Chapter 122 The Heavenly Mirror Hermit!

The atmosphere on the Cloud-Viewing Platform became subtle and turbulent as several Core Formation cultivators took out the treasures they wished to trade.

All eyes were on the jade table in front of Master Mulong, Master Yuanjun, and Master Kanqin, as they assessed, weighed, and calculated.

After a brief silence, Kanqin Zhenren spoke first.

Her beautiful eyes sparkled as they fell upon the array in front of Xin Ruyin, which featured pale blue array flags at its core and emitted both gentle spatial fluctuations and a chilling aura. A strange light flashed in her eyes.

"Madam Zhou's 'Mysterious Ice Spirit Trapping Array' is quite remarkable. The array patterns are exquisite, and the coldness is contained within. It seems to combine spatial confinement with water-attribute attacks."

The virtuous woman, Kanqin, spoke in a gentle, appreciative voice: "My cultivation of the 'Ice Soul Profound Sound Technique' requires a superior ice-attribute array to aid in the process, and it can also serve as a protective measure. May I ask what you wish to exchange this array for, Madam?"

Upon hearing this, Xin Ruyin smiled slightly and calmly said, "Master Kanqin has discerning eyes. This formation does indeed have the effect of assisting in the cultivation of the Ice and Cold Technique and trapping enemies for self-protection. At present, I am in need of 'Millennial Cold Jade', 'Ethereal Crystal', or books and insights that record special musical rhythms and illusionary formations."

After a moment's thought, Master Kanqin took the thousand-year-old "Snow Jade Ginseng" and the tattered animal hide that recorded some kind of sonic attack technique from the jade table in front of him. He then took out a fist-sized, icy white jade from his storage bag and pushed them all towards Xin Ruyin: "I offer this Snow Jade Ginseng, this fragment of the 'Heart-Clearing and Barrier-Breaking Sound,' plus this 'Eight-Hundred-Year-Old Cold Jade,' in exchange for this set of array equipment, Madam. Is that acceptable?"

Xin Ruyin scanned the three items with her divine sense and confirmed that they were correct. In particular, the fragment of the "Pure Heart and Breaking Barrier Sound" was incomplete, but its ideas on combining music with illusion and trapping were quite inspiring for her to study music and illusion arrays. She immediately nodded and agreed: "Yes, thank you for your trouble, Master."

The two completed the transaction and each kept their spoils. Xin Ruyin obtained the resources and knowledge she needed, while Master Kanqin acquired a set of formations she desired; everyone was happy.

Immediately afterwards, Yuan Jun Zhenren's gaze also fell on the "Green Willow Blade" with its gleaming green light in front of Mu Long Zhenren.

He primarily cultivates metal-based martial arts techniques and also practices wood-based supernatural abilities. This blade combines the sharpness of metal with the wickedness of wood, making it perfect for his use.

"Fellow Daoist Mulong, I am quite fond of this Jade Willow Blade."

Master Yuan Jun spoke directly, pointing to the bottle of "Golden Marrow Pill" and the piece of "Wind Whisper Copper" on his table: "This humble Daoist is willing to exchange these two items, plus five thousand spirit stones, for your sword, fellow Daoist. What do you say?"

Master Mulong glanced at the "Golden Marrow Pill" and the "Wind Whispering Copper," and shook his head slightly: "Fellow Daoist Yuan, this sword was painstakingly crafted by me, and it cost a considerable amount. Although the Golden Marrow Pill and the Wind Whispering Copper are good, they are not enough to offset the price of this sword. Unless... Fellow Daoist is willing to add that Jade Slip of Escape Techniques."

Master Yuan frowned. Although that unorthodox escape technique was not very useful to him, it was still a decent secret technique.

After a brief consideration, and realizing that the power of the Green Willow Blade was indeed suitable for him, he finally nodded: "Very well, I will follow your advice, fellow Daoist."

The two completed their transaction. Master Mulong received elixirs to strengthen his body, materials for refining weapons, and a technique for escape, while Master Yuanjun received the magic weapon he desired.

At this moment, all that remained in front of Master Mulong was the most valuable "Earth Core Fire Jade" and the seemingly useless dark gray stone bead.

His gaze seemingly casually swept over the items on the jade table in front of Zhou Ding—the tools for the Inverted Five Elements Array, intermediate-level talismans, and several bottles of pills.

Clearly, while these items were good, they held limited appeal for the island lord, who was at the peak of the mid-stage Core Formation realm. They were not enough to tempt him to exchange them for top-tier materials like the Earth Core Fire Jade.

Zhou Ding took in Mu Long Zhenren's expression and understood. He remained calm, pondered for a moment, and then carefully took out a pale yellow jade slip with an ancient color and slightly worn edges from his storage bag, placing it on the jade table in front of him.

"Lord of Wooden Dragon Island,"

Zhou Ding spoke calmly, his gaze meeting that of Master Mulong: "Just now, the Island Master mentioned that any texts or information that could resolve doubts about cultivation would be helpful. I happen to have a fragmented ancient pill formula obtained from some ruins, which might be of some use to the Island Master."

"Oh? An ancient elixir formula?" A glint of interest flashed in Master Mulong's eyes.

At his level, elixirs that can further enhance cultivation are extremely rare, and ancient elixir formulas often imply more profound medicinal effects or more unconventional breakthrough directions.

"What kind of elixir is it?"

Zhou Ding gently stroked the jade slip with his divine sense, and a wisp of information about the name and general effects of the pill was condensed and transmitted to True Man Mulong from a distance.

"Tian Yuan Bu Qu Dan?"

Upon receiving the message, Master Mulong was slightly taken aback, then his expression changed drastically, and his eyes burst forth with uncontrollable joy and fervent light!

His breathing quickened, and suppressing his excitement, he asked telepathically, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, can this pill... truly help cultivators in the mid-to-late stages of Core Formation to replenish their fundamental energy, solidify their foundation, and increase their success rate in advancing to the next minor realm?"

This "Tian Yuan Bu Que Dan" is an ancient elixir recorded in the "Tian Yuan Dan Jing," and its effects are exactly as described by the Wood Dragon Immortal.

For Master Mulong, who had been stuck in the mid-stage of Core Formation for many years, felt that his Dao foundation was slightly flawed, and lacked confidence in breaking through to the late stage, this was nothing short of a timely help!

Its value even surpasses that of elixirs that simply enhance magical power!

"The recipe is as described, but the materials required for its preparation are quite rare."

Zhou Ding said frankly, and at the same time, he also passed on some information about the ingredients in the prescription to verify its authenticity.

Master Mulong quickly scanned the incoming information, becoming increasingly alarmed and excited with each reading.

He had never heard of the main ingredients mentioned in the prescription, but judging from their descriptions and combinations of medicinal properties, they were incredibly profound and could not be fabricated.

The main framework and ideas alone were extremely inspiring to him!

If similar alternative medicinal materials can be found, or if a high-level alchemist can be consulted to deduce the formula, it is not impossible to refine it!

The value of this pill formula to him far exceeds that of a top-grade weapon-refining material!

He abruptly looked up, his gaze fixed intently on Zhou Ding, then glanced at the Earth Core Fire Jade and the gray stone bead before him, and without the slightest hesitation, said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, I want this ancient pill formula! May I ask what it is that you value in me? Is it this Earth Core Fire Jade?"

Zhou Ding's expression remained unchanged. His gaze lingered on the Earth Core Fire Jade for a moment before settling on the dusty gray stone bead. His tone carried a perfectly balanced mix of curiosity and uncertainty: "The Earth Core Fire Jade is indeed a top-tier material, and I am quite tempted by it. However… this gray bead of yours, Island Lord, having been treasured for so many years, must be no ordinary object. I've always had a certain interest in these rare and elusive items. How about… the Island Lord exchange these two for my pill formula?"

He deliberately placed the "Earth Core Fire Jade" first to highlight its value, and described the "Gray Pearl" as incidental and out of personal curiosity, in order to lower Mu Long Zhenren's guard and make him re-evaluate the value of the Gray Pearl.

As expected, upon hearing this, Master Mulong did not hesitate at all!

For him, the Earth Core Fire Jade was good, but it was ultimately an external object, a replaceable resource.

The formula for this "Heavenly Origin Elixir" may be the key to help him break through his bottleneck and reach a higher realm!

It's obvious which is more important!

As for that gray bead that has been studied for many years without any clue?

Being able to exchange it for such an important elixir formula is an unexpected delight—a wonderful way to make use of waste!

"Alright! It's a deal!" Fearing that Zhou Ding might go back on his word, Master Mulong immediately agreed. With a flick of his sleeve, he pushed the Earth Core Fire Jade and the gray stone bead toward Zhou Ding. At the same time, with his other hand, he grabbed the pale yellow jade slip in front of Zhou Ding and drew it into his hand. He then focused his divine sense into the slip and quickly confirmed that the main contents were correct. His face lit up with even more joy.

Zhou Ding calmly stored the Earth Core Fire Jade and the gray stone bead into his storage bag, his expression serene, but his heart was in turmoil. A blue-glowing treasure, plus a top-grade refining material, in exchange for a fragmented ancient pill formula that wasn't exactly a core secret to him and which he held back—this deal was incredibly profitable!

At this point, the main transactions between the Core Formation cultivators were essentially completed.

Master Mulong was overjoyed at having his wish fulfilled and took out some spiritual fruits to treat everyone.

Yuan Jun and Kan Qin also gained something.

The atmosphere became more harmonious, and everyone chatted for a while, exchanging cultivation experiences and recent observations. The "Spiritual Tea Gathering" initiated by Master Mulong slowly came to a close in a seemingly harmonious atmosphere.

……

Back at the Lingmu Peak cave, Zhou Ding exchanged a few words with Xin Ruyin and Zhou Jin before eagerly entering the quiet room.

The first thing he took out was the dark gray stone bead that he had obtained in exchange for an ancient elixir formula.

The stone beads feel cool to the touch and have a rough texture, just like ordinary pebbles.

He tried to slowly inject a wisp of pure Qingyuan magic power into it.

The magic power was like a mud ox entering the sea; the stone bead did not react at all, not even a ripple appeared.

He then tried to probe with his divine sense, but his divine sense was blocked by an invisible yet flexible barrier, unable to penetrate even a fraction.

The more effort was put in, the stronger the barrier became, making it impossible to break through.

"As expected..." Zhou Ding was not surprised. If this method was feasible, it was impossible for Master Mulong to have made no discovery after years of research.

He tried dripping blood, roasting with fire, soaking in water, and even gently stabbing it with the sword energy of the Green Radiance Sword... The stone bead remained completely still, without leaving even a trace, its hardness was truly unbelievable.

"It seems that this thing is mysterious and cannot be solved by brute force. Perhaps it requires specific conditions, techniques, or... waiting for a certain opportunity?" Zhou Ding held the gray bead in his palm and examined it carefully.

In the ordinary view, it is inconspicuous, but in the "vision" of the Heavenly Hearing Technique, that pure blue treasure light is still dazzling.

This undoubtedly confirms its extraordinary nature.

"Well, since I can't figure it out for now, I'll keep it for now. When the time is right, I'll naturally understand its mysteries." Zhou Ding remained calm and carefully put the gray bead into a personal storage bag, placing it together with the purple ancient box, the Six Ding Heavenly Armor Talisman, and other treasures.

He has plenty of time and patience.

……

Time flies by, like a stream flowing through a mountain ravine; another six months have passed quietly.

……

Time flies by, like a stream flowing through a mountain ravine; another six months have passed quietly.

On this day, Zhou Ding was in his meditation room, refining his divine sense using the Great Evolution Technique to solidify his third-level perfected realm, preparing for possible future "worldly" trials. At the same time, he was deducing a newly acquired sword technique when he suddenly heard Xin Ruyin's slightly hurried and excited voice transmission from outside the meditation room:

"Zhou Lang, come out quickly! There's progress!"

Zhou Ding's mind sharpened, and he instantly stopped his practice, appearing outside the quiet room in a flash.

Xin Ruyin was standing in the hall, holding in her hands the dark brown ancient box that sealed the purple treasure light and which she had devoted herself to studying for many years!

At this moment, the ancient, dark golden seal on the surface of the ancient box, which had been flowing endlessly, had dimmed to its lowest point, leaving only a few remaining runes, like candlelight in the wind, flickering uncertainly, as if it would be completely extinguished at any moment.

"Ruyin, you... cracked it?" Zhou Ding's eyes burst with barely suppressed joy.

Xin Ruyin's face showed a hint of fatigue, but even more so, the exhilaration and radiance of successfully solving the problem. She nodded emphatically, her tone certain: "I have not failed in my mission. Although this ancient restriction is complex and unorthodox, it is based on the same principle. I combined several ancient methods of breaking restrictions recorded in the 'Heavenly Origin Array Canon' and deduced hundreds of variations, finally finding its core hub and the weak point in the flow of spiritual energy. Now, all that is needed is to apply the final 'Spirit Dispersing Seal,' and this restriction can be completely broken."

"Alright! Let's not delay!" Zhou Dingqiang suppressed his excitement and gestured for Xin Ruyin to act immediately.

He was also fully focused, ready to deal with any unexpected events that might occur.

Xin Ruyin said no more, her expression solemn. She held the ancient box in one hand, and with the other hand, her five fingers moved like butterflies flitting among flowers, outlining pale silver runes and hand seals full of profound Daoist charm in the air.

These hand seals, as if alive, disappeared into the few remaining strands of dark gold runes on the surface of the ancient box.

"Disperse!"

As the last hand seal was completed, Xin Ruyin softly uttered the true words.

"laugh--"

A barely perceptible sound, like ice and snow melting away.

The last few strands of dark gold runes on the surface of the ancient box evaporated and vanished instantly, like dew exposed to sunlight, leaving no trace.

The ancient restriction that shrouded the ancient box and prevented all exploration was finally completely broken!

An indescribable aura, seemingly sealed away for millennia, mysterious yet with a hint of sharp edge, quietly emanated from the cracks of the ancient box, now free from its protective seal.

Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin exchanged a glance, both seeing tension and anticipation in each other's eyes.

Zhou Ding took a deep breath, stepped forward, reached out, and slowly and carefully lifted the heavy lid of the ancient box.

The moment the box lid was opened, there was no scene of dazzling light and wondrous phenomena as I had imagined.

Inside the box lay eight round mirrors, each about the size of a palm, with an antique design and a pure gold color.

These eight golden mirrors are exactly the same in shape, size, and pattern! The mirror bodies are cast from an unknown pure gold material. The color is not a gaudy bright gold, but a deep, restrained, dark gold that seems to have been baptized by endless years, with a profound and mysterious luster.

The mirror's surface is as smooth as the finest glass, yet it is deeper and more profound, as if it could draw one's soul in. The edges of the mirror are not smooth, but are meticulously carved with a ring of intricate, exquisite, and lifelike flowing cloud patterns.

The cloud patterns were not static; upon closer inspection, they seemed to be slowly flowing and swirling, carrying an indescribable, dynamic charm.

The eight golden mirrors lay quietly at the bottom of the box, which was covered with dark red silk. They fit together to form a perfect circle, exuding a cold, sharp, and incomparably noble aura.

Zhou Ding held his breath, reached out, and gently picked up the topmost golden mirror.

Upon touching it, there is not the warm, smooth feel of metal, but a strange, bone-chilling coldness, as if you are not holding a mirror, but a piece of ancient ice taken from the depths of the Nine Nether Abyss!

The chill did not affect the skin, but rather penetrated directly through the palm, attempting to invade the blood and bone marrow, causing even a cultivator with a strong physique like Zhou Ding to feel a slight chill.

"What a peculiar material..." Zhou Ding thought to himself in surprise.

Without further hesitation, he separated a wisp of pure Azure Yuan magic power and slowly poured it into the golden mirror in his hand.

"Buzz—!"

The moment the magic touched the mirror, a strange change occurred!

It wasn't just one mirror, but eight golden mirrors in the box, all of which trembled at the same moment!

Immediately, eight dazzling, magnificent, and seemingly piercing golden beams of light erupted from the surfaces of the eight golden mirrors!

"boom!"

In an instant, the entire cave hall was filled and submerged by these eight intertwined beams of terrifying golden light, like eight small golden suns rising simultaneously!

The light was so strong, so intense, and so pure that it far surpassed the appearance of any magical artifact or ancient treasure!

It stung people's eyes so badly they could hardly look at them!

Zhou Ding and Xin Ruyin both groaned softly and instinctively closed their eyes or covered their faces with their sleeves.

The protective array set up inside the cave activated on its own, causing the light curtain to sway violently and emit a humming sound as if it could not bear the strain.

If Zhou Ding hadn't reacted extremely quickly and instantly reinforced the formation with his powerful magic, the golden light would probably have broken through the cave and soared into the sky, causing a tremendous phenomenon!

The golden light lasted for several breaths before slowly receding. However, the eight golden mirrors themselves were already enveloped in a faint, ever-flowing golden halo. On the mirror surface, mysterious runes flashed by, making them even more mysterious and extraordinary.

"This treasure... is absolutely extraordinary!" Zhou Ding's heart was filled with shock and ecstasy. He slowly lowered his arm that was covering his eyes, his eyes filled with shock and ecstasy.

The mere test of a trace of magical power was enough to generate such power. The quality and power of these eight golden mirrors probably far surpass any ancient treasure he had obtained before!

The purple radiance truly lives up to its name!

He suppressed his excitement and turned his gaze back to the inside of the ancient box.

After the golden light faded, it could be seen that something seemed to be pressing down on the dark red silk beneath the eight golden mirrors.

Zhou Ding carefully parted the golden mirror and took out the object. It was an old leather scroll, made of some kind of animal hide, soft yet tough to the touch, and yellowish in color.

On the scroll, written in a dark red ink resembling dried blood, were two large, powerful, and majestic ancient seal characters, imbued with a sense of desolation and pride.

Heavenly Mirror!

The moment those two words came into view, Zhou Ding trembled violently, his pupils suddenly contracted to the size of pinpoints, and it felt as if a thunderclap exploded in his mind!

"Tianjing...Tianjing Sanren?!"

A name that almost existed only in the legends and taboos of the Chaotic Star Sea flashed through his mind like lightning!