"Things formed by magical treasures are truly extraordinary."
Shen Wang exhaled a breath of relief. Fortunately, he still had spirit crystals; otherwise, he would indeed face a situation of insufficient spirit stones.
With three sets of arrays operating, even if they could absorb Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi to replenish power, the external Spiritual Qi was insufficient and definitely needed spirit stones for replenishment.
Under the continuous attack of the Celestial Spirits and Earthly Fiends Array from the outside, the consumption was enormous, with hundreds of low-grade spirit stones used up in just half a day.
Originally, most of his wealth was spent on purchasing the arrays, and Shen Wang already had few spirit stones left, so he could only use the more expensive spirit crystals now, and the effect seemed quite good.
He directed his thoughts outside.
While he consumed spirit stones, what was being consumed outside was everyone’s cultivation.
The Celestial Spirits and Earthly Fiends Array could switch between internal and external attacks, allowing them to alternate between rest and attack. Despite this, after half a day’s continuous attack, everyone was exhausted.
Particularly after discovering the defense array had become more stable, someone finally couldn’t resist.
"Village Chief, is this array poisonous? Why does it become more stable the more we attack it?"
"It seems like continuing the attack is just a waste of effort."
"We’ve truly been unable to break it; we might as well rest for a bit."
The prolonged exertion led to many complaints, and seeing no hope, they voiced their opinions. Were it not for a Golden Core Zhenren watching from the side, many would likely have outright refused to participate.
Gong Yu found a reason, looking at Yun Conghui: "The brothers are indeed quite tired."
Yun Conghui then looked at Profound Thunder Zhenren.
The latter’s expression was visibly dark; other people present could give up because the defense array was too solid, but he could not.
As a dignified Golden Core Zhenren, coming to such a small place to deal with a mere Qi Cultivation cultivator, if he couldn’t even break an array, wouldn’t he be laughed at upon returning?
Yun Conghui spoke with difficulty, as he was also very tired and wanted to rest for a while.
"Shut up! Can’t this Zhenren see the array is stable?"
Profound Thunder Zhenren was spuriously angry, "Everyone stop and rest for two hours, let me see what’s going on with this defense array!"
He gave a glance to the others, and they sensibly closed their mouths, quietly stepping away from the unhappy Profound Thunder Zhenren.
Profound Thunder Zhenren flew around the array several times; the defense array here hadn’t changed much, at most the Power of the Five Elements was complete, but the key was the abundant power allowing the array to operate smoothly, with its defensive strength fully exerted.
With ample experience, he concluded that Shen Wang must have ample spirit stones, and their quality was not low, which enabled the array’s extraordinary power to be displayed.
"Damn, how could someone have middle-grade spirit stones, even for me, it’s difficult to come up with much."
Profound Thunder’s face was somber, cursing inwardly, considering various possibilities, his expression changing several times.
Obtaining middle-grade spirit stones is relatively difficult, for exchange, at least ten low-grade spirit stones are required to exchange for one middle-grade spirit stone, not to mention the value differences among spirit stones of different attributes.
This kid has thousands of spirit stones to buy the array, and can also exchange thousands of spirit stones for middle-grade spirit stones to maintain array operation, where does he have so much wealth?
Does he have some connections, or does he have a special channel to own such wealth?
If it’s the former, rashly offending him isn’t a good idea, if it’s the latter...
Greed and murderous intent appeared in his eyes.
A person without backing and strength doesn’t deserve to have so many good things.
But to figure these out, the array must be broken first.
Given how stable the array currently is, even attacks below the Nascent Soul level might struggle to break it; either more people must be summoned, or more fellow cultivators must be found for assistance.
Either option is troublesome; if the matter escalates, not only will it be hard to explain reputationally, but this person’s peculiarity will also be noticed by others, leading to the potential division of treasures.
His face changed repeatedly, contemplating how he could both help Ling Shu and inconspicuously obtain the good things Shen Wang had.
After thinking it over, he realized it was impossible; with this array, it was impossible to obtain all the benefits.
As Profound Thunder Zhenren sought to both gain and retain, Shen Wang observed his expression clearly, feeling a thud in his heart.
Others might not notice much, but this guy probably deduced from the array that he had good things.
"Alas, afraid I’ve caught this guy’s attention."
Shen Wang rubbed his forehead; now there was no other way, he could only go down this road to the end.
At this moment, Profound Thunder Zhenren spoke.
"Shen Wang, this Zhenren greatly appreciates you. As long as you choose to hand over the Cloud Paper Kite, this Zhenren can accept you as a disciple, guaranteeing your Foundation Establishment with boundless prospects."
Profound Thunder Zhenren suddenly spoke, switching from hard to soft, attempting to tempt Shen Wang into giving up resistance, aiming to get the "meat" into the pot anyway.
Yun Conghui hadn’t expected such a major change from the Third Elder, and chimed in, "Shen Wang, this is a rare opportunity. This is the third-ranking elder of our Yun Family, with a prestigious status and great power. If you become his elder’s disciple, even Core Formation is within hope; why concern yourself over a mere Paper Kite?"
Shen Wang listened and smiled, "I cannot bear it; you all should leave here soon and let me have some peace for a few days."
"Boy, don’t think you can truly hide inside here; if this Zhenren invites some fellow Daoists, and sets up a big array, your defense array can also be forcibly broken."
Profound Thunder Zhenren threatened.
"Life and death are fated, wealth and honor are in the heavens."
Shen Wang said calmly, not easily frightened.
He had no retreat; from the moment he chose the Paper Kite, he could only continuously resist,
Compromising midway would only lead to a quicker death.
"Hmph, then you just wait to die."
Profound Thunder Zhenren flicked his sleeve, turning and leaving.
He said coldly, "After resting, continue attacking, keep consuming the defense array’s power!"
After speaking, he transformed into a bolt of lightning and departed, no longer staying here to waste time, instead going back to seek other methods.
Yun Conghui responded, frowning as he looked at the defense array.
Unexpectedly, this person could leave even the Third Elder without a solution, truly underestimating him. It’s hard to say what will become of continuing this.
With no background, he shouldn’t be able to create much of a splash, right?
Yun Conghui was slightly worried, moving aside to begin cultivation.
Without further attacks, the array’s consumption decreased, and the surroundings quieted down.
The people inside the ancestral residence breathed a sigh of relief.
Shen Wang didn’t say anything, continuing his usual activities under pressure.
Medicine concoction, nurturing meridians, cultivation...
His cultivation steadily advanced, moving toward the mid-to-late Ninth-Layer Qi Cultivation.
He couldn’t do much for now, only hoping that an opponent of that Third Elder would emerge to stop him so that he had a chance to catch his breath.
If no one meddles, it might be troublesome next time.
Shen Wang checked everything he had on him, finding that even the system couldn’t help him suddenly become stronger; the only potential help was the Spirit Pearl.
But this thing had never been thoroughly understood, and Shen Wang didn’t know how to unleash its potential power.