CHAPTER 269: CHAPTER 264: THE NASCENT SOUL SECRET FORMATION! CASTING THE BAIT!_1

The Golden Core Stage was not far off. After forming my Golden Core, I would have to consider how to break through to Nascent Soul.

Previously, if Jia Ren had wanted to confirm the Secret Technique of using Superior Grade Spirit Stones to enhance the Nascent Soul breakthrough, he would have had to risk discovery by the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre and venture to the Barren Extreme Land, entering the Five Elements Sect.

Once he refined an Evil-Repelling Magical Treasure and his strength reached the Late Golden Core Stage, he could consider attempting it.

The Spirit Stone Veins deep in the Great Wilderness and the Secret Techniques of the Five Elements Sect were tempting.

Jia Ren did not know where this Secret Technique was hidden. It was like looking for a needle in a haystack; finding it would be immensely difficult.

Having encountered Xue Feng’e by chance, I naturally had to seek confirmation and obtain more intelligence from her.

"Daoist Shi, you seem to understand the Five Elements Sect very well to be aware of such intelligence." Xue Feng’e’s eyes continually sized up Jia Ren as she giggled. "Daoist friend, you have yet to form your Golden Core, yet you’re already concerned about the Nascent Soul Secret Technique. Aren’t you being a bit too hasty?"

She did not respond directly, instead trying to gather information about Shi Bai indirectly.

She was not in the same league as the naive Luo Yuzhu.

"The Golden Core Stage is already within reach," Jia Ren stated.

Jia Ren had substantial accumulation. His Seven Revolutions Mysterious Primordial Secret Technique could increase the probability of Golden Core formation by ten to thirty percent under normal circumstances.

Once its Proficiency Level reached the Extraordinary Saint Level, the breakthrough probability would be even higher, with the chances of Golden Core formation reaching up to fifty percent.

As long as he obtained the Thousand-Year Snow Lotus and refined the Golden Core Formation Pill, its quality would undoubtedly surpass that of ordinary Golden Core Formation Pills.

With the Seven Revolutions Mysterious Primordial Secret Technique and the Golden Core Formation Pill, the probability of forming a Golden Core would be at least ninety percent.

To prevent any accidents during Golden Core formation, Jia Ren had always consumed Elixirs free of impurities, ensuring his Cultivation Realm was stable. If even he could not form a Golden Core, how many others could possibly succeed?

If he failed to form his Golden Core, it would not be due to internal reasons, but external threats.

Xue Feng’e could sense the man’s powerful confidence.

A Golden Core is achievable, and he’s an Alchemy Grandmaster... far superior to the Sword Washing Pavilion’s Young Master.

Her attitude softened somewhat. "Daoist Shi, you should be aware of my identity as a direct descendant of the Five Elements Ancestor. To be frank with you, the Nascent Soul Secret Technique truly exists."

"When the Ancestor first attempted to break through to Nascent Soul, he failed and was unable to make progress for two hundred years. He then spent a hundred years traveling and, from somewhere unknown, obtained a Secret Formation."

"This Secret Formation can enhance the chances of breaking through to Nascent Soul. It requires a total of three hundred and sixty Superior Grade Spirit Stones, an amount the entire Five Elements Sect could not gather even with its full strength."

Three hundred and sixty Superior Grade Spirit Stones?

Three hundred and sixty Superior Grade Spirit Stones were equivalent to three million, six hundred thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones—an astronomical price for a breakthrough method.

Only Superior Grade Spirit Stone Veins were likely to yield Superior Grade Spirit Stones, and the quantity would not be large.

There were many Spirit Stone Veins in the Barren Extreme Land, but the vast majority were of medium or low grade. Even the Five Elements Sect, which controlled a vast territory, could not gather enough to meet the requirement.

Otherwise, if the Five Elements Sect had managed to mine a large quantity of Spirit Stones in the Great Wilderness, they could have easily withdrawn and watched the tigers fight from a safe mountain.

Why then did they still risk fighting for the remaining Spirit Stone Veins?

It was solely because Superior Grade Spirit Stones were crucial for the Five Elements Ancestor’s advancement to Nascent Soul.

If he succeeded, the Five Elements Sect would continue to prosper for another five hundred years.

I wonder about the scale of the Superior Grade Spirit Stone Vein deep in the Great Wilderness. Can it satisfy the demand?

Three hundred and sixty Superior Grade Spirit Stones was no small number. If the Spirit Stone Vein’s scale was insufficient, it would be impossible to mine that many.

"The Secret Formation is different from a Secret Technique. A Secret Technique can be learned by multiple people, and a Secret Formation can also be used by multiple people," she explained.

"The Secret Formation can support up to three people at once. A single activation consumes a shocking amount of resources, but the cost can be shared. If you find two trustworthy Daoist friends, each would only need to contribute a little over a hundred Superior Grade Spirit Stones."

The cost for the Nascent Soul Secret Formation could be reduced to a third if shared. Although the amount was still staggering, it was not unbearable.

The problem was... cultivators all had their own ulterior motives. Even fellow sect members could not be fully trusted, so how could one find two other cultivators at Golden Elixir Perfection to share the formation?

If three people attempted to form their Nascent Souls together, and one failed while another succeeded, there was no guarantee the unsuccessful one wouldn’t harbor malicious intent and strike a fatal blow.

There were too many problems and hidden dangers; a single mistake would lead to an irreparable disaster.

If there truly is a Nascent Soul Secret Formation, it would be best for me to use it alone.

For Jia Ren, it wouldn’t be difficult to find three candidates: his true self, his Insect External Incarnation, and his Spirit Beast. Thus, one formation could serve multiple purposes.

His desire for the Nascent Soul Secret Formation grew even stronger.

"Daoist Xue, do you happen to have memorized this Secret Formation? I can exchange treasures for it, and I assure you, you won’t be disappointed," Jia Ren proposed.

Venturing into the Barren Extreme Land meant risking discovery by the Heart-devouring Illusion Bizarre, and he might not even find the Nascent Soul Secret Formation, rendering all his efforts futile.

Xue Feng’e was a direct descendant of the Five Elements Ancestor; the probability she knew the Nascent Soul Secret Formation was not low. Exchanging for it was the best option.

Exchange treasures?

Xue Feng’e couldn’t help but feel tempted. She desperately wanted to ask for a Golden Core Formation Pill.

Golden Core Formation Pills were scarce, and every Foundation Establishment Cultivator yearned to form a Golden Core.

Her marriage to the Sword Washing Pavilion’s Young Master, becoming his Daoist companion, did not guarantee her a Golden Core Formation Pill.

The Sword Washing Pavilion had five Golden Core Cultivators, each with their own circles of interest. A large portion of the Sect’s resources went into acquiring Golden Core Formation Pills, leaving an insufficient supply for internal distribution.

Even the Sword Washing Pavilion’s Young Master found it difficult to obtain a Golden Core Formation Pill, let alone a Daoist companion who depended on him.

If she submitted the Nascent Soul Secret Formation to the Sword Washing Pavilion, there was no guarantee she would receive a Golden Core Formation Pill in return. The credit might very well go to the Sword Washing Pavilion’s Young Master.

Trade it with someone outside?

That was too dangerous; she would find it difficult to locate a trustworthy trading partner.

"I’m afraid I must disappoint you, Daoist Shi. I do not possess the Nascent Soul Secret Formation..."

Though tempted, Xue Feng’e did not act. She and Shi Bai had only met once; there was no basis for trust.

Shi Bai had saved Luo Yuzhu’s life, but that had little to do with her. She could not confirm if this man was reliable.

Besides, even if I handed over the Nascent Soul Secret Formation, could I really obtain the Golden Core Formation Pill I desire?

Such a thought is far too naive!

Once it was revealed that I possess the Nascent Soul Secret Formation, troubles would follow one after another. That’s a risk I cannot afford to take.

"Daoist Xue, if you happen to recall any information about the Nascent Soul Secret Formation, you can contact me." Jia Ren took out a Communication Bead and handed it to Xue Feng’e without exerting any pressure.

Without a foundation of trust, it was difficult for them to cooperate.

As long as I can offer Xue Feng’e a treasure she cannot refuse, there will eventually be an opportunity to trade for the Nascent Soul Secret Formation.

"Daoist Luo Yuzhu, I haven’t yet properly thanked you for the Jiejindan Formula you gave me. Are you currently seeking Spiritual Medicine to concoct Elixirs for advancing your Cultivation Level?"

"These pills are for you, Daoist Luo."

Jia Ren took out more than a dozen medicine vials and handed them over. They contained Grandmaster Level Solidifying Yuan Pills and Red Spirit Pills, suitable for cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage and Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage.

Keeping these pills was only for the purpose of exchanging them for Spiritual Medicine. Giving them to Luo Yuzhu was his way of repaying the favor for the Jiejindan Formula.

Of course, by presenting the Jiejindan Formula and Grandmaster Level pills, he had a subtle plan.

This will prove that I possess the Jiejindan Formula and can refine Golden Core Formation Pills, further showcasing my skills as an Alchemy Grandmaster.

Others’ words are mere corroboration; nothing is more persuasive than seeing it with one’s own eyes.

If I don’t present a treasure that truly tempts her, why would Xue Feng’e offer the Nascent Soul Secret Formation in trade?

The Jiejindan Formula proved he could refine Golden Core Formation Pills, and the high-quality pills demonstrated his Alchemy skills.

This was the bait he had cast.

"The Jiejindan Formula was my way of thanking you for saving my master and me. I can’t accept these pills."

Luo Yuzhu quickly refused, not accepting the pills.

"Daoist Luo, you underestimate the Jiejindan Formula; it is invaluable."

"Or do you perhaps look down on the pills I’ve offered?"

Luo Yuzhu knew Shi Bai was an Alchemy Grandmaster. The pills he offered were undoubtedly extraordinary and invaluable.

She had offered the Jiejindan Formula merely to repay him for saving their lives.

"Daoist Luo, just consider these pills a gift stemming from our fated encounter!"

"If I hadn’t met you, Daoist Luo, I wouldn’t be giving you these pills today."

Luo Yuzhu looked at the medicine vials in her hand, still warm to the touch. Before she could voice her refusal, she saw Jia Ren stride away.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now."

She watched Jia Ren’s retreating figure and hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not voice her refusal.

"Could he be your Mr. Right?" Xue Feng’e teased, staring at Luo Yuzhu with a playful smirk. "You give the Alchemy Recipe, he gives the pills. How romantic, like a pair of devoted lovers."

"You... What nonsense are you spouting?"

Luo Yuzhu’s face immediately turned red, and she quickly put away the pills.

"How can you keep it all to yourself? Sharing is caring! Let me also see the work of this Alchemy Grandmaster you admire so much. He’s not a fraud, is he?!"

Xue Feng’e had known Luo Yuzhu for a long time and knew exactly how to handle her.

Sure enough, a vial of pills was handed over.

"You blind bat! You only get one vial."

Eager for confirmation, Xue Feng’e hastily opened the White Porcelain Jade Vial.

Not the slightest fragrance of pills wafted out. She couldn’t help but frown, suspicion blooming in her heart.

This Alchemy Grandmaster couldn’t be a fraud, could he?

No fragrance from the pills at all? His Alchemy skills must be terrible!

When the pills tumbled into her palm one by one, she froze on the spot, finally realizing her own ignorance.

On the pills, three golden Elixir Patterns were incredibly distinct.

Three-Patterned Pills!

These were Elixir Patterns that only appeared when a pill’s quality reached the Grandmaster Level.

This meant the pill’s quality had reached a certain peak—perfect, flawless, and without any impurities.

Beyond this, for every ten percent increase in medicinal efficacy, an additional Elixir Pattern would appear.

Three-Patterned Pills represented an additional thirty percent of perfect medicinal efficacy.

Xue Feng’e was from the upper echelons of the Five Elements Sect. Her Sect also had an Alchemy Grandmaster, whose best-refined Five Elements Spirit Pills reached Grandmaster Level.

However, the Elixir Patterns on the Five Elements Spirit Pills he refined were unstable; most only bore a single Elixir Pattern.

Even so, every Five Elements Spirit Pill with an Elixir Pattern was highly coveted. Despite being the Five Elements Ancestor’s beloved great-granddaughter, she could not guarantee a stable supply of such pills for herself.

The vial contained ten Solidifying Yuan Pills, every single one bearing three Elixir Patterns.

Facts were more persuasive than words. This was the best testament to this man’s mastery of Alchemy.

"May I see the other vials of pills?"

Luo Yuzhu, witnessing Xue Feng’e’s profound shock, quickly took out the other vials of pills.

The quality of the Solidifying Yuan Pills and Red Spirit Pills was unexpectedly high. All the pills bore three Elixir Patterns, a truly breathtaking sight.

Is he really a Loose Cultivator? It’s hard to imagine how terrifying his talent in Alchemy is!

He can refine Golden Core Formation Pills?! The Golden Core Formation Pills he refines should increase the probability of Golden Core formation by forty percent...

Xue Feng’e gazed in the direction Jia Ren had departed, but his figure was long gone.

The quality of Golden Core Formation Pills directly impacted the success rate of forming a Golden Core. A twenty percent increase and a forty percent increase were entirely different concepts, their values worlds apart.

She unconsciously tightened her grip on the Communication Bead, her palm already slick with sweat.

This communication magic artifact, one she could have casually discarded before, was now the most precious treasure she had ever possessed.