Traveling Abroad

"That's not necessarily true. Senior Brother Yu cultivates the Nine Transformations Dragon Transformation Technique, which makes his physical body very strong. If he participates in the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly, he might be able to achieve a good ranking."

Chu Yuling said.

Shen Long was somewhat surprised and asked, "Senior Brother Yu also cultivates the Nine Transformations Dragon Transformation Technique?"

"Junior Brother Shen too?"

Yu Guang was somewhat surprised.

Shen Long nodded and said, "I'm currently stuck at a bottleneck, and I don't know how to break through it."

"I'm stuck at a bottleneck! This is difficult. I was also stuck at a bottleneck when I went out to travel, and I still haven't broken through it."

Yu Guang sighed.

"The bottleneck is indeed not easy to overcome, but it also depends on the person. Some people can overcome it after a few years, while others can be stuck for more than ten years. Unlucky Foundation Establishment Cultivator may be stuck for decades."

Lin Sisi said.

"By the way, I heard that Senior Brother Yu has traveled to many countries. Could you tell us about the other countries?"

Chu Yuling's face was full of anticipation.

Yu Guang nodded and began to recount his travels, describing the local products, customs, sects, and Lineage of different countries.

"Senior Brother Yu, have you been to the Shu Kingdom? Do you know about the Loose Cultivator Assembly?"

Shen Long asked.

"Yes, I know. The Loose Cultivator Assembly ambushed the Tang Clan members, which enraged the Tang Clan, leading to the annihilation of the Loose Cultivator Assembly. The president and many other high-ranking members were killed, while some others escaped."

Yu Guang said.

"I've heard my father mention the Tang Clan. The Tang Clan is the number one cultivation Lineage in the Shu Kingdom. Are those people from the Loose Cultivator Assembly out of their minds? They actually attacked and killed a member of the Tang Clan."

Chu Yuling asked in confusion.

"I heard it was all for a Golden Core Spirit Item. Apparently, the Vice President, Venerable Master Golden Centipede, took it upon himself to make the decision. After succeeding, he led his men to flee the Shu Kingdom, Loose Cultivator Assembly were the ones who suffered."

Yu Guang explained.

Everyone suddenly realized why the Master Golden Centipede had escaped unscathed.

"Master Golden Centipede!"

Shen Long secretly memorized the name.

Chu Yuling took out a cyan Dharma Disk, cast a spell, and said with a happy expression, "I'll go get something. Please have a seat."

After saying this, she quickly walked outside, and Lin Sisi followed.

Shen Long and Yu Guang started chatting, and the topic turned to cultivating the Nine Transformations Dragon Transformation Technique.

"This Cultivation Method is indeed very good. I can now withstand High-grade Magical Tool. The trouble is that the Flood Dragon Essence Blood is not easy to collect."

Yu Guang said.

"Flood Dragon are rare and quite powerful. It's very difficult to kill Flood Dragon of the same level in a one-on-one fight. That's why there aren't many disciples in our sect who cultivate this Cultivation Method."

Qin Shuangshuang said.

"This Cultivation Method is the most treasured Cultivation Method of the Five Dragons Sect in the North Sea Cultivation World. I once wanted to cultivate this Cultivation Method, but the cultivation conditions deterred me."

Xu Feng said.

"The Nine Transformations Dragon Transformation Technique is quite powerful when cultivated to a high level. However, the Flood Dragon Essence Blood is difficult to collect. Cultivating this Cultivation Method is equivalent to becoming a Body Cultivator. Some members of our sect have cultivated it to a high level and are able to withstand Law Treasure."

Qin Shuangshuang said.

"Cultivating to the Seventh Floor requires the Essence Blood of Third-Rank Flood Dragon. This Cultivation Method is also incomplete. However, no one knows how far they can go on the Dao Path. What suits you best is the best."

Yu Guang said solemnly.

After chatting for a while, Chu Yuling and Lin Sisi returned.

Lin Sisi and Chu Yuling walked over carrying an exquisite cyan food box. They put down the box, took out fine wine and delicacies, and placed them on the stone table.

"Today is Junior Sister Chu's birthday. I don't have anything special to offer, so I'll give you this Youth Preserving Pill."

Qin Shuangshuang took out a Cyan Jade Box and handed it to Chu Yuling.

Chu Yuling expressed her sincere gratitude and accepted the Cyan Jade Box.

"Two bottles of Beast Spirit Pill, just a small token of my appreciation."

Shen Long took out two Cyan Porcelain Bottle and handed them to Chu Yuling.

Chu Yuling thanked her repeatedly and accepted the Cyan Porcelain Bottle.

Lin Sisi and others presented their congratulatory gifts one after another, including pills, Law Artifact, Talisman, and spirit medicine. Xu Feng presented ten Cold Crystal Ant Cold Crystal Ant, which are ranked 665th on the Heaven and Earth Exotic Insect Ranking. They are swarming Spirit Insect that can also form weapon forms to attack enemies and breathe out cold air.

After receiving the gifts, Chu Yuling raised her wine glass and said with a smile, "Thank you all for wishing me a happy birthday. I'd like to propose a toast to everyone."

After saying this, she picked up her wine glass and drank the wine in it.

Shen Long and the others raised their glasses in return, and the group chatted and toasted each other.

When the topic of cultivating Spirit Insect came up, Qin Shuangshuang asked, "Senior Brother Xu, how's it going? Have the Hundred-Eyed Golden Cicada Insect Eggs hatched yet?"

"The Hundred-Eyed Golden Cicada!"

Shen Long had a sudden thought. He remembered that Xu Feng had bought some Hundred-Eyed Golden Cicada Insect Eggs, but more than twenty years had passed and they still hadn't hatched!

"No, I've asked several senior uncles, and they all say the chances of it hatching are extremely slim."

Xu Feng sighed.

"Let's give up! Senior Brother Xu, there's no need to waste any more time and energy. So many years have passed, if it could have hatched, it would have hatched long ago."

Qin Shuangshuang advised.

"Hundred-Eyed Golden Cicada? Where did Senior Brother Xu get the Insect Eggs of Hundred-Eyed Golden Cicada?"

Shen Long feigned curiosity.

Xu Feng nodded and recounted how he obtained the Hundred-Eyed Golden Cicada.

"I've been trying to find a way to hatch the Insect Eggs of the Hundred-Eyed Golden Cicada for years, but I haven't succeeded."

Xu Feng sighed.

"Senior Brother Xu, I'd like to buy two Hundred-Eyed Golden Cicada Insect Eggs from you. I'd like to try hatching them."

Shen Long said.

"Since they won't hatch anyway, I'll give you two!"

Xu Feng took out a Cyan Jade Box, took out two Insect Eggs, and handed them to Shen Long.

"I cannot accept gifts without having done so. These two bottles of Beast Spirit Pill are a small token of my appreciation. Please do not refuse, Senior Brother Xu."

Shen Long took out two Cyan Porcelain Bottle and handed them to Xu Feng.

Xu Feng did not refuse and accepted the two Cyan Porcelain Bottle.

Two hours later, the banquet ended, and Shen Long and the others took their leave and went home.

Back at Green Lotus Garden, Shen Long entered a secret room, sat cross-legged, and took out a Golden Jade Slip. This Jade Slip contained Yu Guang's experiences traveling in the Yu Guang Shu Kingdom.

Shen Long immersed his Divine Sense in it, and after a while, he withdrew his Divine Sense, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Master Golden Centipede!"

A flash of murderous intent crossed Shen Long.

He put away the Jade Slip and sat down to meditate and calm his mind.

Early the next morning, Shen Long arrived at Heavenly Pill Peak by his magical artifact. He entered the Heavenly Pill Palace and saw He Yue looking through the account books.

"Senior Brother He! Good morning!"

Shen Long greeted him.

"Junior Brother Shen, you haven't been here for a while. Senior Brother Li and the others mentioned you a few days ago."

He Yue said.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Shen Long got down to business. "I have to go out for a while and want to refine a batch of pills. I'd like to ask Senior Brother He for some pill-refining materials."

Most of the pills refined by the Alchemist of Heavenly Pill Peak are handed over to the sect, which can make a profit. A small portion of the pills are kept by the Alchemist themselves to sell, which is also a source of extra income. As long as too much is withheld, the Spirit Control Sect turns a blind eye.

"No problem. May I ask how much Junior Brother Shen would like to receive?"

He Yue asked.

"I will submit the materials for one hundred portions of each of the five types of Second-tier Medicinal Pill."

Shen Long said.

He Yue nodded and said, "No problem, Junior Brother Shen, please wait a moment, I'll be right back."

He turned and walked towards the side hall. Not long after, He Yue returned, took out a Golden Storage Bag, and handed it to Shen Long.

After Shen Long confirmed that everything was correct, He Yue took out a Golden Glowing Dharma Disk and had Shen Long sign for it.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now, Senior Brother He."

After saying this, Shen Long turned and walked out.

Back at the Green Lotus Garden, Shen Long entered a secret room, took out the Crimson Crow Cauldron and alchemy materials, and began refining pills.

Before long, a faint medicinal fragrance filled the entire secret room.

······

Sky Shadow Peak, Sky Shadow Hall.

Li Hua sat in the main seat, and Chen Qingqing was reporting to him.

"Uncle Li, according to our investigation, the Barbarian Race also sent people to the Zhao Kingdom to search for the Yu Clan's Treasure Vault. Their trail was discovered by the Hundred Ghosts Sect, and the Hundred Ghosts Sect then issued a warrant for the arrest of the Barbarian Race cultivators, but under the guise of searching for the Yu Clan."

Chen Qingqing said.

Where is Liu Yuruo now?

Li Hua asked.

Liu Yuruo has already Foundation Establishment and is serving the Spirit Control Sect. The Spirit Control Sect provides her with cultivation resources and Cultivation Method, and allows Liu Yuruo to gather intelligence in the Zhao Kingdom.

"She is currently in Hundred Ghosts Marketplace, and we are maintaining a one-way communication channel."

Chen Qingqing said.

Li Hua nodded and said, "That's good. Let's ensure her safety first, then we can consider gathering intelligence."

"There are no tasks assigned to her at the moment; she's in a dormant phase. If any important intelligence is gathered, it will be reported."

Chen Qingqing said.

"Have her keep an eye out for news about the Yu Clan's Treasure Vault. If she finds the treasure that the Yu Clan patriarch obtained, there will be a hefty reward."

Li Hua gave the instructions.

"Uncle Li, what exactly is that treasure? Is it that important?"

Chen Qingqing asked curiously.

"I don't know. I heard that the Yu Clan was wiped out because of that treasure, and the Master Mad Blade was just one of the reasons."

Li Hua said.

Chen Qingqing nodded, then, as if struck by a thought, said, "It's a pity that Junior Brother Shen became a disciple of Senior Uncle Lin; otherwise, with his abilities, he would be very suitable to lead an intelligence team."

Now that Shen Long has become a disciple of Master Ice Silkworm, they can no longer send Shen Long to other countries to infiltrate and gather intelligence.

"Nephew Shen is quite capable, and as Alchemist, he can go far on the Dao Path. We can send others to do the intelligence gathering."

Li Hua said.

Chen Qingqing nodded and stepped back.

······

Half a year passed quickly.

In the Green Lotus Garden, the door to a secret room opened, and Shen Long stepped out.

He refined a large batch of Second-tier Medicinal Pill, most of which he handed over to He Yue to be converted into Merit Points, while a small portion was sold at Green Lotus Building.

Shen Long took out Communication Disk that was flashing with blue light, entered a spell, and said, "Junior Brother Qian, I've finished refining a batch of pills. Send someone over to pick them up! I'm going on a long trip and won't be back for three to five years. You'll have to handle your business matters yourself! If you need money, just tell me, and I'll give it to you now."

"Senior Brother Shen, I'm at the entrance of Green Lotus Garden."

Qian Dafu said.

Shen Long went out, opened the courtyard gate, and invited Qian Dafu in.

"Senior Brother Shen, this is the situation of the cultivation Immortal Realm in the Shu Kingdom, including the situation of the major forces and topographical maps."

Qian Dafu took out a Cyan Storage Bag and handed it to Shen Long.

Shen Long took out a Blue Storage Bag and handed it to Qian Dafu, saying, "These are the Second-tier Medicinal Pill I refined. You can sell them at Green Lotus Building! I won't be back for a long time, so you have full authority over the business. Need Spirit Stone to buy goods?"

"No need, there's plenty of money in the books. This is this year's dividend and the ledger."

Qian Dafu took out a Golden Storage Bag and a thick Blue Book and handed them to Shen Long.

Shen Long scanned the area with his divine sense and exclaimed in surprise, "How come there are so many? There weren't this many in previous years!"

"You'll need money for many things when you go out. I'll cover it with the profits from the next few years. You can take it with you. I won't lose money."

Qian Dafu said.

Shen Long nodded, accepted the Storage Bag, returned the Blue Book to Qian Dafu, and said, "I trust you to do things properly, you don't need to look at it."

After chatting for a while, Qian Dafu took his leave, Shen Long rode his magical artifact to Heavenly Pill Peak.

He had just entered the Heavenly Pill Palace He Yue walked towards him.

"Senior Brother He, are you going out?"

Shen Long asked.

He Yue nodded and said, "Junior Brother Shen, are you here to hand over the pills?"

Shen Long nodded, took out a Red Storage Bag, and handed it to He Yue.

He Yue carefully counted the items, took out a Golden Dharma Disk, and asked Shen Long to take out his Identity Token, then transferred a Merit Points to Shen Long.

"Brother He has other matters to attend to, so I won't disturb you any longer."

Shen Long said.

After leaving Heavenly Pill Peak, Shen Long arrived at Ice Silkworm Valley and met Master Ice Silkworm.

"So, how do you plan to overcome this bottleneck?"

Master Ice Silkworm asked with a gentle expression.

"This disciple plans to travel and explore, hoping to overcome this bottleneck."

Shen Long said.

"Traveling abroad is a good idea. Have you decided where to go?"

Master Ice Silkworm continued to ask.

"My first destination is Shu Kingdom, and I'd like to investigate the murderer of my parents while I'm there."

Shen Long said.

He told Master Ice Silkworm about his origins and the murder of his parents, but Master Ice Silkworm couldn't help him.

"Our Spirit Control Sect has allies and enemies. Being in a foreign land, you'd better not show yourself as Spirit Control Sect disciple and keep a low profile. As for the Loose Cultivator Loose Cultivator Assembly, act according to your ability and don't force yourself. As long as you're alive, you can always make a comeback."

"Master Ice Silkworm gave instructions," he said.

"I will always remember my master's teachings."

Shen Long agreed.

With a flick of his sleeve, Master Ice Silkworm sent out a crystal ball shimmering with blue light, which landed in front of Shen Long.

"This is the Shadow-Returning Crystal. I have a life-or-death bond with the Fairy Ice Flood Dragon of the Wang Clan in Begonia Valley. If you encounter trouble on the Wang Clan's territory, you can seek help from the Wang Clan. Show her the Shadow-Returning Crystal, and she will understand."

"Master Ice Silkworm explained."

"Thank you, Master."

Shen Long thanked him repeatedly, saying that having a master was very good, as he could be taken care of even when traveling far away.

The Wang Clan of Begonia Valley is a leading force in the East Hua Cultivation World, with a long history and numerous experts, including more than ten Nascent Soul Cultivator.

Master Ice Silkworm revealed which forces he had grudges against and which he was on friendly terms with, making it easier for Shen Long to act.

"Thank you, Master."

Shen Long expressed his gratitude.

"You are my disciple. A teacher's duty is to impart knowledge, instruct in skills, and resolve doubts. This is what a teacher should do. When you are out in the world, be more careful in everything you do, and don't make enemies over trivial matters."

Master Ice Silkworm patiently instructed.

Shen Long agreed. In retrospect, since his parents disappeared, no one had cared about Shen Long like this.

"Alright, now that you're all ready, go back and get ready! Don't rush out; take your time to prepare."

"Master Ice Silkworm said."

"Yes, disciple understands."

Shen Long agreed and left Ice Silkworm Valley.

He made a trip to the Deacon Hall, exchanged his Merit Points for a batch of cultivation resources, and then went to the Scripture Depository to read about the experiences of those who had traveled to other countries, and to learn about the customs, culture, and products of those countries.

Seven days later, Shen Long left the Spirit Control Sect.