexpected happens along the way, the final fragment might also be lost in the vast Kunpeng Sea.

That would be incredibly difficult; it would be like finding a needle in a haystack.

"Let's hope that doesn't happen!"

Thinking of this, Xiao Chen couldn't help but shake his head. "Hopefully, this trip will bring good news."

However, things in this world rarely go as planned.

When Xiao Chen arrived at the newly built Jade Leaf Commerce Association auction, he inquired about the situation.

Then he saw Withered Leaf True Monarch Canye shake his head. "It's not that I'm not trying, but it is indeed quite difficult."

"Since parting ways with you last time, I returned to the Lightless Sea immediately and mobilized all the cultivators in the entire merchant guild to search for you."

"We sent more people the day before yesterday, and they've searched almost every place we can think of."

"But no one has ever heard of or seen this Azure Wave Rogue."

"Judging from the current situation, they most likely haven't emerged from the Kunpeng Sea yet."

Withered Leaf True Monarch put it rather tactfully.

Judging from the time it took him to escape the Sea of the Compassion Sea, he still hasn't reached the Storm Sea, so he must have encountered some accident and died on the way.

Should we continue searching?

"Or should I spread the word and post a few more Bounty Order?" asked Withered Leaf True Monarch.

Generally speaking, doing this is tantamount to leaving it to fate.

"Let's look again."

Xiao Chen thought for a moment, then added, "We could consider expanding the search area to see if they went directly into the Inner Sea without stopping."

"Also, arrange for a few people to provide support and assist in the search in the Kunpeng Sea area."

"To be honest, I do have something quite important to ask this person."

"In short, I'll probably have to trouble you with your help for the next two or three years."

Oh!

Upon hearing this, Withered Leaf True Monarch not only didn't feel like he had gained another problem, but his eyes immediately lit up.

Is there really such a good thing?

He initially thought it was just a simple task to find someone, at most a small favor to help build a closer relationship.

But things are different now!

Xiao Chen just said that the search should continue for the next two or three years.

This period of time, while not very long, is not short either.

He also emphasized that he wanted to go and see the Inner Sea.

Wouldn't it be much more convenient for the cultivators of the Jade Leaf Commerce Association to travel in the Inner Sea?

Nowadays, surely no one in the Storm Sea would dare to disrespect Fellow Daoist Xiao?

As long as the Jade Leaf Commerce Association exercises restraint and doesn't use its influence to overstep its bounds.

That way they can reduce a lot of trouble and resistance and quickly expand the Chamber of Commerce's branches to all the markets and towns in the Storm Sea.

"Please rest assured, Daoist Xiao, I'll take care of this."

Withered Leaf True Monarch immediately patted his chest and agreed, "Daoist Xiao's matter is my matter!"

"I will definitely treat this as my top priority for the next three years."

"I'll send people to patrol the edge of the Kunpeng Sea in a moment, to ensure we can provide immediate support if needed."

"And starting tomorrow, we will recruit more people and send them to various markets in the Inner Sea to keep abreast of the latest developments."

"I guarantee that as long as this Azure Wave Rogue dares to show his face even once within the Storm Sea area..."

"We'll find his whereabouts immediately!"

Withered Leaf True Monarch spoke with great passion and fervor, as if he were about to accomplish something extraordinary.

Xiao Chen sensed that Withered Leaf True Monarch seemed a bit too excited, but he didn't pay it any mind.

He understood perfectly well that what the other party was doing was another form of bullying.

But if there's no benefit to be gained, why would anyone spend their time and effort to help find someone?

It's supposed to be a mutually beneficial thing, as long as it ends well in the end.

At least for now, he no longer needs to worry about Withered Leaf True Monarch will truly do his best to help find the person.

"Then I'll leave this matter to you, fellow Daoist."

Xiao Chen emphasized one last time. "Regardless of whether we find the person or not, there will be a generous reward!"

After arranging this matter...

He had just left the Jade Leaf Commerce Association when he turned and went to the Black Iron Cave Residence to prepare for a period of Closed-door cultivation.

This is a great place.

Besides the fact that the location lacked Spirit Vein, resulting in a lack of Spiritual Qi within the cave abode.

As Spirit Transformation Venerable who had lived in the cave abode for a period of time, simply taking a stroll through the Stele Forest when bored during seclusion was a unique form of cultivation.

If word got out, it would probably make countless Body Cultivator green with envy.

Living in such an environment for a long time, one can feel the martial arts techniques and Battle Intent left in the stone tablet day and night.

This will inevitably bring about significant improvements in a subtle and gradual way.

If you can also glean some insights into the Martial Dao True Intent, that would be an even greater windfall!

In particular, Xiao Chen does not rely on Spiritual Qi for cultivation, which is equivalent to eliminating the disadvantage of Spiritual Qi scarcity.

I'm afraid that even if you search the entire Storm Sea, you won't find another suitable place for seclusion.

"It's a pity I haven't studied weapon crafting, otherwise, there seem to be some ready-made tools here."

Xiao Chen's only regret was that the Artifact Refining Pavilion in the first half of the cave abode was completely useless to him.

Fortunately, this is not a big problem.

After all, this wasn't cave abode he built himself, so it was impossible for everything to go smoothly.

However, before I begin my focused retreat...

Xiao Chen deliberately meditated and regulated his breathing for a while, using the effect of his Heart of Clarity to eliminate distracting thoughts.

However, one should first start thinking and planning, and then develop one's own action plan.

Before returning to the Storm Sea, I had two main objectives and two secondary objectives.

Let's start with the main objective.

The first and most crucial step is to settle scores with past enemies.

This can be considered a successful completion.

Secondly, I need to collect enough Low-grade Spirit Stone to prepare for breaking through to the Nascent Soul Late Stage.

This might have taken some time, but due to the unexpected intervention of the Heavenly Sound Sect, it has been accomplished ahead of schedule.

Now that both main objectives have been achieved, it's time to re-plan the subsequent action plan and clarify the direction of our actions.

Let me mention two secondary objectives.

The first thing is to find a way to acquire more Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal, which is also in preparation for breaking through the bottleneck later.

With the original two pieces and the four pieces he acquired this time, he has now accumulated a total of six Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal.

Normally, breaking through to the Nascent Soul Late Stage should be sufficient.

Of course, considering the Major Bottleneck ahead, we still need to continue our efforts.

This should be considered a long-term goal for the future. Before Xiao Chen truly breaks through to the Spirit Transformation, the Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal the better.

Speaking of which, it just so happens that the Vast Sea Secret Realm Inner Realm has just opened.

It's a good opportunity to go inside and see if there are any other treasure lands containing Wood Element Spiritual Material besides the Thousand Year Fire Essence.

In particular, are there any Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal or spiritual items with similar effects?

Additionally, at the upcoming Exchange Meet, you could consider publicly acquiring some Wood Element Dao Comprehension Crystal.

It just so happens that Xiao Chen had previously stated publicly in the Compassion Sea that he was willing to purchase Dao Comprehension Crystal at a high price, and the reasons were readily available.

The second secondary objective was to find the Azure Wave Rogue.

This is the only goal that couldn't be completed successfully, but I've already asked Withered Leaf True Monarch for it.

We'll continue searching with the Jade Leaf Commerce Association's help.

Besides, these things can't be rushed; we just need to take it slow.

"So, there are really only a few things to do next."

Xiao Chen carefully considered the situation. "Based on the timeframe, the first thing to do is to go to the New Cultivation World and complete the transaction with the Rebellious Immortal Alliance."

"I can also inquire along the way whether my Complete Fusion Spirit Tool is ready yet."

"Then we'll go to Hundred Herbs City to attend the Exchange Meet, meet other True Lord, and exchange information."

"Then we'll explore the Vast Sea Secret Realm Inner Realm, hoping to encounter Fifth-Tier Spirit Item and Western Region Gu Cultivator."

"Finally, during this period of free time, cultivate as much as possible and keep an eye on the whereabouts of the Dao Comprehension Crystal and the Azure Wave Rogue."

"If there's a gap of about a year after the Exchange Meet, I'll try to break through my Body Cultivator."

"If not, we'll talk about it after we return from the Vast Sea Secret Realm."

Organize the tasks to be done next in chronological order, and have a clear understanding of them.

Xiao Chen then took out the Spirit Stone and began to rapidly Condense True Essence using the <Spirit Devouring Yuan Great Method>.