by Fang Xiang
An enormous azure light shell then covered the island like a bowl being placed upside down.
Many xiuzhe were disturbed by the change and flew into the sky. Their attention were all attracted to this thin light shell.
Zuo Mo released a breath as though he was relieved of a great burden. He raised his head to look at the azure light shield above his head. This layer of light was extremely thin and seemed as though it would shatter upon contact like eggshell. Zuo Mo knew that jindan xiuzhe definitely could not break through it and it would hold unless a yuanying xiuzhe attacked. Even then a yuanying xiuzhe would not have an easy time breaking through this thin shell of light.
The defensive power of the Meridional Azure Aether Formation was extremely strong. If he could find better materials, better azure aether, the power of the formation would grow to the point that even yuanying could not break it.
Zuo Mo quickly threw this unrealistic notion to the back of his mind. All the wealth he had, even added together, wouldn’t be enough to forge such a set of meridional azure aether spikes.
The shield of light gradually dimmed until it could not be seen. The sky seemed to return to what it was before but Zuo Mo knew that the defensive power of the formation had more than doubled.
Zuo Mo wanted to make his own nest a fort.
Zuo Mo considered whether he should construct a few formation battle watchtowers but then he ended the thought. The power of the formation battle watchtowers were slightly useless to the present Turtle Island. In the past, everyone’s skill was not very high, and their enemies were not strong.
But Zuo Mo didn’t even remember how many jindan they had encountered. If conflict occurred, the power of the formation battle watchtower would not be sufficient. Also, their present power was not something that their past could compare to. After experiencing the Sealed Extinction battlefield, with the help of the black processing meditation mat, the formations that originated in mo matrixes, the ling dan and ling foods, as long as Zuo Mo had it, he would not be miserly. Many of the xiuzhe of Vermillion Bird Camp had reached the third stratum of ningmai. Even Golden Crow Camp had many that reached the third stratum.
Becoming jindan was the right path. One normal jindan xiuzhe was equivalent to hundreds of ningmai xiuzhe.
But Zuo Mo didn’t have good solutions to aid core formation. Right now with his three powers as one, his ling power’s strange stagnant period of no growth had finally been broken.
Of course, with benefit, there came loss. Now the strange cycle of his ling power growth was broken, his mo physique had instead stopped growing. Even if Zuo Mo cultivated his mo physique, what grew was his ling and spiritual power. Zuo Mo suspected that the growth of the mo physique was being limited by his ling and spiritual power, and would only grow once all three had reached the same level.
Due to the pause in his ling power growth in the past, Zuo Mo’s present ling power was the lowest in the entire camp, other than when compared to the flower yao. This was a great source of dejection for him.
Zuo Mo had asked Pu Yao and Wei Sheng if there was any ideas about core formation. However, the two did not know, they were not xiuzhe in the end.
Zuo Mo planned on asking Xu Zheng Wei or Liao Qi Chang in the future. If he could hire a few jindan, the power of the camp would go up another level.
Right now, Zuo Mo had other affairs to attend to.
The Earth Spirit Matter Conveying Stone was put at the center of the entire island. This treasure was really wondrous, causing the ling energy of the entire island to increase instantly. The ling fields were affected the most, and the grades of all the ling fields were increased by a fraction.
Ling fields of higher grades could raise ling plants of higher grades, and could produce ling plants of better quality.
Zuo Mo also moved the high grade ling plants he had found from the Tian Family estate, planted near the Earth Spirit Matter Conveying Stone. One of them was a fifth-grade Fury Maple. Its leaves were as red as fire and the trunk was a dark red. When one walked near, they could clearly feel a wave of heat being exuded from the plant.
It was a rare fire ling plant and each leaf it produced was worth a thousand jingshi. The fruit it produced was called Fire Eye Fruit, and was used to forge fire element talismans.
The other plant was Thousand Finger Guanyin Orchid. This flower was fifth-grade and shaped like the fingers of the Guanyin. If it bloomed, it would have thousands of flowers and was named so. This flower was deeply coveted by dhyana xiu and was greatly beneficial for their Samadhi. It was also the raw material for many ling medicines. The Thousand Flinger Guanyin Orchid would bloom every decade and was extremely rare due to this.
Zuo Mo had been shocked and joyous that the Tian Family had two such rare ling plants. Compared to these two ling plants, the Sonic Lightning Walnut wasn’t much.
Old Master Tian had started off dealing in ling pants, and naturally had collected more than these two plants in his collection. There were also many rare fourth-grade plants but they were now all in Zuo Mo’s purse now. He had moved the entire ling plant garden to Turtle Island. He dug up all of the Tian Family treasures, even the treasure safes that were hidden deep in the ground had been dug out under the guidance of Lil’ Black.
As for the Sky Ray Treasure Lens, Zuo Mo gifted it to Gongsun Shidi. This talisman was suited for battle generals and was akin to giving wings to Lil’ Miss.
The richness of the gains this time surpassed his predictions but there were also losses.
Wei Sheng Shixiong and Zong Ru were recuperating from their wounds. Zong Ru’s wounds were not too serious but Eldest Shixiong was still unconscious. Zuo Mo was very worried.
Thinking about it now, Ning Yi’s power still shook his mind.
Compared to Ning Yi, Old Master Tian wasn’t on the same level. Zuo Mo hadn’t put great value on talismans in the past, but this battle really called his attention to them. If it wasn’t for the surprise performance of the Black Gold Seal Soldier and the black sword in Eldest Shixiong’s hands, they would have died back then.
The power that could be expressed by powerful talismans were terrifying!
He finally understood now why so many xiuzhe would furiously pursue talismans!
One didn’t feel it in daily life, but when one encountered a true expert, they finally knew what it was to struggle with each step and not have a solution! What caused all this, other than the other’s high cultivation, was the talisman on their hands!
One talismans could decide life and death.
They had forged many talismans but there was never a talismans that possessed the terrifying power of the Blood Fiend Asure Umbrella. Zuo Mo felt that they had not invested enough energy in this area.
Truly top talismans were almost always forged by the xiuzhe who used it. People wouldn’t sell these kind of talismans, and what could be bought on the market were outstanding, like the Blue Soul Cold Light Armour, but these were not considered top-tier talismans.
Zuo Mo decided to forge a powerful talisman.
Otherwise the dangers of the last incident would occur again.
He thought of a person.
———
Tied up with the immortal tying chains, Gu Ming Gong’s spirits were low. Not eating or drinking for a few days wasn’t a big problem for him, but how long was it since he has had to endure such a thing? His mind was blank. Ever since thirty years ago, when his forging and seal-making skills had matured, he had lived a luxurious life. No matter where he went, which person did not greet him with a smiling face?
But right now, he was a prisoner.
He was very clear that the other had not killed him because he probably had an interest in his forging and seal creation skills. If he was of no use, there would only be one outcome for him.
He felt unparalleled terror.
At this moment, with a creak, the door was pushed open.
A young entered his vision, the one that had captured him.
He knew
the time to decide his fate had arrived.
* * *
Translator Ramblings: So Gongsun Cha is definitely in ningmai and at a higher level than Zuo Mo is. The whole package matters but at this point … … poor Zuo Mo. First his ling power problems, and now his mo physique is stuck in a rut.
The yao will be revisited in this story but not at this exact moment.
Chapter 476: Soul Setting Divine Light
Zuo Mo stared at Gu Ming Gong silently.
The pressure brought by the silence almost caused Gu Ming Gong to suffocate. Endless terror spread through his heart. He felt the other’s gaze seemed to be looking at something dead, or a lamb waiting for slaughter!
I don’t want to die … …
What he did not know was that Zuo Mo’s silence was not on purpose to pressure him but because he was in heated discussion with Pu Yao and Wei.
———
“I want him to work for me.” In the sea of consciousness, Zuo Mo shrugged with a matter-of-fact expression. “But he is a jindan and has a higher cultivation than I do. He’s also skilled in formations so it is very dangerous. What suggestions do you have?”
Pu Yao said unconcernedly, “If you only want the forging knowledge in his mind, you can just draw out his soul.”
“Draw his soul?” This phrase caused Zuo Mo to shudder uncontrollably.
“Even though it is slightly cruel, it is very effective. If you can draw out his soul, you can quickly possess the knowledge that belongs to him. How about it? Are you moved?” Pu Yao’s eerie red pupil narrowed and the slight smile on the corner of his mouth carried a coldness that was unique to him. He continued, “Of course, there is nothing that is perfect in the world. You will receive his memories and comprehensions but it will also affect your mind.”
Zuo Mo’s hairs rose up when hearing this but he couldn’t stop himself from asking, “What are the effects?”
“Usually a personality split, a change in personality, etcetera, who knows? Everyone’s played about with the soul for so many years, but no one truly understands,” Pu Yao said irresponsibly.
Zuo Mo almost immediately blocked Pu Yao’s method. He turned his face. “Wei, do you have any methods?”
Wei thought for a moment and slowly opened, “We can only look in the direction of jinzhi.”
“Jinzhi?” Zuo Mo’s eyes lit up but then his brow creased. “His cultivation is higher than mine, so I cannot put jinzhi in him. He’s also skilled in formations so it might not be able to restrain him.”
“I know a type of ancient jinzhi that might work.” Wei was very conservative in his words.
Zuo Mo’s eyes lit up, “What jinzhi? Tell me!”
Pu Yao also had curiosity on his face. Wei’s existence was more ancient than his and he was also curious what kind of strange and wondrous jinzhi Wei could produce.
“I feel we must first discuss payment,” Wei said smilingly.
In this moment, Zuo Mo felt Wei’s expression was almost the exact same as Pu Yao. His expression instantly crumbled. Pu Yao was a calamity. Whomever stayed with him would be affected. Even this guy’s heart was black!
“Seriously!” Zuo Mo wailed.
Wei was not affected and smiled at Zuo Mo.
Zuo Mo quickly surrendered. “Alright, what payment do you want?”
“Guard Camp cultivates mo skills, it is not suited for Pu, give it to me,” Wei said with the same smile.
Pu Yao’s eyes instantly narrowed and became as long and cold as a blade, his entire body exuding an extremely dangerous presence.
Wei was not affected by this as though he did not detect the change, “My previous master was a mo, and I understand more about how to cultivate mo skills than Pu. I can get them to grow more quickly. Also, to date Guard Camp hasn’t produced even one battle general, this is enough to show that Pu Yao is not suited to teaching Guard Camp.”
Pu Yao’s expression was unfriendly. His entire person was like a cold blade that was unsheathed, the black robes he was wearing flapping despite the lack of wind as though he would leap and consume his enemy.
For Pu Yao, Guard Camp was something he was used to wile away his time. He didn’t find it so important but that did not mean he would allow someone to take it away from him! How could the proud Pu Yao tolerate such a matter happening to him?
The black fire in the sea of consciousness seemed to solidify.
Zuo Mo felt his scalp turn numb. Both of these were people he could not afford to offend!
How had he been pulled into the battle between them?
This was dangerous! Too dangerous for his life!
He didn’t dare to make a sound. He suspected that if he showed even the slightest bit of agreement, Pu Yao would tear him to pieces on the spot.
Pu Yao’s voice was bone-chillingly cold. “Jinzhi? Who doesn’t know jinzhi? Just one type of jinzhi and you want Guard Camp? You are delusional! A certain fake gentleman won’t teach, I’ll teach you! This jinzhi is called Purple Netherworld Curse … …”
Wei’s faint voice interrupted, “Purple Netherworld Curse can only be cast by Rahula Yao, if there isn’t not enough spiritual power, it would backlash on the user.”
Pu Yao stilled and his expression became uglier. “Hmph, other than Purple Netherworld Curse, there is the Needle Ghost Curse.”
“The Needle Ghost Curse needs thirteen yin bone needles, those aren’t easy to find!”
Pu Yao’s face became increasingly dark. He suddenly smiled coldly. “Oh, then I want to see what your jinzhi is.”
“So you have agreed?” Wei looked fearlessly at Pu Yao.
Pu Yao said proudly, “With this guy’s power, a skill that can be realized at the spot, without any side-effect. If you can do it, so what if I give you Guard Camp!”
Zuo Mo wanted to say weakly, “Big Brothers, Guard Camp is actually mine … …”
But intelligence caused him to keep his mouth closed. He couldn’t offend any of these two big bosses!
Suddenly, his mind became alert. Fight! Keep fighting! The more you fight, the more benefits ge gets! How did the phrase go, the crane and the clam fights, while the fisherman gets the rice … …[i]
He closed his mouth tightly and didn’t say a word.
“If that’s the case, then I will be disrespectful.” Wei smiled warmly but his words hide needles among the cotton that caused Pu Yao’s face to become a fraction uglier.
“There is nothing in verbal battle. I’m still waiting for you wondrous jinzhi to broaden my visions,” Pu Yao said ambiguously.
Wei finally said lightly, “This jinzhi is called Soul Setting Divine Light.”
Hearing this name, Pu Yao’s expression suddenly changed. His abruptly opening pupil was full of disbelief. “Soul Setting Divine Light! You actually comprehend Soul Setting Divine Light!”
It was the first time Zuo Mo had seen such an expression on Pu Yao’s face. There was a shock of terror within the amazement and deep disbelief.
Soul Setting Divine Light? What was that?
Zuo Mo’s mind was full of puzzlement. If it could cause Pu Yao to lose his composure, then it must be very powerful.
Wei still had that same gentle smile but at the time, it was full of immeasurability. “I tried to learn it incidentally but I didn’t learn it.”
“Who are you really?” Pu Yao looked hard at Wei. If it wasn’t that they would live and die together and coexist together, he would have not been able to stop himself from attacking!
He suddenly found that he knew pitifully little about Wei’s origins. Other than knowing Wei was once the gravestone armor of the former corps commander, he knew mothering else.
“I am Wei.[ii]” Wei smiled as usual, the smile warm as the sunlight of the dawn.
Zuo Mo saw the two’s tense face-off and instantly became nervous. Big Brothers, this is an’s sea of consciousness, he instantly threw the idea of the fisherman getting the rice to the back of his head and tried to make peace, “Let’s talk peaceful
ly, let’s talk peacefully. What is this Soul Setting Divine Light? Is it very powerful?”
Wei smiled at him.
Pu Yao said coldly, “If even you didn’t learn it, how can you teach him?”
Wei smiled, “My talent is not good, it is normal that I could not learn it.”
Pu Yao seemed to hear a joke. “You feel this boy is talented? Even though he is my student, but his talents, hmph hmph, very normal!”
Zuo Mo didn’t accept that, and his face suddenly became black!
What? Ge’s talents were not good?
“Ge’s talents are not good?” Zuo Mo shot back. “How was it that was crying and shouting to take ge as a student? Tsk tsk, burning the bridge after crossing it, eating and wiping clean then saying ge’s talent isn’t good?”
Pu Yao’s old face turned red as he coughed violently.
Wei had a wry smile on his face, “Yes, you can’t be that kind of yao. How about you give this student to me?”
“Don’t push it.” Pu Yao recovered his cold smirk, “I’m not a little child who doesn’t know anything! Soul Setting Divine Light is one of the ancient Great Nine Divine Lights, is it easy to cultivate? If he really can learn it, you also have the qualifications to be his teacher. Otherwise, go find a cold place and stay there.”
“Alright.” Wei nodded without hesitation. He then reached out with his right hand after speaking. Black mist came out of his right hand and quickly gathered into a black ball. It was possible to see dots of light within the black ball that made it even more mysterious.
Wei smiled at Zuo Mo and the black ball flew towards Zuo Mo and entered his body.
Zuo Mo’s mind blank as he froze where he stood.
In this instant, he felt an enormous and heterogeneous flood of mental thoughts swallowing him like an avalanche.
Zuo Mo seemed to be situated in a world of strange light. Everywhere was color. Zuo Mo had never seen such a variety and richness of color before. He thought that the colors in the entire world must be in here.
Light!
These rich colors were all kinds of light!
Some were dim, some were bright, some were vivid in color, others as black as ink … …
