Chapter 115: Could It Be That I Am the Reincarnation of a Great Being? (Please Subscribe!)

After casting a glance at Qian Dai’s chubby cheeks, Shen Lian felt a bit hesitant to take too much.

Thirteen small raw jade marrow stones would likely yield over a thousand number-three jade slips. As for the two large raw jade stones—especially that perfectly square one—even after stripping away the outer stone crust, he could easily cut seven or eight number-one large jade slips, to say nothing of the number-two slips.

If he were to consume this entire batch of raw stones, he wouldn't have to worry about raw Xuanling jade marrow for quite some time.

But if he took it all...

Shen Lian thought quickly. As a fourth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, buying thirty thousand spirit stones' worth of goods in one go was simply too conspicuous. The fat man's face was so round that his squinted eyes made it impossible to read his expression, leaving Shen Lian with no clues to act upon.

However, his Five Elements Spirit Puppet could escape in an instant. Among the ordinary puppets he left behind, one contained a number-two Tianyan Jade Talisman, capable of leveling this Wind-Thunder Pavilion in a heartbeat.

In a split second, Shen Lian weighed several scenarios. Robbing the place and running was a desperate measure, the kind played by the cheap, flashy rogue cultivators. Buying it all at once might draw unwanted attention from Fat Man Qian. Buying in batches to ensure a steady, long-term supply was clearly the superior choice.

After all, it was hard to find a cultivator with such a powerful network—someone capable of sourcing raw jade marrow that might have been processed by the Xuan Corpse Sect. He might even be able to get his hands on second-tier high-grade demon beasts or array materials through him. Currently, while he had the raw jade marrow, he was out of ink. His last attempt at crafting a number-one Tianyan Jade Talisman had nearly exhausted his supply of second-tier high-grade spirit ink. Having a gun without bullets was an awkward predicament.

Choosing the third option, Shen Lian remained vigilant; if anything seemed amiss, he could retreat safely.

Inside the quiet room, Qian Dai stroked his large belly with a smile, showing no sign of rushing Shen Lian.

Shen Lian took three small raw stones and one large one from the wooden box. "Daoist Qian, name your price."

Looking at the remaining square-shaped large raw stone and the other small ones in the box, Qian Dai blinked almost imperceptibly. Given his already squinted eyes, an outsider would have missed the gesture entirely. He had assumed he was dealing with a glutton, but it seemed he had thought too much.

"Is Daoist Lu paying with Joy Pills again?"

As Shen Lian produced another storage bag, the two young maids standing behind Qian Dai fixed their gazes upon him, their expressions filled with curiosity. Was this Alchemist Lu actually a respectable alchemist? Did he not know how to refine anything other than Joy Pills?

"One large and three small—the price is fourteen thousand spirit stones, or fourteen thousand Joy Pills."

This time, Qian Dai personally took the storage bag to inspect it. It was, in fact... "Daoist Lu’s craftsmanship is as stable as ever; every single pill is round, plump, and crystal clear."

"Merely a matter of practice."

"Daoist Lu, perhaps next time you could refine some 'Upside-Down Phoenix' pills. While Joy Pills are usable by Foundation Establishment cultivators, they also tend to build up a high tolerance." Qian Dai stared intently at Shen Lian. "Daoist Lu, shall we have the good fortune of continued exchanges in the future?"

"Naturally." Shen Lian nodded. "These are just my long-term stock. I must return and focus on refining more, or I won't be able to trade for other spiritual items from you, Daoist Qian."

"Very well. Daoist Lu, you may leave a list of the spiritual items you require in advance, and I will arrange for them to be found."

"Good. I will return to the Wind-Thunder Pavilion when I have need." Shen Lian stowed away the Xuanling jade marrow stones and cupped his hands toward Qian Dai. "Daoist Qian, until next time."

"I shall await your return, Daoist Lu."

...

After seeing Shen Lian out, the red-faced old man returned to the second floor.

"Young Master."

Qian Dai tossed the storage bag filled with Joy Pills to the old man. "Send this batch back. Do as before and have them delivered to the Sea Clan."

"Mo'er, put away the remaining Xuanling jade marrow stones. Wait for Daoist Lu to come and buy them next time."

"We’ve traded three times now, yet this Daoist Lu is still so cautious. Which decent cultivator goes out to trade carrying high-grade Heaven-Thunder Orbs on their person?"

Possessing the Xuan Yang Body, Qian Dai had sensed a scorching, intense aura the moment Shen Lian’s puppet entered—like a mountain of lightning and fire surging within. It was similar to a one-time magical artifact forged from concentrated fire-lightning, though Qian Dai couldn't pinpoint exactly what it was.

"He’s traded with the Young Master three times now, yet he remains so wary. It’s been a long time since I’ve encountered a cultivator like this."

"Sister Mo, rogue cultivators all lack a sense of security. It’s likely just a habit."

...

The spirit puppet walked out of the Wind-Thunder Pavilion, headed outside Canxing City, boarded a treasure ship, and entered a private cabin. On the deck above, Shen Lian had arrived in a different cabin a step ahead. He suspected that Qian Dai might have realized the spirit puppet was not his true self.

But it didn't matter. As long as both parties traded amicably, it was a win-win; who cared if the other was the real person or not? After these few exchanges of raw Xuanling jade marrow, he hadn't sensed any ulterior motives from Qian Dai.

Before long, the seawater beneath the ship splashed as it departed the harbor, heading toward the deep ocean.

Inside the cabin, Shen Lian held a sea chart, checking the various islands in the surrounding waters, looking for a suitable place to cut open the raw Xuanling jade marrow stones. He had originally planned to rush to Cape Immortal City, but now he wasn't in such a hurry. He had the raw jade, but he still lacked herbs, demon beasts, spirit ink, and array materials. It would be best to extend his partnership with Qian Dai for a while longer.

...

"Sea crabs are overrunning Sea Crab Island again recently. The number of demonized crabs has doubled compared to before, and even ninth-level Qi Refining Green-Shelled Demon Crabs have appeared. Many cultivators have already rushed over."

"If we go now, who knows if we’ll be too late."

"Treasures don't belong to whoever gets there first; they belong to those with the right fate. Going early is not as good as going at the right time."

Inside the treasure ship, six cultivators at the fifth, sixth, and seventh levels of Qi Refining sat in a circle, discussing their next destination.

Sea Crab Island was a small archipelago on the edge of the Xuan Corpse Sect’s waters. It once had human towns, but they had long since been wiped out by the Sea Clan. Over time, passing cultivators discovered that the waters around these islands were teeming with crab swarms, many of which were demonized, ranging in strength across the early and middle stages of the Qi Refining realm. This attracted many rogue cultivators who hunted them; the spirit-rich meat of Qi Refining-stage sea crabs could fetch a high price at the restaurants in major immortal cities.

Rogue cultivators were sensitive to such news. In this case, the sudden surge in demonized crabs and the appearance of ninth-level specimens strongly suggested that some kind of spiritual treasure had appeared, causing the crabs' strength to grow.

Shen Lian wasn't the only one on the ship headed toward Sea Crab Island. He hadn't even meant to eavesdrop, yet the news reached his ears easily. Upon realizing that second-tier mid-grade or higher spiritual items were difficult to purchase, he had considered hunting demon beasts himself. However, most of the Wanxing Sea region was already developed. For sect-affiliated cultivators, a second-tier demon beast was a significant opportunity. Wherever one appeared, even the slightest scent of it would draw a swarm of cultivators.

Just like now, an island with fluctuating crab numbers and strength had caught the eye of so many rogue cultivators. Within the regions held by human sects and families, second-tier demon beasts were rare. The stronger the beast, the more one had to venture into remote areas, the deep ocean, or the abyss to try their luck.

Listening to the rogue cultivators, Shen Lian rubbed his temples. Did he really have to go to the deep sea to hunt a second-tier demon beast?

Along the way, he sensed the cabin where his spirit puppet was and found nothing unusual. It seemed Daoist Qian was a fairly honest merchant. He would definitely visit him again.

...

Five days later, the treasure ship slowly entered the harbor of Sea Chapter Island. The spirit puppet disembarked and walked toward the city, with Shen Lian walking alongside.

Sea Chapter Island was large, housing both cities for cultivators and many towns for mortals. The island had seen glorious days, once home to a Pseudo-Core family, but after the family head passed, the clan crumbled. Unfortunately, the collapse hadn't happened at a good time; back then, the sea region was fragmented, and the Xuan Corpse Sect hadn't yet been established. Had it been otherwise, the family might have survived.

Shen Lian had inquired before coming: the biggest battle on Sea Chapter Island was the chaotic conflict that wiped out that Pseudo-Core family. That battle had shattered the island’s spiritual veins, leaving them in their current state of scattered, tiny veins, with only a few spots barely sufficient for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to practice.

Based on the remaining veins, dozens of markets and small families had formed on the island. Currently, there were only three Foundation Establishment cultivators on the island, the highest being at the second level. For a century, no battles at the Foundation Establishment level had occurred here.

The island was surrounded by high mountains and dense forests, with a sunken terrain in the center. At the foot of a high mountain in the eastern part, Shen Lian had established his cave dwelling.

...

[Spirit has no external objects, Spirit Enlightenment points +1]
[Spirit has no external objects, Spirit Enlightenment points +1]
[Spirit has no external objects, Spirit Enlightenment points +1]
...
[Spirit has no external objects, Spirit Enlightenment points +1]

Inside the cave, Shen Lian sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, his aura calm and peaceful. In the darkness, the Five Qi Morning Origin technique he was circulating slowed down, and the five-element spiritual energy in his meridians became increasingly vibrant.

In his sea of consciousness, Shen Lian felt as if he had fallen into an endless, dark void. It felt unreal—the first time he had ever experienced such a sensation.

[Spirit has no external objects, Spirit Enlightenment points +1]

The moment the ninth mysterious sound resonated, a sparse light pierced the darkness in his perception, tearing it open. Shen Lian snapped awake, clearly seeing the cave dwelling before him.

"Nine Spirit Enlightenment points." He frowned slightly. This experience was different from all the previous ones. It felt as if his consciousness had drifted out of his body, touching the very manifestation of the Enlightenment points.

What was going on?

His "Stability Panel"—even if it was a panel, the voices echoing in the void truly felt like they came from beyond the heavens. Shen Lian pondered for a long time without a clue. He traced back to the very beginning.

"No, no. I named the panel myself. Even the data... I came up with it... or did it manifest based on my own subconscious desires?"

As he thought deeper, he felt a creeping sense of dread. It would be fine if it were just his own imagination, but what if... Had it not been for the darkness he perceived when the Enlightenment points appeared this time, he wouldn't have thought in this direction. He had simply assumed he was destined for greatness.

But every event had a source; every effect had a cause. This "panel"... to be precise, this thing he had named the "Stability Panel," which appeared based on his own knowledge, experience, and subconscious—where was its source? Who created it?

In the years he had spent wandering the cultivation world, traveling over a million miles, Shen Lian had developed his own insights. There was the concept of "power transmission," where high-level practitioners used great divine abilities to pour cultivation techniques directly into low-level cultivators, allowing them to master techniques instantly.

Who was pouring power into him? Or was he simply reclaiming what was already his? Otherwise, how could these insights and enlightenments just come whenever he closed his eyes? Did they fall from the sky? Talisman making, alchemy, puppet making, arrays—he had mastered them all instantly. Even a Deity Transformation expert wouldn't have that kind of ability.

Could he be the reincarnation of some great power?

Shen Lian began to doubt himself. On the road to immortality, he turned back to look, only to find that the "great power" was himself.

"Isn't this just pure insanity?"

"I've become a great power, yet I want to start from the beginning? Am I an idiot?"

"Starting from scratch and having it all poured into my brain... how powerful!"

"This isn't an ordinary sickness."

After cursing a few times, Shen Lian looked up at the sky. No response.

"Just a small Foundation Establishment cultivator, thinking too much."

A quarter of an hour later, Shen Lian lay flat on the floor of the cave. He extinguished his frantic thoughts. There was no point in dwelling on it; he would wait until he reached the Nascent Soul or Deity Transformation realms to find out. If he kept thinking, he would fall into the trap of "Who am I, and who is me?" He could run from the Ziyang Old Monster, and he could run from Heiya. He couldn't exactly dig his own brain out, could he?

"Master... Master..."

Big Black crawled in from outside, looking at Shen Lian, who was sprawled out in the shape of the character "Tai," with confusion in its crystal-black eyes. Its master hadn't been like this for a long time. The last time he was like this, it was... well, the last time. Strange, why didn't he hear the "Ah~~" sound this time?

Shen Lian sat back on the cushion and collected his thoughts.

"Master, the communication jade talisman is active."

Shen Lian finally snapped back. During his period of deep contemplation, the connection to the spirit puppet in the other cave had been interrupted. The Black-Horned Ants he had stationed inside and outside that cave had detected movement.

With a thought, the Five Elements Spirit Puppet tunneled through the earth and placed the communication jade talisman before Shen Lian.

"Fellow Daoists, in two months, there will be a hunt for a second-tier late-stage demon beast: an eighth-level Foundation Establishment Sea-Swallowing Dragon Fish."

"Those interested in participating can notify me in advance."

"Those who need the beast's skin, bones, meat, blood, or internal organs for alchemy or artifact crafting may also notify me in advance."

...

On the *Wind-Thunder*, Qian Dai grabbed a row of communication jade talismans, held them before his large face, and let out a whistle. The talismans all glowed with spiritual light simultaneously.

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