The foreign races of Juexian Valley, once ranked among the Hundred Races in ancient times, held a rather high position. In their most glorious period, they even occupied an entire continent.
However, during the rise of the immortal path, they offended several immortal beings with profound daoist magic. A curse was jointly imposed upon them, leading to their gradual decline over the long years.
By the present day, only a few hundred of them remain, resigned to living in a remote corner, their bloodline diluted to an extreme degree.
The hatred these foreign races bear towards immortal cultivators has reached an irreconcilable point. Any immortal cultivator who dares to approach within a thousand li of Juexian Valley will inevitably face relentless pursuit.
Despite their decline over the endless years, the foreign races of Juexian Valley still possess one Golden Core realm expert and several third-realm existences. Their strength is not inferior to that of some powerful sects.
"The Sky Cloud Water Essence is of great importance to our sect. It is worth the disciple taking some risks."
Jiang Yunzhou said slowly, his tone resolute.
It was as if he was not heading into a dragon's den or a tiger's lair, nor was he facing the possibility of being hunted by a great Golden Core cultivator if he made the slightest mistake.
Suddenly, Ji Yuan's expression shifted, and he instinctively spoke, "If fellow Daoist Jiang is heading to Juexian Valley, why not travel together?"
Seeing Xu Chengfeng and Jiang Yunzhou look at him, he immediately explained Tang Muhuan's situation and mentioned that he would also be heading to Juexian Valley later.
Upon hearing this, the two pondered for a moment and found the arrangement to be acceptable.
If that Confucian cultivator indeed had a good relationship with the foreign races, traveling together would be perfectly fine.
"In that case, Nephew Disciple, you should go,"
Xu Chengfeng declared, finalizing the matter.
In fact, even if he hadn't said anything, Jiang Yunzhou intended to accompany Ji Yuan to Liusha City first to understand the situation in detail.
The foreign races of Juexian Valley, while they only harbored animosity towards immortal cultivators, had, for various reasons, never had a particularly good relationship with cultivators of other paths.
They kept to themselves, neither interacting with the outside world nor antagonizing others. Their temperaments were extremely peculiar, and few could become their friends.
If they were to approach them directly and propose a trade for the Sky Cloud Water Essence, they would likely be met with a closed door.
"If Uncle-Master has no other instructions, this disciple will depart with this fellow Daoist immediately to fulfill my Master's request as soon as possible."
Jiang Yunzhou cupped his fists and said respectfully.
Seeing this, Xu Chengfeng waved his hand, signaling him to do as he pleased, evidently accustomed to his conduct.
Ji Yuan, hearing this, was also somewhat impatient, as the Sky Cloud Water Essence was extremely important to him as well, and he was determined to obtain it.
Thus, after receiving Xu Chengfeng's nod, the two bowed and slowly withdrew from the pavilion.
Not long after, a small flying creature took to the air, rapidly disappearing into the horizon.
"Fellow Daoist Lingyu, you are also coming along?"
On the way to Liusha City, Jiang Yunzhou frowned slightly, his expression somewhat worried.
The foreign races of Juexian Valley, in their hatred for immortal cultivators, would attack and kill them on sight, even if they were a thousand li away.
"This humble Daoist has a method that can cultivate divine power within a day or two."
Ji Yuan said slowly, explaining his method.
By utilizing the Jiangshui Dao of Deities, he could effectively pose as a deity cultivator. As long as he did not encounter any beings at the peak of the third realm or above, he should not be exposed.
"If that is the case, Fellow Daoist, feel free to try. If it proves effective, I happen to have an item that can help conceal others' scrutiny."
Jiang Yunzhou nodded. Since the other party was confident, he would no longer try to dissuade him.
Although Ji Yuan's cultivation level was of little help to him in his eyes, the Confucian cultivator who was rumored to be on good terms with the foreign races was considered part of their party.
Bringing him along would naturally facilitate better communication with them.
After all, the place they were going to could be considered a dragon's den or a tiger's lair. Once their identities were exposed, they would face the pursuit of an entire foreign race.
Several hours later, the small flying creature entered Liusha City and slowly landed at the Nine Xuan Sect's residence.
In less than fifteen minutes, the two boarded a carriage and proceeded to the Mingxin Pavilion, without any delay whatsoever.
Ji Yuan was not the only one feeling the urgency. Jiang Yunzhou was equally eager. If this matter could be handled successfully, he would secure a spot to enjoy the spiritual spring opportunity.
This was a promise personally made by his master, the sect leader of the Nine Xuan Sect.
"Old Tang has already departed for several days?"
Ji Yuan was taken aback. After meeting Liu Ruyan, he learned that Tang Muhuan had also set off immediately after his departure.
Considering his third-realm cultivation, even if he hadn't flown with his artifact but merely traveled by horse, he would be nearing the region where Juexian Valley was located.
Once a cultivator reached the second realm, they could, while galloping their horse, use their own spiritual power to enhance the horse's speed.
Even an ordinary superior horse could cover a thousand li a day without much burden.
"Even if there are some difficulties or dangers, news should be sent back in at most seven or eight days."
Liu Ruyan said slowly.
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan immediately turned to look. After seeking Jiang Yunzhou's consent, he nodded.
Then, he took out a piece of paper and handed it to Liu Ruyan. It did not list any overly rare spiritual items, and with the Mingxin Pavilion's capabilities, it could be gathered in less than half a day.
These were spiritual materials recorded in the Jiangshui Dao of Deities, which could be used to cultivate a not-weak divine power in a short period.
The divine power cultivated through this method was like rootless duckweed; using a little meant less, and it could not recover on its own.
However, Ji Yuan did not mind this. It was merely a means to conceal his aura and pose as a deity cultivator. If he encountered real danger, he would not rely on divine power equivalent to the mid to late stage of the Enlightenment realm.
After chatting for a while, and upon receiving the required items, Ji Yuan immediately returned to his room to begin cultivating the Jiangshui Dao of Deities.
The rank of this method itself was not very high. The only noteworthy aspect was its profound explanation of the divine path and the element of water.
If one were to truly transform into the divine path through this method and successfully become a deity, they would possess various advantages in the water element and could condense a higher quality golden body.
After opening the restrictions and formations in the room, Ji Yuan immediately sat cross-legged on the bed.
As he closed his eyes, a method appeared in his mind. Although it was only the introductory chapter, it was sufficient for his current needs.
His seclusion lasted for a full nine days.