Chapter 345 - 174: The Mysterious Man
Old Fish introduced the situation of the Ancient Battlefield to Chu Xuan and Ming Yu while leading them around various dangers, finally reaching a transparent palace resembling a Crystal Palace.
Although this palace was slightly damaged, it should have originally been a high-grade magic treasure. Now, however, it has become the lair of these silver fish, and upon entering, it feels isolated from the outside world.
Silver-scaled flying fish do not rely on water to survive, but they obviously have an affinity for it. Therefore, the Crystal Palace is filled with clear water, complete with corals, seaweed, sands, and shells, forming an ecological system of its own.
Numerous glowing little silver fish swim back and forth, creating a splendid sight that reminded Chu Xuan of the times he admired strange landscapes with his master on the mountaintop, leaving him somewhat silent.
Qin Mengyao seemed rather interested as she said to Chu Xuan, "Junior Brother, this place has a nice view. We might as well get married here, no time like the present?"
The originally sentimental Chu Xuan nearly choked.
"Senior Sister, could you not talk nonsense?"
Qin Mengyao pouted slightly, "I’m serious."
Old Fish pretended not to understand and said, "Benefactor, I wonder what you seek here in the Ancient Battlefield? Perhaps I can provide some assistance."
Before Chu Xuan could speak, Qin Mengyao confidently replied:
"I don’t need any external items, just find a place to collect killing intent and blood energy; however, some ghostly things might be attracted during this process."
"So, it’s best to find a slightly spacious and safe place. You don’t need to come over; I can handle it myself."
Chu Xuan shook his head, "I’ll help protect you. How long will this gathering take?"
Qin Mengyao was uncertain herself, "Looking at the scale of this battlefield, at least one or two days, right?"
Old Fish seemed somewhat apprehensive, "Will it be noisy?"
Qin Mengyao nodded, having done similar things before; otherwise, those chasing her could not have tracked her down repeatedly.
"This... this battlefield is unusual, inhabited by some ancient demons and evil creatures from the later stages. If they are attracted, both of you may be in danger."
"Perhaps you should invite your master here? Her presence might ensure your safety."
Qin Mengyao frowned, "No need for that woman!"
Chu Xuan also did not want Ji Mingyu involved, but the Ancient Battlefield was indeed dangerous; theoretically, not a place for two mid-level cultivators to act recklessly.
It’s fine to pick up some small gains; if they were to cause a great commotion, they might get in but not out.
Chu Xuan pondered for a moment, "We must still act according to our capacity. Senior Sister, accompany me for a search first, to see if I can find what I need."
"Then before we leave, we’ll collect killing intent, and if things look bad, we’ll withdraw from here."
Qin Mengyao naturally agreed.
Old Fish was still somewhat worried, "Although the creatures in this battlefield, the stronger they are, the harder it is for them to leave, akin to being imprisoned here, each is formidable and might block space, cutting off exits."
"Without perfect preparations, I advise you both to be cautious."
Qin Mengyao impatiently waved her hand, "Enough with the nagging; you won’t be involved anyway, just stay far away when the time comes."
"Senior Sister." Chu Xuan gently persuaded.
She then reluctantly said, "All right, I’ll proceed slowly and gently. Originally, I could finish in one or two days, but I’ll extend it to three months to ensure minimal disturbance, will that do?"
Old Fish nodded repeatedly, "That’s good. This battlefield has stabilized for many years, best not to easily disrupt the balance."
Chu Xuan then said, "This time, I hope to find a trace of celestial energy, or the essence of the Six-Eared Monkey or Red-Butt Horse Monkey. Any other gains, if they come, good; if not, it’s fine."
Old Fish appeared somewhat perplexed, having initially thought it might find its own opportunity in helping Chu Xuan, but upon hearing the request, it had not the slightest clue.
The two types of chaos-causing monkeys were somewhat familiar; at least after gaining wisdom, Old Fish learned much from its bloodline inheritance and knew what they were. But the term "celestial energy" was too broad...
"Benefactor, what exactly does celestial energy refer to? Is it the legendary ’Qianming Celestial Energy’?"
Chu Xuan recalled the description in the Jade Capital Secrets; indeed it mentioned "Qian and Ming" type of phrases, he left his master too early, so much so that he couldn’t even name the celestial energy.
"Should be." With that, Chu Xuan described specific characteristics, supreme, pure, ethereal, and spiritual, utterly different from all the acquired qi in the human world.
Old Fish then had some guesses in mind.
It first said, "Concerning the two monkey-related things, they likely cannot be found in this battlefield. The Divine Command was once the relic of a Great Saint, but he appears to have been human, not a monkey."
"Moreover, the Great Saint’s bones and remains have already merged into this world, forcefully detaching the battlefield, forming something akin to a Grotto Heaven, so it’s impossible to find his essence."
"As for Qianming Celestial Energy, it is said to be a type of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi that only Upper Realm True Immortals can refine, requiring the collection of 81 strands of Nine Heavens Pure Qi to produce one strand, extremely precious."
Chu Xuan was dumbfounded, realizing he was too presumptuous, as this thing wasn’t something immortals casually breathed out.
Moreover, the human world lacks ’Nine Heaven Pure Qi’, which exists only in the Immortal Realm. Even if he found an Exiled Immortal to help, or Jiang Yiyi restored her memory and Immortal Power, they likely couldn’t produce it for him unless it was prepared in advance.