I cultivate the Chaos Technique

Chapter 164 Returning to Qingyun Sect

Zhang Yifan, clutching the materials for the Seven Treasures Rejuvenating Pill that he had painstakingly gathered, felt a heavy weight of hope mixed with trepidation. Each herb and each piece of ore carried the weight of his belief in saving his loved ones; lying quietly in his storage bag, they felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, pressing down on his hurried steps. He knew that although the materials were complete, the path to alchemy had only just begun, and the slightest mishap would render all his previous efforts futile. Therefore, after a moment's thought, he decided to return to the Lingyun Sword Sect first.

Lingyun Sword Sect was the foundation of his growth and cultivation, a place teeming with experts and hidden talents, rich in various scriptures and resources. He thought that perhaps there he could find key clues about refining the Seven Treasures Rejuvenating Pill, especially finding an alchemist capable of crafting such a difficult pill. Along the way, Zhang Yifan traveled tirelessly, enduring wind and rain, relying on his profound cultivation at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, rushing day and night towards Lingyun Sword Sect.

As the familiar green hills, clear waters, pavilions, and towers came into view, Zhang Yifan felt an indescribable sense of warmth and familiarity. Memories of his past cultivation here—the laughter of his fellow disciples, the earnest teachings of his masters—rushed into his mind. But he had no time to dwell on these memories; he headed straight for the summit of Lingyun Sword Sect's Heavenly Peak.

At the summit of Tianfeng Peak, clouds and mist swirled, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of immortals. Zhang Yifan ascended the winding stone steps, each step firm and powerful, silently rehearsing his words, afraid of overlooking anything that might delay the treatment of his loved ones. Finally, he arrived at Xuan Kongzi's secluded cultivation place.

Upon seeing Zhang Yifan in front of the cave, the two disciples on duty were overjoyed. They immediately went inside to report. A moment later, the heavy stone door slowly opened, and a powerful and ancient aura rushed out. Zhang Yifan took a deep breath, steadied himself, and strode inside.

The cave was dimly lit, with only a few luminous pearls embedded in the ceiling emitting a soft glow that illuminated the surroundings. Xuan Kongzi sat upright on a stone couch, his white hair giving him a vigorous yet shrewd appearance, his eyes deep and unfathomable, as if he could see through all things in the world. Zhang Yifan quickly stepped forward, knelt down with a thud, and performed a deep bow: "Disciple Zhang Yifan greets Master!" His voice was filled with urgency and respect.

Xuan Kongzi slightly raised his hand, and a gentle force helped Zhang Yifan up: "Yifan, get up. Judging from your travel-worn appearance, you must have found the Seven Treasures Rejuvenation Pill this time?"

Zhang Yifan stood up, his eyes full of anticipation: "Master, I have not found the Seven Treasures Rejuvenation Pill, but I have gathered all the materials to refine it. However, I am truly incapable of refining this pill, so I have come to ask the Ancestor for guidance. Where can I find an alchemist who can refine this pill?" As he spoke, he carefully took out the materials he had collected and placed them one by one in front of Xuan Kongzi.

Xuan Kongzi's gaze swept over the rare materials, and he nodded slightly, a hint of admiration in his eyes: "Yifan, it's truly remarkable that you were able to gather all of these in such a short time. However, this Seven Treasures Rejuvenation Pill is no ordinary pill; its refining difficulty is extremely high, and the requirements for alchemists are even more stringent." Xuan Kongzi paused slightly, his expression solemn as he continued, "Refining a pill of this level requires at least a seventh-grade alchemist. You must know that in the entire Tianyuan Continent, even sixth-grade alchemists are extremely rare, let alone seventh-grade alchemists who are even further above."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yifan's heart sank, and his face showed anxiety: "Master, is there really no other way? This disciple cannot just watch my loved ones leave me!" His voice trembled slightly, his eyes reddened, and his hands clenched into fists, showing the extreme torment in his heart.

Seeing this, Xuan Kongzi sighed softly, stood up, walked over to Zhang Yifan, and patted him on the shoulder: "Yifan, don't worry. Although seventh-grade alchemists are hard to find, our Lingyun Sword Sect, as the head of the seven sects of Qingzhou, still has its foundation." The patriarch looked up at the cave ceiling, lost in thought, and after a moment said, "As far as I know, our sect once had a seventh-grade alchemy master named Xuan Fengzi. His alchemy skills were unparalleled, and he was famous far and wide back then. However, after he went out to travel many years ago, he disappeared without a trace, and we don't know where he is now."

A glimmer of hope ignited in Zhang Yifan's heart: "Ancestor, is there any way we can find Senior Xuanfengzi? Even if there's only a sliver of hope, this disciple will give it a try!"

Xuan Kongzi shook his head: "Over the years, the sect has sent people to search many times, but to no avail. But don't be discouraged. Besides Xuan Fengzi, there is another place that might be able to help you."

Zhang Yifan's eyes lit up, and he asked eagerly, "Where? Ancestor, please tell me quickly!"

The old ancestor turned around and pointed to a map hanging on the cave wall, which depicted the mountains and rivers of the Tianyuan Continent: "Do you see this Cloud Mist Mountain Range? This place is rich in spiritual energy and has many rare herbs and treasures, attracting many reclusive masters to live here. Among them are quite a few alchemy experts. If you go here, you might be able to try your luck and find a seventh-grade alchemist who is willing to refine pills for you."

Zhang Yifan looked in the direction the ancestor pointed and firmly remembered the location of the Cloud Mist Mountains. He secretly calculated the journey in his mind: "Thank you for your guidance, Ancestor. This disciple will head to the Cloud Mist Mountains now!"

The ancestor frowned slightly and raised his hand to stop him: "Yifan, wait a moment. Although the Cloud Mist Mountain Range offers opportunities, it is also fraught with danger. Not only are there ferocious demonic beasts, but also various natural restrictions and traps. A slight mistake could cost you your life. Although you now have the cultivation of the mid-Nascent Soul stage, you must not be careless."

Zhang Yifan understood his ancestor's concerns and nodded slightly: "Rest assured, ancestor, I am aware of the risks involved. For the sake of my loved ones, I am fearless even if the road ahead is fraught with danger. However, I have one more request."

The old ancestor looked at him and asked, "What is it? Speak freely."

Zhang Yifan hesitated for a moment, then said, "This disciple is going on a journey with limited time, and I am worried that my cultivation level is not high enough to cope with any unexpected events along the way. I humbly request that the Ancestor bestow upon me some pills or magic treasures to enhance my cultivation and lend me a helping hand."

After a moment of contemplation, the patriarch took out a jade bottle and a magic weapon from his storage ring and handed them to Zhang Yifan: "This jade bottle contains three 'Spirit Gathering Pills,' which can help you quickly increase your spiritual power and stabilize your cultivation; this magic weapon is called the 'Spirit Rhinoceros Shield,' a defensive magic weapon that can protect you in critical moments. Keep it safe and don't let your master down."

Zhang Yifan accepted the gift with both hands, tears of gratitude streaming down his face: "Thank you, Ancestor! This disciple will certainly live up to your expectations and do everything in my power to save my loved ones."

After bidding farewell to his ancestor, Zhang Yifan did not immediately descend the mountain. Instead, he returned to the Scripture Pavilion of the Lingyun Sword Sect. He knew that he needed to be well-prepared for his journey to the Cloud Mist Mountains and learn as much as possible about the local area, which might come in handy at a crucial moment. Inside the Scripture Pavilion, the books were dazzling. Zhang Yifan immersed himself in the ancient texts and materials about the Cloud Mist Mountains, studying them with great enthusiasm and neglecting to eat or sleep.

He learned that the Cloud and Mist Mountains got their name from the perpetual fog that obstructed visibility, making it easy to lose one's way. Moreover, the mountains were home to a wide variety of demonic beasts, ranging from low to high ranks, including some with special abilities, such as the 'Cloud and Mist Fox' that could manipulate clouds and conceal itself, and the 'Acid Python' that spewed corrosive venom. As for the natural barriers, they were incredibly diverse, some evolving from ancient formations, others formed by the special convergence of spiritual energy from heaven and earth, with countless and unpredictable methods for breaking them.

Having grasped this information, Zhang Yifan felt more confident. He left the library and went to the sect's magic treasure pavilion, using his accumulated contribution points to exchange for some useful magic treasures and pills, just in case. With everything prepared, he embarked on his journey again, his destination—the Cloud Mist Mountains.

On his way down the mountain, Zhang Yifan encountered several fellow disciples. Seeing his hurried pace and grave expression, they all approached to inquire. Zhang Yifan briefly explained the situation, and his disciples, upon hearing it, were all worried for him and offered their help. Some offered their treasured elixirs, while others imparted combat experience and techniques to him, which warmed Zhang Yifan's heart.

With the blessings and support of his fellow disciples, Zhang Yifan left the Lingyun Sword Sect and sped towards the Cloud Mist Mountains. Along the way, he constantly adjusted his state, circulated his spiritual energy, and familiarized himself with the use of his newly acquired magical treasures and pills. He knew that an even more difficult challenge awaited him, but for the sake of his loved ones, he was willing to pay any price, even fight to the death.

As he approached the Cloud Mist Mountains, he saw them shrouded in a thick layer of mist, resembling a fairyland. However, Zhang Yifan knew in his heart that countless dangers and unknowns lurked beneath this seemingly beautiful mist. He took a deep breath, gripped his longsword tightly, and resolutely stepped into this mysterious and dangerous area.