Lord Shenxiu-Chapter 956: Phoenix Blood Banner

"What method?"

Wenyin's eyes lit up.

If one could strive for self-improvement, who would choose to rely on others, even to the extent that life and death are not up to oneself?

"Birds are hunted for their bright feathers, livestock slaughtered for their fat... The root of these misfortunes lies in the crime of possessing treasures! If the root of calamity can be removed, naturally you will have fewer troubles in the future and can cultivate in peace. It just depends on whether you have the resolve."

Lu Wen Yuan said pointedly.

"Please advise, fellow Daoist."

Wenyin said solemnly.

"I have here a manuscript on the Artifact Refining Skill, copied from an ancient text that describes the Phoenix Destiny. I can give it to you; whether or not you decide to use it is entirely up to you!"

Lu Wen Yuan tossed out a jade slip.

Wenyin reached out to take it, swept her Divine Sense over it, and her expression changed. She was both moved and fearful: "There is actually such a method?"

Recorded within the jade slip was the refining method of an extraordinary Magic Artifact named 'Phoenix Blood Banner'!

To refine this artifact, other materials are common, except for one condition: it requires a female practitioner with a Phoenix Destiny Body to nurture it with her bloodline, fate energy, and essence to be completed.

The jade slip also mentioned that once the Phoenix Blood Banner is refined, the cultivator will suffer great harm to their essence, and the Phoenix Destiny will diminish, leaving little of its wondrous nature.

Then, even if a high-level cultivator takes notice, they would only deem the origin entirely lost, with the Phoenix Destiny greatly reduced, making it unusable.

"The secret techniques and skills of the Cultivation World, how could we possibly imagine them."

Lu Wen Yuan said ambiguously.

"Is it that fellow Daoist wants the 'Phoenix Blood Banner' after it's refined?" Wenyin bit down on her silver teeth: "If so, I am willing to offer it with both hands!"

She seemed indeed to hate her disaster-attracting constitution deeply.

But more importantly, she feared Lu Wen Yuan might kill her for the treasure.

Considering he had saved her life, she was willing to offer the treasure to avoid calamity.

"That's unnecessary."

Lu Wen Yuan's face revealed a peculiar smile: "If the young lady wants to repay me, then just lend me the artifact for a moment after it's refined!"

Wenyin's expression instantly became very complex.

…

Several months later.

On the outskirts of the Green Pill Mountain Range.

This area is already within the territory of the Dan Ding Sect, where Foundation Establishment Cultivators often fly with their artifacts, thus making it relatively safe.

In a dense forest, the chirping of baby phoenixes could be heard.

Blood clouds appeared, enveloping the surroundings, carrying a fragrance akin to musk and orchids.

"Collect!"

Lu Wen Yuan cast a spell, causing the blood clouds to gather and merge into a small flag.

On the surface of the flag was a crimson phoenix pattern, wings ready to fly.

It seemed that this pattern had been brushed on with fresh blood, exuding an alluring and sinister aura.

"Indeed, just like the records state, this 'Phoenix Blood Banner' excels in both offense and defense, surpassing top-tier Magic Artifacts..."

Lu Wen Yuan's face showed a hint of joy, yet he watchfully observed the Phoenix Blood Banner disappearing with some regret.

The artifact itself was naturally still in Wenyin's possession; this was a historical virtual projection he summoned.

"Regrettably... the physical item has another feature. Unlike ordinary Magic Artifacts that can only be stored in pouches, it can be absorbed into the Dantian of a cultivator, refined with vital energy, offering subtle functionality akin to a nascent treasure. Additionally, with prolonged refining, its power can slowly ascend..."

However, the projection was not worthy of further refinement; investing anything into it would be futile.

Remembering that day when Wenyin, pale-faced, handed him the Wind Blood Flag, Lu Wen Yuan couldn't help but appear thoughtful.

'This woman possesses an extraordinary character, understanding when to let go... If given a chance, she might achieve great things in the future!'

Even though Wenyin was greatly depleted in vitality, and her Phoenix Destiny Body was ruined, ultimately she refined the artifact herself, rather than being exploited by others, retaining some foundation, closing the gap with ordinary cultivators.

And possessing a small treasure was indeed a decent asset.

If she could obtain some opportunity, perhaps she might achieve some success in the future.

But that was no longer his concern; the enmity between him and that woman was now settled, leaving no traces of relations remaining.

Lu Wen Yuan was an ascetic cultivator; ever since gaining that great opportunity, his life's pursuit was to achieve immortality, devoid of any romantic entanglements.

After testing the artifact, he continued his journey.

Days later, he saw a mountain peak resembling an ancient tripod, surrounded by lush greenery and hints of warmth, indicating possible hot springs.

"The geographical vein here likely contains fire veins?"

Lu Wen Yuan envied greatly.

His family could never afford to construct a dedicated Earth Fire Room.

Among the various arts of cultivation, many require specific realms and mastery, like Second-Order Spirit Talisman Masters often being Foundation Establishment Cultivators, for without them, how could one practice Foundation Establishment Stage spells?

Alchemy is similar; to refine Second-Order Elixir Pills or higher, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator with Innate True Fire is necessary.

Yet, the Earth Fire Room is a clever substitute, utilizing stable earth fire in place of a cultivator's true fire, allowing Qi Refinement cultivators to attempt refining Second-Order Elixir Pills.

Even so, most Second-order Alchemists indeed possess Foundation Establishment, while Qi Refinement cultivators are rare.

"This must be Green Tripod Peak? As the rumors say, resembling a cauldron." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

Lu Wen Yuan walked to the foot of Green Tripod Peak and saw a small cultivator town.

In the town, various loose cultivators and sect disciples mingled, along with many mortals, most likely family members of Dan Ding Sect cultivators.

At the town entrance, a huge yellow paper notice was posted.

"The Dan Ding Sect informs visitors: if you wish to purchase Elixir Pills, please go to the Outer Pill Hall..."

"Standards for recruiting disciples: bone age under thirteen, above three Spirit Roots, priority for those with special skills and Spiritual Bodies..."

"Pill Master recruitment notice..."

Lu Wen Yuan glanced briefly and couldn't help but gasp: "If I lacked skill in Alchemy, it seems entering Dan Ding Sect would be very difficult..."

Yet considering his alchemical skills, Lu Wen Yuan was full of confidence once more.

He considered himself not entirely without talent in Alchemy.

And, in the limitless supply of resources, he was confident he could become an Alchemy Master, at the very least.

"Apparently, one can enter the Dan Ding Sect not just by apprenticeship; entering as a Pill Master after passing assessments is another way to join..."

Lu Wen Yuan felt somewhat tempted, but did not make a decision.

What if entering as a Pill Master turns him into an alchemical laborer?

Moreover, joining a sect, while enjoying various benefits, leaves one without refusal rights against its summons, truly a mixed bargain.

Lu Wen Yuan, ever cautious, decided to first gather information about Foundation Establishment Pill and Dan Ding Sect's inner workings within the markets before making a decision.

At that moment, a cultivator who seemed like a broker approached with a face full of smiles: "Fellow Daoist, are you perhaps interested in purchasing Spirit Pills or joining the Dan Ding Sect? My name is Huang Chun, and I am quite knowledgeable in these matters..."