novelapdf Chapter 196 Important Intelligence, Three Parties Gather
Chapter 196 Important Intelligence, Three Parties Gather
Five days later.
Inside the main hall of the Li family, the five family patriarchs—Zhang Lingyu, Wang, Meng, Huo, and Jin—along with the cultivators they were about to enter the secret realm, sat upright, listening attentively to Li Yanyun, who was seated at the head of the table, say:
"You are all old acquaintances, and I'm sure you are quite familiar with the secret realm. This is Chief Zhang's first time entering, so I still have to give you some pointers on many things."
In fact, during these five days of rest, the Li family also sent over relevant information and maps of the secret realm, which gave Zhang Lingyu a general understanding.
Like the Jade Spirit Valley Secret Realm of yesteryear, the Jade Lake Secret Realm is divided into five major areas: Azure Wave Forest, Shadow Swamp, Dragon Whirlpool Lake, Water Moon Palace, and the core Cold Marrow Abyss.
Needless to say, the Cold Marrow Abyss is the core area, where spiritual objects that aid in Core Formation grow. The first three areas also produce a lot of spiritual objects, such as the Bewitching Heart Lotus, the Mist-Hidden Flower, and the Jade Heart Algae, which are things that are rarely seen in ordinary times.
As for the Water Moon Palace, according to the Li family, the sect that created the Jade Lake Secret Realm was called the Water Moon Sect, and this palace was built within the secret realm to protect the disciples who came in for training.
The battle took place there when the three families first entered the secret realm, so it is now a ruin, and all the inheritances and other treasures have long been looted.
Now it has become a resting place for the three families before entering the Cold Marrow Abyss, and also the place where they first clashed as a group after entering the secret realm.
"Everyone, the secret realm is usually hidden in the spatial turbulence, so even when it appears in the world, it is only partially in contact with the outside world. As is customary, we will separate after entering the secret realm."
Li Yanyun looked worried. Once the cultivators are separated, the danger level will gradually increase. They will not only face the monsters in the secret realm, but also the cultivators from the other two families.
If you encounter someone in the late Foundation Establishment stage, it's somewhat better. But if you're unlucky enough to run into those two peak cultivators, you'll be completely helpless and won't be able to survive until you reunite.
Fortunately, the other two companies are in the same situation, so it all depends on their luck and strength.
"Then...isn't there a way to teleport everyone to one place?"
In response to the Jin family patriarch's question, Li Yanyun chuckled and said, "We do have one, but we need a spatial magic treasure that can forcibly immobilize us so we don't get scattered."
"But such treasures are rare, let alone a mere Golden Core Immortal Clan, even the Six Sects might not possess them."
"You're right, sir."
The crowd looked somber. The crafting of spatial treasures was something that only those at the Nascent Soul stage could do, and it was extremely difficult to do. Of all the treasures the six sects had existed for so long, only the Moonflower Palace was known to possess one.
This is not a merit-based item; it is said to be a landscape painting containing a miniature secret realm, specifically for disciples of sects to train and gain experience.
"But don't be discouraged, everyone. My family won't let you die in vain. This is a top-grade fourth-tier talisman. One is for defense, and the other is for escape. That should be enough for you to escape."
Li Yanshan waved his hand, and dozens of golden talismans flew into the hands of the five people. Seeing them put them away like treasures, he laughed:
"Since we need your help, we certainly won't let you die in vain. As for dealing with the Huang family's cold energy, we will send over the Warm Sun Jade and elixirs and talismans to dispel the cold and resist the Mind-Controlling Bell in a little while."
These things are valuable, but they are nothing compared to the spiritual objects that help one form the Golden Core. After all, one more person means one more source of strength.
It is important to know that it was precisely because the Li family armed the cultivators who entered the secret realm to the teeth at all costs that they were able to obtain that spiritual item, which led to the creation of Xuanhao Zhenren today.
We absolutely must get our hands on the spirit item this time!
Whether it's him, Li Yanhui, or Li Yanshan, they've all reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. They can't delay any longer. They should try their best to obtain any spiritual items that can increase their chances of forming a Core.
What's more, this spiritual object is so compatible with my own cultivation technique!
"Do any of you have any further questions? Please feel free to ask."
"My lord, once we enter, is there any way to determine each other's location? Also, where is our gathering place?"
The one who asked the question was naturally Zhang Lingyu. Li Yanyun slapped his thigh and laughed, "It was our oversight. We almost forgot that this is Clan Chief Zhang's first time here."
"Please rest assured, I will distribute sensing jade talismans before we set off. As long as we are not too far apart in the secret realm, the jade talisman will be able to sense each other. As for the meeting point in the secret realm, it is on the west side of the Water Moon Palace."
This is the unspoken rule among the three families: the Li family gathers on the west side, the Huang family on the east side, and the Du family on the south side. The north side is the gateway to the Cold Marrow Abyss, which opens on the fifth day after the secret realm opens.
Therefore, there is ample time for cultivators from all families to search for spiritual objects beforehand.
"Although there are many spiritual objects in other places, I must remind everyone that treasures are good, but you have to be alive to enjoy them. It is best to join other people before searching, so that your chances of survival will be greater."
Li Yanyun reminded him with a serious expression:
"If you all help my family obtain that item this time, you will be richly rewarded. If you find nothing in the secret realm, we will also give you some compensation."
In his opinion, Zhang Lingyu and the others should quickly reunite with him after entering the secret realm, so as to ensure the complete combat strength.
"We will keep in mind your instructions."
Although the four clan heads verbally agreed, they had different thoughts in their hearts.
A great battle is bound to break out in the Cold Marrow Abyss, and they won't be able to play a significant role. At most, they can only delay things for a while. The real battlefield lies in the three families at the peak and late stages of Foundation Establishment. If they really meet up ahead of time, they will miss out on countless spiritual treasures.
The Li family was aware of their thoughts, and they had given them the necessary reminders; it was just a matter of how much they would listen.
"Alright, in that case, please rest in my cave for a while, and we will set off together in three days."
......
The moon was bright and the stars were few. A full moon hung in the center, its clear light pouring down without reservation, enveloping the entire courtyard in a hazy moonlight.
In the center of the courtyard, Zhang Lingyu sat cross-legged on a blue stone cushion, his eyes gently closed, each breath echoing faintly in the bright moonlight.
The moonlight descended from the heavens, draping over him like a silver veil. At first, it was just a faint halo, but as the halo gradually intensified, it transformed into a visible silver-white stream of light, slowly gathering at his brow and flowing into his Niwan Palace.
This trip to the secret realm was far more dangerous than before, and Zhang Lingyu dared not relax in the slightest. Even though they were to depart in three days, he wanted to cultivate for as long as he could.
As the sun rose and set, he slowly withdrew from his cultivation to prepare for practicing swordsmanship. However, before that, he had to check the daily intelligence reports.
[Level 3 Intelligence: ......]
[Level 3 Intelligence: ......]
[Level 4 Intelligence: The Water Moon Secret Realm in Jade Lake County, Zhao Kingdom, will open in two days. In the core areas, the Cold Marrow Abyss and Dragon Whirlpool Lake, two spiritual artifacts aiding in Core Formation, the Water Curtain Heavenly Essence, have matured. Each is guarded by a peak fourth-tier demonic beast. Those wishing to proceed should proceed with caution.]
"Water Curtain Sky Splendor?"
"There are actually two! And there's a trail beneath Dragon Whirlpool Lake!"
Upon seeing this intelligence report, Zhang Lingyu froze on the spot. The Water Moon Secret Realm mentioned in the report was not some other place, but the very place he was about to go.
After all, this secret realm was established by the Water Moon Sect.
As for the Water Curtain Heavenly Flower... he also knew about it. After Li Yanshan found him, he used the intelligence system to investigate and found that what the three Golden Core Immortal Clans were plotting was the Water Curtain Heavenly Flower.
These spiritual objects can assist in the formation of the core, increasing the chances by a full 10%, comparable to the Earthly Essence. However, their growth environment is extremely demanding, usually at the bottom of extremely deep water.
The Cold Marrow Abyss perfectly fits this condition, which is why the three families fought there regardless of the cost, rather than wasting time in other areas.
"Lake Dragon Whirlpool does meet the requirements."
Dragon Whirlpool Lake is second only to Cold Marrow Abyss in terms of the abundance of resources, and its underwater structure is roughly the same, which does meet the living conditions of Water Curtain Sky Flower, but it is still a bit lacking.
In fact, all three families had considered going there, and had searched after the previous openings, but unfortunately, they found nothing.
If it weren't for the intelligence system reminding him, Zhang Lingyu wouldn't have believed it either.
However, thinking about it now, it's not impossible. After all, the secret realm has been opened four times. Each time, a new water curtain of heavenly splendor would grow in the Frost Marrow Abyss. Dragon Vortex Lake was almost there, but since it met the corresponding conditions, it was just that it would take longer to grow.
However, there is another possibility: that it may have grown before but was taken away, and based on relevant information, it was most likely eaten by a monster.
After all, that place is guarded by a peak fourth-tier demonic beast.
The more Zhang Lingyu thought about it, the more real it felt. Only such a spiritual object could allow him to advance to the peak of the fourth rank. It was precisely because the demon beast felt that this object was beneficial to it that it guarded it continuously.
Now, we only need to wait until it matures before we can devour it again and then we can challenge the Demon King.
"Unfortunately... even if it succeeds, it will be of no use."
This secret realm is only a small one. The rules of heaven and earth do not allow the existence of Golden Core cultivators inside. Even if one were to succeed, the secret realm would be directly destroyed, and being caught in the spatial turbulence would be a certain death.
"Although protected by a peak fourth-tier demonic beast, it's not impossible to obtain the Water Curtain Heavenly Splendor."
Zhang Lingyu originally had no hope. A year ago, he thought that the Water Curtain Heavenly Splendor only existed in the Cold Marrow Abyss, which was also the central battlefield. It was simply a pipe dream to try to snatch it from three Foundation Establishment Peak cultivators and dozens of late-stage cultivators.
Even if you manage to snag one, you won't have a chance to take it out.
So I decided to gather some spiritual items and make the most of this trip to the secret realm.
Now, another magnificent water curtain appears before my eyes; it would be a lie to say I'm not moved.
It is dangerous, but compared to the Cold Marrow Abyss, it is nothing.
Let's look at the specific information first.
As fifty intelligence points were used up, specific information about the Water Curtain Heavenly Flower in Dragon Whirlpool Lake appeared before his eyes. After a while, Zhang Lingyu finally made up his mind to go and obtain it.
With his own strength, he was capable of holding his own against a peak fourth-tier demonic beast. In addition, with the two top-grade fourth-tier talismans that the Li family had given him yesterday, he could easily obtain them before leaving.
Of course, this is the worst-case scenario; he has a magical artifact that can conceal his aura.
Misty Jade Pendant!
The magical artifact left behind by Master Mingyu is quite useful; it can conceal one's aura and cultivation level, and change one's appearance—truly a valuable treasure.
With his divine soul comparable to the late Foundation Establishment stage, once he unleashed it, it would be enough to prevent demonic beasts from noticing him.
The only risk is that the monster will escape after obtaining the Water Curtain Heavenly Flower. At that time, the monster will definitely go crazy, and then it will depend on your own abilities.
......
three days later.
At the bottom of Jade Lake, a dark, oppressive water pressure enveloped everything, with only the various spiritual lights emanating from the cultivators casting shimmering reflections in the murky lake water.
The waters of Jade Lake have long lost their former clarity, churning and surging due to the violent spiritual energy, forming black undercurrents that carry pebbles and aquatic plants as they weave through the opposing crowd.
Although the secret realm has not yet been opened, the powerful auras of dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators collided and tore each other underwater like angry dragons, shattering the surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth.
Zhang Lingyu and his group were located on the east side of the lake bottom, while the Du family stood on the west side. They all coldly watched the Huang family cultivators opposite them. Of course, their main gazes were focused on a young man in white.
Huang Yunshan.
Although this person is at the peak of Foundation Establishment, his aura is much stronger than that of the peak members of the Li and Du families. He is currently holding a spirit fan and has a black bell hanging at his waist.
"Clang clang clang..."
As the water flowed over him, the bell emitted a series of extremely eerie sounds, which sounded like celestial music to ordinary cultivators, captivating them and making them linger.
But to Zhang Lingyu, it was clearly the sound of a vengeful ghost howling.
"snort!"
Faced with such a trick, Li Yanyun and the Du family patriarch waved their sleeves, and the effect of the Mind-Capturing Bell immediately vanished, buried by the chaotic sound of flowing water.
"Huang Yunshan, Huang Yunxuan, you don't need to show off your little tricks here. The truth will be revealed in the secret realm."
"Why is Chief Du so angry? What's wrong with experiencing the power of the Mind-Capturing Bell beforehand? It will give you a better idea of what to do once you enter the secret realm."
The Huang family remained unmoved by the Du family's mockery. Instead, their patriarch laughed and said, "Now that you're here to protect us, just make sure you don't get lost in the illusion of this magical artifact."
"Hehe, you don't need to worry about that, fellow Daoist. It's best to use such evil and heretical things sparingly, lest you bring disaster upon yourself."
"No need for Fellow Daoist Li to worry about it."
Huang Yunxuan gave a casual reply and then fell silent. He turned to Huang Yunshan beside him and secretly transmitted his voice, "Yunshan, what do you say about the gathering of cultivators from the Li and Du families this time?"
"After a quick look, it's pretty much as I guessed."
"The Li family was led by Li Yanhui, and later by Li Yunrui, Li Yunkang, Li Yunchen, and Li Yunjing."
"The Du family was led by Du Ruoyu, and later by Du Hexuan, Du Hebo, Du Hecheng, and Du Hefan."
The three families only have a handful of outstanding direct descendants, so it's obvious who will come and who won't. As for those mid-Foundation Establishment cultivators, they're not worth a second thought.
"That's true, but Li Yanhui and Du Ruoyu are not simple characters. You have to be careful."
Unlike him, Huang Yunxuan remained composed and said with considerable concern:
"The late-stage Golden Core cultivator who has mastered the Blood Spirit True Explanation has not yet been found. The return of the Six Sects' Heavenly Demon Lord has also caused the True Person great concern. In this chaotic situation, we must break through to the Golden Core stage as soon as possible in order to protect our clan."
In fact, all three sides share this mentality; otherwise, they wouldn't have spent such a huge amount of money to arm their respective cultivators. It can be said that this should be the second largest and bloodiest battle since the opening of the secret realm.
"Rest assured, Chieftain, with that item in hand, we're almost certain to seize the spiritual treasure this time!"
Huang Yunshan seemed completely unconcerned, glancing at the two cultivators staring at him, and laughed:
"This time, I'm making sure none of them leave here alive!"
......
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