Cultivation begins with ice harvesters

Chapter 54: Each with their own calculations

Under the constant erosion of low temperatures and cold winds in the icy regions of northern Xinjiang, all plants that grow here possess the unique ability to resist the cold.

The poplar tree in front of us is one of them, called the ice poplar, which can grow in bottomless ice layers, absorbing and refining the nutrients in the ice to grow.

According to the simple map in the jade slip, this spot with ice pops was the second convergence point that Liu Guangqing mentioned before he left.

The convergence point before them was also the final location described on this rudimentary map. Given Liu Guangqing's uncompromising nature, he would naturally not easily reveal the more detailed description of the crystal gourd's growing location.

"Fellow Daoist Liu escaped first using a flying artifact and is more familiar with the routes across the icy region; he should have arrived earlier. Why hasn't he shown up yet?"

"Could something have happened on their journey? Or perhaps they encountered some powerful monsters that tried to ambush them?"

After observing the area where the ice poplars grew, they found no trace of any cultivators and couldn't help but frown.

As for going to pick the crystal gourd alone, that was not within his worries, since the strength of the two first-grade high-quality crystal crocodiles far exceeded that of an ordinary late-stage Qi Refining cultivator.

Having lost the guidance of the subsequent route map, Tong Bingfeng had no choice but to wait here, choosing a relatively flat tree branch to sit cross-legged on to rest and recuperate.

According to his calculations, this place is not far from the area where the crystal gourd grows. The battle he is about to have with the first-grade high-quality crystal crocodile will be far more intense and fierce than any previous battle. Therefore, it is extremely important to take a timely rest and keep his energy and spirit at their peak to ensure his combat power.

"Fellow Daoist Tong, it's commendable that you managed to escape the encirclement of the Spiked Turtles. I'll head over to the Crystal Gourd's growth area to take a look. The natural patterns have already taken shape, and it's about to begin absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth."

"Two first-tier high-grade crystal crocodiles are coiled up inside, and are on high alert at all times. A hundred feet in front of the crystal gourd, there is a lot of blood sprayed out, leaving obvious signs of a battle."

Liu Guangqing had just appeared and briefly addressed the sudden incident involving the spiky turtle before beginning to explain the basic information about the crystal gourd and the crystal crocodile.

When faced with the Spiked Turtle, he decisively chose to abandon his allies and escape alone using a flying artifact, without showing the slightest remorse. It seemed as if everything was a natural and logical outcome.

"Fellow Daoist Liu is indeed prescient. Now that we have investigated the basic situation of the crystal gourd, should we join forces and attack as soon as possible? If we delay even slightly, once the crystal gourd takes shape, the two crystal crocodiles will definitely devour it immediately."

Tong Bingfeng suppressed his slight displeasure and forcibly shifted his attention to the more important matters that followed. There are priorities, and in the face of such a precious treasure as the crystal gourd, everything else can be diverted.

For him at this stage, advancing to the late stage of Qi Refining is definitely the top priority. Only by overcoming this hurdle can he be qualified to pursue the future.

"Fellow Daoist Tong is right. Shall we set off now?"

Liu Guangqing's eyes gleamed, and he completely agreed with the suggestion. After all, only by acquiring the treasure could this trip be considered complete.

After a short while, Liu Guangqing stood in front and Tong Bingfeng behind, each carrying a magical artifact to ensure they could act immediately should danger arise.

According to Liu Guangqing, the two first-tier high-grade crystal crocodiles, relying on their overall strength, are truly among the overlords within a hundred-mile radius of the ice domain, and no other demonic beasts live there.

Occasionally, some reckless monsters appear here, but they usually end up as food for the two first-tier high-grade crystal crocodiles. Not only do they not cause any harm, but they also save the crystal crocodiles time and energy to go out and find food.

Before Tong Bingfeng had hunted down more than a hundred different kinds of monsters in the Ice Domain, they were all only mid-grade first-level monsters. Among them, the strongest were the Ice Python and the unknown little white snake that guarded the Ice Flower.

How vast is the difference between these two types of demonic beasts and the first-tier high-grade crystal crocodile? The two are not even on the same level.

Although I had prepared myself mentally beforehand, it was still inevitable to feel nervous when the moment of face-to-face contact arrived.

"The Crystal Crocodile's habitat is not far ahead. Fellow Daoist, remember, when you make a move, go all out and never hold back."

"There is a male and a female Crystal Crocodile. The male crocodile is more robust and powerful, with a layer of crocodile scales that are blue-green in color. He is irritable and good at frontal attacks. The female crocodile is slender and agile, and is good at finding and covering up weaknesses in battle. The two Crystal Crocodiles working together are a force to be reckoned with."

"According to the original division of labor, I will deal with the male crocodile head-on, go all out, and try to kill it within a quarter of an hour; the female crocodile will be restrained by you, fellow Daoist, and you must do your best to deal with her carefully, without supporting the male crocodile in any way."

As they approached the lair of the pair of crystal crocodiles, Liu Guangqing whispered his instructions again, his face displaying an unprecedented solemnity.

This battle is crucial to whether or not the crystal gourd can be harvested. If they truly sense a life-or-death crisis, the two first-grade high-quality crystal crocodiles will definitely choose to completely destroy the crystal gourd vine before their lives are over.

"With such a precious treasure before me, I will certainly go all out without any compromise. Please, Fellow Daoist Liu, do as you please."

Tong Bingfeng decisively took on his own task. Now that things have progressed to this stage, the two of them must work together to kill the Crystal Crocodile in order to have any chance of taking down the Crystal Gourd. Otherwise, wouldn't all their hard work over the past few days have been for nothing?

"Black Gold Spear, go!"

Liu Guangqing nodded slightly, then immediately unleashed a first-grade high-quality spear that shimmered with black and gold, transforming it into a black streak of light that headed straight for the Crystal Crocodile's lair.

The lair of the first-tier superior crystal crocodile is located at the bend between two protruding hills and a small blue stone hill on the ice surface, in a narrow cave carved out of a blue stone.

According to Liu Guangqing, the crystal gourd vine grows about 150 feet after this bend, which is also an unavoidable route.

The first to strike wins, the last to strike loses. The Black Gold Spear is made entirely of first-grade high-quality black gold, refined by earth fire.

Once unleashed, the spear's weight increases dramatically under the enhancement of magical power, and the specially sharpened spearhead becomes even more effective at breaking through enemy lines.

"Boom!"

The moment the black gold spear met the crystal crocodile's lair, which was made of bluestone, a crisp cracking sound rang out, and the lair naturally collapsed and shattered completely.

The first-grade superior-level black gold spear remained undiminished in power. Its spearhead, gleaming with a cold light, struck the male crocodile's scales with unprecedented speed and force.