Immortal of the Nine Realms

In the end, those spiritual materials cost Fang Chen 100 merit points. Although expensive, it saved him a considerable amount of time. If Fang Chen had to search for and gather those materials himself, it could take him upwards of several centuries.

After leaving the Hall of Merits, Ji Gang spoke up. ”Core Disciple Fang, besides the three Tribulation Realm cultivators, we currently have two third-transformation immortals, one fourth-transformation immortal, and one sixth-transformation immortal in the team. I think we need to recruit four or five more fourth-transformation immortals, or at least one more fifth-transformation immortal. Only then can we maximize the potential of the Black Dragon Formation.”

Little Immortal Honglian’s expression flickered slightly, and she instinctively said, ”Isn’t this the configuration used by Senior Sister and the others?”

Although what Ji Gang described was not quite at the level of their senior sister’s formation, it was still comparable. Ordinary core disciples didn’t need such a powerful lineup. Because without the ability to use Formation Techniques, such a configuration was essentially wasted. Everyone’s strength would cap at the level of a Half-Step Ancient Immortal, unable to break through the final barrier.

In her current team, they had recently added a fourth-transformation immortal, but the rest were first-, second-, and third-transformation immortals. After forming the Immortal Boat Formation Technique, they too could unleash the power of a Half-Step Ancient Immortal.

Ji Gang said politely, ”Core Disciple Hong, you may not know, but Core Disciple Fang refined the Formation Heart incredibly fast. It’s possible that in a short time, he could master the Immortal Boat Formation Technique. So, gathering the team right now can save us a lot of time in the future.”

”That makes some sense,” replied Little Immortal Honglian, her expression a little complicated.

She finally understood why Ji Gang was so eager to approach them. Clearly, he had immense confidence in Fang Chen, believing that he would undoubtedly master the Immortal Boat Formation Technique.

In truth, she herself was not as confident, especially when piloting the Black Dragon Boat. She felt she had not yet reached a state of unity with the Formation Heart. Harnessing the full power of the Immortal Boat Formation to multiply its strength by countless times still felt like a distant goal.

Fang Chen asked with a smile, ”Daoist Ji, I’ve only just arrived here and don’t know many people. Do you have any recommendations?”

Ji Gang smiled and nodded. ”I was just about to introduce a fellow Daoist to you. This Daoist follows the Spirit Soul Demon Immortal Path. It is a rather unique path within the Enlightenment God Palace.”

Fang Chen asked, ”Spirit Soul Demon Immortal? How is that different from the Blood Demon Immortal?”

”The Blood Demon Immortal focuses on the body, while the Spirit Soul Demon Immortal focuses on the soul,” Ji Gang explained. ”Her divine soul is far stronger than that of an average cultivator. When it comes to soul cultivation, even some of the core disciples fall short of her. It’s a pity that she usually immerses herself in cultivation, and any merit points she earns go towards exchanging for an immortal herb. Otherwise, she would likely have already become a core disciple.”

Little Immortal Honglian asked curiously, ”Daoist Ji, I recall that the core disciples of the Blood Demon Divine Hall follow the Spirit Soul Demon Immortal Path. Our palace has it too?”

”Yes, we do, though it’s not as complete as the path in the Blood Demon Divine Hall. This Daoist has been stuck at the fifth transformation for many years. What we don’t know is what immortal herb is required to break through to the sixth transformation,” replied Ji Gang.

He paused for a moment, then continued, ”This time, the Blood Demon Divine Hall will also be heading to No. 97 Ancient Forbidden Zone, Great Thunder Sound. There’s a chance they may have access to the immortal herb needed for the Spirit Soul Demon Immortal’s sixth transformation. She’d likely be very eager to join Core Disciple Fang’s team for this expedition.”

***

Half a day later.

The group arrived at a valley where towering pines stood tall, and lush green grass spread across the land. There were several dozen cave dwellings scattered throughout the area.

In front of one of the caves, a petite figure stood, about the size of a palm. It was watering miniature flowers and plants in front of the cave. When Fang Chen saw it, he immediately thought of an animal, the sugar glider. However, this sugar glider was dressed in a fitting robe.

”Daoist Ji, is that the spiritual beast of the Daoist you mentioned?” asked Fang Chen, smiling.

Ji Gang’s expression stiffened slightly, and a hint of awkwardness appeared on his face.

The little sugar glider seemed to have heard him, as it turned around and looked at the newcomers, its big, round eyes examining them carefully.

”No, Core Disciple Fang, this is the Daoist I mentioned—Daoist Mi Yu.”

Ji Gang cupped his hands toward the little sugar glider and said, ”Daoist Mi Yu, these two are Core Disciple Fang and Core Disciple Hong.”

”Ah, it’s Daoist Mi Yu. I was rude just now. I hope you’ll forgive me,” said Fang Chen with a calm expression, bowing with a smile.

Little Immortal Honglian also cupped her hands and gave the little sugar glider a curious glance.

Everyone knew that demon races capable of becoming immortals were usually large and ferocious—dragons, tigers, leopards, snakes, and foxes. She had never encountered a demon of this size and nature, not even during her time in the Langgui Constellation.

Suddenly, the sugar glider transformed into a woman. She was stunningly beautiful, with large eyes and snow-white skin. She smiled and cupped her hands. ”Greetings, Core Disciples. May I ask what brings you here?”

Her voice was soft and sweet, dripping with honey.

Only then did the group notice that the jade token hanging from her waist was golden. A golden jade token was rare in the Enlightenment God Palace. This confirmed that Ji Gang’s evaluation of her was not exaggerated.

Ji Gang bowed politely, then said, ”Daoist Mi Yu, Core Disciple Fang has been selected for the expedition team and intends to join the senior sister for the journey to the No. 97 Ancient Forbidden Zone, Great Thunder Sound. He wishes to invite you to join his expedition team. What do you think?”

Just as Mi Yu was about to decline, Ji Gang’s voice rang in her ears. ”He contracted the Formation Heart in just one hour. His talent is extraordinary. Don’t miss this opportunity. Perhaps the key to your breakthrough to the sixth transformation lies with him.”

Her eyes immediately lit up, and she turned to look at Fang Chen with curiosity. ”Just now, Daoist Ji mentioned that you contracted the Formation Heart in one hour, Core Disciple Fang. Is that true, or is he exaggerating?”

”...”

Ji Gang suddenly felt like bringing Fang Chen to meet Mi Yu might have been a mistake. Fortunately, sixth-transformation immortals were known for their strong mental and thick skin. He maintained a polite smile, his expression not wavering.

Fang Chen said casually, ”Well, not exactly an hour. It was more like a little over one hour.”

”Your talent is indeed high. I’m willing to join your expedition team.” Mi Yu nodded. ”When the time comes for departure, just send me a message. Since we’re going on a long journey, I need to visit the Bug Valley first.”

Without waiting for a response, she transformed back into a sugar glider, kicked off the ground, and spread her arms. There was a thin membrane under her armpits, like wings. In the blink of an eye, she became a streak of light and vanished into the sky.

”...” ℯℯ𝑙.

Everyone stood in silence for a moment.

Lin Dong chuckled awkwardly. ”She is quite interesting... and rather straightforward.”

Ji Gang nodded lightly. ”Yes, very straightforward indeed.”

”She mentioned the Bug Valley. What’s that about? Does it have something to do with the expedition?” asked Fang Chen as he looked at Ji Gang.

”Uh... the Bug Valley is a dangerous place on Enlightenment Star. There are many insect beasts there. She... has a peculiar liking for insects. So, if she’s going on a long journey, she’ll likely stop by to catch some to bring with her,” explained Ji Gang, scratching his head awkwardly.