Seeking Immortality in a Bizarre World-Chapter 469 - 464: Mysterious Heavenly Spiritual Treasure? Chicken-Child Master_1
The God-binding Chain is simply irresistible! If there were a due date for returning it, I’d wish it were ten thousand years...
Jia Ren took care of Fei Zhong, withdrew his Insect External Incarnation, and gathered the items left behind after his death, along with a piece of his flesh. The Demon Cultivators from the Dark Demon Sect possessed numerous treasures and formidable Divine Skills. Jia Ren did not want to miss out.
He had thought that since this person dared to venture into the territory of the Lingbao Sect, lay in ambush, and attempt to assassinate him, he might be a great power at the Lianxu Stage or Body Integration Realm. Who would have thought he’d be such a weakling? A false alarm.
"Audacious scoundrel, how dare you cause trouble in the Lingbao Sect!"
Furious shouts erupted from the Void as several figures flew over, each exuding an aura far more terrifying than the Demon Cultivator.
The rescue came too late. Had I not possessed a life-saving measure, my body would have long since gone cold.
The arriving Lianxu Stage and Body Integration Realm Cultivators turned their gaze to Jia Ren, then to the Soul-binding Chain he had just put away, their expressions odd.
The Demon Cultivator was dead? And he died at the hands of a disciple at the Nascent Soul Early Stage?
However, wielding a Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure and slaying a Lianxu Stage Cultivator was not surprising. Each Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure possesses a unique power. The Soul-binding Chain, for instance, specifically targets Divine Souls. When used against Cultivators below the Body Integration Realm, no one can break free. A Nascent Soul Early Stage Cultivator relying on this treasure could overpower a stronger opponent; it wouldn’t be a difficult feat.
"The Demon Cultivators from the Dark Demon Sect are truly audacious! To be wanted by the Lingbao Sect and still dare to cause trouble right at our doorstep, they utterly disregard the Lingbao Sect."
"You did well. Killing a Demon Cultivator from the Dark Demon Sect is a great merit."
"You must be Jia Ren, right? The Dark Demon Sect seems to have a peculiar interest in you." An elderly man with a sallow complexion stared at Jia Ren, his voice carrying an inexplicable undertone.
"Greetings, Martial Uncles."
The old man stared at Jia Ren so intently it made him shiver. Without a word, the old man then vanished a thousand miles away.
A nearby Lianxu Stage Cultivator chuckled and explained to Jia Ren, "His title is Bai Yan, and he has always been at odds with your master."
"With the splash you’ve made this time, I’m afraid his disciples are in for some bad luck."
Jia Ren: ???
"The Lingbao Sect has been silent for too long. Have people stopped taking us seriously?!"
"It’s about time we cleared out these pests!"
Within the Lingbao Sect, a colossal tower emerged, projecting a world-shaking divine light that enveloped the Lingbao Sect and the surrounding ten thousand miles.
In an instant, cries of alarm rose from Yunluo Market. Dozens of Escape Lights shot into the sky, their occupants’ faces filled with terror. A few of these auras were far stronger than Fei Zhong’s. These were Demon Cultivators lurking in the market, gathering intelligence on the Lingbao Sect or harboring other intentions.
Regardless of their intentions, they all met a disastrous end this time. Facing the divine light, they were powerless to resist and were all reduced to dust.
The area within ten thousand miles of the Lingbao Sect was instantaneously cleansed by the divine light, leaving no trace or scent of Demon Cultivators.
So powerful! What treasure could this be? I’ve used the Soul-binding Chain, but compared to the treasure that just unleashed its power, the difference is like heaven and earth. Could this be the legendary Mysterious Heavenly Spiritual Treasure? My treasured Soul-binding Chain suddenly lost its allure.
"What could have provoked the Patriarch to act? It’s been a long time since the Patriarch was this furious."
Several Lianxu Stage Cultivators hurried back to the Sect, with Jia Ren following closely.
With no external interference, they returned to the Sect smoothly.
Several Lianxu Stage Cultivators bowed to an old man with a salt-and-pepper beard. Beside him stood a young man with features familiar to Ma Zhongyuan, exuding the Spiritual Power Fluctuation of the Nascent Soul Stage. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂
The Nascent Soul period cultivators, without a word, hastily departed. They still harbored resentment over their prized disciple being snatched away.
Ma Tianbao’s master, a Mahayana Cultivator of the Lingbao Sect?
Jia Ren, following behind, hurriedly bowed to the Mahayana Patriarch. "Thank you, Patriarch, for your intervention. I am deeply grateful." Though the assistance came a step late, I still deeply appreciated the sentiment.
"Jikong went to the Jiao Dragon Secret Realm, so he couldn’t protect his precious disciple."
"If you want to thank someone, thank Ma Tianbao! It was he who asked me to intervene."
The status of a Mahayana Cultivator is sublime. They represent the very foundation of the Lingbao Sect. This is the foundation upon which the Lingbao Sect stands as a top sect in the Mysterious Realm. Unless the Sect’s survival was at stake, how could a Mahayana Realm powerhouse easily intervene? The reason must lie with Ma Tianbao.
"You have rendered meritorious service to the Sect, and the Sect will not be stingy with its rewards. Afterward, you may go to the Lingbao Vault and choose one Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure."
This last sentence was not spoken aloud but transmitted directly into his ear via a secret technique, heard by only a select few.
A reward of a Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure? If this news spreads, who knows how many people would be green with envy? I feel both joy and an inexplicable unease. The Soul-binding Chain was one thing, merely borrowed, and its real owner is Ancestor Ji Kong. A Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure to call my own, however, is a different matter altogether. Even my Eldest Senior Brother at the Lianxu Stage, let alone over ninety percent of Lianxu Stage Cultivators, doesn’t possess a single Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure. This would draw far too much attention. Having just been targeted, my heart can’t settle. If similar news spreads, it could make me the thorn in many people’s sides. I prefer to develop in the shadows and don’t want to cause too much of a stir.
"Master’s contributions are paramount. I dare not claim credit. The Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure should rightfully belong to Master."
Ancestor Jikong didn’t conceal my contributions, which proves he isn’t the kind of master to covet his disciple’s achievements. The Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure should still be handed over to Ancestor Jikong. Being able to get the materials needed for refining a Sky-reaching Spirit Treasure would be enough for me. A treasure refined by my own hand is best for peace of mind and security. I also wouldn’t need to worry about the risk of exposing my secrets.
Grand Ancestor Tai Yuan gave Jia Ren a deep look, said nothing more, and vanished from the spot.
With the Mahayana Patriarch’s departure, the pressure on Jia Ren decreased sharply. Having such a strong presence nearby, I feel as though all my secrets could be seen through, which ultimately makes me uneasy.
"Thank you, Brother Ma, for your help," Jia Ren said, cupping his fists in thanks to Ma Tianbao.
The favor extended this time was indeed significant. Without the Soul-binding Chain, holding out until rescue arrived would have been crucial. It would have determined whether I could survive an encounter with a Lianxu Stage cultivator.
"Uncle Jia, why be so formal with me?"
"You are the greatest benefactor of my life, Ma Tianbao!"
"Uncle Jia, any request you have, as long as it’s within my power, I will do my utmost to fulfill it."
Ma Tianbao had been taught by Ma Zhongyuan and Li Ruhua, both of whom had good characters. Parents are a child’s best teachers; the son they raised wouldn’t stray too far from the right path.
Hearing Ma Tianbao’s words, Jia Ren understood that the other party already knew about the Infant Carp. Without the Infant Carp, Ma Tianbao would have struggled to be born, let alone possess such heaven-defying aptitude. This debt of gratitude was even greater than the guidance and enlightenment received from Grand Ancestor Tai Yuan. Without excellent aptitude and talent, how could one be chosen by a Mahayana Patriarch and rise so rapidly?
"Zhongyuan and I share a profound friendship. Seeing you succeed is my greatest wish, so there’s no need to speak of requests."
Indeed, Ma Tianbao could catapult me to great heights, but he could also bring unexpected troubles. My grudge with the Dark Demon Sect is inextricably linked to Ma Tianbao. Even if I intend to leverage his power in the future, I’ll wait until Ma Tianbao has grown stronger.
"Uncle Jia, I know it’s too early to make promises now. Just wait for the day I truly rise to prominence," Ma Tianbao said.
Jia Ren didn’t doubt Ma Tianbao’s potential. His growth rate was astonishing; in a short time, he had become a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator. It wouldn’t take him long to catch up to his father. Catching up to me would be a bit difficult for him, but I still feel the pressure of the younger generation surpassing the older, like a new wave crashing onto the shore.
"Father is still waiting for news from you, Uncle Jia."
The two chatted for a while longer before heading straight to Ma Zhongyuan’s residence.
Ma Zhongyuan, sensing their arrival, quickly left his Cave to welcome them. Seeing Jia Ren return safely, he finally said, "Brother Jia, seeing you unharmed puts my mind at ease."
It was not surprising that Ma Zhongyuan had also broken through to the Divinity Transformation Stage. Jia Ren’s cultivation breakthroughs relied on his own opportunities. Ma Zhongyuan, on the other hand, had relied on his cultivation partner in the past and now relied on his son; he had truly perfected the art of coasting on others’ achievements.
"We haven’t seen each other for a long time. This time, you must tell me about your travels outside."
"I’ve been stuck in the Lingbao Sect for the past century, unable to go out. It’s been unbearable."
As Ma Tianbao’s father, Ma Zhongyuan held a special status. If he left the Sect, he would be vulnerable; his Divine Soul and bloodline could be extracted and used in curses against Ma Tianbao. The risk was too high, so he had no choice but to remain in the Lingbao Sect and not venture out. Ma Zhongyuan was also someone who preferred action over inaction, and this confinement was a source of great frustration for him.
"Father, ultimately, I am the one who has inconvenienced you," Ma Tianbao sighed, sharing the same sense of helplessness. Since birth, he had never left the Sect; even going out on a trip was forbidden. Assigning a Nascent Soul period cultivator as an escort? That couldn’t guarantee safety. No one could guarantee that the top-tier sects wouldn’t shamelessly deploy their own Mahayana Realm ’living fossils’ to make a move.
"I’ve already implored Master, and he agreed that after my Advancement to the Divine Ascension Period, I can go to several of the Lingbao Sect’s Secret Realms for training."
While Jia Ren and the Ma father and son were chatting, Zhuo Chengdao arrived. Upon receiving Jia Ren’s call for help, he had immediately reported the matter to the elders of the Heterodox Peak lineage, which led to the arrival of several Nascent Soul period and Lianxu Stage cultivators.
"Junior Brother Jia, it’s truly great to see you’re alright!" Zhuo Chengdao said, sighing in relief upon seeing Jia Ren unharmed.
Jia Ren looked at Zhuo Chengdao and smiled, "Elder Brother Zhuo, I’m only truly at ease now that I see you’re unharmed." Based on my understanding of Zhuo Chengdao, he would most likely have gone to that so-called Ancient Cave Dwelling. The Ancient Cave Dwelling might very well be a trap set for him, waiting for his unwitting plunge.
"Heh heh, thanks to Junior Brother Jia’s reminder, that was indeed a trap targeting me. Naturally, I didn’t fall for it."
"My plan to wear down my enemy with my own life... has fallen through..."
"The good die young, while scourges live for millennia. My enemy has already advanced to the Body Integration Realm..."
Zhuo Chengdao’s smile carried a hint of bitterness. He had thought the gap between himself and his enemy was closing, but it turned out he had already been left far behind. Breaking through to the Lianxu Stage gave me some confidence, but reaching the Body Integration Realm... that’s extremely difficult. Most importantly... if I were to die at my enemy’s hands, Ancestor Jikong might not have the power to avenge me.
"You should relay this news to Master; give him a little pressure."
"Ancestor Jikong, as a high-ranking cultivator of the Lingbao Sect, has access to resources far exceeding those of cultivators from ordinary families and sects. Yet, he’s been surpassed in cultivation Realm. Ask him if he doesn’t find that shameful!"
Unlike Ma Zhongyuan, I can’t rely on a cultivation partner or a son. I can only hope Master has a resurgence in his later years.
