Seeking Immortality in a Bizarre World-Chapter 543 - 538 Entanglement? Borrowing and Returning_1
"Wang Fugui?"
The visitor was stunned for a moment before replying, "The Heavenly Palace Sect has no one by this name."
What’s going on? Was this person’s rank too low to have come into contact with Wang Fugui?
Thinking this, the Insect External Incarnation quickly handed over a Superior Grade Spirit Stone, smiling as he said, "Wang Fugui is indeed a cultivator of the Heavenly Palace Sect; there’s no mistake. If you do not know this person, could you please ask someone else to help?"
Wang Fugui was undoubtedly a cultivator of the Heavenly Palace Sect. Setting aside the Heavenly Palace Sect’s cultivation techniques, the fact that Wang Fugui had arranged for me to become a disciple of the Lingbao Sect, and had specifically instructed the Internal Affairs Manager to look after me, was the best proof of his status.
A Superior Grade Spirit Stone was worth ten thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones, and this was no small sum for a handyman.
With spirit stones, it was easier to get things done. It didn’t take long before he found several handymen, but none knew of Wang Fugui’s whereabouts.
With no other choice, he had to seek out a Nascent Soul stage Steward to finally understand the details of the matter.
"More than two hundred years ago, Wang Fugui was expelled from the Heavenly Palace Sect," the Steward said, sighing incessantly as he recalled the past.
Wang Fugui was expelled from the Heavenly Palace Sect? What had he done? He had guarded the Sealed Land for the Heavenly Palace Sect for a thousand years—a great contribution. Unless he did something to jeopardize the sect, the Heavenly Palace Sect wouldn’t expel him.
"This is a secret matter; I cannot tell you," the Steward said, stopping abruptly.
A secret? To Jia Ren, this seemed like nothing more than a ploy to demand more benefits.
He then took out a piece of black ancient jade and handed it to the Steward. This was a Nascent Soul Grade Treasure of decent quality and considerable value, just a step below a Pseudo Spirit Treasure and a genuine Spiritual Treasure.
The Steward didn’t think his information was particularly valuable. Seeing the black ancient jade, however, satisfaction spread across his face. "It seems my fellow Daoist has a deep relationship with a senior from my sect. Very well, it’s no harm in telling you," he said.
He casually pocketed the black ancient jade and then smiled as he explained, "The Heavenly Palace Sect possesses cultivation techniques that can aid other cultivators in improving their cultivation levels. Wang Fugui sponsored a cultivator from the Lingbao Sect. This once caused the Dark Demon Sect to linger around the Heavenly Palace Sect, resulting in the deaths of several disciples at the hands of demon cultivators. Not long after, that Lingbao Sect-affiliated cultivator provoked the Xuantiandao Sect. To prevent the trouble from spreading to the Heavenly Palace Sect, we had no choice but to expel Wang Fugui."
The Insect External Incarnation had thought Wang Fugui must have caused some huge disaster for the Heavenly Palace Sect to warrant his expulsion.
Unexpectedly... Wang Fugui’s expulsion from the sect was related to *me*. The actions of the Heavenly Palace Sect weren’t necessarily wrong. Sects value collective interests and prioritize the bigger picture. When a disciple invites danger capable of annihilating the sect, the sect must consider the overall situation and will inevitably sacrifice some individuals. Without a doubt, Wang Fugui was the sacrifice this time...
"Do you know Wang Fugui’s whereabouts?"
"I’m not sure," the Steward said, shaking his head. Who would care about someone expelled from their sect?
The Insect External Incarnation’s expression turned grim. It wouldn’t be easy to find Wang Fugui. Over two hundred years have passed since he was expelled from the Heavenly Palace Sect. Times have changed, and people have moved on. It’s uncertain where he is now. Finding one person in the vast Mysterious Realm is incredibly difficult.
Since Wang Fugui was no longer in the Heavenly Palace Sect, there was no need for the Insect External Incarnation to stay. He turned and left.
Before leaving, he remembered the long-forgotten... Tongluo Sound Disc.
This was the communication-type magical treasure Wang Fugui had given me in the Sealed Land. This item hasn’t been used in such a long time.
With a tentative attitude, Jia Ren activated the Tongluo Sound Disc. After a moment, the item responded.
A figure flashed past. A white-robed youth, emanating the Spiritual Power Fluctuations of the Divinity Transformation Stage, flew over. He held a Tongluo Sound Disc in his hand.
"Master once mentioned that if someone uses this item to contact him, I am to tell them that all is well and they should focus on their cultivation in peace," the youth said. "He has returned to his old home and is safe and sound."
Hearing this, this must be Wang Fugui’s disciple. Did Wang Fugui leave behind the Tongluo Sound Disc specifically to inform me of his whereabouts? Returned to his old home? He hasn’t gone back to the Sealed Land, has he? For Wang Fugui, his own cultivation isn’t important. As long as he finds a peerless genius to invest in, he can achieve success effortlessly.
Another advantage of Wang Fugui entering the Sealed Land is that no one can use him to threaten Jia Ren. They couldn’t possibly break into the Sealed Land, could they? To prevent the escape of Bizarre Demons, the gates between the Mysterious Realm and the Sealed Land are not opened during normal times, making it impossible for ordinary cultivators to enter. The Sealed Land is isolated from the world, a true place of tranquility. Ultimately, I was still the one who caused him trouble...
"Thank you for the information. I shall take my leave."
The Insect External Incarnation bowed in thanks and quickly left.
Thanks to this person’s information, I finally know Wang Fugui’s whereabouts. I still need to ask Wang Fugui about the Golden Scale Wind-Riding Technique! My purpose in coming to the Heavenly Palace Sect, besides seeing Wang Fugui again, was to obtain the Golden Scale Wind-Riding Technique. I’m not familiar with Wang Fugui’s disciple and have no intention of revealing my identity, so it won’t be easy to get the technique from him. The Sealed Land is my ultimate destination. It won’t be long before I see my old friend again.
The Insect External Incarnation sped away, flying towards the Wavy Sea Market. He traveled at a swift pace, easily covering twenty thousand li in a day.
「Half a month later.」
The Wavy Sea Market was within sight.
Approaching the market, he stopped his escape light, preparing to enter the Wavy Sea Market and use the teleportation array. The ocean is vast, making it easy to get lost. Taking the teleportation array is much safer.
Without any delay, he decisively stepped into the teleportation array.
Just then, a portly and a skinny cultivator arrived, seemingly also intending to enter the Tianlan Sea.
"This fellow Daoist seems unfamiliar. You’re not a local cultivator, I take it!" one of them said.
The two were Late-stage Divinity Transformation cultivators and struck up a conversation, acting as if they were old acquaintances.
The number of magical beasts in the Tianlan Sea had been declining year by year. Although fifth-order magical beasts were present, their numbers were small, and encounters depended on luck. Every year, Divinity Transformation Stage cultivators would come to the Tianlan Sea Area to hunt magical beasts and earn some extra income. Very few cultivators at the Lianxu Stage or above entered the Tianlan Sea Area, as it lacked cultivation resources that interested them.
"Meeting is fate. I’ll pay the spirit stones for you, fellow Daoist," the portly cultivator said, tossing three Superior Grade Spirit Stones to the guards as the teleportation fee for all three. "No need for change; consider the extra a tip for yourself."
"Fellow Daoist, there’s no need for you to cover my teleportation fee."
A single Superior Grade Spirit Stone meant little to a Divinity Transformation Stage cultivator, but the Insect External Incarnation seldom encountered such overly familiar types and had no desire to get too friendly with them.
The short, portly cultivator’s demeanor chilled as his face hardened. "Fellow Daoist, are you looking down on me? What’s the big deal about a single Superior Grade Spirit Stone?!"
The tall, skinny cultivator laughed. "Indeed, since we’ve met by fate, why be so distant?"
Helpless, the Insect External Incarnation nodded in agreement.
Each of the three took a Teleportation Talisman handed to them and disappeared amidst the flare of the transmission light.
「Moments later.」
The teleportation array on Qingsang Island lit up, and the three of them appeared out of thin air.
Qingsang Island is exactly as I remember, covered in qingsang trees where Green Silk Worms are bred.
"Many thanks to you both, fellow Daoists. I shall take my leave here," the Insect External Incarnation said, walking out of the teleportation array. He made a cupped fist gesture towards the two and was about to depart.
"Fellow Daoist, don’t rush off! Our meeting in the Tianlan Sea is fate," the tall, skinny cultivator said, his smile warm and seemingly sincere. "My brother and I have discovered a sea area teeming with sixth-order magical beasts, but it’s too much for just the two of us to handle. We originally intended to find another person to hunt with us after reaching the Tianlan Sea Area. Since we’ve met you, fellow Daoist, why not let this opportunity benefit you?"
Join forces to hunt magical beasts? A chill ran through the Insect External Incarnation’s heart. Without the slightest hesitation, he firmly refused, "I am here to find someone and have no interest in hunting magical beasts. I appreciate your kind offer, fellow Daoists."
There’s no such thing as unmotivated kindness in this world. Jia Ren had always been wary of joining forces to hunt magical beasts or explore ruins with strangers. As a cultivator who had clawed his way up from the bottom, even if he hadn’t personally experienced such betrayal, he’d seen and heard enough cautionary tales. Hunting with unfamiliar cultivators and exploring ancient caves were among the most dangerous activities. With little trust to begin with, dividing the spoils after a joint hunt was always a major issue. Exploring caves carried similar risks, not to mention the possibility of Bizarre Cultivators setting traps. You might be hoping for treasures, but your supposed partners could be after your storage bag. Jia Ren’s accumulated experience could be summed up as: as long as one isn’t blinded by greed, most troubles can be avoided. Besides, times had changed; Jia Ren was no longer interested in the rewards from hunting sixth-order magical beasts.
"Searching for someone?" the tall, skinny cultivator hurriedly persuaded. "Fellow Daoist, don’t be hasty. After we join forces to hunt these magical beasts, my brother and I will help you find your person."
This behavior only heightened Jia Ren’s suspicion of their ill intentions. If they genuinely wanted to help, they should offer to assist with the search first, then hunt, not the other way around. This supposed gathering place of magical beasts was very likely a trap. The sea, unlike land, imposed fewer restrictions on cultivators, making it much easier to kill someone and dispose of the body in the vast expanse of water. If a cultivator with a significant background were to die here, finding the murderer would be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Consequently, killings at sea were commonplace, making it an ideal hunting ground for Bizarre Cultivators to cause trouble.
"No need to trouble yourselves, fellow Daoists. I bid you farewell." The Insect External Incarnation couldn’t be bothered to waste any more words on them and swiftly departed, activating his escape light.
The two exchanged glances. The tall cultivator’s expression remained unchanged, but the short, portly one couldn’t hide his displeasure, his face darkening.
The Insect External Incarnation flew on, recalling the general route to the Sealed Land from memory. All I remember after leaving the Sealed Land is a stretch of the Black Sea with sparse spiritual energy. There are no coordinates in the Tianlan Sea, and even though cultivators possess photographic memories, finding the way isn’t easy. Once I enter that region of the Black Sea, perhaps I can use the World-Devouring Sentinel’s senses to find the corresponding hidden passage.
As he was thinking this, he faintly sensed two streaks of escape light pursuing him from behind. With a quick scan of his senses, he knew it was the short, portly cultivator and the tall, skinny one catching up.
"Fellow Daoist, you still owe me a Superior Grade Spirit Stone! Isn’t it time you returned it?" one of them called out. "Repay what you borrow, and borrowing again won’t be difficult!"
As if in response to those words, the next moment, the Insect External Incarnation felt an inexplicable suppression on his spiritual power, hindering its circulation.
What kind of technique is this? Could it be related to the Superior Grade Spirit Stone I ’paid’ earlier? This is the first time I’ve encountered such a method! Jia Ren was naturally stunned.
"How about you repay it with your life!"
The two gave the Insect External Incarnation no chance. Black Scissors and a Bronze Gong, two Life-bound Magic Treasures emanating Divinity Transformation-level auras, descended upon Jia Ren’s head.
