Banshee Family Training Record

Page 110

All the trees are like this, and this clear distinction points him in the right direction: the shorter branches are undoubtedly to the north, while the longer branches point to the south.

These were natural landmarks, and he continued on his way, speeding southwards, hoping to get out of the forest as soon as possible.

He walked briskly, and after a few steps, his gaze swept across the ground ahead, and suddenly his eyes lit up: in the soil ahead, there grew a huge ginseng.

The ginseng was half-buried in the soil, but judging from its size, it was definitely not small. A ginseng this big must be very old. With eager anticipation, he stepped forward and landed beside the ginseng, reaching out to try to pull it out.

"Hululu..."

A strange sound suddenly rang out, the giant ginseng trembled, and then it actually crawled out of the ground on its own, raised its big hand and slapped Yun Chu'an!

Startled, Yun Chu'an swiftly retreated, perfectly dodging the attack and leaving a trail of lightning on the ground.

The afterimage then exploded, sending a tingling sensation through the ginseng. Yun Chu'an then swung his sword backhand, cleaving the ginseng in two, leaving it utterly dead on the ground.

He breathed a sigh of relief and was about to step forward to examine the ginseng's corpse when he suddenly heard a burst of applause behind him: "Well done, Boss Yun!"

The voice was quite familiar, and Yun Chu'an was immediately startled. He turned around and saw Gao Tianci, the "capital merchant" disguised as a man, clapping her hands and smiling as she walked towards him.

She wore a cotton hat adorned with jewels, a magnificent silver brocade fitted robe, a decorative silver-sheathed sword at her waist, and black boots. With her red lips and white teeth, she was handsome and strikingly beautiful.

Yun Chu'an initially thought he was just a very handsome young nobleman who liked to dress up. But ever since Hua Caiyan confirmed that she was actually a woman, the more she looked at him, the more she found him to be charming and delicate with smooth lines, making him quite beautiful. Especially now that he was trying to maintain his masculine aura, he seemed even more adorable.

It's him?

No, it should be "she"?

Yun Chu'an narrowed his eyes. Dongfang Yue guessed that she was an important member of the Jin Kingdom princess's delegation, while Hua Caiyan guessed that she was the Jin Kingdom princess, Sheng Linglong herself!

Both guesses were too bold, and Yun Chu'an dared not make such an exaggerated judgment, but he guessed that this woman's cultivation was so profound that she must be extraordinary and must have amazing plans and a powerful background.

He maintained his persona as a "law-abiding and honest businessman," shaking his head modestly and saying, "It was just luck. If I had been half a second slower, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to avoid it."

As he spoke, he clasped his hands together and said, "That day in Weihu Market, thanks to Boss Gao for speaking up for me, otherwise I would have been harassed by that young master of the Gongsun family and would have gotten into a lot of trouble."

Sheng Linglong said, "I didn't do anything that day, I just told the truth. It was all thanks to Boss Yun's upright character that we were able to get through this difficult time."

"Furthermore, Brother Yun, there's no need to be so modest. A slight error can lead to a huge difference. It's precisely this half-second difference that reveals the skill of your footwork."

As she spoke, her tone gradually slowed down: "Even I don't have such skills!"

Her tone was full of teasing, and Yun Chu'an was immediately extremely embarrassed upon hearing this.

No, this princess, her cultivation is clearly so much higher than mine, yet she deliberately said that...

He felt a chill run down his spine, unsure whether to be modest or accept her words. Fortunately, the princess of Jin did not dwell on the topic.

As she spoke, she smiled and looked at the ginseng: "However, Brother Yun, I'm afraid you've never dealt with this kind of ginseng essence before? If you cut it in half lengthwise, you'll lose most of its medicinal value if you don't process it in time."

Her way of addressing Yun Chu'an had changed imperceptibly. Yun Chu'an put aside his thoughts and carefully observed her cultivation level. He found that he still couldn't see through her no matter how he looked at her, and deduced that she must be at least a late Foundation Establishment cultivator. Wanting to curry favor with her, he said, "Oh? Please enlighten me, Brother Gao."

Princess Jin stepped forward, took out a layer of semi-transparent plastic wrap from her dimensional bag, wrapped the ginseng spirit lying on the ground, along with the soil, and silently recited a spell to seal it. Then she said, "Alright, this way, we can ensure that the medicinal effects inside will not be lost at all."

Yun Chu'an picked up the ginseng essence from the ground with surprise in his eyes, looked at the plastic wrap, and hesitated, "How much does this cost?"

Sheng Linglong smiled: "It doesn't cost much, Brother Yun, please don't worry about it."

She paused for a moment, then continued, “Brother Yun’s Vajra Talismans are of high quality and low price. If their sales are limited to Weihu Market, they will not benefit the scattered cultivators of the world. I am willing to befriend Brother Yun so that we can look after each other during this trial and overcome the difficulties together.”

As she said this, she took a deep breath, controlled herself, and released a spiritual energy fluctuation of about the ninth level of Qi Refining, slightly higher than Yun Chu'an, but not by much: "In this way, maybe we can make it to the third level. I wonder what kind of treasures await us in that golden desert."

As she spoke, her deliberately feigned unease revealed even more flaws to Yun Chu'an in an instant.

His pupils contracted slightly, and he could already determine the woman's cultivation level.

Jindan period!

Now it's confirmed that Hua Caiyan's boldest guess was absolutely true: this girl is indeed the princess of Jin, and she is definitely Sheng Linglong herself!

His heart trembled, and he gave an awkward laugh, maintaining his persona as he nodded and said with a smile, "Great! Brother Gao's cultivation is higher than mine, and you're still willing to take me along. Of course, I couldn't be happier, haha!"

Princess Jin smiled gently, thinking she had everything under control, unaware that her actions had backfired, revealing her true cultivation level and identity: "That's good, it's good that you don't object. Then, let's set off together."

Chapter 251 Princess Sheng Linglong

Sheng Linglong maintained her smile, opened her folding fan, and appeared like a refined gentleman, traveling with him.

After all that commotion, with fighting and conversation, an ordinary cultivator would probably have forgotten where their original route was, since the surrounding environment was the same and the light was so dim that it was impossible to tell which way to go.

However, Yun Chu'an was already prepared. He glanced around and determined the direction, then hurried south.

With her profound cultivation, Sheng Linglong had already thoroughly explored the situation of the entire forest. However, she kept quiet and secretly observed Yun Chuan's actions. She saw that he was moving swiftly in a specific direction without any hesitation, without exhibiting any of the problems that a cultivator of his level would encounter, such as getting lost.

Along the way, they encountered several disturbances, including some rare bees. After eliminating them, they harvested some honey. They also encountered several ancient Ganoderma lucidum mushrooms that had become sentient, and after eliminating them, they obtained many medicinal herbs.

But none of these unexpected events could disrupt his sense of direction; after everything was over, he always managed to get back on the original route.

After using the "Shrinking the Earth to an Inch" technique, it took about half an hour for the light ahead to gradually brighten, and they had successfully reached the exit of the forest.

Yun Chu'an looked delighted and quickened his pace, stepping out of the woods. The sun was shining brightly outside, and the warm, golden light of the sun bathed him, making him feel very comfortable.

He squinted, looked up at the sky, and felt himself bathed in light. The spiritual energy he had just consumed was rapidly recovering, and the effect was exactly the same as when he was outside.

This is also because cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage are not capable of creating a small world that can operate independently, even if they are alive.

The operation of this place also requires the support of external forces, and the solar spirit emitted by the Golden Crow's flight is the cheapest and easiest spiritual power to obtain in the entire world. Naturally, the Black Bull King used it to create his own trial secret realm.

Standing here, facing the raging wind ahead, Yun Chu'an couldn't help but sigh, "There is indeed some pressure."

The oncoming storm was likely enough to cause even a ten-story building to collapse. The fact that he could still stand here and withstand the storm with his own body was already quite an achievement.

Princess Jin also stepped forward, trying her best to pretend that she was also having a hard time holding back. However, Yun Chuan had already seen through her cultivation level, and in his eyes, this woman was naturally full of flaws.

She tried her best to maintain her facade, then turned to look at Yun Chu'an: "Where do we go next?"

Yun Chu'an sensed the direction of the wind, then turned around, facing north with his back to the southern sun: "The correct direction is to go against the wind. Although going with the wind will make our movements on this grassland smoother, it will also keep us away from greater challenges."

"Let's go, Brother Gao, let's set off!"

Princess Jin nodded slightly: "So, you're teaching future generations to face challenges head-on? Ha, the Bull Demon King's little scheme..."

She didn't say much, immediately composed herself, and immersed herself in role-playing: "Brother Yun, I don't know much about this place, so I'll have to ask you to lead the way!"

Yun Chu'an inwardly grumbled, but still greeted her with a smile. He strode forward, and Sheng Linglong followed suit.

Meanwhile, others were also taking action in the forest.

You Wensi transformed into a streak of light and soared into the sky. With the highest cultivation level and the broadest knowledge, she could not only easily see through the mysteries of the forest, but also had some understanding of the secrets of this trial realm.

Without any delay, she flew straight to the deepest and most central part of this secret realm, the place most likely to contain the Bull Demon King's treasure. Her heart was burning with desire, hoping that the things there could heal her Dao injuries and allow her to return to the Golden Core stage.

Ye Jinglan didn't have her extensive knowledge, but her strength was considerable. A towering storm swept around her, lifting her body straight into the sky, and then she flew directly out of the forest.

Her overwhelming superior cultivation level made it extremely easy for her to overcome this test.

Zhu Yunqing and Nie Ningshuang were the same; their overwhelming superiority in cultivation level allowed them to pass the test with extreme ease.

Hua Caiyan, meanwhile, skipped and hopped through the forest, her big eyes scanning left and right. She quickly discovered the secret and a smile appeared on her lips.

You think a mere forest can stump me?

She spends her days hunting in the deep mountains and forests, and she is very familiar with the natural forest environment. Even if the Bull Demon King deliberately sets up a maze, it cannot trap her unless there is a more sophisticated illusion.

Immediately, she relaxed and carefree, humming a tune and skipping along, leaving the forest behind.

Further away, Liu Mengshen, dressed in a light blue cotton nightgown, stood in front of a towering tree, closed her eyes, and stretched out her small hand to cover the trunk: "You... are good."

"I'll give you spiritual power, and you'll guide me?"

She struggled to communicate with the towering ancient tree in front of her, and after a moment she opened her eyes again, revealing a satisfied smile.

Then, following the path indicated by the big tree, she turned and walked forward slowly but firmly.

Although they didn't know the specifics of their family members, everyone left the forest without any incidents.

After a long while, the figure of a middle-aged man suddenly appeared in a corner of the forest.

He had thick black hair, a square face, and skin that, while still fair, lacked the luster of youth, showing signs of roughness and wrinkles. Clearly, even with his late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, he could no longer resist the aging process.

Fortunately, these signs of aging have not yet impaired his fighting ability.

This person was none other than Gongsun Luo, the leader of the four brothers of Falling Flowers and Flowing Water, one of the masterminds behind the conspiracy to harm Yun Chu'an. However, today he was not wearing the magnificent brocade robe that symbolized his noble status, but instead wore a gray, close-fitting casual suit to protect his lean and capable figure.

He also had a brown leather magic item strapped to each of his forearms and calves, protecting his body and serving as a boost when necessary.

At that moment, he looked up at the dense forest with eager eyes.

Is it the Black Bull King's treasure?

I wonder if this can help me break through to the Golden Core realm.

He had also come for the legendary legacy of the Bull Demon King, but then he shook his head, suppressing his surging emotions.

The most important thing right now is to reunite with my three younger brothers and act together, which will be much safer.

He immediately got up and sped off into the distance.

Meanwhile, in the fourth trial realm, on Flaming Mountain, the young black bull demon, his eyes red, walked step by step up the mountain path.

His eyes were fixed on the mountaintop, on the billowing smoke that almost blotted out the sky, and his heart trembled.

Grandpa, even if you made that decision, I won't blame you. I blame myself for being incompetent and unable to pass the test set by the Great Ancestor.

Even so, I will not let the treasure fall into the hands of outsiders!

Just you wait, I will prove to you that the treasure of our Black Bull family will never fall into the hands of outsiders!

He roared inwardly, and it was this single belief that sustained him as he continued climbing toward the summit.

He already knew that the crater at the top of the mountain was the entrance to the next trial realm, and now all he had to do was get there!

Arrive at the lava!

Everyone was taking action, and Yun Chu'an was no exception. Under the blue sky, on the green grassland, he braved the gale and walked step by step through the waist-deep grass.

The strong wind whipped his long, black hair into a mess, making it almost impossible for him to open his eyes, but he paid no attention to his appearance and continued forward under pressure.

Chapter 252 The Golden Fleece

Yun Chu'an dared not rush. In this environment, using "Shrinking the Earth to an Inch" against the wind would instantly increase the pressure several times or even ten times, and the consumption would be too great. He could not bear it, so he had no choice but to walk forward on his own two legs.

Princess Jin followed beside him. Although she was actually strolling leisurely, she pretended to be tired, letting out a long breath and chatting with a smile: "This is really not the path that a Qi Refining stage cultivator should take. Brother Yun, at least you and I are people with some spirit stones in reserve, which can make up for the consumption. How can ordinary rogue cultivators face such a gale!"

She smiled, as if she couldn't stay still and didn't want to be quiet, so she took the initiative to start a conversation with him.

Along the way, she had asked a lot of questions about this place, about the Dragon King, and about Yun Chu'an himself. Her mouth was practically never stopping, chattering away, eager to get some information.

Yun Chu'an muttered to himself, "Why does this princess talk so much?" However, he hadn't actually reached the point where he needed to replenish his spiritual power with spirit stones. The golden crow hanging high behind him, with its abundant solar spirit, was his greatest source of spiritual power.

He smiled and replied, "Perhaps this is the Bull Demon King's purpose—to test the perseverance of the trial participants. If you want to obtain his treasure, you must persist!"

Sheng Linglong laughed, unconcerned that the oncoming wind would fill her mouth, and continued, "Haha, Brother Yun seems to admire that Black Bull King quite a bit?"

Her seemingly casual question instantly put Yun Chu'an on alert. If it were just a casual conversation between close friends, it wouldn't be a problem, but he knew perfectly well that this woman was a princess of the Jin Kingdom!

The Black Bull King was a terrifying figure who once gave the most powerful Jin state a major headache!

It's easy to imagine how this woman would treat the Black Bull King. He gave an awkward laugh, shook his head, and said, "I'm just speculating. I don't really know anything about this black bull. I only rushed over to catch up on my history after hearing about the treasure."

"Brother Gao, you come from the capital and are very knowledgeable. Do you know anything about this Black Bull King? Why don't you tell me about him?"

He smoothly handed the conversation back to her, carefully observing the woman's expression. He saw her smile slightly, shake her head, and say, "I don't know much either. I only know that he is a great villain who wreaks havoc on the country. He talks like some kind of hero, but in reality, he is nothing more than a villain who harms others for his own gain."

Yun Chu'an nodded: "Yes, I know that too. As a person, you should stick to the right path."

Sheng Linglong looked at him with admiration in her eyes: "In Brother Yun's opinion, what is the right path?"

Yun Chu'an's eyes darted around. The other party's cultivation level was far superior to his, as was her status and knowledge of the cultivation world. He was afraid that talking big in front of her would not bring him any good and would only backfire. So he shook his head and said, "This topic is too big for me to talk about. But for me, honestly working hard to draw talismans, doing business honestly and cultivating is the right path."

Princess Jin nodded slightly: "Yes, but there is something I don't understand, Brother Yun. That day, prices were clearly rising in the Weihu market. As a merchant, you should have been happy, so why didn't you raise prices along with them and instead insisted on the original price?"

She scrutinized his expression as if conducting a rigorous examination. Yun Chu'an's eyes flickered, and he quickly organized his thoughts.

He gave a wry smile and said, "Brother Gao, you flatter me too much. Don't I raise prices? Yes, I will, and once I raise them, I won't easily lower them back, but..."

He sighed and shook his head as he spoke: "I won't do what they do, suddenly increasing prices three or four times and making huge profits. I don't do that kind of business."

The princess of Jin raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Why?"

“Because this is a sin,” Yun Chuan said. “I also know how to manipulate prices. Even if there is only a 10% shortage in the market, as long as the information is released artificially, it will cause panic in the market. Those buyers who have already bought enough and do not need it will continue to purchase with the idea of ​​‘stockpiling some for future use’.”

"Therefore, a 10% shortage could be amplified to 20% or 30%, with more and more people unable to buy things, naturally causing prices to skyrocket. Sellers are making a fortune, but..."

He shook his head: "But how many people will perish in the snake's mouth because they don't have any life-saving magic weapons? And how much will the cause of eliminating the snake demon be hindered as a result?"