Chapter 400 - 376: Nascent Soul Formation and Spying

Chapter 400: Chapter 376: Nascent Soul Formation and Spying

The two women were roughly the same age as Zhang Chi. Having reached the Golden Core Limit at around five hundred years old, they were considered merely average across the entire Endless Desert Sea.

Even so, they owed this achievement largely to Zhang Chi.

Otherwise, they might never have reached this Realm in their lifetimes, which was one of the main reasons Nascent Soul Cultivators were so rare in the Great Abyss.

Normally, the chance of failure when attempting Nascent Soul Formation at their age was extremely high.

However, both women had taken Tiers One, Two, and Three Life Extension Pills, raising their maximum Lifespan to around 740 years.

They had also long ago used the savings they had accumulated over the years to exchange for Nascent Soul Materials from Zhang Chi.

Coupled with their special Physiques and bloodlines, and having switched to a Top Grade Cultivation Technique, it was highly unlikely they would fail.

Still, Zhang Chi had prepared a Vein-Protecting Pill for each of them just in case.

Zhang Chi had given them these Vein-Protecting Pills free of charge.

After all, the two women had been with him for years and had greatly aided his Cultivation. Their bond was extremely strong, so there was no way he could be stingy with them. More than anything, he couldn’t bear the thought of them perishing.

BOOM!

Several days later, a massive pillar of Spiritual Light suddenly shot into the sky above the cave residence. Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi surged in like a tide, then poured down as if through a funnel.

Thunder rumbled and auspicious clouds appeared in the sky, as a tremendous pressure enveloped the surrounding thousand miles.

Soon after, the cry of a phoenix rang out, and the illusory image of an azure phoenix circled high above the cave residence for a long while before finally dissipating.

"Excellent!"

Zhang Chi was overjoyed.

He knew that Lan Xuan had been the first to break through.

The phoenix cry and the illusory phoenix had appeared because Lan Xuan possessed the Phoenix Cry Body.

Her Physique had clearly played a significant role in her Nascent Soul Formation and had even been enhanced in the process.

BOOM!

But this was only the beginning. Soon, another burst of Spiritual Light and a new phenomenon appeared. This time, Qin Susu had also successfully broken through.

This time, the illusion of a goddess-like figure appeared in the sky, radiating boundless Charming Power with its every move.

Without a doubt, Qin Susu’s Charm Demon Bloodline had played a part in her breakthrough and had grown even stronger.

In fact, her Charm Demon Bloodline had been indispensable over the years.

Otherwise, with Qin Susu’s original Spirit Root aptitude, she would have never made it this far without some heaven-defying fortune.

’Good, Susu broke through as well. My arrangements were perfect after all.’

Zhang Chi was delighted once again.

He had arranged for them to attempt Nascent Soul Formation at the same time precisely so their Spiritual Mechanisms would resonate with each other, making the breakthrough both easier and more perfect.

Normally, such an arrangement carried the risk of failure, as two people cultivating in the same cave residence would inevitably compete for the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi.

If the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi was insufficient, the breakthrough would fail.

But he didn’t have this problem. For one, the Spiritual Vein within his cave residence was of a sufficiently High Tier. For another, he possessed the Eye of the Spirit Spring.

With these two assets, not only could two cultivators undergo Nascent Soul Formation at the same time, but even several more would pose no issue.

SWISH, SWISH...

At that moment, the celestial phenomena from the two women’s breakthroughs alerted many nearby cultivators, and dazzling streaks of Escape Light immediately shot over.

The Escape Lights faded to reveal one cultivator after another, all of whom were at least at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage.

The few Nascent Soul Early Stage or Golden Core Cultivators present were merely servants or junior disciples.

"A Phoenix Cry Body and a Charm Demon Bloodline. Which of our sect brothers owns this cave residence? He’s got some incredible luck!"

"Exactly. The possessors of such a Physique and bloodline must be Female Cultivators, and peerless beauties at that. What’s more, both can aid one’s Cultivation. Especially the latter—she must be a treasure among women, able to continuously improve her partner’s aptitude."

At that moment, the cultivators stared at the celestial phenomena above the cave residence, unable to stop themselves from chattering in amazement.

The male cultivators in the group were especially envious.

"This seems to be Chen Bufan’s cave residence," a Nascent Soul Middle Stage cultivator said. "Forty-five years ago, he passed the Demon Abyss trial and became a Palace Master’s Disciple. The ones breaking through must be his two household managers and concubines."

"A Palace Master’s Disciple? No wonder he’s so fortunate with women!" The other cultivators’ faces dawned with understanding, mixed with deep regret.

If his status had been ordinary, they might have gotten some ideas.

But as a Palace Master’s Disciple, he was completely out of their league.

Besides, they all knew the Demon Abyss was incredibly dangerous; half of the cultivators who entered it back then had perished.

Unlike other trial grounds, which, while dangerous, had never claimed so many lives.

For Zhang Chi to have survived such a trial and placed in the top twenty meant his Combat Power and Cultivation were obviously immense.

"There’s something you all might not know," a well-informed cultivator chimed in. "This Chen Bufan may be a Palace Master’s Disciple, but he’s only at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage. He only managed to place in the top twenty of the trial by riding on someone else’s coattails..."

But at this moment, another well-informed cultivator chimed in, offering more details on Zhang Chi’s situation.

He even knew a little about the two women, Qin Susu and Lan Xuan.

He also knew that Qin Yuyan had feelings for Zhang Chi, and as a result, her relationship with Lan Xuan and Qin Susu was strained.

"So that’s how it is? Looks like this Junior Brother Chen really has a way with the ladies!"

"Indeed. A true role model for our generation."

"Perhaps we could have a word with him, see if we can buy those two concubines from him!"

"Yes, especially the one with the Charm Demon bloodline. If we can get her, we can’t let the chance slip by. As for the Phoenix Cry Body, her purity has likely been taken, so she’s not as valuable in comparison."

"That’s where you’re wrong. While the Phoenix Cry Body’s greatest benefit to her partner is from the first time, she can cultivate certain dual cultivation Secret Techniques afterward that are also helpful. It would be even better if she could be used as a Furnace Cauldron. Besides, once a Phoenix Cry Body fully develops, her Combat Power is immense. She would be an excellent ally!"

Upon hearing this inside information, the cultivators present grew restless once more.

The three Palace Masters had many disciples, and quite a few of the cultivators present were among them, but the number of True Disciples was limited.

Therefore, even if they hadn’t heard of Zhang Chi, they all knew of Qin Yushan, and by extension, Qin Yuyan.

Not to mention, Qin Yuyan had taken first place in the last Demon Abyss trial.

Normally, knowing Zhang Chi had a good relationship with Qin Yuyan, they wouldn’t have dared to provoke him, no matter how jealous they were.

But if Qin Yuyan’s relationship with Lan Xuan and Qin Susu was poor, then that was another matter entirely.

They even suspected that if they snatched the two women away, not only would they avoid offending Qin Yuyan, she might even be grateful.

And so, in the next moment, a few Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivators decided to press closer to Zhang Chi’s cave residence.

Their thinking was simple: they would negotiate with Zhang Chi before the two women could fully complete their breakthroughs.

If Zhang Chi agreed to give up the two women, everything would be fine.

If he refused, they would threaten to interrupt the women’s breakthroughs to force his compliance.

BOOM, BOOM!

But just then, five black Puppets, each ten zhang tall, suddenly appeared in the air before them.

Each of these Puppets gleamed with a metallic luster and was equipped with a Giant Sword, Shield, and Longbow, all at the Upper Grade Magical Treasure Level.

Standing side-by-side, they formed a barrier, blocking the cultivators’ path.

They remained silent, staring coldly at the crowd of cultivators as they raised their greatswords, clearly ready for battle.

"A-Are those Tier Four Upper Grade Puppets? And so many of them?"

The cultivators gasped, stopping dead in their tracks.

Even the Nascent Soul Late Stage cultivators among them weren’t particularly afraid of these Puppets, but a fight would undoubtedly be troublesome.

More importantly, they all got the feeling that a powerful presence was lurking in the shadows, watching them coldly. This entity was likely even more formidable than the five Tier Four Upper Grade Puppets.

"Forget it. Let’s just wait and see."

"Sounds good. But this Junior Brother Chen doesn’t seem to be hurting for Spirit Stones!"

"Exactly. I heard he’s skilled in Artifact Refining and Pill Refining, and it looks like the rumors are true. His wealth is far greater than we imagined. After all, five Puppets like these can’t be bought with Spirit Stones alone!"

After that, the cultivators tactfully changed their plans.

However, many of the cultivators now had their own ideas about Zhang Chi.

Some of the Female Cultivators were already plotting how to seduce Zhang Chi.

And some male cultivators were wondering if they could find a way to kill him and seize his fortune.

A month passed quickly. The celestial phenomena were finally beginning to fade, but the number of cultivators at the scene had grown considerably.

But the five Puppets continued to block the path, not letting any cultivator come within half a step of the cave residence.

SWISH!

Just then, another Escape Light arrived, revealing a fair-skinned, beautiful Female Cultivator: Qin Yuyan.

"What are all of you doing gathered here?"

Seeing the crowd, Qin Yuyan frowned slightly and asked in a cold tone.

"Reporting to Senior Sister Qin, we are waiting for the breakthroughs to conclude so that we may congratulate Junior Brother Chen. We also wish to ask Junior Brother Chen if he would be willing to give his two concubines to us."

"That’s right. We are willing to pay a high price or even trade our own concubines for them."

The cultivators didn’t dare to be slow in their response, nor did they dare to mind her icy tone. They hastily put on smiles and answered respectfully.

Even though many of them had Cultivation closer to the Nascent Soul Peak than Qin Yuyan, they still addressed her as "Senior Sister."

They were filled with anticipation, confident that Qin Yuyan would support them. They were sure she would help.

That way, even if Zhang Chi wasn’t short on Spirit Stones, he would have no choice but to yield under Qin Yuyan’s pressure.

"Insolent fools! Lan Xuan, Qin Susu, and even your own concubines are all living, breathing people! How can you speak of trading them like merchandise?" ℯℯ𝑙.

"Moreover, they are now Nascent Soul True Monarchs and fellow cultivators of our Divine Palace. They are our martial sisters. What right do you have to say such things?"

"Now, get lost. Immediately. Or don’t blame me for being impolite. You should all be thankful that Junior Brother Chen didn’t hear what you just said. If he had, you would regret it for the rest of your lives!"

Qin Yuyan’s expression turned frigid as she berated them.

She did indeed have feelings for Zhang Chi, which had begun the day he saved her at Canglan Oasis.

She later arranged for Zhang Chi to become sworn brothers with her own brother, all in an effort to help him.

She hadn’t involved herself directly because she hoped to one day become his cultivation partner.

Therefore, she did hold some resentment toward Lan Xuan and Qin Susu, who had seemingly come out of nowhere and interfered.

But she knew where to draw the line and would never allow her personal feelings to be exploited by outsiders.

Furthermore, after years of interaction, her relationship with the two women had gradually improved, and she had come to accept their presence in his life.

More importantly, she knew Zhang Chi’s Combat Power was immense. If these people truly thought he was a pushover and tried to make a move, they would absolutely bite off more than they could chew.

By telling these cultivators to get lost, she was partially putting on a show for Zhang Chi’s sake, but in truth, she was also saving them from themselves.