Chapter Eighty-Five: Breakthrough

"Ten plants!"

Half a day later, although there was still no news about the plant spirits that could evade the curse, the ten ordinary plant spirits he had requested were already delivered by Zhang Cheng.

“Haha, as you wished, Brother Tu, all ten of these plant spirits are extremely aggressive. Is there anything else you need?”

Tu Lu shook his head and clasped his hands in gratitude. “Thank you, Brother Zhang. I’m a bit short on funds right now—let’s settle the payment later.”

“What are you saying!” Zhang Cheng was clearly displeased.

“You’re risking your life for us, infiltrating the Purple family’s inner circle—it’s extremely dangerous. Compared to that, these plant spirits, though precious, are nothing. They are yours, no payment needed!”

Tu Lu hesitated, then smiled wryly. “Then I shall graciously accept.”

“That’s more like it!” Zhang Cheng nodded, then sighed. “As for the plant spirits that can avoid the curse, there’s still no news. Wu Hao and the others are searching, but to avoid exposing your whereabouts, they didn’t come this time. I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” Tu Lu replied quickly with a smile.

Zhang Cheng laughed heartily. “Good! Come, let’s have another drink!”

“Gladly!”

...

Half a day later, Zhang Cheng departed. Tu Lu took out the ten plant spirits.

After checking them, he found nothing amiss.

The next day, at the break of dawn, he sent the plant spirits to his true body.

Afterwards, he headed to the largest inn in the city: the Moonlike Inn.

After settling in, he informed Zhang Cheng of his location.

Obstructing Purple Camel Peak was only one of his goals; he had a greater mission—obtaining the essence of Purple Waterlily.

As for the method, though he had a vague plan, he would not act rashly until he was certain; for now, gathering information was his priority.

His consciousness returned to his main body.

The ten plant spirits lay quietly in his palm.

“As expected of the Three Young Masters of Taixu Prefecture—these plant spirits are all Sword Grass. If it were me, I’d need at least a year to collect them, but they managed it in half a day.”

Tu Lu sighed in admiration.

He knew well that Zhang Cheng and the others helped him partly due to their drinking camaraderie, but more importantly because he was now by Purple Camel Peak’s side—a nail they had hammered in, a valuable asset.

“Whatever the reason, those three are trustworthy. With these ten Sword Grass, I can refine nine sword avatars, and keep one as a spare, ready to step into the Violet Palace realm at any moment!

This way, even if I fail to obtain the Sacred Embryo, I can destroy the Divine Fetus and leave!”

Tu Lu frowned.

By his analysis, even if Purple Camel Peak had a Divine Transformation expert supporting them, such a powerful figure would not linger outside the Divine Fetus just for him.

Considering Purple Camel Peak’s temperament and situation, it was likely the secret of the Divine Fetus was unknown to outsiders.

Thus, his only threat was the old city lord, who was at the half-step Divine Transformation stage!

“If I can scheme for the Sacred Embryo, all the better. If not, I mustn’t be obsessed. When the time comes, I’ll break the curse ahead of time, use eighteen avatars to break through to Violet Palace, then reveal the Divine Fetus secret to Zhang Cheng and his companions, and destroy it with their help!”

Weighing his options once more in his mind, he finally decided.

He pushed open the door and stepped outside.

“Master Tu!” The servant waiting outside bowed quickly.

“Please inform Young Master Purple that I will be in seclusion, studying inscription arts, and cannot be contacted during this period. I hope he understands.”

“Of course!” The servant nodded hurriedly.

Tu Lu nodded in return.

Three days later, in the secret chamber of the provincial estate, the nine Sword Grass had all become avatars. A surge of sword intent burst forth—not the Violet Palace realm, yet it radiated a terrifying aura stronger than most Violet Palace cultivators!

Tu Lu absorbed the nine Sword Grass avatars into his body, and his aura soared!

Instantly, it surpassed the Violet Palace realm by far!

The mana within him crystallized completely, as heavy as grains of sand.

He flicked his finger; the air exploded with a thunderous crack. The chamber’s wards flashed but shattered instantly!

On the wall forged of black iron, his light flick created a hole the size of a human head.

This was the effect typically achieved only by a Violet Palace cultivator’s full-force attack!

“Strange!”

Yet, Tu Lu frowned.

By rights, with mana at this level, he should be able to form a Violet Palace Dao Shrine, but his dantian sea showed no sign of it.

He remained in the Body Refining stage, yet his strength far surpassed ordinary Violet Palace cultivators—an unprecedented state.