Zhou Xue's Methods

Fang Wang maintained a distance of three zhang from the mysterious figure on the map. Smoke curled upwards, and the mysterious figure gradually solidified, appearing like a ghost. Even in broad daylight, it was quite terrifying.

"You... what are you?"

Before Fang Wang could ask, the Green Snake nervously questioned. It was more scared than Fang Wang, partly out of genuine fear, and partly out of fear that Fang Wang might misunderstand.

The figure was blurry, only its general outline visible.

"Junior, you wish to claim the Heavenly Dipper Sacred Body True Scripture?"

A hoarse voice emanated from the mysterious figure, its tone calm.

Fang Wang held the Celestial Palace Halberd and replied, "If a good cultivation method isn't passed down, wouldn't that be a shame?"

Currently, his physique was not his advantage. The reason he could fight beyond his realm was mainly due to his Xuan Yang Spiritual Energy and Grand Perfection spells. The Heavenly Dipper Sacred Body was a powerful ancient physique that even Zhou Xue had marveled at, so he naturally coveted it.

"This map does indeed record the place where the Heavenly Dipper Sacred Body True Scripture is passed down, but the trials there are strict. If you hadn't burned this map and awakened a trace of my will, rashly going there would have meant certain death."

The mysterious figure spoke slowly, causing Fang Wang to raise an eyebrow.

Fang Wang immediately cupped his fists and bowed, "Please guide me, senior."

The other party was clearly intending to guide him. Even if it wasn't a living person, he should still show this respect.

The mysterious figure faced Fang Wang and said, "First, you must reach the Spirit Condensation Realm. Second, you must master the Nine Dragon Divine Transformation Art. Neither can be lacking."

Upon hearing this, Fang Wang secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It wasn't too difficult!

With his talent and his status in the Taiyuan Sect, reaching the Spirit Condensation Realm should only be a matter of time. As for the Nine Dragon Divine Transformation Art, he had already achieved Grand Perfection in it.

"Then, senior, can you impart the Nine Dragon Divine Transformation Art to my young master?" the Green Snake suddenly asked.

Fang Wang glanced at it, suddenly finding it somewhat pleasing.

Although he had already mastered the Nine Dragon Divine Transformation Art, the Green Snake didn't know that. For it to make such a request, even if it wasn't genuine, it at least appeared to be trying to curry favor with him.

"My duty is to remind you of these two points. Success depends on one's own efforts. Cultivators, by nature, pursue the difficult path to immortality."

After saying this, the mysterious figure vanished like smoke, before Fang Wang could even ask for its identity.

The map, burned by the True Mysterious Sun Fire, turned to ash and scattered with the wind.

Fang Wang and the Green Snake stared at each other, speechless for a long time.

After a while, the Green Snake finally sighed, "If an ordinary person obtained the map and went directly to seek the Heavenly Dipper Sacred Body True Scripture, they would likely have a one-in-nine chance of survival. My young master is extraordinary; by burning the map, he instead gained the approval of a predecessor."

Fang Wang felt it was a case of stumbling upon the right path. Of course, he wouldn't reveal his true thoughts.

Afterward, he began to examine the five stones the Green Snake had brought. He covered his palm with Spiritual Energy and took the stones to the riverbank to wash them.

The Green Snake approached, maintaining a safe distance from Fang Wang.

After Fang Wang had washed the stones clean and put them into his Storage Bag, the Green Snake spoke, "Young master, I know a place with many rare treasures, but there is a great demon guarding it."

"How strong is that great demon?"

Fang Wang asked casually. He had set a goal for himself to break through within the Great Sage's Grotto-Heaven and forge a second natal treasure spirit.

The Green Snake replied, "It's equivalent to a human cultivator at the ninth level of the Spirit Pill Realm."

Fang Wang looked at it and smiled, "It seems you're quite extraordinary, not like an ordinary snake demon."

The Green Snake replied, "You jest, young master. Having lived here for three hundred years, I naturally inherited some knowledge. Over the years, cultivators have occasionally stumbled in, so I have a general understanding of human cultivators."

Fang Wang felt this snake demon was no ordinary creature. After all, it had been able to cry for so long in the hands of the white-clothed woman; it must have some substance.

He had rested for half a month, so it was time to set off!

"Lead the way!"

"Yes, young master!"

The Green Snake immediately began to lead the way, its serpentine body twisting with an almost joyful demeanor.

Watching its movements, Fang Wang suddenly felt a sense of absurdity.

He was actually going on an adventure with a snake?

Two days later.

At the entrance to a valley, Fang Wang stood beneath a tree. The Green Snake crawled onto a nearby branch. Man and demon looked in the same direction.

The area was dense with flowers, plants, and trees, and sunlight struggled to penetrate. Even at noon, the forest behind Fang Wang was pitch black.

"Is that it?"

Fang Wang asked, his right hand resting on his sword hilt.

After two days of conversation, Fang Wang had learned the Green Snake's name. It called itself Little Purple. A green snake calling itself Little Purple made Fang Wang suspect it was colorblind.

Little Purple nodded, "Yes, it's that one. It tried to eat me before. Young master, be careful, the poisonous gas from its mouth is very dangerous!"

Following its snake eyes, Fang Wang saw that the valley ahead was covered in colorful flowers and plants, some reaching two zhang high. Various vibrant fruits were as numerous as stars. At first glance, the valley appeared like a galaxy formed from exotic fruits and rare produce, incredibly mesmerizing.

In the center of the valley was a depression. The water reflected various colors. A Red Toad, four zhang tall, lay in the depression, covered in moss and plants. If one didn't look closely, it would appear to be a small mountain.

Clang—

Fang Wang stepped forward, drawing his sword as he moved.

Little Purple was still a bit uneasy, and couldn't help but say, "Young Master, its back is incredibly tough. Its weakness should be its eyes..."

Fang Wang took five steps and immediately unleashed the Startling Swan Divine Sword Art, conjuring thirty-six swords. Sword energy surged, stirring up a gale that made the surrounding branches and leaves sway violently. This startled the giant red toad, which opened its eyes, its gaze as cold as a viper's.

Little Purple watched the thirty-six sword forms appear around Fang Wang. It immediately shut its mouth, its serpentine eyes fixed on him.

Fang Wang's steps didn't falter. Holding his sword in his right hand, he thrust forward. The Thirty-six Startling Swan Swords shot out, converging into a massive beam of sword energy that struck with unstoppable force, scattering grass and flowers in its path.

With a boom!

The giant red toad was hit by the sword energy and exploded, its flesh and blood flying everywhere, splattering onto the surrounding plants and trees. Even the distant mountain wall was splattered with its poisonous blood and gore.

Little Purple darted like lightning, dodging the flying flesh and blood, and quickly circled to a branch above.

Fang Wang's steps did not stop. His robes fluttered, his eyes unblinking. After thrusting the Qing Jun Sword forward, he flicked his wrist, the precious sword spun, and he gripped it backward, smoothly sheathing it.

Drawing, thrusting, sheathing – the entire process took less than a second!

He had killed the giant red toad in an instant!

Though Fang Wang appeared calm and collected, this move was actually a full-power attack, the strongest Thirty-six Startling Swan Swords he could currently unleash. Besides killing the enemy, it was also meant to intimidate Little Purple.

"Go scout the vicinity and see if there are any other demonic creatures around."

Fang Wang said with his back to Little Purple. Upon hearing this, Little Purple quickly snapped to attention, responded with an "Okay," and darted into the forest.

Fang Wang took out the Heaven and Earth Treasure Record and flipped through the pages detailing the heavenly materials and earthly treasures he encountered along the way. Different treasures required different methods of harvesting. Some would lose their spiritual energy the moment they were removed from the soil, others would wither rapidly if broken, and some had poisonous surfaces that would enter the body upon contact. They were truly bizarre. Fang Wang had been amazed the first time he read the Heaven and Earth Treasure Record.

While harvesting, Fang Wang remained vigilant, his Spiritual Sense constantly on guard.

Half an hour later, Little Purple returned, and Fang Wang was still harvesting. There were simply too many medicinal herbs and precious fruits here. It had to be said, the Great Sage's Grotto-Heaven was a tremendous opportunity. If one could survive here for half a year, everyone would become incredibly wealthy.

"Young Master, there are no demonic creatures nearby."

Little Purple whispered, its tone filled with reverence.

The reason it had taken so long to return was because it had been calming its nerves.

Fang Wang was simply too terrifying to a snake!

With such power, it couldn't even attempt a sneak attack, and it also feared Fang Wang might discard it once he no longer needed it.

"Then go to a high vantage point and keep watch."

Fang Wang said casually. He didn't need Little Purple's help, especially since it hadn't transformed yet.

Upon hearing this, Little Purple immediately departed, traveling to the mountain wall before swiftly darting to the summit.

It wasn't until late at night that Fang Wang had completely cleared out the entire valley. This trip had yielded immense gains, including a Demonic Core.

Late at night, they arrived by a stream in the forest. By the campfire, Fang Wang began sketching a map.

His memory was strong, but he worried about entering the Celestial Palace to cultivate before obtaining the Heavenly Dipper Sacred Body True Scripture. Even the strongest memory couldn't recall a map seen only once hundreds of years ago.

Little Purple curled up on the other side of the campfire, remaining very quiet and not daring to disturb Fang Wang.

Ever since Fang Wang had displayed the Thirty-six Startling Swan Swords, it had spoken much less.

Crack!

The sound of a twig snapping came from nearby. Fang Wang immediately glanced over, and Little Purple sharply raised its head.

A figure emerged from the darkness. In the moonlight, Fang Wang clearly saw her form. His expression turned strange. "It was the same when I was looking for Fang Hanyu. You haven't placed some kind of method on us, have you?"

The one who had arrived was none other than Zhou Xue.

Zhou Xue walked over, smiling, "One day, you will thank me for this method."