Chapter 548: Taiyin Mysterious Pearl, Xuanyuan!

“Such methods…”

Lu Changsheng watched the dissipating phantom of Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng’s souls, feeling shock in his heart.

In the past, he had used similar methods to suppress the demon king Fenglei Hou.

But Fenglei Hou was only a Third-Tier Demon King, while this Deep Sea Demon Whale King was a Fourth-Tier Demon King!

Even severely injured and restricted by various means, directly suppressing it like this was incredibly astounding!

The combined strength of the couple was not just on par with a Nascent Soul cultivator but actually possessed the power of Divine Abilities!

As the soul projections above Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng’s heads faded, the overwhelming spiritual energy connected to heaven and earth quickly receded.

The god-like, indifferent gaze in their eyes gradually filled with emotion as they spoke to Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian: “Thank you both, fellow Daoists, for your hard work.”

It was apparent that the couple had used some kind of enhancing secret technique, now they both showed signs of weakness and fatigue.

But just how weak they truly were or if they were genuinely weak, Lu Changsheng couldn’t be sure.

“This hunt was mainly successful because of the incredible methods of Daoist Wuhen and Daoist Yunmeng.”

Lu Changsheng removed the Spirit Downfall Talisman, and a violet aura diffused from his body as his physical strength and energy ebbed away like a retreating tide. He clasped his hands in gratitude.

These words were not mere flattery.

If it wasn’t for Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng influencing the Deep Sea Demon Whale King’s mind with the juices from Ni Chang Grass, Diehun Grass, and other substances…

Then trapping it with numerous killing formations, severely injuring it, and finally using that astonishing method, there would have been no way to hunt it successfully.

Apart from these methods, Lu Changsheng suspected that the couple had employed other unknown techniques.

Otherwise, it shouldn’t be so easy to mislead and confuse the mind of a Fourth-Tier Demon King.

“Daoist Wang is too modest. Without you and Daoist Li, and your spiritual pets keeping it in check the entire time and taking the risk to lure it at the critical moment, it would have been difficult for us to suppress this whale.”

Meng Wuhen’s face was somewhat pale as he spoke with humility.

However, as he spoke, he secretly observed Lu Changsheng, feeling a sense of astonishment.

During this hunt, Lu Changsheng repeatedly improved his cultivation realm.

And just now, he used a Fourth-Tier spirit infusion technique, elevating his cultivation and physical strength to the peak of Golden Core Formation.

Yet, despite using such a method, his whole being only appeared weak without showing any signs of major vitality damage.

And the golden thunderbird by his side…

Whether speed or combat prowess, it far exceeded any demon king he had ever seen!

“Daoist Wang, Daoist Li, all of us have expended a lot. Why don’t we first take some time to adjust and recover our spiritual energy before heading to the Deep Sea Demon Whale King’s lair?”

“At that time, if you two need anything, you’re welcome to select some materials from the lair.”

Meng Wuhen continued.

Even an ordinary demon king’s lair holds many Natural Treasures.

As a Fourth-Tier Demon King, this Deep Sea Demon Whale King is sure to have left behind many rare and precious treasures.

Initially, according to their agreement, all these spoils of war belonged to the couple.

However, after all was said and done, the couple would leave soon but their daughter would remain in the Southern Wilderness, potentially needing help from Wang Lin and his wife.

So, they were also willing to show some favor and sincerity.

“In that case, many thanks to Daoist Wuhen.”

Lu Changsheng didn’t stand on ceremony and clasped his hands in thanks.

There was a high probability that there would be Fourth-Tier Natural Treasures in the lair of a Fourth-Tier Demon King.

Whether or not they were useful, their value was evident.

Immortal Yunmeng formed a seal with her hands and summoned several formation flags, generating a Spirit Gathering Formation that gathered the spiritual veins disrupted by the disintegration of the island. The formation was used for the four to sit and recover.

Such methods were extraordinary.

It goes to show why she is worthy of being a top-tier Third-Tier formation master!

Soon after, the four of them sat cross-legged, took out pills and spiritual milk from their Storage Rings, and consumed them to rapidly adjust and recover their spiritual energy.

Days later, after regaining some of their strength, the four of them headed toward the sea eye.

Although none of them were in peak condition…

As long as they didn’t encounter another Fourth-Tier Demon King, there shouldn’t be any major problems.

A month later, the four arrived above the previously located sea eye.

Meng Wuhen raised his hand, revealing three deep blue beads in his palm.

“The sea eye is at the bottom of the sea, ten thousand feet below. These are Water Repelling Pearls. They can part the sea and reduce spiritual energy consumption.”

He handed two of the Water Repelling Pearls to Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian.

“Thank you, Daoist Wuhen.”

During their last hunt for the demon king, Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian also acquired some Water Spirit Pearls…

But they hadn’t yet had time to refine them into Water Repelling Pearls.

The two activated the Water Repelling Pearls with their spiritual energy, instantly forming a blue glow that enveloped their bodies, then they dived into the sea.

Since this location was the territory of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, there weren’t many high-level demonic beasts.

Mostly, they encountered treasure fish and ordinary demonic beasts.

Along the way, they saw many colorful coral reefs.

As they continued to dive deeper, Lu Changsheng even saw some Third-Tier coral reefs.

If it weren’t for the presence of Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng, making it inconvenient, Lu Changsheng would have wanted to spend some time collecting them.

Under normal circumstances, such coral reefs wouldn’t have much use…

But if placed in Bishui Lake, they would have the effect of nourishing spiritual fish and treasure fish.

“This should be the place.”

After a long while, the four of them saw a black hole emanating overwhelming pressure, like a vortex drawing everything in.

The four exchanged glances, summoned their Magical Treasures, applied multiple talismans, and entered the black hole.

This was the nest of the Deep Sea Demon Whale King.

They saw many remains of sea beasts, as well as crystal ores, coral, spirit shells, pearls, and more.

An invisible field permeated the surroundings, likely causing an immediate explosion of flesh and blood for any Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment cultivators who entered.

The spiritual items there were similar…

Common First-Tier or Second-Tier spiritual items could not survive in such a place.

Perhaps because the Deep Sea Demon Whale King had only recently advanced to a Fourth-Tier Demon King, Lu Changsheng didn’t see many rare and valuable treasures.

“Daoist Wang and Daoist Li, you may select a few items first.”

Having obtained the largest prize, the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, Meng Wuhen appeared quite generous.

“Xuanyuan.”

Lu Changsheng subtly indicated to Hong Lian to make the selection.

In her past life, she had been a Nascent Soul True Lord, her discerning eye was much better than his.

Hong Lian walked around, then picked up a Fourth-Grade Water Spirit Pearl. Through a spell, she saw a fist-sized, glowing white pearl within a giant clam.

“Daoist Wuhen, I will take this Water Spirit Pearl and this Taiyin Mysterious Pearl.”

Hong Lian looked at Meng Wuhen and spoke.

“Of course.”

Meng Wuhen glanced at the glowing white pearl in Hong Lian’s hand and nodded slightly.

He then looked at Lu Changsheng and made a welcoming gesture: “Daoist Wang, please.”

“Hmm?”

Seeing Meng Wuhen’s generosity, Lu Changsheng was also straightforward and began to search the lair.

“Is this Blue Ghost Crystal?”

At that moment, he saw a watermelon-sized deep blue crystal ore, stopped, and summoned a Flying Sword, striking the ore.

“Clang!”

A small dent appeared on the blue crystal ore.

Then, the dent slowly began to repair itself.

“It truly is Blue Ghost Crystal!”

Lu Changsheng’s face lit up with joy.

Blue Ghost Crystal is an extremely rare material used in equipment refining.

When damaged, it has the ability to repair itself, making it ideal for forging puppets or defensive Magical Treasures.

“If there’s Blue Ghost Crystal here, there might be Blue Ghost Sea Insects as well!”

Lu Changsheng scanned his surroundings.

To form Blue Ghost Crystal, a strange insect known as ‘Blue Ghost Sea Insect’ is needed.

This insect typically lives beneath the ocean floor, feeding on mud, coral, and spirit shells. It has no combat power, but as it advances, Blue Ghost Crystal slowly forms inside it.

If he could secure a few of these insects to cultivate, accumulating more Blue Ghost Crystal over time could allow him to forge rare puppets or top-grade defensive Magical Treasures.

“I will take these Blue Ghost Crystals then. If Daoist Wuhen finds any Blue Ghost Sea Insects, I would like to try raising them.”

Lu Changsheng pointed to the crystal ore on the ground and spoke to Meng Wuhen.

Though Meng Wuhen was showing generosity, Lu Changsheng was not one to be greedy.

Besides, after he succeeded in taking over the Immortal City, their cooperation would be required.

No need to take advantage here and sour relations.

“No problem.”

Meng Wuhen laughed lightly and proceeded to collect all the Natural Treasures in the lair into a storage Magical Treasure.

After gathering everything, he continued to dig deeper, looking for anything they might have missed.

Indeed, in his search, he found a few missed items.

During the process, several finger-sized, luminous blue insects appeared.

“Daoist Wang, there are nine Blue Ghost Sea Insects in total. Five for you, four for me, how about that?”

These Blue Ghost Sea Insects were extremely rare and had significant cultivation value. Meng Wuhen also intended to raise a few.

“Thank you, Daoist Wuhen.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and clasped his hands, satisfied with the haul from this journey.

Next, it was time to discuss the matter of Immortal City with Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng.

Both parties would sign a Spirit Contract and make a Heart Demon Oath, so Lu Changsheng wasn’t worried about them going back on their word.

“Let’s leave now. If the Deep Sea Demon Whale King’s aura disappears for too long, other demon kings might come.”

Meng Wuhen spoke up.

Besides, even with the Water Repelling Pearls, being in the depths of the ocean exerted invisible pressure on them, significantly draining their spiritual energy.

“Daoist Wuhen, you’re not going to take this sea eye’s spiritual vein?”

Lu Changsheng asked in surprise.

According to their previous discussions, everything in the Deep Sea Demon Whale King’s lair was theirs to take, and Lu Changsheng naturally included this valuable spiritual vein.

This sea eye’s spiritual vein was rich and pure. Its spiritual energy far exceeded that of a Third-Tier spiritual vein, almost reaching the Fourth-Tier.

“Daoist Wang, you must be joking. Not even a Nascent Soul True Lord can take away a sea eye like this.”

“Besides, this sea eye affects the entire Da Mengze. As the spiritual vein is advancing toward the Fourth-Tier, destroying it would harm one’s fortune, leading to even greater misfortune.”

Meng Wuhen shook his head as he spoke.

The path of divination and augury is greatly influenced by fortune.

Doing something that harms one’s fortune is something to avoid at all costs.

A spiritual vein is formed by the might of heaven and earth.

Destroying or damaging it can diminish one’s fortune.

This wouldn’t have much effect with a First or Second-Tier spiritual vein…

But with a Third-Tier spiritual vein, the impact could be significant.

As for a Fourth-Tier spiritual vein, the consequences would be severe.

The most difficult part of advancing a Third-Tier spiritual vein to the Fourth-Tier is amassing enough fortune from a region!

Only by gathering sufficient heaven-and-earth fortune can a spiritual vein advance!

So, destroying a Fourth-Tier spiritual vein would inevitably result in being cursed by the vein’s fortune, bringing misfortune upon oneself!

This sea eye’s spiritual vein hadn’t yet fully advanced to the Fourth-Tier but was on the brink of transformation.

In another hundred years, it might reach the Fourth-Tier!

“This sea eye influences Da Mengze and connects to the Star Sea. Daoist Wang, it’s best not to tamper with it. Not only will it harm your fortune, but it may also bring unforeseen troubles.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s expression, Meng Wuhen seemed to catch on to his thoughts and reminded him out loud.

“Thank you, Daoist Wuhen, for the warning.”

Lu Changsheng, of course, knew the risks of damaging a spiritual vein and reducing one’s fortune.

However, as a Dragon-Seeking master, by using the Dragon-Seeking Technique, he could split and take the core essence of the spiritual vein without causing too much damage.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to keep digging up spiritual veins like this.

It was because he saw that Meng Wuhen had no interest in this sea eye’s spiritual vein that he asked, thinking that if they didn’t want it, he could come back later.

But with Meng Wuhen’s reminder, he let go of the idea.

After all, Da Mengze would soon be his territory. It was unnecessary to mess with it.

Besides, his Second-Tier Dragon-Seeking Technique was already quite strained when dealing with Third-Tier spiritual veins, often causing waste.

Trying to shake a spiritual vein of this magnitude, a Fourth-Tier one, might be beyond his abilities.

“Daoist Wuhen, I’ve heard you mention the Star Sea several times. Beyond this mist is the Star Sea you spoke of, correct?”

Lu Changsheng subtly probed Meng Wuhen for information.

When the Star Sea was mentioned earlier, he was curious but hadn’t had a chance to ask.

“Yes, eight hundred miles north from here lies the Star Sea region.”

Meng Wuhen nodded slightly.

He glanced at Lu Changsheng and said: “If Daoist Wang is interested in the Star Sea, I can introduce you to it later.”

“In that case, I’ll trouble Daoist Wuhen.”

Lu Changsheng nodded in agreement.

Thereupon, the four quickly left the deep sea and returned to Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Two months later, the four arrived back at the Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Although they encountered a few demon kings along the way, they passed through with no serious issues.

“Daoist Wang, Daoist Li, let’s rest for a few days before discussing the handover of the Immortal City.”

“My wife and I have some things to handle first.”

Meng Wuhen addressed Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian, clasping his hands.

“Of course.”

Lu Changsheng wasn’t in a hurry.

Since the hunt for the Deep Sea Demon Whale King ended, the four of them had been in a state of weakness.

These past few months, traveling back and forth, and encountering many demon beasts along the way, they hadn’t had the time to rest properly.

Furthermore, handling the handover of Immortal City wasn’t something that could be done in a day or two.

“This is the formation disc for the city’s great formation. You can be at ease.”

Wearing a light purple palace dress, Immortal Yunmeng smiled gently and handed a delicate, ornate formation disc to Lu Changsheng, showing their sincerity.

“Daoist Yunmeng, you are too kind.”

Lu Changsheng responded with a gracious expression, clasped his hands, and then accepted the formation disc.

As he injected spiritual energy, he instantly felt the disc’s network of lines forming a web, spreading across the entire Immortal City of Da Mengze.

This formation disc was the primary formation disc of Immortal City of Da Mengze.

Although there were many secondary formation discs, formation tools, and great formation hubs, this main formation disc represented their sincerity.

With that, both sides bid farewell.

Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian headed to the Third-Tier Cave Dwelling that Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng had prepared in advance to rest.

“Hong Lian, what do you think of their situation?”

As soon as they entered the Cave Dwelling, Lu Changsheng set up a barrier and immediately asked Hong Lian about her thoughts on the two.

On the way, he had been worried that his sound transmission might be overheard by Meng Wuhen and his wife, so he had kept his thoughts to himself.

“They are truly extraordinary. These two must come from some top-tier power; otherwise, there’s no way they could have such profound reserves!”

“Earlier, when their energies merged, the soul projection they formed was already comparable to a Nascent Soul cultivator’s combat strength!”

“Moreover, although they appear weak, their souls are not as fragile as they seem.”

“And the method they used to suppress the Deep Sea Demon Whale King wasn’t to kill it, but to imprison and subdue it, as if they wanted to tame it!”

Hong Lian, with her gentle and elegant face full of seriousness, had been on guard against the two throughout the journey.

In case they took advantage of Lu Changsheng’s weakness to make a move.

Fortunately, the two abided by their agreement and the Heart Demon Oath.

“Tame it!?”

Lu Changsheng had already sensed that the two were out of the ordinary.

But he didn’t expect Hong Lian to say that Meng Wuhen and his wife wanted to tame the Deep Sea Demon Whale King.

How could that be possible!

A Fourth-Tier Demon King, unless a Nascent Soul True Lord or a Divine Transformation True Venerable came personally, would never submit.

Under normal circumstances, it would rather die than submit!

“With their strength and methods, if they wanted to kill this Deep Sea Demon Whale King, there were clearly simpler ways.”

“But from the killing formations on the four islands, it was clear that their goal wasn’t to kill the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, but to severely wound it.”

“Especially the final formations and chains, the Star Sand—all were meant to suppress the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, not to kill it.”

Hong Lian was amazed, not expecting that in a small cultivation world like the Jiang Kingdom, there were hidden dragons and crouching tigers, besides Lu Changsheng, there was also such a powerful couple.

The couple’s strength was unquestionably on par with someone ready to break through to the Nascent Soul realm!

Before the hunt for the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, Hong Lian and Lu Changsheng had suspected that the couple wanted to sell the Immortal City to finance their breakthrough to the Nascent Soul…

But now, it seemed that they were involved in something else entirely, having nothing to do with fear of failing the Nascent Soul breakthrough!

“Indeed, and during this entire hunting process, aside from the final stages, everything went almost exactly according to their plan.”

“Relying solely on the mind-altering effects of the Ni Chang Grass and Diehun Grass should not have been enough to achieve this.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, finding Meng Wuhen and his wife to be more mysterious than ever.

“Apart from the Ni Chang Grass and Diehun Grass, it’s likely related to the secret drugs they scattered in the sea, or the arrows they shot.”

Although Hong Lian possessed the soul of a Nascent Soul cultivator, her senses had been somewhat dulled by the Da Mengze’s misty environment, making it hard to discern their methods clearly.

Moreover, the techniques they used did not originate from the Northern Plains cultivation world, and seemed particularly tailored for the demon king of the sea, which made it difficult for her to pinpoint.

“Let’s not dwell on it. As long as they don’t have any malicious intent, it’s unrelated to us.”

Lu Changsheng took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

Meng Wuhen and his wife were indeed incredibly enigmatic.

But as long as they bore no ill will and conducted the city transaction as agreed, Lu Changsheng was not concerned with their background or motives.

If they showed sincerity and goodwill, he was even willing to treat them with respect and maintain a friendly relationship.

“Hmm.”

Hong Lian smiled faintly and nodded.

At the same time…

Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng returned to their palace.

“Husband, after this engagement, were you able to discern the background of Daoist Wang and Daoist Li?”

Immortal Yunmeng asked her husband, glancing at him.

It wasn’t just Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian who were astonished by their methods…

Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng were also deeply curious about Lu Changsheng and Hong Lian.

“Since they bear no ill intent and are sincere in their cooperation, their origins don’t concern us.”

Meng Wuhen held his wife’s hand, his eyes deep as he smiled faintly.

Then he raised his hand, revealing a complex, mysterious seal, as if it had emerged from the river of history, timeless and eternal.

“If we manage to tame the Deep Sea Demon Whale King, it will increase our chances when we enter the Eternal Autumn Hall and Heavenly Wave Hall.”

Gazing at the seal, he clasped hands with his wife, merging their energies to activate it. His voice grew low and deep: “Deep Sea Demon Whale King, I know you are awake.”

“If you agree to serve us for a hundred years, we will release you one hundred years later and even bestow upon you a supreme opportunity!”

After speaking, Meng Wuhen didn’t wait for the Deep Sea Demon Whale King’s response from within the seal, instead, he stored the seal away and went with his wife to heal and restore their conditions.

Though they hadn’t shown extreme weakness, their lifespans had still been depleted.

Just then, the sound of soft, alluring footsteps echoed down the hall.

“Father, Mother, you’re back?”

A stunningly beautiful figure walked towards them.

Her long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, her silky black locks flowing freely. She wore a five-colored mask that obscured her face.

Only her flawless, icy-clear autumn eyes were visible, revealing none of her true features.

Yet, the snowy white skin beneath the mask, and the delicate, jade-like neck, hinted at a complexion as white as freshly fallen snow.

A colorful dress that seemed loosely fitted yet snug in all the right places wrapped around her captivate, curvaceous figure, exuding an ethereal fairy-like charm.

Beneath the hem of her garment, her slender, delicate feet peeked out from a pair of dreamy high-heeled shoes, revealing smooth, round ankles with graceful curves and fair, soft skin.

Though her true face was hidden, the woman embodied an unparalleled beauty.

Anyone who saw her would be convinced that beneath the mask was a divine beauty, as stunning as a goddess from ancient legends.

“Xuanyuan.”

Seeing the young woman, Meng Wuhen and Immortal Yunmeng immediately smiled, their gazes softening.