The Immortal King's Cloak

Xu Xian took the stone and left, even swiping a jar of good wine on his way out.

He also casually chopped down a tree near the entrance, claiming he had never seen lightning-struck wood before and wanted it as a souvenir because it was so rare.

Lei Yunche stood at the entrance of his cave dwelling, watching Xu Xian's figure disappear into the green mountains and clear waters. After a long silence, he offered a sincere evaluation:

"This junior brother of mine..."

"He's someone destined for great things!"

Demanding a million tons of Shadow Soul Stones—his audacity was even greater than it had been that day.

Even if it was just a joke.

Not many would even dare to speak such words.

After leaving the Ancestral Peak, Xu Xian visited Ruan Hao to inform him that he was going into secluded cultivation and that their sword-forging plans would have to be pushed back.

Ruan Hao, naturally, had no objections.

He knew very well that Xu Xian's current skill level was already infinitely close to that of an eighth-rank forger.

On Zhujian Peak, Xu Xian's level was second only to his own.

Were it not for the limitations of his cultivation stage, his achievements would certainly not be restricted to this.

In time, once he broke through to the great ascension stage, it would be the moment the fourth ninth-rank spirit forge master of Fanzhou was born.

He dared to assert that in the future, Xu Xian would surely enter the realm of immortal forging.

He might even surpass immortal forging and become the strongest master forger in the history of the entire world.

Whenever he thought of this, he found himself unable to sleep.

Who could have imagined that he, Ruan Hao, would gain such a brilliant disciple in his old age?

Thinking of how, tens of thousands of years from now, when descendants opened the history books, Xu Xian would have a page all to himself with the four words 'Disciple of Ruan Hao' written on it, his blood boiled with such excitement that he couldn't sleep no matter what.

"Mhm, go then. One must never neglect their cultivation."

"This disciple takes his leave!"

Leaving Zhujian Peak, Xu Xian returned to Zuiwan Residence and spent a few days preparing in secret. He had actually planned this long ago: he was going to the Demon Abyss personally.

It wasn't just for the Spirit-Sealing Seal.

It was primarily for the Shadow Soul Stones.

The quantity required was too vast. To gather them all, there was only one path: find the source and, ideally, dig them up himself.

Otherwise, relying on buying them from the outside world would be hopeless.

At the current market rate, he wouldn't finish in this lifetime.

Visiting Lei Yunche had only been to test the waters and gather information to prepare for any contingencies.

However.

He did not intend to tell anyone about his trip to the Demon Abyss.

It was different from the Demon Suppression Abyss.

The situation in the Demon Abyss was complex, and no one could help him.

Unless they were prepared for an all-out open conflict.

Leading the entire sect to fight their way in was clearly unrealistic.

For now, the matters in the East Desolation were gradually fading from memory, and the situation was stabilizing. Although undercurrents still surged throughout the world, things were peaceful on the surface.

He didn't want to stir up more trouble.

Currently, he had the two-story Sword Tower as his reliance, and having broken through to the sixth stage of soul transformation, his Pupil of Insight could block the divine abilities of ninth-stage powerhouses.

Furthermore, he had comprehended a divine ability from within the Pupil of Insight.

[Simulation Art: Truth in Falsehood]

What did it do?

With this technique, he could transform himself into other beasts, demons, or humans.

Naturally, he could become a demon as well.

As long as he remained low-key and cautious on this trip to the Demon Abyss, he would have enough to protect himself.

Those at the ninth stage could not perceive him.

Those at the eighth stage could not restrain him.

And those below the eighth stage were no threat to him.

From Lei Yunche's words, Xu Xian was certain that the only ones in the entire Demon Abyss who truly posed a threat to his life were the Ten Great Demon Gods and the two Priests—twelve individuals in total.

These twelve resided by the banks of the Nether Pool and rarely appeared in the world.

As long as he didn't cause a massive commotion, he wouldn't alert them.

Besides, he wasn't going there to commit murder or robbery.

He was only going for the Shadow Soul Stones.

Over the next few days, Xu Xian commissioned the Merchant Hall to purchase several items for him, particularly rare goods that were unavailable in the Demon Abyss.

He prepared a great deal of them to serve as his starting capital.

Zuiwan Residence was very lively these days. Aside from Li Qingshan, there was now Lu Yuan, Tu Kongkong, and Xia Chu Yi. After Xiaoxiao woke up, she had moved back in as well.

Six people in total.

It was quite a bustling household.

Xu Xian took the time to speak with everyone, telling them he was going to find a quiet place within the sect to enter secluded cultivation for a while.

He told them he was aiming for the seventh stage and that they shouldn't worry about him or neglect their own training.

He gave special instructions to the two little ones, Xia Chu Yi and Tu Kongkong.

He specifically tasked Lu Yuan with looking after them and ensuring his junior sister was taught well.

The group naturally agreed.

They didn't forget to ask how long he would be in seclusion. Xu Xian replied with an air of exaggerated seniority and great conviction:

"I will not leave this mountain until I break through to the seventh stage."

His determination was so grand that the girls were filled with admiration, their eyes brimming with worship.

Lu Yuan, however, looked on with utter disdain.

The night before his departure, Lu Yuan sought out Xu Xian and pressed him on what he was really up to. Xu Xian didn't want to hide it from him and frankly admitted he was going to the Demon Abyss.

Lu Yuan said he knew it, then asked if Xu Xian was going for the Spirit-Sealing Seal.

Xu Xian said yes and no.

Knowing he couldn't talk Xu Xian out of it, Lu Yuan offered to go along so they could look out for each other.

Xu Xian expressed his appreciation but ultimately declined.

He said quite bluntly that Lu Yuan wouldn't be able to help and would instead be a burden.

Lu Yuan's eyes nearly rolled to the back of his head as he grumbled, "You think I want to go? I'm just afraid you'll get yourself killed, and then I'll have to follow you to the grave for no reason."

"Tch... keep your heart in your chest. I'm not that easy to kill."

Lu Yuan didn't argue, only asking once more, "You really don't need me to accompany you?"

"No need," Xu Xian smiled, not forgetting to remind him, "You know the truth, but don't tell the others."

"What, afraid people will find out?"

Xu Xian said sheepishly, "I just don't want to cause unnecessary worry for everyone else."

Lu Yuan clicked his tongue and casually handed over a blood-red robe.

Under the moonlight, a deep crimson mist drifted from it, and faint traces of immortal qi flowed over its surface.

At first glance, it was clearly no ordinary item.

At a second glance, it was actually a divine weapon?

Xu Xian's eyes flickered, and Shuer popped out from his head, staring fixedly at the robe while crying out incessantly in his divine sense.

Xu Xian furrowed his brows and asked calmly, "What is this?"

Lu Yuan said indifferently, "Take it."

"For me?"

Lu Yuan grew a bit impatient, balled the robe up, and tossed it directly onto Xu Xian's lap, saying insincerely, "Don't misunderstand. I'm just afraid that if you die, you'll take me with you. And don't overthink it; I'm just lending it to you. You have to return it when you're done."

Xu Xian understood perfectly.

Return it?

Absolutely impossible!

Holding the robe, he let his divine sense sweep over it.

Feigning ignorance with a hint of feigned dislike, he asked, "What is this thing? Just a tattered robe, what's it good for?"

Lu Yuan shot him a contemptuous look and grumbled, "Give it a rest. I don't believe for a second you haven't realized what it is."

"You think too highly of me," Xu Xian mocked himself.

Lu Yuan couldn't be bothered to respond.

Xu Xian pressed further, "Does it have a name?"

Lu Yuan explained patiently, "It's just a robe, why would it have a name? It's the Immortal King's Cloak. After that Immortal King died in battle, it was used to wrap his body. It was soaked in the blood of an Immortal King and developed a spirit. Once you put it on, no one in this world will be able to detect your aura."

Xu Xian's interest was piqued. He mused, "Interesting. So it's basically the Immortal King's Shroud?"

Lu Yuan paused, then said casually, "You can call it that if you want."

Stopping for a moment, he didn't forget to warn, "But let's be clear: the artifact spirit inside is dormant and hasn't woken up yet, so it can't be considered a true divine weapon. It's fine for hiding your presence, but don't expect it to block any blades. It's useless for that. If someone manages to cut a hole in it, it's finished. When that happens, you couldn't pay for it even if you sold yourself."

Although Xu Xian couldn't see it himself, Shuer could. It was somewhat damaged and had yet to recover, similar to the unpulled swords in his Divine Sword Pool.

Xu Xian didn't refuse and accepted it.

Even with its flaws, the ability to mask his aura would be of great use.

Taking it on this trip, combined with his simulation divine ability, would provide double protection.

It was indeed much safer.

He nudged Lu Yuan's shoulder with his elbow and asked curiously, "Hey, if this thing is so good, why didn't you wear it back then?"

Lu Yuan barked angrily, "I was wearing it!"

Xu Xian said casually, "Then how did I still catch you?"

Lu Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly and asked instead, "I should be the one asking you that. No one else could see through it, so how could you?"

Xu Xian: "..." Yeah, why am I so impressive?

Forget it...

One must be humble.

Xu Xian asked, "Got any more?"

Lu Yuan: "What?"

Xu Xian said cheekily, "Give me a couple more. It's not like you're using them while staying on the mountain..."

Lu Yuan was utterly speechless. "There are no more."

"Don't be so stingy."

"Who do you think I am?"

Xu Xian confirmed once more, "Really no more?"

Lu Yuan ignored him. "Believe what you want."

After a brief silence, Xu Xian spoke.

"Thanks."

Lu Yuan said in a biting tone, "Don't thank me. Just don't go courting death. I still want to live for a few more years and see more of the red dust."

Xu Xian smiled but said nothing.

This kid.

He was quite mysterious.

His words were harsh.

But he didn't actually have any ill intentions...