Cultivation is just so scientific! Chapter 1432: 762: Essence (Part 2)

Li Yuanba found himself particularly captivated by the combat style of Master Wu Ge.

The intricate maneuvers Master Wu Ge performed with his Lifebound Flying Sword, alongside his various applications of Sword Intent, offered Li Yuanba immense reference value for his own path.

Li Yuanba utilized the IBMz15 to record the entire engagement, intending to analyze the footage thoroughly during his moments of leisure.

“Bind!” Venerable Hongguang commanded with a low shout.

Throughout the skirmish, his treasure, the Magic Vajra Pestle, had been incessantly radiating a golden Buddhist light. This radiance now permeated half the corridor like a thick, gilded fog.

Upon his command, the shimmering Buddhist light rapidly converged upon the Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell Horse Head Spirit, manifesting into a solid, golden lotus.

Stunned by this sudden transformation, the Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell Horse Head Spirit attempted to burst through the confines of the golden lotus, yet its violent struggle failed to shatter the barrier.

The massive golden lotus began to contract steadily, locking the Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell Horse Head Spirit firmly inside.

Li Yuanba observed that Venerable Hongguang was under significant strain; the previous clash with the creature had left the Venerable’s complexion deathly pale.

It was evident that the creature's strike had taken a toll, but Venerable Hongguang had forcibly endured the impact.

Energy surged from Venerable Hongguang like a receding tide. This Buddhist Secret Technique required such a staggering amount of energy to restrain a beast as formidable as the Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell Horse Head Spirit that even a Great Venerable could only maintain it for three breaths.

He would never have resorted to such a technique in a solo engagement; it was only viable because of his coordination with Master Wu Ge.

Expending nearly half of one's internal energy just to immobilize an opponent for three breaths seemed highly inefficient under normal circumstances.

Yet, when deployed at the critical moment, the effectiveness of this Buddhist Secret Technique was undeniably potent.

Having been companions for a long time, Master Wu Ge was intimately familiar with Venerable Hongguang’s repertoire. The moment the Secret Technique was initiated, he recalled his Lifebound Flying Sword.

As the Lifebound Flying Sword hovered before him, he poured his Spiritual Power Pattern and Sword Intent into the blade with intense focus. He pushed the sword to its limit before finally unleashing the strike.

He had spent two breaths recharging the blade with energy and Sword Intent.

The wait proved fruitful, as the power concentrated within the Lifebound Flying Sword reached its absolute peak.

With a thunderous "Boom," the trapped Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell Horse Head Spirit was forced to take the hit directly. The Lifebound Flying Sword drove into its skull, the impact echoing with a deafening roar.

Master Wu Ge’s "Evil-breaking Sword Intent," delivered at full strength, tore through the creature's hide, causing plumes of black smoke to erupt from the wound.

The true lethality of Sword Intent manifests once the initial defense is breached.

The "Evil-breaking Sword Intent" surged into the beast's anatomy, following the path of the Lifebound Flying Sword to systematically ravage its internal structure.

Even though Hell Creatures are immune to physical pain, this assault—which felt as though it were incinerating its very soul—forced a wretched howl from the Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell Horse Head Spirit.

Because the Sword Intent entered through the skull, it focused its destructive power on the head first.

A sharp "bang" sounded as a gaping hole was blasted through the creature's head.

Even though the head wound was fatal and the beast’s life signs had faded to almost nothing, Venerable Hongguang remained vigilant.

The golden lotus finally dissipated, but he redirected the lingering Buddhist light to envelop the remains of the Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell Horse Head Spirit.

Under the purification of the Buddhist light, the creature's corpse hissed, releasing constant streams of black smoke.

Eventually, the body vanished entirely, leaving a shimmering green crystal in the spot where it had fallen.

Venerable Hongguang looked at the glowing green crystal with an expression of pure revulsion.

“I detest these monsters from Hell. Other Fourth Grade Late Stage spirit beasts provide valuable materials, but these things leave nothing but trouble!” Master Wu Ge remarked, his brow furrowed in annoyance.

Li Yuanba’s eyes widened as he recognized the object. It was a crystal of pure uranium; while its exact concentration was uncertain, its purity far exceeded that of standard ‘Hell Disgust Crystals’.

“Senior Wu, what exactly is that?” he inquired.

“That is a ‘Hell Disgust Crystal Essence,’ found only within Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell monsters. It is extremely hazardous to Cultivators, requiring immediate and careful sealing whenever it is found,” Master Wu Ge explained.

It was no wonder he held such disdain for these creatures; they were incredibly powerful and difficult to slay.

Even with two masters fighting one, possessing elemental advantages and ideal conditions, the effort required to kill the beast was immense, yet the rewards were negligible.

The "reward" was actually a burden, as ‘Hell Disgust Crystal Essence’ is notoriously difficult to contain. Even a Forbidden Spirit Jade Box cannot hold its energy for long.

The radiation emitted by the ‘Hell Disgust Crystal Essence’ damages all nearby Spiritual Objects, regardless of their nature.

This makes storing the Essence a logistical nightmare. Fortunately, some Cultivators found that submersing it in a specific medicinal solution could dampen its destructive effects on other items.

While this is the current method of preservation, the rarity of Fourth Grade Late Stage Hell Creatures meant it was rarely needed—until the recent spatial collapse at Hell Cave Heaven made such encounters more common.

“Seniors, I would like to trade some of my resources for that ‘Hell Disgust Crystal Essence’!” Li Yuanba said, struggling to mask his excitement as he addressed the two masters.

“It isn't a matter of greed, but the ‘Hell Disgust Crystal Essence’ is far too dangerous. Giving it to you would be irresponsible,” Master Wu Ge replied, shaking his head.

“Senior Wu, I believe this Essence could be vital to my current research. I promise I will handle it with the utmost care,” Li Yuanba urged, feeling slightly frustrated.

He understood that Master Wu Ge’s refusal stemmed from a genuine desire to protect him from harm, rather than selfishness.

“If you can prove you can handle this ‘Hell Disgust Crystal Essence’ safely, I will make you a promise: the other five Essences remaining on Hell Island shall be yours as well,” Master Wu Ge said, pointing toward the crystal on the ground.

He intended this as a challenge, certain that Li Yuanba could not manage it without the specialized medicinal fluid.

“My thanks, Senior Wu!” Li Yuanba replied with a grin, before turning his gaze toward Venerable Hongguang.

Venerable Hongguang understood the look; Li Yuanba was asking for his consent as well.

Since both men had defeated the beast, the loot belonged to both of them.

“Since Mr. Wu has given his word, you may proceed. If you truly can contain the ‘Hell Disgust Crystal Essence,’ I will assist him in securing the other five for you,” Venerable Hongguang said, smiling.

His opinion of the young man had shifted significantly. Li Yuanba’s performance in battle and his dedication to Hell Island had earned the Venerable’s genuine respect.