Chapter 830
Major Overhaul of Foundations, A Fortuitous Opportunity
hum~
The green light swirled, and the radiance faded away.
Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes, reached out and summoned the Azure Flame Banners that were positioned in all directions, which then circled back into his hand.
He was not injured in the fierce battle; his main task was to calm his blood and qi and recover from the loss of his true essence and spirit.
Given his fundamental abilities, his recovery will be much faster than that of ordinary celestial beings.
After a short period of rest and adjustment, I should be fully recovered.
Whoosh!
With a flick of his sleeve, Chen Ping'an transformed into a beam of light and shot towards the horizon.
Now that this matter is over, he should go back to Black Mist Valley and see how things are there.
Chen Ping'an suppressed his inner turmoil and soared through the sky.
Although he had not yet entered the path of formless freedom, he had already mastered the basics of concealing his aura. At present, as he flew by, although his speed was not at its peak, he had made an excellent balance between concealment and speed.
Ok?
Chen Ping'an hadn't gone far when he sensed a familiar aura.
It is as hot as a mountain, and as cold and hard as black rock.
"What a coincidence."
Chen Ping'an's expression was playful, a half-smile on his face.
What used to be a peeping look from the private rooms should now be reported.
Whoosh!
A streak of black light, with terrifying momentum, shot down from the sky.
Black Rock Old Monster had a cold and hard expression, his body was as tall and imposing as a mountain, his back was high and bulging, and with each breath he exuded terrifying blood and energy.
Rumble~
The blood and qi surged like a millstone, vibrating powerfully and making a rumbling sound.
Creek Valley
He came here to provide reinforcements, so his presence was quite imposing.
Support is different from encirclement and suppression. If we can deter the invading enemy with a show of force earlier, we can avoid a worse situation. This is the most correct move for both the people stationed in Creek Valley and the resources.
At this moment, Old Monster Black Rock was in a bad mood no matter what.
"Who on earth dares to invade my Hengshan Sect!"
Xiquan Valley is a key location for the Hengshan Sect outside Xuanling City. Its superior geography and beautiful springs make it ideal for cultivation. The Hengshan Sect has cultivated the valley for many years, establishing it as a renowned medicinal herb garden.
The valley is also guarded by pseudo-celestial beings, making it a relatively important industry for the Hengshan Sect within the Xuanling territory.
Ordinary forces, let alone whether they have the confidence to attack, even if they have the plan, do not have the strength.
Regardless of the attackers' motives, there is no doubt that their strength is exceptional. Otherwise, they wouldn't be in such a hurry to send out warnings and requests for help by shattering the sensing stones within Xiquan Valley.
"It should be a small, elite force. If it were a large-scale mobilization, there should have been prior warnings and alerts."
Black Rock Old Monster's expression was cold and hard, like a pitch-black mountain rock, as his thoughts shifted and he assessed the situation.
This time, the shattering of the sensing stone wasn't just something he could sense; some nearby Hengshan Sect outposts could also detect it. He happened to be patrolling Xuanling and stationed there, so his speed in providing reinforcements should be the fastest.
He should lead the charge in this reinforcement effort. If successful, it will be a great achievement. If unsuccessful, he should gather the remaining troops and hold out in Ling Valley.
However, the latter possibility is unlikely. The number of martial arts masters in the entire Xuanling region, including those who pass through this area, is limited.
As long as he doesn't encounter any celestial beings, his strength is more than enough to solve all problems.
Black Rock Old Monster was filled with pride and had a domineering attitude when he sensed an aura approaching him from afar at an unimaginable speed.
Black Rock Old Monster was immediately startled, his expression filled with doubt and uncertainty.
"This is."
A faint, eerie light swirled around it, its aura deep and mysterious, like descending into an abyss.
The ghostly light arrived in an instant, blocking the way for the Black Rock Monster.
hum~
The eerie light faded, revealing a figure.
"Black Rock, what a coincidence."
He was shrouded in a black robe, his face was aged, and his eyes were cold and lifeless.
"senior."
Black Rock Old Monster's expression was stiff, and his tone was extremely unnatural.
He never expected to encounter this menacing figure again here.
By the time he noticed the ghostly light, it was too late. Even if he wanted to avoid it, he could only think about it in his mind and had no choice but to bite the bullet and meet it.
"I was terrified to be here, senior."
Old Monster Black Rock bowed and clasped his hands, his expression no longer showing any of the coldness and hardness he had shown before.
Where are we headed?
Chen Ping'an's eyes were cold and his aura was as deep as an abyss as he sized up the Black Rock Monster in front of him.
Previously, the opponent had been flying away at high speed with great momentum, clearly indicating that they were in a hurry to get somewhere.
"Reporting to Senior, there has been a change in the Spirit Valley outside the city, and Black Rock is preparing to go and take a look."
Black Rock Old Monster was inwardly groaning, wishing he could get this matter over with as soon as possible.
That old monster is unpredictable; who knows what might happen in this desolate wilderness?
"Oh?"
Chen Ping'an calmly sized up the Black Rock Monster.
"Is there such a thing?"
But in the Black Rock Monster's senses, he suddenly felt a chilling, deathly aura rushing towards him, making his body feel cold and his whole body icy.
"Yes, it was all very sudden. I never expected to run into you here, senior."
Black Rock Old Monster wore a fawning smile, with a hint of servility.
Although it wasn't his first time experiencing this, Chen Ping'an still found it quite interesting to see this side of Black Rock Monster.
"Your commotion is overwhelming, disturbing my peace, Black Rock." Chen Ping'an's gaze fell upon him, cold and menacing: "You have quite the nerve."
"Please forgive me, senior."
Upon hearing this, Black Rock Monster immediately begged for mercy.
"When Hei Yan received the news of the change in Ling Valley, he was extremely anxious and, in his haste, disturbed your peace, senior."
The Black Rock Monster bent over, pleading in a low voice, as if he had no back.
Chen Ping'an watched calmly without saying a word.
Before he could even react, Black Rock, being quite the smooth operator, slid in and immediately fell to his knees without even struggling.
Feeling the chilling stillness around him, Black Rock Old Monster felt a chill in his heart. He gritted his teeth and took out an item from his treasured resources.
hum~
A flash of black light appeared, and a black jade hand warmer box materialized.
"Senior, this is a small token of my appreciation from Heiyan. Please accept it."
As they spoke, the jade box opened, revealing a piece of black crystal ore, deep and dark, with a jet-black luster.
Chen Ping'an remained calm and indicated that he did not accept the gift.
Again! ?
Black Rock Old Monster was inwardly groaning; he had already been tricked once before, and now he was going to be tricked again.
However, when you're under someone's roof, you have no choice but to bow your head.
Even within the Xuanling Heavy City, one dares not have too many safeguards, let alone now that we are outside the Xuanling City.
That's enough.
Losing money can avert disaster.
Black Rock Old Monster's thoughts shifted, and with a flick of his wrist, he produced another item.
“Senior, this is the Ice Soul Snow Lotus from the Great Snow Mountain. It can nourish the soul and calm the mind. Hei Yan just happened to obtain it, and today he presents it to you, Senior.”
As he spoke, a hint of pain flashed across Black Rock Old Monster's face.
This Ice Soul Snow Lotus is incredibly valuable, even surpassing the Crimson Fire Crystal Lotus of that day. It's an extremely high-grade spiritual object, possessing considerable value even for a martial arts master. He had originally intended to use it as a bargaining chip to purchase some body-refining elixirs. But now...
It's completely ruined.
Old Monster Black Rock thought that the matter would end after he offered up the Ice Soul Snow Lotus. But to his surprise, no sooner had he finished speaking than his chilling voice echoed throughout the surrounding space, layer upon layer, with a soul-stirring quality.
"I have already let bygones be bygones. Do you still intend to do the same today?"
As I said before, if there is a next time, I will not let it go easily!
The eerie sounds echoed, like a dreamlike void, carrying a sense of depravity and subversion within the cold, deathly silence.
Black Rock Monster's head was buzzing, and demonic sounds echoed in his ears. He felt his mind was in a state of confusion and almost fainted on the spot.
Chen Ping'an quietly watched the Black Rock Monster use the Bewitching Spirit Technique with his Celestial Soul, and it worked quite well.
Although this Black Rock Old Monster is skilled in refining his flesh and blood, he is not too weak in the way of the soul. Now that he has fallen into the illusion so easily, it is clear that his mastery of the way of bewitching spirits is also quite useful.
Once you thoroughly study and master Hua Ruyue's Soul-Suppressing Technique, you might be able to apply it to your own practice and create a new secret technique based on that.
"Black Rock, do you want to live or die today?"
Chen Ping'an's voice was cold and menacing, carrying a chilling undercurrent.
Black Rock Old Monster jolted awake, and at that moment, a chilling coldness rose in his heart.
"Senior, please spare your life, Senior, please spare your life."
Feeling the endless oppression around him, and the deathly silence of his soul, he could not muster the slightest resistance.
That one move alone was enough to terrify him.
Such methods were beyond the capabilities of even the sect's supreme elder, who had touched the edge of the second realm. The opponent's strength far exceeded his previous assessment.
Having experienced it firsthand, I feel genuinely terrified and my heart pounds with fear.
hum~
With a flash of black light, many things appeared in front of the Black Rock Monster.
"Senior, these are treasures that Heiyan recently acquired. I offer them all to you today, hoping that you will show mercy and spare Heiyan's life."
Black Rock Old Monster looked terrified and repeatedly begged for mercy.
Looking at what was in front of him, Chen Ping'an felt a strange sensation.
This Black Rock Monster is quite wealthy; this one sum alone surpasses the wealth of a considerable number of pseudo-celestial beings.
From the Xuanling Auction to the Bamboo Forest Trade, from the Azure Dragon Ceremony to the Xuanling Auction, this Black Rock Old Monster is active in various scenes. Such wealth is not something that an ordinary pseudo-celestial being can support.
Chen Ping'an spoke coldly as soon as a thought crossed his mind.
"Give me all your possessions, and I'll spare your life today!"
All his wealth?
Black Rock Old Monster's expression, which had been pleading for mercy, froze. In that instant, he had the thought of fighting to the death.
But then, gritting his teeth, he actually agreed.
If it were anyone else, he might have fought to the death today, but the old monster in front of him was no ordinary celestial being; he was probably a reclusive great cultivator.
He has teamed up with the Celestials several times for training and adventure, so he can't be mistaken!
"Let's take a gamble."
With a determined look in his heart, he actually took out the Thousand-Machine Bag he always carried with him.
hum~
With a wave of his hand, a Thousand-Machine Bag inlaid with gold thread and black patterns appeared in front of Chen Ping'an.
"Ok?"
Chen Ping'an hadn't expected that Old Monster Black Rock would have such courage.
He gave up his wealth accumulated over many years without hesitation.
The accumulation of hundreds of years and the depth of time it carries cannot be described in just a few words.
Unless it's a hopeless situation, anyone would try to fight for that sliver of hope.
The feeling of losing everything after years of hard work is something not everyone can bear.
This Black Rock Monster may seem reckless and crude, but in terms of temperament, he probably surpasses most of the pseudo-celestial beings.
One can glean some clues from his performance at the Azure Dragon Banquet.
I never expected him to have such courage.
Since that's the case, let's give him a chance.
Chen Ping'an reached out and grabbed the Thousand-Machine Bag with gold thread and black patterns, which fell into his hand.
With his divine sense, he could certainly sense things from afar. However, if he wanted to examine everything meticulously, leaving no detail overlooked, then it was naturally safest to do it personally.
Chen Ping'an sensed the "black rock" and probed into the Thousand Machine Bag. Looking at the many resources inside, he was quite surprised.
This Black Rock Old Monster's foundation is incredibly rich. He's more than capable of being a pseudo-Celestial Being, let alone a Martial Celestial Being. Aside from lacking powerful treasures or possessing pseudo-powerful treasures, his other attributes are basically at the maximum level for an ordinary Celestial Being, and in some aspects, even surpassing them.
"Imitation of a precious treasure, soaring through the sky on a spirit boat"
Chen Ping'an inspected the place very thoroughly, leaving no corner unchecked.
They searched not only inside the Thousand Machine Bag, but also on the body of the Black Rock Monster.
With his divine soul foundation, if he were to investigate freely without any obstruction, he could find out everything, even from a powerful cultivator at the Hidden Radiance Realm right in front of him.
Black Rock Old Monster looked at the old monster in front of him, awaiting the verdict of fate.
For him, this gamble was undoubtedly a high-stakes gamble with his destiny.
A high-stakes gamble that had no other choice but to take.
Whether he succeeds or fails, he is the biggest loser.
At this moment, his mood was unexpectedly calm.
A lifetime of spiritual practice must eventually come to an end.
He had known this principle since the moment he embarked on the path of cultivation.
just
Ultimately, I was still somewhat unwilling to accept it.
I was unable to climb to a higher level and appreciate the more beautiful scenery.
Black Rock Old Monster sighed with regret, and at this critical moment of life and death, he quietly closed his eyes, awaiting the choice of fate.
But after waiting for a long time, he never received his fate's verdict.
He opened his eyes and saw an old, lifeless face, and then he heard a sentence.
A sentence he may never forget for the rest of his life.
"Black Rock, I am offering you a great opportunity. Are you willing to seize it?"
"I will seek you out in the future!"
Chen Ping'an, his black robes fluttering, stood high in the sky, the dark blue light between his brows gradually fading, making him appear cold and aloof.
"Black Rock, you'd better watch yourself!"
Whoosh!
With a flick of his black robe, Chen Ping'an transformed into a streak of light, shooting into the distance and quickly disappearing into the horizon.
"Take care of yourself!"
Black Rock Old Monster stared blankly as the old monster's figure disappeared from his sight.
He lowered his head, looking at the Thousand-Machine Bag that had returned to his hands, feeling the swelling and dullness in his brow and heart. He didn't know if he had made the right decision.
Has he been completely hooked up with the wrong people, or has he truly embarked on a path of opportunity and good fortune, as the other party claimed?
Whether you can seize the opportunity depends on yourself.
Recalling what the other party had said, the Black Rock Monster's expression changed slightly, but then he trembled and transformed into a beam of light, leaving the place.
We don't know what lies ahead, but since we've chosen this path, let's just keep moving forward!
"The Palace of Wind and Clouds?"
The streaks of light shot forward, the black glow quickly disappearing into the horizon, leaving only a white halo and a sliver of celestial secret. (End of Chapter)