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墨書 Inktalez
"Do you know about Heavenly Grain?" Spirit Stone asked, stroking the mouse's whiskers thoughtfully.
Heavenly Grain? Li Hong had heard Chu Xi mention it a few times. It was a major sect dedicated to providing Elixirs for the Immortal Sect, with strength rivaling that of the Nine Major Sects of the Immortal Sect. Several past Sect Masters had been from Heavenly Grain, known as the Master of the Grain, which spoke volumes about their power. Heavenly Grain was divided into Southern Valley and North Valley, with North Valley being the main branch and Southern Valley as the subsidiary. Currently, it seemed that the Southern Valley Master was a Female Cultivator, who was a senior sister to the North Grain Sect Master.
"Do you know why our Nine Major Sects of the Immortal Sect rely on Heavenly Grain for all our Elixirs?" Spirit Stone nodded at Li Hong's response and posed another question.
Indeed, this was something Li Hong had always found puzzling. Alchemy could be difficult or easy, so why did the Nine Major Sects entrust such an important lifeline to Heavenly Grain? Wasn't that akin to letting oneself be slaughtered?
Spirit Stone said coldly, "If you knew the reason, it wouldn't be surprising at all. Because within Northern Grain of the Heavenly Harvest lies an Ancient Celestial Field! For many years, this Ancient Celestial Field has produced Elixirs that can only be found in the Immortal Realm. Many recipes for essential Elixirs in today's Cultivation World contain one or two main ingredients that can only be sourced from this Ancient Celestial Field. The Ancient Celestial Field! Even though the Nine Major Sects possess their own caves, none have access to a field capable of producing Elixirs like that. They can only watch as Heavenly Grain's power grows."
Such a secret! Li Hong's eyes widened. An Ancient Celestial Field that produces Elixirs! The existence of such a treasure mine meant that Heavenly Grain's strength was not to be underestimated! He immediately felt his palms sweating.
Spirit Stone lowered his voice: "Since the establishment of the Immortal Sect, all sects have relied on Heavenly Grain for their required Elixirs. In recent years, for some unknown reason, they have repeatedly reduced their quotas. This has caused considerable internal strife among the Nine Major Sects, nearly leading to a united attack on their Mountain Gate! However, due to Heavenly Grain's strength and public opinion within the Immortal Sect, they couldn't do much about it. This time when all sects united to suppress the Demon Sect, Heavenly Grain still refused to increase their supply of Elixirs. The Sect Master finally decided to confront Heavenly Grain for an explanation. North Grain Sect Master Qing Yizi personally went to Kunlun to explain the situation. It turns out that for nearly a thousand years, this Ancient Celestial Field has been mysteriously shrinking, causing many areas that produce spiritual herbs to disappear! The production of Elixirs has decreased significantly, and many important Elixirs are simply no longer available; they are currently relying on what they have accumulated over thousands of years. It's already quite difficult for them; they have no way to resolve this."
Li Hong listened in shock. No wonder Elixirs were becoming increasingly scarce within Nine Li Sect; Fifth Senior Brother Chu Gang had even gone out with his precious Spirit Talisman under Spirit Stone's suggestion to exchange for Elixirs—now it all made sense.
It should be noted that aside from cultivation, medicinal assistance is also an important factor in becoming an immortal. If Li Hong hadn't taken the Supplementary Spirit Pill back then, he wouldn't have easily broken through to reach the threshold of cultivation. Although he repeatedly warned himself not to rely on external forces like Elixirs afterward, he was an exception. Many disciples relied on Elixirs at critical moments to rapidly enhance their cultivation levels. Without these Elixir boosts, who knows how many years those with lesser talents would need to make any progress?
But how did the reduction in production from the Ancient Celestial Field relate to this upcoming Celestial Sect Grand Tournament?
Seeing his confusion, Spirit Stone stroked his beard and said: "On the surface, this Celestial Sect Grand Tournament is meant to showcase our Immortal Sect's new talents; however, it's different from previous tournaments because it's not being held by any one of the Nine Major Sects but rather at Northern Grain of the Heavenly Harvest. It is said that part of it will take place in that Ancient Celestial Field." He looked at Li Hong: "Do you understand now?"
Li Hong was taken aback and hurriedly asked: "Who proposed holding this new talent competition at Heavenly Grain? Was it really North Grain Sect Master Qing Yizi himself?"
"You've indeed seen through its implications!" Spirit Stone nodded with a cold smile: "Qing Yizi has malicious intentions; he wants our Nine Major Sects' newcomers to serve as test subjects and stepping stones for him. We might as well play along and thoroughly investigate their Ancient Celestial Field! So everyone unanimously agreed that this tournament would take place at Heavenly Grain while secretly preparing themselves. Our Nine Li Sect is no exception; I estimate there will soon be a secret order from our Sect Leader instructing you newcomers to gather together for intensive training and ensure you elevate your cultivation levels as quickly as possible—no expense will be spared."
Li Hong felt uncertain inside. Heavenly Grain was exposing its greatest secret before the entire Immortal Sect—what were they really planning? If they were genuinely open-hearted and had nothing to hide, sending a few public figures from the Immortal Sect in would clarify everything. But if what Master said was true—that they intended to use these newcomers as test subjects to uncover the secrets behind the disappearance of the Ancient Celestial Field—then wouldn’t he and his fellow newcomers be in danger?
"Therefore, Master has assigned you an important task: once you enter the Ancient Celestial Field, make sure to uncover the truth and report back to me and Sect Leader Uncle." He sighed: "Among this batch of newcomers, I believe only you are exceptional enough and possess a Celestial Artifact for protection; thus we can worry less about your safety. Your junior brothers won't fare as well; just being able to protect themselves would be fortunate. That's why Master has no choice but to assign you this most dangerous mission. You must keep this in mind." He said solemnly: "However, prioritize your own safety while also finding ways to look after your three junior brothers—just do your best; if anything happens, Master won't blame you."
Li Hong solemnly agreed.
Spirit Stone sighed: "I estimate that soon there will be regulations regarding this tournament; none of us older generation may even get into the Ancient Celestial Field—that’s only right. The people from Heavenly Grain aren't worried about you juniors but rather about us experienced ones. It's just unfortunate for you... sigh, I'm afraid there may be injuries; that place is not ordinary at all. I'll provide more details once we receive those regulations."
Spirit Stone hesitated and said, “Regarding Old Eight, don’t take it too much to heart. Chuxuan is not a bad kid; he just thinks too much. In fact, he might only try to trip you up a little, and with his abilities, he can't really harm you. During this time, I will teach him more. If he continues like this, hmph! Don’t blame me for disregarding the Zhao Family’s reputation!”
Li Hong smiled bitterly; clearly, this was meant to reassure himself. Was Chuxuan’s behavior really not bad? Moreover, he still suspected that Chuxuan had a hand in the incident at Fire Cave.
After a lengthy discourse, Spirit Stone seemed somewhat tired—he had been busy organizing “motivational public activities” since returning to the mountain and hadn’t taken the time to rest or meditate properly. He said amiably, “That’s enough for today; you can go back now.”
Li Hong responded and turned to leave, feeling Spirit Stone’s gaze on his back. Suddenly, he turned around and asked Ask the Way, “Where is the Eternal Dragon Bone?”
Spirit Stone was taken aback and instinctively replied, “At Fire Cave, of course.” Realizing what he had said, he laughed and scolded, “You little rascal are trying to set a trap for your master. What do you want to know that for? Are you planning to refine some kind of weapon?”
Li Hong grinned and said, “Exactly! Master, please rest; I’ll be heading back.”
Upon returning to Summit Green Pavilion, Li Hong first brewed himself a pot of tea and sat quietly in his study pondering.
The upcoming Immortal Sect newcomer competition no longer seemed worrisome regarding exposing Yue Que and the Fire Separation Pearl. His master would find a way to help him cover it up. However, what did the project concerning the Ancient Celestial Field mean? Ancient Celestial Field… Ancient Immortal Mansion… he pondered deeply.
********
When Chuxiong heard that Li Hong planned to sneak into Fire Cave, his eyes turned red: “If it weren’t for you saving me last time, I would have been dead. This time you’re going to find the Eternal Dragon Bone, you must take me along. One, I’ll keep watch for you; two, I want to see that place closely and remember how that little villain set us up!”
Li Hong felt a sense of sympathy and patted his shoulder: “It’s all in the past; there’s no need to dwell on it. Let’s go together.”
Since the incident with Chuxuan, Chuxiong had been holding back his anger and regret. He blamed himself for being greedy and falling into someone else's trap. Previously, he used to eat at least two hearty meals a day but now only ate once before immediately heading up to the Summit, diligently practicing day and night. This truly relieved Li Hong.
This straightforward and honest cousin had finally grown up and started to understand the treachery of human nature.
Upon reflection, Li Hong realized he had changed as well. When he first entered the Nine Li Mountain Gate, he was not just timid but also extremely cautious—he was afraid even a falling leaf might hit him; seeing those senior brothers flying around on their swords made him envious yet fearful. Now, however, he felt increasingly bold; when encountering senior brothers, he no longer felt any fear and spoke freely about whatever came to mind while disregarding many of the Rules of the Sect. Even the Chief Elder of Punishment didn’t intimidate him anymore. Tonight would be another instance of breaking the Rules of the Sect.
Was this change ultimately good or bad? Li Hong couldn’t say for sure, but one thing was certain: acting this way felt much more liberating—it was simply exhilarating!
With a slight smile on his lips, Li Hong took off with Chuxiong, flying quietly under the cover of night away from the Nine Vermilion Peaks, heading towards the Fire Cave.
This time they were familiar with the route; the Fire Cave was not far from Revival Valley. Lingyi traced a large circle in the deep blue sky before finally landing quietly at the entrance of the Fire Cave.
Li Hong and Chuxiong jumped down from Lingyi, staring at the fiery hole in front of them, their minds flashing back to that day.
With a thought, Awareness flowed through Li Hong's body, dispelling the slight fear he felt. He turned to Chuxiong with a confident smile and said, "Second brother, you stay here and guard. I'll be back soon."
Chuxiong nodded vigorously, "Eldest brother, be careful."
Li Hong leaped onto Lingyi and flew into the cave with his sword. The flames blazed brightly, and a heavy scent of sulfur hit him. Perhaps due to his increased cultivation, this time Li Hong did not feel as uncomfortable in the heat as he had before.
This was the Heaven and Earth Fire Spirit Eye of Middle-Earth; any ordinary iron that came close would immediately melt into molten iron. As for the Fire Lake in the center, even Heavenly Gold Essence Iron could not withstand it for long.
As Li Hong flew deeper, he recalled what he had seen last time. In the center of the Fire Cave was the Fire Lake, where it was impossible to find the remains of the Heavenly Torch. Suddenly, he remembered seeing small black holes high up on a distant cliff.
At that time, escape had been impossible, but now with Lingyi, that was likely the best place to search.
As Lingyi moved swiftly, they reached the end of the tunnel, revealing a vast space within the mountain. The Fire Lake bubbled with fiery red bubbles in the center. Through the misty steam, Li Hong's keen eyesight spotted some small black dots high up on the opposite cliff.
Just as he was about to fly toward those dots, he heard a loud shout: "Who dares to trespass into the Fire Cave! Leave at once!"
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