"Jade Liquid? Of course. And indeed, nothing could be better!" Dubhe nodded in agreement.
"In that case, once we extract the Jade Liquid, we could accelerate time within the Dubhe Dao Artifact!"
Lin Fei's heart stirred. He promptly lifted his gaze, casting it towards the distant pool of Jade Liquid. Without hesitation, he took a step forward, drawing near to the pool's edge.
A hum resonated. In the next moment, within the Jade Liquid pool, a phantasmal figure in Daoist robes materialized. A mere illusory shadow.
"Fellow Daoist, I am Qing Yuzi."
"Qing Yuzi?"
Lin Fei was taken aback. Hadn't Qing Yuzi perished? Why was he here?
"Do not be alarmed, fellow Daoist. If you've seen this avatar of my divided spirit after all this time, I'm probably no longer alive. Considering you've made it here, even passing Dubhe's test, becoming its master, you must undoubtedly be exceptional, a peak individual with prospects of Deity Transformation!
If you wish to extract the Jade Liquid, feel free. But remember, this Jade Liquid is the culmination of my life's efforts, condensed over countless years. If you do decide to take it, all I ask is that when it's within your capabilities, you grant me a favor.
Should a day come when your power surpasses Hua Xiangzi, I implore you, in the name of our friendship, to slay Hua Xiangzi, avenging the grudges in my heart.
Of course, no vows are necessary, nor is it a demand. I merely hope that you'd consider our shared karma, take the Jade Liquid, and help me achieve my long-held desire..."
Upon saying this, the avatar of the divided spirit began to dissipate slowly, eventually vanishing without a trace.
"Dubhe, was that the divided spirit of Qing Yuzi? Could it be that Qing Yuzi has already achieved Deity Transformation? To even leave behind an avatar of his spirit?"
Lin Fei queried Dubhe. Leaving behind an avatar of one's divided spirit was no trivial matter. Even Nascent Soul powerhouses couldn't achieve this. Only those of Deity Transformation status could manifest countless divine senses, only then could they create a divided spirit.
Dubhe slightly shook its head, "Qing Yuzi isn't a Deity Transformation powerhouse. True Deity Transformation powerhouses, each of their divided spirits can dominate a region, possessing unparalleled skills. Unlike Qing Yuzi, who merely manifested an avatar.
This is merely a trace of Qing Yuzi's divine sense. He had a breakthrough, reaching a half-step Deity Transformation, hence his ability to leave behind an avatar of his divine sense. Yet, Qing Yuzi is still half a step away from achieving a divided spirit. In his weakened state, he couldn't bridge that half-step, no matter how hard he tried."
Lin Fei nodded, albeit clueless about Qing Yuzi's compromised foundation or the exact circumstances of the divided spirit. Nevertheless, these details were trivial to Lin Fei. He wasn't even a Martial King.
Moreover, martial arts didn't have the concept of a divided spirit. Martial artists didn't tread the path of divided spirits.
Lin Fei could extract this Jade Liquid freely. Moreover, Qing Yuzi didn't impose any oath upon Lin Fei. The terms were even quite lenient. Only if Lin Fei surpassed Hua Xiangzi in strength, would he act on his own accord whether to seek vengeance on Hua Xiangzi.
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Hence, Lin Fei felt no moral burden in taking the Jade Liquid. However, having benefited from Qing Yuzi, Lin Fei nodded, "Should there come a day when my strength surpasses Hua Xiangzi, I shall avenge you."
With these words, Lin Fei extended his hand, and in his palm, the Dubhe Dao Artifact materialized.
"Go."
Lin Fei's thoughts stirred. The Dubhe Dao Artifact soared directly into the Jade Liquid Pool.
"So many Jade Liquid Pools, it can accelerate for a significant period," he mused.
"Dubhe, how long can time be accelerated within?" Lin Fei inquired.
"Inside the Dubhe, time can be sped up to a hundredfold," came the reply.
Lin Fei pondered this. A hundredfold acceleration of time. A single day outside meant a hundred days within the Dubhe. An entire year outside was akin to a century within. The thought was indeed daunting.
Lin Fei promptly entered the Dubhe. Inside, it consisted of several layers. There was a cultivation space. A space for martial arts manuals. And in the chamber, Lin Fei stumbled upon an unexpected discovery. Could this Dubhe Dao Artifact also serve as a protective magical treasure? After all, a Dao Artifact surely couldn't be easily destroyed, could it?
"Should danger befall me, I would retreat within the Dao Artifact. Would I be safe then? To what extent can the Dubhe shield from attacks?" Lin Fei pressed on.
The Dubhe clarified, "The Dubhe is but an auxiliary Dao Artifact. Neither attack nor defense is its forte. However, it remains a Dao Artifact, made of unique materials. Attacks below Dao Integration essentially can't harm it.
But, if the master hides within, safety isn't guaranteed. If the enemy seals or confines it, they likewise trap the master. Powerful beings, like Nascent Soul and Deity Transformation masters, could even forcibly refine the Dao Artifact. In such a scenario, the master would face certain doom. Hence, unless absolutely necessary, the master shouldn't seek refuge within. The enemy would surely covet such a Dao Artifact."
Lin Fei understood. Upon reflection, it indeed seemed so. Taking refuge inside the Dubhe Dao Artifact had its limitations. It might merely delay one's demise. Yet, in desperate situations... When there seemed to be no way out... It might just save a life.
Lin Fei was now deep in contemplation. To accelerate time or not? If he did, he could only cultivate his Saber Domain. However, he couldn't discern how long it might take to perfect the Saber Domain. Perhaps a year, maybe a decade, or even a century!
If his lifespan was mere centuries., he might not have opted for time acceleration. But Lin Fei was a Martial Sovereign. He had a lifespan of millennia! Such an extended life, even if he accelerated time and consumed some of it, wouldn't be a significant loss.
Furthermore, if he did accelerate, Lin Fei would closely monitor the situation, ensuring not overextend. At present, the only rapid advancement available to Lin Fei was the Saber Domain!
Once the Saber Domain was perfected, Lin Fei's prowess would surge. Possibly enough to deter any Golden Core cultivator or Martial Sovereign beyond the Great Chang.
"Dubhe, accelerate time. Accelerate it a hundredfold! Draw energy from the Jade Liquid."
"As you wish, master."
And thus, the Dubhe began to radiate brilliant luminescence. It then started absorbing vast quantities of Jade Liquid from the pool.
Inside the Dubhe's cultivation chamber, Lin Fei faintly felt a distortion in the void as if an intangible force was acting upon him. Of course, he felt little else. He simply closed his eyes, deeply immersing himself in understanding the Saber Domain.
Beyond the seas of Great Chang, a colossal ship slowly approached the shore. This ship seemed to be a magical treasure, Unyielding to the attacks of sea beasts, traversing the vast oceans as if it were solid ground.
A sharp sound echoed, as from within the ship, eight Golden Core True Persons emerged, taking to the skies. They landed on the soils of Great Chang.
"Yuanlong's life lamp has shattered; he has fallen."
"Who could possibly have slain Yuanlong?"
"This mere treasure-rich land, so barren, where even the Spiritual Qi is so sparse — how could it possibly harbor one who could defeat Yuanlong?"
"It must be other Martial Sovereigns or Golden Cores from the Ancient Continent."
"Hmph, no matter who dealt the lethal blow, any who dare kill an elder of my Heavenly River Dao Sect shall face retribution!"
"There's no need for a lengthy investigation. Let us sweep through this treasure-rich land and let everyone know it now belongs to the Heavenly River Dao Sect!"
"While we're at it, let's find and execute the one who murdered Yuanlong."
"Indeed, let us employ this method!"
Thus, the eight Golden Core True Persons transformed into a streak of radiant light, heading straight into the heart of Great Chang.