However, only Ronald was blinded by the light in the room, while Xiao Wenbing and Elder Yan seemed completely unconcerned.
After all, for those of them who possess top-tier cultivation levels, this level of light is still within their tolerance.
"Master, be careful." Ronald suddenly stopped and grabbed Xiao Wenbing's sleeve, whispering.
Looking back at him, Ronald squinted, shielding his forehead with one hand, his cheek tilted upwards. He nodded slightly, feeling an indescribable affection for this disciple. So when he asked to come in, Xiao Wenbing agreed without hesitation.
Although Elder Yan felt it was inappropriate, he couldn't utter a word of objection to this expert who had refined thirty-six level-nine universal beads, so he could only agree with a wry smile.
Xiao Wenbing smiled slightly and said, "It's alright." In his heart, he was relieved. Fortunately, he had the foresight to find a substitute in the Tribulation Transcending stage. After being refined by the Mirror God, his physical body had become incredibly strong, which was why he was not afraid of this light.
If it were his original form, hehe, he might have made a fool of himself on the spot, just like Ronaldo.
This substitute's power is actually greater than the original body's. If Master knew, he would definitely be extremely envious. Yes, although this body belonged to a top-tier expert who had transcended tribulation, it had lost its mind and had been refined into an external avatar, meaning it had transcended the Three Realms and was no longer subject to the Five Elements. Even if used to withstand heavenly tribulations, there would be no danger of triggering a chain of tribulations.
Such an avatar, if used properly, could potentially rival a level ten magical artifact...
Looking up, he saw a vast stone chamber beneath the earth. Xiao Wenbing's heart skipped a beat, and a gleam of extreme joy flashed in his eyes. Because he saw it—in the center of the chamber, hanging high above, an incredibly familiar five-colored halo. For a fleeting moment, his body paused.
"Master," Ronald alertly reminded him from behind.
Xiao Wenbing closed his eyes and said calmly, "It's alright, I understand."
Ronald smiled sheepishly, still unable to fathom what his master had already understood.
Although Xiao Wenbing knew he was in danger, the moment he saw the Qiankun Ring, he couldn't control his emotions; the overwhelming joy he felt exceeded his limits.
"Haha, what do you think of this treasure, fellow Daoist?" Elder Yan was somewhat surprised by his performance, but he didn't think of anything else.
In Elder Yan's mind, this was a master of artifact crafting. Therefore, given the resource-scarce nature of the Yan Realm, it was understandable that he would be slightly excited upon suddenly seeing such an unparalleled treasure as the Qiankun Ring.
Waving his hand to stop Ronald's continued calls, Xiao Wenbing opened his eyes. He sincerely said, "Excellent! The five elements flow, mutually generating and restraining each other, perfectly seamless. Truly the number one magical artifact in the world..."
Elder Yan sighed helplessly. He said, "That's right, this treasure is just too miraculous. That's why we're still at a loss."
"Elder Yan, do you think these level-nine universal beads can break through this defensive barrier?"
Elder Yan was taken aback, and slowly said, "It should be possible." However, judging from his tone, he had no confidence at all.
At this moment, more than forty people were sitting cross-legged around the Qiankun Circle. Xiao Wenbing could tell at a glance that, apart from the five people at the very front, the rest of them were all at the peak of the Tribulation Transcending Realm.
However, even though they are all at the top level of the Tribulation Transcending Realm, the power they possess is different.
Just as HP and others may have high cultivation levels, they are worlds apart from Long Shi and the Food King.
Among the dozens of people here, apart from the five Venerables, the rest all possessed superior strength. Although they were still no match for the freak King, nor could they compare to Long Shi and Feng Hua, the two experts who had absorbed dragon scales and phoenix feathers, they were not inferior to other dragons and phoenixes.
A quick glance revealed an old acquaintance: the demon leader who had led the demon army to invade the cultivation world. Judging from his seat, he was only of average status among these people. This showed that most of the elites of the Flame Realm had indeed gathered here.
Of course, being able to see these things doesn't mean Xiao Wenbing has exceptional eyesight. Rather, it's thanks to the Mirror God hidden behind the scenes. Apart from the spirit of this divine artifact, probably no one else in this realm could see so clearly at a glance.
Upon hearing the sound, most people turned around simultaneously, each with a faint smile on their face. In terms of attitude, this was a stark contrast to those who seemed to think they were above everyone else.
The dragon and phoenix are far superior.
"Elder Yan, this must be the fellow Daoist."
A rumbling sound came from above, and even the air currents seemed to carry a scorching heat.
"Indeed." Elder Yan bowed respectfully and said, "Venerable Quini, this..." He glanced at Xiao Wenbing and suddenly realized something. After so long, he still didn't know the man's name. However, he was too embarrassed to ask at this moment, so he could only vaguely say, "This fellow Daoist has already refined thirty-six level nine universal beads."
Xiao Wenbing looked up and saw a tall man in front of him, his body radiating heat, staring at him with eyes as fiery as flames.
A faint pressure swept towards him from afar, causing Xiao Wenbing's body to tremble slightly, and the divine power suppressed within him almost burst forth on its own.
Fortunately, he reacted quickly, and as soon as he sensed something was wrong, he retreated with lightning speed. He made up his mind that if this person continued to pester him, he would have to unleash his divine power. In any case, with this physical body and four dark infants, although victory would not be easy, he was still confident of escaping.
However, he was clearly overthinking it, because Quinni only tested the waters slightly before immediately giving up.
In this realm, replenishing one's immortal power is extremely difficult, so Quini and the others will not act rashly unless it is absolutely necessary.
"What are you going to do?" Xiao Wenbing asked in a sinister tone. Although Quini was a celestial being from the lower realm, Xiao Wenbing did not show the slightest fear.
However, in a flash, Ronald had already rushed in front of him, knelt down on both knees, and said, "Your Excellency, please forgive my master's recklessness."
Xiao Wenbing looked down and saw that Ronald's face was deathly pale, and even his voice was trembling, but he still knelt down firmly and kowtowed repeatedly to beg for mercy.
A thought struck Xiao Wenbing, and he immediately understood. Ronald had been taught from a young age that the Venerable One was invincible and could not be offended. Although his master was also a top-tier expert who had transcended tribulations, in every aspect, cultivators could not compare to immortals.
That's why he disregarded his own safety and went forward to plead for mercy.
Having understood this, Xiao Wenbing's heart seemed to be touched by something, and his eyes became even more complicated.
Quini chuckled. He had only acted this way because a strange feeling suddenly arose upon seeing Xiao Wenbing, prompting him to subconsciously test his skills. In his mind, he had only assumed that Xiao Wenbing was a master from some remote planet, never imagining that he was actually from the cultivation world.
Seeing their reaction, I felt a little embarrassed. Why am I being so suspicious today?
He coughed lightly, suppressing his aura of immortality, and bowed deeply to Xiao Wenbing, saying, "Thank you for your righteousness, fellow Daoist. I apologize for my rudeness."
Given his status, since he had already lowered his head, Xiao Wenbing naturally couldn't pursue the matter any further, and could only say, "You're too kind, Immortal Master."
Quini sighed deeply, and with a wave of his hand, the universal bead in Elder Yan's hand flew up and landed in his. Quini stroked the bead in his hand, and suddenly sighed softly, "These thirty-six level-nine universal beads may be our last chance."
His voice was low, as if he had a difficult decision on his mind, hence his hesitation.
Xiao Wenbing watched coldly, inwardly sneering. Thirty-six level-nine universal beads, humph, you'll know when you use them.
Turning his head, gazing at the dazzling five-colored light in mid-air, Xiao Wenbing's hand unconsciously clenched.
However, no one was surprised by his behavior. If someone of his status as a master of weapon crafting were to remain indifferent to the Qiankun Ring, that would raise suspicion.
"Quinnie, I think we can begin." The elusive voice seemed to rise from the shadows, its location impossible to pinpoint.
Xiao Wenbing scanned the area but found nothing; he couldn't pinpoint the source of the sound. However, he wasn't discouraged. With his cultivation level, if these immortals intended to conceal their presence, they naturally wouldn't be able to find any clues. But if he used his Dark Infant or Divine Spark, these mere immortals would certainly have nowhere to hide.
So, why use divinity here?
Xiao Wenbing touched his neck and immediately dismissed the ridiculous idea.
He didn't know if these cultivators could sense the existence of the divine spark. However, he was absolutely certain of one thing: the existence of the divine spark could not be hidden from these immortals.
“Alright…” Queenie silently looked at the universal beads in his hand, finally letting out a long sigh. The flames around him flickered, and the universal beads, as if possessing life, flew into the hands of thirty-six of them:
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Volume 4: The Divine Artifacts, Chapter 303: Stealing Treasure
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Let's begin.
There are only thirty-six Universal Beads, but there are more than forty people here. Elder Yan is the one sitting at the very end. With his cultivation level, he is naturally unable to participate in this grand event, so he can only step back a few steps and watch from afar.
However, Xiao Wenbing wouldn't let him have a moment's peace. He tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Are they going to attack the protective shield of the Qiankun Ring?"
"Yes," Elder Yan replied quietly, "We've been besieging this place for over a month without any progress. Fortunately, thanks to the gods and the visit of fellow Daoist, we've finally seen new hope."
Divine protection? Xiao Wenbing was taken aback, never expecting Elder Yan to actually believe in gods. Didn't they know that only a god could have done the thing that imprisoned the Dark God beneath the Tree of Life...?
Although their voices were soft, what were the cultivation levels of everyone else here besides Ronald...?
Therefore, everyone could hear Xiao Wenbing's conversation with Elder Yan clearly.
However, given their composure, it wouldn't have the slightest effect whether Xiao Wenbing shouted loudly or whispered like an insect.
Xiao Wenbing and Elder Yan both understood this principle, but they subconsciously lowered their voices, as if this would prevent them from disturbing the actions of these people.
The thirty-six chosen demons picked up the universal beads and poured their spiritual power into them continuously.
In the cultivation world, the Universal Bead is not a very popular magical artifact because its crafting process is too bizarre. Generally speaking, crafting a level four or five Universal Bead is not difficult; most cultivators above the Nascent Soul stage with some understanding of artifact crafting can do it easily.
However, starting from level six, the crafting of the Universal Bead becomes unprecedentedly difficult, with a success rate so low that it's enough to make people give up.
As for why this is the case, no one can explain it.
Moreover, this magical artifact has only one attribute: increasing one's power. If it's a universal bead below level six, then its power is indeed a level lower than other magical artifacts of the same level.
Of course. For the Universal Bead, level six is a hurdle. If one can overcome this hurdle, its value will immediately increase a hundredfold, making it the most sought-after artifact.
Because it has only one single attribute, it is unremarkable at lower levels. However, as its level rises to the rank of high-level magical artifacts, the amplification of spiritual power doubles with each level increase. By level six, the amplification is eight times greater.
Its immense power already makes it comparable to other magic weapons of the same level. The sixteen-fold increase at level seven and the thirty-two-fold increase at level eight are enough to drive cultivators mad.
Level 9, a 64-fold increase! Such immense power is something even a level 10 magic weapon might not be able to withstand.
Now, what lies before these demons are thirty-six level-nine universal beads.
Thirty-six powerful demons, equivalent to Dragon and Phoenix Venerables, were about to launch a final attack on the protective shield of the Qiankun Circle, manipulating the coveted Level 9 Universal Pearls that all cultivators dreamed of.
"Elder Yan, do you think it can be done?" Xiao Wenbing asked quietly.
"It should..." Elder Yan hesitated for a moment. Finally, against his will, he said, "It will definitely succeed."
"Is that so?" Xiao Wenbing murmured, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips. "As long as I'm here, if you can still damage the Qiankun Circle, then I'll take your surname."
However, everyone's attention, including Elder Yan who led them in, was focused on the demons who were manipulating the omnipotent beads. No one noticed Xiao Wenbing's surprised expression.
An immense, overwhelming pressure emanated from the field; the Universal Bead, amplified sixty-four times, was now unleashing unimaginable power.
A subtle pressure filled the room, and these cultivators emanated a powerful aura comparable to the Five Venerables. All their spiritual power had been poured into the Omnipotent Pearl.
Quini nodded slightly, and a strange power rose from the five Venerables at the same time. Xiao Wenbing's eyes shone brightly. He was familiar with this power, which was the immortal spiritual energy from the Immortal Realm.
His gaze swept over the five Venerable Ones again. Each of them had a unique appearance. In addition to the fire-man-like Quini, there was also an immortal who looked like a wisp of black smoke. This not only broadened Xiao Wenbing's horizons but also made him feel deeply amazed.
So it turns out that smoke can also lead to immortality...
However, on second thought, if even the spirits of earth and wood can cultivate inner cores and immortal artifacts, then it's not unimaginable that a wisp of smoke could achieve something similar.
Moreover, the power displayed by this person was in no way inferior to that of Quini. If there are differences in strength even among cultivators of equal cultivation, then the same applies among immortals. Quini and this smoky figure were clearly a cut above the three who remained silent.
Outside the colorful Qiankun Circle, there is a faint, indistinct white light, which is the immortal barrier set up by the five Venerables.
While observing these demons, Xiao Wenbing had already discovered them with the help of the Mirror God. However, discovering them was one thing, and whether he could defeat them was another.
Unless he recklessly uses the divine power within the small golden talisman, he truly has no confidence in breaking through the immortal's barrier. The small golden talisman is his last line of defense; if he squanders all the energy within it, then his greatest life-saving asset will be gone.
Therefore, he had no choice but to patiently wait for the best opportunity.
Since the goal is to attack the Qiankun Circle, this immortal barrier must be removed. And this is exactly the opportunity he has been waiting for.