Chapter 207: Conflict at the Entrance of Thunder Valley
Chapter 207: Conflict at the Entrance of Thunder Valley
Shi Chen frowned slightly and observed the monks stationed from the Lingjian Sect.
There are thirty-three sword cultivators from the Lingjian Sect, twenty of them are in the Qi Refining Stage, twelve are in the Foundation Establishment Stage, and one is in the third level of the Golden Core Stage.
He had come from afar this time just to enter the Falling Thunder Valley to look for the Thunderbolt Pearl. Now that the valley entrance was sealed and his plan was disrupted, he felt a little unwilling.
Although these disciples of the Spirit Sword Sect posed no threat to him, he was unwilling to conflict with them. After all, this was their territory. Once they became enemies, he would be wanted by the Spirit Sword Sect and they would send sword cultivators with higher cultivation than himself to hunt him down, which would be very troublesome.
You can only use courtesy first and then force. If that doesn't work, withdraw your cultivation and hide. I believe they won't stop you.
Shi Chen slowly walked out of the crowd and stood in front of a group of wandering cultivators. He said, "Fellow Daoists from the Spirit Sword Sect, I have come here on an important matter. I did not intend to violate your sect's prohibitions. I need to enter the valley to search for a spiritual object. I hope you will be accommodating."
"Fellow Daoist, please go back!" The sword cultivator who had just reached the Perfect Foundation Establishment stage glanced at Shi Chen and said coldly, "The ban cannot be violated. Leave immediately! You are wanted within the Sword Spirit Sect's territory and will be killed without mercy!"
Shi Chen clasped his fists and said, "I am willing to pay a certain price, just to be able to enter the valley and explore. I hope fellow Daoist from the Spirit Sword Sect will be accommodating."
The sword cultivator who had reached the Perfect Foundation Establishment stage was filled with rage and shouted angrily, "Since you are so stubborn, don't blame me for being merciless!"
With a finger pointing into the air, the flying sword instantly turned into a cold light and attacked Shi Chen with a sharp sword energy.
The group of cultivators outside the valley were shocked when they saw this scene. They retreated in fear from the sudden attack, and cried out in shock.
Their faces showed shock and tension, and they secretly muttered in their hearts that the development of this situation was beyond their expectations.
Some of the cultivators showed fear on their faces and quietly took a few steps back, fearing that they would be affected by this sudden battle.
They secretly felt lucky that they did not act rashly like Shi Chen, but at the same time they were also worried about Shi Chen's situation. After all, the Spirit Sword Sect had a strong influence in this area, and going against them would undoubtedly be asking for trouble.
There were also some brave independent cultivators with excitement flashing in their eyes. They stared closely at Shi Chen and the sword cultivators of Lingjian Sect, as if they were watching a wonderful duel.
They secretly assessed the strength of both sides and speculated on the outcome of the battle. For them, such a conflict might allow them to gain insights and provide some reference for their future cultivation.
Some independent cultivators hesitated. They wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to enter the Falling Thunder Valley to search for treasures, but they feared retaliation from the Spirit Sword Sect. They weighed the pros and cons, unsure whether to escape or stay and see what would happen.
Some thoughtful independent cultivators began to think about the possible consequences of this conflict.
They were worried that Shi Chen's behavior would anger the Lingjian Sect, causing it to strengthen its control over the area, making it more difficult for them to enter Luolei Valley or other treasures within the Lingjian Sect's territory in the future.
They secretly blamed Shi Chen for his impulsiveness, and at the same time they were worried about their own future.
Shi Chen's eyes fixed and he stood still. With his current Nascent Soul cultivation, and the perfection of the Body Forging Technique to the True Body Realm, his body was comparable to the strength of a top-grade magic weapon. Attacks below the Golden Core cultivation level would find it difficult to break through his body's defense.
Although the attack of the Foundation Establishment Sword Cultivator was top-notch at the same level, the difference in cultivation level meant that the attack of the Perfect Foundation Establishment Sword Cultivator could not shake him at all.
With a slight wave of his hand, his spiritual power was activated, and the flying sword attacking in front of him was easily knocked away.
Seeing that his attack was so easily resolved, the Foundation Establishment Sword Cultivator was shocked and did not dare to continue attacking.
For a moment, there was a brief silence.
There was a hint of helplessness in Shi Chen's eyes, his brows were slightly furrowed, and he remained silent.
"Fellow Daoist, please forgive me!" The Jindan sword cultivator in the rear noticed something was amiss. Unable to discern the cultivator's level, he feared he was someone powerful. He was about to vent his anger on his junior fellow sect member. He stepped in front of Shi Chen, bowed, and said, "Fellow Daoist, Junior Brother Li Ao offended me just now. Please don't be angry. I am Zhang He, a true disciple of the Spirit Sword Sect. Could you please spare me a moment?"
Shi Chen was slightly startled. Seeing Zhang He's sincere attitude, he could only judge his expression to be extremely vicious, so he also bowed and said, "I don't mean to embarrass the Spirit Sword Sect. I actually need to go to the Falling Thunder Valley to find an important spiritual object. I hope you can be flexible."
Zhang He was puzzled and asked, "I wonder what kind of spiritual object it is that makes you so obsessed with it that you're willing to take such a risk?"
Shi Chen thought for a moment. After all, he was looking for a spiritual object, which was not something to be hidden. So he said loudly to everyone present: "To be honest, I am looking for the Thunderbolt Pearl. This object can only be produced in places with long-term accumulation of thunder."
Zhang He frowned and said, "Although this Thunderbolt Pearl is only a fourth-level spiritual object, it is extremely rare. Moreover, the Thunder Valley is now in great danger. Are you sure about it?"
Shi Chen's eyes were determined as he replied, "Even if there's only a glimmer of hope, I will definitely try."
Zhang He pondered for a moment, then said, "In that case, I will allow you to enter the valley. However, if you encounter anyone from my Spirit Sword Sect in the valley, please do not cause any conflict. I will give you a token. If you meet any disciples of my sect, show this token, and they will not stop you. If you see them in danger, please lend a hand."
Shi Chen took the token and said sincerely, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Zhang. I will definitely keep my promise."
Zhang He nodded slightly and said, "Then fellow Daoist, please quickly enter the valley and remember to be careful."
Shi Chenhuan looked at the cultivators around him and said loudly, "I came here to search for the Thunderbolt Pearl. If any fellow Taoists have obtained this spiritual object, or have any information about it, please contact me. Bartering for spiritual stones, spiritual objects, or elixirs is also possible."
He took out a low-grade Jinyuan Pill from his ring, placed it on his hand, and said with a smile, "This pill is the Jinyuan Pill, which can be promoted to the Jindan level. Its value far exceeds that of the Thunderbolt Pearl. Everyone, please bear witness. If anyone can help me find the Thunderbolt Pearl, this Jinyuan Pill will be your reward."
Upon hearing this, the monks were immediately stirred. Some of them showed greed in their eyes, eager to try.
Among the Spirit Sword Sect disciples, Li Ao, who had reached the Perfect Foundation Establishment stage, was extremely excited. This was the elixir that could help him reach the Golden Core stage. The others had strange expressions on their faces; it was clear that the allure of this Divine Forging Pill had a significant impact on them.
After waiting for five breaths and seeing that no cultivator acted rashly, Shi Chen put away the Jin Yuan Dan and turned to walk towards Luo Lei Valley.
After Shi Chen entered the Thunder Valley, the atmosphere outside the valley became more subtle.
Li Ao from the Spirit Sword Sect blushed and couldn't help but say to Zhang He, "Brother, that's a Golden Yuan Pill. Should we apply to the sect for one..."
"Shut up!" Zhang He glared at Li Ao and shouted, "I know you urgently need the Jin Yuan Dan to advance to the Jin Dan stage, but neither you nor I are qualified to apply to the sect for the Thunderbolt Pearl. Even if the sect agrees to exchange it with him, do you think you can get the Jin Yuan Dan?"
Looking around at his fellow apprentices, all with varying expressions, Zhang He said in a deep voice, "Everyone, behave yourself. I will report this matter to the sect, and they will make their own decisions."
Li Ao gritted his teeth and lowered his head in thought. He just wanted to ask Senior Brother Zhang to help him apply for the Thunderbolt Pearl through their family so that he could exchange it for the Golden Yuan Pill from that cultivator. Unfortunately, Senior Brother Zhang did not give him the opportunity. He also knew that it would be extremely difficult to snatch the cultivator away. The one who could easily slap away his flying sword attack must be at least in the late Golden Core stage or above.
Seeing this, the other disciples also fell silent, not daring to say anything. The other eleven Foundation Establishment disciples had complicated expressions in their eyes, as if they were all pondering something.
Seeing this, Zhang He had no choice but to calm down and report the matter to the sect via the communication talisman.
At this time, the wandering cultivators outside the valley became active after hearing Shi Chen's promise.
"This is a rare opportunity. If we can find the Thunderbolt Pearl and exchange it for the Golden Yuan Pill, we will be rich." A bearded cultivator whispered.
"Hmph, it's not that easy. The Falling Thunder Valley is full of dangers. With our limited cultivation level, we'd be courting death if we went in." A tall and thin casual cultivator nearby retorted.
"Why don't we form a team and go in to give it a try? There's strength in numbers, and maybe we can gain something." Another casual cultivator suggested.
"Don't be naive. The people from the Spirit Sword Sect are still guarding here. If we are discovered entering the valley without permission, we will be in big trouble. Besides, the only safe place in Luolei Valley is the valley entrance. Other places are full of dangers. How many people can overcome the obstacles and enter the valley?" Someone immediately poured cold water on us.
"Fellow Daoists of the Spirit Sword Sect, the Falling Thunder Valley is so huge, it is impossible for you to guard every corner. We are just going in to try our luck, and we may not be able to find the Thunderbolt Pearl. Why are you so nervous?" A brave wandering cultivator stepped forward and said to the disciples of the Spirit Sword Sect.
Upon hearing this, the Spirit Sword Sect's disciples' faces instantly darkened. Zhang He glared at the cultivator who had spoken and said coldly, "Falling Thunder Valley is the territory of our Spirit Sword Sect. No one is allowed to enter without our permission. If you dare to trespass, don't blame us for being merciless."
"Hey, you Lingjian Sect can't be so overbearing. We are all here for cultivation resources, why can you monopolize Luolei Valley?" Another casual cultivator said unconvinced.
"That's right, that's right. We don't want to steal your things. We just want to go in and find the Thunderbolt Pearl to exchange for the Golden Yuan Pill." The other casual cultivators also echoed.
Li Ao looked at the excited cultivators, feeling a little flustered. He leaned closer to Zhang He and whispered, "Brother, what should we do? If they really force their way in, I'm afraid..."
Zhang He's face was solemn. After a moment's thought, he said, "Everyone, please be patient. We have reported this matter to the sect and are awaiting their instructions. Before then, no one is allowed to enter the Falling Thunder Valley. Doing so would be an enemy of our Spirit Sword Sect."
Everyone argued endlessly, unable to come to a decision. The independent cultivators didn't dare to force their way in. Then, one of them took out a communication talisman, mysteriously sent a few messages, and hurried to Luoleifang Market.
Seeing this, the surrounding cultivators took out their communication symbols. In less than a minute, only seven or eight cultivators were left waiting there.
A light smoke was floating in the Thunder Valley, mixed with the smell of burnt food and fireworks.
Thunderclouds covered the sky, and the valley was dark. From time to time, lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the surroundings in a pale white.
The ground was covered with charred holes of various sizes, as if it had been struck by countless thunders.
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