stonecrandall Chapter 743 - 649: First Hints of Sharpness
Chapter 743 - 649: First Hints of Sharpness
At this moment, Shen Xuan’s mental realm was rather good.
Last time, when he faced the Jile Demon Lord from the Hehuan Sect, he intentionally experienced a heart demon trial.
Although it was a mimic and weakened version.
Overall, Shen Xuan was quite satisfied with his actions.
Perhaps not everything goes as planned.
On reflection, he hadn’t committed any conscience-related misdeeds, nor failed others.
"It’s a pity that [Ice Soul Rebirth] has to pause cultivation."
[Ice Soul Rebirth] not only creates a big scene but also consumes a great amount of Pill Essence Spiritual Power.
To ensure safety, Shen Xuan temporarily stopped cultivating [Ice Soul Rebirth].
Lest he lacks Pill Essence Spiritual Power during an unexpected event.
Fortunately, he had as many as two thousand Ice Soul Crystals.
Enough to handle most situations.
This is the benefit of having abundant resources.
No matter how much spiritual power is consumed, it can be timely replenished.
"In the future, when cultivating [Ice Soul Rebirth], greater attention should be paid to quality."
In Shen Xuan’s eyes.
The Ice Soul Crystal that could be condensed in just two hours was overly simplistic.
According to the original intent of [Ice Soul Rebirth], the true Ice Soul Crystal could repair the divine soul and restructure the flesh body.
However, such Ice Soul Crystal requires full devotion.
The divine soul and spiritual power consumption is exceptionally large.
After cultivation, the body would become exhausted.
Nearby Flame Island, it was clearly not safe enough.
"If there’s no invasion from the Demon Race, I could cultivate continuously on Starlight Island until the peak of the late Golden Core stage, impacting the Nascent Soul Realm!"
Shen Xuan didn’t pin the hope of Nascent Soul Formation on Cyan Cloud Sect.
He didn’t even place it on Song Country.
The Cyan Cloud Sect’s foundation can only support one person to impact the Nascent Soul Realm.
The Spirit Sword True Master and Mysterious Trace True Master will inevitably have a fierce battle.
Shen Xuan didn’t intend to participate at all.
Who wins and who loses, who forms the Nascent Soul, none of it influences him.
As long as he doesn’t use Cyan Cloud Sect’s resources, nor reside in Cyan Cloud Peak.
Whoever becomes Nascent Soul doesn’t have a conflict of interest with him.
As long as his strength is strong enough, he can establish a lineage, without needing to choose sides.
...
Flowers bloom and fade.
Unknowingly, Shen Xuan spent a year on Flame Island.
Everything was progressing smoothly.
Shen Xuan also became accustomed to these days of calm cultivation.
His guidance for Yang Huofeng became increasingly infrequent.
Regarding nurturing Yang Huofeng, Ming Shen True Master was even more attentive than him.
Came more frequently.
Shen Xuan enjoyed being the hands-off steward.
Originally, this was a matter for the Fire Cloud Sect.
He was merely fulfilling the Heavenly Dao vow.
On this day, just as he was about to begin cultivation.
Suddenly, he felt a stir in his heart.
The tracking mark attached to Yang Yunfan displayed an unusual movement trajectory.
"Finally made a move. If not soon, I would think the cultivators of Yue Country are all benevolent and kind-hearted."
The most unpredictable thing in the world is human nature.
Shen Xuan wasn’t like the Mingyu Demon Lord, perceiving others as hell, with the assumption of universal malice.
But he wouldn’t easily trust others either.
In reality, very few people could earn his trust.
Shen Xuan swiftly exited the secret chamber of the cave mansion.
"Huofeng, follow me."
Upon hearing the summons from his master, Yang Huofeng stepped out of the practice room with a perplexed look.
The two concealed their breaths and became invisible as they flew out of Red Cloud Peak.
...
Darkness, bumpiness, suffocation.
Yang Yunfan struggled to regain consciousness from a state of coma.
He found himself confined in a narrow, dark space.
Filled with the musty smell of leather.
He tried to move but his limbs and body were weak and powerless, lacking any strength.
A cold barb wire tightly bound him from head to toe.
Even without this binding spirit cord, he was currently unable to circulate any spiritual power, or make any sound, like a lamb waiting for the slaughter.
"Trapped!"
Like a thunderclap, his mind exploded, instantly drowned by endless remorse and fear.
Memories surged like a tide.
Three months ago, he left the talisman chamber of the Fire Cloud Sect as usual, heading to the market’s "Hundred Flavors Pavilion" to procure Tier Three demon beast meat for his daughter.
As he was selecting goods, a delightful and familiar voice sounded behind him.
"Brother Yunfan?"
Yang Yunfan turned around and saw a beaming fat man looking at him excitedly.
It was Hong Taizhao.
His childhood playmate, later each sought his own livelihood, not seen for thirty years.
Upon reuniting, Hong Taizhao was extremely enthusiastic, pulling him to a nearby restaurant to reminisce.
During the rounds of toasts, Yang Yunfan learned that Hong Taizhao was now a purchasing steward for a guild, responsible for procuring materials around Flame Island.
Hong Taizhao assured him by patting his chest, that from now on, when Yang Yunfan made purchases at Hundred Flavors Pavilion, he could offer some discounts.
In the days that followed, Hong Taizhao often came to find him for drinking and dining.
Initially, Yang Yunfan was somewhat vigilant.
Sensing Hong Taizhao’s enthusiasm and discussing youthful memories, his guard gradually relaxed.
Today, Hong Taizhao came to invite him for drinks again.
After a few cups of spirit wine, Hong Taizhao mysteriously said, "Brother Yunfan, you’ve been alone for years, Huofeng niece has already reached the Foundation Establishment and needs you to mind her."
"It’s time to find someone who understands you. Frankly speaking, I have a cousin, recently widowed and returned, with superior appearance and personality. How about meeting her, Brother Yunfan?"
Yang Yunfan instinctively declined a few times.
However, when that female cultivator dressed in an elegant yellow immortal skirt walked gracefully, introduced by Hong Taizhao, with a lithe figure, soft voice, and teasing smile.
Yang Yunfan felt his head buzz, his breathing quickened slightly.
Perhaps influenced by alcohol, or maybe by years of loneliness, he somehow didn’t immediately leave.
The subsequent events became somewhat hazy.
He only remembered Hong Jiaojiao’s soft and tender voice, diligently encouraging him to drink.
When he somewhat sobered, he had already left the market with the Hong siblings.