Chapter 1339: Sixth Rank Medicine King

Although the little flood dragon only had so much, the items it deemed unworthy and left behind in the Dragon Palace still greatly surprised and delighted the cultivators of the Five Elements Sect.

Even the lowest-grade materials in the Xuanjiao Royal Court's palace complex were Tier 3.

This meant that a Qi Refining cultivator could take a single brick and have it refined into at least a Tier 2 defensive magical artifact.

The windows were made of Tier 4 Sea-Glow Glazed Glass, and the railings of Tier 5 Water-Patterned Snow Jade. The little flood dragon's seat, carved from a single piece of Tier 5 wondrous sea stone, was so extravagant that Chen Mobai angrily denounced it as ostentatious and wasteful.

Bound to the side, the little flood dragon repeatedly assented, promising to change its ways in the future. It declared that if it could survive, it would diligently educate its descendants to be diligent, thrifty, and simple.

Chen Mobai and Qing Nü had initially thought the current display was already lavish enough, but upon entering the rear hall, they were still stunned by the Xuanjiao clan's immense wealth.

This was the palace where the Xuanjiao clan's successive Dragon Kings resided. The entrance screen was carved from a single piece of Tier 6 coral, adorned with dragon scale patterns. A glacial treasure pearl hung from the ceiling, emanating a shimmering, deep blue light. As light passed through the screen, its surface transformed into a mirage of surging green waves, accompanied by the formation of fine ice crystals.

Beyond the screen was a gilded pearl platform. Three koi fish held a sheer silk covering over its surface, the translucent fabric imbued with star fragments, radiating a starlit halo as water splashed around them.

Dark marrow crystal pillars, at least Tier 5 in material, stood around the palace, adorned with coiling dragons. The innermost dragon bed was entirely jade-white, intricately carved with nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine true dragons in various forms, making it both exquisite and opulent.

However, what most astonished Chen Mobai was the spiritual energy contained within this dragon bed, which was equivalent to an entire Tier 6 water spiritual vein.

“You didn’t take this when you fled?” Chen Mobai couldn't help but ask, pulling the little flood dragon over and pointing at the white jade dragon bed after his inspection. Had it been him, he would have destroyed it rather than leave it for his opponent.

“Well, I was in a hurry to escape, and I never expected Emperor Qing to descend like a divine soldier, breaking through my clan’s Dragon Palace formation so swiftly,” the little flood dragon replied obsequiously. It had carried most of the Dragon Palace’s treasures in its twenty-three storage pearls, but this palace was its personal resting place. It certainly couldn't have taken it away while the battle was still undecided, as that would have severely damaged the Dragon Palace's morale. Later, seeing that the tide had turned, the little flood dragon believed that most of the valuable treasures were already with it, so it didn't waste precious escape time on these remaining items.

“My dear, with this, your Yellow Dragon Cavern Abode can be upgraded to a Tier 6 spiritual vein,” Chen Mobai said, pointing at the white jade dragon bed. Qing Nü was the first person he thought of.

The Five Elements Sect currently only had one Tier 6 spiritual vein at Mount Panghuang; the rest required the Sky Veil Earth Network Array to be forcibly elevated. As the place where Chen Mobai and Qing Nü had resided the longest, the Tier 5 spiritual vein of the Yellow Dragon Cavern Abode was becoming insufficient. After Qing Nü achieved Spirit Transformation, she had already been considering how to upgrade it.

Their previous idea was to put the lower-ranked cultivators through hardship by using the Sky Veil Earth Network Array to draw spiritual veins from other areas to bolster and upgrade the Yellow Dragon Cavern Abode. However, during Qing Nü's Spirit Transformation ceremony and the battle with the Jellyfish Palace, Chen Mobai had drawn too much spiritual energy, already causing considerable strain. Therefore, this matter had been temporarily put on hold.

Unexpectedly, a solution had now been found so easily, right here at the Dragon Palace.

Qing Nü was also very pleased to hear this. She then pointed to the surrounding coral screens, the gilded pearl platform, the glacial treasure pearl, and other items. She had examined all of them; they were all Tier 6 spiritual materials.

“Let’s move them all first. If I have time later, I can refine them into high-tier magical artifacts,” Chen Mobai said, waving his hand. He directly absorbed the central Dragon King Palace of the Xuanjiao Royal Court into his personal Dharma Realm. Although the materials of the Dragon King Palace were at least Tier 4, they had been stacked using the simplest methods; Chen Mobai saw hardly any traces of refinement. If he were to act, these materials could at least equip a hundred Nascent Soul cultivators and a dozen Spirit Transformation cultivators.

“Let’s go see your Xuanjiao clan’s medicine fields,” Qing Nü said, watching Chen Mobai store the entire Dragon King Palace. She immediately asked about what concerned her most.

“Yes, yes, please follow me, Lady,” the little flood dragon replied, immediately heading towards the direction of the Sea Eye. That area, being the most spiritually concentrated, had been developed into spiritual fields by the Xuanjiao clan. The most precious spiritual herbs in the Profound Sea were all cultivated there, with the lowest being Tier 5 millennium-old spiritual plants, and even a few Tier 6 Medicine Kings that had already gained sentience.

“These Medicine Kings have already embodied the power of the Great Dao. Any one of them, if consumed by a Spirit Transformation cultivator at the peak of their corresponding attribute, can potentially allow them to attempt to enter the Great Dao and ascend to the Void Refining stage,” the little flood dragon explained. “The Medicine Kings are all bound by the power of the Sea Eye, so harvesting them requires the Ocean Calming Pearl. The water-attribute Tier 6 Medicine Kings have already been used up by my clan, otherwise, my cultivation wouldn't be so weak.” The little flood dragon led them to the edge of the medicine fields and, without Chen Mobai or Qing Nü needing to ask, disclosed everything they wanted to know.

Chen Mobai had used the word 'waste' many times already, but hearing that the Xuanjiao clan’s successive Dragon Kings had raw-consumed Tier 6 Medicine Kings still made his fists clench.

As for Qing Nü, the alchemist, it went without saying; her face turned pale with anger.

Tier 6 Medicine Kings, having embodied the power of the Great Dao, only required a portion to be extracted during alchemy. They possessed the ability to continuously recover and regenerate, much like the mythical Tai Sui. This meant that, as long as the dosage was carefully measured, they could serve as a permanent Tier 6 foundation for a faction. For example, Duguang Ye in Nanzhou became the foremost medicine field in the Heavenly River Realm precisely because of its numerous Tier 6 Medicine Kings. The Xuanjiao Royal Court's method of consuming them entirely was truly heartbreaking for any alchemist.

At that moment, Qing Nü wished Chen Mobai had mobilized his army a hundred years earlier to raze the Xuanjiao Royal Court.

“Please wait, my dear, I’ll invite Spirit Venerable,” Chen Mobai said, immediately stopping Qing Nü as she hastily prepared to enter the medicine fields. The closer they got to the Sea Eye, the stronger his Heavenly Blessing's warnings became. To be safe, he decided to summon the Spirit Venerable from his Dharma Realm.

“What rich water elemental essence…” Spirit Venerable exclaimed upon appearing, immediately sensing the peak Tier 6 water spiritual vein. Her gaze turned to the mouth of the Sea Eye, sealed by the Ocean Calming Pearl, and her expression grew even more astonished. She sensed power beyond Tier 6.

“Greetings, Master,” Qing Nü respectfully saluted upon seeing Spirit Venerable. Although they had only recently acknowledged their master-disciple relationship on the Floating Dao Platform, Spirit Venerable, out of consideration for Chen Mobai, had already accepted Qing Nü as her true successor. Conveniently, Spirit Venerable also had a profound understanding of the Great Dao of Water, making her more than capable of guiding Qing Nü.

“This must be the Spirit Venerable Senior of your esteemed sect, right? Little dragon Xuanze pays his respects, Senior!” The little flood dragon, Xuanze, suppressed the trembling fear throughout its body in Spirit Venerable’s presence and forced a smile to offer its greetings.

“A pure Black Dragon bloodline, commendable, but its foundation is shallow and lacks ambition,” Spirit Venerable remarked, her gaze piercing through the little flood dragon's true nature.

The little flood dragon had originally advanced to Tier 5 by consuming a Tier 5 spiritual herb and being sent into the Sea Eye for tempering by the old flood dragon, using the Ocean Calming Pearl. It had endured the arduous ordeal of bloodline transformation and emerged alive from the Sea Eye. This was also the Xuanjiao clan's bloodline trial, with fewer than one in ten surviving. Because this clan dominated the Profound Sea, many Xuanjiao lacked the courage to undergo this trial, preferring to live idly for thousands of years. In comparison, the little flood dragon Xuanze was considered the most promising of his generation.

With Spirit Venerable’s protection, Chen Mobai and his companions confidently entered the medicine fields. The Tier 5 spiritual plants were manageable; after Qing Nü communicated with them, they all accepted the transfer of their ownership from the Xuanjiao Royal Court to the Five Elements Sect. However, the Tier 6 Medicine Kings, having already embodied the Great Dao, were not very willing to communicate. They hoped Qing Nü would use the Ocean Calming Pearl to release them from the Sea Eye’s restraints and grant them freedom. Neither Chen Mobai nor Qing Nü would agree to this. These were the future foundational resources of the Five Elements Sect, and having barely conquered the Xuanjiao Royal Court, they were not there to be benevolent benefactors. Although an agreement wasn't reached, negotiations didn't break down either.

The dispute with these Tier 6 Medicine Kings was temporarily set aside. Chen Mobai, adapting to the local conditions and utilizing the remnants of the Dragon Palace formation, re-established a protective array around the medicine fields. This not only prevented the Medicine Kings from escaping but also safeguarded against accidental intrusions. After all, the power of the Sea Eye here could already draw in Nascent Soul cultivators.

“Further on is the Sea Eye, which also serves as my clan’s graveyard,” the little flood dragon Xuanze, still led by Chen Mobai, immediately introduced, pointing towards the deep underwater canyon blocked by the Ocean Calming Pearl, after they reached the edge of the medicine fields.

“I’ll trouble you, my dear,” Chen Mobai said, nodding to Qing Nü. She immediately performed the Can Tong Qi technique, lifting the Ocean Calming Pearl. As the azure treasure pearl rose, a powerful, invisible suction force surged forth. Chen Mobai and his companions were fine, but the little flood dragon, bound by the Void Divine Chains and unable to exert force, involuntarily flew towards it. Fortunately, Chen Mobai held the divine chains, pulling it back. Seeing this, Qing Nü activated the Ocean Calming Pearl, causing it to emit a radiant azure light that enveloped their entire group. The Ocean Calming Pearl truly lived up to its reputation as the Xuanjiao clan's supreme treasure; relying on it, they easily entered the canyon and saw numerous gravestones.

“Emperor Qing, if one enters the Sea Eye, the suction force grows stronger the deeper one goes. Even with the Ocean Calming Pearl, one must be cautious,” the little flood dragon warned upon reaching the entrance of the Profound Sea Eye, showcasing its loyalty.

“How far from the entrance are your clan’s treasures located, and where are your progenitor’s remains?” Chen Mobai asked. These were what concerned him. Other things were fine, but this was his first opportunity to acquire Tier 7 materials. Although the fragments of the Heavenly Phoenix Mirror were also considered Tier 7, they had already been used once, and their Dao charm was nearly dissipated. If the progenitor Black Dragon’s remains were truly as the little flood dragon described, then it could almost certainly be confirmed as a Tier 7 innate water-attribute spiritual material. For the Primal Chaos Bell, it would be a great tonic.

“Well, our clan’s deepest secrets are usually passed down from generation to generation. My father died too quickly at Emperor Qing’s hands, so he didn’t have time to reveal everything to me, his successor. Therefore, I only know that the most precious treasures are in here, but I truly don’t know their exact location within the Sea Eye,” the little flood dragon Xuanze explained with a pained expression, detailing its predicament. Seeing Chen Mobai frown, it immediately looked up and swore that it was telling the truth. “To freely enter and exit the Sea Eye, one must refine the Ocean Calming Pearl. Although I was indeed the rightful successor of the Xuanjiao clan, my father would never have let me touch this treasure as long as he was alive…” The little flood dragon continued to explain. After confirming it was not lying, Chen Mobai discussed the matter with Qing Nü and Spirit Venerable.

Although the warnings from Heavenly Blessing had lessened after Spirit Venerable appeared, the power contained within the Sea Eye far surpassed the Void Refining stage. After all, it was left behind by the jellyfish that created the world, so even with the Ocean Calming Pearl, they could only enter a portion of it at most. Theoretically, Spirit Venerable would be able to delve deepest after refining the Ocean Calming Pearl. However, she lacked the Xuanjiao clan’s bloodline and thus couldn't fully unleash the pearl’s power. If she failed to grasp the correct measure and became trapped by the Sea Eye, Chen Mobai would feel guilty for a lifetime.

“There’s no rush for this matter. I’ll first refine a puppet specifically designed for the Sea Eye, and then we can slowly explore it,” Chen Mobai said. Ultimately, his cautious nature prevailed, allowing him to suppress his greed for the progenitor Black Dragon's remains. In any case, the Profound Sea Eye was now in his hands, and the gains from conquering the Dragon Palace alone were enough for the Five Elements Sect to absorb for a long time. The treasures within the Sea Eye could wait.

Spirit Venerable, upon hearing this, showed a look of regret. She had actually suggested trying to enter with her giant kun avatar and the Ocean Calming Pearl, reasoning that losing an avatar was not a big deal. However, considering the possibility that the Ocean Calming Pearl might also be lost within, she did not press the idea.

Qing Nü, for her part, had no objections; her mind was entirely focused on the Tier 6 Medicine Kings.

“May I ask if you are Fellow Daoist Chen Guixian, Emperor Qing of the Eastern Wilds? I am Fuhai. May I inquire if we can conduct a transaction?” Just as Chen Mobai was preparing to leave, an ancient voice echoed from within the Sea Eye, causing the little flood dragon’s protective scales to bristle.

“How is this possible? Someone is still alive inside the Sea Eye?!” The little flood dragon’s face was filled with disbelief. One had to know that even the old flood dragon, protected by the Ocean Calming Pearl, dared not linger long within the Sea Eye. Moreover, the name Fuhai sounded very familiar.

“Senior, are you True Monarch Fuhai, formerly of the Ten Directions Palace, Zhidi Temple, of the Eastern Earth Imperial Court?” Chen Mobai pondered for a moment, then quickly found the origin of the name in his memory and asked.

“Indeed, that is I.” As the two conversed, the little flood dragon finally remembered who Fuhai was.