Chapter 426: Trifloral Goldgrass

Chapter 426: Trifloral Goldgrass

Beyond the verdant valley, a broad and deep pond that was as clear as jade lay undisturbed. Its surface was smooth, unbroken by even the slightest ripple.

With a flash of sword light, Chu Liang's figure materialized.

At present, his cultivation level had reached a bottleneck at the peak of the fourth realm, and breaking through would require more time. While resources were crucial during the Earthly Gate's cultivation stages, a profound understanding of cultivation was necessary to continue advancing.

Chu Liang was in no rush.

He could force a breakthrough by nurturing his cultivation with an abundance of resources. However, even if he succeeded, his cultivation would be unstable—like a building without a foundation, preventing any further advancement in his cultivation.

Therefore, he chose to temporarily slow the pace of his cultivation.

In less than a year, he had progressed from the third realm to the threshold of the fifth, surpassing two major realms. For disciples of other immortal sects, such progress might take three, five, or even ten years. Some might never cross this hurdle in their entire lives.

Chu Liang's aptitude for cultivation was only slightly above average; he couldn't be considered a prodigy. In fact, throughout his cultivation journey, he had often not been the one doing the cultivating.

Cultivation power gained too easily inevitably carried underlying risks.

Having spent only a short time in the fourth realm, he had not yet mastered the fundamental aspects of the Divine Nine’s Profound Mental Cultivation Technique: The Book of Golden Core.

The way to comprehend The Book of Golden Core was very straightforward. All he had to do was perform the Qi-Circulation Technique repeatedly to understand the Great Dao of the Heavens and Earth embedded within the Qi-Circulation Technique.

As the Large-Headed Doll performed the Qi-Circulation Technique, the energy generated was used to expand his Sea of Qi, temper his meridians, and increase his foundational qi. However, no matter how flawlessly the Large-Headed Doll executed the technique, it was impossible for him to absorb the insights gained during its practice.

Therefore, it was wiser for him to remain at the fourth realm to consolidate his current cultivation power.

However, just because his progress slowed, it did not mean that he would not be able to increase his strength.

If it were his own body, he had to be cautious. But with the Large-Headed Doll, he could afford to be more daring in his actions. The Green Jade Bodhi Branch he had acquired earlier would soon be fully absorbed. When that time came, he would need to obtain a water-attribute spirit plant for the Colorful Doll to help unlock the third level of the Secret Reservoir of Five Elements. At that point, he would possess three types of fifth-realm foundational qi: Geng Metal, Jia Wood, and Ren Water. In contrast, Xu Ziyang, who had just broken through to the second level of the Realm of the Five Elements, had only two.

Based on the demonic aura of the golden python, it seemed to be at the beginning stage of the fifth realm. While Chu Liang was not afraid of fighting it, it was good that it left on its own accord.

He then drew his sword and carefully sliced the Trifloral Goldgrass at its base, ensuring not to damage the precious plant. With delicate precision, he placed it into a jade box.

...

When he emerged from the waters, he didn't rush back to the Flying-Dragon Fortress to give them the remaining amount. He decided that he would first return to Wu'an City to check on the situation. If he handed over the money immediately, his claim of only having four thousand would be exposed. He had no intention of deceiving the people from the Flying-Dragon Fortress or evading the final payment; after all, if he did, he would be ruining Lin Bei's reputation.

But when he arrived in Wu'an City, he was startled.

He saw sword lights gathering like clouds over Wu'an City, with countless flying swords hovering in the sky, each one belonging to a formidable cultivator. Opposing them, a vast legion of imperial martial artists and demonic beasts stood poised for battle, their murderous auras hanging thick in the air.

By the tense standoff between both sides, it was clear that they had been locked in this silent confrontation for some time.

He didn't dare to fly in the sky and instead entered the city on foot. As he approached the City Supervisory Division, he found a large crowd of onlookers gathered at the gate. When he pushed his way through, he was met with the sound of agonized screams from within.

"Brother, what's happening in there?" he asked someone nearby.

The man replied, "Word is that City Lord Su Shengyan was corrupt and defied the law, so the chancellor sent men to execute him. Even the City Supervisory Officer is being tried alongside him."

"Imperial officials?" Chu Liang was momentarily puzzled.

"What are you even saying?" another person interjected, "Last night, someone broke into the City Supervisory Division's prison, and many prisoners escaped. Esteemed cultivators from Mount Shu Sect have come to help round them up across the city. They've captured most of them already, and now they're interrogating the remaining prisoners to uncover the others' hiding places. They won't rest until they have caught everyone."

"People from Mount Shu?"

At that moment, someone ahead in the crowd spoke up, "Yes, there's only one wanted criminal left. He's the only one they are searching for right now. I think the name was... Chu Liang? The Elder from Mount Shu said that if the City Supervisory Division doesn't find him, they'll execute all the remaining prisoners."

1. Author is referencing this billionaire in China who says he's not interested in money. Check this article to see what he said. ☜