Chapter 419: Preparing for the Core
Ye Feifan was absolutely unexpected because Zhui Dian (Chasing Lightning) secretly followed the Heart-Devouring Demon, making Meng Zhang realize his connection with the demonic cultivators and being on guard beforehand.
When Ye Feifan intended to use information asymmetry to scheme against Meng Zhang, Meng Zhang was already preparing to counter him. Equally unexpectedly, even though Meng Zhang and his two companions were engaged in battle and unable to split their focus, Meng Zhang had already dispatched his spirit pet, Zhui Dian (Chasing Lightning), to provoke the Ghost Path cultivators and lure them over.
Once the Ghost Path cultivators appeared in his sight, if they didn't want to violate the ghost oath, they had to give their all to kill him. This way, Meng Zhang's group not only easily evaded Ye Feifan's entanglement but also placed Ye Feifan in a dangerous situation.
Ye Feifan, who was always adept at calculations and taking risks, was cleverly outwitted this time, and he ended up hurting himself with his own schemes, being outsmarted by his opponent. As for whether Ye Feifan would successfully kill the group of Ghost Path cultivators, Meng Zhang didn't have the leisure to care about it anymore.
By the time the demonic cultivators collaborating with Ye Feifan arrived, many new variables might arise. Speaking of which, Meng Zhang's successful acquisition of the Spirit Core and his clever strategy against Ye Feifan owed a great deal to his spirit pet, Zhui Dian (Chasing Lightning). Initially, Meng Zhang had impulsively taken in this low-powered spirit pet, seemingly of little use. However, unexpectedly, Zhui Dian (Chasing Lightning) played a significant role at critical moments, providing immense help.
After leaving the place, Meng Zhang and his group flew directly towards the outskirts of the Deadly Sea of Sand. Their objectives were accomplished, and none of them had any intention of lingering there any longer. Meng Zhang had a chance to acquire the Spirit Core, and Jue Ying obtained the core part of the Sand Monster's nest seed, both achieving their goals. Jin Qiao'er also learned a lot through this experience.
However, the journey back from the Deadly Sea of Sand was not without its challenges. For some reason, they encountered numerous obstacles on their way. They hadn't encountered so many sand monsters when they came in, but now, it seemed as if they voluntarily charged into a group of sand monsters, facing countless interceptions.
They fought while walking and didn't dare linger in one place for too long, rushing with all their might towards the outside of the Deadly Sea of Sand. They faced heavy resistance and numerous difficulties throughout the journey. After multiple tough battles, the three of them were almost exhausted, feeling physically and mentally drained.
However, due to their fear of the Deadly Sea of Sand, they pushed forward despite their fatigue and finally made it to the edge of the Deadly Sea of Sand. Meng Zhang had to use one of the two pseudo Third Rank talismans he had purchased at a considerable cost. Jin Qiao'er and Jue Ying also had to use their life-saving treasures one by one.
Meng Zhang once again felt fortunate to have Jin Qiao'er, the little rich girl, with him. If he had entered the Deadly Sea of Sand alone without Jue Ying, he would have had a hard time obtaining the Spirit Core and might not have come out unscathed.
When they finally crossed the last stretch and completely left the Deadly Sea of Sand, the three of them breathed a sigh of relief. There was originally a large group of sand monsters relentlessly pursuing them from behind. However, at the border between the Deadly Sea of Sand and the Endless Sea of Sand, there seemed to be an invisible barrier that stopped all those sand monsters on the side of the Deadly Sea of Sand. Countless sand monsters rushed forward but abruptly stopped and scattered upon reaching the border. Witnessing this rare phenomenon, the three of them felt at ease.
This journey into the Deadly Sea of Sand was fortunate for all three of them. Three parts strength, seven parts luck, ensured they didn't return empty-handed. Although the time spent inside the Deadly Sea of Sand wasn't long, they felt as if they had experienced a long period.
The three of them weren't the type to procrastinate. After discussing their next moves, they each went their separate ways due to their individual concerns. Jin Qiao'er returned to Qiaoshou Sect alone. Being a pillar of Qiaoshou Sect now, she knew her prolonged absence would have caused much anxiety within the sect. Although Great Wind City was not far from Taiyi Sect, Meng Zhang had no intention of going back there. For safety reasons, and mainly to guard against the Flying Swan Sect, he wouldn't undergo Core Formation within Taiyi Sect. According to his plan before leaving Taiyi Sect, he wouldn't return until he successfully achieved Core Formation.
Meng Zhang and Jue Ying took some time to rest and then flew out of Qiaoshou Sect's territory stealthily. They concealed their tracks, moving covertly and maintaining utmost secrecy.
They spent some time crossing Flying Swan Sect's territory before leaving the Endless Sea of Sand and entering the territory of Great Wind City. After their return, Meng Zhang didn't immediately contact the Gu Yue Family due to carrying the precious Spirit Core.
Over the years, Jue Ying had established several connections in the Jiuqu League. On Meng Zhang's request, she began searching for a secluded and secure place for him to seclude himself. With the Spirit Core in his possession, Meng Zhang no longer needed to rely on Third Rank spirit veins.
Hence, he had more options for choosing a secluded location. Eventually, Jue Ying selected a hidden valley near Jade Sword Sect as Meng Zhang's place of seclusion.
This valley lay above a Second Rank spirit vein and was a property directly managed by Jade Sword Sect. Due to the abundant spiritual energy and its remote location, the place was peaceful and quiet.
Jade Sword Sect had established several independent estates in this area, rented out to various cultivators. Jade Sword Sect's reputation in the Jiuqu League was formidable, both within and outside the alliance, and no cultivator dared to provoke them easily. Sword cultivator sects like Jade Sword Sect were known for their strength, dominance, and fierce killing intent, which exerted considerable deterrence.
Therefore, the safety of Jade Sword Sect's properties was assured. Additionally, even if they found Meng Zhang attempting Core Formation within their estate, the Jade Sword Sect cultivators wouldn't interfere easily.
Meng Zhang settled in the estate after a long journey, spending a considerable amount of spirit stones to rent the most secluded one.
With Jade Sword Sect's reputation, he could rest assured that no one would disturb him as long as he stayed within the estate. For added security, Jue Ying stayed with him to protect him.
After settling down, Meng Zhang didn't rush to begin Core Formation. Instead, he took some time to rest and recover from the strain he had endured in the Deadly Sea of Sand, gradually restoring his strength.
He also started carefully reading and comprehending the experiences of previous cultivators during their Core Formation process, accumulating knowledge and experience.
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