Chapter 102

Their home had prepared thoroughly for this journey. He carried three mountain-opening talismans and diamond talismans, along with a large stash of mid-grade spiritual shield talismans and divine movement talismans.

But these were all consumable items.

If their opponents had countermeasures ready, once these talismans ran out, they’d have to fall back on their actual cultivation realm.

With two at the Fourth Level and one at the Fifth Level among their trio, they held no real advantage.

Noticing Yang Lingrui’s troubled expression, Gu Zhengyuan said, “Young Lingrui, no need to fret so deeply. Securing the Mayfly Essence depends more on luck than raw strength.”

“Take the last opening of the treasure land. A prince from the royal family entered with handpicked guards. They ran wild unchecked inside, yet ended up empty-handed. Meanwhile, some scattered cultivators they’d chased off stumbled upon the Essence.”

“That really happened?”

Yang Lingrui’s furrowed brow smoothed.

“Of course. Why else do folks say luck’s a fickle, unfathomable thing?”

Gu Zhengyuan tugged his beard, grinning. “Truth is, you’ve got an edge others don’t.”

“An edge? Please explain, Senior!”

“You study Wind techniques, yes?”

“I do.”

“Can you use the Technique of letting the gentle wind into the body?”

“Absolutely!”

Yang Lingrui nodded. He’d employed this very method to defeat Zhang Yao during Sanglu Valley’s Evil Spirits incident.

Such Wind techniques could destroy foes from within—but only if the gentle wind reached their insides.

“Then it’s simple! There are rare methods to harvest Mayfly Essence. One suits Wind practitioners—few know it, fewer still can pull it off.”

Gu Zhengyuan’s fingertip glowed as he sketched a mayfly larvae on the table.

“The Essence forms when spiritual insects mature from larvae. A wisp of spiritual energy lodges in their gut. So plant your Wind technique inside larvae beforehand.”

Yang Lingrui’s eyes lit up.

“You mean…embed the technique in multiple larvae. If any develop Essence upon maturing, cloak it with the technique and snatch it unseen?”

“Precisely! Quick mind you’ve got!”

Gu Zhengyuan added, “This boosts your odds, but demands extreme control. Larvae are delicate—one slip kills them.”

“Understood! My thanks, Senior!”

Confidence surged through Yang Lingrui. Since witnessing Condensing Essence at the Golden Scales Ceremony, his grasp of techniques had deepened. Now he trusted his ability to gauge the precise force needed.

“Ah, just casual talk.” Gu Zhengyuan waved dismissively. “Rest well these four days before the secret treasure site opens. North Town’s temporary marketplace has supplies if needed.”

After saying this, he stood up to take his leave and left the loft.

After seeing Gu Zhengyuan off, Yang Linghu returned to his room and sighed, "Who knew there were so many hidden details? Without Senior Gu’s advice today, we’d have walked into trouble blindly."

"Exactly. This shows Tiangong Pavilion’s true worth," Yang Lingrui agreed, nodding. "Reliable information makes all the difference when exploring dangerous sites."

The group rested overnight. The next morning, Yang Lingrui and Yang Linghu went to North Town’s marketplace to buy antidote pills and miasma-clearing talismans.

Though short on coins, they bartered their spare talismans at shops and used some spiritual crystals to complete their supplies.

On the fourth day, they split into two teams heading for the black snake maze and Mayfly Treasure Land.

When Yang Lingrui’s group reached the treasure land, they found prime spots near the entrance already occupied by temporary camps set up by powerful forces. Guards at some tents included Condensing Essence cultivators.

Yang Lingrui immediately led Xie Chuan and Lv Lianshun away from the crowded area.

With twenty days until the treasure land opened and spiritual insects needing time to mature from larvae, there was no rush to enter early. Let the major factions claim their perceived advantage first.

The trio tried blending into the crowd of ordinary cultivators, avoiding attention. But Yang Lingrui overlooked one crucial detail – while his companions disappeared into the mass of common faces, his own striking appearance made him stand out like a crane among chickens.

When he noticed frequent sideways glances, Yang Lingrui cursed inwardly. He hurried away to find privacy for disguising his features. At the Golden Scales Ceremony, he’d attracted unwanted attention because of his looks, and now history repeated despite his preparations.

"Friend, wait!"

The voice came as soon as he stepped from the crowd. Pretending not to hear, Yang Lingrui kept walking until the speaker fell into step beside him – a late-stage Gathering Qi cultivator.

Trapped, Yang Lingrui turned with a bow. "Senior called for me?" He shot Xie Chuan and Lv Lianshun a warning look to remain hidden.

"What exceptional features!" The cultivator appraised him openly. "Fear not, young friend. I’m Zhu Xuan of Qiulu City’s Feng family, escorting our young mistresses. One wishes to speak with you."

Yang Lingrui maintained his polite demeanor though unfamiliar with the Feng family. Anyone employing cultivators stronger than Pei Xuejian commanded respect.

"Your mistress knows me?"

"Days ago at Yansha Town’s marketplace. She requests your company now."

Yang Lingrui searched his memory. There’d been a female cultivator at a talisman stall, confused about quality assessment. He’d offered quick advice to speed up the transaction, never imagining it would lead to this.