109: Chapter 109 The Pure Yang Fiery Aura

The flying ship headed west, cleaving through clouds and cutting through waves.

Inside the cabin, Jiang Hanzhou sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, the low hum of the Formation and the whistling sound of the gale-force winds mixing in his ears.

This "Grade C No. 7" supply flying ship was far less comfortable and swift than the white jade tower ship. Its hull was old, its Formation was crude, and it bumped significantly during flight, but for Jiang Hanzhou, this was, on the contrary, a rare tranquility.

Within three days, the flying ship stopped several times among the islands scattered like stars across the West Sea, unloading supplies and picking up personnel.

Several Outer Sect Disciples on the same ship disembarked one after another, heading to their respective posts.

The cabin gradually became empty. By the last day, aside from a few servants escorting the cargo, only Jiang Hanzhou remained, sitting in the corner of the stern.

He did not feel lonely.

He immersed his mind into his Disciple token, repeatedly studying all the records regarding Star Continent Anchorage and Fishing Ground No. 4.

Star Continent Anchorage was a vast and unique sea area in the heart of the West Sea.

The water here was calm, with few undercurrents, and the branches of Spiritual Veins crisscrossed the seabed, nurturing dozens of types of Spirit Fish, Spirit Shells, and seaweed with economic value and cultivation-assisting effects. Therefore, it was jointly coveted by various forces from the East Sea and West Sea, and after years of games and negotiations, it was finally designated as a "Jointly Managed Fishing and Hunting Zone."

Dragon Abyss Palace owned twelve high-quality fishing grounds here, and Fishing Ground No. 4 was one with a larger area and more stable output.

In the central area of Star Continent Anchorage, the most prosperous "maritime market" in the West Sea, outside of the few major cities, had formed—Star Islet Market.

According to the records in the token, the forces within Star Islet Market were intricate and complex:

The East Sea's Dragon Abyss Palace had a branch rudder here to handle fishing ground affairs, purchase special products, and trade with various parties.

The West Sea's local hegemon, "Black Jade Mansion," although its Sect grounds were thousands of miles away, also had a permanent branch here, and its influence could not be underestimated.

There were also the "Sea Quelling Department" offices of the Great Qi Dynasty, as well as merchant group strongholds from distant Western nations... People from all sides gathered here to exchange resources and trade what they had, but competition and friction were also hidden beneath the surface.

"Black Jade Mansion..." Jiang Hanzhou silently repeated the name in his heart.

The "East Sea Records" mentioned this force briefly; it was the only Sect in the West Sea that could barely be mentioned in the same breath as Dragon Abyss Palace in terms of overall strength. Its Cultivation Technique leaned towards water, yin, and cold attributes, and its Disciples acted in ways that were both righteous and evil. Its relationship with Dragon Abyss Palace was quite subtle; there was both cooperation and competition.

However, these were temporarily irrelevant to him.

Fishing Ground No. 4 was located on the northeastern edge of the Star Continent Anchorage sea area, hundreds of miles away from the prosperous Star Islet Market. The location was remote, near the boundary of the safe sea area.

Usually, when there was nothing to do, the stationed Disciples were indeed not required, nor were they encouraged, to leave the fishing ground area at will.

"Perfect." A trace of satisfaction flashed in Jiang Hanzhou's eyes.

This was the remoteness and tranquility he wanted.

Without the disturbance of miscellaneous matters, he could focus on Cultivation, accumulate insights, make a Breakthrough to the Fifth-Stage fate, and attempt to condense that wisp of "Lihuo Astral Malice."

In the afternoon of this day, the flying ship slowly lowered its altitude.

Through the porthole, the color of the sea surface below gradually turned from deep azure to a clear emerald green. Sunlight penetrated the seawater, and one could vaguely see large, colorful coral reef clusters underwater, as well as fish shadows darting like silver threads.

In the distance, a not-so-small island came into view.

The island was shaped like an irregular half-moon, running east-west, with higher terrain in the center, covered in dense coconut groves and shrubs, while the coastline consisted of gentle sandy beaches and rocky areas.

On the eastern side of the island, within a bay that had been artificially modified, one could see neatly arranged wooden piers, floating box nets, and a few simple houses.

The flying ship landed slowly on a cleared open space in the center of the island.

The cabin door opened, and the humid, warm air, carrying a strong scent of the sea and vegetation, rushed to meet him.

Jiang Hanzhou leaped off the flying ship.

Several people who had been waiting at the edge of the open space came up to greet him.

The leader was a middle-aged man with dark skin, a face weathered by the elements, and wearing coarse cloth short-garb. He looked like a fisherman who had lived on the island for a long time, but his eyes were sharp, his aura was steady, and he actually possessed the cultivation of the Late Stage of the Iron Bone Realm.

Behind him followed seven or eight men and women dressed like fishermen, old and young, all looking at Jiang Hanzhou with curiosity and a hint of awe.

"Are you the newly arrived stationed Disciple from Dragon Abyss Palace, Martial Master Jiang Hanzhou?" The middle-aged man cupped his hands, his tone respectful, his accent carrying a heavy local West Sea tone.

"That is correct." Jiang Hanzhou returned the salute. "And you are?"

"This old one is Stone Chen, the steward of this Fishing Ground No. 4, and also the leader of these fishing households on the island." The middle-aged man said hurriedly, "We have all made a living in this Star Continent Anchorage for generations. Twenty years ago, Dragon Abyss Palace designated this fishing ground, and we became employees of the Palace, responsible for daily maintenance, fishing, and rough processing. Immortal Master, just call me Old Chen."

Jiang Hanzhou nodded, his gaze sweeping over the fishing households behind Stone Chen.

Most of them had low cultivation, hovering in the Qi Nurturing Realm, but each had large hands and feet and rough skin, clearly being skilled workers who had labored for years.

The looks they gave him contained simple anticipation mixed with awe—the attitude of the new stationed Disciple would largely determine whether their lives would be easy in the coming year.

"Steward Chen, no need for such formalities. In the coming year, I will need everyone's help." Jiang Hanzhou's tone was peaceful, lacking the arrogance often seen in aristocratic Disciples or Sect Geniuses.

Upon hearing this, Stone Chen and the others looked noticeably more relaxed, and smiles appeared on their faces.

"Martial Master Jiang, you've had a hard journey. Your accommodation has already been prepared; it's right over there."

Stone Chen pointed to a slope on the eastern side of the island, near the fishing ground pier, where there were three or four independent stone houses. They were simple in style but looked sturdy and clean.

"The other three Immortal Masters should be in their rooms right now. Shall this old one take you over?"

"Sorry to trouble you."

The group walked east along the beaten dirt path.

On the way, Stone Chen briefly introduced the current state of the fishing ground: currently, they mainly farmed three types of Spirit Fish: Silver-Scaled Knife Fish, Azure Wave Shrimp, and Crystal Eel, which were growing well; the protective Formation was operating normally and had just been repaired last month; the recent sea area had been calm, with no signs of large-scale sea beasts approaching or fish theft...

"Oh right, Martial Master Jiang, there is one more Martial Master you need to meet."

Stone Chen suddenly remembered something and pointed to the other side of the island, a small courtyard on slightly higher ground, hidden by green trees.

"That is the steward of our fishing ground, Martial Master Wang Mingyuan. Martial Master Wang is an Outer Sect... er, former Outer Sect Disciple of Dragon Abyss Palace. Due to reasons, he failed to make a Breakthrough, so he took this post as an external steward, stationed permanently at the fishing ground, managing all affairs, including liaison with the branch rudder in the Palace, material allocation, output accounting, etc. He is a bit... serious, but he is fair and takes good care of us employees."

Jiang Hanzhou understood.

These were the Disciples mentioned in the token information who had failed to make a Breakthrough to the Inner Sect and remained in the Outer Sect to serve as stewards.

They were older, mostly at the Late Stage or Perfection of the Viscera Burning Realm, but because their potential was exhausted or their Opportunity was insufficient, they were stuck before the threshold of the Dragon Elephant Realm and could not make any progress.

Thus, they turned to become stewards, managing industries for the Sect in exchange for relatively stable resources and status, while pinning their hopes on their descendants or Family.

Before long, they arrived in front of that small courtyard.

The courtyard gate was ajar. Stone Chen stepped forward and knocked: "Steward Wang, the newly arrived stationed Disciple, Immortal Master Jiang Hanzhou, has arrived."

A low response came from within the courtyard: "Come in."

Pushing the door open and entering, the small courtyard was tidy, with a few beds of common medicinal herbs planted.

The curtain of the main room was lifted, and a middle-aged man wearing a gray steward robe, with graying hair and a serious, rigid face, walked out.

His gaze was like a hawk, sweeping over Jiang Hanzhou, especially lingering for a moment on the gold-edged white jade token at Jiang Hanzhou's waist. A trace of almost imperceptible complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but it immediately returned to being as calm as an ancient well.

"Disciple Jiang Hanzhou greets Steward Wang." Jiang Hanzhou performed a Disciple's salute.

Wang Mingyuan nodded slightly, acknowledging the salute, his voice flat and waveless: "Jiang Hanzhou, a gold-edged Disciple... it is rare to see one willing to take on this long-term stationing task. The rules are all in the token, so I will not elaborate. I will only remind you of a few points: First, the safety of the fishing ground is paramount; daily patrols must not be neglected. Second, get along with the employees; do not be overly harsh without reason. Third, focus on your Cultivation and do not stir up trouble. Although Star Continent Anchorage is remote, it is not absolutely peaceful; do not bring disaster to the fishing ground."

"This Disciple will keep it in mind." Jiang Hanzhou replied.

Wang Mingyuan briefly explained a few points about daily management of the fishing ground, how to contact the branch rudder, how to handle emergencies, etc., and then waved his hand: "Go. Meet your colleagues and get settled. Starting tomorrow, you will be scheduled to participate in patrols."

"Yes."

Exiting the courtyard, Stone Chen led Jiang Hanzhou towards the residential area for the stationed Disciples.

On the way, Stone Chen lowered his voice and said:

"Steward Wang is just like that—few words, serious, but his heart is good. He has been at this fishing ground for nearly ten years and is familiar with every blade of grass and tree here. Having him in charge makes us feel at ease."

Jiang Hanzhou nodded in understanding.

This type of steward had often experienced setbacks, their spirit perhaps smoothed away, but they were experienced and handled matters steadily, making them indeed suitable candidates to hold down a post.

The stone houses for the stationed Disciples were built side by side, four in total. At this moment, three of them had clothes drying or miscellaneous items placed at the doorways, indicating that they were occupied.

Stone Chen led Jiang Hanzhou to the empty stone house at the far eastern end:

"Martial Master Jiang, this one is yours. The bed, table, chairs, and washing utensils inside are all prepared. If you are missing anything, tell me at any time."

Jiang Hanzhou pushed open the wooden door.

The room was more spacious than imagined, about two zhang square, with simple furnishings: a hardwood bed, a set of table and chairs, a wardrobe, and a meditation cushion. The walls were plastered with gray mud, and the floor was made of tamped, leveled earth, covered with a straw mat. The window was large, facing the fishing ground bay, with a wide view, and the sea breeze blew through the room, carrying a humid chill.

Although simple, it was clean and tidy, which was enough for Jiang Hanzhou.

"Very good, thank you, Steward Chen." Jiang Hanzhou said with satisfaction.

"As long as the Martial Master is satisfied." Stone Chen smiled. "Those three Martial Masters might be practicing at the seaside right now, or they might be in their rooms. You rest first. When it's time for dinner, I'll have my wife prepare a couple of extra dishes as a welcome for the Martial Master."

"No need to trouble yourself..."

"No trouble, no trouble, it's only right." Stone Chen waved his hand, respectfully retreated, and closed the door on his way out.

The room became quiet, leaving only the faint sound of waves and wind from outside the window.

Jiang Hanzhou put down his luggage and walked to the window, gazing at the fishing ground not far away.

The sun was setting in the west, and the golden-red afterglow spilled over the sea, plating the piers, floating boxes, and the small fishing boats returning from work in the distance with a layer of warm light.

The fishermen were busy on the pier, sorting and barreling the caught Spirit Fish. The sounds of shouting, water splashing, and fish tails flapping came faintly, full of the vivid atmosphere of life.

This was completely different from the immortal atmosphere of Dragon Abyss Palace's Ancestral Dragon Island, but it possessed a different kind of solid and rugged vitality.

After watching for a while, Jiang Hanzhou withdrew his gaze.

He was not in a hurry to visit the other three colleagues.

Being new here, there was no need to be too eager. They would naturally meet tomorrow during patrols.

Right now, he had more important things to do.

Closing the doors and windows, Jiang Hanzhou sat cross-legged on the meditation cushion in the center of the room.

With a thought, he took out the Spirit Stone obtained from his monthly allowance from his sumeru pouch.

The only remaining Low-Grade Spirit Stone emitted a gentle, light cyan halo.

Then, he focused his mind and circulated the heart technique for the second layer, "Bone Refining," of the Li Huo Golden Body Art.

His Qi and blood were slowly mobilized, traveling along specific Meridians, and the pale golden "Lihuo Astral Membrane" under his skin heated up slightly.

At the same time, he split a wisp of his Divine Sense, sinking it into his Dantian, guiding that weak yet tenacious prototype of "Lihuo Astral Malice" to try and merge with the circulating Qi and blood.

The first three layers of the Li Huo Golden Body Art, "Skin Tempering," focused on tempering the body surface to form a defensive astral membrane. The middle three layers, "Bone Refining," required guiding Qi and blood deep into the bone marrow to temper the bones, while simultaneously gradually strengthening that wisp of "Lihuo Astral Malice" inside the body, making it transform from virtual to real, from weak to strong.

Once the Astral Malice was formed, it would not only greatly increase his power when facing enemies, bringing with it scorching and evil-breaking effects, but it could also feed back into his Physical Body, accelerating the tempering process and greatly enhancing his resistance to yin-cold and filthy powers.

However, condensing Astral Malice required consuming a large amount of pure Qi, blood, and Spiritual Essence.

Ordinary Martial Artists could only rely on slow, grinding effort, accumulating it day by day.

But Jiang Hanzhou had a Spirit Stone.

He took a deep breath, gripped the Spirit Stone with his right hand, and simultaneously activated the Dragon Subduing and Tiger Taming Skill and the Li Huo Golden Body Art!

"Hum..."

The Spirit Stone in his palm trembled slightly, and the pure, gentle light cyan Spiritual Qi was rapidly extracted, surging into his Meridians through the Laogong acupoint in his palm.

This time, Jiang Hanzhou did not let the Spiritual Qi directly nourish his whole body; instead, he used his powerful Divine Sense to precisely guide it, channeling it into the torrent of Qi and blood that was circulating the Li Huo Golden Body Art!

The pure external Spiritual Essence merged into his own Qi and blood, as if pouring oil on a raging fire!

"Boom!"

A low roar seemed to sound within Jiang Hanzhou's body.

The Qi and blood, which had been circulating at a steady speed, instantly boiled and accelerated!

The red-gold torrent of Qi and blood, carrying the Spiritual Qi of the Spirit Stone and the scorching aura unique to the Li Huo Golden Body Art, was like an awakening fire dragon, galloping and roaring through his Meridians, crazily scouring his limbs and bones, especially deep into the marrow of his bones!

"Ugh..."

Jiang Hanzhou let out a muffled groan, and fine beads of sweat instantly seeped from his forehead.

This method of Cultivation was extremely overbearing and was a huge burden on his Meridians, bones, and even his Divine Soul. If not for his solid Foundation, his innate dao bone, and the secret protection of the Heavenly Dipper Precious Qi, he would never have dared to act this way.

But the effect was also immediate.

He could clearly feel that under the scouring of the scorching Qi and blood, his bones sent out waves of numbness, itching, and slight stinging pain; these were signs that his bone density was increasing and Impurities were being tempered and expelled.

More importantly, the weak prototype of the "Lihuo Astral Malice" in his Dantian, like a shark that had smelled blood, actively greeted the scorching Qi and blood carrying the Spirit Stone's Spiritual Qi, beginning to greedily devour and merge with it!

The pale golden Astral Malice Qi became solid and bright at a speed visible to the naked eye. At its core, a point of pure golden-red light was quietly gestating, emitting a heart-palpitating, scorching, and evil-breaking intent.

Time slipped away bit by bit during the painful tempering and slow growth.

Outside the window, the sky had completely darkened, and the lights of the fishing ground lit up one by one, then gradually extinguished. The sound of waves remained, occasionally mixed with the calls of night birds.

Jiang Hanzhou seemed unaware, his whole heart and soul immersed in his Cultivation.

The color of the Spirit Stone in his palm faded at a slow but steady speed, the pure Spiritual Qi contained within it being continuously extracted and converted into resources for tempering his bones and strengthening his Astral Malice.

He did not know how long had passed.

"Crack."

A very faint sound, as if a jade piece had shattered.

The Low-Grade Spirit Stone in his palm lost its luster completely, turning into an ordinary gray-white rock, and then, under the unconscious vibration of Jiang Hanzhou's Qi, it shattered into several pieces and fell with a rustle.

At this moment, within Jiang Hanzhou's body, that wisp of "Lihuo Astral Malice" had grown to the thickness of a chopstick, its entire body presenting a solid red-gold color. The golden-red light at its core was like a miniature sun, quietly burning, emitting a dignified aura of pure yang, burning away evil and filth!

It was no longer a wisp of ethereal "Qi" but had a substantial "form" and "quality," like a tiny fire dragon, coiling near the blood Dantian, reflecting and shining with the red-gold blood Dantian.

The second layer of the Li Huo Golden Body Art, "Bone Refining," had achieved Major Achievement!

Lihuo Astral Malice, Baleful Qi, initially formed!