Chapter 408 - Chapter 408: Crash
Chapter 408: Crash
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In Chen Fei’s spiritual perception, as the Heart Refinement Formation operated, wisps of black mist continuously overflowed from the mysterious source of the heart.
Whether it was the black mist or the source itself, they were invisible to the naked eye, only discernible by the spirit. The black mist twisted and drifted out of the Heart Refinement Formation, and after a moment, a pure source undulated within the array.
A faint smile appeared on Chen Fei’s face, but it gradually faded as he observed the consumption of the Strange Heart Stone.
This was the real world, and even the most peak Heart Refinement Formation couldn’t extract energy from the Strange Heart Realm. Naturally, to activate the Heart Refinement Formation, he could only use Strange Heart Stones.
Previously, Chen Fei had always thought that the Strange Heart Stone had little use for him. Now he realized that, in the future, aside from slaying Evils, the most crucial thing when entering the Strange Heart Realm would be to find Strange Heart Stones.
Without them, the Heart Refinement Formation couldn’t be activated at all, and there would be no talk of purifying the heart’s source.
Chen Fei extended his right hand into the Heart Refinement Formation, and the heart’s source drifted over. However, Chen Fei didn’t immediately absorb it. Instead, he brought forth a spirit herb, attempting to bring it close to the heart’s source.
The heart’s source could not be absorbed by anyone without special attributes. Chen Fei wanted to see if, in the real world, the spirit herb could react with it.
Even if it was just a slight reaction, it would indicate the possibility of refining the heart’s source into elixirs. When others consumed such elixirs, it would naturally enhance their spiritual power.
If this could be mass-produced, Chen Fei wouldn’t need to worry about future resources for cultivation anymore. The only thing left to consider would be his own safety.
The heart’s source, like a phantom, passed straight through the spirit herb, and between them, there was not even the slightest contact.
Chen Fei furrowed his brow. Despite being mentally prepared, he couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed.
A bottle of elixir flew into Chen Fei’s hand, and he tried to make it come into contact with the Strange Heart Origin. Just like before, there was no collision between the two.
Chen Fei didn’t stop there. He took everything from the wooden cabinet and attempted to touch each item to the source one by one.
After a quarter of an hour, Chen Fei stopped and let out a sigh. The results were evident – there was no reaction at all. The Strange Heart Origin seemed as if it didn’t exist in this world.
“Forget it.”
Chen Fei shook his head and extended his hand into the Strange Heart Origin. The source disappeared into Chen Fei’s palm like a river flowing into the sea.
Within Chen Fei’s sea of consciousness, his spirit became extremely active in an instant. However, unlike the instantaneous boost he experienced in the Strange Heart Realm, his spirit was now limited by his physical body.
His spirit didn’t skyrocket but started to grow gradually. A floating sensation enveloped Chen Fei’s mind, and he couldn’t help but close his eyes.
Although it wasn’t an instantaneous enhancement, this gradual absorption and refinement wouldn’t affect the final result. It even saved Chen Fei from the process of adapting his spirit to his body.
At this moment, with every passing moment of spiritual enhancement, Chen Fei’s physical body continued to adapt. The sensation he had experienced when returning from the Strange Heart Realm, where he felt lightheaded and disoriented, no longer occurred.
With each passing moment, Chen Fei’s spirit continued to rise, and this improvement was estimated to last for two to three days. By then, Chen Fei would be ready to enter the Strange Heart Realm again and hunt down another Evil.
Of course, at this moment, Chen Fei could continue to absorb and refine another Strange Heart Origin, but the absorption rate would remain the same, adding another two to three days on top of the initial duration.
Furthermore, because the unabsorbed source was stored in his sea of consciousness, it would still exert a certain burden on it over time.
Clearly, there was no need to burden his sea of consciousness unnecessarily when the refinement process was still going to take a long time. Besides, Chen Fei had no intention of entering the Strange Heart Realm at this moment.
Entering that place meant encountering the Tier 3 Evil again.
Last time, the Tier 3 Evil had shown no interest in Chen Fei, but with him repeatedly showing up, it was nothing less than provocation. The Tier 3 Evil might not stay passive next time and would likely come after Chen Fei.
Moreover, the unknown factor of whether refining Evils in the real world would increase the hostility of the Strange Heart Realm was a concern.
Chen Fei was determined to find a relatively safe place before entering the Strange Heart Realm again.
After tidying up everything, Chen Fei’s figure flickered and disappeared into the cave.
The journey to the imperial city was thousands of miles away, and even with Chen Fei’s speed, it would take several hours.
“Zzzt!”
An electromagnetic sound crackled around Chen Fei. Compared to the smooth sounds of his previous travel, his movements were now undoubtedly much louder.
Some caravans and travelers could hear this thunderous crackling sound from afar, and when they instinctively turned to look, Chen Fei had already disappeared.
At times like this, a hint of reverence would appear in the eyes of these people. Such a display of power could only come from a true expert.
In the current world, only those with sufficient strength could protect themselves. Those who roamed the outside world were also the most eager for this kind of power.
However, in this world, individuals with such power were exceedingly rare.
On the way, Chen Fei rested for a while and then continued his journey without stopping. Chen Fei didn’t feel tired at all; in fact, exploring the mountains and rivers of this dynasty for the first time had broadened his perspective considerably.
As Chen Fei approached the location of the imperial city, the signs of human activity became more apparent. He even encountered several other cultivators in the Aperture Tempering realm on the road.
Chen Fei didn’t approach them or greet them but chose to continue on his way. The Aperture Tempering realm cultivators sensed his advanced Aperture Tempering realm aura and didn’t dare to approach carelessly. They remained vigilant.
A person’s level of martial cultivation had no direct correlation with their morality. In fact, those who were ruthless and cunning often achieved greater success.
In the wilderness, acts of violence and theft were not uncommon, and many times, these actions had little to do with money; they were driven by personal emotions.
Before nightfall, Chen Fei finally saw a magnificent city ahead.
It stood tall and imposing, and in the setting sun, the city walls emitted a faint radiance. It was an array formation; even though it was still several miles away, Chen Fei could sense the tremendous power emanating from it.
The height of the city walls was similar to other cities, but the other cities lacked this indestructible aura.
This imperial city had stood for hundreds of years, and the royal family had continually strengthened it. The array formation was currently in a dormant state, but if activated, it would undoubtedly create a shocking spectacle.
Chen Fei stood still for a moment, contemplating. Then, his facial features began to change, and a scar extended from the left side of his eye to the corner of his mouth. A chilling sensation emanated from him.
His Slaughter Spirit Technique was activated, and it felt like a sharp blade sweeping through him. Chen Fei’s outward cultivation level dropped from the late Aperture Tempering realm to the mid Aperture Tempering realm.
In terms of his aura, Chen Fei couldn’t change it for now. However, given that he was nearly ten thousand miles away from Immortal Cloud City, the chances of encountering someone he knew here were extremely slim.
So, if something were to happen here, no one would suspect that it was someone from the Primordial Sword Sect thousands of miles away. After all, in this era, the primary means of identifying people was through images, given the inefficiency of communication methods.
The recognition of auras was more relevant to those above the Aperture Tempering realm, and in this region, Aperture Tempering realm cultivators were still a minority.
Selling high-quality spiritual weapons as an early Aperture Tempering realm cultivator would be quite conspicuous and might easily attract unnecessary trouble. The mid Aperture Tempering realm was a more suitable position for such activities.
Concealing one’s true cultivation level was a means of self-preservation, preventing others from uncovering all your cards. If someone harbored ill intentions towards you, at least they would make a misjudgment about your strength.
That would be your chance to turn the tables.
Chen Fei simply activated his Soaring Heaven Technique and arrived at the city gates at the speed of a mid Aperture Tempering realm cultivator. When he reached this point, the oppressive feeling emanating from the entire imperial city became even clearer.
If Chen Fei were to engage with the people in the imperial city, it was questionable whether he could utilize even sixty percent of his full strength.
Even Aperture Tempering realm cultivators would be affected here.
This meant that unless there was a vacant position among the strong Aperture Tempering realm cultivators in the royal family, the city couldn’t be taken. Even if someone as cunning as Master Xilian appeared, he wouldn’t be able to break through this city.
However, despite possessing such a formidable city, this dynasty was on the verge of decline, facing internal and external troubles that seemed to emerge endlessly.
The streets were bustling with activity, and people flowed in all directions. Shopfronts were brightly lit, and the sounds of conversation and vendors’ calls filled the air.
Just as he entered the city, Chen Fei’s eyes lit up. Immortal Cloud City was already considered a bustling place, but compared to the imperial city, it couldn’t help but pale in comparison.
In other smaller towns, seeing a Visceral Tempering realm cultivator was a rare occurrence, but here, they were not only everywhere but also quite common. As for Aperture Tempering realm cultivators, Chen Fei sensed at least a dozen of them just by intuition.
This didn’t even include those concealed by formations, making it impossible to detect their Aperture Tempering realm.
“Guest, are you here for a short stay or lodging?” Chen Fei found an inn, and as soon as he entered, a waiter approached him with enthusiasm.
The waiter had a neat appearance, rosy complexion, and most importantly, had martial cultivation. It wasn’t high, just barely reaching the Body Tempering realm.
‘Til be staying, and bring me some food and wine,” Chen Fei replied as he walked to a window-side table on the second floor, gazing down below.
Inside the imperial city, Chen Fei couldn’t sense any anxiety or worry in the people around him. Whether it was the rebels or the practitioners in Shangwu City, the people here seemed entirely unconcerned.
The inn served the food quickly, and in no time, the table was filled with fragrant dishes. After not having had a proper meal in a while, even Chen Fei, who had a strong will, couldn’t help but feel his appetite stir.
Listening to the lively discussions of those around him, half an hour later, Chen Fei was full and satisfied. He then beckoned the waiter to come over.
“Guest, what can I do for you?” The waiter wore a wide smile as he approached.
“I want to inquire about something.”
Chen Fei spoke and placed twenty taels of silver on the table. The waiter’s eyes brightened, and his smile grew even broader.
“Tell me about the Elemental Tide and the Heavenly Sun True Immortal.
What’s the story?” Chen Fei asked.
These two terms had been the most frequently discussed topics he had heard over the past half-hour. Although he had gained a general understanding of the situation, Chen Fei wanted a more systematic understanding of the matter..