Rats Have Their Ways! Little Array Spirit's Soul Fragment

Even if Spirit Vein stretching for several miles were excavated, transporting it away would be a huge problem.

When the Devil Cultivator from the Western Regions invaded the Eastern Regions, their method of stealing Spirit Vein was extremely brutal: they would dig out the Spirit Vein, smash them, take the mother ore, and fill their pockets with the other spiritual crystals.

In this way, relying solely on a single mother mine, it would take at least several hundred years for a new Spirit Vein to emerge, thus significantly reducing its value.

Chen Dengming was unwilling to drain the pond to catch all the fish, nor did he want cultivators from the Northern Region to invade the Southern Region and seize the two First-Rank Spirit Vein in his possession, which were already the foundation of his enterprise.

It's possible for him to dig out the Spirit Vein, but it would be very difficult to move Spirit Vein without damaging Spirit Vein, unless he returns to the sect and borrows two large Fourth-tier Spirit Boat.

Two large, Fourth-tier Spirit Boat could travel tens of thousands of miles to transport two First-Rank Spirit Vein, which would be a waste of resources, and the Longevity Sect might not even approve it.

The value of a large, Fourth-tier Spirit Boat far surpasses that of First-Rank Spirit Vein.

"Let's prepare first and see if Black Wind has any good ideas. He has many connections; he might have a solution."

Chen Dengming thought of Black Wind.

Now, both Jiang Qiang and Black Wind have received the Foundation Establishment sent by Hei Zi.

Jiang Qiang is still a long way from breaking through to the Foundation Establishment, but Black Wind is already preparing for his breakthrough.

Upon learning from Jiang Qiang that Black Cloud Leopard was still in Lüoshan City, Chen Dengming immediately set off for there.

Besides visiting Lüoshan City, he also wanted to revisit the ruins of the Yin Ghost Sect to see if he could make any other discoveries.

Last time I went, I came and went in a hurry, and before I could check things properly, Lin He chased me away.

"Ling'er, the Yin Ghost Sect should have had Spirit Vein back then, right? Why was it that when I went there last time, I only felt a ghostly aura, and the Spiritual Qi was very thin?"

Chen Dengming inquired about the Little Array Spirit Soul House.

"Fellow Daoist, Spirit Vein once existed, but we don't know if they still exist now. In fact, besides Spirit Vein, our ghost cultivation sect also has ghost cultivation treasures like Yin Springs, but we don't know if they still exist now."

Why didn't you say so last time?

"The time before last, I was also looking for it, and while I was looking, I kept thinking about it, but before I could find it, we ran away."

Chen Dengming thought about it.

Too.

Last time, the Little Array Spirit was indeed searching, but it encountered a ghost and Flying Head Sorcery. After resolving the trouble, it was chased by Lin He, so it really didn't search properly.

More than two hours later.

Inside Lüoshan City.

After Chen Dengming signaled for a low-key exchange, Black Wind abandoned his idea of a grand reception and listened to Chen Dengming's instructions in the spacious reception room.

Chen Dengming wasn't as casual with Black Wind as Jiang Qiang was, though he still showed him enough respect and didn't put on airs.

But Jiang Qiang is, after all, a brother, while Black Wind is now in a superior-subordinate relationship. Treating subordinates the same way you would treat brothers will only gradually lead to their slackness and laxity.

Black Wind also held Chen Dengming in the highest esteem and was deeply grateful to him.

If it weren't for Chen Dengming's appreciation, he would still be someone else's black glove, doing shady things and living a life of constant danger.

Now, however, he already possesses a small city for cultivating immortality, a Marketplace, and a First-Rank Spirit Vein. Although he only has jurisdiction over these, he is already far superior to Rogue Cultivator.

Moreover, Chen Dengming had also bestowed upon him a Foundation Establishment, which he then voluntarily confessed.

"I feel the time is right; I can try taking the Foundation Establishment to break through to the Foundation Establishment soon."

"Hmm, no rush."

Chen Dengming waved his hand, "I didn't come here to urge you to break through to the Foundation Establishment. There's something I need to see if you can solve. If you can't, I'll think of another way."

Black Wind was startled.

Chen Dengming's casual remark had already triggered a multitude of interpretations in his mind.

Could this be a test for him?

If he can't solve the problem, meaning he's not capable enough, then Chen Dengming will naturally let someone else solve it. Once someone else solves it, they can take his place, and he will be considered eliminated.

Upon realizing this, Black Wind immediately patted his chest and said, "Senior, please give me any instructions, and I, Black Wind, will do my best to help you."

Chen Dengming smiled, "No need to be so nervous. Just listen to me. The main thing is to leverage your advantages in certain channels to see if we can transport some things."

As the saying goes, snakes have their own paths, and rats have theirs.

Chen Dengming would not look down on cultivators weaker than him just because he is now stronger.

Life is full of different aspects, and the path to immortality is full of different pursuits.

Sometimes, having strength isn't enough to solve everything.

Characters like Black Wind and Jiang Qiang, who may seem weak, possess special talents or have accumulated channels and experience over many years, which is something he can't compare to and can utilize.

Hearing Chen Dengming mention transportation, Black Wind breathed a sigh of relief, having dealt with transportation quite a bit during his years as a bandit.

However, upon hearing the words "a Spirit Vein," Black Wind froze, his heart trembling.

As expected, this senior was really going to test his abilities.

A short while later.

Chen Dengming left gracefully, leaving Black Wind alone in the hall, frowning and deep in thought.

Chen Dengming's explanation was also a way to preserve the foundation. Not only the Spirit Vein of Brocade Workshop, but also the Spirit Vein of Lüoshan City, as long as they could be moved, they had to be moved to prevent problems before they occurred.

Therefore, this matter still requires Black Wind's personal attention and is something that will cause him a headache.

After a while.

A voice, like Black Wind, echoed through the hall, urging people to move.

"Hunchback, it's been so long, I need your help again to move some things. They're very valuable."

"I have a Spirit Vein on the southern border that I need you to transport. It'll be hard work, but the profits are high. Are you in?"

There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end of the Sound Transmission Jade Talisman, followed by a shocked voice.

"Wow, Black Wind Boss, you've switched to stealing Spirit Vein? No, you actually managed to steal one?"

"It's absolutely true! I've met a benefactor, Hunchback. Come work for me! I'm about to break through to the Foundation Establishment. The benefactor I met treats me very well. With your abilities, you'll definitely make a name for yourself in the future."

Half an hour later.

Chen Dengming was leading a weak Xu Wei on a revisit to their old haunts, strolling around Lüojia Mountain.

At that moment, Hei Feng sent a telepathic message via his Black Wind talisman, informing him that the necessary personnel had been arranged and the matter could be handled.

This was unexpected for Chen Dengming.

"It seems I underestimated Black Wind's accumulated channels and network of experience over the years; they're very efficient."

A smile appeared on Chen Dengming's face.

He couldn't think of a good way to move the long Spirit Vein without destroying it, but Black Wind was able to solve it. Sure enough, even rats have their ways.

"Brother Chen, is the matter resolved?"

Xu Wei lifted her veil, her graceful figure captivating, and turned her slender neck towards Chen Dengming with a smile.

"Yes, it's been resolved."

Chen Dengming turned around and noticed that Xu Wei's Soul Power was gradually decreasing. He frowned and summoned the Spirit Subduing Bottle to replenish her Soul Power.

"Brother Chen, there's no need. You know this Soul Power is useless to me now. Let's save it for Sister Ling'er and Brother Zhu."

Xu Wei shook her head gently with a smile, then grasped Chen Dengming's rough hand with her delicate fingers, comforting him with a smile, "Life and death are predestined, and many things are already predetermined. At least you have changed the predetermined fate, allowing me to live to this day and spend so many more years with you. That's enough. We can both let go of the past."

Chen Dengming sighed, nodded, and looked at the peach blossoms covering the mountains in the distance. Not wanting his bad mood to spoil the peaceful atmosphere, he smiled and said, "You're right. We can both let go of this. Look at those peach blossoms over there."

"Yes, the peach blossoms are in bloom. They're so beautiful."

Xu Wei spoke softly in a melodious voice, her face flushing with embarrassment as she recalled the love poem she had written for Chen Dengming.

Just then, a peach blossom petal drifted down on the wind and landed in Xu Wei's outstretched hand. She brought the petal to her nose and inhaled softly, "How fragrant!"

At this moment, the peach blossoms and the woman's face were both rosy.

Chen Dengming's usually calm heart was stirred by an indescribable warmth, as if some distant fragments from over a decade ago in the Gathering Place had been retrieved from the river of time and returned to his heart, creating ripples in his mind.

Xu Wei's Soul Power is continuously depleted as soon as she leaves the Soul House.

It won't last more than a few springs and winters.

"Brother Chen, I'd like to come with you to see the peach blossoms on Luoshan Mountain every year from now on, okay? I mean, if you have the time."

Xu Wei's cautious and hesitant tone, and her bright, black gem-like eyes that secretly glanced at Chen Dengming, showed her gentle and sensible nature, just as before.

Her endearing, girlish appearance has never changed.

Chen Dengming looked at the blood-red sunset on the horizon, where the vibrant peach blossoms seemed about to be shrouded in the dark, crimson night.

Isn't this exactly the case with life and death?

It's better to fade into silence amidst splendor than to leave no trace at all.

At least, this woman who considered herself as insignificant as mortal plants and trees, and this cultivator with low talent, had already left a mark on his heart.

He laughed and said, "Great!"

At that moment, Soul House, the voice of the Little Array Spirit quietly entered his mind.

"Dao, fellow Daoist, I just remembered that after Sister Weiwei's Soul Power dissipates this time, if nothing unexpected happens, her soul will be completely scattered and her true spirit will not exist."

However, if we find the Yin Spring, perhaps when her soul dissipates, we can place Weiwei inside it. That sliver of her true spirit might then travel with the spring water to the dark and the Unseen places mentioned in the legend, and perhaps she won't be completely annihilated."

Chen Dengming asked in surprise, "A dark the Unseen place? Reincarnation?"

Legend has it that there are eighty-one Yin Springs in the world.

The Yin Spring leads to the Netherworld mentioned in the legend, which seems to be related to the Dao-Merging expert who aspired to build the Netherworld back then.

Whether it's true or not, no one knows. If the rumors from back then were true, and that powerful figure truly achieved his wish, perhaps he had already successfully cultivated both the Earth and Ghost paths, and might still have some lingering thoughts. But these are merely lingering thoughts.

"Longing." Chen Dengming pondered, understanding its meaning.

The concept of "thought" is rather vague and abstract; it may exist, or it may not.

But overall, the probability of it not existing is higher.

Just like in ordinary folk customs, some people can obtain certain desired results by using certain folk remedies or ancient rituals. However, these methods are mostly just a form of psychological comfort and a pursuit of faith.

That former Dao-Merging senior has vanished without a trace, becoming a legend. It's highly likely that he just boasted back then, and the stories were passed down through generations of flattering and sycophantic juniors.

Although he didn't believe it in his heart, now that the matter of the Spirit Vein had been resolved, Chen Dengming still planned to set off for Yin Ghost Mountain to take a look.

Half an hour later.

On the eerie Yin Ghost Mountain, a wisp of black cloud, resembling downy feathers, seemed too tired to move, lingering in the gradually darkening night sky.

A faint, eerie atmosphere permeated the dense Old Lin forest, filled with strange and menacing tree branches.

Chen Dengming appeared in this mountain forest, his eyes flashing with Dao God, his powerful Divine Sense sweeping across like a sharp sword.

Instantly, the surrounding chilling aura receded like a tide, and the dark figures that had been hiding in the cracks of rocks and inside tree hollows were caught off guard and collapsed as if swept away by a strong wind.

Chen Dengming vaguely heard several venomous and desperate screams.

Aside from that, there are no other effects.

"Shallow waters breed many turtles; now there are quite a few low-level wandering ghosts here."

Chen Dengming shook his head slightly, too lazy to release his own sun-like Core Power to dispel the surrounding evil spirits.

These evil spirits still pose a great threat to Qi Cultivation Cultivator, but they are nothing to him now.

Chen Dengming casually summoned the Soul Guiding Banner, letting the brothers within Zhu Xun for some fresh air, a late-night snack, and a chance to help find the Underworld Spring.

Before this, he had already visited the ruins of the Yin Ghost Sect, which he had explored previously.

However, no trace of the Yin Spring or the Spirit Vein was found.

At this moment, following the Little Array Spirit's guidance, they found the back mountain area behind the ruins and discovered that the Yin Qi there was even more concentrated, which piqued their interest.

Another half hour passed.

As night approached, the cold moon hung high in the branches, and the cold wind howled through the bare branches.

A sharp scream suddenly rang out from the depths of the mountain forest.

Inside an Old Lin cave in the mountains, a pale-faced woman's figure was writhing and struggling, seemingly bound by a powerful force, unable to move at all.

The moonlight poured down its icy silver glow, enveloping the woman and making her body appear almost transparent.

Upon closer inspection, its face was exactly the same as the Little Array Spirit's.

"Gently, gently, fellow Daoist, don't make things difficult for her. I feel that she is very important to me."

Soul House, Little Array Spirit floated out, its form shimmering with spiritual light, and looked at the woman opposite it, who seemed to be neither a soul nor a spirit, with a doubtful expression.

Chen Dengming's eyes emitted Divine Sense light that seemed almost tangible, like two cold vortexes that enveloped the evil figure opposite him, capable of completely dissipating with a single thought.

Upon hearing the Little Array Spirit Jiao Qie's voice, he almost rolled his eyes.

Nonsense! The moment he discovered this evil spirit, even he was startled. He only reacted and fought back after being attacked. If this woman hadn't looked exactly like the Little Array Spirit, she would have been killed by his Divine Sense by now.

However, this situation was somewhat unexpected for him.

The cave that Zhu Xun was filled with a dense Yin Qi, and a Spirit Spring was found deep within the cave, in a crevice in the rock. It seemed to be the Yin Spring.

But what is the origin of this evil spirit that looks exactly like the Little Array Spirit?

"Roar!--"

Zhu Xun's face was contorted with rage, revealing a fierce expression and bared teeth. He couldn't contain his urge to pounce on the imprisoned woman in white and devour her.

"Hey! Old Zhu! Get out of the way."

Chen Dengming immediately stopped them, while looking suspiciously at the white-clad woman opposite him who seemed very afraid of Zhu Xun. A thought struck him, and he glanced thoughtfully at the Lin He head that Zhu Xun was wearing.

Logically speaking, evil spirits should not have feelings of fear, unless the source of that fear is closely related to their past life.

"Daoist, fellow Daoist, let me come. She... she might be a fragment of my lost soul that has been condensed into this being."

At this moment, Little Array Spirit's gossamer-thin dress fluttered, her delicate body pressed close to Chen Dengming's side, she raised her pretty face and pleaded, her beautiful face filled with sorrow.

Chen Dengming then looked at the white-clad woman opposite him, whose appearance and expression were almost identical, and couldn't help but sigh, "No wonder even their expressions and temperaments are so similar."

This was actually an evil spirit formed from a fragment of the Little Array Spirit's soul.

But if that's the case, then the Little Array Spirit's Three Souls Seven Souls are incomplete, which explains why its memories are also incomplete and its intelligence fluctuates.

He slowly loosened the restraints on his Divine Sense.

The disheveled woman in white screamed and struggled to turn around and plunge into the chilling, eerie spring water behind her.

The Little Array Spirit flashed and flew over to intercept them.