Shen Yuan carefully examined the White Jade Turtle Shell. If not for the clear purple marking on it, he would have thought he was hallucinating.
He had obtained the White Jade Turtle Shell over a decade ago, and this was the first time he had seen such a peculiar phenomenon.
Recalling the hexagram previously displayed on the turtle shell, his brows furrowed.
Purple Star Divination... Dragon Tamer's Mansion... Could the relic Xu Xiu mentioned be the "Dragon Tamer's Mansion"?
His consciousness returned, and Shen Yuan frowned in deep thought.
He had heard of the term "Dragon Tamer" in his previous life.
According to legends from the time of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, there was a clan skilled in taming Divine Dragons, known as the Dragon Taming Clan. They specialized in taming Divine Dragons for the Yellow Emperor, and all clan members were called Dragon Tamers.
Could there also be a group that tames Divine Dragons in this world?
The specific hexagram obtained was one of "Great Fortune," so he did not waste energy delving into the matter of the "Dragon Tamer," planning to depart for the relic the next day for a look.
Laying down slowly, Shen Yuan was about to sleep when he suddenly noticed something amiss!
He hurriedly sat up and carefully checked the spiritual power within his body.
Breakthrough!?
This...
He could feel that the spiritual power within his meridians had more than doubled compared to before, which was unbelievable!
After breaking through to the Qi Cultivation Realm, the spiritual energy of the Black Water Pool was far richer than other places, but Shen Yuan estimated it would take at least two or three years to break through from the Qi Cultivation First Layer to the Second Layer.
So how could he mysteriously have a breakthrough now?
Could it be because of... the Purple Star Divination?
The only reason he could think of was the "Purple Star Divination" that appeared on the White Jade Turtle Shell just now.
However, the anomaly in his Sea of Consciousness captured all his attention at the time, so he wasn't aware of whether the energy absorbed during the breakthrough came from the White Jade Turtle Shell or the external spiritual energy.
Unable to make sense of it, he decided not to delve deeper, considering himself fortunate to have broken through.
...
The next morning, Shen Wenxing woke up early to find his father already cultivating in the courtyard.
He walked up and said, "Ah Die, did you cultivate until late last night?"
Shen Yuan opened his eyes and nodded slightly.
Shen Wenxing laughed, "No wonder I felt a wave of spiritual energy in my daze last night... Ah Die, you broke through!?"
Originally, both father and son were at the Qi Cultivation First Layer, but now Shen Wenxing could clearly feel his father's spiritual power had grown significantly, surpassing him.
Shen Yuan smiled gently, "It seems so. Last night during cultivation, I indeed felt some changes."
"Perhaps because I've been staying at home all day."
"The spiritual energy near the Black Water Pool is denser than the Ascension Pavilion in town."
He was quick to comfort his son, fearing he might be disappointed.
Shen Wenxing took the news well, showing no signs of distress over his father's breakthrough.
"By the way, Ah Die plans to visit the relic today."
"I'll leave the house matters to you for the time being."
Shen Wenxing was slightly taken aback and smiled wryly, "I was just about to tell you."
"Over at Immortal Welcoming Garden, Immortal Li sent a secret message saying that immortals from other Immortal Sects have arrived and are currently in contact with various noble families and the Imperial Family."
"The Immortal advised us and the Ascension Pavilions everywhere to be cautious."
They're all here?
Shen Yuan pondered for a moment with a furrowed brow, "This matter isn't urgent. According to the map left by Xu Xiu, the trip to the relic should only take a few days back and forth, and I won't delve too deep."
"If there are gains, that's ideal. If not, we'll prepare for the next step."
Shen Wenxing nodded.
He trusted his father's decision but was somewhat worried about potential dangers at the relic.
"Ah Die, wait a moment."
After a moment's hesitation, he ran back to his room and soon came out carrying a Fine Steel Long Rod.
"This staff isn't in use for now, take it for self-defense."
Knowing his father hadn't systematically learned Martial Arts, Shen Wenxing worried about potential threats, not to mention the wild beasts in the mountains.
A Qi Cultivation Second Layer cultivator was already quite strong, but it wasn't practical to waste spiritual power on beasts.
As Shen Yuan accepted the staff, he considered buying a suitable weapon in the future.
Though he might not need to use it, it's better to be prepared; standing on the precipice and not having a weapon would be unfortunate.
In the courtyard, Shen Wenxing used the short time to guide Shen Yuan on using the staff.
"With a spear, thrust one point; with a staff, sweep an area. The spear fears shaking, the staff fears a strike. The essence of staff technique lies in the ends, utilizing it fully."
"Either horizontal or vertical, it is both offensive and defensive; with staff against an opponent, defense should come first, then attack when there's an opening..."
As he explained, Shen Wenxing practiced with the wooden staff, showing the movements.
Shen Yuan watched carefully from the side.
Having reached the Qi Cultivation Realm, comparable to Martial Arts Innate, comprehending worldly martial skills was easy for him.
In just half an hour, he grasped the basics, though not yet achieving Shen Wenxing's proficiency.
"Early in the morning, what are you two up to?"
Hu Yufen was awakened by the sound of the father and son practicing in the courtyard, yawning as she walked out.
Shen Yuan retracted his stance and approached his wife, "Dear, I have something to tell you."
"Before Elder Xu left, he left something in the mountain, and I'm planning to retrieve it."
Hu Yufen looked skeptical, "What kind of thing would they leave in the mountain?"
Shen Yuan chuckled, shaking his head, "Who knows? I'll go check it out first."
"How long will it take?"
"Probably three to five days at the shortest, up to ten days at most."
Shen Yuan estimated it would take four or five days round trip, and possibly ten days if there were delays at the relics.
"Get me some pancakes and prepare some food for the journey."
Before his wife could ask further, he continued speaking.
"Alright."
Though she had doubts, Hu Yufen didn't think much of it.
Late morning.
Shen Yuan had packed his bags, deliberately bringing a bow and arrows to avoid arousing suspicion, pretending he was going hunting in the mountains.
"Ah Die, go and return early, and be careful with everything."
At the gate, watching Shen Yuan's departing figure, Shen Wenxing couldn't help but shout out.
At home, only he knew what his father was going to do, and he couldn't help but worry.
"Hmm."
Shen Yuan waved goodbye and headed towards Hidden Dragon Mountain.
...
Danzhou, Qiyun Valley.
After Xu Xiu was brought back, Pei Zhao arranged for him to be an Outer Sect Steward.
Although this role wasn't as prestigious as a disciple of the Four Courtyards, it was still within the true world of cultivators, offering regular cultivation resources and guidance. Xu Xiu was quite pleased.
As for Shen Wen'an, upon returning, he no longer held back on using the resources.
He, already at the Peak of Postnatal, directly broke through to the Qi Cultivation Stage within ten days after using the Spirit Crystal Fragments and Qi Nourishing Pill.
Pei Zhao was delighted.
Initially, Li Heshan brought over a hundred Immortal Seedlings possessing Spirit Roots from Yangnao Land, eventually selecting sixty to join the Four Courtyards.
Shen Wen'an was the first among this batch to break through to the Qi Cultivation Stage, which gave him quite some prestige.
"Wen'an, in a month's time, Qishan Market will open. At that time, all Immortal Sects and Noble Families throughout the Qishan Range, and even some strong Immortal Sects around Danzhou will send disciples there."
"I've heard there might be a Sword Cultivation Technique for sale, and I'll take you to broaden your horizons and see if we can acquire it."
In the Hidden Cloud Courtyard, Pei Zhao gleefully spoke to the youngster in front of him.
Hearing this, Shen Wen'an's face showed a rare, stiff smile as he promptly clasped his sword and bowed, "Thank you, Master."
Pei Zhao nodded slightly, "Off you go."
After Shen Wen'an left, Pei Zhao slowly retracted his smile and sighed.
Sword cultivation techniques were already rare, and with the Cyan Ruo Sword House present in Danzhou, the moment news of a sword cultivation technique being sold at the market emerged, the Cyan Ruo Sword House would definitely make its move.
That was a powerful Immortal Sect.
He could only hope that the sword cultivation technique offered at the market wouldn't be too high-level, or else Cyan Ruo Sword House wouldn't be interested.
If that were the case, he might have a chance to buy it for Shen Wen'an.
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