Chapter 108: Return

Having completed his cultivation, Lu Qian stood up. There was still quite some time before the Water Eye would open.

He wished he could finish condensing the malevolent energy here, but time did not permit.

Not to mention how he would even leave this sea region.

Just the contract imprinted in his mind compelled him to return promptly.

But if he left, how could he continue condensing the malevolent energy?

“Since the Xuanyin Sword Pouch can contain all things, could it also absorb malevolent energy?”

With this thought, Lu Qian formed a hand seal, and the golden-threaded pouch flew out.

Its opening gaped wide, and a suction force surged forth.

The misty malevolent energy hovering above the icy pond was instantly drawn into the sword pouch.

The large pouch was divided into three compartments: one for golden energy, another for miscellaneous items, and the last for malevolent energy.

Together, these energies should allow him to initially complete the condensation.

The later stages would have to wait until the Water Eye opened.

According to past patterns, the Water Eye only opened two or three years after the Envoy Assembly.

Clutching the sword pouch, Lu Qian opened his mouth, and the pouch transformed into light, entering within.

The cultivation technique not only refined treasures but included rituals to summon and store them.

When necessary, treasures could be concealed within the mouth to avoid detection.

“Hope it doesn’t explode,” Lu Qian thought.

He then tidied the battlefield, his figure flickering as he vanished from sight.

Meanwhile, atop the Lingbo Tower warship, scattered cultivators descended onto the deck, their numbers reduced by about twenty to thirty percent compared to before.

The forces on the other side of the beach suffered similar losses.

Daoist Lutai arrived, disheveled, his bird-feather robe torn in several places.

Only Yang Xing remained by his side.

The Lord of Lingbo Tower stood high upon the mast, a smile like spring breeze on his face, evidently pleased with the gains.

Each Envoy Assembly was also a time for factions to settle scores, as well as for great masters to kill and seize treasures.

At that moment, a towering figure, nine feet tall, landed on the deck.

Seeing this person, Daoist Lutai’s eyes widened, “Fish Dragon, you’re still alive.”

Boom!

Without hesitation, he swiftly flew beside Lu Qian, his eyes blazing with red light, the solar energy surging, poised to erupt.

“Daring to flee mid-battle, what audacity.”

Daoist Lutai was truly intent on killing.

After all, he had taken a glance and witnessed Lu Qian unharmed—how could he not be furious?

Lu Qian’s heart tightened, preparing to strike.

Cultivators who transformed their blood became stronger the purer their bloodline, their appearance increasingly beast-like.

Unlike Spirit Cultivators, who were divided into middle and late stages.

Judging by appearance, Daoist Lutai’s cultivation matched a mid-stage Spirit Cultivator.

The two surged with rising momentum.

At this moment, the Lord of Lingbo Tower noticed the commotion below.

He immediately descended, his face a monstrous fish scale mask, staring intently at the pair.

“What is going on?” Fu Bo’s expression was as calm and deep as water.

“My lord, this man fled the battle. If he is not killed, the crowd will not be pacified,” Daoist Lutai bowed respectfully.

“You misunderstand, I did not flee. I was being pursued by the righteous sect,” Lu Qian replied calmly.

He then produced five or six Bagua cloth pouches, dumping out a large assortment of items.

Swords, daggers, and various miscellaneous herbs.

Fu Bo’s eyes brightened, approving, “Not bad, indeed the aura of the righteous path. Now do you believe me?”

His last words were aimed at Daoist Lutai.

Daoist Lutai’s expression eased slightly before saying, “By custom, I am entitled to thirty percent.”

With a flap of his wings, the scattered items on the ground were swept into his sleeve.

Likely around forty to fifty percent of the loot.

Had Fu Bo not been present, the plundering would have been even more ruthless.

Lu Qian’s expression remained unchanged; all these items were deliberately displayed, as he had no use for them.

He just hadn’t expected such greed.

After Daoist Lutai left, Fu Bo looked at Lu Qian and said, “Since you returned alive, I hereby approve your entry into the core of Lingbo Tower.

Once you bear the blood curse, you will become the new alchemy supervisor.

Of course, you will not suffer losses.

Once within the core, you will witness Lingbo Tower’s true treasure garden.”

Lingbo Tower was, after all, a great power with foundational masters.

It would not merely possess dozens of ships and several buildings.

It also had its own secluded paradises.

“Thank you, Lord!” Lu Qian feigned enthusiasm.

“But…”

“Hm? Reluctant?” Fu Bo’s tone was light, a smile on his face.

Yet Lu Qian knew that refusal would mean he might never leave this place alive.

“It’s not that. May I have some extension? I’ve heard bearing the blood curse affects one’s mind.

This trip has sparked some insight within me.

I wish to retreat and comprehend for two months.”

The blood curse imposed a stricter limit than the contract.

Two months would allow the dragon to absorb more malevolent energy and grow stronger.

By then, bearing the blood curse would be less problematic.

And if it still took effect, at least the contract could be worn down.

Without the contract’s constraints, running away would be an option.

“Very well, two months granted, but the alchemy tasks must not be neglected.”

With that, Fu Bo vanished.

Lu Qian’s expression settled into calm.

Water Eye, condensing malevolent energy, body refinement, contract, and Daoist Lutai...

Two months held many things to prepare.

Condensing malevolent energy was extremely laborious.

Though aided by the Golden Scale to measure and fix progress, it still consumed time.

No matter, he would deal with the contract first.

His luck at this Envoy Assembly was decent.

All the miscellaneous items combined could be exchanged for at least five to six thousand spirit coins.

No wonder so many cultivators flocked here.

Killing and seizing treasures amid chaos without fear of vengeance felt truly exhilarating.

This time, he had not encountered anyone from the Tongyou Sect.

The Hidden Dragon Cavern.

The cavern’s great door swung open.

Creak!

A girl in an apricot-yellow dress peeked out.

Lu Qian smiled, “Has anyone disturbed you during this time?”

“No,” Mo Chou held a sword hilt.

She had just thought someone had come in.

“During these days, I’ve learned the Snake Transformation Technique and the Yin Talisman Sword.”

“Not bad. Tomorrow, go to the Rare Goods Trade House and summon Mr. Tao Zhu over.”