Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 362 The True Lords Gather and Enter the Yellow Springs

And so, Lin Changsheng followed Yunmiao Zhenjun and waited quietly in the mountains.

Along with the Nascent Soul True Monarchs around them, they waited for three long years.

As time went by, the surrounding malevolent aura began to grow stronger.

Lin Changsheng needs to expend more of his magical power to resist.

This day.

The restrictions that had been in place for several years began to ripple once more, quite noticeably in the silent mountains.

It immediately attracted the attention of many cultivators in the room.

Immediately afterwards, a burly man wearing a black animal skin cloak, accompanied by a Golden Core cultivator, flew in from outside the formation.

"Black Tiger True Lord?"

The moment this man appeared, he immediately attracted the attention of the surrounding Nascent Soul cultivators.

Lin Changsheng also noticed that even the usually calm and composed Yunmiao Zhenjun glanced at the burly man, then frowned slightly and looked away.

"Black Tiger True Monarch, Supreme Elder of the Purple Cloud Sect, his cultivation level is at the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage, and he is expected to break through to the middle Nascent Soul stage within a few decades."

Lin Changsheng recalled the information about this Black Tiger True Lord in his mind.

As a Nascent Soul level force adjacent to the Willow Smoke Sect, the Purple Cloud Sect, under the leadership of True Monarch Black Tiger, has been constantly making small moves in recent years, making it extremely restless.

Unlike True Monarch Yunmiao, True Monarch Black Tiger, as a Supreme Elder, is ambitious and uses the sect's power to scheme for cultivation resources.

Besides himself, Black Tiger True Lord also has a fourth-tier demon king under his command, named 'Nether Tiger Mountain Lord'.

'Lord of the Nether Tiger Mountain' was originally a guardian beast of the Purple Moon Sect, but in his early years he recognized Lord Black Tiger as his master, and the two had a deep bond.

With their combined attack, their combat ability is no weaker than that of a mid-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch.

If it weren't for the presence of True Monarch Yunmiao in the Liuyan Sect, these two large, directly adjacent forces might have already clashed, and at least wouldn't be living in peace as they are now.

"Why is he here too?"

"Black Tiger True Lord is a domineering person. Relying on the fourth-tier demon king under his command, he usually acts recklessly. I wonder if that tiger demon came along this time..."

"Alright, once we enter the Yellow Springs River Basin, be careful to stay away from this person."

As Black Tiger True Monarch entered, the Nascent Soul True Monarchs on the other mountain peaks all began to mutter to themselves.

Even a few Nascent Soul True Monarchs with slightly weaker cultivation levels had their eyes slightly evasive.

Black Tiger True Monarch surveyed his surroundings with a powerful gaze, sweeping over Cloud Mist True Monarch before his eyes landed on the nearby low hilltop.

"Who are you to dare occupy this position of the True Lord? Get out of my way!"

With a furious roar, Black Tiger True Lord appeared above the mountain peak adjacent to Cloud Mist True Lord.

"I am Lu Le, a newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator. Black Tiger True Monarch has only just arrived; how could he not know the rule of first come, first served?"

Although Lu Le was a newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator, he was clearly lacking in confidence when facing a veteran Nascent Soul cultivator like Black Tiger True Monarch.

But being a fellow cultivator of the same level, being reprimanded in front of everyone and his disciples, his face flushed red, and he began to argue his case.

As he spoke, Lu Le glanced around, a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

But it was soon discovered that although the Nascent Soul True Monarchs around him were indignant about Black Tiger True Monarch's actions, not one of them took the initiative to speak up for him.

"Hehe, this mountain range you are in is one of the peaks where I, the True Monarch, used to stay when I entered the Yellow Springs Mountain Range in previous years. Considering that you are new to this place, I, the True Monarch, will not make a fuss for now. Get out of here at once, or I will make you lose all your cultivation and perish here!"

Black Tiger True Lord sneered dismissively, showing no regard for reason whatsoever.

On the other side, Lin Changsheng also glanced with some sympathy at Lu Le, the newly promoted True Monarch, who was standing there with an embarrassed expression.

"So it turns out that True Lord Black Tiger once resided here. This is my first time visiting the Forbidden Land of the Yellow Springs, and I have offended you greatly. Please forgive me, True Lord."

After feeling humiliated and indignant, Lu Le adjusted his mindset, offered a forced apology, and took the initiative to back down.

The Purple Cloud Sect is also a top sect in the vicinity, and True Monarch Black Tiger possesses superior offensive techniques among Nascent Soul cultivators, making him a formidable fighter.

Moreover, when facing a newly promoted Nascent Soul True Monarch, besides his cultivation level, he hadn't even fully equipped himself with basic fourth-tier treasures.

If Black Tiger True Lord is truly angered, leading to a major battle between the two sides, he may ultimately perish.

Moreover, the Nascent Soul True Monarchs present were all cultivators who had cultivated for at least several hundred years and were mentally mature.

Black Tiger True Lord has been famous for hundreds of years, so naturally he wouldn't offend anyone without a reason.

Lu Le Zhenjun couldn't help but recall the behavior of Black Tiger Zhenjun and the Purple Moon Sect in recent years.

If this matter is not handled properly today, the Ziyun Sect may very well use it as an excuse to oppress and exploit the resources of the family behind him in the future.

Thinking of this, Lu Le Zhenjun felt a lingering fear and, along with the Golden Core cultivators behind him, slunk away to a more secluded mountaintop.

A moment later, the Black Tiger True Lord, who had stolen the limelight, although he had gained face, looked at the departing new True Lord with a hint of coldness in his eyes.

"Hmph, you're quite shrewd, able to bend and stretch. But no matter how well you hide, I, the True Lord, will begin to press you step by step."

"A Golden Core level family that only has one lineage should not have the conditions to cultivate a Nascent Soul. It seems that they must have obtained some kind of fortuitous treasure."

Black Tiger True Lord's face showed a hint of interest as he pondered to himself.

……

"This man appears rough and rugged, but he is actually vicious and cunning."

Lin Changsheng withdrew his gaze with a calm expression, but secretly remained wary of Black Tiger True Monarch.

Back then, he received a request for help from the Han family and took action to kill a Golden Core cultivator from the Ziyun Sect.

Furthermore, after some interrogation, it was learned from one of the elders that the Ziyun Sect and Chen Xingzhou had been secretly trading and cooperating.

Although those people concealed their true identities and disguised themselves as cultivators, the blame ultimately fell on him.

Fortunately, he was just an unknown mid-stage Golden Core cultivator following behind True Monarch Yunmiao. True Monarch Black Tiger only glanced at him briefly at the beginning and seemed not to care.

Just as Lin Changsheng was pondering this, another unruly voice rang in his ears:

"I've heard that True Lord Yunmiao has been searching for materials to forge high-level puppets for the past few years. I happen to have some surplus on hand. I wonder if True Lord Yunmiao would be interested?"

The loud voice belonged to True Lord Black Tiger, who was perched atop a nearby hill. He was staring intently at True Lord Cloud's slender figure, his gaze, though seemingly aggressive, held a hint of greed.

"No need, I have already created a suitable puppet, so there is no need for True Lord Black Tiger to trouble himself."

Feeling the other party's burning gaze, Yun Miaozhe frowned slightly, politely declined, and said in a cold voice.

"Why must Fairy Yunmiao be so cold and unapproachable?"

"This time, I, the True Lord, have brought along a junior who is proficient in body refining. His physical strength is approaching that of a quasi-fourth-level cultivator. I wonder if the Fairy would be interested in cooperating with him?"

Black Tiger True Lord's words were slightly flippant, but he maintained a proper balance, as if he was constantly testing the waters.

"Our sect also has elders who are skilled in body refinement, so let's skip the cooperation. Once we enter the Eye of the Yellow Springs, we'll each get what we deserve based on our own abilities."

Faced with Black Tiger True Lord's tone, Cloud Mist True Lord's beautiful eyes revealed obvious disgust, as if he did not want to pay any more attention to the other party.

Seeing this, Black Tiger True Lord turned away in a huff.

Lin Changsheng was taken aback when he saw this scene.

That look of disgust in his eyes seemed somewhat familiar to him.

She bears a striking resemblance to Zhao Wanning, who was a cultivator in the Yue Kingdom back then.

It seems to be a feeling of natural aversion to the opposite sex.

"Could it be that True Monarch Yunmiao... also rejects male cultivators?"

Lin Changsheng's expression flickered, as if he had discovered something extraordinary, and a strange feeling arose in his heart.

But soon, he thought of the rumors about True Monarch Yunmiao within the Willow Smoke Sect.

When True Monarch Yunmiao's cultivation was still shallow, he had a childhood sweetheart, but they were forcibly separated due to the interference of the sect elders.

Therefore, even though True Monarch Yunmiao has now achieved the Nascent Soul stage, he still cannot let go of his resentment and is extremely indifferent to matters concerning the sect.

This kind of secret rumor was said by Sect Master Huang Jia himself, so it should be true.

For a woman like Yunmiao Zhenjun, dressed in plain clothes, her temperament was like that of an orchid, pure and elegant, with a unique charm.

Furthermore, with the added advantage of her status as a True Monarch, she is aloof and noble, making her extremely attractive to male cultivators.

Everyone has a love for beauty, and Lin Changsheng also had a simple appreciation for beauties like Yunmiao Zhenjun.

It would be a pity if such a beautiful woman were naturally averse to the opposite sex.

“Master Lin, it may still be some time before the ‘Yellow Springs Retreat’ occurs. If you have nothing to do, you can take this opportunity to consolidate your body-refining realm.”

At this moment, Yunmiao Zhenjun, who had his back to Lin Changsheng, remained motionless, but he heard the other party's pleasant voice.

Lin Changsheng felt a chill run down his spine, knowing that the Nascent Soul True Monarch's keen senses had detected his gaze. He quickly withdrew his gaze and properly assumed a cultivation posture.

Before coming here, he made a deal with True Monarch Yunmiao.

After delivering a top-tier third-order puppet as promised, he also received a 'breakthrough spirit item' for breaking through to the fourth-order body refinement.

Although it can only be considered inferior, it is at least a guarantee that one's own specialty can be promoted to the fourth level.

However, Lin Changsheng's current body refinement realm has not been broken through for long, and his foundation has not yet been accumulated to its best. Breaking through one after another in a short period of time is very difficult and carries great risks.

……

Gradually, the malevolent energy within the forbidden area grew increasingly intense.

The intense malevolent aura was also tinged with a slight dampness.

Since the arrival of True Monarch Black Tiger, the isolation barrier seems to have fallen silent, and no one else has entered.

Within the forbidden area, nine Nascent Soul cultivators had gathered.

As for Golden Core cultivators, there are more than a dozen of them, and from the outside, they all seem to have signs of cultivating the Body Realm as well.

Led by their respective Nascent Soul True Monarchs, each person occupied a mountain peak to cultivate in peace, without disturbing one another.

Lin Changsheng naturally didn't waste any time, taking advantage of the dense malevolent energy in the area to continuously hone his own qi and blood power.

Under the guidance of True Monarch Yunmiao, Lin Changsheng discovered that although the malevolent energy here was domineering, it had the effect of condensing the cultivator's magical power and blood energy.

By absorbing a portion of the malevolent energy and refining and dissolving it with magical power or the power of blood and qi, one's own aura can be slightly strengthened.

Having discovered such benefits, Lin Changsheng naturally seized the time to continuously cultivate.

Meanwhile, the Golden Core cultivators who were visiting for the first time, reminded by their Nascent Soul True Monarchs, seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and diligently cultivated.

As time went on, Lin Changsheng keenly discovered that although this malevolent energy could condense his own aura, its effect was constantly diminishing.

"This is just the outermost edge of the forbidden area. The evil energy of the Yellow Springs is thin and the supply is limited. It is more for the Puppet Master to get used to this evil energy so that he can enter the Eye of the Spirit Spring later."

Seemingly sensing Lin Changsheng's doubts, True Monarch Yunmiao spoke up to explain.

"I see. So, entering the so-called Eye of the Underworld and coming into contact with more malevolent energy can further refine one's magical power and blood essence?"

Lin Changsheng's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he analyzed it.

"That's true in theory, but once you enter it, there's no suitable opportunity for cultivation..."

Yunmiao Zhenjun spoke calmly, seemingly offering no advice.

The group waited in vain for another six months.

During this period, Lin Changsheng gained a lot from undergoing the tempering of his body with evil energy.

His own magical power and blood energy were both refined.

The process of refining evil energy places an enormous burden on the cultivator.

Even a Golden Core cultivator cannot sustain this for too long.

Lin Changsheng cultivates the Everlasting Spring Technique, which is known for its endurance and astonishing recovery speed. He can almost continuously refine evil energy, so the benefits he receives are equivalent to several times that of cultivators of the same level.

On this day, Lin Changsheng, who was cultivating, had his eyebrows twitching wildly. He seemed to have a feeling that something big was about to happen, and he felt uneasy.

Upon opening their eyes, they saw that the nine Nascent Soul True Monarchs, including True Monarch Yunmiao, seemed to have sensed something and were all activating their magical power. In an instant, various colors of spiritual light swirled around them, rising and falling in waves.

"Attention, the Yellow Springs are rising and are about to overflow and flood back."

Yunmiao Zhenjun's usually serene expression now held an unusual air of solemnity.

After offering a word of advice, he immediately activated his magical energy, condensing a protective shield that enveloped Lin Changsheng. At the same time, he soared into the sky and ascended rapidly.

At the same time, Lin Changsheng also felt that the bare, dark mountain below seemed to be trembling slightly.

Faintly, one could also hear the sound of flowing water.

In the distance, within the forbidden mountain range, a deep yellow stream, like the overflowing Yellow River, spread out and swallowed up the mountain peaks.

In an instant, a powerful and astonishing aura of malevolent energy from the Yellow Springs emerged from the yellow water, rushing towards us and filling the entire forbidden area in a flash.

'Sizzle!'

Where the yellow water flowed, thick smoke billowed from the mountainside, and the harsh sound of corrosion was incessant.

"Is this the legendary 'Water of the Underworld'?"

"It has such powerful corrosive force!"

Lin Changsheng gazed into the distance, utterly shocked.

As far as the eye could see, wherever Huang Quan went, the already bare and dark mountains became thinner and their surfaces even more charred due to the corrosive power.

Before long, to Lin Changsheng's astonishment, seemingly endless Yellow Springs surged out from the distant mountains, roaring in with overwhelming force, swallowing up most of the nearby mountains in the blink of an eye.