Chapter 1777 - 1774: Only a Few of the Elders Remain

Chapter 1777: Chapter 1774: Only a Few of the Elders Remain

This afternoon, Yang Fei was refining the array at the array eye of the Four Spirits Blood Array, upgrading the entire array once again.

He discovered that as his Realm improved, the power of the Four Spirits Blood Array became much greater when he controlled it.

Every time he leveled up, the modifications to the Four Spirits Blood Array raised its defensive and offensive capabilities to a higher level.

However, this also meant that the pressure endured by the four Ancient Demon Beasts used as the array foundation increased.

These beasts, acting as the cornerstone of the Four Spirits Blood Array, experienced a faster growth rate compared to cultivating outside, since the array’s upgrade prevented it from siphoning their demonic power and essence blood when not in use. Moreover, the array absorbed nature’s spiritual energy, combined with an abundant supply of top-grade spirit stones and even Top-grade Purple Spirit Crystals as another source of energy, which replenished the beasts’ energy supply, facilitating faster growth.

Yang Fei realized that if these four demon beasts were released now, their individual combat power would surpass that of the demon king within the army of demon beasts surrounding the Four Spirits Blood Array.

This was something Yang Fei had verified in Qingqiu.

The increased power of the Four Spirits Blood Array gave Yang Fei peace of mind, yet it also brought an underlying sense of worry.

The real cornerstone of this powerful array is the Ten Directions Heavenly Furnace.

The strengthening of the Four Spirits Blood Array indicates that the Ten Directions Heavenly Furnace is rapidly recovering its strength, reaching an incredibly terrifying level.

The relationship between Yang Fei and the Ten Directions Heavenly Furnace is at best a partnership; it is so enigmatic that Yang Fei cannot fully control it, leading him to wonder if, one day, it might cause him a great backlash.

Of course, apart from the Ten Directions Heavenly Furnace, the continuous and stable operation of the Four Spirits Blood Array owes a lot to the Ancient Jianmu.

Yang Fei was currently stationed beside the Jianmu.

It had grown into a small tree as thick as a child’s arm, perfectly straight, with lush branches. Surprisingly, this slender trunk supported the entire tree’s growth to a height of seven or eight meters.

"Yang Fei, this tree has another characteristic," Zhuge Cang said to Yang Fei.

Intrigued, Yang Fei asked, "What characteristic?"

Zhuge Cang, having guarded the Jianmu the longest, found it natural to discover certain traits as he accompanied the growth of the Jianmu over the years.

Grabbing a slender twig that was only as thick as a chopstick, he tried to break it with force.

To his surprise, the entire tree swayed slightly, the twig bending, yet not by much.

"It’s very hard and extremely tough," said Zhuge Cang.

Yang Fei was slightly surprised as well.

Zhuge Cang, with mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, had formidable strength; breaking such a small twig, let alone thicker pieces of rebar, would be a breeze.

Yet, it was evident he had exerted all his strength but could only bend the chopstick-thick Jianmu twig slightly.

The tree’s demonstrated hardness and resilience seemed incredibly exaggerated.

Yang Fei personally tested it.

Now in the Nascent Soul Realm, Yang Fei’s strength was several hundred times greater than Zhuge Cang’s, causing the Jianmu twig to curve to an exaggerated degree in an instant.

However, it did not break.

Of course, Yang Fei had not used his full strength, merely probing with force.

Even so, the twig’s capacity to withstand pressure and its shown toughness still surprised him.

"Truly exaggerated in hardness and resilience," remarked Yang Fei, releasing the twig, which quickly returned to its original state without a trace of bending.

"Although I knew the Jianmu was extraordinary, especially in its impressive hardiness and resilience, the extent of it still surprises me," Yang Fei said.

Zhuge Cang nodded, "Indeed, this tree is truly miraculous."

Yang Fei recalled the scene when he first acquired the Jianmu and laughed, "I remember using it to counter your Thunder Strike back then. It looked like a piece of pitch-black wood, yet its toughness far exceeded high-tech alloy products. At that moment, I knew it was exceptional, but who would have thought that its newly grown branches would be just as tough." 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

Zhuge Cang added, "It’s a pity there’s only one. If more could be cultivated to form a grove, their matured timber would be astonishingly strong for crafting spirit ships, spirit boats, and other mechanical puppets, fetching a high price."

"The original purpose of the Jianmu is precisely that, but the cultivation world lost this knowledge long ago. Unexpectedly, a segment has been found on Earth, and we’ve nurtured it. Given time, when it matures, its timber will undoubtedly be invaluable. The most important feature is the abundant life force contained within it."

Yang Fei then looked at Zhuge Cang, saying, "Elder, haven’t you noticed? Because of the prolonged time spent here, your Life Qi Mechanism is even more vigorous than Grandpa Qin’s, making you appear younger and more spirited."

Zhuge Cang was taken aback, asking in amazement, "Really?"

Yang Fei nodded, "Yes, although the differences are subtle, I’ve noticed them after forming my Nascent Soul. Initially, I thought it was because of a certain difference in cultivation between you both. Upon further observation, I realized that your Realm Cultivation is, in fact, slightly less than Grandpa Qin’s, yet your Life Qi Mechanism is more vigorous, suggesting that if your realms were equal, you’d have a longer lifespan."

Surprised and delighted, Zhuge Cang exclaimed, "Is there truly such a good thing?"

Yang Fei, smiling, said, "Long-term guardianship beside the Jianmu allowed you to be nourished by its exuberant life force, so receiving these benefits is only natural, elder."

"Then indeed, I’ve gained quite an advantage," Zhuge Cang laughed heartily.

Yang Fei smiled and responded, "Although this tree can extend your longevity, it cannot break through the limitations of Realm Cultivation and lifespan; you still need diligent cultivation to enter the Core Formation Realm sooner."

Zhuge Cang, hearing this, bitterly smiled, "You think I haven’t been diligent in cultivation? But cultivation is not like eating or drinking; even with the aid of abundant spirit stone resources, drinking the spiritual liquid from the Penglai Immortal Realm daily, my body’s innate talent and foundation are indeed lacking. Cultivating to the Foundation Establishment Stage is already due to great fortune and heavenly favor; reaching Core Formation might as well be an unattainable heaven."

Yang Fei quickly interjected, "Why belittle yourself, elder? Compared to other cultivators in the Southern Domain, your cultivation circumstances surpass the vast majority. Just strive a little more, and reaching Core Formation should be possible."

Zhuge Cang sighed, shaking his head.

Having been gravely injured in his youth, his foundational damage naturally impacted his future cultivation.

Yet, he had long accepted it, harboring no resentment towards Yang Fei and the others.

"Being able to cultivate to this point is already satisfying for me. In three months, I will be two hundred and fourteen years old. According to the three hundred years lifespan at the Foundation Establishment Stage, I have eighty-six years left to live. However, after Foundation Establishment, cultivation becomes increasingly difficult. It took over thirty years to reluctantly reach mid-stage Foundation Establishment. Beyond Mid-stage Foundation Establishment, further cultivation is even slower, and at this rate, Core Formation for me is unlikely," Zhuge Cang spoke with a calm tone, yet his words carried traces of helplessness, bitterness, and unwillingness.

Yang Fei fell silent.

His own cultivation journey, aside from the considerable challenges of Nascent Soul Formation, was smooth sailing without experiencing the difficulties others faced.

However, he understood the arduous cultivation journey of ordinary cultivators.

Within the Shang Qing Sect, countless Foundation Establishment Disciples remain stuck at the Foundation Establishment Realm their entire lives, never reaching Core Formation.

"Yang Fei, Elder Ji Bangying wishes to meet you; he... is nearing his end."

At this moment, Qin Yanyang’s voice came from outside.

Yang Fei felt a slight heaviness in his heart.

Even Zhuge Cang revealed a look of sorrow, "Is Old Ji leaving? Among those old friends, not many are left. Let’s go and see him."