Immortals of the End Times

Chapter 72: The Cave Master Rewards Pills, Sets a Trap in the Heart (4K Long Chapter, Seeking Subscriptions)

Meanwhile, when Zhao Wuji first arrived at Linlang Cave and settled down...

Before the Heavenly Palace of the main peak of Linlang, the thousand-step black jade staircase reflects the sunset, shimmering with seven-colored light.

Hua Qingshuang slowly walked up the steps to pay her respects to the cave master.

After about ten feet, a blazing flame suddenly appeared and approached.

It was a woman in red robes fluttering in the wind. She stared at Hua Qingshuang's aloof back and sneered, "Junior Sister Hua has quite the refined taste. Dragging your half-crippled body to obey orders, you might as well stay on Cold Moon Peak and wait to die."

A lotus flower suddenly emerged from beneath Hua Qingshuang's feet, blooming into a chilling thorn that shot straight toward Yan Lan, the Crimson Flame Peak Master, behind her.

The latter's crimson silk sleeves billowed, and the scorching heat melted the ice spikes into white mist.

In the mist, Hua Qingshuang didn't turn her head and said indifferently, "If Senior Sister Yan can't suppress her fire poison, I can help you cool down."

Yan Lan narrowed her phoenix eyes slightly: "I heard that Junior Sister has taken in a handsome young man as her disciple? Could it be that she knows she has no hope of reaching the Concentration Realm and wants to find a Daoist partner to spend the rest of her life with?"

"Two peak masters, that's enough."

Suddenly, a powerful pressure descended from the Nine Heavens Palace, shattering the spiritual mist of the array formations in all directions. The vermilion gate of the Octagonal Pavilion opened wide, and the aged voice of the Cave Master of Linglang Cave rolled down like muffled thunder: "Come here, all of you."

Inside the octagonal pavilion, the figure of the Cave Master of Linglang sat upright on a nine-tiered lotus platform, his figure appearing and disappearing amidst the misty spiritual energy.

A jade slip floated in front of him.

Upon seeing the two arrive in front of the building, the jade slip suddenly ignited with a ghostly blue flame, displaying numerous fleeting words and images.

The hoarse voice of the Lord of Linglang Cave pierced through the spiritual mist: "Yunfeng Cave has issued a challenge. We will have a sword duel in three months to determine the spot for Tiannan."

The victor can end the war between the two countries.

Suddenly, a phantom image of a pill the size of a longan appeared in the mist, its patterns moving as if alive.

The Master of Linglang Cave flicked his finger and said, "There is only one Spirit Condensation Pill in the cave now. The winner will get it."

Yan Lan's eyes lit up with joy, and she stepped forward, her red robes billowing: "Cave Master, I am willing to engage in a magical duel!"

A ball of flame condensed in her palm into the shape of a firebird, which flew and hovered. "It's just the right time to let Yunfeng Cave witness my exquisite martial arts."

Hua Qingshuang smiled coldly, her eyes filled with murderous intent: "With your clumsy fighting skills?"

Her gaze shifted to the interior of the hall. "I have recently achieved minor mastery of the Xuanbing Flying Sword."

"Xiao Cheng?"

Yan Lan suddenly interrupted, "I think your cold poison is about to become uncontrollable, isn't it?"

With a flick of her sleeve, a magical bronze mirror suddenly flew out, reflecting the scene of the raging cold currents on Cold Moon Peak. "The extreme cold phenomenon on Cold Moon Peak last month must have alarmed the patrol envoy."

Hua Qingshuang's pupils contracted slightly, but she suddenly chuckled: "So Senior Sister Yan cares about me this much."

She conjured an ice lotus at her fingertips. "Why don't you come to Cold Moon Peak as a guest? I'll give you some pointers on how to fight."

"I couldn't ask for more." Yan Lan's eyes blazed with a fiery red light.

A cold snort came from inside the octagonal building.

The two opposing forces of pressure instantly dissipated and collapsed.

A gaze filled with oppressive power and intense divine intent swept between the two: "Within three months, you two may privately duel to decide who goes, but you must not use excessive force against each other. I only need the final answer."

With that, he waved his sleeve, and the octagonal gate suddenly slammed shut, as wisps of spiritual mist rolled in and obscured it.

On the jade steps, Yan Lan, surrounded by bright fire spiritual energy, focused her gaze on Hua Qingshuang: "Junior Sister Hua, with your strength below the tenth level of Qi Refining, do you really want to fight your senior sister?"

Hua Qingshuang gazed at the surging sea of ​​clouds in the distance, a cold smile playing on her lips: "If the difference in cultivation level could determine victory or defeat, then cultivators would simply display their cultivation levels upon meeting, why bother with a life-or-death struggle?"

Her sidelong glance pierced Yan Lan's eyes like an icicle: "Senior Sister, why are you in such a hurry to reveal your cultivation level?"

The ice lotus beneath his feet suddenly shattered, and his figure vanished in a rainbow amidst the swirling ice crystals. "Could it be that he lacks confidence?"

Yan Lan roared, his sleeves billowing and shattering the incoming ice crystals, only to find that a layer of frost had already formed on his cuffs.

Her pupils contracted sharply, and the fear in her eyes could no longer be concealed.

In terms of magical combat, she was indeed inferior to Hua Qingshuang.

However, her advantage lies in the fact that she has already broken through to the tenth level of Qi Refining, and once her realm stabilizes...
"Hmph, don't think I don't know why you recruited that brat into Cold Moon Peak. This matter is not that simple."

The next day, the morning light was faint.

Smoke curls from the exquisite dwelling of Linglang Cave.

After a night of guided cultivation, Zhao Wuji slowly finished his practice and felt a surge of spiritual energy in his dantian. A complex look flashed in his eyes.

"This blessed land is truly extraordinary."

During his cultivation last night, he did not touch the Yin-Yang Pearl at all. He was able to condense a complete spiritual power simply by breathing in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

This means that he can cultivate normally without consuming any of his resources.

It is much better than the outside world, and there is no danger of spiritual energy being lost.

The speed of cultivation simply cannot compare with that of condensing Yin and Yang Qi.

After all, Yin and Yang energy is readily available, which is equivalent to feeding him. He only needs to use guiding techniques to 'chew and absorb' it.

However, the spiritual energy in the cave needs to be guided into the body, which adds two steps, just like having to get food, put it in your mouth, and then chew and absorb it.

When you compare all of these, the speed of cultivation naturally slows down.

"No wonder Senior Brother He said that if a superior immortal seed can break through to the second level of Qi Refining within a year, it can be promoted to Blue Robe. I thought he was being too conservative, but now it seems that the requirements are indeed very high."

"This is probably also to filter out those spoiled brats who rely on their talent but neglect their training."

Zhao Wuji suddenly chuckled.

These rules, on the contrary, suited his taste.

The speed at which the guiding technique absorbs spiritual energy is much faster than ordinary cultivation methods.

Even so, with his current golden spiritual talent, he could only condense a single strand of spiritual power in one night.

Normally, it would take at least a hundred days of painstaking effort to advance from the first to the second level of Qi Induction.

However, someone like Li Shiyu who is unfamiliar with guiding techniques would probably have to practice day and night to barely break through within a year.

"Lotus Mountain is ultimately just an outer area."

Zhao Wuji got up, opened the window, and gazed at the sea of ​​clouds, his eyes sweeping over the distant, mist-shrouded Cold Moon Peak.

Once you pass the tests of self-examination and character development, and enter the inner sect to cultivate in the Cold Moon Peak spiritual vein, your cultivation speed will definitely increase by another three points.

He already has a plan.

During the day, he would breathe in and out normally with the golden light of spiritual energy, condensing a stream of spiritual power from the spiritual energy of the cave.

At night, he refines a yin-yang energy and adds a spiritual power.

By cultivating an even number of times a day, one can seize the opportunity before the golden light and spiritual energy fade.

Even if his spiritual resources decline in the future, he still has two catties of Golden Goblet Wine left unused.

Along the way, you can also look for other spiritual wines to try drinking to sober up and increase your spiritual strength.

In short, as a superior immortal species of the Linglang Grotto-heaven, the channels and stability for collecting resources are now much better than during the time when they were hiding and searching for immortality.

Zhao Wuji returned to his room and cast a spell to control his weapon.

With a burst of spiritual energy, it pulled the teapot from the opposite table, spun it a few times in the air, and then fell down.

He calculated that it had been less than 'five breaths' and was somewhat speechless.

Compared to the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Techniques, the techniques of the cultivation world are truly useless.

Although the spell is currently only in its initial stage and its power may be weak.

However, it consumes one unit of spiritual energy, allowing only five breaths of control over the artifact.

Compared to the beginner's ability to control a ball for a hundred breaths, and now even reaching three hundred breaths, this ball-manipulation technique is simply child's play, a pure waste of spiritual energy. "No wonder," he picked up the teapot, "ordinary cultivators would need years of dedicated practice to master lethal techniques."

The same applies to the Swiftness Technique; compared to the Graceful Movement Technique's graceful and swift movements, it is merely a stumbling step.

However, whenever these rudimentary spells are used, they can vaguely activate the tadpole-like characters in the Yin-Yang Pearl, as if flipping through an ancient book could bring out the Earthly Fiend Technique.

Perhaps it can also improve the proficiency of the Earthly Fiend Technique, just like when he studied the Heavenly Canopy Mantra in the past.

"After reaching the second level of Qi Induction, one can practice more techniques such as Fireball Technique, Ice Spear Technique, and Weapon Forging Technique."

By drawing inferences from similar cases, it is estimated that even more evil techniques could be derived.

He then carefully examined the surface of the second Yin Bead, where a large portion of the tadpole-like script had already illuminated.

There is another set of tadpole-like characters that began to glow faintly after he mastered the art of weapon control, which is something to look forward to.

In the past, he had also gleaned these low-level spells from the memories of the cave cultivators he had killed.

However, there is no method to cultivate those short-term memories.

"Dang——dang——"

Just then, the deep sound of a bell echoed across Lotus Mountain, startling several white cranes.

Zhao Wuji's eyebrows twitched slightly.

The two tests of self-examination and character assessment are finally approaching.

He immediately spread his arms and put on the blue robe.

This blue robe is made of spiritual materials and has spiritual patterns. It has certain functions such as dust repellency and lightness of body.

Although not a rare item, it was still far superior to the ordinary silks worn by the gray-robed disciples.

He straightened his clothes and hair, then pushed open the door and stepped out, the mountain breeze hitting his face.

Just then, Li Shiyu's figure emerged from the neighboring residence.

The other person smiled and gave a graceful bow.
"Senior Brother Zhao."

The woman's voice was gentle, clearly more intimate than yesterday.

However, this relationship is clearly based on the fact that they are both of superior immortal species and the power behind them, and they have confirmed each other's value.

As for those who truly appreciate each other, they're all seasoned foxes, so there's no need for such flirtatious behavior; it's all too illusory.

The two said little and hurried down the mountain.

In the distance, on an open ground, a large number of Crimson Flame Spirit Immortals dressed in gray gathered.

They stayed last night in a cluster of buildings opposite this open space.

That place was also a gathering place for the old gray-robed cultivators. Not only were there many mixed people, but the houses were low and scattered, and the spiritual energy was thin. It was completely different from the Lotus Mountain Abode.

As a result, some spoiled brats who weren't used to the commotion last night were arrested and put in solitary confinement, and now there are fewer people gathered in the square.

When Zhao Wuji and his companion arrived at the venue, the expressions on the faces of the dozens of gray-robed disciples varied.

Many of the polite exchanges that existed yesterday have now turned into blatant jealousy and hatred.

In this cultivation paradise where the abundance of spiritual energy determines social status, the hierarchical system is more damaging than swords and spears.

Some people, however, were pragmatic and quickly greeted the two men with great respect, but their eyes kept glancing at the cloud patterns on their blue robes, filled with envy and awe.

These clever people had already figured it out: bowing down now is better than getting hurt later, and it might save them from taking some detours.

“Brother Zhao, I live at the foot of Lotus Mountain. I will need your help in this cave in the future.”

Just then, Li Nianwei, clutching her wide sleeves and forcing a smile, approached Zhao Wuji and began to chat.

Zhao Wuji then realized that Li Nianwei, who possessed the spiritual talent of Qingxia, also had to start from the bottom, wearing gray clothes.

However, this adjustment to the standards is an exception. Unlike the gray-robed man with the Crimson Flame Spiritual Talent, the other party does not have to do hard labor. He only needs to assist in inspecting the condition of the medicinal fields and can have a lot of time to cultivate on weekdays.

However, the gray-robed immortal seed with the Crimson Flame Spirit Talent is in a worse situation, currently facing a cruel choice.

One option is to directly receive a lower-level, quick-learning immortal technique and begin cultivation, but one still needs to clear the "spirit-devouring worms" from the spirit field every day.

Secondly, one can receive orthodox introductory immortal techniques and cultivate steadily for half a year.

However, after completing their cultivation, they must either enter the mine to extract source crystals or use their own spiritual power to maintain the formation for two years.

In comparison, the natural barrier in the Immortal Gate Cave Heaven became even more glaring. The difference in aptitude was like heaven and earth. Zhao Wuji was secretly glad that he had obtained the Sobering Stone.

Soon, two blue-robed cultivators flew over from the opposite mountain peak.

One of them was none other than Senior Brother He.

After a brief explanation, he led everyone to the continuous palaces on the mountain peak ahead.

The two tests of self-examination and moral character determination are set up in the central hall with its flying eaves and gilded decorations.

The palace contains many quiet rooms.

The group of gray-robed immortals were taken to a quiet room on the side.

Zhao Wuji and Li Shiyu were both invited to the quiet room in the center.

Behind the table in the room sat an elderly man in a blue robe, with several cloud-like marks on his robe, clearly a steward.

"Steward Xu, this is Zhao Wuji, a recently entered high-grade immortal seed. He has already joined the Flower Peak Master's sect. Thank you for your trouble."

After giving a brief introduction with a smile, Senior Brother He turned and left, closing the door behind him.

"A superior immortal seed valued by Peak Master Hua." The old man stared at Zhao Wuji with a sinister, ambiguous smile.

"He's quite a handsome young man, and he's even cultivated to the first level of Qi Refining."

However, my assessment here doesn't consider background; it's solely about your character and disposition—a true test of your heart and nature! Please sit down!

Zhao Wuji sensed that although the old man's spiritual energy was at the third level of Qi Induction, it was more solid than that of his senior brother He. He was solemn and vigilant, but sat down calmly. However, the toes under his robe had already quietly protruded half an inch forward.

"Write your birth date first."

The old man pushed over a sheet of yellowed Xuan paper.

Zhao Wuji glanced at it, then picked up a brush, dipped it in ink, and wrote it down.

The old man said, "Take another strand of hair."

Zhao Wuji's heart stirred, recalling the incantation given by Peak Master Hua, and he made a guess.

However, he did it anyway, plucking a hair and placing it on the paper, while his right foot under the table leaned forward even further.

"very good!"

The old man watched with a smile as he placed his black hair on the paper, a glint of shrewdness flashing beneath his wrinkled eyelids, and then reached out to fold and pick up the paper.

"Bah!"

His withered claws suddenly formed hand seals, and the incantation was like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, obscure and unpleasant to hear.

Zhao Wuji suddenly felt the surrounding spiritual energy fluctuate and the atmosphere become oppressive. His mind sank, as if thousands of spider silk were wrapping around his brain.

In the hazy light, the old man's cloudy eyes were turning into vortexes, emitting an eerie glow.

A faint feeling of drowsiness and lethargy washed over him, but a strange feeling arose in Zhao Wuji's heart.

This feeling was exactly the same as when he used the Dream Marriage Technique to invade other people's dreams.

However, his will as a martial arts grandmaster was as firm as a rock, and his soul was strong and refined. He was also experienced in the art of dream manipulation, so such mind-controlling techniques were nothing more than a gentle breeze to him.

However, seeing the old man's brows furrow suddenly, he immediately slumped his neck and pretended to be drowsy.
I'll update to 4K first, then add more this afternoon, and then another extra chapter tonight, totaling about 10,000 words.

I'll set a fixed update time tomorrow, probably in the afternoon and evening. Thank you all for your monthly votes and donations!

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(End of this chapter)