Cultivation: I Can Traverse Otherworlds

BOOM!

The earth-fire roared.

Zhu Ju held the Blinding Banner and, with a gentle shake, wrapped a Blazing Stone in it before tossing it into the Earth Evil True Flame.

The Blinding Banner was merely a Low-Tier Spiritual Artifact, not even considered Low Grade.

But its ability to confuse others’ perceptions, especially when paired with the Skin Painting Technique, proved to be quite effective.

It had rendered Great Merit when he previously encountered the Tribulation Cultivators.

That was why he planned to reforge it.

He intended to refine it into an advanced version of the Blinding Banner, the Fiery Sun Blinding Banner, which would be even more effective at causing confusion.

Aside from that.

The seal on Cao Lei’s Qiankun Bag was about to wear off, and inside the Fire Chamber, there was no need to worry about being discovered.

Due to the rampage of Tribulation Cultivators, the Tier Two Array on Dragon Head Peak had been activated to ensure the safety of the Sect Disciples.

Even the courtyards of Inner Sect Disciples were under surveillance.

Only the Fire Chamber...

would remain undisturbed.

POP!

A soft sound came from the mouth of the Qiankun Bag, and the taut drawstring instantly went slack.

It opened!

Zhu Ju’s eyes lit up. He opened the Qiankun Bag and probed inside with his Divine Thought, a look of delight immediately spreading across his face.

’What a huge haul!’

’As expected of Senior Brother Cao, whose status was second only to the Core True Inheritance disciples. There are several hundred Spirit Stones alone.’

’Hm?’

’And there are even two Middle Grade Spirit Stones!’

One Middle Grade Spirit Stone could be exchanged for one hundred Low Grade Spirit Stones, but this was just the market price; very few people would actually make the trade.

Even if they did,

it would cost a little over one hundred to get one.

Besides the Spirit Stones, there were also several Low Grade Spiritual Artifacts, a pile of miscellaneous items, and all sorts of Spiritual Materials.

CLANG...

Several Low Grade Spiritual Artifacts clattered to the floor.

He then took out the Middle Grade Spiritual Artifacts in order: the Black Death Hook, the Blood Poison Flying Needle, and the Five Poison Cloud Miasma.

’I never would have thought...’.

Gazing at the collection of Magical Artifacts flashing with Spiritual Light before him, Zhu Ju mused with a sigh:

’...that one day, I’d actually be worried about having too many Magical Artifacts?’

These Magical Artifacts were worth thousands of Spirit Stones, but selling them off discreetly would not be an easy task.

He rummaged through the Qiankun Bag again and pulled out a Jade Scroll.

’An Introduction to Arrays!’

’That’s right!’

’Back then, Cao Lei used Palm Force to break the Six Harmonies Array Banner. The subtlety of his power control clearly showed he understood the principles of how Arrays operate.’

’He was actually an Array Master?’

Compared to Alchemists and Artifact Refiners, Array Masters were even rarer.

Some Immortal Sects didn’t even have their own Array Masters and had to specifically hire outsiders to maintain their Arrays.

The Jade Scroll introduced the basic knowledge of Arrays and even contained several common Tier One Arrays.

The Gale Array, the Yellow Sand Array, the Four Symbols Array...

’As one’s Cultivation improves, you come into contact with more and more things, and it becomes easier to get distracted.’

Zhu Ju put down the Jade Scroll, lost in thought.

’Alchemy, Artifact Refining, Gu Techniques, Arrays...’

’If I had a long lifespan, it might not hurt to try one or two of them, but right now, I can’t afford to waste my focus.’

His own branch’s Brother Ge and the Celestial Sword’s Martial Uncle Yuk were both brilliant talents who should have had a chance at reaching the Dao Foundation realm.

Unfortunately, because they delved into Alchemy and Artifact Refining, they expended too much energy. Though they achieved high status and standing, they ultimately lost the possibility of advancing further.

With this cautionary tale right before him, he naturally couldn’t make the same mistake.

’I’ve already divided a lot of my attention on Artifact Refining. As for Arrays, I’ll just learn the basics. I absolutely must not try to go any deeper.’

After searching through the Qiankun Bag one more time, Zhu Ju sighed in resignation.

Nothing!

Compared to the Spirit Stones and Magical Artifacts, he had actually wanted to find the Secret Technique Cao Lei used to spit out the ’Black Wind’.

The power of that Bone-Devouring Black Wind was terrifyingly immense. If he could get his hands on it, he would have no fear even when facing a Late-Stage Innate expert.

But alas...

there was no such Method in the Qiankun Bag.

This was also quite normal. A Cultivator’s most treasured, inherited Secret Techniques were often not written down but passed on orally.

SHING!

With a wave of his hand,

the Blinding Banner, having been tempered in the Earth Evil True Flame, flew into his palm. It was now covered in a layer of fiery, incandescent light.

The Middle Grade Spiritual Artifact—the Fiery Sun Blinding Banner—

was complete!

With a gentle shake,

a dreamlike Fierce Flame immediately swept through the surroundings.

Zhu Ju nodded in satisfaction. "This is the first Middle Grade Spiritual Artifact I’ve ever refined. It’s worth commemorating."

...

Over the next two months, Zhu Ju disguised himself and, hiding his identity, frequented the Sect Marketplace multiple times.

He never sold much at one time.

His timing was also erratic; sometimes he would go every few days, other times he wouldn’t leave for ten days or even half a month.

He continued this until he had disposed of everything he had.

「The Treasure Pavilion.」

Zhu Ju, cloaked in a black robe, was led by Elder Mo into a Quiet Chamber.

"Fellow Daoist,"

"You’re looking for a High Grade Spiritual Artifact?"

"Correct." Zhu Ju nodded.

"Preferably a Defensive Spiritual Artifact."

"A High Grade Spiritual Artifact..." Elder Mo began slowly.

"...is not cheap."

THUD!

Zhu Ju tossed a heavy storage bag onto the solid wood table, where it landed with a dull thud.

"Price is not an issue."

"Excellent!" Elder Mo’s eyes lit up.

"Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist."

He stood up and went to the back room, returning shortly to the Quiet Chamber. He took out three items and placed them on the table one by one.

"You’ve come at just the right time, Fellow Daoist."

"Due to the fighting between the Bright Void Sect and the Tribulation Cultivators, quite a few experts have fallen. As a result, my humble shop has managed to procure a few High Grade Spiritual Artifacts."

"Normally, you would need to make an appointment in advance just to see them."

Elder Mo smiled and opened a Sword Box.

"A High Grade Spiritual Artifact, the Celestial Net Sword!"

"This sword possesses the wondrous ability to create countless illusions. If paired with a top-tier Sword Control Method, its power can be increased even further."

"Selling price: five thousand Spirit Stones!"

The Celestial Net Sword was no bigger than his palm and looked utterly unremarkable, but when Elder Mo flicked a beam of Spiritual Light at it,

VMMMM...

the body of the sword trembled, and a sharp Sword Intent surged forth, causing the entire room to quiver.

Even though Zhu Ju’s Earth Evil True Body had already reached the Great Success stage, he still subconsciously tensed up, the hairs on his arms standing on end.

"A fine sword!"

He couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

"Its edge is so sharp and exposed. Truly a fine sword!"

It was certainly worthy of being a High Grade Spiritual Artifact valued at five thousand Spirit Stones.

Since joining the Bright Void Sect, Zhu Ju had fought against many Cultivators, but he had never once encountered an opponent who possessed a High Grade Spiritual Artifact.

This was true even for people like Cao Lei and Weii Ning.

This just went to show how rare High Grade Spiritual Artifacts were.

Cao Lei’s Sword Talisman was no less valuable than a High Grade Spiritual Artifact, and perhaps even rarer, but it ultimately wasn’t one.

"The second item."

Seeing that Zhu Ju remained silent, Elder Mo opened the second wooden box, which contained a palm-sized Turtle Shell.

"A High Grade Spiritual Artifact—the Profound Armor Shield."

"This item was refined from the shell of a Tier Two Demon Beast. Its Defensive Power is astonishing. Selling price: eight thousand Spirit Stones."

"Eight thousand?" Zhu Ju’s eyes narrowed.

"So expensive?"

"Fellow Daoist," Elder Mo said with a smile, stroking his beard.

"As everyone knows, the price of a Defensive Spiritual Artifact is far higher than other Magical Artifacts of the same tier. After all, you only have one life."

"Eight thousand Spirit Stones is not expensive."

Zhu Ju shook his head lightly. He did want a High Grade Defensive Spiritual Artifact, but eight thousand Spirit Stones was far beyond his budget.

He then asked,

"What about the last item?"

"This is called the Five Elements Ring. It can be used for both offense and defense. The selling price is five thousand Spirit Stones." Elder Mo opened the last wooden box.

Inside the box were five rings—crimson, gold, black, white, and cyan—that flew out in sequence with a shimmer of Spiritual Light.

Hm?

A flicker of interest appeared in Zhu Ju’s eyes.

"This item... seems to be damaged?"

"You have a good eye, Fellow Daoist." Elder Mo looked surprised and nodded. "The Five Elements Ring can be used for both offense and defense. If it were in perfect condition, its value wouldn’t be much less than the Profound Armor Shield’s."

"However, its previous owner damaged the Magical Artifact during Combat, which is why it’s only selling for five thousand Spirit Stones."

"If you could restore it to its original state, Fellow Daoist, you would actually be getting a huge bargain!"

"Hmph..." Zhu Ju snorted coldly.

"Restoring an item that encompasses all Five Elements is incredibly difficult. It requires someone who also cultivates the way of the Five Elements. Besides, everyone knows that sets of Magical Artifacts are inconvenient to control."

"Five thousand Spirit Stones is too expensive!"

’Too expensive?’

’That means he’ll buy it if it’s cheaper.’ Elder Mo understood immediately.

"How many Spirit Stones can you offer, Fellow Daoist?"

"Three thousand!"

"That’s impossible."

Elder Mo’s expression darkened.

"No High Grade Spiritual Artifact goes for that price. If you’re truly sincere, Fellow Daoist, four thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones."

"Three thousand one hundred!"

"..."

"Now you’re not being serious," Elder Mo sighed lightly.

"Lowest price, four thousand five hundred Spirit Stones. Take it or leave it, Fellow Daoist. There’s no more room for discussion."

’Four thousand five hundred Spirit Stones?’

Zhu Ju lowered his head in consideration, then took out a piece of paper covered in writing and handed it over.

"With these items included, the total will be five thousand Spirit Stones."

"Oh?"

Elder Mo took the list and silently made some calculations before nodding slowly.

"Done!"

*

*

*

「Yidu.」

「The City Lord’s Mansion.」

Situ Kongli sat upright in the host’s seat, while her aunt, Yun Zhiyu, dressed in colorful robes, leaned casually in the first seat to her left.

Across from them sat a burly man with a full, thick beard.

"Miss."

As the Commander of Yidu, the number three figure in the city after the City Lord and the General, Ruan Tai looked directly at Situ Kongli.

"You are aware of the current situation. Only a personal appearance by the City Lord can stabilize the morale of the men below."

"If he doesn’t show his face soon..."

"Miss!"

"I have followed the City Lord for decades and have always been completely loyal to the Situ Family. Do you still not trust me?"

"Of course not," Situ Kongli said, shaking her head.

"My father has mentioned Commander Ruan many times, saying that Yidu’s and the Situ Family’s current prosperity are in no small part due to your considerable contributions."

"The City Lord is too kind," Ruan Tai said, his eyes reddening and his voice filled with emotion.

"I know the City Lord is unwell and needs to rest, but he must make an appearance now, just once."

"Rest assured, Miss!"

"As long as I, Ruan Tai, am here, Yidu will not fall into chaos!"

"Of course." Situ Kongli nodded.

"I trust you, Commander Ruan. My father is at a critical point in his recovery. He will definitely make an appearance after the next two days."

"Before that, he will meet with you first, Commander Ruan."

"Oh!" Ruan Tai’s eyes lit up.

"In that case, I am relieved."

"It’s getting late, so I won’t keep you any longer, Commander Ruan." Situ Kongli rubbed her tired, aching eyes.

"Guards!"

"See Commander Ruan out!"

Watching Ruan Tai depart, Yun Zhiyu pursed her lips slightly.

"For a family to hold a great city, not only must they have their own strength, but military power is equally important,"

she began slowly,

"The Mansion Soldiers, the Garrison, the government officials... the Yidu Soldiers number over twenty thousand. That’s enough power to intimidate even a True Man."

"And now..."

"The Mansion Soldiers and the Garrison have suffered heavy losses, and the army’s morale is unstable. It’s obvious that Ruan Tai has been bought by Celestial Star City."

"The Situ Family can barely make a move!"

Situ Kongli’s pretty face was tense, her expression cold and solemn.

Indeed.

If they could fully control the city’s Soldiers, the Situ Family would have enough confidence to deal with any external threats that might arise.

However...

as it stood, the Situ Family was supported only by Situ Kongli, a Peak Mage. How could she command the respect of others?

Even with Yun Zhiyu’s help, it was difficult to suppress the army’s unrest.

"Internal troubles and external threats."

Yun Zhiyu rested her chin on her hand.

"Kongli, what do you plan to do?"

"Ruan Tai is also a Great Mage. Taking back military authority from him will not be easy."

"Aunty," Situ Kongli said.

"If you were to face Ruan Tai, what are your chances of winning?"

"Hm?" Yun Zhiyu sat up straight, her beautiful eyes glittering.

"I have a ninety percent chance of winning, but only a fifty percent chance of killing him at most. If he has others with him..."

"...my chances drop to less than twenty percent!"

In Combat between Great Mages, it was easy to determine a winner and a loser, but actually killing the opponent was not so simple.

Just then,

WHOOSH!

a blurry figure descended from the sky and landed in front of the hall.

"Brother Zhu!"

Situ Kongli’s eyes lit up, and she hurriedly rose from her seat and walked quickly to greet him.

"You truly are as elusive as a Divine Dragon showing its head but not its tail. You haven’t appeared in so long, I thought you had disappeared for good!"

"I had some things to take care of, which caused a delay," Zhu Ju said.

"Miss Kongli, why have you summoned me this time?"

"Brother Zhu..." Situ Kongli sighed.

"The Situ Family is in a difficult situation right now. I hope you can lend us your aid, Brother Zhu."

"What do you need me to do?" Zhu Ju asked.

"I have not forgotten my promise."

"I knew you were a man of your word, Brother Zhu." Situ Kongli’s eyes shone brightly as her thoughts raced.

"I hope you will help me seize control of the city’s military power and suppress those with ill intentions."

"Military power?" Zhu Ju frowned.

"I can kill people, but this sort of thing is not my specialty."

Besides,

’it’s too much trouble!’

He simply didn’t have that much time to linger here.

"Killing people works too!"

Yun Zhiyu stood up and said with a smile,

"Then we’ll trouble Young Master Zhu to help us kill Ruan Tai. Once Ruan Tai is dead, the others will be a leaderless mob and naturally submit."

Situ Kongli’s beautiful eyes darkened slightly, but she didn’t voice any objection. Instead, she looked at Zhu Ju, her tone laced with worry.

"Ruan Tai is also a Great Mage, and he’s protected by Soldiers. Brother Zhu, you don’t have to take such a risk."