The Cloud Sea on Nine Cloud Peak glimmered with a faint glow of twilight.
Chen Sheng transformed into a stream of black light, descending before the cave dwelling. The Mountain Protection Array closed automatically, isolating the clamor of the outside world completely.
He stepped into the cave, not immediately sitting down to cultivate as usual, but instead walking straight to the window, gazing in the direction of Primordial Magnetic Peak, his brows still slightly furrowed.
The excited expressions of the Golden Core Cultivators in the hall, the generous support announced by True Monarch Chong Xu, and the destiny-changing opportunity of the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven still echoed in his mind...
On the Cold Jade Table inside the cave were the Spiritual Materials used during the afternoon's cultivation.
Chen Sheng turned and walked to the Cold Jade Table, picking up a Tier Three Spirit Crystal between his fingers. The faint cyan Spirit Light flowing within the crystal reflected in his eyes, but his thoughts drifted towards the legendary Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven.
Seven Nascent Fruits, such treasures were almost a direct assurance of seven Nascent Soul True Monarchs. The Three Elements Dao Sect has Nascent Soul True Monarchs in every generation, thanks to this as their foundation, and they even have a reserve of Nascent Soul Pills.
Not to mention, the Secret Realm still holds countless Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects and Tier Four Spiritual Materials... Every time the Grotto Heaven opens, a bloody storm arises in the Cultivator Realm of Yue Country, producing a batch of new powerhouses, and even Loose Cultivators manage to break through to Nascent Soul, rewriting their fates entirely.
"If I could obtain one Nascent Fruit..."
A trace of uncontrollable longing flashed in Chen Sheng's eyes, his fingertips unconsciously tightening, causing the Spirit Light on the surface of the Spirit Crystal to tremble slightly under the pressure.
He is two hundred and sixty years old this year, with over four hundred years of lifespan remaining. If he could break through to Nascent Soul with the help of a Nascent Fruit, his future path would undoubtedly become wider.
He might even have the opportunity to reach a higher realm, a temptation that made his heart beat involuntarily faster.
But this longing only lasted a moment before he forcibly suppressed it, releasing his fingers, and the Spirit Crystal fell onto the desktop with a crisp sound.
"However..."
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He sighed lightly in his heart, his gaze quickly becoming calm:
"Though there are many Spiritual Materials in the Grotto Heaven, the only one I must fight for is the Nascent Fruit."
"The other Nascent Soul Spiritual Objects have a stable output from the Dao Sect. I am now the Master of Danming Hall, and with the improvement of my Alchemy skills in the future, contributing more to the Sect, I can naturally exchange for them from the Sect Treasure Vault. Why risk my life?"
He walked to the Spirit Gathering Array in the center of the cave, closed his eyes slightly, and recalled the shortcomings in his cultivation and combat strength:
"Although I've comprehended Sword Heart and Sword Intent and can set up Tier Three High Grade Sword Arrays, when facing ordinary Late-Stage Golden Core Cultivators, I can gain the upper hand with the help of arrays and swordsmanship."
"But to contend for the Nascent Fruit, I would inevitably face those true killing stars, like the True Sword Children of the Myriad Swords Sect. They have immersed themselves in Sword Dao, and their Sword Heart, Sword Intent, and Swordsmanship have long been honed to the pinnacle, with each strike a deadly move..."
He opened his eyes, a hint of clarity flashing through them:
"I fear I wouldn't even have the chance to draw my sword before being beheaded in one strike. The opportunity to compete for the Nascent Fruit is too slim for me."
Thinking of this, Chen Sheng couldn't help but gently shake his head, silently reflecting in his heart:
"Ordinary cultivators facing such opportunities might stake everything, having no regrets even if they perish, but I..."
He paused, a trace of tranquility flashing in his eyes, silently thought:
"I have Hundred Generations of Reincarnation, a steady approach. Even if I can't reach Nascent Soul in this life, there is hope to become a Tier Four Alchemy Grandmaster, admired by thousands. Why rush?"
Chen Sheng sat down on the Cold Jade Meditation Mat, closed his eyes, took several deep breaths, and began sealing his hands, attempting to calm the waves in his heart.
Just then, the memories of his second life suddenly surged in his mind—when he first entered the Cultivation Realm, his uncle Qin Dajiang had once told him a saying:
"On the path of cultivation, greed is the greatest taboo. Know when to stop, and only then can you last long."
It must be said, this saying greatly influenced Chen Sheng. He has had supreme opportunities and has steadfastly implemented those words over the years.
"Ordinary cultivators only have one life, constantly chased by lifespan, they have no choice but to gamble for a chance at survival, but I have Hundred Generations of Reincarnation, already a supreme opportunity, why indulge in greed again?"
"The Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven emerges now, yet it eludes me, why force it?"
Chen Sheng slowly opened his eyes, the hesitation and doubt in them receding like the tide, leaving only transparency and determination.
Now, with abundant lifespan, stable cultivation improvement, and ever-improving Alchemy skills, the future is bright. There's no need to gamble for that slim chance for a Nascent Fruit.
He stood up, walked to the Pill Furnace, his gaze sweeping over the Pill Patterns on its body, with plans already forming in his heart, muttering to himself:
"Not entering the fray, the worst result is merely maintaining the status quo—it isn't a loss."
"Besides, those cultivators coming out of the Secret Realm will surely bring back loads of Spiritual Materials. I can trade with them using Alchemy, exchanging Elixir Pills for the high-tier Spiritual Materials they've risked their lives to obtain—this is also a kind of gain."
The story of the gold miner and the water seller suddenly appeared in his mind.
The gold miners risk their lives in perilous places and might not even find gold, whereas the water sellers just need to provide drinks by the shore to make a steady profit.
Now, he is like that "water seller," needing no risks. He could use Alchemy, this "hard currency," to exchange for the Spiritual Materials he needs from the Secret Realm explorers, which is much more secure than participating himself.
"If I were to join, and happen to be killed, at least four hundred years of lifespan would be wasted, and all previous accumulations and plans would turn to ashes."
Chen Sheng gently exhaled a sigh of relief, the last trace of hesitation vanishing from his heart.
He waved his hand, storing the Spiritual Materials on the table into his Storage Ring, his gaze turning sharp once more.
Since he has decided not to enter the Secret Realm, he must prepare in advance, organizing Pill Formulas and refining Elixir Pills to seize this "trading opportunity" when the Secret Realm opens.
...
Half a month later at Nine Cloud Peak, the morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the chirping of spiritual birds pierced through the sea of clouds, landing on the White Jade Square in front of the cave residence.
A silver sword light suddenly sped toward the sky with a clear sword cry, breaking through the morning mist and landing steadily in the center of the square.
The sword light dispersed, revealing the figure of Chen Xihua in a silver-white sword robe, with a faint golden sword Qi lingering around him, obviously just having completed a long-distance escape.
"Greetings, Father!"
Chen Xihua quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully, his voice carrying a hint of urgency from the journey, yet hard to conceal his reverence.
Chen Sheng walked out of the cave residence, his dark alchemy robe gently fluttering in the spiritual wind. He nodded with a smile, his gaze falling on Chen Xihua, eyes flashing with a hint of comfort.
Decades have passed, and Chen Xihua has now reached the mid-stage of the Golden Core, his cultivation speed remarkably fast, indicating considerable fortuitous opportunities.
Currently, his sword momentum is restrained yet faintly reveals sharpness, clearly showing that these years of experience and cultivation have greatly enhanced his Sword Dao attainments.
What's more commendable is that Chen Sheng could sense a faint hint of sword intent from him—being able to comprehend sword intent at the mid-stage Golden Core, this talent is outstanding even among the inner sect disciples of the Myriad Swords Sect.
"You have returned quickly." Chen Sheng raised his hand slightly, a gentle spiritual power supporting Chen Xihua, "I thought it would take at least a few more months before you could return."
Chen Xihua straightened up, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth:
"As soon as I received news of the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven opening, I didn't dare to delay for a moment and even arranged to travel on a quasi-tier four flying vessel from the Three Elements Commerce Association, allowing me to hurry back so swiftly."
He paused, a trace of urgency flashing in his eyes, and asked:
"Father, is everything well at home? When specifically will the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven open? Has the sect set any rules for entering the Secret Realm?"
All these years, he has been exploring abroad, and although he frequently communicated with his family, he didn't know much about the recent happenings in the sect and family. Now that such a profound opportunity has emerged, he naturally couldn't wait to understand the details.
Chen Sheng led him into the cave residence, where spirit tea was already prepared. The warm tea soup exuded a faint orchid fragrance.
After Chen Xihua sat down, Chen Sheng began answering his questions one by one:
"Everything is stable at home, and Xixing's management of the Commerce Association is all going smoothly."
"After the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven opens, the sect will distribute tokens; each inner sect Golden Core cultivator will receive one, and any extra tokens will be given to the outer sect and loose cultivators."
"As for the rules for entering the Secret Realm, Nascent Soul cultivators are not allowed inside; it will only be Golden Core cultivators, many of whom are nearing their lifespan limit, leading inevitably to bloodshed."
He shifted his tone, his gaze falling on Chen Xihua, speaking slowly: "I have decided not to enter the Grotto Heaven this time."
Upon hearing this, Chen Xihua paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
In his view, the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven is also a great opportunity for his father, yet he didn't expect his father to choose not to pursue it.
But this surprise only lasted for a moment, as he quickly realized it and understood in his heart.
His father has always been cautious, seldom leaving the Immortal City, and now as a Tier Three Top Level Alchemist and Master of Danming Hall, his status is revered, and he has ample resources.
While the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven carries opportunities, it also comes with mortal risks.
With his father's current status, he doesn't need to take such risks, as continuing to improve in alchemy and becoming a Tier Four Alchemy Grandmaster under the sect's support greatly increases the hope of reaching Nascent Soul in the future.
There is indeed no need to risk life for the opportunities in the Grotto Heaven.
Having understood this, Chen Xihua set down his teacup, a trace of determination flashing in his eyes, solemnly speaking:
"I understand your considerations, Father, but I'm quite different—I am alone, having practiced cultivation for many years, relying solely on my sword and this body refining cultivation."
"A once-in-a-millennium opportunity like the Ancient Yue Grotto Heaven, if missed, would be challenging to encounter again in the future."
"Therefore, I must venture into the Secret Realm, even if only to find a few high-tier spiritual materials to nurture my flying sword, it's worth the effort."
The sword Qi around him slightly leaked due to his emotional fluctuations, the sword pill in his Dantian emitted a faint hum, as if echoing his determination.
For him, the path of a sword cultivator inherently requires progress through trials and struggles; seeking only stability would instead hinder his advancement in Sword Dao.
His rapid progress during the years of travel and training is the best testament to this!
Seeing the determination in his eyes, Chen Sheng gently nodded:
"Since you have thought it through, go ahead."
Chen Sheng took a jade box from the storage ring and pushed it in front of Chen Xihua:
"You are in the mid-stage of the Golden Core; sect support is scant. Inside are three 'Tier Three High Grade Earth-Jumping Golden Light Talismans, two 'Tier Three High Grade Heart Protection Talismans,' and one bottle of 'Golden Jade Soul Reviving Pill'—all life-saving and healing items, keep them well."
"The risks in the Secret Realm are unpredictable, and numerous are the Golden Core Perfection cultivators. Avoid conflicts as much as possible; if you encounter danger, crush the teleportation talisman to escape, never gamble your life for opportunities."
Chen Xihua received the jade box with both hands, a warm current surging in his heart, solemnly nodding and placing the jade box into the storage ring:
"I understand, Father, I will definitely not forget your instructions. I will return safely."