Chapter 37: Purple Jade Alchemist Cauldron
Chapter 37: Purple Jade Alchemist Cauldron
Jin Miaoyi exclaimed in shock, “It’s him!”
Cheng Lingyu asked curiously, “Who is he?”
Jin Miaoyi answered, “He’s Ouyang Lie, the greatest talent in Yunyang City. He reached the Blood Martial Realm at just twenty-five, making him the foremost among the younger generation. It’s said that Ouyang Lie has exceptional fortune, having gained great fortune in his youth, and his future achievements are immeasurable. He is a core disciple of the Divine Martial Sect.”
At that moment, Ouyang Lie stood upon a five-colored cloud, crossing the Circular Chasm and effortlessly slaying six super monsters as he entered the Soul-Luring Forest.
Many cultivators quickly followed, rushing through the gap into the forest.
Soon, divine light surged in the Soul-Luring Forest, triggering a change that drew the monsters from the Circular Chasm charging toward it.
“Great opportunity! Move now!”
Cheng Lingyu leaped down, flying toward the Circular Chasm.
Jin Miaoyi and Qu Wei crossed the chasm, heading straight for the Soul-Luring Forest.
Cheng Lingyu sought monster cores. Though Ouyang Lie had slain six super monsters, four cores remained intact.
Qu Wei and Jin Miaoyi understood Cheng Lingyu’s plan and agreed to meet in the forest. They cared more about the treasure and wanted to uncover its true nature.
Upon entering the chasm, Cheng Lingyu summoned his curved blade, plunging it into monsters to extract cores while bathing in their blood.
The blade was eerie, hungrily absorbing the essence of the monsters’ blood.
Cheng Lingyu’s body did the same, greedily taking in the essence from the Giant Birds.
Within the time it takes an incense stick to burn, he collected four cores, his face lighting up with satisfaction.
Guided by his knowledge, he then found a hidden entrance into the mountain’s belly, discovering a monster’s skeletal remains and another core.
The five cores varied in color and bore intricate patterns—manifestations of laws the monsters had honed over years, with potential to evolve into magical abilities.
Three cores held fire attributes, glowing faintly red, while two bore earth attributes, pale yellow.
At the chasm’s bottom flowed an underground river, its chill piercing to the bone.
Cheng Lingyu wouldn’t have uncovered this secret had he not ventured down himself.
Without delay, he flew out and raced toward the Soul-Luring Forest.
Divine light blazed above the forest as cultivators and monsters clashed violently.
Upon entering, Cheng Lingyu felt an icy grip—as if the reaper itself watched him.
The soul-trembling cold emanated from a Celestial Beast perched on a massive dead tree, crackling with thunder and lightning, six radiant rings illuminating the forest.
Cheng Lingyu recognized this beast from a sea battle he’d witnessed—a memory etched deeply.
It was a Thunderbird, though he didn’t realize this was no ordinary Celestial Beast but a spirit beast.
Near a well in the forest, cultivators swarmed but struggled against defensive formations around it.
Ouyang Lie, atop his five-colored cloud with a golden sword raised, dominated the scene, his sword pillars cutting through all resistance.
Yet his handsome face now wore tension, his gaze flickering warily toward the Thunderbird.
Qu Wei and Jin Miaoyi fought together, channeling the stone bracelet’s power. Though battered, they held their ground.
Cheng Lingyu knew the well’s treasure was the Purple Jade Alchemist Cauldron, but he cared little for it.
“Quick! Let’s get out of here now!”
Cheng Lingyu rushed to Qu Wei’s side, urging his companions to flee immediately.
“Move!”
Qu Wei seized Cheng Lingyu’s arm and channeled all her power into the stone bracelet. The trio transformed into a streak of flowing light, bursting out of the Soul-Luring Forest and darting across the Circular Chasm.
Nearby, other cultivators also sensed the danger, scrambling desperately to escape.
Ouyang Lie tried reaching the well but found himself blocked by surrounding formations, unable to break through quickly.
Assessing the situation, Ouyang Lie withdrew from the Soul-Luring Forest without delay.
Lesser-skilled and unlucky cultivators became trapped, their roars of despair echoing through the trees.
After reaching safety, Cheng Lingyu, Qu Wei, and Jin Miaoyi glanced back across the chasm. Horrifying screams still rose from the forest.
Cheng Lingyu roughly estimated over a hundred cultivators had perished that night—mostly True Martial Realm practitioners, with a few Soul Martial Realm experts among them.
By dawn, waves of cultivators converged on Green Island, all drawn by rumors of the forest well’s treasure.
The Circular Chasm’s vicinity became crowded with cultivators. Frequent clashes erupted between humans and monsters. Though some experts briefly forced their way into the forest, none lingered long.
“We’re outmatched. Staying means more danger.” Qu Wei frowned, clearly eager to depart.
Jin Miaoyi nodded. “We should return.”
Cheng Lingyu agreed silently. Having secured ample gains, he prioritized leaving safely over further risks.
The trio spent a day returning to the central area, finding Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing nearly recovered from their injuries.
As twilight fell, glowing light again gathered in the Soul-Luring Forest, luring fresh crowds of treasure-seekers.
This time, four Blood Martial Realm experts joined the fray, yet none could breach the well’s defenses.
Cheng Lingyu meditated beneath the Pardon Stone Tablet, swallowing a monster core. His cells buzzed with energy, rapidly absorbing the core’s power.
Each monster core equaled a spiritual herb in value, containing a monster’s life essence to boost cultivation. Yet ordinary practitioners couldn’t process them—only Cheng Lingyu’s unique constitution allowed merging the power of all things.
Having consumed four spiritual herbs previously, his physical body still strengthened further from the core’s distinct energy.
His first core refinement took three sleepless days. Meanwhile, countless cultivators failed to claim the well’s treasure.
While Qu Wei and Jin Miaoyi cultivated with spiritual grass, Miao Sanxu and Fang Zhuqing gathered news.
The core expanded Cheng Lingyu’s true essence reserves by ten percent, stabilizing his True Martial, Third Level Flying Waves foundation.
Opening his eyes, he noticed his vision had grown sharper—his Magic Eyes, Second Realm of Locking the Soul and Fixing the Spirit advanced, concentrating his mental power.
He sprang up, joints popping like firecrackers. His frame seemed sturdier, energy coursing through strengthened muscles.
Though itching to test his newfound strength, he respected the central area’s no-combat rules.
Circling the district, he overheard endless discussions about the forest and its elusive treasure.
Someone saw a treasure in the well—a purple cauldron. Rumors claimed it was the Purple Jade Alchemist Cauldron, a spirit artifact.
Not only could it perform alchemy, but it could also release violet flame attacks capable of burning even Soul Martial Realm experts to ashes.
These tales drove countless cultivators to risk their lives. Within days, hundreds died in the Soul-Luring Forest.
Cheng Lingyu shuddered. With his current cultivation level, he’d become disposable cannon fodder if he went.
Greed kills. One must act within their limits.
“You’re awake. Sit.”
Jin Miaoyi motioned for Cheng Lingyu to join him as he approached.
Qu Wei was meditating, so Cheng Lingyu sat quietly nearby.
Jin Miaoyi spoke: “We’ve stayed on Green Island almost a month. The blood shadow controls the Soul-Luring Forest now—no one dares enter. The ferocious beast region swarms with experts, while the forest remains deadly and eerie. Our cultivation is too weak for such dangers. The northern stone forest has always been strange—we’re avoiding it too.”
“Planning to leave?” Cheng Lingyu asked.
“No hurry. The central area’s safe. We’ll wait until the forest situation settles. You? Staying or leaving?”
Cheng Lingyu fell silent. He’d come seeking chances to grow stronger.
Progress had been good. Now he needed to intensify his training and prepare for Revenge.
Six months remained before the one-year deadline. Much required preparation.
Green Island offered ideal cultivation conditions. He wanted to stay longer, but couldn’t overextend.
“I’ll decide after the forest crisis ends. Most cultivators cluster near the great chasm now. The beast region’s quieter—I’ll gather spiritual grass there, maybe hunt beast pills to boost my power.”
“Smart plan. Stay cautious.”
Cheng Lingyu left the central area for the ferocious beast region.
His true aim wasn’t herbs—he sought battle with beasts to test his limits through combat.
Though spiritual herbs were scarce here, spiritual grass grew plentifully.
Cheng Lingyu’s sharp eyes easily spotted harvestable plants.
Unlike resource-starved Shiyang Town, Green Island overflowed with spiritual grass. He’d collect extra—some for Qu Wei and Jin Miaoyi as thanks, the rest for his ailing father.
He stayed near the central area’s edge. If monsters appeared, he could retreat quickly.
A gigantic beast erupted from the trees, lunging at Cheng Lingyu.