351: Chapter 351 Shen Guhong's Trust

Others might be limited to small boosts for a single Spell, but he had no such qualms. He could freely burn ten thousand, or even tens of thousands of years of Lifespan. Not only could he push a single Spell to its thirty-percent limit, but he could also mass-enhance all his Cultivation Techniques and Spells. With layers of stacking, his combat strength could skyrocket out of thin air.

Qin Changsheng held the Jade Slip containing the Life-Burning Enhancement Secret Technique in his palm. After meticulously comprehending all its profound rules, he slowly took a deep breath. His emotions gradually settled, but his eyes were filled with absolute determination.

He had already thoroughly grasped the cultivation path and operational methods of this secret technique. He immediately made up his mind to go into seclusion and begin cultivating this domineering secret method that burned Lifespan to enhance Spells and Cultivation Techniques.

He had already planned everything out. Once he reached Major Achievement in this secret technique, he would immediately use its power to burn his Lifespan and push every Cultivation Technique and Spell under his command to their thirty-percent power limit.

Qin Changsheng possessed over ten Cultivation Techniques and offensive Spells. According to the rules of the secret technique, enhancing each one to the thirty-percent limit would only cost a hundred years of Lifespan.

With more than ten techniques fully boosted, it would only require burning a total of one thousand eight hundred years of life.

For an ordinary Cultivator, their Lifespan was only a few thousand years. One thousand eight hundred years was nearly half a lifetime's worth of Foundation; they wouldn't dare squander it easily. Even if they intended to Cultivate this secret technique, they could only apply it on a small scale and wouldn't dare use it extensively.

But Qin Changsheng possessed the Golden Trait Immortality. His Lifespan was vast and boundless, infinite and unending. To him, one thousand eight hundred years was but a drop in the ocean. It wouldn't cause the slightest depletion, let alone harm his Foundation or path of cultivation.

He sat cross-legged, straightening his posture. Placing the Jade Slip before him, he slowly closed his eyes. He withdrew all his focus, sinking his mind into his Sea of Consciousness.

A purple spiritual light slowly rose around him, merging with the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi within the Grotto-Heaven. He prepared to meditate in peace and fully master this unique Life-Burning Enhancement Secret Technique.

...

Flowing Fire Sect.

Inside the Liuhuo Hall.

Shen Guhong sat on the main seat, sizing up Liu Feng who stood below.

"You are the Liu Feng sent by the Third Elder?"

The Incarnation Liu Feng bowed slightly. "This Junior, Liu Feng, greets the Leader."

After saying this, Liu Feng took out a secret letter.

Shen Guhong waved his hand, and an invisible force of spiritual power pulled the secret letter into his grasp.

He easily undid the Restriction on the secret letter and slowly unfolded the paper. His gaze fell upon the letter as he read it carefully.

A moment later, Shen Guhong finished reading. A flash of joy appeared in his eyes. "Nephew, you've worked hard on this journey. Please, sit!"

Liu Feng cupped his hands slightly and responded respectfully, "Thank you, Leader Shen."

With that, he walked slowly to a chair on one side of the hall and sat down. His posture was upright, and his expression was calm, showing not the slightest bit of unease.

Shen Guhong did not doubt Liu Feng's identity in the slightest.

Firstly, Liu Feng held a handwritten secret letter from the Third Elder; the handwriting and seal were flawless.

Secondly, the Demonic Qi surrounding Liu Feng was thick and pure, identical to the Third Elder's aura. It was something no human Cultivator could Disguise.

Furthermore, his mind was currently occupied with the internal stability of the Yao Race and the movements of the Grand Elder, so he wouldn't look too deeply into anything unusual about the "Liu Feng" before him.

Once Liu Feng was settled, Shen Guhong asked, "Nephew, is the interior of the Yao Race stable?"

Hearing this, Liu Feng feigned a contemplative look. His brow furrowed slightly, and after a moment of silence, he spoke slowly. "To answer Leader Shen, all is well within the Yao Race. The Cultivators are performing their duties, and there are no unusual movements. Regarding the matter of the frontline military pay, the Third Elder is already making preparations and should be able to resolve it soon. However..."

At this point, he paused intentionally. His expression became somewhat grave, as if he had some concerns.

Shen Guhong's heart tightened, and he quickly pressed, "However what? Nephew, feel free to speak!"

Liu Feng said, "It's just that I occasionally noticed the Grand Elder has been frequently exchanging letters with someone recently. The correspondence is extremely secretive. I don't know the contents of the letters, nor do I know who the other party is. I only see the Grand Elder acting with a low profile, as if he is secretly plotting something."

"What?!" Hearing this, Shen Guhong's face darkened instantly. A flash of anger and wariness flickered in the depths of his eyes.

The one he feared most was the Grand Elder.

After all, the Grand Elder had a grudge against him and had always opposed his becoming the leader of the Yao Race.

Now that he was frequently contacting outsiders, there must be some major move in the works.

If he didn't take action, he would surely be led by the nose by the Grand Elder.

"Big Brother, Big Brother!" At that moment, Shen Hu's voice drifted in.

In the next instant, Shen Hu's figure appeared within the hall.

Shen Hu was very happy right now; clearly, this transaction at the Azure Cloud Sect had been perfect.

"Second Brother, did the secret methods fetch a good price?" Shen Guhong asked hastily.

In his view, although those two secret methods were precious, very few Cultivators in the cultivation world could offer a high price. At most, they could be exchanged for ten million Spirit Stones. If they could alleviate the predicament of the frontline military pay, it would be considered good enough.

"Big Brother..." Shen Hu smiled, and just as he was about to speak, his gaze suddenly shifted to Liu Feng on the side, showing some hesitation.

"This is the Third Elder's confidant, Liu Feng. You may speak freely!" Shen Guhong said with a smile.

Shen Hu sized up Liu Feng, a smug smile appearing on his face. With a tone of seeking credit, he said loudly, "Big Brother, those two secret methods weren't exchanged for Spirit Stones. Instead, they were traded for two earth grade high-rank Magical Artifacts!"

"What?!" Shen Guhong sat bolt upright, a flash of astonishment in his eyes. "What did you say? Two earth grade high-rank Magical Artifacts?"

He knew very well that earth grade high-rank Magical Artifacts were extremely rare. Their value far exceeded ten million Spirit Stones. Even within the Yao Race, they were considered top-tier treasures. He never expected those two secret methods could be exchanged for such a rich reward.

Sitting to the side, Liu Feng kept his eyes downcast. His expression remained respectful, but he was secretly satisfied.

These two artifacts were originally "disposable" artifacts repaired by Qin Changsheng using Heavenly Dao Entries. If they could fool Shen Hu, they could naturally fool Shen Guhong as well. Shen Guhong's astonishment was exactly as Qin Changsheng had predicted.

Seeing this, Shen Hu waved his hand. Two brilliant streaks of spiritual light flew out from his Storage Pouch, carrying a thick and sharp Pressure as they landed steadily on the table in the center of the hall.

As the light dissipated, the two earth grade high-rank Magical Artifacts were revealed—a longsword with a chilling glint, its blade flowing with runes and overflowing with spiritual energy; and a warm, heavy jade seal, its surface patterns clear and its defensive aura thick. Both artifacts radiated pure earth grade high-rank Pressure, without a single flaw.

Shen Guhong could no longer restrain himself. With a flash of movement, he was instantly beside the table. He carefully picked up the longsword, running his hand over the blade, feeling the thick spiritual energy and sharp Pressure upon it. Then he picked up the jade seal to examine it closely. After verifying several times, he confirmed that both artifacts were genuine earth grade high-rank items with no signs of tampering. The astonishment in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by satisfaction and joy.

"Good! Good! Good!" Shen Guhong said "good" three times in a row, a long-absent smile appearing on his face. The cold aura around him completely vanished, and his tone was full of praise. "Shen Hu, you've done well! I didn't expect you to be able to exchange those secret methods for two earth grade high-rank Magical Artifacts. This skill of yours is truly rare! These two earth grade high-rank Magical Artifacts will surely sell for many Spirit Stones, and the frontline's predicament can be greatly alleviated!"

Shen Hu bowed and said respectfully, "Thank you for the praise, Big Brother."

At that moment, Liu Feng, who was on the side, slowly stood up. Cupping his hands slightly, he said, "Leader, these two earth grade high-rank Magical Artifacts are so powerful. Why not take this opportunity to test their might, so that we may witness the edge of earth grade high-rank Magical Artifacts?"

Hearing this, a hint of interest flashed in Shen Guhong's eyes. "Nephew is absolutely right! Such fine items should indeed have their power tested!"

He looked toward Shen Hu and then said, "Shen Hu, go and test the power of these artifacts!"

"As you command!" Shen Hu smiled and picked up the longsword from the table.

A short while later, Shen Guhong, Shen Hu, Liu Feng, as well as Shen Bing, Gou Feng, and others arrived at the Martial Arts Arena.

The arena was vast and boundless. The ground was paved with hard profound iron, and countless ten-foot-high wooden pillars stood around it. This was a place used for testing the power of Magical Artifacts and tempering combat strength.

Holding the chilling earth grade high-rank longsword, Shen Hu walked slowly to the center of the arena, his aura gradually condensing.

He first turned his head, looking toward Shen Guhong on the high platform with a questioning gaze.

After all, Shen Guhong was the leader of the Yao Race; he needed his nod before he could act.

Shen Guhong nodded slightly. "Begin."

Receiving Shen Guhong's permission, a sharp glint flashed in Shen Hu's eyes. No longer hesitating, he let out a sudden, loud shout.

As his shout fell, the Demonic Qi around him surged instantly. Thick spiritual energy poured out from his Dantian like a tide, continuously flowing into the longsword in his hand.

The longsword absorbed Shen Hu's spiritual energy. The runes on the blade swirled frantically, emitting a low and sharp hum. A terrifying Pressure quietly spread out, enveloping the entire Martial Arts Arena.