Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book Chapter 1016 - 708: Tier-3 Secret Realm, Top-Grade Spirit Stones
Previously on Beast Taming Clan: I Have a Jade Book...
Within the vast expanse of the Endless Desert Sea, a Spiritual Ship cut through the air, propelled by the relentless wingbeats of a Void Spirit Insect positioned at its prow.
Behind this spiritual guide, Wan Chengjie, Xu Changkong, and the others wore expressions of grave solemnity.
"Fellow Daoist Wan, the East Flame Sand Valley outside the East Flame Oasis isn't precisely the most advantageous location!" Xu Changkong voiced his concern.
The other three also appeared somewhat disheartened.
Earlier, within the Ye Family Tavern, Xu Changkong had meticulously identified ten potential hiding spots for cultivators from the Zhang and Jia families, drawing from his extensive experience.
The designated East Flame Sand Valley was merely one of these possibilities, a place notorious for its extreme heat and colossal sand formations.
Its unusual nature was evident, often plagued by immense dust explosions that posed a significant threat to ordinary Foundation Establishment Cultivators lacking superior magical artifacts.
Despite these perils, the location was by no means the most probable choice, nor was it the nearest.
Consequently, in Xu Changkong’s estimation, it ranked at least fourth or fifth among the listed possibilities.
"Fellow Daoist Xu, I implore you to consult the desert map and place your trust in me!"
"My objective isn't the 'best' option, but rather the swiftest and most plausible. Any further delay will undoubtedly tip off the Ye Family through the auction, leaving the four of us with no credit to claim!" Wan Chengjie stated with conviction.
Hearing Wan Chengjie’s words, Xu Changkong paused, a flicker of surprise on his face. While they had considered the Ye Family might learn of their movements, the idea of them inquiring about Spirit information at the auction had not occurred to them.
However, upon further reflection, they recognized the logic: if the Ye Family indeed sought answers at the auction, the independent cultivators, having no compelling reason to refuse, would likely comply.
After all, the Ye Family had already extended various assurances, and locating the Zhang and Jia families' Secret Realm at the auction would hardly be a challenge.
This realization brought a sense of clarity to Xu Changkong.
He turned his gaze back to the map, his eyes scanning it repeatedly until he finally noted the East Flame Sand Valley's remote position, situated deep within the southern desert.
It was also considerably distant from the Leaving Heaven Grassland, a region seldom frequented by most independent cultivators.
The other significant locations were either commonly traversed by cultivators or situated in close proximity to major oases like Yuanling Oasis.
Exchanging a glance with Jiang Yuwei, Xu Changkong felt a growing sense of respect for Wan Chengjie’s presence.
Observing Wan Chengjie’s relatively young age, his profound knowledge and astute strategies were undeniably impressive, prompting them to adopt a more cautious stance.
Unaware of their thoughts, Wan Chengjie remained focused on the Void Spirit Insect, a deep frown etched on his face.
The East Flame Sand Valley proved even more scorching than the rumors suggested, with volatile, fire-toxic Gang Wind interlaced within the dust storms—an environment of unparalleled harshness!
Even the Void Spirit Insect exhibited signs of agitation upon their arrival, struggling to adapt to the intense heat.
This region, Wan Chengjie suspected, might harbor more than just dust storms; he theorized the possibility of a volcano slumbering beneath the valley, the only plausible explanation for the breeding of such potent fire poison.
Wan Chengjie’s expression grew graver as he considered the potential consequences: the Void Spirit Insect’s formidable void abilities might be significantly diminished.
Their effectiveness in surveying the Secret Realm Grotto Heaven Mini World would inevitably suffer a substantial reduction.
Under his sensory perception, the Void Spirit Insect could only survey a limited radius of one to two miles, a meager distance compared to the immense scale of the sand valley.
"Let us cease our journey on the Spiritual Ship and disembark. Everyone, exercise caution. Fellow Daoists Xu and Jiang, we may soon encounter Tribulation Cultivators or members of the Zhang and Jia families, so remain vigilant!" Wan Chengjie commanded, initiating their descent from the Spiritual Ship after a period of observation.
The formation adopted was linear: the independent cultivator Jiang Yuwei took the lead, followed by Wan Chengming, with Wan Chengjie and Xu Changkong bringing up the rear.
This progression was designed to be relatively equitable for Jiang Yuwei; Xu Changkong possessed superior knowledge, the Wan family provided the crucial Void Spirit Insect, and ensuring Jiang Yuwei contributed meaningfully would prevent any later disputes regarding credit.
...
As time wore on, the crimson Spirit Shield traversed the valley for an immeasurable duration. The incessant dust storms and unending yellow sands left the four companions with bloodshot eyes.
Meanwhile, the Void Spirit Insect was submerged in Spirit Liquid, its demeanor noticeably subdued.
Sustaining the Spirit Shield for such an extended period, coupled with the constant vigilance required within the valley, exacted a significant toll on its Heart Spirit.
The monotonous landscape of yellow sand, punctuated by the need to evade occasional dust storms, contributed to a growing sense of irritation.
"Fellow Daoist Wan, we haven't come across any rogue cultivators on our journey, yet the dust storms are intensifying; this location seems unlikely, doesn't it?" It was Jiang Yuwei speaking, clearly contemplating a retreat. He was positioned at the forefront among the four, and any potential trouble would likely fall upon him first. "Fellow Daoist Jiang, allow me to scout ahead. In this kind of environment, I actually feel the probability has risen!" Xu Changkong volunteered. He had visited this area previously and sensed that the Fire Vein seemed to have significantly ascended. This development, conversely, amplified the chances of Zhang and Jia concealing themselves here. Understanding Jiang Yuwei's concerns, he proactively offered to take the lead. Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuwei's expression remained stern, but he conceded and shifted to the rear. And as expected, it wasn't long before the Void Spirit Insect began to emit light, emerging from the Spirit Liquid and flying directly towards a sand dune! This spectacle caused all four to knit their brows, as the dune the Void Spirit Insect was targeting appeared completely unremarkable. The group's Divine Sense swept over it multiple times, yet nothing was detected. But just as the Void Spirit Insect was nearing its destination, it suddenly surged forward.