txolops Chapter 14 Ancient Map Acquired!
Chapter 14 Ancient Map Acquired!
Chapter 14 Ancient Map Acquired!
Zhang Yuan sat quietly in the corner, watching the other people trade, his face occasionally showing hesitation.
Finally, halfway through the exchange, Zhang Yuan seemed to have made up his mind. He stood up, walked to an empty space in the pavilion, and took out two things from his storage bag—a light blue jade slip and an ancient leather map with yellowish color and obvious wear marks on the edges.
"Junior Brother Zhang, what's going on?" Senior Brother Gu asked kindly.
Everyone's eyes turned to look at them curiously.
Zhang Yuan cleared his throat, his voice not loud but clear: "This jade slip contains a secret technique called 'Soul-Chasing Guide.' I obtained it by chance. After practicing it, it can enhance the ability to track and sense specific auras or marks, and it is somewhat useful for finding spiritual objects and tracking targets."
He paused, then held up the ancient map, a hint of embarrassment on his face: "As for this ancient map... I acquired it years ago from a market frequented by independent cultivators. The style of the depiction of mountains and rivers is old-fashioned, and the areas it points to are not clearly indicated. I have studied the specific locations for many years but have not been able to figure out the mystery. Perhaps it is just an ordinary ancient map, or perhaps it holds other opportunities... I really can't say for sure."
He looked at everyone and stated his needs: "I would like to exchange these two items for some pills that can improve my cultivation in the late stage of Qi Refining."
Upon hearing this, the fellow disciples who had initially shown some interest immediately hesitated.
The "Soul-Chasing Technique" sounds somewhat useful, but it's not urgently needed, and its effectiveness is unknown.
As for that ancient map, it was even more elusive and unpredictable—the idea of an "ancient map" or "possible opportunity" was far too common in the cultivation world, and nine times out of ten it was just a useless map.
In contrast, which Qi Refining cultivator wouldn't cherish pills that can improve their cultivation level? They would use them all and still feel they don't have enough. Why would they easily exchange them for these uncertain things?
For a moment, no one responded.
The expectant look on Zhang Yuan's face gradually faded, and he stood there somewhat awkwardly.
Lin Chuan knew the time had come.
He stepped forward from the crowd and walked up to Zhang Yuan. He first picked up the jade slip, pressed it to his forehead, and roughly scanned the beginning with his divine sense to confirm that it was indeed a secret technique. Then he nodded: "Senior Brother Zhang's 'Soul-Chasing Guide' secret technique sounds quite interesting. I've recently become quite interested in tracking and investigation methods."
He put down the jade slip, then picked up the ancient map, pretending to examine the blurred mountain lines and archaic markings carefully. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "As for this ancient map... it is indeed quite old, just as Senior Brother said, and the exact location is unknown. Although we don't know if it's genuine, it's fine to treat it as a curious object and study it."
Hope rekindled in Zhang Yuan's eyes: "Junior Brother Lin is interested?"
Lin Chuan smiled slightly and took out a white porcelain jade bottle from his storage bag. It was the Condensing Essence Pill that he had bought from Wanbaolou last time.
He uncorked the bottle, letting out a faint medicinal fragrance: "This is a bottle of Qi Condensation Pills, containing seven pills. The medicinal properties are mild and mellow, just right for Senior Brother to consolidate his cultivation and steadily improve."
Upon seeing the Condensing Essence Pill and feeling its pure medicinal power, not only Zhang Yuan but also several fellow disciples around him cast surprised glances.
The Condensing Essence Pill is of superior quality among pills for the later stages of Qi Refining and is quite valuable.
Lin Chuan handed the jade bottle to Zhang Yuan: "Senior Brother Zhang, how about this? I'll exchange this bottle of Qi Condensation Pills for the 'Soul-Chasing Guide' secret technique you possess. As for this ancient map... it's useless for you to keep it, so why not give it to me as a bonus?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuan's face showed a struggle.
The value of a bottle of Condensing Essence Pill far exceeds that of the "Soul-Chasing Guide" secret technique with unknown effects; exchanging it for him would definitely not be a loss.
But that ancient map... what if it really is some kind of opportunity?
But after so many years of research, I've come up with nothing, so keeping it is useless...
After much hesitation, looking at the tempting bottle of pills in Lin Chuan's hand, and considering his own stagnant cultivation level, Zhang Yuan gritted his teeth and accepted the pills: "Alright! It's yours, Junior Brother Lin! This secret technique and ancient diagram are yours!"
"Thank you for your help, Senior Brother Zhang."
Lin Chuan's smile remained unchanged as he put away the jade slip and the ancient map, completing the transaction.
After that, Lin Chuan stopped participating in other transactions, simply observing quietly from the sidelines and occasionally chatting with familiar fellow disciples.
Two hours later, the exchange meeting was drawing to a close. Everyone had gained something, either by exchanging what they needed or by sharing their experiences, and the atmosphere was harmonious.
With these concluding remarks from Senior Brother Gu, this small gathering came to a successful close.
Lin Chuan followed the crowd down the mountain and went straight back to his small courtyard.
Activate the formation to isolate the inside from the outside.
He sat in the quiet room and first put away the jade slip containing the "Soul-Chasing Guide," which might be useful in the future.
Then, with a hint of anticipation and solemnity, he slowly unfolded the hard-won old leather map.
The leather was made of some kind of animal hide, and it was cold and tough to the touch. The ink on it was very faded, but the lines outlining the mountains, rivers and landscapes were still discernible.
In the center of the map, a magnificent, winding river rushes by, its surface vast and its momentum imposing.
Somewhere along the riverbank, there is a prominent marker that appears to be the center of gravity indicated on the map.
However, the map has a limited scope and does not indicate the name or specific location of this major river.
"Such a vast river... there doesn't seem to be a river within the territory of Yue that can perfectly match it." Lin Chuan frowned in thought, recalling the geographical records of Yue.
Suddenly, a brilliant idea flashed into his mind.
"Panlong River!"
Panlong River, located within the territory of the Yuanwu Kingdom, is a famous river with an extremely wide surface and stretches for thousands of miles.
Its geographical location is right next to Jingzhou in the Yue Kingdom.
Crossing the "Eight Hundred Mountains" near Jingzhou will take you to the Panlong River basin.
"If it really is Panlong River... then wouldn't this ancient cultivator's cave be located within the territory of Yuanwu Kingdom?" Lin Chuan pondered.
"We have a clue, but the exact location still needs further confirmation. This matter cannot be rushed; we need to plan it carefully." Lin Chuan carefully put away the ancient map.
An ancient cultivator's cave... This opportunity is probably not simple.
But since it signifies "great fortune," the risks should be manageable, and the returns... may far exceed expectations!
However, given his current cultivation level, he would likely encounter danger if he rashly went to Yuanwu Kingdom.
"It seems that I can only try to find this ancient cultivator's cave after I have established my foundation," Lin Chuan thought to himself.
Then, Lin Chuan thought of Chen Qiaoqian and Lu Mingyuan, whom he had met today.
Now that the original storyline has begun.
The next major plot development should be the Crimson Forbidden Zone.
If we calculate the time, there should be about two years left.
With Ancestor Lin Xuankun around, it shouldn't be difficult for the Lin family to get a Foundation Establishment Pill.
But besides himself, the Lin family also has Lin Jie, their direct descendant.
Lin Chuan was certain that the Foundation Establishment Pill would most likely not end up in his hands.
"In that case, we need to prepare for entering the Crimson Forbidden Zone."