Chapter 315: Did You Think I Had No Pride?
Everyone searched around the Kun Peng Temple for a while.
Unfortunately, they did not find anything else. The previous trial-takers that had entered the Kun Peng Temple had already taken everything that could be taken away.
The whole Kun Peng Temple was empty with no Dharma treasures nor weapons left.
Thus, everyone left the Kun Peng Temple and returned to the island.
Currently, besides the core area of the island, which was covered by chaotic aura, Shen Tian and the others had basically searched everywhere else.
The remaining bits and pieces of fortuitous opportunities were of little value to everyone.
Therefore, they listened to Shen Tian’s suggestion and returned near the island’s periphery, waiting for a crack to open on the chaotic aura barrier.
Of course, the waiting time was random.
If they were lucky, they might encounter it in one or two days. If they were unlucky, being trapped for two or three months was perfectly normal.
That was one of the main reasons why most prodigies would stop searching around the islands and return to Chaotic Star Island’s outer region after nine months.
After all, one’s desire was endless.
If one was still in Chaotic Star Island’s inner region and encountered an opening on an island’s thick chaotic aura barrier, should they enter or not?
What if one was trapped inside the island after they entered as the island did not open even after two or three months?
Since ancient times, the number of prodigies that died in Chaotic Star Island with the try-your-luck mentality was innumerable.
There were quite a few extremely talented individuals, so it was a pity.
...
Fortunately, the time spent waiting was not dull.
They had benefited greatly from the two fortuitous opportunities previously, so they needed enough time to internalize them.
While waiting for the chaotic aura barrier, everyone took out their Sea G.o.d’s Star Tears to absorb and continued cultivating the Kun Peng Dao.
They communicated and sparred with each other, which in turn greatly benefited their strength improvement.
Meanwhile, Shen Tian also needed enough time to completely comprehend the Kun Peng Dao and the numerous killing arts it contained.
This was an ingenious and obscure heritage that required one to spend a large amount of time to learn and refine.
Frankly speaking, if it was not that the Kun Peng Dao’s power was quite okay, Shen Tian would not have even wanted to learn it. He simply had too many heritages on him, such as the True Dragon Imperial Sutra, Divine Firmament Imperial Sutra, Sky-Smashing Palm, Heavenly Wilderness 36 Hammers, and so on.
If Shen Tian spent a huge effort to learn each one, it would be too tiring for him.
Sigh... Why do I have so many heritages? It’s really troublesome!
Cultivating was fruitful and interesting, so half a month quickly pa.s.sed.
Everyone’s strength had improved greatly in this half month, especially Yu Pianxian and the four princes.
Although the arts of their races were top-notch, they were simply not even on the same level as the Kun Peng Dao.
The comprehension of a part of the Kun Peng Dao was definitely a huge fortuitous opportunity for them as it would be a great inspiration to their whole future cultivation path. Coupled with the Sea G.o.d’s Star Tear’s help, their individual strength had increased by quite a few times in half a month.
Of course, Qi Shaoxuan had improved greatly.
It’s just that he was busy verifying the Kun Peng Dao’s and True Dragon Imperial Sutra’s attack techniques that he did not really put focus on improving his cultivation level.
Thus, Qi Shaoxuan’s foundation had become much more stable than before, while his battle strength had increased by more than two times.
However, the increase in his battle prowess was much higher than the others’ few times of increase.
As for Ao Wu, he was still lazing around...
Rumble!
The chaotic aura barrier cracked once again.
Everyone’s eyes lit up, and they used their fastest techniques to fly out of the aura barrier.
For the sake of safety, the Shark Prince and the others even used the newly comprehended Kun Peng Dao to fly out. They were worried that they would encounter the same awkward situation as they had when they entered. By then, Shen Tian would have to save them again.
However, they left the chaotic aura barrier smoothly this time. They were not caught in a predicament like when they entered it.
The aura barrier’s crack lasted for a little more than ten seconds, so they flew out with ease.
At that moment, everyone was relieved.
“Phew! We’re finally safe!”
The four princes exchanged looks and seemed to have made a decision.
The Silver Octopus race’s White Prince cupped his fists toward Shen Tian and said respectfully, “It’s all thanks to Brother Shen that we could get out safely and obtain such fortuitous opportunities this time.
“However, Brother Shen and Brother Qi possess extraordinary strength, so the both of you must be inclined to enter deeper within the islands to maximize the benefits.
“The four of us lack in strength, so we will most likely hinder the both of you if we continue traveling together.
“Therefore, after pondering carefully, it’s better for us to split and venture separately!
“After Brother Shen and Brother Qi finish exploring the island, we can gather, and the four of us will treat the both of you in the City of Bliss.”
As the White Prince was speaking, the other three princes had sincere and honest expressions.
It was obvious that they were serious.
Shen Tian had nearly been devoured by the chaotic aura barrier to save them half a month ago.
That made them extremely embarra.s.sed—they were neither kith nor kin of Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan, after all.
Even with Black Dragon Island as the bridge between them, the four of them already owed Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan greatly after freeloading so many fortuitous opportunities. They would be annoying if they still clung to Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan.
Also, they had other considerations too.
They wanted to return before the trial ended to take a look at the secret books of their races and see if there was any effective way to help Shen Tian oppress the chaotic aura within him. Then, they would be able to barely repay their debt of grat.i.tude and would not feel so ashamed of themselves.
After the four princes finished, Yu Pianxian looked at Shen Tian. Her gaze was filled with the reluctance to bid farewell.
“Brother Shen, my cultivation is still lacking, so I’ll take my leave too. After Brother Shen finishes the trial, you can use the conch to call for me anytime. By then, I’ll be willing to sing and dance to a song for Brother Shen exclusively.”
While speaking, Yu Pianxian’s face turned bright red from shyness.
Well, her face looked just like a braised fish.
...
Shen Tian felt resigned upon seeing that everyone was determined to leave. He tried dissuading them, but they seemed to have made up their minds and insisted on leaving.
Nonetheless, it was exactly as they said, Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan were heading deeper within the Chaotic Star Island domain.
If they encountered another sudden situation like the “chaotic aura barrier fluctuation”, it would be difficult for Shen Tian to take care of everyone no matter how strong he was.
Anyway, the four princes and Yu Pianxian had already reaped great benefits, and their providence had also increased by quite a bit. Thus, it was not a bad choice to return to Chaotic Star Island’s outer region.
At that thought, Shen Tian took a deep look at the four princes’ foreheads.
He then smiled and said, “Alright then, since everyone insists, I won’t force you to stay. If you trust me, try exploring in the east direction after reaching Chaotic Star Island’s outer region. You might encounter a few star islands that are of better quality and have some unexpected gains.”
Shen Tian had seen in the princes’ halos that their fortuitous opportunities were on an island in the east. Although the quality could not be compared to the Kun Peng Dao and even the 502 Sea G.o.d’s Star Tears, it was better than nothing.
Their providence could increase slightly too, so it was something good.
“Toward east? I understand. Thank you for the advice, Brother Shen!”
The White Prince was instantly elated upon receiving Shen Tian’s hint and relating it to the gossip and rumors regarding Shen Tian he had heard from Li Yunfeng.
“We will head toward the east direction in search of treasures later. If we do find something, we will definitely remember Brother Shen’s favor.
“Brother Yunfeng has already informed me about the Favored Ones group’s rules. We’ll give you half of our gains. I know it.”
As he spoke, the White Prince playfully winked.
Shen Tian smiled brightly.
The four of them should be able to find their fortuitous opportunities with my advice. My providence will most likely increase again.
Shen Tian was very pleased with himself.
However, after hearing the White Prince mention, “the Favored Ones group’s rules. We’ll give you half of our gains”, Shen Tian’s face gradually darkened.
Liu Taiyi and Li Yunfeng, these two b.a.s.t.a.r.ds! Just what did they anyhow say? How did this piece of information even reach North Sea?
What does it mean by the Favored Ones group’s rule of giving half their gains?
That was the Celievers! It has already been whitewashed and transformed for the better!
It’s like you’re implying I’m greedy for your money by telling you where the fortuitous opportunity is.
Isn’t this slander!?
It’s simply too saddening.
I originally did not intend to take the money, but I won’t refuse such compensation since you’ve said such hurtful words.
Hmph!
This is the compensation for my damaged reputation!
...
After having fun by joking around, drinking, and eating, everyone separated.
The four princes and Yu Pianxian, who were weaker, left for Chaotic Star Island’s outer region while Qi Shaoxuan, Shen Tian, and Ao Wu headed deeper within.
Well, originally, Ao Wu also had to withdraw from the team, only leaving Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan.
However, Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan could ride Ao Wu!
Shen Tian and Qi Shaoxuan had both cultivated the True Dragon Imperial Sutra so they could cooperate with Ao Wu to unleash joint attacks, increasing their battle prowess greatly.
Shen Tian was fine as his strongest card up his sleeve was not the True Dragon Imperial Sutra.
However, Qi Shaoxuan’s battle prowess could increase exponentially when he and Ao Wu joined hands. Despite that, Ao Wu’s cultivation level was still low.
If Ao Wu also successfully broke through to the Nirvana stage and reached Qi Shaoxuan’s cultivation level, their battle strength would increase by several times—they would be overwhelming!
Thus, it was temporarily better for Qi Shaoxuan alone to join hands with Ao Wu.
After splitting with the other five, Shen Tian, Qi Shaoxuan, and Ao Wu had greater mobility.
They did encounter attacks by powerful ocean beasts on the way; some were mutated beasts from the Chaos Array itself, while the others were prodigies the Chaos Array had cursed. Both shared the same trait—they were extremely powerful.
Chaotic Star Island’s living creatures were no weaker than the Nascent Soul stage. They were all basically at the Nascent Soul stage’s peak, and their battle prowess was exceptionally strong. One of them could be compared to several peak Supremacies joining hands.
These ferocious beasts would occasionally even work together to attack the trio, pressuring the three of them heavily.
Even if Qi Shaoxuan and Ao Wu joined hands and unleashed the Dragon Knight secret techniques, they had narrowly escaped danger quite a few times. They were fortunate to have Shen Tian looking over them.
Thus, Qi Shaoxuan and Ao Wu were even more convinced of Shen Tian’s battle strength.
Shen Tian was too exceptionally powerful as he could kill a mutated beast that was a step away from the Soul Formation stage with just one strike.
Although Qi Shaoxuan had witnessed Shen Tian’s Flying Sword Intent more than once, he would still be stunned, obsessed, and astonished whenever he used that strike.
This also made Qi Shaoxuan even more persistent toward Shen Tian as the latter was his example for cultivating. He believed that as long as he kept on chasing Shen Tian and tried his best to reduce the distance between them, he would be able to become the strongest one day.
...
What Shen Tian did not know was that in a few days after they had left Kun Peng Island, another group of trial-takers also arrived at Kun Peng Island.
The newcomers were Kun Ming, Er Tongtian, and Bi Xuanqing. They were all from forces that were on bad terms with Black Dragon Island, and the Great Void Kun race was the antagonizing group’s leader.
Kun Ming was at the Nirvana stage’s peak, so he was the leader and the most powerful powerhouse in this trial.
“This island looks quite good. Its chaotic aura is extremely thick, so it’s obvious that there are huge fortuitous opportunities within. Let’s choose this island,” suggested Er Tongtian as he looked at the island in satisfaction.
One had to know that there were countless star islands within the Chaos Array, but they were partially illusions in the array.
Normally, the thicker the chaotic aura was, the larger the fortuitous opportunities within would be.
It would be difficult for most prodigies to find an island with such thick chaotic aura.
In Er Tongtian’s point of view, this island contained the thickest chaotic aura he had seen.
Thus, as long as they successfully entered it, the benefits would definitely not disappoint them.
“Looks like it is indeed quite thick, then let’s wait here!”
Kun Ming came to the same conclusion as Er Tongtian, and he felt that there were definitely huge fortuitous opportunities within.
He carried dual blades behind him and emitted a domineering aura as if he could conquer mountains and rivers. His eyes were filled with intense battle intent.
“It’s a pity that we did not run into those two humans along the way.”
Kun Ming was a rare prodigy that only appeared less than once every few thousand years. Thus, he had always been unstoppable.
Yu Pianxian was the woman Kun Ming fancied, his exclusive partner.
All along, Kun Ming had never given up on pursuing Yu Pianxian even though she did not like him.
That was because no other prodigies in North Sea dared to chase Yu Pianxian. As such, he would definitely succeed if he continued pursuing.
However, those two humans had dared to get involved with Yu Pianxian; it was simply disrupting the market. That was especially so for that Divine Firmament Saint, who was extremely handsome.
If he wandered around Yu Piantian every day, how would it be possible that she would have eyes for Kun Ming?
As the saying went, “Seizing another person’s love is as serious as murdering one’s parents.”
Kun Ming guaranteed that if he encountered those two humans, he would definitely beat them so badly even their own mothers wouldn’t recognize them.
Then, he would ride them as his mount and appear in front of Yu Piantian haughtily to let her know that he was the strongest prodigy in North Sea!
...
Kun Ming sat down cross-legged outside Kun Peng Island while letting his imagination run wild.
Kun Ming was silently waiting for the chaotic aura barrier to open. He believed that this chaotic aura barrier would not let him wait for too long with his luck.
That was what he believed.
Then... three months pa.s.sed.
One had to know that most star islands’ aura barriers would open within a month.
Few islands would have long intervals of one and a half months, or at most two months.
Meanwhile, the chaotic aura barrier of this Kun Peng Island had stayed closed for three months.
It was unknown if it was related to Shen Tian’s strike and two slaps. Anyway, Kun Ming, Er Tongtian, and Bi Xuanqing were already kicking their heels from waiting. Only G.o.d knew how they pulled through the past three months!
From the start of the second month, the trio had already thought of more than once to stop waiting and directly change to another island.
However, they were not resigned!
One had to know that Chaotic Star Island only opened for a total of 12 months, and they would need to leave around the ninth month.
Leave after wasting one month? Who would be willing to!
Hence, they just kept on waiting.
They had already waited for a month, so the island might open in a few hours.
Then, they waited for another month.
Such a mentality was extremely similar to those caught by stock funds, so they were stuck there.
You want to leave?
No way!
...
On the third month’s eighth day, Kun Ming finally could not take it anymore.
He roared toward the sky, and a humongous Kun avatar instantly appeared behind him.
The sand was sent flying, and pebbles started rolling on the beach while the seawater surged and sprayed all over the sky, forming a strange dark-colored rainbow under the sunlight of chaotic colors.
“Why is it still not open? Why!?”
Kun Ming resisted the urge to pull out his dual swords and slash the chaotic aura barrier.
Bi Xuanqing stared straight at the island and said reluctantly, “Brother, so we aren’t waiting anymore?”
Kun Ming scoffed. “It’s very obvious that this island’s chaotic aura barrier won’t open at all. Otherwise, it would have opened long ago.
“We actually waited for three months in front of this aura barrier, it’s simply laughable!
“Let’s go and search other places when we still have half a year!”
After finishing, Kun Ming instantly flew toward another direction.
Er Tongtian and Bi Xuanqing looked at each other, speechless. They had no other choice but to follow Kun Ming as he was their leader.
Just as they flew away a few hundred miles, a loud rumble suddenly resounded.
That’s right, Kun Peng Island’s chaotic aura barrier cracked.
In an instant, Spirit Qi surged out of the island, covering a radius of tens of thousands of miles.
“A crack has appeared!”
“Such thick Spirit Qi! It’s a supreme-grade island!”
Er Tongtian was straightforward.
Upon sensing the chaotic aura barrier’s surging Spirit Qi, his eyes turned green. “This island definitely has great treasures!”
Bi Xuanqing was even more direct. He immediately ran toward the aura barrier’s crack like his life depended on it, leaving behind a streak of azure light.
Kun Ming was completely astounded.
What is this situation? I waited for three months, and you don’t open.
Now that I’m about to leave, you... open your aura barrier for me to enter?
Do you think I have no pride?
You’re right!
As compared to a true fortuitous opportunity, his pride was not important!
Not important at all!
...
Once the chaotic aura barrier in front of him opened, Kun Ming could obviously sense the blood within him trembling.
It was as if there was something on the island resonating with his blood.
Although such a resonance was weak, Kun Ming believed that he definitely did sense it.
He could feel that his blood was telling him something strongly.
I want it!
I want it!!
I want it!!!
Such a desire was extremely sudden and strong—it surged into him like a tsunami!
It was obvious that this island was fated with him, and it was a huge fortuitous opportunity.
He was determined to obtain this fortuitous opportunity!