Chapter 536 - 447: Molten Armor Lizard
The boundary between black stone and White Snow was distinct, the geothermal energy abundant in the Molten Rock Cave, a world utterly separate from the outside.
A few cultivators clad in thin black Daoist robes emerged from the Earth Cave, maneuvering their spiritual artifacts through the mist.
Their exposed skin on faces and hands was covered with red and white tattoos, etched Spirit Patterns that could gather scattered Spiritual Qi to nourish muscles and bones.
These tattoos are the choice most loved by body cultivators in the Far North; the Qi and Blood Power circulating within their bodies was the energy driving these Spirit Patterns, subtly transforming their bodies.
Moments later, the black-robed body cultivators flew away, traveling over ten miles to reach a wind-sheltered mountain hollow filled with snow pines, housing a hidden grotto mansion.
They entered, and the burliest of the cultivators laughed heartily:
"These past few days, we’ve reconnoitered the cave’s interior situation. In less than half a month, a new explosion of Fire Element Spiritual Energy is certain to occur.
At that time, we can make a big fortune again. From now on, two of you will go out daily for reconnaissance, but don’t stir up trouble. Only after the fire spirit’s aura recedes should we venture out to act.
Conserve your strength in the grotto mansion, and strike ruthlessly when the time comes, show no mercy!"
A scar stretched from the corner of his left mouth to his ear, writhing like a twisted centipede as he spoke, adding a demonic air.
Every time there was a large-scale eruption of spiritual tides in the Molten Rock Cave, it would churn out Spiritual Objects generated from the Earth Lung Fire Vein, making it a festival for Silver Moon City.
After the spirit tides recede, just like the retreating tides of an ocean, many treasures rarely seen at other times are left behind.
However, compared to the painstaking work of searching for Spiritual Objects, nothing is as fast as robbing cultivators who have already made discoveries.
The five of them have been in this business for a long time, making a move every time the cave’s spirit tides erupt, and their gains are enough to sustain their cultivation for many years.
Then they retire quietly to Silver Moon City, living as "law-abiding" demon hunting cultivators.
Because they rarely act and are meticulous, they have never been caught.
"Rest assured, brother, we’ve collaborated seven or eight times without a hitch."
"The Spiritual Objects in the Molten Rock Cave may be precious, but they aren’t of interest to those Golden Core Daoist Masters. At the Chao Origin Stage level, we’ve feared no one!
Didn’t the disciple of a Golden Core Daoist Master fall into our hands last time?"
"Enough!"
The large man referred to as "big brother" sternly rebuked, "How many times have I said, never speak of any battles afterwards.
Do you think that’s a record of your achievements? That’s a death warrant!"
He sighed inwardly, knowing that these followers of his were used to smooth sailing, and although occasionally they faced challenges, the brutal force they relied on meant none of their prey survived.
Pride leads to defeat, and he must sternly curb this mindset.
Another brother quickly mediated, saying:
"Brother Yang, don’t be angry, Liu Meng was just speaking casually.
By the way, after this score, we can chip in together, and big brother should be able to purchase a Gold Refining Pill. I congratulate you in advance!"
Unlike the magic cultivators, body cultivators do not need to open up a Five Elements Divine Mansion. They only need to refine a Qi Blood Golden Core within themselves, using the ample Qi and Blood Power as fuel.
This Golden Core is somewhat similar to a demon beast’s Inner Core, though it’s said that body cultivation techniques were created based on powerful demon beasts.
Liu Meng felt a bit resentful, yet outwardly showed a look of sincere regret.
"Big brother, I’m sorry. I’ll remember your teachings from now on."
There was no way around it; the other was layers above him in small realms, far surpassing him in cruelty.
Yang Wu slightly nodded, grinning as he said:
"My achievements today are thanks to all my brothers. When I attain the Golden Core, I will certainly not forget your great support."
Then he began to paint a vision, saying:
"After achieving the Golden Core, I don’t plan to continue in the business of tribulation cultivation. After amassing considerable resources, purchasing a nice spiritual vein to establish a marketplace is the best place to settle.
At that time, all of you brothers will have shares in the marketplace’s profits!"
He fully understood that tribulation cultivation could not last; the more you tread risky paths at night, the more likely you are to meet misfortune.
The annual commissions from shops and grotto mansion rentals in Silver Moon City far exceeded what he could earn through tribulation cultivation, the true hen laying golden eggs.
"Ha ha, following big brother means living in luxury for sure."
Yang Wu’s expression softened, adding:
"Tomorrow, I’ll return to the city to continue selling the detailed maps we’ve explored. This way, more cultivators will join in the exploration of the Molten Rock Cave."
"Big brother’s plan is brilliant. Just comparing to our map, everyone has to praise its thoroughness, little do they know we’re baiting them!"
...
Ji An rode the Fire Element Cloud to the sky above the Molten Rock Cave, taking off his leather jacket and storing it within the Grotto Void Stone.
He formed a spell, releasing the Mixed Gold Profound Armor Spell and the Pan Mountain Technique one after the other.
Golden Spirit Light blossomed, and his skin gained a metallic sheen, mysterious patterns emerging then fading slowly away.
With a thought, the Wuji Xinghuang Banner flew out of his dantian, transforming into a swirling yellow Spirit Cloud around him, as flowers of golden light bloomed all around.
The Earth Element Spirit Light transformed into fine grains of quicksand, swirling around him.
Regardless of how many times he visited, each entry into the cave meant maxing out his defenses, better safe than sorry.
Ji An took out the Jade Slip of the cave’s map, randomly selecting an entrance to enter, cross-referencing the map as he began his exploration.
The cave was extremely dry, the cheeks feeling a roasting heat.