novelhk Chapter 61 Survival Strategy: Divine Sense Array
Chapter 61 Survival Strategy: Divine Sense Array
Chapter 61 Survival Strategy: Divine Sense Array
The Lake and Sea Market was in an uproar.
When the underwater mine was breached, revealing a corner of the third-tier cave dwelling, the entire market was shaken.
Because the matter was discovered jointly by Zhao Tieshan, Dong Changqing, and a group of cultivators, it was impossible to suppress the news.
On this day, hundreds of communication talismans and communication birds flew out from the market, and the news quickly spread throughout the cultivation world.
After careful examination, the array masters reached an even more astonishing conclusion:
Even the second-tier spiritual vein beneath the Dong family's tomb is merely a small portion of the spiritual pressure that overflowed from the underwater cave after a thousand years of decay!
"This is at least a thousand-year-old cave dwelling of a Core Formation cultivator!" A white-haired array master exclaimed excitedly, his beard trembling. "There might even be a Core Formation opportunity inside!"
The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching far and wide.
The Jade Dragon Sect immediately dispatched Elder Xu Tianyue, a pseudo-Core Formation expert, to oversee the situation, and several nearby Core Formation forces also sent envoys.
The prices of inns in the market skyrocketed tenfold overnight, and unfamiliar monks could be seen everywhere on the streets, with a tense yet excited atmosphere permeating the air.
Chen Yi stood by the window of Miaoyin Pavilion, his brows furrowed.
He looked at the Qi Refining cultivators, their faces filled with fervor, as if they could already see the Foundation Establishment Pills beckoning to them.
"Something's not right," Chen Yi muttered to himself, his fingers unconsciously tapping on the window frame.
The streets were bustling with activity, but Chen Yi's heart remained as calm as a still pond.
The news of the appearance of a third-tier cave dwelling was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up towering waves.
He knew that once such an opportunity arose, it would inevitably attract competition from Core Formation cultivators, while Foundation Establishment cultivators would also seek opportunities in the cracks.
As for Qi Refining cultivators?
We are but ants in this storm, and will be crushed to dust if we are not careful.
What alarmed him even more was that once the cave's restrictions were activated, the spiritual veins would become disordered, and the market's protective array would likely fail. After all, array masters had discovered that the market's spiritual veins were merely a branch of spiritual energy leaking from the underground cave.
At that time, the horde of monsters lurking at the bottom of the lake will surely take advantage of the chaos to launch an attack, and the entire market will be turned into a sea of blood.
The Jade Dragon Sect, along with other major sects and forces that might come, will not allow rogue cultivators to truly seize great opportunities. They will inevitably conduct a thorough investigation and even take the opportunity to eliminate dissidents.
Staying here offers little benefit but considerable danger.
Each analysis made Chen Yi want to leave.
He knew all too well the bloodshed behind such "opportunities"—a great cultivation cave from a thousand years ago? Any single restriction inside could obliterate a Foundation Establishment cultivator! Not to mention those covetous Core Formation monsters.
"We have to go."
Chen Yi turned around decisively and began to pack up the important items in the quiet room.
He carefully categorized and stored the pills and talismans, and also kept several key items close to his body, ensuring they were readily available for use.
The movements were clean and crisp, as if they had been rehearsed countless times.
Just then, the door was gently pushed open.
Qin Chengcheng leaned against the doorframe, her moon-white gauze dress swaying gently in the wind, her beautiful eyes filled with suspicion.
"Why are you packing your bags so hastily?" she asked, watching Chen Yi's movements. "Are you planning to run away?"
"It's just tidying up some odds and ends. How did Fairy Qin get in?" Chen Yi asked without stopping.
"You even dismantled the second-tier defensive array in your own room, so of course I can come in whenever I want."
Qin Chengcheng chuckled softly, her skirt swirling as she arrived at the table. Her jade-like finger lightly touched the array plate Chen Yi was packing. "What, planning to never return?"
Having his thoughts exposed, Chen Yi wasn't embarrassed. Instead, he said seriously, "Your wisdom is beyond words. The market has become a place of trouble, and staying here is too risky."
"Risk?" Qin Chengcheng raised an eyebrow. "What risks could a mere seventh-level Qi Refining chef like you possibly face?"
Chen Yi took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:
"First, the aftershocks of a battle between Core Formation cultivators can kill Foundation Establishment cultivators, so we Qi Refining cultivators don't even have the right to watch."
Secondly, if the cave's restrictions are broken, the entire Lake and Sea Market could be razed to the ground.
Third, the Jade Dragon Sect will definitely take the opportunity to purge suspicious individuals, and rogue cultivators like myself will be the first to be targeted.
fourth"
"Stop, stop, stop!" Qin Chengcheng interrupted, rubbing her forehead. "Why do you always think the worst?"
Chen Yi's expression remained unchanged: "In the cultivation world, it's a dog-eat-dog world; only by being cautious can one survive long."
Qin Chengcheng stared at Chen Yi for a long time, then suddenly chuckled:
"You are truly the most cowardly monk I have ever met."
She shook her head and said seriously, "But I advise you not to rush off. At least listen to these three reasons."
She held up a slender, jade-like finger:
"First, with your true strength, you are far superior to these Qi Refining cultivators in the market."
If something really happens, even if they all die, it won't be your turn.
"Besides," she glanced meaningfully at Chen Yi's right hand, "you have some trump cards; you're more than capable of protecting yourself."
The second finger is raised:
"Second, you are currently at the seventh level of Qi Refining. You can enjoy the cultivation of a second-tier spiritual vein cave in my Miaoyin Pavilion. Otherwise, with your aptitude, how could you have raised your magic power from the sixth level of Qi Refining to the seventh level so quickly?"
If you leave this market, you can find a second-tier spirit vein cave dwelling. The annual rent is at least several hundred spirit stones. Where are you going to get that kind of money?
Within a radius of several thousand miles, there is only one first-tier spiritual vein, and it's occupied by a cultivation family. How are you going to get there? Even if you did, would they accept you?
When she raised the third finger, her tone became serious:
"Thirdly, we have an agreement in place. If we leave now, it will delay our progress in learning formations. I don't have much time left."
Time is still very precious. Your skill in formations and understanding of spiritual power have improved by leaps and bounds during this period, and you must have benefited greatly.
If we work together, we should have a chance to break the mental seal on my brain.
Even if I fail and perish, you will still have a high probability of becoming a true second-tier array master.
Do you know how much luck it would take to receive such a legacy elsewhere? I think you're taking your blessings for granted.
The quiet room fell silent.
Chen Yi frowned, mentally analyzing all the possibilities.
Seeing this, Qin Chengcheng softened her tone slightly: "Actually, it's safest for you to stay in Miaoyin Pavilion. If anything unexpected happens, my Miaoyin Pavilion's flying boat can evacuate at any time, and taking you with us is just a matter of lifting a finger."
After pondering for a long time, Chen Yi felt that Qin Chengcheng's words did make some sense.
Compared to the thousands of ordinary cultivators in the market, if anything were to happen, he could hide in the Miaoyin Pavilion. As long as the fairies in the pavilion were safe and sound, he would be safe.
Even if the situation worsens, he is confident that he can hold out longer and escape faster than other cultivators.
Chen Yi was confident that he could outlive even those in the early stages of Foundation Establishment, including Liu Jinjin.
More importantly, he is now at the late stage of Qi Refining.
Without the assistance of these second-tier spiritual veins, it would take at least twenty years to accumulate enough spiritual energy to reach the ninth level of Qi Refining through hard work alone.
By then, the chance of establishing a foundation will probably be long gone.
Currently, with the help of spiritual veins, his magical power is increasing day by day. He also often deals with aquatic monsters and devours their spirituality, which makes the water element in his magical power constantly tempered and purified, and its quality becomes more and more refined.
As for the wood element attribute in his magic, it has been somewhat replenished thanks to Dong Chang'an's elixir.
If I can have more contact with spiritual plants and herbs in the future, I will definitely be able to make further progress.
These resources are relatively easy to obtain, and since he is not afraid of toxins, his safety is more guaranteed.
He had already prepared for the three hurdles of "essence, qi, and spirit" required for foundation building:
The physical body has reached the Foundation Establishment level, so it should be able to withstand the baptism of the spiritual energy of heaven and earth without any problems;
The quality of his magical power will continuously improve under the nourishment of spirituality. When he reaches the ninth level of Qi Refining, he will likely be no less than a top-grade spiritual root cultivator in the sect.
The only thing that needs time to be refined is the divine consciousness, but there is no need to rush this matter.
After careful consideration, Chen Yi decided to stay in the market and observe for the time being. If the situation became truly critical, he would then make plans to evacuate.
Ultimately, he is no longer the ordinary martial artist who couldn't withstand even the slightest disturbance. The confidence that comes with increased strength allows him to calmly face more variables.
His mindset needs to change. He used to be an ant, easily crushed.
He's starting to function as a person now. Even if he faces serious danger, he might still die, but at least his body can withstand a few blows, giving him a chance to escape.
For him in his mortal days, it was a matter of life and death; now, it might become an opportunity.
Of course, we can't be too careless. Even if we stay temporarily, we must be fully prepared.
"What the fairy says makes sense." Chen Yi finally nodded slowly. "However, I have a condition."
"explain."
"Please reserve a flying boat in the pavilion, ready for evacuation at any time. Also..."
Chen Yi took out a talisman from his pocket. "This is a mother-child sensing talisman. If the situation changes, please give me a warning in time."
Qin Chengcheng took the talisman, a half-smile on her face: "Your caution is truly astounding."
She turned and walked towards the door, her skirt swaying gracefully. "Don't worry, if we really have to escape, I promise I'll take you with me."
After Qin Chengcheng left, Chen Yi carefully considered some contingency plans and the things he needed to prepare.
First, the methods of escape:
We need to find a way to obtain at least two of these three second-tier escape talismans: Wind Escape Talisman, Earth Escape Talisman, and Water Escape Talisman.
Given his previous wealth and cultivation level, he naturally couldn't have obtained it, but after receiving gifts from the two kind-hearted people, Li Wusheng and Dong Chang'an, he was able to buy it.
His late-stage Qi Refining cultivation level also barely qualified him to touch second-tier talismans.
It's understandable that a cowardly chef would buy such an escape talisman.
I'll have Qin Chengcheng introduce me to a second-tier rune master, or something similar.
Second, reconnaissance methods.
He pulled the Crimson Flame Sparrow out of the spirit pet pouch.
The Crimson Flame Sparrow's injured wing had recovered to about 80% of its original size; Chen Yi tossed it into the air to scout ahead.
"Once your injuries have healed, go back to work, paying particular attention to the situation in the lake. If there is any movement from the cave at the bottom of the lake, raise the alarm immediately."
The Crimson Flame Sparrow chirped softly, slightly aggrieved. It wasn't fully recovered yet, but it had no choice but to fly into the air injured, forced by its master's tyranny.
A burst of fire shot into the sky.
A voice transmission from Chen Yi came from below:
"Put away your fiery exterior and disguise yourself as an ordinary bird!"
The flames disappeared, and the Crimson Flame Sparrow withdrew its second-tier spirit bird aura, flying rather uncomfortably.
Unfortunately, this second-tier spirit bird was still small in size and not a species specifically designed to carry people.
Unless it can rise to the third tier, comprehend the art of transformation, or become a mount.
However, it is extremely difficult for ordinary cultivators to advance to the third rank, requiring a large amount of resources and opportunities, let alone a bird.
At the same time, Chen Yi pondered that using this beast token to control his spirit pet was still somewhat inconvenient.
When my divine sense advances to the second level, I'll need to learn about spirit pet contracts and bind my divine sense with this firebird. That way, communication will be easier, and I won't have to worry about the bird betraying me.
Even though he now possesses the Beast Talisman, if he encounters a Beast Taming Expert who surpasses him and the bird by a significant margin, there are ways to forcibly sever the connection between the bird and the Beast Talisman.
But that's a long story; we still need to discuss security issues.
Thirdly, it is essential to maintain abundant magical power and sufficient vital energy at all times.
Furthermore, he can maintain the progress of his copper bone refinement, and he can devour and absorb second-tier demonic beasts, metal-attribute magic artifacts, second-tier spirit ores, etc., to improve the bone refinement process or the strength of his body's defense.
These are his means of survival, and he should cherish them.
Furthermore, he thought that if he had the resources and energy, he would like to delve deeper into the study of formations.
Formations can use external objects to elevate one's strength to a higher level, making them extremely useful for defense, escape, and offense.
If possible, you can prepare your own unique array formation, the kind that you can use in a critical moment.
Chen Yi also fantasized that if one day his array formation skills reached the third or fourth tier, the first array formation he would learn would be a space teleportation array, so that he could activate it and escape if there was any real danger.
He scribbled in his notebook, categorizing these tasks into those already done, those about to be done, those that must be done in the short term, and those that need to be done in the long term, listing them out one by one.
After doing all this, Chen Yi finally felt a little relieved. He looked out the window at the bustling market and sighed softly.
"While cultivating immortality can lead to longevity, it is also fraught with danger. Although opportunities may be plentiful, everything must be done with the safety of one's life as the primary consideration."
Turning back to his quiet room, Chen Yi began his daily cultivation.
The situation outside is constantly changing, but improving one's strength is the key. As for those third-tier cave dwellings? Let those who are not afraid of death fight over them.
We won't go into detail about Chen Yi's stay at the Miaoyin Pavilion to cultivate.
Above the Lake and Sea Market, more than ten streaks of light fell like shooting stars toward the lake.
The lake surface had long been sealed off by the Jade Dragon Sect cultivators. The aftershocks of the underwater mine explosion had not yet dissipated, and the outline of the dark blue cave that emerged from the silt was gleaming with the faint light of an ancient restriction.
"A third-tier formation!"
Elder Xu Tianyue, a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator, hovered in the center of the lake, his feet resting on a lotus-shaped magical artifact. The compass in his sleeve trembled violently. "At least the work of a late-stage Core Formation cultivator!"
Behind him, Zhao Tieshan and other Foundation Establishment cultivators held their breath, while several array masters couldn't wait to unleash their array-breaking tools—if they could break this array, even just a sliver of opportunity would be worth a hundred years of arduous cultivation.
After seven days of continuous bombardment, spiderweb-like cracks finally appeared in one corner of the formation.
"It's done!" A formation master exclaimed excitedly, his voice hoarse.
Xu Tianyue suddenly raised his hand, and dozens of talisman lights instantly illuminated the bottom of the lake: "Concentrate spiritual power, break—"
The words came to an abrupt halt.
A dark blue light suddenly erupted from the depths of the cave, like a giant beast opening its eyes, instantly engulfing the entire body of water.
Qi-refining cultivators were the first to be affected.
Before they could even scream, they plummeted to the bottom of the lake as if their souls had been ripped away, their magical artifacts clanging as they shattered against the rocks.
Foundation Establishment cultivators felt as if they were being pricked by a thousand needles—
Zhao Tieshan's sea of consciousness seemed to be filled with boiling oil, and his natal flying sword "Frost Mark" went out of control and plunged into the mud.
His eyes were bloodshot, and all he could hear were the heart-wrenching wails of his fellow disciples: "My divine consciousness... is shattered!!"
The protective jade talisman of the fake Dan Elder shattered instantly. He retreated thirty feet, only to see a formation master's head tilted back strangely, and blood mist spurting from his seven orifices bloomed into a red flower in the lake water.
"It's a Divine Sense Killing Array!"
An experienced Foundation Establishment stage array master crushed a compass, the fragments cutting his palm raw and bloody. "The Soul Devouring Thousand Machine Array... requires a special magic weapon as its core!"
He pointed tremblingly at the crack—the eerie blue light was twisting and spreading, devouring all the spiritual energy that approached.
Elder Jia Dan roared and unleashed the top-grade magic weapon, the "Mysterious Armor Shield."
However, as the blue light swept past, cracks appeared in the Xuanjia armor. The backlash of his divine sense pierced through the magical artifact's connection and went straight to his Zifu, causing him to turn pale with pain.
The lake returned to its deathly stillness, with only the blood mist slowly dissipating.
The cultivators retreated a hundred feet away, staring in fear at the crack—the eerie blue light flickered on and off, as if mocking their disheveled state.
Xu Tianyue and the others wiped the blood from the corners of their mouths, but a frenzied fervor burned in their eyes:
"A treasure capable of launching such an attack must be at least a late-stage third-tier soul-type magic weapon; its value is immeasurable!"
Hundreds of feet in the air, a firebird was shaken by the aftershocks of the divine sense and plummeted dozens of feet downwards before recovering. Fearfully, it flapped its wings again and flew towards the market.
In the quiet room of Miaoyin Pavilion in the market town of Huhai.
Chen Yi was sitting cross-legged, his spiritual energy flowing around him, when suddenly, he frowned and abruptly opened his eyes—
"Um?!"
An invisible wave swept in from the bottom of the lake in the distance, engulfing the entire market like a tide.
That fluctuation was not spiritual power, but pure divine sense power, which penetrated walls, formations, and even the protective aura of cultivators, directly striking their souls!
"A spiritual attack?!" Chen Yi was shocked and immediately activated the "Turtle Breath Water and Wood Technique". His spiritual sense in his sea of consciousness was layered like a tortoise shell, trying to resist the impact.
—The impact is coming!
"Buzz!"
Chen Yi's mind was shaken, and his vision went black, as if thousands of fine needles were piercing his ancestral aperture between his eyebrows.
If it were an ordinary Qi Refining cultivator, they would have already suffered a severe blow to their soul and fainted by now.
However, Chen Yi's spiritual strength far surpassed that of others of the same level, second only to the early Foundation Establishment stage, and despite the great distance, he managed to withstand the impact.
"Such a powerful spiritual attack... Could it be a third-tier one?"
He tried his best to calm himself down, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
Just as he barely withstood the first wave of impact, the dormant system within his body suddenly began to operate.
Those alien divine senses that invaded his sea of consciousness were gradually devoured and refined by the system, like mud oxen sinking into the sea!
"This is...absorbing divine sense attacks?!" Chen Yi was both surprised and delighted.
Although the system's absorption speed is slow, it is extremely stable.
The divine sense power that was originally enough to severely injure a Foundation Establishment cultivator has now become nourishment for his sea of consciousness.
In just a few breaths, his total spiritual sense increased significantly, and the original range of his spiritual sense of forty feet expanded to forty-one feet!
"The increase in spiritual awareness is so obvious..." Chen Yi was surprised. He never expected that he would benefit from this misfortune and that his spiritual awareness would be enhanced as a result.
"We mustn't be complacent; we still need to figure out where this large-scale spiritual attack came from."
Is it a hidden treasure in a cave at the bottom of the lake, or the emergence of a powerful cultivator?
A short while later, a firebird staggered down. Chen Yi examined its injuries and found that it wasn't seriously injured.
Only then did he cover the firebird's head with his hand, and in his mind appeared a scene of blue light flashing at the bottom of the lake and a large-scale spiritual attack.
Chen Yi seemed to be deep in thought.
(End of this chapter)