Chapter 450 - 277: Struggle for the Dao Path, Tier Three Spiritual Land

Chapter 450: Chapter 277: Struggle for the Dao Path, Tier Three Spiritual Land

The Cai Yi Female Cultivator’s expression turned cold. She sat up, her red lips parting as if to say something more.

Just then, a dry, hoarse voice cut in, and an undeniable pressure quietly swept across the Sand Mountain. "Enough. Cease your squabbling. The mission comes first. Set aside your personal grievances and focus on the task at hand. Otherwise, do not blame this Master for being discourteous!"

The black-robed elder kept his eyes closed, but his Divine Sense swept over them like a steel blade. The Cai Yi Female Cultivator’s expression changed drastically. She hung her head, not daring to utter another word.

Mo Zhaoli, by contrast, seemed far more composed. She had no intention of engaging in a war of words.

"Since everyone is here, we will depart now."

The black-robed elder withdrew his Magical Power. The Black Wood Banner floated up, and with a slight parting of his lips, he caused it to shrink in an instant before absorbing it into his body. He then stood up and addressed the group.

Only then did Lin Changheng notice that the man was incredibly short, with stubby legs. If he wasn’t a dwarf, he was certainly close.

But the might of his Fake Core was that of a giant. ℯ

"We obey the Master’s command."

Even so, the group of Sect Cultivators—all proud Middle to Late Stage Foundation Establishment experts—dared not show any disrespect. Some stood, others opened their eyes, but all of them acknowledged the order and readied themselves to depart.

Lin Changheng blended in with the crowd, careful not to stand out. He simply cupped his hands to accept the command, making no other movements.

His gaze, however, drifted briefly toward the Cai Yi Female Cultivator.

WHOOSH!

The black-robed elder gave a slight nod. With a grasping motion of his hand, a pale yellow, multi-decked Spiritual Ship appeared. He tossed it into the air, where it expanded rapidly, casting a large shadow over the assembled cultivators.

He was the first to fly aboard.

Without needing any further command, the other Foundation Establishment Cultivators transformed into streaks of Escape Light and landed on the ship, each finding a spot to sit down cross-legged.

SWOOSH!

The next moment, the Spiritual Ship shot through the air, its speed far exceeding that of a normal Dharma Ship.

...

On the ship’s deck, Lin Changheng and Mo Zhaoli sat extremely close. While not quite touching, their shoulders were separated by no more than half a foot.

Coincidentally, another pair—a male and female Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator—were also sitting close together.

Observing the scene, Lin Changheng’s eyes flickered as he made a few deductions.

’The only two Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Purple Extreme Sect here must be lacking confidence. They both invited helpers, which is the safer play.’

’Meanwhile, the Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the Purple Extreme Sect haven’t brought anyone. They must be confident in their own strength and unwilling to share their spoils.’

Lin Changheng had anticipated this.

For one, he had already told Mo Zhaoli that if she needed anything, he would help her to the best of his ability.

Lin Changheng was quite confident in his own abilities now. While he had never fought a Peak of Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator head-on, ordinary Late Stage cultivators no longer posed a fatal threat to him. He had the confidence to handle them, which meant he could take on more external tasks.

As long as he didn’t provoke a Peak of Late Stage Foundation Establishment or Core Formation Cultivator, he would be fine.

And if worst came to worst, he could always slip away. His current escape skills were among the best for a Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

...

The other reason, however, was far more critical.

He needed Nether Void Essence Blood for the Metamorphosis of his Profound Spirit Treasure Seeds. For every ten portions he acquired, he could use them to manifest a new Demon Technique.

His strength would increase another notch.

Adult Nether Void Demon Beasts typically had a Cultivation Level of Middle or Late Stage Tier Two, some even reaching the Muddy Pill realm or higher.

A Demon Beast’s Muddy Pill was equivalent to a Human Race Cultivator’s Fake Core, both of which were considered Tier Three.

Essence Blood from a Nether Void-level beast was rare on the open market. It could be used for High Tier Alchemy, Body Refining, and Talisman Making, so cultivators generally kept it for personal use.

Even on the rare occasion a cultivator sold some, it was usually from a single, chance kill. The few portions of Essence Blood they offered were typically not enough to meet the quantity required for the Metamorphosis.

And Lin Changheng needed Essence Blood from the same type of beast...

Therefore, since this was an unexplored Quasi-Tier Three Spiritual Land, there was a chance he might find Nether Void Demon Beasts. Lin Changheng planned to hunt them himself to collect their blood.

He was capable of hunting Middle to Late Stage Tier Two Nether Void Demon Beasts. Doing it himself was more direct, more targeted, and a better way to satisfy his needs.

He could also foresee that the higher the Level and bloodline of a Demon Beast, the rarer it would be. This meant the likelihood of him having to hunt beasts himself would only increase, while the chances of acquiring what he needed through trade would steadily decline.

This trip was merely his first step in adapting to that reality.

...

"’What’s the deal with that Cai Yi Female Cultivator?’"

Lin Changheng suddenly sent a mental message to Mo Zhaoli.

’With a Fake Core Master present, it was unwise to discuss sensitive matters. His Divine Sense is so powerful that he could easily eavesdrop.’

’But as long as our conversation doesn’t involve the Master himself, a little chat should be harmless.’

’Besides, the animosity between Mo Zhaoli and the Cai Yi Female Cultivator is plain for all to see. They displayed it openly, so everyone is well aware of it.’

’It’s likely common knowledge within the Purple Extreme Sect, and this Fake Core Master has probably heard the rumors as well.’

’Under the circumstances, asking about it is only natural.’

’It shouldn’t be a problem.’

’As long as I’m not using a mental message to plot her demise and jeopardize the mission, I’ll be fine.’

"’We are rivals on the same cultivation path.’"

Mo Zhaoli, clearly also aware that the Fake Core Master might be listening, considered her words for a moment before replying via mental message.

"’Rivals on the same path?’"

Lin Changheng’s brow furrowed at her words.

’Most conflicts can be mediated, most disputes resolved. But a rivalry over one’s cultivation path is an exception.’

’To put it bluntly, it’s a battle to the death.’