Cultivation Begins From The Desert-Chapter 774 - 757: 5 Divided by 2

Half a month later, Zhouyang seized the opportunity when several Nascent Soul Stage cultivators of the Great Brightness Immortal Palace were sent out on missions, quietly escaping from the Spirit Mountain where he was staying, then flew eastward without looking back toward the Boundless Desert Sea.

He found the timing to be extremely clever, and with his superior means of concealment and stealth, the cultivators on the mountain never thought that a dignified Nascent Soul Stage cultivator would do such a thing.

It wasn't until two days after his departure that Yin Hanguang received the news and discovered the letter Zhouyang left in the cave mansion.

The letter from Zhouyang did not reproach Yin Hanguang for anything, merely stating that he had nearly completed the task Yin Hanguang requested, and did not wish to linger any longer in the Westernmost Cultivation Realm, hence his departure without farewell.

By that time, he had already been gone for quite a while, and whether Yin Hanguang believed his words or not, there was no way to find him for confrontation, ultimately having to silently accept this.

After leaving the Westernmost Cultivation Realm, it didn't take Zhouyang two months to return to the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm.

At this moment, Li Hong was implementing his rejuvenation project in the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm, with nearly seventy percent of the cultivators in the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm being mobilized by the Zhou Family to vigorously build oasis strongholds at various locations.

To motivate these low-tier cultivators, Li Hong specially took thirty Foundation Establishment Pills and three portions of Purple Heart Jade Marrow from the clan's treasure vault for rewarding these people, and the Zhou Family also generously distributed spirit stones and elixirs to serve as their wages.

Seeing this bustling scene from high above, Zhouyang greatly admired Li Hong's organizational capability.

While it's true that cultivators are driven by incentives, it's equally challenging to manage them. To make these cultivators obedient like ordinary mortals and participate in repetitive labor is not something money alone can easily achieve.

Unfortunately...

Unfortunately, Li Hong's lifespan is nearing its end, and such a smart and capable lieutenant will soon have to retire permanently!

It's not that Zhouyang is unwilling to support Li Hong to form a Nascent Soul, but that Li Hong had struggled to form a Golden Core initially. Over the centuries, he had been distracted by managing clan affairs, and despite not lacking spirit elixirs for cultivation, he is currently only at the Sixth-Layer Golden Core, far from forming a Nascent Soul.

In this situation, even if Zhouyang wanted to lend him a hand, there's no way to start.

Without revealing himself to disturb the busily engaged cultivators of the Zhou Family, Zhouyang quietly descended with Lan Daoist onto the Red Tiger Mountain Oasis.

"Fellow Daoist Lan, please look, that is the temple of my master, True Monarch Donglai. Do you see the spiritual light emanating from the True Monarch's statue?"

At Red Tiger Mountain, outside the True Monarch Temple, Zhouyang and Lan Daoist, slightly concealing their figures with minor techniques, appeared at the location, and gazed from afar at the statue within the temple.

"The spiritual light is external, and the spiritual charm is internal; it indeed supports a venerable True Monarch with an Earth Immortal Dao Fruit!"

Lan Daoist looked solemnly at the statue with spiritual light emanating from it inside the temple, and after a long moment, slightly nodded and expressed his opinion.

Zhouyang further asked, "Then, Fellow Daoist Lan, what do you think of the secret array mechanism connecting the two realms as transmitted by my master? Do you think this array can truly communicate between the two realms?"

The matter of True Monarch Donglai transmitting cross-border techniques, he had explained to Lan Daoist while in the Kunxu Realm, and after returning from Donglai Immortal Island, having preliminarily verified Lan Daoist's loyalty and reliability, he shared with him the secret array setup method needed for transmitting the Innate Five Elements Jade, asking him to help in research.

Upon hearing Zhouyang's inquiry, Lan Daoist couldn't help but furrow his brows slightly, shaking his head and saying, "Pardon me, Fellow Daoist Zhou, but some knowledge involved in that secret array has gone beyond Lan's understanding, making it difficult for me to give a definitive answer to you."

"However, based on Lan's research, whether this secret array can take effect, the main reason does not lie on your side, but rather on your master's side. The array on your end is just a sub-array, and in the Upper Realm, there should be a much more complex and larger main array."

Is that so?

Zhouyang nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with Lan Daoist's statement.

That indeed makes sense!

The secret array taught by True Monarch Donglai seems complex and mysterious, yet the materials used in the array formation are not so rare that they cannot be found within a single realm.

If relying solely on these formation materials to construct an array capable of supporting such grand communication and transmission between realms, it would be exceedingly frivolous.

"I understand, thank you Fellow Daoist Lan for clarifying this for me."

Having thanked Lan Daoist, Zhouyang no longer lingered in the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm, and directly returned to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.

The journey was uneventful, and after returning to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, Zhouyang first went to the Wilderness Jungle to return the Vermilion Bird Fan to Zhu Zizhen.

Then, instead of returning to the Fire Birch Mountain Cave Mansion, he went to the Profound Sun Immortal Sect to meet Master Cyan Yang in person, presenting him with the replacement spiritual object list as per Lan Daoist's advice, requesting his assistance in leveraging the Profound Sun Immortal Sect's resources to search for these spiritual objects.

"The spiritual objects Fellow Daoist Zhou is seeking are rare and difficult to find. I will do my best to inquire which fellow daoists and forces possess these spiritual objects, but how to obtain them from those individuals will depend on your own means."

"However, from my experience, it would be best if Fellow Daoist Zhou prepares a list of treasures available for exchange. This way, if someone values a particular treasure of yours while possessing or knowing who possesses the needed spiritual object, they would be inclined to seek you out for an exchange."

After reviewing the list of spiritual objects provided by Zhouyang, Master Cyan Yang slightly furrowed his brows and then softly shared his perspective.

In a cultivation realm, there are only so many Nascent Soul Stage cultivators, many of whom are elusive, often travelling far and wide on adventures, while others remain secluded in long-term cultivation. Unless a significant event affecting the entire cultivation realm occurs, or there's some major gathering, active Nascent Soul cultivators are few and far between.

Moreover, spiritual objects useful to Nascent Soul cultivators are typically possessed only by Nascent Soul cultivators. Thus, to facilitate easy exchange and quickly locate desired spiritual objects, a trade network dedicated to such exchanges has been established under the initiation of some cultivators.

Through a specialized means of communication, Master Cyan Yang can convey Zhouyang's list of required spiritual objects to more than half of the Nascent Soul Stage cultivators in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, or to their designated agents.

Those who receive the list, if interested in an exchange, will respond; if not interested, or if they haven't received the message, they would simply ignore it.

"Elder Cyan Yang, you are right; I will prepare the list now."

As Zhouyang spoke, he immediately produced a blank jade scroll, recorded therein the names of treasures he could offer for exchange, and handed it to Master Cyan Yang.

"It's remarkable that Fellow Daoist Zhou is willing to offer even Tier Six spiritual artifacts for exchange. Surely, many cultivators possessing the spiritual objects you need will be tempted."

Master Cyan Yang, after taking a brief glance at the information inside the jade scroll handed by Zhouyang, expressed his amazement while looking at him.

He always knew that Zhouyang was quite wealthy, incomparable to ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators.

Yet, he hadn't expected that Zhouyang could treat Tier Six spiritual artifacts as common items for exchange, using them to trade for some raw material spiritual objects.

"I hope it will be as Elder Cyan Yang says."

Zhouyang nodded but did not seem too optimistic.

In Lan Daoist's replacement list of spiritual objects, finding a single item might not be difficult, but locating five different attributes of spiritual objects is exceedingly challenging.

Zhouyang himself currently only has a Tier Six High-Grade Demon Pill obtained from the Profound Armor Demon King, which can serve as a replacement for a water attribute spiritual object, but he has not yet made any progress on finding objects of the other attributes.

In reality, Master Cyan Yang is just one of the channels through which he is seeking these spiritual objects. If he cannot find them in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, he will inevitably have to visit other cultivation realms, for he absolutely must gather all these spiritual objects.

Subsequently, Zhouyang visited his son Zhou Guangcheng briefly before returning to the Fire Birch Mountain Cave Mansion to await news.

"Congratulations, husband has finally returned. Was your journey smooth?"

On Fire Birch Mountain, Xiao Ying was quite pleased to see Zhouyang return safely. She knew what Zhouyang went to do in the Land of the Far West Cultivation Realm and had been worrying about her beloved during this period.

"Everything went smoothly, all matters have been resolved."

Zhouyang nodded slightly and responded to his Dao Companion's concern with a smile.

"That's good, that's good."

Xiao Ying's pretty face relaxed and she revealed a happy smile.

She was quite satisfied with her current life and loathed anyone disturbing their tranquil and peaceful life.

Zhouyang understood her feelings, so he naturally wouldn't let her know about those bothersome matters.

Next, Zhouyang quietly cultivated on Fire Birch Mountain while accompanying his Dao Companion, waiting for news from all sides.

The efficiency of Master Cyan Yang's side was not low. After waiting for about half a year, a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator holding an Earth Attribute Spiritual Object, the Earth Essence Marrow Crystal, replied, willing to meet him for a discussion.

Upon receiving this news, he immediately left his cave mansion to meet at the specified location.

However, upon seeing the person, his expression became somewhat strange.

"So the actual person wanting to make this deal with Zhou is not Fellow Daoist Sun from the Celestial Spirit Sect, but you, Fellow Daoist Xu from the Beast-Taming Sect?"

Looking at 'Master Celestial Serpent' Xu Hanwen before him, Zhouyang spoke affirmatively.

'Master Celestial Serpent' Xu Hanwen had attended his Nascent Soul Ceremony and represented the Beast-Taming Sect, gifting him a rare Spirit Fruit, the Transformation Fruit, as a congratulatory gift, amicably settling past grievances.

Logically, there was no need for the other party to play such a trick of replacement to meet him. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Please forgive me, Fellow Daoist Zhou. I had no choice but to ask Fellow Daoist Sun for help."

Xu Hanwen gave a wry smile, clasped his hands towards Zhouyang, and softly explained, then quickly said, "But rest assured, Fellow Daoist, the Earth Essence Marrow Crystal that you require is indeed in my possession."

"Alright, I won't ask Fellow Daoist Xu for the reason. As long as Fellow Daoist Xu truly possesses the Earth Essence Marrow Crystal. But what does Fellow Daoist Xu wish to exchange for this item?"

Zhouyang waved his hand, not pursuing the matter.

Xu Hanwen breathed a sigh of relief and quickly said, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhou, for understanding. I wish to exchange it for the Tier Six Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill in your possession."

"The Tier Six Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill, is Fellow Daoist Xu exchanging it for your Six-winged Celestial Snake?"

Zhouyang narrowed his eyes, immediately realizing Xu Hanwen's intention for exchanging this spiritual object.

Hearing his words, Xu Hanwen merely smiled without speaking, implicitly agreeing.

Seeing this, Zhouyang didn't bother asking further and nodded, "Alright, please show the Earth Essence Marrow Crystal first to Zhou for inspection. If it meets my requirements, then the Tier Six Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill is yours."

"Of course, Fellow Daoist Zhou, please have a look. This is the Earth Essence Marrow Crystal in my possession."

Xu Hanwen said this, raising his hand, producing an egg-sized earth-yellow crystal stone and handed it to Zhouyang.

The Earth Essence Marrow Crystal is an extremely valuable Earth Attribute Spiritual Object, only found within Stalactite Spirit Stones over a hundred thousand years old, containing highly concentrated and pure Earth Attribute Spiritual Power. Nascent Soul Stage cultivators with Earth Attribute Techniques can directly refine the spiritual power within to elevate their cultivation.

In terms of value, an egg-sized Earth Essence Marrow Crystal is worth more than a Top-grade Spirit Stone.

Of course, the Tier Six Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill that Zhouyang was exchanging wasn't inferior. In the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, such items were rare even in a thousand years, its value surpassing that of the Earth Essence Marrow Crystal.

At this point, Zhouyang carefully examined the earth-yellow crystal in his hand, confirming its authenticity, and then nodded slightly to Xu Hanwen, "Indeed, this is an unused complete Earth Essence Marrow Crystal. The Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill is yours."

After speaking, he turned his palm and put away the Earth Essence Marrow Crystal, retrieving a special skin pouch containing the Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill and tossing it to Xu Hanwen.

The Tier Six Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill contained highly potent toxins, and ordinary jade or wooden boxes couldn't hold it, so Zhouyang could only use a pouch made from Jiao Hide to preserve it.

Xu Hanwen, recognizing the material of the pouch and recalling what it contained, couldn't help but gaze at Zhouyang with respect, exclaiming, "Fellow Daoist Zhou is indeed powerful, able to slay even a formidable creature like a Tier Six Poison Flood Dragon!"

This exclamation peaked when he opened the pouch and saw the Tier Six Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill inside.

The Poison Flood Dragon in the Kunxu Realm wasn't a Tier Six Lower-grade Demon King but a genuine Tier Six Middle-grade Demon King, thus the Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill was also a Tier Six Middle-grade Demon Pill.

"This... this is a Tier Six Middle-grade Jiao Pill!"

Xu Hanwen looked up at Zhouyang in shock, his eyes filled with joy.

"Indeed, this is the Tier Six Middle-grade Poison Flood Dragon King's Demon Pill."

Zhouyang nodded slightly, confirming the matter.

With these words, Xu Hanwen's joy deepened several degrees.

Yet, he quickly seemed to have thought of something, looking at Zhouyang with a nervous expression, "The Earth Essence Marrow Crystal for a Tier Six Lower-grade Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill is barely a fair trade, but a Tier Six Middle-grade Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill means I'm getting a massive bargain. Are you sure you want to trade, Fellow Daoist Zhou?"

Benefitting from an advantageous deal might be a good thing, but having lived so many years, Xu Hanwen understood deeply that seemingly good opportunities often hid unseen dangers.

He acknowledged that his relationship with Zhouyang hadn't reached a level where Zhouyang would let him have such a bargain without concern.

This made him cautious by necessity.

"Fellow Daoist Xu overthinks. The exchange among us beings is merely a matter of meeting needs. Even if there's slight value disparity, it's normal. Since I've included the Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill in the exchange list, I wouldn't care about such things."

Zhouyang smiled, seemingly understanding what Xu Hanwen was worried about, calming his anxiety with a composed demeanor.

Seeing this, Xu Hanwen breathed a long sigh of relief, exclaiming, "Fellow Daoist Zhou is magnanimous, I admire you. It's only today that I understand that your swift advancement to this Realm wasn't sheer luck, but because of your extraordinary talent and character. If I swapped roles with you, I certainly wouldn't be able to make such concessions."

After saying this, his face showed a fleeting hesitation, then like he made a decision, he looked at Zhouyang and said, "Since you're so generous, Fellow Daoist Zhou, I can't simply take advantage of you. I might have a piece of information you might be interested in, as compensation for the excess value beyond the Poison Flood Dragon Demon Pill."

"With you saying that, Fellow Daoist Xu, could it be you know information on the other spiritual objects I'm seeking?"

"Indeed, that's the case."