Proving Immortality Starting with Hextech Runes

Chapter 191 Clear Void Breaking Pill

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Seeing Chen Xu about to leave, Zhou Caisheng quickly stood up: "Oh dear, young friend, don't be in such a hurry! Countless cultivators want to enter the Xuan Shui Palace..."

"No need for now, thank you for your hospitality, Senior Zhou." Chen Xu interrupted him and turned to leave the private room.

The streets of Meteor City remained bustling, with various flying magical artifacts sweeping across the sky, creating ripples of spiritual energy.

Chen Xu stood on the stone steps at the entrance of the Chamber of Commerce, his gaze calmly sweeping over the bustling street, pondering whether to return to the Floating Island Cave or try his luck elsewhere.

Just as he was about to step away, a slightly cold female voice rang out from not far to his side:

"Fellow Daoist Xu?"

That voice... sounds somewhat familiar.

Chen Xu paused, then slowly turned his head to look.

Beside the main street, in the shadows of a relatively quiet alleyway, stood a figure in an elegant white robe.

She possessed a gentle demeanor, yet her brows hinted at a sharp and capable air; she was none other than Lin Miaoyin, the manager of the Huanyin Chamber of Commerce.

"Manager Lin?" A hint of surprise flashed across Chen Xu's face. "What a coincidence to run into you here."

Lin Miaoyin smiled and stepped out of the shadows, the silver jade pendant at her waist reflecting a restrained spiritual light with her movements.

"Yes, I just went to the Meteorite Merchant Guild to deliver a batch of spirit clam pearls that were shipped from the Inland Sea. I saw you as soon as I came out."

Her gaze swept over Chen Xu, with a hint of inquiry:

"Seeing that Fellow Daoist Xu is in such a hurry, did you gain something at the Meteorite Merchant Guild?"

Chen Xu remained calm and shook his head slightly: "We returned empty-handed. I'm currently troubled by the matter of Core Formation and am looking for something to help me."

His tone was calm, as if he were just mentioning it casually, but his gaze fell on Lin Miaoyin's face as he pondered.

The Huanyin Chamber of Commerce is quite powerful; perhaps we can find some connections there?

Although Zhou Caisheng's "assertion" came first, it wouldn't hurt to ask one more question.

"Core Formation?" Lin Miaoyin's eyes lit up slightly, as if she had caught some key information.

She hesitated for a moment, then lowered her voice slightly: "Fellow Daoist Xu, is what you seek a miraculous elixir that can increase the success rate of Core Formation?"

Chen Xu's heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive: "Indeed. Could it be that Manager Lin has connections?"

Lin Miaoyin, after confirming that no one was paying attention to their conversation in this corner, stepped forward and used her divine sense to transmit her thoughts:

"To be honest, Fellow Daoist Xu, the Chamber of Commerce... does indeed have something that might just be what you need."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xu's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly: "Oh? I'd like to hear more."

"This pill is called the Clear Void Breaking Barrier Pill," Lin Miaoyin continued telepathically, her tone solemn.

"This was refined by a master alchemist of our Illusionary Sound Sect based on an ancient formula. It can increase the success rate of Foundation Establishment cultivators breaking through the Core Formation bottleneck by about 30%!"

"An increase of 30%?" Chen Xu was shocked upon hearing this. Even with his calm demeanor, he could not hide his excitement at this moment.

Ordinary pills and treasures that aid in Core Formation can increase the success rate by 15%, which is already rare. This 30% increase is simply heaven-defying.

However, at this moment, a bitter smile appeared on Lin Miaoyin's face: "It's just that this pill is extremely difficult to refine, and the medicinal materials are rare."

"In particular, the main ingredient, Qingyin Algae, has strict environmental requirements. It must be cultivated in specific sea areas using secret methods and used in medicine immediately after harvesting."

"Therefore, the Chamber of Commerce usually refines the products at its branch offices near that sea area, rather than at its headquarters."

She paused, her tone becoming more worried:

"The three Clear Void Breaking Pills in this batch were transported back from the Bibo Island branch of our Chamber of Commerce by our merchant ship."

"With two elders at the early stage of Core Formation in charge of the fleet, it should have been foolproof. However..."

"What happened?" Chen Xu pressed, already sensing that trouble was brewing.

"The fleet encountered an unexpected incident while passing near the Fjord of the open sea."

Lin Miaoyin frowned: "For some reason, the fleet has been targeted by several unusually ferocious Core Formation sea beasts, including... a Sea King Beast that is close to the fourth rank."

"The fleet's defensive formations have been repeatedly attacked by sea monsters and are already damaged, hindering its navigation and trapping it among the reefs on the outskirts of the fjord."

"Although the two elders can protect themselves, they are not capable of protecting the entire merchant ship or killing or driving away the sea monsters. They can only barely hold on and have sent out a distress signal."

She looked at Chen Xu with a complicated expression: "The other Core Formation elders of the Chamber of Commerce are all busy with important matters at the moment. Even the fastest one to arrive will take three days."

"Even an ordinary Core Formation cultivator would struggle to escape the predicament facing a Sea King Beast approaching the fourth rank..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xu fell silent.

A Sea King Beast approaching the fourth rank... this is by no means an easy opponent.

Even if he can temporarily possess the combat power of the early stage of Core Formation by relying on [Ultimate Ascension], and has many trump cards.

However, one must be extremely cautious when facing such a thick-skinned, powerful, and naturally gifted deep-sea behemoth.

However, with Qingling by his side, even if he is no match for her, Qingling will be there to protect him. This is a good opportunity for him to gain some experience.

Thinking of this, Chen Xu asked, "Are you sure it's just a Sea King Beast below the fourth tier?"

Lin Miaoyin was somewhat surprised upon hearing this, but still nodded:

"That's right. According to the intelligence that was sent back, although that sea monster has a high level of cultivation, it will still need many years to break through to the Nascent Soul stage."

"Manager Lin, I am aware of the merchant ships' predicament. A sea monster approaching the fourth rank is indeed a problem that ordinary Core Formation cultivators cannot easily solve."

"However... it's quite a coincidence. I happen to know a close friend whose cultivation is quite remarkable. He is a low-key person who doesn't like to show off."

"What does Fellow Daoist Xu mean...?" Lin Miaoyin's eyes lit up upon hearing this.

Chen Xu continued to transmit his voice:

"My friend is aloof and doesn't usually concern himself with worldly affairs. But we have a deep friendship, and if I were to ask him, perhaps... he would be willing to lend a hand."

"But..." Chen Xu timely showed a hint of difficulty, looking directly at Lin Miaoyin:

"If my friend resolves this trouble for the Illusionary Sound Merchant Guild, could I exchange him for a Clear Void Breakthrough Pill?"

Lin Miaoyin took a deep breath. As the person in charge, she knew that this matter was of great importance and could not be decided by her alone.

She needed to contact the stranded fleet and the high-ranking officials in the chamber of commerce who could make decisions immediately, but time was of the essence…

"Fellow Daoist Xu." Lin Miaoyin's expression was extremely solemn, and she quickened her pace in telepathic communication.

"If what you say is true, then it is the only chance for my Illusionary Sound Merchant Guild to survive this calamity."

"The Clear Void Breaking Pill is indeed precious, but if it can ensure the safety of the fleet and the pill's preservation, the Chamber of Commerce will definitely consider it carefully."

"However... this matter is of great importance, and I need to immediately request authorization from the Chamber of Commerce's senior management. Furthermore..."

She stared intently at Chen Xu: "How can you guarantee, fellow Daoist, that the 'friend' you speak of can truly defeat that near-fourth-tier Sea King Beast?"

"It's not that Miaoyin doesn't believe in you, but this matter is of utmost importance and requires the utmost caution!"

Chen Xu's expression remained unchanged, as if he had expected this question.

"It's only natural that Manager Lin is cautious," Chen Xu replied telepathically, his voice remaining calm.

"A sea king beast approaching the fourth rank is enough to make ordinary Core Formation cultivators hesitate."

"The fact that two Core Formation elders of the Illusionary Sound Merchant Guild are trapped shows how dangerous the situation is. How could I speak recklessly and joke about matters of life and death?"

Chen Xu paused slightly, then took out a token made by Qingling as proof.

Lin Miaoyin's gaze was fixed on the unremarkable black token in Chen Xu's palm.

The token's material is unknown, and it has no complicated patterns on it, only an extremely hastily engraved character "冥" (Ming), exuding an indescribable sense of antiquity and coldness.

"This...is this??" Lin Miaoyin frowned slightly, her eyes filled with even more doubt.

Chen Xu naturally noticed the doubt and a hint of disappointment in Lin Miaoyin's eyes.

He didn't explain, but simply held the token forward gently and transmitted his voice:

"Manager Lin may use his divine sense to investigate and determine the truth. However, remember to act within your capabilities and do not go too far."

Upon hearing this, Lin Miaoyin was filled with doubt and unease.

Proceed according to your capabilities? Go too far? What danger could there be in using divine sense to probe a mere token?

After thinking it over, Lin Miaoyin took a deep breath and decided to give it a try.

She slowly closed her eyes and carefully extended a wisp of her divine sense to the surface of the black token.

There was nothing unusual at the moment of contact between spiritual consciousness and the body.

However, just as her consciousness attempted to penetrate inward...

"boom!!!"

A sudden chill, originating from the depths of one's soul, erupted.

Lin Miaoyin felt as if her wisp of divine consciousness had fallen into an endless dark icy ocean, instantly frozen and swallowed up.

Her consciousness was forcibly dragged into a terrifying world filled with despair by an irresistible force.

Countless twisted phantoms of the dead struggled and floated between the river of blood and the scorched earth, emitting silent shrieks.

That desperate thought, like a million ice needles, pierced the very core of her soul.

Just sensing the edge of this thought, Lin Miaoyin felt as if her soul was about to be torn apart.

A suffocating pressure filled the air.

Under this oppressive force, Lin Miaoyin felt as insignificant as a speck of dust.

A moment later, Lin Miaoyin suddenly opened her eyes, her face deathly pale.

She felt as if she had been struck by an invisible giant hammer, staggering back several steps before her back slammed against the cold stone wall to barely regain her balance.

Cold sweat instantly soaked through her white robe, and her heart pounded wildly in her chest.

Lin Miaoyin gasped for breath, her eyes unfocused, filled with fear and bewilderment at surviving such a calamity.

It took her several breaths to finally break free from that fear and stare intently at Chen Xu.

"Fellow Daoist Xu..." Lin Miaoyin's voice was dry and hoarse, with a noticeable tremor.

"This...this token..."

"It's just some life-saving tricks my friend gave me." Chen Xu's tone was calm as he transmitted his voice, and with a flick of his wrist, he retrieved the token.

"I wonder if Manager Lin still has any reservations about my previous proposal?"

Doubts? How could I dare to have even the slightest doubt!

A storm raged in Lin Miaoyin's heart.

A Sea King Beast approaching the fourth tier is very strong. But no matter how strong it is, it has not yet truly stepped into the threshold of the fourth tier.

Lin Miaoyin had no doubt that the power represented by that token was absolutely capable of crushing any Core Formation cultivator.

Dealing with a sea monster that is not even at the fourth rank would probably be a piece of cake for it.

"No...nothing!" Lin Miaoyin hurriedly waved her hand, her tone urgent and respectful, even carrying a hint of fear.

"It is a pity that Miaoyin is blind. Fellow Daoist's friend... truly possesses profound and unfathomable strength! If we could receive assistance from that senior, it would be a great fortune for our Huanyin Merchant Guild!"

"What about the Pure Void Breaking Pill?" Chen Xu asked casually.

"No problem! Absolutely no problem!" Lin Miaoyin said decisively, afraid that being slow to agree would cause displeasure.

"If that senior intervenes and resolves the fleet's crisis, the Chamber of Commerce will definitely offer a Clear Void Breaking Pill!"

She immediately added, "However, Fellow Daoist Xu, this matter is of great importance. I must immediately report the situation to the Chamber of Commerce leadership and the stranded fleet so that they know that assistance is on the way."

"At the same time... I also need to ask you, fellow Daoist, when that senior will be able to set off? The fleet is in a critical situation and I'm afraid it won't be able to hold out for much longer."

She quickly took out a specially made communication jade talisman, which was engraved with the spirit pattern of the Illusionary Sound Merchant Guild.

Knowing that time was of the essence, Chen Xu said, "Immediately send a message to the fleet that reinforcements are on their way, and tell them to hold on for another seven days no matter what."

"Only seven days?!" Lin Miaoyin's beautiful eyes flashed with surprise again.

Without further hesitation, she gathered spiritual energy at her fingertips and quickly recorded it on the jade talisman, transmitting the situation on Chen Xu's side.

hum...

The jade talisman flashed with light, transforming into a thin stream of light that vanished instantly. This was the highest-level emergency communication talisman of the Illusionary Sound Merchant Guild.

After doing all this, Lin Miaoyin finally breathed a sigh of relief.

……

Seven days later, in the open sea, at the raging fjord.

This place seems to have been abandoned by heaven and earth, shrouded in a gray, swirling sea all year round.

The Huanyin Merchant Guild's massive merchant ship was now trapped in a relatively calm sea area.

The defensive light shield covering the ship's hull was already covered with spiderweb-like cracks, and its light flickered erratically.

Each time a giant wave crashed down, it caused the light shield to tremble violently, groaning under the strain, as if it could collapse completely at any moment.

On the bow deck, the two early-stage Core Formation elders of the Illusionary Sound Merchant Guild had disheveled hair and beards and were pale.

Their bodies were brimming with spiritual energy as they continuously formed hand seals to reinforce the defenses of the ship's core area.

At the same time, it unleashed a series of sharp sonic sword energies, bombarding the huge shadow that was faintly visible in the surrounding sea.

"roar!!!"

At that moment, a deep roar pierced through the howling wind and the roar of the waves, slamming hard onto the ship's light shield.

"Click..."

The largest crack on the light shield suddenly widened and spread, and it looked like it was about to completely penetrate through.

"Hold on!" Elder Zhao's eyes were bloodshot as he spat out a mouthful of blood essence, which he then channeled into the guzheng magic weapon in front of him.

The zither's sound instantly soared and sharpened, transforming into solid cyan sound blades that temporarily stopped the cracks from expanding.

"Damn beasts! Why haven't the Chamber of Commerce's reinforcements arrived yet?!"

Elder Wu manipulated a jade chime, the sound waves transforming into ripples that continuously counteracted the strange corrosive power contained in the seawater. His voice was hoarse and filled with exhaustion.

Within their line of sight, surrounding this reef cage, at least seven or eight Core Formation stage sea beasts, each the size of a small mountain, were stirring up trouble.

There are ferocious giant sharks covered in bone spurs, and giant octopuses wielding dozens of sucker-like tentacles.

Deep within the encirclement, beneath the pitch-black sea, an even larger and more terrifying shadow slowly lurked...