Chapter 122: The Pool of Bone Soldiers

In the tranquil setting of the Clear Heart Cottage, sunlight filtered through the air, accompanied by a gentle breeze. It was a picture of serene stillness, entirely detached from the brewing storms of the outside world—storms that had no bearing on the Taiping Sect.

After a night of meditation, Jiang Chen had gained a certain level of insight into the Bone-Sacrificial Armament Method.

"This technique is not difficult to master. Given a basic aptitude for artifact refining, entry is straightforward. However, while starting is easy, reaching a profound level of mastery is exceptionally difficult."

"The reason Daoist Graybone was able to forge the flood-dragon scale armor was primarily due to the high quality of the primary material—the bones of a flood-dragon. After all, a second-tier flood-dragon is comparable to a foundational Daoist existence."

Lost in thought, Jiang Chen pondered deeply.

"In my view, the Bone-Sacrificial Armament Method seems like a product of extraordinary circumstances, such as wartime. It prioritizes utility over quality, which explains why the materials required are simple and the barrier to entry is low."

Reflecting on the essence of the method, Jiang Chen formed a hypothesis about its origins.

"The core of the Bone-Sacrificial Armament Method lies in the 'Armament Pool.' The better the pool, the easier it is to forge artifacts. Daoist Graybone spent considerable resources and effort to collect various herbs and spiritual spring water to construct his own pool."

"Though that pool was barely functional, it was far from excellent. Its efficiency in refining artifacts was low; ultimately, Daoist Graybone’s foundations were too shallow."

"Compared to his pool, I actually have a better alternative."

His mind turned to the spiritual cavern beneath Wood-Fish Island.

Within that cavern lay a Lotus Spirit Pool, which possessed the unique property of concentrating spiritual energy. With some minor modifications, it would serve as an excellent Armament Pool—far superior to anything a rogue cultivator like Graybone could painstakingly cobble together.

"The only problem is that the spiritual energy within the Lotus Spirit Pool has been exhausted. I must find a way to replenish it."

"The simplest way would be to pour in spirit sand or spirit stones. If I use enough, the pool will naturally fill up. Unfortunately, my current wealth is insufficient. However, I have other means."

With this thought, Jiang Chen turned his gaze toward the world outside the Taiping Sect.

While Jiang Chen was digesting his gains, the Gao family, after paying a significant price, had finally located the cave dwelling of Daoist Corpse. To their frustration, by the time they gathered their forces and prepared to surround and kill him, they found the dwelling long abandoned.

"Daoist Corpse left here a long time ago."

***

Looking at the chaotic, ransacked dwelling, Gao Mingjun’s face darkened.

"Have you found the traces of Daoist Graybone and Old Man Blackheart?"

With a frigid expression, Gao Mingjun looked toward the Gao family cultivator beside him.

The cultivator lowered his head. "Reporting to the Elder, Old Man Blackheart’s dwelling has been found, but there was no sign of him. It was likely just a temporary refuge."

"As for Daoist Graybone, his dwelling has yet to be located. He has always been adept at hiding."

The cultivator spoke in a low voice, relaying the latest intelligence.

Gao Mingjun did not speak immediately.

"Could it be that Daoist Graybone and Old Man Blackheart truly died at the hands of Daoist Corpse? If that is the case, then Daoist Corpse is even more troublesome than I anticipated."

Gao Mingjun’s brow furrowed at the possibility.

"Restore the scene and keep a watch on this place. Arrest anyone who approaches. The probability is slim, but it is still possible that Daoist Corpse might return."

Leaving these orders, Gao Mingjun turned and departed from the former dwelling.

Over the next ten days, the Gao family utilized all their connections to conduct a dragnet search across Qingyuan County, making their aggressive stance clear. Yet, Daoist Corpse seemed to have vanished into thin air, leaving no traces behind.

When this news reached Green Bamboo Mountain, Gao Siyuan said nothing, but his expression turned colder.

"Qingyuan County is neither large nor small. With the cooperation of the County Governor's Office and the use of various tracking arts, it is impossible for Daoist Corpse to have vanished without a single trace."

"Is Daoist Corpse truly who he claims to be? Is he merely an evil cultivator hiding his strength to kill for wealth, or is someone deliberately targeting our Gao family?"

Standing on the edge of a cliff, gazing into the distance, Gao Siyuan’s thoughts drifted far away.

***

He was indeed pained by the deaths of Gao Siyuan and Gao Sixing, but the true reason he was willing to spare no cost for revenge was the scent of danger he detected. He feared this was merely a probe against the Gao family.

"Daoist Corpse, Old Man Blackheart, and Daoist Graybone—all three have vanished. Perhaps they have not just gone into hiding, but have truly ceased to exist."

"While there are methods in this world to make someone disappear without a trace, they are not easy to execute. Regardless of how they hid, those three were mere rogue cultivators with limited means. The simplest way to make someone vanish is to kill them."

As these thoughts collided, Gao Siyuan began to doubt the identity of Daoist Corpse.

"Although Daoist Corpse is at the center of this, there is another person who has been overlooked: the Taiping Daoist, Jiang Chen."

"While this may not be directly related to him, it is better to kill by mistake than to let one slip. After all, the origin of this incident was Sixing’s desire to deal with him. Now Sixing is dead and he is alive—that in itself is the greatest crime."

"Furthermore, I can take this opportunity to test the Lu family and see the true state of the old ghost of the Lu family. If he is truly failing, it will be a great opportunity for my Gao family."

"Qinghe County is only so large, and resources are finite. As long as the Lu family stands, my Gao family can never advance further."

Thinking of Jiang Chen, Gao Siyuan turned his gaze toward Qinghe County.

At that moment, he resolved to personally head to the Taiping Sect.

Although he often appeared to look down on his younger brother, Gao Sixing, they were brothers by blood, and his feelings were deeper than they appeared. Had it not been so, Gao Sixing would have long since been executed for his previous antics.

Gao Sixing always thought his petty schemes were hidden, unaware that the entire Gao family was under his brother's control. He had known about most of Sixing’s actions; he simply couldn't be bothered to intervene as long as they didn't cross a line.

"Father, I ultimately failed to fulfill your last request, but I will never let the person who killed Sixing go unpunished."

Recalling his father’s dying words, a murderous intent sprouted in Gao Siyuan’s heart.

Just as Gao Siyuan prepared to set off for Qinghe County, Jiang Chen had already arrived quietly in Qingxi County.