The group continued to press on.
Having gathered a plethora of spiritual plants, everyone was brimming with joy.
Abruptly.
An even more thrilling revelation was shared by Jiang Chen:
"Attention, everyone! The spiritual plants further ahead are generally of a higher rank! Three thousand steps to the east, there are three Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants!"
Upon hearing this.
The crowd erupted into a frenzy!
"Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants!"
"Unbelievable, there are three of them!"
"These are treasures! We must hurry and claim them!"
"..."
The eyes of many turned crimson with greed, and some even emitted a murderous aura, as if they were prepared to assault their fellow competitors nearby!
"Hmph!"
"Who dares to make a move!"
Duan Ziming bellowed furiously, and a potent oppressive aura instantly enveloped the entire scene!
"Everyone, calm down!"
"There are innumerable treasures within this Cave Heaven secret realm, and there's more to it than just these few Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants. What's the rush!"
Mu Tao of the Floating Spirit Sect also admonished her fellow sect disciples.
"Exactly!"
"Think bigger!"
"We've only just begun!"
"Each of you is behaving like a beggar who hasn't eaten in half a year, isn't that disgraceful?"
Jiang Chen chimed in coolly, expressing his contempt.
Instantly.
The higher-ranked cultivators felt a pang of shame.
Some also found the chastisement humiliating, such as Li Teng, who harbored even greater resentment towards Jiang Chen.
Of course.
The crowd eventually regained their composure.
Ultimately, it was the cultivators nearest to the east who managed to seize the Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants.
"Keep moving!"
At Jiang Chen's command, the sizable group promptly set forth.
The quantity of spiritual plants ahead multiplied, and their ranks ascended higher and higher!
However.
An oddity caused everyone to feel slightly uneasy.
From the moment they entered the Cave Heaven secret realm until now, not a single individual had encountered any other creatures!
At most, they had only witnessed ordinary insects, devoid of spiritual qi—merely the most mundane of beings.
Logically speaking,
The Cave Heaven secret realm teemed with spiritual qi, and numerous spiritual plants flourished within its confines. It seemed that ordinary animals could transform into demonic beasts merely by consuming these plants.
Yet, oddly enough, none were present!
'Nothing but plants, scarcely any animals!'
'What sets them apart? Flesh and blood!? Or is it something else, like the soul!?'
'Qi, blood, and soul!'
'Is there something in this Cave Heaven secret realm that specifically preys on animals and demonic beasts?'
'...'
Jiang Chen mulled over the matter in his heart.
He could essentially deduce that the plot of this Cave Heaven secret realm diverged from the conventional adventure narratives.
Under ordinary circumstances,
Dungeon plots would revolve around the protagonist battling monsters to seize opportunities, gathering spiritual plants, and reaping copious amounts of monster materials for artifact refinement.
Now,
The Cave Heaven secret realm left Jiang Chen somewhat perplexed.
However,
He could ascertain that the danger within the Cave Heaven secret realm would, at most, be at the Heavenly Origin realm level, considering Ye Fan's cultivation base was merely at the Middle-stage Spiritual Awakening.
'We can only wait and see how things unfold!'
Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and continued his report, "In the southwest direction, approximately one thousand nine hundred steps away, beneath a withered tree, you overlooked a Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plant concealed underground..."
Instantly, several cultivators hurried toward the location!
As time gradually elapsed,
The group collected an increasing number of spiritual plants, and their delight grew exponentially.
However,
The persistent unease in their hearts could not be alleviated.
This lingering apprehension, coupled with the discovery of peculiar footprints, intensified significantly!
The one who stumbled upon the footprints was a Mysterious Platform realm cultivator, a true disciple of the Ice Heart School.
Upon discovering the footprints,
She swiftly retreated and disseminated the news!
Without delay,
The teams ceased their advancement.
Chief disciples from various prominent sects sprang into action to verify the existence of those footprints.
These footprints were etched into the rocks.
Yet they did not resemble claws, hooves, or cat paws; instead, they bore a striking similarity to human footprints.
However, these footprints were large, and it was evident that their owner possessed sharp nails.
"Could it be an ape-type demon beast?"
Miao Xiaorui, the chief disciple of the Ice Heart School, pondered aloud.
"It's possible, but the probability is rather low."
"Ape-type demon beasts don't rely solely on their two legs for locomotion; they also use their arms for support."
"However, in the tracks we've discovered, there's no indication of the front limbs of ape-type demon beasts! Not even a single one!"
Duan Ziming nodded, then shook his head.
"This Cave Heaven secret realm is quite peculiar!"
"To avoid unforeseen dangers, I suggest we first distribute the spiritual plants among ourselves."
A disciple from the Purple Bamboo Spirit Mountain proposed, his expression tense.
"I concur!"
Another voice chimed in, "Let's take out the spiritual plants, divide them equally, and then proceed with our mission!"
Following that,
More and more individuals concurred.
Naturally, Jiang Chen was in agreement as well!
Among those spiritual plants, more than just a couple had piqued his interest!
If Jiang Chen could acquire the spiritual plants earlier and consume them, it would expedite the recovery of the Burning World Red Lotus, and his combat prowess would increase accordingly!
Thus,
At the behest of the majority, the team commenced the distribution of the spoils.
Since everyone had agreed on a contribution point system, the process proceeded smoothly.
Jiang Chen, utilizing his priority selection right, obtained a total of twenty Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants, as well as an even greater number of Mysterious Platform realm and Spiritual Awakening realm spiritual plants.
The other members also received varying quantities of spiritual plants.
'These gains are quite satisfactory.'
'With these peculiar footprints, it appears that the owner might possess formidable combat power. I must exercise caution and remain within the team to observe any developments.'
Ye Fan, clutching his share of the spiritual plants, contemplated inwardly.
At that moment,
"Senior Brother Ye Fan,"
"I have a few cultivation method manuals here. Would you be interested in exchanging them for your spiritual plants?"
A disciple from the Azure Jade Sect, who was at the Middle-stage Spiritual Awakening realm, approached Ye Fan and inquired discreetly.
For such a minor matter,
Others wouldn't pay it much heed.
However, Jiang Chen, who had been keeping a close eye on Ye Fan, suddenly narrowed his gaze!
Observing the Azure Jade Sect disciple's familiarity with the procedure, it seemed that Ye Fan had traded treasures for other people's cultivation method manuals more than once.
'Cultivation method manuals, huh... I must verify this!'
Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes, covertly continuing to observe Ye Fan.
"Let's see what kind of cultivation method it is."
Ye Fan remarked, "If it's too low-level, I won't be interested."
"Senior Brother, please take a look first."
The disciple presented the manual to Ye Fan.
Ye Fan accepted it, glanced at the exposed section, and subtly nodded in agreement.
Shortly thereafter.
The two engaged in discussion for a moment, ultimately sealing the deal.
Subsequently.
Another individual traded a cultivation method manual for Ye Fan's remaining spiritual plants.
'Hmph!'
'What's the use of being a jack of all trades and master of none? Pursuing cultivation methods like this, you'll surely suffer from Qi Deviation sooner or later!'
Li Teng, standing not far away, gazed at Ye Fan with disdain and snickered internally.
Ye Fan had demonstrated remarkable understanding of cultivation methods within the sect, ranking among the elite.
In Li Teng's perspective, Ye Fan was arrogant and overconfident; solely due to his impressive grasp of cultivation methods, he yearned to learn even more.
This was a textbook example of overreaching oneself.
Despite Ye Fan's exceptional aptitude in understanding cultivation methods, if he took on too much, he still wouldn't be able to assimilate it all!
However.
No one was aware that Ye Fan's understanding of cultivation methods was in fact average, with his primary reliance being on the Wordless Heavenly Jade to practice them.
At this moment.
Upon acquiring the cultivation methods, Ye Fan instantly began to read!
As long as he filled his mind with the content of the cultivation methods, he could rapidly comprehend them with the aid of the Wordless Heavenly Jade!
In a brief span of time, he could attain the perfect level, as though he had practiced for countless years!
While Ye Fan was engrossed in studying the cultivation methods.
The group continued to press on.
Having gathered a plethora of spiritual plants, everyone was brimming with joy.
Abruptly.
An even more thrilling revelation was shared by Jiang Chen:
"Attention, everyone! The spiritual plants further ahead are generally of a higher rank! Three thousand steps to the east, there are three Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants!"
Upon hearing this.
The crowd erupted into a frenzy!
"Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants!"
"Unbelievable, there are three of them!"
"These are treasures! We must hurry and claim them!"
"..."
The eyes of many turned crimson with greed, and some even emitted a murderous aura, as if they were prepared to assault their fellow competitors nearby!
"Hmph!"
"Who dares to make a move!"
Duan Ziming bellowed furiously, and a potent oppressive aura instantly enveloped the entire scene!
"Everyone, calm down!"
"There are innumerable treasures within this Cave Heaven secret realm, and there's more to it than just these few Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants. What's the rush!"
Mu Tao of the Floating Spirit Sect also admonished her fellow sect disciples.
"Exactly!"
"Think bigger!"
"We've only just begun!"
"Each of you is behaving like a beggar who hasn't eaten in half a year, isn't that disgraceful?"
Jiang Chen chimed in coolly, expressing his contempt.
Instantly.
The higher-ranked cultivators felt a pang of shame.
Some also found the chastisement humiliating, such as Li Teng, who harbored even greater resentment towards Jiang Chen.
Of course.
The crowd eventually regained their composure.
Ultimately, it was the cultivators nearest to the east who managed to seize the Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants.
"Keep moving!"
At Jiang Chen's command, the sizable group promptly set forth.
The quantity of spiritual plants ahead multiplied, and their ranks ascended higher and higher!
However.
An oddity caused everyone to feel slightly uneasy.
From the moment they entered the Cave Heaven secret realm until now, not a single individual had encountered any other creatures!
At most, they had only witnessed ordinary insects, devoid of spiritual qi—merely the most mundane of beings.
Logically speaking,
The Cave Heaven secret realm teemed with spiritual qi, and numerous spiritual plants flourished within its confines. It seemed that ordinary animals could transform into demonic beasts merely by consuming these plants.
Yet, oddly enough, none were present!
'Nothing but plants, scarcely any animals!'
'What sets them apart? Flesh and blood!? Or is it something else, like the soul!?'
'Qi, blood, and soul!'
'Is there something in this Cave Heaven secret realm that specifically preys on animals and demonic beasts?'
'...'
Jiang Chen mulled over the matter in his heart.
He could essentially deduce that the plot of this Cave Heaven secret realm diverged from the conventional adventure narratives.
Under ordinary circumstances,
Dungeon plots would revolve around the protagonist battling monsters to seize opportunities, gathering spiritual plants, and reaping copious amounts of monster materials for artifact refinement.
Now,
The Cave Heaven secret realm left Jiang Chen somewhat perplexed.
However,
He could ascertain that the danger within the Cave Heaven secret realm would, at most, be at the Heavenly Origin realm level, considering Ye Fan's cultivation base was merely at the Middle-stage Spiritual Awakening.
'We can only wait and see how things unfold!'
Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and continued his report, "In the southwest direction, approximately one thousand nine hundred steps away, beneath a withered tree, you overlooked a Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plant concealed underground..."
Instantly, several cultivators hurried toward the location!
As time gradually elapsed,
The group collected an increasing number of spiritual plants, and their delight grew exponentially.
However,
The persistent unease in their hearts could not be alleviated.
This lingering apprehension, coupled with the discovery of peculiar footprints, intensified significantly!
The one who stumbled upon the footprints was a Mysterious Platform realm cultivator, a true disciple of the Ice Heart School.
Upon discovering the footprints,
She swiftly retreated and disseminated the news!
Without delay,
The teams ceased their advancement.
Chief disciples from various prominent sects sprang into action to verify the existence of those footprints.
These footprints were etched into the rocks.
Yet they did not resemble claws, hooves, or cat paws; instead, they bore a striking similarity to human footprints.
However, these footprints were large, and it was evident that their owner possessed sharp nails.
"Could it be an ape-type demon beast?"
Miao Xiaorui, the chief disciple of the Ice Heart School, pondered aloud.
"It's possible, but the probability is rather low."
"Ape-type demon beasts don't rely solely on their two legs for locomotion; they also use their arms for support."
"However, in the tracks we've discovered, there's no indication of the front limbs of ape-type demon beasts! Not even a single one!"
Duan Ziming nodded, then shook his head.
"This Cave Heaven secret realm is quite peculiar!"
"To avoid unforeseen dangers, I suggest we first distribute the spiritual plants among ourselves."
A disciple from the Purple Bamboo Spirit Mountain proposed, his expression tense.
"I concur!"
Another voice chimed in, "Let's take out the spiritual plants, divide them equally, and then proceed with our mission!"
Following that,
More and more individuals concurred.
Naturally, Jiang Chen was in agreement as well!
Among those spiritual plants, more than just a couple had piqued his interest!
If Jiang Chen could acquire the spiritual plants earlier and consume them, it would expedite the recovery of the Burning World Red Lotus, and his combat prowess would increase accordingly!
Thus,
At the behest of the majority, the team commenced the distribution of the spoils.
Since everyone had agreed on a contribution point system, the process proceeded smoothly.
Jiang Chen, utilizing his priority selection right, obtained a total of twenty Heavenly Origin realm spiritual plants, as well as an even greater number of Mysterious Platform realm and Spiritual Awakening realm spiritual plants.
The other members also received varying quantities of spiritual plants.
'These gains are quite satisfactory.'
'With these peculiar footprints, it appears that the owner might possess formidable combat power. I must exercise caution and remain within the team to observe any developments.'
Ye Fan, clutching his share of the spiritual plants, contemplated inwardly.
At that moment,
"Senior Brother Ye Fan,"
"I have a few cultivation method manuals here. Would you be interested in exchanging them for your spiritual plants?"
A disciple from the Azure Jade Sect, who was at the Middle-stage Spiritual Awakening realm, approached Ye Fan and inquired discreetly.
For such a minor matter,
Others wouldn't pay it much heed.
However, Jiang Chen, who had been keeping a close eye on Ye Fan, suddenly narrowed his gaze!
Observing the Azure Jade Sect disciple's familiarity with the procedure, it seemed that Ye Fan had traded treasures for other people's cultivation method manuals more than once.
'Cultivation method manuals, huh... I must verify this!'
Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes, covertly continuing to observe Ye Fan.
"Let's see what kind of cultivation method it is."
Ye Fan remarked, "If it's too low-level, I won't be interested."
"Senior Brother, please take a look first."
The disciple presented the manual to Ye Fan.
Ye Fan accepted it, glanced at the exposed section, and subtly nodded in agreement.
Shortly thereafter.
The two engaged in discussion for a moment, ultimately sealing the deal.
Subsequently.
Another individual traded a cultivation method manual for Ye Fan's remaining spiritual plants.
'Hmph!'
'What's the use of being a jack of all trades and master of none? Pursuing cultivation methods like this, you'll surely suffer from Qi Deviation sooner or later!'
Li Teng, standing not far away, gazed at Ye Fan with disdain and snickered internally.
Ye Fan had demonstrated remarkable understanding of cultivation methods within the sect, ranking among the elite.
In Li Teng's perspective, Ye Fan was arrogant and overconfident; solely due to his impressive grasp of cultivation methods, he yearned to learn even more.
This was a textbook example of overreaching oneself.
Despite Ye Fan's exceptional aptitude in understanding cultivation methods, if he took on too much, he still wouldn't be able to assimilate it all!
However.
No one was aware that Ye Fan's understanding of cultivation methods was in fact average, with his primary reliance being on the Wordless Heavenly Jade to practice them.
At this moment.
Upon acquiring the cultivation methods, Ye Fan instantly began to read!
As long as he filled his mind with the content of the cultivation methods, he could rapidly comprehend them with the aid of the Wordless Heavenly Jade!
In a brief span of time, he could attain the perfect level, as though he had practiced for countless years!
While Ye Fan was engrossed in studying the cultivation methods.
