Steady Mortal Path: Starting from Obtaining the Golden Core Inheritance

Chapter 361 The So-Called Forbidden Land

A few days later.

Cloudy Peak.

In the azure sky, a strange blue cloud floats alone, with a faint spiritual light swirling around it.

Before long, a powerful aura of magic emanated from the azure clouds, transforming into a streak of azure light that vanished into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Inside the Azure Cloud Magic Treasure, True Monarch Yunmiao, dressed in plain clothes, swayed slightly, his body surrounded by a pale blue spiritual light. He maintained the Azure Cloud Magic Treasure, allowing it to fly at high speed while also casting spells to isolate it from the external gale-force winds.

Although the inside of the magic weapon was airtight, it was not stuffy. Instead, a faint fragrance permeated the air, which seemed to be the unique body fragrance of a woman, like that of True Monarch Yunmiao.

Lin Changsheng's keen senses revealed that, apart from True Monarch Yunmiao, there were no other traces of aura within the Azure Cloud Magic Treasure.

Clearly, prior to this, True Monarch Yunmiao had never invited anyone else to ride the Azure Cloud Magic Treasure together.

In such a private space, with a man and a woman alone, especially with a cultivator like Yunmiao Zhenjun, who is in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, Lin Changsheng, though his expression remained normal, still couldn't help but feel somewhat restrained.

Wanting to pass the time by enjoying the scenery along the way, he discovered that there was a special restriction inside the magic weapon, which prevented him from extending his divine sense even though it far surpassed that of an ordinary Golden Core cultivator.

This makes the journey even more tedious.

But at the same time, True Monarch Yunmiao seemed to sense something.

"Master Lin's divine sense seems to be somewhat unusual. No wonder he was able to create a top-tier third-order puppet that was beyond his level."

"However, the internal spatial structure of my magic weapon is special, and the spiritual power of those below the Nascent Soul level cannot penetrate it."

Yunmiao Zhenjun was still dressed in plain clothes, her black hair reaching her waist, and her skirt swayed slightly, revealing her graceful figure.

She explained softly, but still kept her back to Lin Changsheng.

This did ease the pressure on him somewhat.

"In my early years, I consumed a treasure that enhanced my spiritual sense. Later, in order to better control the puppets, I specially practiced a secret technique to temper my spiritual sense, which is why I am slightly superior to others in terms of spiritual sense."

Lin Changsheng offered an explanation.

Perhaps it has memories from a previous life, plus the memories of 'Heavenly Poison True Man' from many years ago, which merged with its own.

Lin Changsheng's spiritual sense has always far surpassed that of his peers.

In addition, some artisans hone their skills and refine their spiritual senses, so most cultivators who are proficient in their skills will also experience a slight increase in their spiritual senses.

Lin Changsheng also cultivated multiple skills such as talisman making, alchemy, and puppetry. Over time, his spiritual sense continued to increase.

Therefore, the strength of one's spiritual sense is almost impossible to conceal from high-level cultivators.

"With such a refined spiritual sense, Master Lin Kui may be even more effective in assisting me later."

This time, Lin Changsheng sensed a hint of lightness in Yunmiao Zhenjun's words.

"I wonder if True Lord could reveal some information about the forbidden area in advance, so that I can make sufficient preparations and avoid delaying True Lord's important matters."

Lin Changsheng expressed his doubts and inquired about the forbidden area.

Before this, he only vaguely knew that True Monarch Yunmiao seemed to care a lot about a certain forbidden area, and would even enter it every once in a while.

Previously, that top-tier third-order puppet, which had been repeatedly repaired and damaged, had probably also undergone numerous destructions in that forbidden area.

During the process of repairing the puppet, Lin Changsheng carefully observed the damage marks on the puppet's surface and attempted to analyze and simulate the environment and dangers within the forbidden area.

The final conclusion was that the dangers in that forbidden area mainly came from two sources.

Firstly, physical attacks exceeding the fourth tier.

Secondly, a large amount of highly corrosive substances.

Of course, this is only the reason for the damage to the top-tier third-order puppet, and using this to judge the danger level of the entire forbidden area may not be comprehensive.

Upon hearing this, True Monarch Yunmiao remained silent for a moment, seemingly agreeing with Lin Changsheng's words. His clear and elegant voice rang out again, recounting the destination of their journey.

"The place we are going to is located in the eastern mountains of this continent. Deep beneath a certain abyss in the mountains, there is an underground river called 'Yellow Springs'."

"Legend has it that the 'Yellow Springs' originates from the Netherworld, passes through the human realm, and connects to another world. No one knows the truth of this, but the area around the 'Yellow Springs Basin' is a harsh environment, filled with malevolent energy and fraught with danger. Even Nascent Soul level cultivators cannot stay there for long, so they need to rely on the power of puppets."

During the flight, True Lord Yunmiao gave a brief introduction to their destination.

"Yellow Spring?"

Lin Changsheng was secretly surprised.

Just hearing the name, you can probably tell that it's no ordinary secret realm.

"No wonder True Monarch Yunmiao has such an urgent need for top-tier third-order puppets; it turns out they are all for the Yellow Springs Forbidden Land."

Lin Changsheng analyzed it to himself.

Next, in order to learn more about the events surrounding the 'Forbidden Land of the Underworld', Lin Changsheng began to ask more detailed questions.

Yunmiao Zhenjun did not hide anything and patiently answered his questions.

After some investigation, Lin Changsheng finally gained a general understanding of the 'Forbidden Land of the Underworld'.

Although the forbidden area is dangerous, it contains many rare and precious materials that have long been extinct in the cultivation world because it is rarely visited by people.

Among them were even some fourth-tier treasures, attracting many Nascent Soul True Monarchs to explore them.

In addition, in the 'Yellow Spring Waters', there exists a type of sand called 'Yellow Spring Nether Sand', which is unique to the cultivation world of this place. It can be refined by a fourth-level weapon-refining master into a fourth-level rare ore called 'Yellow Spring Mother Ore'.

Adding just a small amount to a magical artifact or implement can multiply its power.

The purpose of Yunmiao Zhenjun's trip was to find a gem called 'Yellow Spring Nether Crystal', which is a companion item of 'Yellow Spring Nether Sand' and is even rarer.

"'Underworld Crystal'?"

Lin Changsheng silently recited "even if" in his heart, but he was completely unfamiliar with this thing.

He searched through all of 'Tian Du Zhenren's' four-hundred-year-long memories, but found no mention of 'Huang Quan Ming Jing'.

Even the 'Forbidden Land of the Underworld' was completely unfamiliar to them; they had never heard of it before.

Lin Changsheng was disappointed, but not surprised by it.

The 'Forbidden Land of the Underworld' is located in a special place and involves a large number of fourth-tier treasures. It is a secret realm within the 'circle' of Nascent Soul True Monarchs, so not many cultivators know about this place.

Besides the Nascent Soul True Lords from neighboring countries, there are also some direct descendants of True Lords.

As for Golden Core cultivators like 'Heavenly Poison True Man' who attract hatred everywhere, they usually avoid Nascent Soul cultivators like the plague and have almost no interaction with them, so naturally they have no way of knowing about them.

……

About seven or eight days later.

Lin Changsheng felt the speed of the Qingyun magic treasure flying beneath him slow down, followed by a feeling of weightlessness.

Whizzing!

Under the urging of True Monarch Yunmiao, Lin Changsheng and his companion flew out of the magical artifact.

Before us was a low mountain range that looked unremarkable.

In the valley, a mountain stream flows out, surrounded by forest vegetation, full of vitality.

A slight sense reveals that the spiritual energy contained within is extremely thin, clearly indicating that it is not a spiritual place.

However, upon closer inspection, one can detect an unusual fluctuation emanating from the mountain range, as if there were traces of an array or restriction present.

However, this formation was extremely sophisticated, and even with Lin Changsheng's divine sense, which was beyond the Golden Core realm, he could only barely detect a trace of it.

"Array formations and restrictions?"

Lin Changsheng was surprised and couldn't help but show a strange expression.

Even he couldn't see through the truth of this place; it was clearly the work of a Nascent Soul True Monarch.

Yunmiao Zhenjun was used to this. She gracefully waved her hand, and an exquisite jade pendant flew out from her plain sleeve and landed in mid-air in front of her.

The once vibrant spring scenery suddenly rippled around the jade pendant, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, making the distant scene appear surreal.

Immediately afterwards, the power of the Nascent Soul emanated from Yunmiao Zhenjun's body, enveloping her and Lin Changsheng, and they transformed into a beam of light, flying into the formation.

"Such a dense aura of malevolent energy!"

Upon entering, Lin Changsheng's first impression was that the surroundings were extremely cold and filled with a chilling, damp, and malevolent aura.

Under the influence of this malevolent energy, the range of his divine sense seemed to be greatly affected.

As the surrounding scenery changed, he and True Monarch Yunmiao found themselves on a bare, low hilltop.

Unlike the surrounding mountains, this place seems to be affected by a malevolent aura. The mountains are barren, and their surfaces are pitch black, making it look like an endless coal mine.

Nearby, Lin Changsheng also sensed several other equally powerful Nascent Soul cultivators.

And there were also many faint traces of the aura of a Golden Core cultivator.

Standing atop the low hill, Lin Changsheng followed the scent and looked around.

Sure enough, on several nearby hilltops, they spotted many other cultivators.

Men and women, some sitting and some standing, were distributed around.

"Sister Yunmiao is here! It's been so many years. Has your injury healed?"

Before long, a beautiful young woman dressed in purple robes transformed into a streak of light and landed on the mountain where Lin Changsheng and his companion were.

The light and melodious voice instantly caught Lin Changsheng's attention.

The woman was dressed in a purple dress and had very heavy makeup, but she didn't seem to be vulgar at all. Instead, she looked even more noble and aloof.

If the Cloud Mist True Lord, dressed in plain clothes, is like a pure and elegant orchid, then the Purple Moon True Lord is like a bright and beautiful purple enchantress.

"My injuries are not serious. I recovered after only a few months of recuperation after returning home. I'm sorry to have worried you, Sister Ziyue."

Yunmiao Zhenjun smiled gracefully and responded calmly.

On the other side, Lin Changsheng consciously stepped aside, not wanting to disturb the two's conversation.

But he also secretly observed this woman known as 'Purple Moon'.

This woman is on par with True Monarch Yunmiao, and her aura also contains the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator. However, she is weaker than True Monarch Yunmiao and is a True Monarch at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

She was also the only female True Monarch among the Nascent Soul cultivators around her.

"Sister Yunmiao, who is this young man?"

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, True Monarch Ziyue's gaze finally fell on Lin Changsheng behind him, a hint of curiosity appearing in his eyes.

"This Elder Lin is an elder who joined our Willow Smoke Sect a few years ago."

Yunmiao Zhenjun gave a brief introduction.

"This junior greets True Lord Ziyue."

Lin Changsheng respectfully greeted him.

He was outwardly respectful, but inwardly he was not particularly close to True Lord Ziyue.

Having spent some time with True Monarch Yunmiao, he had come to understand the latter's personality.

Even from his words and actions, one can guess what Yunmiao Zhenjun is thinking.

This Purple Moon True Lord seemed warm and caring, taking the initiative to greet him, but Cloud Mist True Lord remained very indifferent, and never even took the initiative to start a conversation.

Even when introducing Lin Changsheng to the other party, it was done very perfunctorily.

This suggests that the two True Lords may not have had any personal relationship.

Perhaps it's just because they are both female True Lords that they have some common topics.

Therefore, as someone on Yunmiao Zhenjun's side, Lin Changsheng naturally couldn't act rashly.

Just as Lin Changsheng had expected, after exchanging pleasantries for a while, True Monarch Ziyue returned to where he had been.

Beside him was also a late-stage Golden Core cultivator.

A month later.

Outside this dark mountain range, the restrictions were lifted once again.

An elderly man with silver hair, who was in the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, flew in from the outside, accompanied by two Golden Core cultivators.

"Hehe, Fairy Yunmiao, it's been a long time. You still look as beautiful as ever."

Upon arriving at this place, the old man quickly surveyed his surroundings, his gaze first landing on True Monarch Yunmiao.

The reason is simple: including the old man, among the Nascent Soul True Monarchs here, there is only one Nascent Soul True Monarch, Yunmiao True Monarch, who is in the middle stage of Nascent Soul.

"Wind Formation Master is too kind."

Yunmiao Zhenjun responded politely to the silver-haired old man's greeting.

Hearing this, Lin Changsheng also looked at the silver-haired 'old man' with some curiosity.

From their conversation, it's easy to tell that this person is actually a formation master.

Furthermore, True Lord Yunmiao's tone towards this person also showed a degree of respect.

Judging from this, this person is most likely a fourth-tier array master.

This wind formation master seems to be quite popular.

After greeting True Lord Yunmiao, they then exchanged pleasantries with the other True Lords around them, breaking the previous silence.

Not long after, he led the two Golden Core cultivators behind him to a secluded low hilltop, where they sat cross-legged in meditation.

The atmosphere, which had just heated up due to the arrival of the Wind Array Master, fell silent once again.

Lin Changsheng was not surprised by this.

Before we arrived, True Lord Yunmiao had given us some instructions.

The Yellow Springs River Basin is extremely unstable, experiencing a brief 'high tide' every few decades.

At that time, the waters of 'Yellow Springs' will submerge most of the Yellow Springs Mountains.

After a period of time, the tide will mysteriously disappear, which is also known as 'receding tide'.

When the Yellow Springs recede, the water level in the entire Yellow Springs basin will be less than one-tenth or one-twelfth of its usual level, making it the best time to collect 'Yellow Springs Nether Sand'.

In addition, at the bottom of the Yellow Springs, there will be some special springs called 'Eyes of the Yellow Springs'.

These Eyes of the Underworld are said to be unfathomably deep, leading directly to the Netherworld.

Its depths possess certain unique features, including a special magnetic field that can suppress a cultivator's magical power and even seal their nascent soul.

If they rashly rush in, Nascent Soul cultivators may even face greater risks.

Therefore, these Nascent Soul True Monarchs explored these special forbidden areas many times and summarized their experience.

One method is to use high-level puppets to replace the cultivators themselves to enter and explore.

This approach can greatly reduce one's own risks, but it relies too much on and consumes high-level puppets, and because one's own divine sense is suppressed by the magnetic field, the range of exploration is extremely limited.

Secondly, they dispatched cultivators below the Nascent Soul realm, but who possessed advanced body-refining abilities, to enter.

In this way, the danger of the nascent soul being sealed is avoided. Even if one's own magical power is suppressed, one can stay in the forbidden area for a short time by relying on the body refinement realm.