Chapter 378 - 249: Neighbor’s Invitation, Gui Water Essence

Chapter 378: Chapter 249: Neighbor’s Invitation, Gui Water Essence

"Hmm?"

Lin Changheng raised an eyebrow. ’Such formality must mean this is a secret, or something significant.’

He first exchanged a glance with Xu Maoling, and then they both turned to look at Cheng Suling. Neither spoke, quietly waiting for her to continue.

"I have an opportunity I’d like to share with you two brothers. I wonder if you’d be interested?"

Cheng Suling offered an elegant smile as she posed the question.

Lin Changheng remained silent, but Xu Maoling cautiously asked, "What kind of opportunity? Could you be more specific?"

Cheng Suling’s expression didn’t change. She maintained her elegant smile, but her voice lowered slightly, adding a note of solemnity.

"Brothers, you may not know, but I was recently invited to survey the water veins near the Ancient You River in the north. I can’t discuss the specifics of the mission, but I discovered a place where the Spiritual Qi was incredibly lively, far exceeding the surrounding areas..."

"My curiosity was piqued, so after completing my mission, I spent half a month investigating it thoroughly."

As soon as she said this, a basic theory formed in Lin Changheng’s mind.

’There’s probably treasure involved!’

He also knew of this Ancient You River. It was a major tributary of the great river where the Jiazi Secret Realm had been located.

But it wasn’t within the territory of the Purple Extreme Sect; it flowed through the lands of the Profound Ice Valley and the Bixiao Sect.

Lin Changheng didn’t interrupt, letting her continue.

Cheng Suling glanced at the two of them and went on, "It’s because deep at the bottom of the river, there isn’t just an ordinary water vein, but a hidden, small Water Eye Spirit Acupoint. It was formed by heaven and earth and can gather Water Spirit Qi on its own to nourish its surroundings. It’s a treasure land for the Cultivation of those of us with Water or Wood Attributes."

Surprise flashed in Xu Maoling’s eyes upon hearing this. He gave a slight nod. Having cultivated Spirit Plants for many years, he had heard of Water Eye Spirit Acupoints.

Lin Changheng’s gaze flickered, his thoughts unreadable.

Her tone shifted. "However, deep within that Water Eye Spirit Acupoint, there is a nest of rare Cold Jade Crystal Scorpions. These scorpions’ bodies are like Cold Jade, and their tail stingers contain an Extreme Cold Poisonous Fiend. What’s more, they love to devour the Gui Water Essence that condenses at the core of the Spirit Acupoint. With them entrenched there, not only is it impossible to explore the depths of the Spirit Acupoint to obtain the Gui Water Essence, but we also can’t reach the symbiotic Spirit Plants inside."

"Gui Water Essence?"

Obvious astonishment crossed Xu Maoling’s farmer-like face.

"That Water Eye Spirit Acupoint actually produced such a thing?"

Although he forced himself to remain calm, Lin Changheng could still detect a trace of excitement in his voice.

Lin Changheng, on the other hand, had never heard of Gui Water Essence. Still, he could guess it was a rare treasure, likely of great benefit to Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators. Otherwise, why would Xu Maoling be so stirred?

"That’s right."

Cheng Suling confirmed with a firm nod, her voice resonant.

"What is the approximate strength of that nest of Cold Jade Crystal Scorpions?"

Xu Maoling continued his questioning.

"Besides a majority of Tier One scorpions, there are quite a few at Tier Two Early Stage, around a dozen or so. Fewer are at Tier Two Middle Stage, at least four. And there are also two at Tier Two Late Stage."

Cheng Suling’s lips parted, revealing a set of approximate numbers.

Seeing their confusion, she smiled. "I am not particularly talented, but I have some minor skill in the Dao of Geomancy. By applying that knowledge, I was able to observe them from afar and get a general sense of the situation."

"The actual numbers might differ, but not by much."

As she spoke, Cheng Suling radiated an air of confidence.

"We believe you, of course."

Xu Maoling spoke, appearing unusually enthusiastic, as if his heart was truly set on it. He then added, "But even if we join forces, it wouldn’t be easy to take them down, would it?"

Clearly, the number and strength of this nest of Cold Jade Crystal Scorpions were a bit too much.

"Through my deductions, I’ve discovered that in three months, the Water Spirit tide at the bottom of the river will be at its calmest. This is also when the Cold Jade Crystal Scorpions’ activity will be at its lowest. It is the perfect time to clear them out, seize the Gui Water Essence, and take control of the Water Eye Spirit Acupoint!"

Her beautiful eyes swept over the two men, her tone tinged with gravity. "If it weren’t for the considerable size of the scorpion swarm, plus the fact that there must be a Scorpion King among them with strength likely no less than Late Stage Foundation Establishment, I wouldn’t be so outmatched as to ask for your help. After we succeed, we can divide the Gui Water Essence based on our contributions. As for the Water Eye Spirit Acupoint, we can set up a Restriction together and share its benefits. What do you say?"

With that, she had laid out the opportunity, the risks, and the distribution of rewards with perfect clarity.

Xu Maoling stroked his beard, a contemplative look on his face as he clearly weighed the pros and cons.

The Gui Water Essence was a supreme treasure even for a Cultivator like him who practiced a Wood Element Technique. It could purify Magical Power, nourish the Divine Soul, and aid in reaching Core Formation. However, two scorpions at Tier Two Late Stage were not to be trifled with.

Lin Changheng’s mind was also racing.

He finally came to a conclusion.

...

To their regretful gazes, Lin Changheng clasped his hands in a salute, then turned and, led by a maid, was the first to leave Floating Star Island. He was decisive, without a moment’s hesitation.

"Brother Lin..."

Cheng Suling hadn’t expected Lin Changheng to refuse so decisively. Though she appeared calm, she was inwardly surprised.

"Fairy Cheng may not know this, but Mr. Lin is famous in Floating Immortal City for his cautiousness. He never takes risks and spends all his time in his abode, never stepping out. No one ever has a chance to plot against him..." Xu Maoling indeed knew some of the reasons.

"I see. In that case, my request was presumptuous."

A look of understanding dawned on Cheng Suling’s face.

"I wonder if Fairy Cheng could provide a few more details? As for another companion, we can just find someone else trustworthy."

Xu Maoling paid no mind to Lin Changheng’s decision and once again asked for details.

Cheng Suling nodded in agreement and began to provide some preliminary answers. However, she never mentioned the final location, a fact Xu Maoling understood and didn’t press her on.

...

Meanwhile, Lin Changheng flew away from the island.

His heart was perfectly calm, with no feeling of having missed out.

Although the three Isle Masters had a defensive alliance, that was the extent of it.

Lin Changheng didn’t fully trust the other two, so he would never join some so-called expedition.

No matter how tempting the rewards, he wouldn’t take the bait.

He would only carefully consider the feasibility of such a venture if it involved people he trusted like Feiyue and Zhao Li.

With anyone else, it wasn’t even worth considering.

Besides, he was already entangled in the Huang Family’s clan war. He couldn’t afford to run around carelessly. If an enemy cornered him, it would be a disaster.

As for Xu and Cheng’s pursuit of the Gui Water Essence, Lin Changheng didn’t care one bit. As he left, he took the opportunity, while wishing them success, to propose one thing: he would be willing to purchase the Essence Blood of the Cold Jade Crystal Scorpions.

He would use it to test Pill Formulas and trial-produce Elixirs. If they could collect it along the way, Lin Changheng said he would buy it all.

The two didn’t refuse. After all, they were neighbors who saw each other often. Even if the partnership didn’t work out, goodwill should remain.

...

In the following days, Lin Changheng focused on Alchemy.

But strangely, after more than a month, Chef Zeng had not appeared.

Lin Changheng even suspected that someone else might have followed and ambushed him last time, leading to his demise.

Nearly another month passed.

Just as Lin Changheng was wondering if he should hold a moment of silence, burn some incense, and set up a cenotaph for his friend, an Escape Light shot across the sky toward him at high speed.

"Younger Brother Lin, save me!"

Lin Changheng happened to be busy by the lake, having just drawn blood from his two Spirit Beasts. A desperate cry caught his attention, alerting him to the unusual situation beyond his island.

His Divine Sense instantly swept out like a tidal wave. The Escape Light in the lead was, to his surprise, Chef Zeng.

His clothes were torn, his body was covered in wounds, and his face was pale. He looked utterly wretched.

But the two Escape Lights behind him were radiating a menacing Evil Qi, clearly in pursuit of Chef Zeng.

Their Cultivations were both at Middle Stage Foundation Establishment. They looked furious and frustrated, as if they had been chasing him for a long way.

For some reason, Chef Zeng, who was only at Early Stage Foundation Establishment, had managed to survive against two Middle Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivators and make it all the way to Jade Belt Lake.

But the distance between the three Escape Lights had already become dangerously close.

The two pursuers’ faces were twisted with viciousness. A saber and a spear—two Spiritual Artifacts—flew wildly, breaking through his defenses several times as they closed in for the kill.