Zhang Cheng and His Plans

Chapter 146 Returning to the City and Plans

This cave dwelling contains, in addition to the alchemy room, a weapon-refining room, a cultivation room, and a private chamber for making puppets and talismans.

The weapon-refining room contains many mid-grade third-tier spiritual materials, as well as several common third-tier grade three spiritual materials. The cultivation room also contains several high-grade third-tier magic treasures.

The secret chamber for making puppets and talismans contains many second-tier high-grade puppets, but no third-tier puppets.

"It seems that this senior Xuan Dan was a second-tier high-grade puppet maker in his previous life."

Jiang Yun followed behind Wen Changqing and the others, but did not participate in the distribution of the treasures.

After leaving the alchemy room, all the treasures in the cave belonged to Yu Siyan, Yao Ling, and Wen Changqing.

He watched the three of them looting treasures from behind. When they arrived at the secret chamber where puppets were made, he saw a large number of second-tier high-grade puppets and began to ponder.

"The third level of the Thousand Machine Divine Control Technique is a split-manipulation technique that can control a large number of puppets. You can study the puppet-making technique when you have time."

"Among the four spirit boxes on the stone platform in the main hall just now, there was a jade slip. This jade slip contained a secret technique for making puppets, called the Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique. I don't know what rank it is."

Thinking of this, Jiang Yun turned his gaze to Yao Ling.

Previously, Yao Ling had taken away the Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique. If it were the inheritance of the third-order puppet making technique, it could be exchanged with Yao Ling.

Before long, the puppet room was ransacked, and all the second-tier high-grade puppets were divided up by Yu Siyan and her two companions.

As for the lower-grade puppets and treasures, the three of them didn't care about them and left them where they were.

Next, the four explored the remaining ordinary secret rooms.

Apart from some miscellaneous items and a few ordinary magical artifacts, there were no other valuable treasures inside.

"It seems we've already looted all the treasures from this cave."

Wen Changqing looked around, shook his head slightly, and said with a hint of satisfaction.

"Yes, the harvest this time has far exceeded expectations."

Yu Siyan nodded, her face full of joy.

Jiang Yun stood to the side, his gaze sweeping over the three of them, feeling quite satisfied.

He had already taken the Spirit-Stabilizing Pill, which was already his biggest gain.

In addition, there is the Purple Heart Jade Ginseng, a third-grade superior alchemy furnace, and the alchemy inheritance of the Xuan Dan True Man. It can be said that Jiang Yun is the biggest winner in this joint venture of the four into the Dong Cave.

"We should leave the cave as soon as possible and get away from the Qixi Mountains to avoid encountering the Demon King," Yao Ling said solemnly.

"Alright." Jiang Yun and the others nodded in agreement and then left the cave.

After leaving the cave and flying out of the Qixi Mountain Range.

The four of them then opened their own caves in a large mountain and meditated in their caves to recover their magical power.

Ten days later, all four of them had recovered to their peak condition and then gathered together to prepare to leave.

"Fellow Daoists, this trip to the cave is largely thanks to everyone's concerted efforts."

Jiang Yun smiled slightly, took out a jade bottle from his storage ring, and handed it to Yu Siyan.

"Fairy Rain, this is the Youth Preservation Pill that I promised earlier. Please accept it."

Yu Siyan took the jade bottle and probed it with her divine sense. A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhou."

She accepted the pills and quickly thanked him.

This youth-preserving pill can keep her looking young forever, how could she not be overjoyed?

"A youth-preserving pill?" Upon hearing this, Yao Ling's eyes widened as she looked at Jiang Yun.

Her eyes lit up, and she opened her mouth as if to say something.

Jiang Yun waved his hand, then turned to her from the light and said calmly, "Fairy Yao, I have something I would like to discuss with you."

Yao Ling was slightly taken aback, then nodded and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, please speak."

Jiang Yun said frankly, "I am quite interested in the 'Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique' in your possession, Fairy. I wonder if you would be willing to part with it?"

Upon hearing this, Yao Ling's expression shifted slightly.

She wasn't really interested in puppetry, since her main focus was water-based techniques, and puppetry wasn't very useful to her.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, do you want this Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique?" Yao Ling immediately took out the jade slip containing the cultivation method.

After a moment's hesitation, she said, "This puppet technique is useless to me. I'll give it to Fellow Daoist Zhou."

After saying that, she stepped forward and handed the jade slip to Jiang Yun, intentionally or unintentionally touching Jiang Yun's hand with her fingers.

Jiang Yun smiled; he knew exactly what Yao Ling meant.

He had clearly seen Yao Ling's expression when she took out the Youth-Preserving Pill.

At this time, how could someone give away the Heavenly Puppet Technique for free?

Jiang Yun ignored Yao Ling's intentional or unintentional physical contact, and instead accepted the jade slip and began to examine it with his divine sense.

"This Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique is actually a third-tier, high-grade puppet-making inheritance."

Upon learning that the Heavenly Puppet Technique was a third-tier puppet inheritance, Jiang Yun was overjoyed.

Using his ability to distract himself, he created many puppets to act as helpers, making him a formidable force in battle.

Jiang Yun put the jade slip into his storage ring, smiled, and took out a jade bottle, handing it to Yao Ling.

The jade bottle looks exactly the same as the one that was given to Yu Siyan before.

Yao Ling's face immediately lit up with joy. Presumably, the pill in the jade bottle was also a youth-preserving pill!

"No reward without merit. This is a Youth Preservation Pill; please keep it safe, Fairy."

As he spoke, Jiang Yun handed the jade bottle to Yao Ling.

The implication is that a Youth-Preserving Pill can be exchanged for the Heavenly Puppet Technique, which is of little use to Yao Ling.

Yao Ling took the jade bottle and probed it with her divine sense, discovering that it was indeed a youth-preserving pill.

"Great! It really is a youth-preserving pill!"

"Now I can stay young like my junior sister."

She accepted the pills, looked up at Jiang Yun with a smile, and said, "Then thank you very much, Zhou Dao."

"They even have a youth-preserving pill?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Siyan and Wen Changqing couldn't help but glance at Jiang Yun, somewhat surprised.

They didn't expect that Jiang Yun would still have more Youth Preservation Pills in his possession after auctioning off six.

"Alright, fellow Daoists, this matter is settled. We shall meet again if fate allows."

After completing the transaction of the Youth Preservation Pill and the Heavenly Puppet Technique, the four exchanged communication methods and then politely bid farewell.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, Fellow Daoist Wen, if you need anything in the future, please feel free to contact me," Yao Ling said.

"Okay." Jiang Yun and Wen Changqing nodded.

Yu Siyan looked at Jiang Yun, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.

"Fellow Daoists, farewell."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the four parted ways.

Yu Siyan and Yao Ling fled north together.

That direction should be the direction of the Xuan Shuang Sect, so it's obvious that the two of them are heading back to the sect.

Jiang Yun and Wen Changqing flew south together, returning to Canglan Immortal City.

"This trip to the cave was very fruitful."

During his journey, Jiang Yun wiped his storage ring with his hand.

The storage ring now contained a high-grade third-tier alchemy furnace and a much-needed third-tier alchemy inheritance.

"With this alchemy furnace, and the alchemy inheritance of the Profound Pill True Man, becoming a mid-grade third-level alchemist is just around the corner."

"However, the most important thing right now is still to cultivate the Nine Revolutions Nirvana Shattering Pill Technique."

"I will first return to Canglan Immortal City to recuperate, and then I will seek an opportunity to form my core and complete the first three stages of the Nine Revolutions Nirvana Core Shattering Technique as soon as possible."

To advance to the mid-level third-tier alchemist level, one must first spend time thoroughly understanding and mastering the alchemy tradition of the Mysterious Pill True Man.

Jiang Yun guessed that it would take at least thirty years to fully master and break through to the level of a mid-grade third-tier alchemist.

These thirty years would be better spent cultivating the Nine Revolutions Nirvana Shattering Pill Technique.

It's not too late to try to become a mid-grade alchemist after completing the first three stages of the Nine Revolutions Nirvana Pill Shattering Technique.

After all, one's cultivation level can only steadily improve after completing the first three revolutions of the Nine Revolutions Nirvana Shattering Pill Technique.

"We're going to hunt down third-tier monsters to obtain their inner cores."

3

Jiang Yun's heart stirred slightly.

To cultivate the first three stages of the Nine Revolutions Nirvana Shattering Pill Technique, at least three sets of Core Formation resources are required.

The opportunity to form a core is extremely rare, so the only way is to go out and explore, hunting down some third-tier demonic beasts to obtain their inner cores.

a few days later.

The majestic outline of the Canglan Immortal City's walls had already come into view for Jiang Yun and Wen Changqing.

The two of them spent no more than a month exploring the cave of the Mysterious Elixir Master.

They returned to Qixingfang and headed straight for the cave.

After all, they are neighbors, and even their destinations are the same.

"Brother Wen, I'm going into seclusion for a while. What about you?" Jiang Yun asked with a smile outside the cave.

"I should also go into seclusion," Wen Changqing said with a smile.

After chatting for a few moments, the two went into their respective caves.

Wen Changqing returned to his cave and saw his younger sister, Wen Ruyu, making talismans.

"Brother, you're back!"

Wen Ruyu stopped what she was doing, quite pleased, and stepped forward to ask, "How was it? Did you encounter any danger while exploring the cave ruins with Senior Zhou?"

Wen Changqing smiled. "Are you worried about me or about that Senior Zhou?"

"Oh dear, of course I'm worried about you!" Wen Ruyu glared at Wen Changqing.

"I see." Wen Changqing pondered and said, "You don't need to worry about that Senior Zhou. He's much better than your brother."

"Huh?" Wen Ruyu asked, puzzled. "What do you mean? Is Senior Zhou even more powerful than my brother?"

"Brother Zhou is truly unfathomable; not only does he possess the cultivation of the early Core Formation stage, but he is also a body cultivator at the mid-Core Formation stage!"

Wen Changqing said with a sigh.

"A body cultivator at the mid-stage of Core Formation, such a powerful physique, I am truly envious."

Upon hearing this, Wen Ruyu's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Senior Zhou is a body cultivator at the mid-stage of Core Formation! That's amazing!"

"He is not only a third-level alchemist, but also has the cultivation level of the early stage of Core Formation and the body cultivation level of the middle stage of Core Formation."

"Yes, it seems he is indeed stronger than my brother." Wen Ruyu nodded at Wen Changqing and said seriously.

"Hehe." Wen Changqing's lips twitched. He ignored Wen Ruyu and said, "This trip to the cave was quite fruitful. Most importantly, we gained a favor from Zhou Yun."

"If there are any important matters in the future, we can ask him for help."

Upon hearing this, Wen Ruyu naturally knew what Wen Changqing was talking about.

She walked up to Wen Changqing and said, "What treasures did you obtain in the cave? Show them to me."

"You're not getting any, get out of here!"

On the other side, in the neighboring cave.

Jiang Yun returned to his cave dwelling, activated the restrictions, and took stock of his harvest in the alchemy room.

Of course, the most important thing is to memorize all the third-tier alchemy inheritance, as well as the pill formulas and the Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique, so that you can study them at any time.

He first took out the jade slip containing the "Secret Techniques of the Celestial Puppet" and studied it carefully.

"The Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique: Puppets crafted according to this method."

"Second-tier puppets are called Earth Puppets, while third-tier puppets are called Heaven Puppets."

"If it is made with high-grade spiritual materials that can absorb lightning, the puppet's grade can be improved through lightning tempering, and it can even withstand heavenly tribulations!"

""

"Hmm—this Heavenly Puppet Technique does have its unique aspects; it must have been an opportunity obtained by True Immortal Xuandan."

Jiang Yun began to comprehend the secret art of the Heavenly Puppet, but did not start making puppets.

He simply memorized all the contents of the Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique.

After memorizing the Heavenly Puppet Secret Technique, Jiang Yun then took out the third-tier superior-grade alchemy inheritance of True Master Xuandan, the Xuandan Alchemy Record, and True Master Xuandan's alchemy insights.

"Finally, I have a third-tier alchemy inheritance, and it's even a high-grade third-tier one. I can use it to try to become a fourth-tier alchemist."

With a thought, Jiang Yun immediately began to study the alchemy inheritance.

"what?"

After reading through all the contents of the alchemy inheritance, Jiang Yun couldn't help but let out a surprised exclamation.

"This alchemy tradition actually records the formulas for these two kinds of pills, but it doesn't specify the grade of the pills."

"One type is the Demon-Attracting Powder, which emits a special aura to attract the attention of some demonic beasts."

"The other type is the Spirit Beast Pill, which can enhance the strength of a spirit beast if given to it."

Jiang Yun was quite surprised.

The alchemy traditions I received in the past mostly contained elixirs that were not related to demonic beasts.

The Xuan Dan alchemy manual I obtained this time actually contains pills that can enhance the strength of demonic beasts.

"That's interesting."

Jiang Yun wondered if he could consider taming a spirit beast as a mount.

After a short while, he shook his head, focusing his mind on the alchemy tradition and memorizing it.

As for his alchemy insights, Jiang Yun also memorized them, so he could study them whenever needed.

Having memorized the alchemy inheritance and insights, Jiang Yun took out a third-grade high-quality alchemy furnace.

From the alchemy insights of the Xuan Dan Master, Jiang Yun learned that this third-grade high-quality alchemy furnace was called the Xuan Dan Furnace.

"The Mysterious Elixir Furnace—the name sounds mysterious, but I wonder if it can actually refine Mysterious Elixirs."

Looking at the high-grade third-level pill furnace, Jiang Yun immediately had the idea of ​​trying his hand at refining pills.

"This is my first time using a high-grade third-tier alchemy furnace. I'll use it to refine a Mind-Concentrating Pill and see how this furnace performs."

With this in mind, Jiang Yun took out the ingredients for the Mind-Concentrating Pill and began refining it.

Of course, these medicinal materials were not aged enough, and no thousand-year-old herbs were added; they were just for practice.

"As expected of a top-grade third-tier alchemy furnace!"

After some refining, although it ultimately failed, Jiang Yun was very satisfied with the alchemy furnace. A high-level alchemy furnace is indeed better than a low-level one.

However, now is not a good time to go into seclusion to refine elixirs.

"The matter of alchemy is not urgent for now. The most pressing task is to hunt down third-tier demonic beasts and obtain their inner cores to cultivate the Nine Revolutions Nirvana Shattering Pill Technique."

Jiang Yun composed himself and put the Xuan Dan Furnace back into his storage ring.

Although he is strong, his cultivation level is only at the early stage of Core Formation. He should find a way to improve his cultivation level now.

In the world of cultivation, the strong prey on the weak, and only one's own cultivation level is the foundation for survival.

Although the early stage of Core Formation has already stepped into the threshold of high-level cultivators, it is still not enough in this dangerous world of cultivation.

Jiang Yun secretly made his plans.

Third-tier demonic beasts are equivalent to human cultivators in the Core Formation stage in strength. They have thick skin and flesh, and their innate supernatural abilities are strange and difficult to deal with.

However, in contrast, the demon cores within them also contain extremely pure spiritual energy and demonic power.

It will be of great use to his cultivation of the Nine Revolutions Nirvana Shattering Pill Technique!