“A spiritual item nurtured by theNine Saints Frost?”

Lei Jun’s eyes lit up upon hearing this. He carefully contemplated and felt that it was indeed as Yuan Mobai said.

He recalled something: “Just like theUnaccomplished CauldronandJiji Stoneback then, could it be that the spiritual item nurtured by theNine Saints Frostthis time isn’t just any random item?”

Back then, when there was an opportunity to improve his comprehension with theFire Marrow Yangfish, both Xu Yuanzhen and Yuan Mobai had told him that aside from theWater Marrow Yinfish—which counterbalanced theFire Marrow Yangfish—at least one more spiritual item capable of harmonizing Yin and Yang was required.

Although such Yin-Yang harmonizing spiritual items were rare and precious, they weren’t limited to just one or two types.

Especially since theTianshi MansionofMount Longhu, as aDaoist Holy Landfor theTalismanic Branch, had always emphasized the balance of Yin and Yang, represented by the union of Dragon and Tiger.

In reality, though, there weren’t many Yin-Yang harmonizing spiritual items suitable for Lei Jun.

Ultimately, it was through a fortunate opportunity that he obtained theUnaccomplished Cauldron.

It’s clear that so-called opportunities are unique and can’t be forced. Just like theTianshi Sealitself cannot enhance a cultivator’s innate talent.

“Hmm, it should be a specific type of spiritual item, nurtured by theNine Saints Frost, which can then synergize with theTrue-One Altarof theTianshi Seal.”

Yuan Mobai nodded: “Moreover, it probably won’t just be these two items; at least one more is needed.”

The Daoist way has always emphasized the harmony of Heaven, Earth, and Man—theThree Talents.

Since Lei Jun has entered the Daoist path, his fate is guided by an invisible force. To undergo a complete transformation, three opportunities must combine.

At the very least, it’s a situation where more is better than less.

“I will keep an eye out for the third opportunity,” Lei Jun said. “If we can confirm the first two, finding the third one should be relatively clearer and simpler?”

Yuan Mobai: “At the very least, the chances will be higher.”

The first one—theTianshi Sealand theTrue-One Altar—was already clear. But the second one...

“I don’t mind keeping an eye out for it,” Lei Jun frowned slightly. “But theNine Saints Frostis limited; there isn’t enough to test one by one.”

Yuan Mobai smiled: “No need to worry, theTianshi Sealwill assist you.”

Lei Jun understood: “That’s even better.”

The master and disciple chatted for a while longer, and Lei Jun took his leave.

Just before leaving, he suddenly asked softly, “Master, when I unintentionally obtained theUnaccomplished Cauldronin theGrand Alchemy Hall, was that Senior Uncle’s handiwork?”

Although a newTianshihadn’t been appointed, since the previousTianshi, Li Qingfeng, had passed away, it was inappropriate to continue addressing him asTianshiorSect Leader.

“I believe it was Senior Brother Qingfeng’s doing,” Yuan Mobai nodded slightly.

This wasn’t to say that Li Qingfeng specifically refined anUnaccomplished Cauldronfor Lei Jun.

At that time, Li Qingfeng had secretly refined pills for himself. During the process, a mortar absorbed some spiritual essence, transforming into theUnaccomplished Cauldron.

Later, by coincidence, Lei Jun obtained this treasure before it lost its spiritual essence.

But why would the dignifiedTianshiLi Qingfeng secretly refine pills back then?

“At first, I thought Senior Uncle deliberately revealed a flaw to mislead his enemies, making himself appear weak to lure external foes,” Lei Jun said. “But based on subsequent events, it seems his condition was genuinely not good. He was taking a risky gamble.”

Yuan Mobai: “Only Senior Brother Qingfeng himself would know the details.”

He stood up and paced slowly within the hall, with Lei Jun following behind:

“Based on what I know, Senior Brother Qingfeng’s condition was indeed poor. TheSamsara Curseis one of the most mysterious and top-tier sinister arts of the Southern Wasteland’sCursing SectorGu Sect. Although it carries a primitive savagery, its power is undeniable. Even with Senior Brother Qingfeng’s abilities, he could only suppress it, not remove it.”

Yuan Mobai paused: “Worse still, Senior Brother Qingfeng wasn’t only afflicted by theSamsara Curse. During that battle, he was also hit by theAging Guof theWitch Sect.”

Lei Jun pondered: “Our sect’s texts don’t detail theAging Gu, but some references mention it...”

TheAging Guand theSamsara Curseare both top-tier secret arts of the Southern Wasteland’sWitch Sect. This venomous art burns a person’s lifespan.

When used on oneself, it temporarily enhances all abilities by burning lifespan, serving as a desperate last resort. When used on an enemy, both the user and the target lose lifespan together.

“Senior Uncle’s lifespan was no longer that of a normal Upper-Heaven cultivator?” Lei Jun looked at Yuan Mobai.

Yuan Mobai nodded.

Lei Jun immediately understood.

Under normal circumstances, with Li Qingfeng’s cultivation, he could suppress theSamsara Cursewithout severe consequences.

But because theAging Guhad reduced his lifespan, Li Qingfeng aged prematurely, causing his strength to decline.

Once he weakened beyond a certain point, he could no longer suppress theSamsara Curse.

“This matter was highly secretive. I only found out just before and after Senior Brother Qingfeng’s last battle,” Yuan Mobai sighed.

No wonder the formerTianshitook such a risky gamble... Lei Jun thought.

Yuan Mobai continued: “TheWitch Sectof the Southern Wasteland is bloodthirsty and internally divided, frequently changing alliances with the outside world.

TheSamsara Abyss, the holy land of theCursing Sect, bore a grudge against our sect for years. However, most of those enemies perished, and the current master of theSamsara Abyss, to consolidate power, turned to us...”

Lei Jun smiled. In an environment where allegiances shifted like the wind, this wasn’t surprising.

“In that battle, our sect captured some sacred items of the Southern Wasteland’sWitch Sect. The master of theSamsara Abysssought one of these items and, in exchange, helped Senior Brother Qingfeng remove theSamsara Curseand even developed a way to transfer it.”

Yuan Mobai explained: “The leader of the Lin Clan in Jiangzhou, Lin Qun, didn’t know this and suffered a huge loss.

Even though theSamsara Cursewas lifted, some residual effects remained, and the lifespan burned by theAging Gucouldn’t be restored. This made Senior Brother Qingfeng’s subsequent decisions more aggressive.”

Lei Jun’s assessment was:

The formerTianshididn’t trust his successors’ wisdom.

He wanted to solve everything during his tenure.

Whether this mindset was good or bad depended on perspective.

But there was no doubt that theTianshiLi Qingfeng’s mutual destruction with Lin Qun profoundly impacted the world, with the aftershocks still lingering.

After chatting with his master Yuan Mobai, Lei Jun returned to his residence.

The past was past, serving only as a lesson for the present.

For Lei Jun, there were still many things he didn’t need to worry about.

He focused on his cultivation.

While he was interested in finding a suitable spiritual item nurtured by theNine Saints Frost, he let fate take its course, not forcing it.

Sharpening the axe doesn’t delay chopping firewood. Achieving theSacred Physiquewould certainly speed up his cultivation, but Lei Jun wasn’t ready to spend excessive time searching for it.

He focused on consolidating his foundation.

Advancing from theThird Heavento theFourth Heavenbrought significant changes. Lei Jun needed time to adapt fully, ensuring he mastered every aspect of his abilities.

He started with physical training.

In general, the transition from theAltar Stageto thePrimal Talisman Stagemainly enhanced hissoulandspirit, with less change to his physical body.

Still, Lei Jun’s punches and kicks were now immensely powerful.

TheBlack Bear King’s Gallbladderhad further demonstrated its potential.

If he could reach theFifth Heaven Dao Palace Stage, his physical strength would surge dramatically again.

After several rounds of practice, Lei Jun paused and calmly regulated his breath.

He raised his hand, and a nine-foot-tall, four-foot-widePrimal Talismanmanifested above his head, radiating spiritual light.

This time, he effortlessly produced a basicSpirit Talisman—of superior grade—with just a wave of his hand, without needing an altar, brush, or ink.

“To create the highest-grade basic talisman, I still need a Talisman Brush andTalisman Ink,” Lei Jun noted.

Earlier, during theTalisman Conferral Ceremony, Yuan Mobai had taught him the third volume of theTrue Canon of the Dao of Righteousnessand theTalismanic Scripturesfor advanced talismans.

Creating advanced talismans still required proper rituals, but Lei Jun wasn’t in a hurry.

He retrieved two items: theBreath-Taking Flagand theUpper Qing Golden Bamboo.

Now, as aMiddle-Heavencultivator, Lei Jun could unlock more of their potential.

TheBreath-Taking Flag, once only for defense, now had stronger protection and some offensive capabilities.

TheUpper Qing Golden Bambooextended its length with a thought, emitting dazzling golden light.

...Though it did look a bit strange.

“Well, a little refinement won’t hurt. I’m a dignified and righteous man...” Lei Jun nodded.

Another item, theDragon Horse Scale, seemed less useful now.

“I’ll keep it for later,” he decided.

He experimented by combining theDragon Horse Scalewith theGolden-threaded Robefrom Fang Yue, enhancing its defense.

Though his crafting was clumsy, Lei Jun enjoyed it.

New experiences like these fueled his passion for cultivation.

However, a few days later, he received a notice to pause his research.

“Chongyun, prepare yourself.”

Master Yuan Mobai said: “TheUpper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heavenis about to open. You and the other talismanic disciples will enter for training.”

TheUpper Qing Thunder Altar Grotto-Heavenwas the most important secret realm ofMount Longhu, suspended above the main peak and shrouded in thunderclouds like a celestial paradise.

Not just disciples of theTianshi Mansion, but countless cultivators across the world yearned for it.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by lotustale.com