Innate Immortal Seed

’Everything seems normal. No aura of powerful Demon Beasts...’

Whether it was the feelings coming from Genggeng or the feedback from his extended Divine Sense, the area around the volcano was perfectly normal.

Bai Zichen landed on the ground. The surface temperature was extremely high, and solidified, overflowing lava was everywhere.

It had formed into chunks, and one could still faintly see a red glow emanating from within them.

He reached for a piece of solidified lava in front of him. His knuckles were distinct, and his skin took on a five-colored, glazed texture.

A temperature high enough to instantly roast a pig to a crisp only produced a wisp of white smoke in Bai Zichen’s palm, feeling merely warm to the touch.

With a firm squeeze, the lava rock shattered, leaving only a crystalline, fingernail-sized Fire Stone in the center.

’This looks like a Tier Two Low-Grade Spiritual Material, an Earth Fire Crystal. Only ores buried thousands of feet deep and smelted by Earth Fire for years on end have a chance to form... They must have been scattered around during the volcanic eruption.’

Having once dabbled in Artifact Refining, Bai Zichen had a decent understanding of various minerals and Spiritual Objects.

Glancing around, he realized there must be no shortage of such Earth Fire Crystals within the mountain-like piles of lava rock.

’After all, the volcano has been active for several thousand years, and few Cultivators ever set foot here. If I could claim it as a mine, the profits would be substantial.’

’But the temperature is too high. And the Fire Element Spiritual Qi, which is most abundant here, is violent, unruly, and agitating. Even I find it a little uncomfortable, and I practice one of the most orthodox Fire Element Techniques.’

He tried refining a wisp of the surrounding nature’s spiritual energy and found its concentration to be equivalent to Tier Two Top-Grade.

The only problem was that the Spiritual Qi was mixed with toxic gas that had erupted from deep within the earth.

Cultivating with this energy would generate Fire Poison, which would accumulate throughout his body.

It was somewhat similar to the negative side effects of his own Fire Dragon Returning Essence Scripture.

’Qi Refining Cultivators wouldn’t last long on this volcano, even with specialized Magical Artifacts... And if a Foundation Establishment Cultivator stayed for an extended period, it would affect their Cultivation.’

He couldn’t just assign a group of Foundation Establishment Elders to come here and work as miners just for the Earth Fire Crystals; the return on investment would be far too low.

Bai Zichen quickly abandoned the idea. He had initially wondered if he could have the Bai Family relocate some of its members here to establish a new source of income.

Now that his Spirit Rice farming venture was over, his only fixed annual income was the stipend from his position as Supervisor Elder.

His current wealth was still considerable; even among the most senior Elders, few could match him.

And that was just considering his Spirit Stones and Sect Contribution, not including his various Treasures.

But after reaching Core Formation, everything from Refining Magical Treasures to crafting Tier Three Elixirs—all useful Cultivation Resources—would be Tier Three Spiritual Objects.

It would be no exaggeration to say that he’d be spending Spirit Stones like water.

For Core Formation True Men, the common currency for transactions was often Mid-Grade Spirit Stones, or even Top-Grade Spirit Stones.

Aside from Low-Grade Spirit Stones being nearly useless to them, carrying around the massive quantities required for transactions was also an issue.

’The strongest creature in the crater is a Tier Two Fire Salamander. This doesn’t seem like a place that could trap Su Li...’

Bai Zichen stuffed Genggeng back into his Spirit Beast Bag. The temperature at the center of the volcano was so high it felt like the very air was about to ignite.

A ring of Genggeng’s black and white fur was singed, and the little bear had become completely listless.

He picked a random rock and sat down. A faint image of a ferocious Flood Dragon materialized behind him, swallowing the waves of heat that rolled toward him.

He formed a hand seal and sent out an imprint of Magical Power. It activated mid-air, creating ripples that spread out like those from a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

The ripples of Magical Power continued to expand, spreading deep into the volcano.

This was a little technique used by Qingfeng Sect disciples to communicate in special situations. Even if someone were trapped and unable to use a Spiritual Artifact, a response made with even the faintest wisp of Magical Power could be sensed by another sect member. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Its range also far surpassed that of Divine Sense. If Su Li was truly trapped inside the volcano, Bai Zichen would sense it instantly, as long as Su Li was conscious and able to respond.

「Three days passed.」

Bai Zichen’s Daoist Robe was now covered in a thick layer of volcanic ash, which also dusted his eyebrows and hair.

If not for the Fire Flood Dragon Illusion behind him absorbing the intense heat, his Daoist Robe would have long since been destroyed by the spewing embers.

’There’s been no response after all this time. Junior Brother Su must not be here...’

Bai Zichen stood up and shook off the dust and volcanic ash. Even after casting a Dust-Removal Technique, he still felt grimy.

’Maybe I should spend some Spirit Stones on a Tier-Entry Daoist Robe,’ he thought. ’Just something with basic abilities to repel water and fire, cool the body, and keep off dust would be enough.’

’My current power is insufficient to search for someone in the lava. If I had cultivated the Fire Dragon Returning Essence Scripture to the point where I could transform into a Fire Flood Dragon, that would be a different matter... In this environment, I’d be like a fish in water, able to explore all the way to the volcano’s base.’

Just as he was about to turn and leave, an idea suddenly struck him. Perhaps there was one Spiritual Artifact he could try.

A colorful, shimmering ribbon on his wrist flashed, enveloping his body in a layer of iridescent light.

His entire body transformed into a Scarlet Streak, plunging into the lava.

’It seems to be working. As expected of a Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact refined from a Cyan Simurgh True Feather... Although it’s limited by its Spiritual Artifact Tier, its essence is still the True Feather of a Tier Four Fire Element Great Demon, giving it extremely strong resistance to lava and Earth Fire.’

Bai Zichen activated the Rainbow Feather Robe. The Top-Grade Spiritual Artifact he had acquired from the Fire Phoenix Mo Family transformed into the Scarlet Streak, its iridescent specks of light allowing it to weave nimbly through the lava.

In one breath, he dove nearly five hundred zhang. He felt the external pressure mounting, and the lava’s color deepened significantly. Only then did the Rainbow Feather Robe tremble, the Scarlet Streak shrinking slightly.

He knew he was approaching his limit. His vision was a sea of crimson, and it wasn’t until a few dark shapes drew near that he realized they were massive chunks of ore.

For them to have kept their shape while being constantly scorched by molten lava, they had to be at least Tier Three Spiritual Materials.

However, even a random chunk was the size of a pavilion; there was no way he could move them, let alone take them with him.

’I can only make a mental note for now. I’ll come back to investigate after I reach Core Formation.’

As for extending his Divine Sense, it was simply impossible.

The moment his Divine Sense left his body, it was like being plunged into a frying pan. The searing pain made his vision darken, and he felt flames erupt within his Sea of Consciousness.

He had to sever the connection immediately, lest the flames in his Sea of Consciousness rage out of control.

’This crater doesn’t lead straight to the planet’s core, does it? I sense a great terror deeper down. Better not risk it...’

’If Su Li had really fallen in here, he would’ve been incinerated long ago. There’s no way his Soul Lamp would still be lit.’

The Scarlet Streak turned, about to shoot upward, when he spotted an incredibly dazzling flash of red light. Even amidst the molten rock, it was exceptionally conspicuous.

He subconsciously sent out a bright beam of Sword Light. It wrapped around the red gleam and, to his surprise, produced a sharp CLINK.

Not caring what he had hit, Bai Zichen swiftly retracted the Sword Light and shot to the surface.

He burst out from the lava. A giant lizard, several zhang long, was staring intently at him. Its body was covered in barbs, and saliva dripped from its mouth, burning a small hole in the ground upon impact.

’Perfect, you can help with my finances!’

Though startled, Bai Zichen’s hands moved without hesitation. Two beams of Sword Light shot out simultaneously, linking into a blazing corona that enveloped the beast.

He recognized it as the Tier Two Mid-Grade Demon Beast he had detected earlier with his Divine Sense. It must have been drawn by the commotion.

Just when he was thinking about finding a new source of income, he wasn’t about to pass up the valuable Demon Beast Materials from a Tier Two beast that had served itself up on a platter.

Honed by the crucible of the Sect war, his Sword Path had grown more refined. He had integrated various forms of Swordsmanship from the True Enlightenment Sword Technique and was gradually developing his own unique style.

Against a thick-skinned Tier Two Demon Beast with low Spiritual Wisdom, there was no need for Exquisite Swordsmanship. Efficiency was all that mattered.

The Sword Lights danced. The Celestial Xin Sword and the Willow Leaf Sword, his two Flying Swords, struck one after another in a flurry of attacks, giving the Fire Salamander no room to breathe.

In the blink of an eye, several sword wounds deep enough to reveal bone appeared on the Fire Salamander. Blood streamed out, covering its already dark-red body in yet more crimson stains.

The Fire Salamander charged back and forth, trying to smash the detestable bipedal creature into a pulp. But with every step it took, the Sword Light raining down from above grew sharper. The bone-chilling threat of death forced the Demon Beast to spin in place.

Another beam of Sword Light pierced the Fire Salamander’s eye and plunged straight into its brain, making it shriek in agony.

The Fire Salamander retreated another step. Its stomach contracted, and it spewed a torrent of scorching flames mixed with toxic smoke directly at him.

"Perfect timing!"

Bai Zichen didn’t dodge. A seven-hued light shimmered before him, forming a screen of frost that blocked the flames.

The shimmering light shifted, transforming into a pure, milky-white curtain that dissolved all the toxic smoke.

Simultaneously, his two beams of Sword Light merged. Seizing the opening created as the Fire Salamander spewed its flames, they pierced straight through its forehead with the roar of wind and thunder.

A hole the width of a chopstick ran clean through the Fire Salamander’s head. Not even its thick skull could withstand the explosive power of the Dual Swords Unification. Its life force extinguished, the creature collapsed with a thunderous crash.

’It seems the Sect’s knowledge of the Demon Beasts in Black Mountain is still limited. I don’t recall seeing this Fire Salamander in the Jade Scroll that describes the Black Mountain Demon Beasts... But that makes sense. We only captured Feiyue Lake a few years ago. Our initial exploration of the Black Mountain depths relied entirely on fleeting glimpses from a few Core Formation True Men. A systematic, exhaustive search would have been impossible.’

Bai Zichen didn’t know which parts of the Fire Salamander were valuable, so he simply skinned it carefully, then cut the rest of the corpse into several pieces and tossed them into a Mid-Grade Storage Bag he had kept empty for this purpose.

With a flick of his wrist, the Sound Bamboo Sword appeared in his hand. Its blade was already marred by several black scorch marks, its Spiritual nature severely damaged.

’The lava five hundred zhang deep in this volcano is terrifying. Even though the Sound Bamboo Sword is a Wood Element Flying Sword, for it to be scorched this badly in just a few moments is unbelievable... Fortunately, since it’s a Wood Element Flying Sword and I have the Sword Nurturing Technique, it will be good as new in a month.’

He carefully put away the Sound Bamboo Sword, his heart aching at the damage. Then he retrieved the source of the red gleam from his storage bag—the very thing for which his Sound Bamboo Sword had nearly been destroyed.

"This is... a Top-Grade Spirit Stone!"

When the fiery-red, child’s-palm-sized chunk landed in his hand, Bai Zichen didn’t immediately recognize it.

But then the surrounding Fire Element Spiritual Power began to surge toward it, gathering around it automatically. Wisps of Pure Fire Element Spiritual Power even tried to burrow into his body through the object, and he cried out as if waking from a dream.

It was simply that Top-Grade Spirit Stones were too far beyond his reach; he himself only possessed a single Top-Grade Spirit Stone.

And it was a trophy he had taken from a Cultivator of the Youlong Sect.

If Top-Grade Spirit Stones had become the common currency among Core Formation True Men, then among Nascent Soul True Monarchs, the ultimate hard currency was Top-Grade Spirit Stones.

They could instantly replenish True Essence, serve as the core of a Tier Four Array, and even slightly raise a Spirit Land’s Tier if left in one place for a long time...

To High-Tier Cultivators, these Top-Grade Spirit Stones were incredibly important—more of a strategic resource than a mere currency.

Furthermore, each of these Top-Grade Spirit Stones could automatically absorb nature’s spiritual energy of its own element. Even if completely depleted, it could regenerate into a brand-new Top-Grade Spirit Stone over several decades or centuries, depending on the environment.