All they had to do was find the remains, and they would receive the lifetime accumulation of a peak Nascent Soul cultivator. It sounded like an excellent deal, but...
Mo Tiange gave a light chuckle. "Senior, not to mention the difficulty of locating the burial site of a cultivator from five thousand years ago, how dangerous would the resting place of a Nascent Soul cultivator be? Since your wife was a distinguished disciple of the Xuanji Sect, her skill in formations likely wasn't inferior to yours, was it? We are merely Foundation Establishment cultivators. How can we guarantee we can safely retrieve the remains?"
"Indeed," Daoist Fangzheng continued. "Before we even receive any benefits, we would first face a brush with death. This deal is hardly fair."
Upon hearing this, Ziwei Sanren laughed heartily. "Good, good! If you were too foolish, you wouldn't be worth making this deal with." He paused, his tone becoming casual. "You want benefits first? Fine! Not only will I give you benefits, but I will also give you two hundred years. Little girl, given your age and cultivation, two hundred years should be sufficient for you to advance to Core Formation, I imagine? But don't think that once you form your Core, I'll have no hold over you. The mark in your sea of consciousness, once activated, is effective for life. With a single thought from me, your life and death are in my hands. And you," he addressed Fangzheng, "your lifespan is limited; you don't even have two hundred years..."
Hearing this, Daoist Fangzheng grew tense. His earlier words were born of reluctance to be controlled and a desire to extract benefits from this senior, but that didn't mean he thought the deal unprofitable. He still had seventy or eighty years of lifespan left; finding the remains within that time was entirely possible. Then, obtaining a Nascent Soul cultivator's lifetime accumulation would greatly increase his chances of advancing to Core Formation! Even taking a step back, unlike the girl beside him, he would have long since passed away after two hundred years, effectively paying nothing. He was afraid this senior might revoke his eligibility for the deal due to his limited lifespan, causing him to miss a golden opportunity for nothing!
It was unclear if Ziwei Sanren was using mind-reading at this moment. After a pause, he said unhurriedly, "Don't worry. Having one more chance to find Zilan's remains is always good for me. In the past, to wait a few hundred more years, I scoured the Tianji Region and refined Longevity Pills. I still have one left, which I shall bestow upon you."
Longevity Pill? A Longevity Pill! A pill even Nascent Soul cultivators found difficult to obtain!
After a moment of stunned silence, Daoist Fangzheng was overcome with wild joy, stammering, "I... Senior... Longevity Pill..." He was already incoherent.
Seeing his reaction, Ziwei Sanren laughed heartily. He then addressed Mo Tiange. "As for you, I offer you a few choices. The Longevity Pill is useless to you, but I can give you a Dustless Pill. Presumably, you know that consuming this Dustless Pill increases the chances of successful Core Formation. If you feel that with the backing of your sect elders, Core Formation isn't a problem, then I can also give you a top-tier Magical Treasure, or a secret, non-transmitted tome of the former Xuanji Sect—the Xuanji Formation Book. Which will you choose?"
Dustless Pill, top-tier Magical Treasure, Xuanji Formation Book! Each was a treasure difficult to find. Among them, while the Dustless Pill's value couldn't compare to the Longevity Pill, for Foundation Establishment cultivators like them facing Core Formation, it was the most practical. A top-tier Magical Treasure from a Nascent Soul cultivator's mouth was naturally incomparable to ordinary treasures; even other Nascent Soul cultivators would likely covet it. Finally, the Xuanji Formation Book. The art of formations was vast and profound, and high-level formation tomes were priceless and unavailable on the market, but... ordinary cultivators simply couldn't spare the energy to study them. It could only be exchanged for spirit stones, making it the least useful.
However, for Mo Tiange—
"Senior, this junior chooses the Xuanji Formation Book."
"Oh?" Ziwei Sanren sounded slightly surprised, clearly not expecting her to choose this.
Mo Tiange said, "While the Dustless Pill and Magical Treasure are precious to this junior, they are not unobtainable. Only this Xuanji Formation Book is truly unique."
"...True. Since you are a disciple of the Xuanqing Sect and possess such cultivation at a young age, you must be an elite disciple. Presumably, pills and Magical Treasures aren't hard for you to obtain. However, you should think carefully. My pills and Magical Treasures are not ordinary goods; ordinary Core Formation cultivators couldn't even dream of them!"
Ziwei Sanren spoke this way, treating her master as an ordinary Core Formation cultivator.
Mo Tiange knew that a sword cultivator as astonishingly talented and almost omnipotent as Ziwei Sanren likely possessed an accumulation no worse than her master's. But for her Core Formation, Dao Lord Jinghe would naturally seek a Dustless Pill for her. As for so-called top-tier Magical Treasures, Dao Lord Jinghe might not lack them either. Only the Xuanji Formation Book, being a non-transmitted secret of the Xuanji Sect, must have its unique aspects; missing it would mean it would be hard to obtain again. Moreover, she kept a thought in mind: Since that Xiao Zilan was a Supreme Elder of the Xuanji Sect, wouldn't her burial place be heavily trapped? With the Xuanji Formation Book, the danger would be greatly reduced.
"This junior has made up her mind." After a pause, Mo Tiange continued, "However, Senior, Fellow Daoist Fangzheng has limited lifespan. You bestow upon him a Longevity Pill; even if he fails to find the remains in two hundred years, he suffers no loss, unless he advances to Core Formation. But even if I don't advance, I have several hundred years to live. If I find the remains, fine. If I don't, wouldn't I suffer a great loss? This isn't fair to me!"
Regarding this matter, Mo Tiange was extremely resentful. Her future was bright; to have a two-hundred-year restriction placed on her for no reason, with her life forfeited if she failed—how could she feel good about it? Moreover, her initial purpose in cultivating immortality was to strive for freedom. Being controlled by another now was truly unpleasant. It was only because Ziwei Sanren's methods were extraordinary and he hadn't spoken in absolute terms that she was willing to endure it.
Seemingly detecting her anger, Ziwei Sanren chuckled. "You little girl truly refuse to suffer the slightest loss. Fine, how about I give you a Sunlight Stone as well? Also, the pills and treasures on this table, you may divide them between yourselves. Furthermore, as long as one of you brings back Zilan's remains within two hundred years, I will erase the marks in both your seas of consciousness. So, before you pass away, remember to come back and check. Perhaps one of you has already succeeded by then. Hahaha..."
Perhaps due to living alone for a thousand years, Ziwei Sanren clearly had a mischievous side, deliberately teasing them.
Mo Tiange took a deep breath to calm herself. She couldn't let him anger her first.
"Very well. Since things have come to this, this junior has no choice but to accept. Two hundred years... This junior is somewhat curious. Once the restriction preserving your Divine Sense is activated, can it last for two hundred years?"
Ziwei Sanren snorted coldly and arrogantly. "Little girl, even though you come from a famous major sect, your experience and knowledge are still shallow! This is my unique, self-created method of splitting Divine Sense. Not to mention two hundred years, I'm afraid even after you pass away, my Divine Sense will still remain."
"..." This Ziwei Sanren could not be judged by common sense. As a sword cultivator, he was proficient in formations and mechanisms, could even refine Longevity Pills, and had self-created various spells. He might even have dabbled in artifact refining, almost qualifying as an all-round talent. It wouldn't be surprising if he had created some unique Divine Sense technique.
"What about you?" Seeing Mo Tiange had nothing more to say, Ziwei Sanren turned to Daoist Fangzheng.
Daoist Fangzheng bowed. "Since that's the case, this junior also accepts."
"Good!" As Ziwei Sanren's words fell, Mo Tiange felt the stagnant spiritual energy in her body loosen. Instantly, she regained control and could move.
She breathed a sigh of relief, moving her hands and feet, finding her spiritual energy flowing smoothly, without the earlier feeling of weighing a thousand pounds just to lift a hand.
"If you have any more questions, ask them now. Once you step out of this cave abode, the two hundred years begin counting. When the time is up, regardless of success, you must return to see me! If I'm in a good mood, I might grant you more time. If I'm not... hmph!"
Two hundred years... Disregarding Daoist Fangzheng, Mo Tiange felt this timeframe should allow her to gather information. At this moment, she had many questions. Ever since entering this valley, her mind had been full of them, but being in constant danger had prevented her from seeking answers. Hearing Ziwei Sanren speak thus, she asked, "This junior indeed has many questions. Would Senior be willing to explain in detail?"
Ziwei Sanren said, "Speak, let's hear them."
After a moment's thought, Mo Tiange slowly said, "First, the valley's entrance winds and miasma—are they related to the formations Senior set up? But why was it so easy for me to break through once I reached the valley floor? Second, the stone statues and altar at the entrance to Senior's cave abode—what's their story? Then..."
"You junior is truly long-winded!" Ziwei Sanren interrupted impatiently. "I'll explain everything to you from start to finish, alright?"
"The winds and miasma above the valley are indeed caused by formations I set up. However, you breaking through easily was also due to your good luck. This question shares the same answer as your second one. In the past, when I secluded myself here, I saved hundreds of mortals caught in war turmoil. Taking pity on them, I brought them into the valley. They worshipped me as a deity. The stone statues and altar were erected by them, so I simply converted them into the cave entrance—the statue is my wife, Zilan. The reason I saved them was merely because, thinking Zilan disliked my violent and murderous nature, I occasionally performed good deeds. So when they wanted to carve a deity statue, I had them sculpt it in Zilan's likeness. This way, when I occasionally left the cave abode, I could also see her face."
"By the time I approached my end, these mortals had lived in the valley for over a thousand years, passing down through generations. A few cultivators had emerged among them, unfortunately with less-than-ideal spiritual roots. Later, sensing my lifespan nearing its end, I ordered those cultivators to relocate all the mortals out of the valley. This valley possesses a hidden spirit vein. But when I was about to pass away, I used this hidden spirit vein to set up an illusion formation, making it unsuitable for mortal habitation. It was precisely because no one remained to maintain the formations that you broke through so easily."
"...So that's it. The illusion formation Senior set up in the hall utilizes this hidden spirit vein? Why was everything fake, yet the damage real? And how did we break the formation?"
"Hmph!" Ziwei Sanren snorted coldly. "Naturally, this involves complex theories, all recorded in the Xuanji Formation Book. If you study it thoroughly, you'll naturally understand. As for breaking the formation... Among you nine, some had their essence blood drained, some were too weak, and some possessed sufficiently firm willpower, unaffected by the illusion. The formation then lost its reason to exist. Hehe, this formation was already me showing mercy, testing your willpower. Otherwise, you could have remained trapped inside endlessly. 'This Life, Ten Thousand Ages of Heaven; This Life is Ten Thousand Ages, Ten Thousand Ages are but a Single Day.' Once this formation activates, a day passes, and everything ends. If you cannot control yourself and succumb to temptation, you die from essence blood depletion. If you control yourself, even if alive, you'll feel as if time stretches for ten thousand ages, endless, ultimately dying from madness. So, if you cannot break the formation, only death awaits!"
Both Mo Tiange and Daoist Fangzheng shuddered in fear. Such a terrifying formation... Though an illusion formation, it was more dreadful than a killing formation! At this moment, Daoist Fangzheng secretly regretted: Why wasn't that Xuanji Formation Book given to him?
"So this series of obstacles was merely Senior's test?"
"Correct." Ziwei Sanren's tone was indifferent, carrying a hint of ruthless. "If you couldn't even withstand the entrance winds and miasma, you were simply useless. As for the illusion formation, it tested your temperament and willpower. If you couldn't pass, you likely wouldn't have the patience to find Zilan's remains either. That Moonlight Illusion Stone passage tested whether you were too greedy and possessed sufficient calm. If easily mesmerized by those treasures, you would likely betray your promise. Finally, the Puppets here—if you couldn't even defeat five, your combat power was too weak! Of course, ultimately, I had to see for myself. If you were too foolish, I would have ended you on the spot. You two are quite decent, passing all tests."
"..." These words made Mo Tiange's anger flare up uncontrollably, which she forcefully suppressed. This Ziwei Sanren was truly selfish and ruthlessness. Setting up so many obstacles, he hadn't considered the lives of those entering the valley at all. If Xiao Zilan was truly as he described, disliking conflict, yet could endure him for two hundred years and maintain marital harmony, she must have loved him deeply.
"What? Little girl, you have opinions again?"
Mo Tiange couldn't help but retort angrily, "Senior, are you using mind-reading again?!"
Seeing her anger, Ziwei Sanren laughed twice. "Don't be so fierce with me. Didn't your master teach you to treat seniors with utmost respect?"
"..." I'll endure it! Mo Tiange took a deep breath and fell silent. Accustomed to interacting with Dao Lord Jinghe, she indeed wasn't respectful enough towards seniors. However, that also depended on who it was. After half a day, she had roughly discerned Ziwei Sanren's character.
This senior wouldn't spare a second glance at whether you lived or died if you failed to meet his requirements. But if you passed his tests, he was unstinting with his possessions. Showing a bit of her temper might actually suit his preferences better.
"This junior would also like to seek guidance. Senior seems to understands the Mechanist Arts?"
"Eh?" Hearing her question, Ziwei Sanren sounded surprised. "You, girl, actually know about the Mechanist Arts? Rare indeed. Nowadays, the Mechanist Arts have long been lost; few even know of them."
"...So, Senior truly understands the Mechanist Arts?"
"Hmph!" Ziwei Sanren said proudly. "I know a little. What, you want me to teach you the Mechanist Arts?"
Mo Tiange hurriedly said, "If Senior is willing to impart them, regarding the matter of retrieving your wife's remains, this junior will certainly devote her utmost effort."
"Aren't you already devoting your utmost effort now? Don't forget your life is in my hands." Ziwei Sanren said lazily.
"..."
"Haha, you little girl are truly amusing." Seeing Mo Tiange's expression, Ziwei Sanren laughed heartily. A strand of strange Exotic spiritual energy circled around her. "Fine, to be honest with you, teaching you the Mechanist Arts isn't impossible, but... let's discuss it when you fulfill your promise. If I teach you everything you want to know now, wouldn't it be boring?"
Mo Tiange's expression softened. Ziwei Sanren had a point. If she wanted to learn something, and he taught it immediately, how could such a cheap thing exist?
"By the way," Ziwei Sanren changed the subject, "those Puppets earlier, you collected them, right?"
"...Yes." Answering honestly, Mo Tiange cautiously asked, "Does Senior want them back?"
"Mmm... Without the Puppets, things are inconvenient for me. How about this: you keep four Puppets and take two with you. In exchange, I'll repair them and teach you the method to command them. How's that?"
Hearing this, Mo Tiange was overjoyed. "Senior's word is as good as gold?"
Ziwei Sanren snorted coldly. "Would I deceive a mere Foundation Establishment junior? That would be beneath me!"
The more talented the person, the prouder. Mo Tiange endured this remark and took out the six stone carvings one by one. Fortunately, after finishing them off earlier, she had conveniently stored them in her Qiankun Bag. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten this windfall.
Hearing their conversation, Daoist Fangzheng burned with envy. He had given up on the stone carvings because, after being damaged by them, they were unusable, only good for exchanging for spirit stones. He hadn't expected the cave's owner to appear and propose such conditions. Had he known earlier, how could he have given them up? These were Late-Stage Foundation Establishment Puppets! If he could command them himself, his strength would increase manifold! Thinking it over, he could only blame his own bad luck. Sigh!
"Senior," taking advantage of the spiritual energy repairing the Puppets, Daoist Fangzheng respectfully asked, "dare I ask, regarding the treasures on that Moonlight Illusion Stone passage outside, may we take them?"
"If you have the ability, take them yourself."
"..." Daoist Fangzheng fell silent. The meaning behind his words was hoping this senior would tell them the method to break the Moonlight Illusion Stones, but this answer...
"Don't even think about the things on that passage. Don't underestimate that path. Those Moonlight Illusion Stones also form a formation. If you take those things, the formation will activate immediately, turning the entire cave abode into a killing formation."
The spiritual energy darted out from the Puppets' ears. With several "crack" sounds, the Puppets stood up one by one, holding swords, their imposing manner instantly manifesting.
After repairing the Puppets, Ziwei Sanren said, "Done. They're not even good things; what's there to regret? Little girl, I'll teach you how to command these Puppets now."
After he finished speaking, Mo Tiange felt a pain in her head again, her mind suddenly gaining some new information.
In the past, when Mo Yaoqing passed down the Plain Maiden Art to her, it was also via Divine SenseMark. But back then, she was merely a mortal. Now she was a Foundation Establishment cultivator who had specifically cultivated her Divine Sense, yet facing a portion of a Nascent Soul cultivator's Divine Sense, she still had no power to resist.
The path of cultivation was still very distant for her.
"Once you've finished asking questions, collect your things and leave the valley."
"...Senior," Mo Tiange hurriedly said, "you haven't told us about your wife's affairs! The Xuanji Sect was long ago destroyed. We don't know the circumstances of that time; where should we go to find your wife's remains?"
"This question was prepared for you long ago." Ziwei Sanren said lazily. "Under the table, there's a compartment containing several jade slips. Each of you take one; they record all the information. With this, if you still can't find it... then consider yourselves unlucky!"
"Alright, all that needs saying has been said. This venerable one should also rest. Take your things, use that jade slip to open the exit, and leave. Remember, you must return in two hundred years!"
As his voice faded, that strange Exotic spiritual energy in the stone chamber slowly dissipated...