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The process of refining a natal magic weapon was detailed in the Reversed Five Elements Technique.
Qi Yuan's chosen weapon, the Five Elements Futian Tower, required several rare materials: Five Elements Magic Jade, Five Elements Earth Fire, Five Elements True Spirit Tree, and Five Elements Sky Star Stone.
So far, he had only obtained the Five Elements True Spirit Tree from the Hehuan Sect, leaving three more materials to find.
Back in Tiannan, he had found no trace of them. His only hope now was the Chaos Star Sea.
A natal magic weapon was crucial for a cultivator. At the Jindan stage, one could use Dan fire to refine and store it in their Dantian, allowing it to grow in strength alongside its master.
Weapons obtained from others, however, couldn't be nurtured in the Dantian—they could only be wielded by hand or stored away.
This was the case with his Magic Harp and Meteor Needle.
There were also ancient treasures, powerful weapons refined by ancient cultivators through different techniques. They had unique abilities but couldn't be stored in the Dantian either.
If Qi Yuan couldn't find the required materials in the Chaos Star Sea, he would have to consider forging an entirely different natal magic weapon.
Fortunately, Master Mulong of Kuixing Island was hosting a secret gathering, a perfect opportunity to gather intelligence.
Before setting out, Qi Yuan visited his spirit insect chamber.
At insect room number one, he fed his Blood Jade Spiders with Rainbow Grass. Their previously clear bodies now showed faint traces of red.
Once fully transformed into Blood Jade Spiders, their strength would reach between level four and five.
Since Rainbow Grass was common in the Chaos Star Sea, obtaining more wouldn't be an issue.
At insect room number two, he tested feeding the Flying Centipedes with the same grass. To his surprise, they began growing small black wings—a sign of returning to their ancestral form.
Continued feeding would allow the wings to grow fully.
At insect room number three, the Gold-Devouring Bugs reacted violently to the Rainbow Grass. They became mindless and attacked their own kind, devouring weaker members before laying eggs.
With repeated feeding, their silver wings would slowly turn gold, marking the birth of a terrifying new strain of Gold-Devouring Bugs.
Qi Yuan checked their progress and, seeing no golden markings yet, left behind a thousand-year-old Rainbow Grass before sealing the chamber.
Two days later.
Atop Tianzhu Peak on Kuixing Island, nestled deep within the mountain, lay the Eye of the Spiritual Spring, the residence of Master Mulong. Normally restricted to outsiders, the cave was temporarily opened for the secret meeting.
Master Mulong, clad in yellow robes with a short black beard, sat at the head of the chamber. A mid-stage Jindan cultivator, he exuded an air of authority.
Beside him sat Yuanjun Zhenren and Kanqin Zhenren, the island's deputy masters and a dual-cultivation couple, both at the early Jindan stage.
Yuanjun Zhenren glanced at the prepared seats and tea, speaking calmly.
"Brother Mulong, I heard you invited that mysterious Jindan cultivator."
Kanqin Zhenren smiled, his curiosity evident.
There was an unknown Jindan cultivator on Kuixing Island—a recluse who rarely interacted with others. Naturally, everyone was curious.
Master Mulong took a sip of tea before replying. "Yes, I had Yang Ji invite him. I didn't expect him to agree, but it's a good opportunity to learn more about him."
Although Qi Yuan's actions over the past two years had been reassuring, Master Mulong couldn't ignore the unease in his heart.
How could he allow someone to sleep beside his bed without knowing their background?
"I heard he was released by his master after achieving great success in his cultivation. I wonder if it's true," Kanqin Zhenren said with a smirk.
Yuanjun Zhenren looked slightly surprised. "If that's the case, then his master must be a Nascent Soul cultivator, right?"
Judging by Qi Yuan's demonstrated abilities, it was unlikely that an ordinary Jindan cultivator could train him.
Master Mulong stroked his beard, his expression hesitant. "It's too early to make a judgment. When he arrives, I will test him. If possible, I'll try to recruit him."
Even if Qi Yuan didn't have a Nascent Soul master, his initial Jindan stage cultivation alone made him worth recruiting.
The Chaos Star Sea was full of hidden dangers, and having an additional ally was always beneficial.
Yuanjun Zhenren warned, "If you test him too aggressively, he might become wary."
"He has been in my territory for two years and has never come to see me. What harm is there in being a little forceful?" Master Mulong said coldly. "If anything, it will make him realize I am not to be trifled with."
He then added, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. I have already prepared compensation if things don't go as planned."
Most cultivators preferred using courtesy before resorting to force, but Master Mulong preferred the opposite—establishing dominance first before negotiating.
Seeing that Mulong had made up his mind, Kanqin Zhenren chuckled. "You don't know his tastes. Do you think the gift you prepared will suit him?"
Master Mulong smirked. "He has several female cultivators around him, so he's clearly a playboy. Coincidentally, two female cultivators recently came to me, eager to get close to him. I will grant their wish."
Yuanjun Zhenren and Kanqin Zhenren exchanged glances, nodding in agreement.
The three continued chatting until Master Mulong suddenly stood up. "The guests have started arriving. Let's go greet them."
Together, they stepped out to welcome the invited Jindan cultivators.
Half an hour later, as most guests had arrived, only one seat remained unoccupied. Yuanjun Zhenren turned to Master Mulong. "Brother Mulong, it's about time."
Master Mulong narrowed his eyes in thought before suddenly saying, "He's coming."
Kanqin Zhenren looked up and saw a young man dressed in white robes flying toward them. His face was calm, his features handsome, and his presence dignified and otherworldly.
Master Mulong hesitated. For a moment, he couldn't see through the young man's restrained aura. Should he still go through with his test?
For now, he would observe. He exchanged a subtle glance with the two beside him.
Qi Yuan landed before them, cupped his hands, and greeted them with a smile. "I am Qi Yuan. It's a pleasure to meet you, fellow cultivators."
(End of this chapter)