Chapter 382

Chapter 382: Leaving the Ruins

Zhou Luo’s gaze swept over the jade slips, a flicker of anticipation stirring in his heart.

Since the other party had reached the Golden Core stage, the techniques they encountered were absolutely not low-level.

His mental strength combed through the contents of the jade slips, leaving no detail unchecked.

Apart from ancient texts on formations and Gu techniques, there were also techniques focused on boosting cultivation speed and enhancing combat ability.

After a quick scan, he realized these were precisely what he currently required.

Need was one thing, though; compared to dual cultivation techniques, these still fell somewhat short.

"Found it."

Suddenly, his eyes brightened as he spotted a particular jade slip.

The content recorded within that slip—wasn’t it exactly the dual cultivation technique he sought?

Focusing his vision, the name of the technique came clearly into view:

"Technique of the Phoenix and the Luan!"

The moment he saw this name, Zhou Luo’s face showed contemplation, the name striking a faintly familiar chord.

He couldn’t quite recall it immediately.

He then shifted his attention to the technique’s content.

As expected, the Technique of the Phoenix and the Luan was one of the three famed techniques of the Ancient Hehuan Sect, identical in status to The Fusion of Dragon and Phoenix Technique.

Right from the beginning, the jade slip detailed the origins of this technique.

During the primordial times, a great immortal who governed the orthodox path of harmonious union bestowed techniques upon three cultivators.

These three cultivators became the first powerful beings to master the orthodox path of harmonious union.

Relying on these techniques, they made names for themselves throughout the world of cultivation, successfully founding sects and leaving behind awe-inspiring reputations in the ancient era.

These three sects became known as the three ancient Hehuan schools.

In the long passage of time since, these three sects evolved, spawning numerous factions primarily focused on dual cultivation.

These factions gradually developed and expanded, their intricate power structures entwining over an unknown number of years.

This Ancient Hehuan Sect located in the Qinyuan Domain arose from this layered evolution, and their techniques were all deduced by their founding patriarchs from the techniques bestowed by that immortal.

Though they were still worlds apart from the genuine techniques granted by the immortal, they were entirely adequate for Zhou Luo’s current stage.

Reading this introduction to dual cultivation techniques stirred a surge of exhilaration within Zhou Luo.

If he could someday obtain the genuine orthodox dual cultivation techniques bestowed by that immortal, his chances of attaining the realm of immortals in the future would be immensely high.

He might only be at the Foundation Establishment stage now, worlds away from the realm of immortals.

But it was necessary to have dreams—what if one came true?

He just hadn’t heard anything about an orthodox Hehuan Sect within Huoyun Country; only those evil cultivators were lurking in other territories.

However, the world of cultivation was vast. Huoyun Country was merely one of the seven major kingdoms of the continent, and beyond this continent, there were surely others.

With his current ability, he simply couldn’t access more information.

Withdrawing his thoughts, he continued looking below.

The dual cultivation body was actually quite similar to The Fusion of Dragon and Phoenix Technique.

However, it imposed stricter demands for a dual cultivation partner—not only must they possess spiritual roots at Third Grade or higher, but also remain virginal and consent willingly…

The greater the restrictions, the more potent the effects.

According to the description, this technique could complement The Fusion of Dragon and Phoenix Technique, doubling cultivation speed beyond mere spiritual root stacking.

Meaning if Zhou Luo, now with Seventh Grade spiritual roots, cultivated with a woman having Third Grade spiritual roots:

Their cultivation speed wouldn’t just combine their roots’ speed—it would double that combined speed.

This pace was already terrifying.

Additionally, this technique offered numerous other benefits:

Healing injuries, slowing aging, and so forth.

Most intriguing to Zhou Luo was its boost to the probability of conception.

Since his Foundation Establishment, his conception rate had plummeted.

He could only impregnate one wife or concubine per year at best, sometimes taking longer.

He had explored remedies, repeatedly purchasing Dream Blue Flowers from the Li Family.

Sadly, such aids yielded minimal results for cultivators of their level.

Discovering this ancient technique now invigorated him profoundly.

Even better, cultivation remained possible during pregnancy using this method—enhancing the child’s ability as well.

Truly worthy of its fame as one of Ancient Hehuan Sect’s three renowned techniques!

This resolved part of his deepest concern.

He withdrew his gaze, deciding to find a partner for thorough experimentation later.

Unknown if the final technique might also be here.

Driven by this thought, Zhou Luo meticulously examined the records.

Only this one dual cultivation technique appeared; others were tangential methods.

Still, being left by a Golden Core master assured their grade.

Moments later, he stored the storage ring, glanced back at the night-black coffin, and departed.

Exiting the tomb complex:

Shangguan Qianxue and Song Zhan stared fixedly at the passageway. Outwardly calm, inner tension lingered.

If Zhou Luo hadn’t obtained the spiritual artifact—or if none existed—this expedition proved utterly futile.

Their breath hitched upon seeing his familiar figure emerge.

Spotting them outside, Zhou Luo casually tossed the long wooden box their way.

Shangguan Qianxue stepped forward, catching it with her right hand.

Even without sensing it directly, the spiritual artifact’s immense power radiated from the box.

Her beautiful eyes brightened. Regarding Zhou Luo now, quiet astonishment stirred within her.

He truly had claimed it.

Noting his poised, handsome composure, she surmised: he must have gained substantial treasures to appear so unperturbed.

"Let’s depart," Shangguan Qianxue announced coolly, turning immediately.

Song Zhan fixed a deep stare on Zhou Luo, transmitting mentally: "Zhou Luo, I’ll remember you. Our paths shall cross again."

Then both vanished as streaks of light.

After their departure, Zhou Luo traversed the dazzling glow and returned to the passage.

Long Yunshuang sat meditating there, injuries somewhat healed yet still unable to exert full strength.

Seeing him emerge, she asked gravely: "Did those two seize the artifact?"

Their swift, unresisting departure hinted plainly enough at the outcome.

She had been utterly determined to secure that spiritual artifact this time.

Unexpectedly, Qi Chuan vanished first, followed by assaults from assassins Long Yu sent. Distracted and wounded, she lost all chance to contend.

Zhou Luo nodded. "No other way."

He disclosed nothing of his own gains, reasonably assuming she’d remain none the wiser afterward.