Chapter 736: What's So Great About Falling in Love?

“How is it?”

In a private chamber within the Hall of Weapons, Chu Liang looked at Wen Yulong and Huan Leisheng, his expression carrying a trace of anticipation.

Huan Leisheng was not a professional artificer. No matter how deep his understanding of the Dao of Talismans ran, his knowledge of tool-making materials was still lacking compared to the Hall of Weapons at Mount Shu Sect. Seeking a breakthrough, Chu Liang introduced him to Wen Yulong, who was dubbed the Peculiar Tool-Making Genius of Mount Shu, hoping he could help identify more suitable materials.

Wen Yulong had his shortcomings, but when it came to tool-making materials, he was practically a walking encyclopedia. He dared to use materials others wouldn’t, experimenting with combinations that others wouldn’t even consider. Naturally, his knowledge far exceeded that of his peers.

It was knowledge born of sheer audacity.

After spending three days together here, Wen Yulong and Huan Leisheng finally gave Chu Liang an answer.

Wen Yulong explained, “The Celestial Talismanic Wheel requires dozens of basic talismanic scripts, each corresponding to a different Dao essence. That means the materials used must also vary according to the type of Dao essence.

“The materials needed to construct the Celestial Talismanic Wheel are extremely diverse, and some are particularly tricky to find. Esteemed Senior Huan Leisheng is very close to success, but two crucial materials are missing—the ones corresponding to the Talismanic Script of Water and the Talismanic Script of Thunder.”

Chu Liang, well-versed in the Great Dao of Talismanic Script, grasped the concept immediately.

The Celestial Talismanic Wheel was massive, and while the material of its main body was not the primary concern, the durability of the engraved talismanic scripts was crucial. For the wheel to function over an extended period, each inscription had to withstand countless infusions of spiritual energy without deteriorating.

For instance, the material used to engrave the Talismanic Script of Fire had to possess exceptional fire resistance. Even the sturdiest metal would eventually melt if exposed to an endless flow of fire-based spiritual qi.

Through his own efforts, Huan Leisheng had already found suitable materials for most of the talismanic scripts. Some of the more basic ones could be omitted if absolutely necessary. However, the remaining materials—those for the Talismanic Script of Water and the Talismanic Script of Thunder—were still missing. Until those were secured, the Celestial Talismanic Wheel remained incomplete.

Wen Yulong continued, "Water spiritual qi may seem soft and formless, but as the saying goes—Dripping water wears through stone. Over long-term erosion, it actually causes the most severe Dao essence damage. So far, we haven’t found any material that can withstand this kind of assault.

“Thunder spiritual qi, on the other hand, is too explosive. The materials that can withstand it tend to be relatively soft, relying on flexibility to absorb its force. But a certain level of hardness is required to inscribe talismanic scripts, and so far, we haven’t found anything suitable.”

Wen Yulong furrowed his brows unconsciously before continuing, “I consulted my esteemed teacher about this matter. He mentioned that deep within the Ruins of Return, there is a land of tribulation where divine lightning strikes without end. A rare stone known as the Thundercloud Seed is produced there and it might just meet the requirements.”

With the Weapon Master’s wealth of experience, his advice was undoubtedly reliable.

“I’ve decided to set off for the Ruins of Return soon,” Huan Leisheng declared resolutely. “Even if it costs me my life, I will complete the Celestial Talismanic Wheel.”

Chu Liang’s passion might have been somewhat fake, but Huan Leisheng’s was unquestionably real.

He was wholly committed to forging this enchanted tool—one that had the potential to revolutionize the Great Dao of Talismans.

“Mister Huan, you don’t need to worry about that,” Chu Liang said casually, waving his hand. “I have some connections in the Ruins of Return. If this material exists, I’ll make sure to get it for you.”

Huan Leisheng’s eyes lit up. “Hm?”

The Ruins of Return were no ordinary hidden realm. It was a place riddled with peril, where even powerful cultivators treaded cautiously. For someone like him—who was not among the top combatants of the seventh-realm cultivators—entering it meant gambling with his life. Yet, with a single offhand remark, Chu Liang made it sound like all Huan Leisheng had to do was wait in peace.

In the past, whenever he needed rare materials, he had to risk his life scouring dangerous places for them. This was the first time he had ever felt such an overwhelming sense of security.

So this is what it feels like to have a reliable backer?

Huan Leisheng thought.

Seeing the look in Huan Leisheng’s eyes, Chu Liang couldn’t help but chuckle to himself.

No wonder Lin Bei always talks like this. It really is quite satisfying.

Of course, his connections in the Ruins of Return—or rather, his

fish connections

—were no joke. With the merfolk princess on his side, he had far better options than blindly exploring a hidden realm.

After a moment of thought, he retrieved a Sea Soul Stone and handed it to Wen Yulong. “This seems to have a water-suppressing effect. See if it can be used for the Talismanic Script of Water.”

“This...” Wen Yulong’s pupils contracted as he examined the stone. “The experiment to test whether this can withstand endless erosion from water spiritual qi will take a long time. However, a material with such a potent water-suppressing effect is exceedingly rare. That said, this amount alone isn’t enough to craft the Celestial Talismanic Wheel.”

If only a small quantity was needed, refining key components at a high cost might have been an option. However, talismanic inscriptions required a substantial amount of material—not too little and not too much. Compared to many rare resources, they had to be gathered in relatively large quantities, which was precisely why finding a suitable material had proven so difficult.

“That’s not a problem. Just check if it's suitable. As long as it works...” Chu Liang’s lips curled into a faint smile before adding two more words, “There’s plenty.”

When he first obtained the Sea Soul Stones, he had unboxed an entire pile of them while refining the essence. At that time, he had even complained that he had no idea what to do with them. However, upon hearing Wen Yulong mention the need for materials resistant to spiritual qi erosion, he suddenly recalled these divine stones—ones that held the power to suppress the seas.

If he didn’t use them now, then when?

Hearing the sheer confidence in Chu Liang’s voice, Huan Leisheng’s eyes grew misty. Thousands of emotions condensed into just three words.

My new daddy!

...

The next day, Chu Liang and Lin Bei once again arrived in the sky above the South Sea.

After learning about the Thundercloud Seed, Chu Liang wanted to contact Princess Liange of the Ruins of Return. Since this was official business for the Mount Shu Sect, he planned to ask Xu Ziyang to relay the message. It would also serve as an opportunity for Senior Brother Xu to interact with the merfolk princess—though it was unsure whether that interaction would be of any use.

However, when he went to Jade Sword Peak to ask Lin Bei, he found out that Xu Ziyang was no longer on the mountain. It turned out he was already in the South Sea.

Oh?

Chu Liang marveled.

Did Senior Brother Xu find an opportunity on his own?

After inquiring further, he learned that during her last visit to Mount Shu, Princess Liange had mentioned the lack of books in the Ruins of Return. In response, the Mount Shu Sect had partnered with other sects in the Divine Nine and Terrestrial Ten to organize a book donation event. Various sects contributed ancient texts, hoping to strengthen ties with the sea creatures of the Ruins of Return.

It wasn’t a large event and could have been handled solely by the Foreign Affairs Hall. Nevertheless, with Wang Xuanling, the Grand Peak Master of Mount Shu, personally overseeing it, there was more than enough manpower for the event. After the event, Xu Ziyang was assigned to deliver the books to the South Sea and organize a small ceremony among the sea creatures. The ceremony had ended yesterday, and Xu Ziyang was still in the South Sea.

Chu Liang figured that Wang Xuanling was only thirty percent concerned with official business, while the other seventy percent was purely personal interest. It was obvious he was deliberately creating an opportunity for his disciple.

Senior Brother Xu’s lifelong happiness had truly become a concern for all of Mount Shu.

Yet, despite having been taken to the Hall of Conservation to read books last time, Princess Liange was still willing to spend time with Senior Brother Xu. That meant there was still hope.

...

At the South Sea, the waves parted, and Xu Ziyang and Princess Liange emerged from the water to greet Chu Liang and Lin Bei.

Chu Liang smiled at them and asked, "Princess Liange, Senior Brother Xu... did everything go smoothly?"

Baozhu Liange glanced at Xu Ziyang, her expression slightly shy. She nodded gently and murmured, "Mm."

Xu Ziyang, on the other hand, maintained a serious demeanor. "The book donation ceremony was held yesterday. Many sea clan leaders attended, and everyone took it very seriously, so everything went smoothly."

It was clear that they were answering two different questions.

Standing beside them, Lin Bei cut straight to the point. “Eldest Senior Brother, Chu Liang is mainly here for the Thundercloud Seed. Have you heard anything about it?”

This time, Princess Liange responded, “I asked around... There is a land of tribulation within the Ruins of Return—a dangerous place called Misty Island. The owner of that island is Madam Hongyu, who happens to be on good terms with my mother. I can take you all there to ask for the Thundercloud Seed later.”

Chu Liang said cheerfully, "Princess Liange, thank you."

Misty Island in the Ruins of Return was a hidden and treacherous place. If someone were to venture there without a guide, they could easily come close to losing their life. It was at this moment that the true value of Chu Liang’s fish connections became apparent.

Without delay, Princess Liange took the lead with Xu Ziyang beside her. They descended into the sea while Chu Liang and Lin Bei followed closely behind.

Ever the social butterfly, Lin Bei made several attempts to start a conversation.

"Eldest Senior Brother, when you were in the South Sea..."

"Princess Liange, are we..."

"Heheheh..."

Yet, an odd atmosphere lingered between the man and the fish swimming ahead of Lin Bei. He had tried multiple times to join their conversation, only to be ignored again and again. Despite his persistent efforts, he remained nothing more than a diligent yet invisible bystander.

After several failed attempts, he sulkily retreated to Chu Liang’s side.

“What’s so great about falling in love anyway? Hmph, if they don’t want to talk to me, then fine,” Lin Bei muttered under his breath. “Let’s walk together as brothers and talk about the heavens and the earth. This is just as fun... Eh? What are you doing?”

He suddenly realized that Chu Liang wasn’t even listening.

Chu Liang was completely ignoring him, preoccupied with fiddling with the United Hearts Jade.

Finally, Chu Liang looked up with a smile. "Oh, since we’re about to enter a hidden realm, I won’t be able to send messages. I was just informing Senior Sister Jiang. Huh? Why are you crying?”