Chapter 25 The Elders of the Canglan Sect

The group agreed to head to the Flowing Fire Sea Region in three days.

Yang Ji took this time to purchase some equipment.

Ten Thunder Shocker talismans, at the price of one thousand one per talisman, one could severely injure a cultivator at the Tenth Layer of Qi Refining. In total, he spent ten thousand.

Ten Fierce Tiger Talismans, made from the blood and skin of a Level Ten Demon Beast, the Fiery Tiger.

Once activated, the talisman would materialize a fierce tiger enveloped in flames that could injure a cultivator at the Tenth Layer of Qi Refining. It would last for thirty breaths.

After thirty breaths, the talisman's energy would be exhausted.

For ten talismans, he spent ten thousand.

Besides these, Yang Ji also spent ten thousand Spirit Stones to buy a portion of Ice Clear Liquid, which could sustain one's energy for a day, allowing one to walk through boiling magma without sustaining the slightest burn.

His Magic Artifacts received a significant upgrade as well.

The Water Boat was replaced with a Superior Artifact. It had eighteen magical restrictions internally, providing higher defense and faster speed, costing him ten thousand Spirit Stones.

The Lingxiao Sword was exchanged for the Radiant Sword.

A Flying Sword that shimmered with flowing light, made of Nine-Transformation Ingot Iron, could slice through Low-grade Magical Artifacts as if cutting through mud, and with the sword in hand, his strength increased significantly.

The Radiant Sword also cost him ten thousand.

In total, all the purchases summed up to fifty thousand.

If the mission was successful, he would have to pay Chen De thirty thousand, and another ten thousand each to the five others.

Such an enormous sum would have been impossible for Yang Ji to muster in the past, even if he sold his flesh. But now, as an Alchemist, he was making money hand over fist.

In the past two years, he had completely emptied Jin Dafu's storage of Spiritual Medicines and earned more than three hundred thousand Spirit Stones.

Truly a windfall.

After deducting the one hundred and twenty thousand spent on the materials for the Spirit Origin Pills and the aforementioned fifty thousand, he still had one hundred and thirty thousand Spirit Stones to his name.

No wonder they say Alchemists make a fortune, indeed it is no lie.

However, this was also due to his superb skills in Alchemy. If it were any other Alchemist, the profits would be greatly reduced, definitely not as much as he earned.

The more he earned, the more he spent, but Yang Ji did not waste his wealth recklessly. The remaining Spirit Stones were reserved for emergencies.

Although Yang Ji and Huo Yuan did not plan to venture below, they still made thorough preparations.

Once everything was ready, Yang Ji waited quietly.

The three days quickly passed by.

On the morning three days later, Yang Ji, Huo Yuan, and the other five, including Xu Xiangsong, set sail together.

As for Chen De, he was not with them. After they agreed on the plan that day, he had set out to sea alone, stating that he would meet them at the Flowing Fire Sea Region in three days.

The boat was swift, and after a day of rapid travel,

they arrived in front of the Flowing Fire Sea Region.

Coolness trailed behind them, and scorching heat lay before them; it was indeed a dichotomy of ice and fire.

Looking around, Liu Yongqing said, "Senior Chen has not yet arrived, let's wait."

Everyone nodded in agreement. They did not dare to go down without the Foundation Establishment experts.

All of the scattered cultivators held the philosophy that it was okay not to earn Spirit Stones, but one must preserve one's life.

It was not unreasonable to have such thoughts. Yang Ji understood and waited with them.

After the time it took for an incense stick to burn, a large ship swiftly approached from the left side of the sea region.

The figure standing at the bow was none other than Chen De, who had the refined and gentle appearance of a scholar from the secular world.

Next to him was another man, also middle-aged, dressed in a gray robe, around forty years old, with a clean and beardless face, who, like Chen De, wore a faint smile, appearing very friendly and amiable.

Before anyone could take a closer look, two streaks of light landed thunderously on the bow of the ship. It was Chen De and the middle-aged man arriving side by side.

Witnessing such a display, Yang Ji felt a chill in his heart. A Foundation Establishment expert?

He looked closely, and suddenly information appeared about the middle-aged man[A Golden Core True Person, who has used transformation techniques to alter his appearance.]

A Golden Core True Person?

He has changed his appearance?

Uncertain of the implications, Yang Ji felt an ominous premonition.

Right then, Chen De introduced with a smile, "Everyone, this is Daoist Chang Lin from Xunye Island, like me, a fellow early-stage Foundation Establishment expert. For the sake of safety, I took a ship and rushed tens of thousands of miles over the past three days to invite him to join our hunting mission. Fortunately, we made it on time."

"Oh, right, Daoist Chang Lin is purely participating out of friendship this time, so there's no need for Master Huo Yuan to provide a Spirit Stone reward."

Chen De explained to Huo Yuan with a smile.

"With the addition of Senior Chang Lin, the operation this time will undoubtedly go very smoothly."

With smiles blooming on their faces, Xu Xiangsong and the other four were highly complimentary and saluted Chang Lin one after another.

Having two Foundation Establishment experts participating in the Demonic Beast hunt, success was assured; they were practically there to collect Spirit Stones and were overjoyed beyond measure.

Similarly, Huo Yuan was over the moon and immediately said with a bow and a smile, "With Daoist Chang Lin joining us, we will surely return with a bountiful harvest."

"Rest assured, Brother Huo, I will give it my all!" Chang Lin saluted and smiled meaningfully.

The crowd was thrilled, all except Yang Ji, who frowned.

Why did this person change his appearance, conceal his cultivation, and not want a Spirit Stone reward? What was he really after? Could there really be such a good deal?

As Yang Ji harbored his suspicions, he saw a message emerge above Chang Lin's head, "Xiao De, are you saying that the Demonic Beast they plan to hunt this time might be one that possesses a Beast Flame?"

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, emanating authority, his eyes intently fixed on the Flowing Fire Sea Region, clearly speaking with Chen De through secret communication.

Chen De smiled slightly, his forehead revealing the message, "Senior, I believe my guess is correct. Huo Yuan has been intentionally elusive, most likely for the sake of the Beast Flame. If he was after the Demonic Beast's inner pill, why would he need to be so secretive?"

Chang Lin chuckled lightly, "If that's the case, then it couldn't be better. My nephew has a talent for Alchemy, and at such a young age, he has already become a Peak Alchemy Master. With the Beast Flame, he could improve even further."

"Xiao De, your timely notice has been well done. If we indeed succeed, come to Canglan Sect as the External Affairs Elder," Chang Lin offered.

Chen De's face brightened, "The Foundation Building Method I practice was a gift from you, Senior. Serving you is my honor."

Chang Lin nodded in satisfaction, "You have been a dedicated servant in my Chang family for decades, deserving of such a reward."

Chen De smiled slightly, his posture leaned discreetly, maintaining the necessary respect, "That is my duty."

"...This guy actually has his sights set on the Beast Flame!" Seeing this, Yang Ji's expression darkened.

Chen De!

As Yang Ji's anger brewed, Chang Lin's gaze shifted, suddenly landing on him, causing Yang Ji to tense up, "Is this the kid with the ability to sense good fortune and avoid disaster?"

"Yes, Senior, it's him," Chen De nodded slightly.

"Oh? Today I really want to see what's so miraculous about him," Chang Lin said with a smile full of intended meaning.

"..."

Yang Ji had the urge to throttle Chen De.

It was at this moment that Chang Lin spoke, "Now that everyone is present, let's set off. Since this junior's strength is the weakest, you shall take the lead, and I will protect you from behind."

"Daoist Chang, that won't do, he's my medicine boy, and he needs to stay by my side," said Huo Yuan, his complexion slightly altered, as he secretly communicated, "Master, something seems off about this Chang Lin."

Not just off, but completely wrong!

Just as Yang Ji was about to speak, he heard Chen De pretentiously say, "Young Friend Yang's strength is too low for leading the way, but his ability to seek fortune and avoid disaster makes him the most suitable to go first. What do you all think? What about you, Young Friend Yang?"

"Rest assured and go ahead, we will definitely protect you from behind," Xu Xiangsong and others beamed with smiles, naturally happy to have someone scout ahead, especially since that person could sense good fortune and avoid disaster.

Chen De looked at Chang Lin, with a message appearing above his head, "Senior, I've interacted with this young Yang, and he's very cautious with his words. He's quite sharp, and I'm worried he might be unwilling to go down."

"Hmph! Unwilling to go? Then I'll have to shame myself by throwing him down. Since I've changed my appearance, let's indulge in an act common to the Demonic Path. If Huo Yuan refuses to cooperate, I'll have to throw him down as well. After all, Beast Flames are hard to find, and I do not wish to return empty-handed," Chang Lin spoke with a false smile.

Yang Ji was about to transmit a message to Huo Yuan to cancel the operation, but seeing the message above Chang Lin's head, he was so furious he nearly spat blood.

Old trickster, can't you find one yourself? Stealing my opportunity!

Yang Ji's heart was filled with reluctance and he considered turning hostile on the spot, but after deep thought, his expression turned grave.

The situation was mightier than the man; without accurate judgment, they could easily finish him off.

It was indeed due to his lack of strength.

Yang Ji sighed internally, finding himself in a dilemma. After pondering for a moment, he had no choice but to subtly smile and say:

"I am indeed a bit fearful to take the lead, but with the protection of two Foundation Establishment seniors behind me, I am willing to boldly be the pathfinder."

His words were firm and resolute.

At this moment, Yang Ji truly felt immensely hypocritical, his heart full of resentment, yet he had to flatter and smile.

"Heh, the kid is quite sensible. After all, I am an elder of Canglan Sect, and if I truly committed such a disgraceful act, it wouldn't look good on me," Chang Lin looked at Yang Ji with some relief.

An elder of Canglan Sect? Hypocrite, just you wait.

Yang Ji smiled as he looked back at him, the corners of his eyes twitching imperceptibly.

(Thanks to book friend 854646 for the reward of 1866 coins, and thanks for the recommendation votes from everyone.)