“ nà jiě jiě sōu xún xiū luó qī bǎo ， nán dào shì xiǎng yào ……。”
“那姐姐搜寻修罗七宝，难道是想要……。”
"Could it be that Sister is searching for the Seven Treasures of Naraka to..."
“ bù cuò ， zhì zhě qiān lǜ bì yǒu yī shū ， jí biàn shì jīng cái jué yàn de ā xiū luó wáng ， yě bù kě néng cóng bù chū cuò ， tā guān yú zhuǎn shēng de ān pái gù rán shì qiǎo miào yǐ jí ， dàn duì wǒ lái shuō ， què piān piān shì yǒu lòu dòng kě zuān de ， ruò néng jiāng xiū luó qī bǎo còu zú ， ā xiū luó wáng kān bǐ zhēn xiān de lì liàng jiù guī wǒ 。”
“不错，智者千虑必有一疏，即便是惊才绝艳的阿修罗王，也不可能从不出错，她关于转生的安排固然是巧妙以极，但对我来说，却偏偏是有漏洞可钻的，若能将修罗七宝凑足，阿修罗王堪比真仙的力量就归我。”
"No, indeed. Even a wise man may err once in a thousand deliberations. Even the most brilliant and extraordinary King of Naraka could never be without mistakes. Her arrangement for reincarnation is ingenious beyond compare, but for me, there are flaws I can exploit. If I gather all seven treasures of Naraka, the power of the King of Naraka will belong to me."
bīng pò shuō dào zhè lǐ ， yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī lǚ yì sè ， shì kě wàng ， shì jí dù ， hái yǒu jǐ fēn fù zá nán míng de yì wèi zài qí zhōng 。
冰魄说到这里，眼中闪过一缕异色，似渴望，似嫉妒，还有几分复杂难明的意味在其中。
Ice Spirit's eyes flashed with a strange color as she spoke, hinting at both desire and envy, along with some complex emotions.
bǎo shé bù yóu de àn àn sī suǒ ， kǒng pà zì jǐ zhè wèi jiě jiě yǔ ā xiū luó wáng de ēn yuàn yuǎn bù zhǐ yú cǐ de 。
宝蛇不由得暗暗思索，恐怕自己这位姐姐与阿修罗王的恩怨远不止于此的。
The Precious Snake could not help but ponder that her sister’s grudge against the King of Naraka might run much deeper than what was currently known.
bù guò hái shì nà jù huà ， huò cóng kǒu chū ， tā suī rán xīn zhōng hào qí ， dàn què jué bú huì qù zhǔ dòng dǎ tīng dì 。
不过还是那句话，祸从口出，她虽然心中好奇，但却绝不会去主动打听地。
However, as the saying went,祸 from mouth comes out. Although she was curious, she would never seek to find out on her own.
zhǐ shì bīng pò rú guǒ zhēn néng xún dé xiū luó qī bǎo ， jiāng ā xiū luó wáng de lì liàng shōu rù náng zhōng ， nà fàng yǎn sān jiè ， jiāng zài wú dí shǒu ， zì jǐ zuò wèi tā zuì qīn mì de hǎo yǒu ， yě jiāng shuǐ zhǎng chuán gāo ， shēn fèn dà bù xiāng tóng ， shèn zhì jiè tā zhī lì ， zài jìn yí bù ， huà yǔ dēng xiān ， yě bú shì méi yǒu yī sī kě néng de 。
只是冰魄如果真能寻得修罗七宝，将阿修罗王的力量收入囊中，那放眼三界，将再无敌手，自己做为她最亲密的好友，也将水涨船高，身份大不相同，甚至借她之力，再进一步，化羽登仙，也不是没有一丝可能的。
If Ice Spirit truly found all seven treasures of Naraka and absorbed the power of the King of Naraka, then in the Three Realms, there would be no one who could stand against her. As her closest friend, she too would rise with her, gaining a different status. Perhaps even with his help, she might ascend to true immortality.
xiǎng dào cǐ chù ， yǐ bǎo shé shèng zǔ de chéng fǔ ， yě bù yóu de xīn tiào jiā sù ， zuò wèi jiǔ wèi zhēn mó shǐ zǔ zhī yī ， shēn fèn gù rán yǐ jīng zūn róng yǐ jí ， rán ér yǔ zhēn xiān xiāng bǐ ， bì jìng hái shì yǒu chā jù 。
想到此处，以宝蛇圣祖的城府，也不由得心跳加速，做为九位真魔始祖之一，身份固然已经尊荣以极，然而与真仙相比，毕竟还是有差距。
Thinking about this, the Saint Ancestor Precious Snake's heart raced. Although already exalted as one of the nine True Demonic Ancestors, compared to true immortals, there was still a gap.
pǔ tōng de xiū xiān zhě ， huò xǔ shì yǐ cháng shēng bù lǎo wèi mù biāo de ， rán ér shí lì dào le tā men zhè ge děng jí ， cháng shēng yǐ jīng méi yǒu shén me liǎo bù qǐ ， kě xiū liàn shì méi yǒu zhǐ jìng dì ， yuè shì qiáng dà ， yuè shì duì zhēn xiān de jìng jiè xiàng wǎng yǐ jí 。
普通的修仙者，或许是以长生不老为目标的，然而实力到了他们这个等级，长生已经没有什么了不起，可修炼是没有止境地，越是强大，越是对真仙的境界向往以极。
Ordinary cultivators might aim for eternal life, but at their level, longevity had lost its luster. The pursuit of cultivation knew no bounds; the more powerful they became, the greater their yearning for true immortality.
piān piān què zǒng shì chà le yī bù ， jǐ bǎi wàn nián de fù chū ， què yě nán yǐ jiāng zhēn xiān de jìng jiè cān wù ， rú jīn jī huì lái le ， bīng pò ruò shì néng gòu rú yuàn yǐ cháng ， zì jǐ huò xǔ yě yǒu jī huì zhān guāng 。
偏偏却总是差了一步，几百万年的付出，却也难以将真仙的境界参悟，如今机会来了，冰魄若是能够如愿以偿，自己或许也有机会沾光。
Yet, they always fell short by one step. Despite millions of years of effort, they could not fully comprehend the realm of true immortals. Now, an opportunity presented itself. If Ice Spirit succeeded, she might have a chance to benefit as well.
zhì yú pāo kāi bīng pò ， zì jǐ qù xún xiū luó qī bǎo ， zhè yàng de niàn tou ， bǎo shé zì rán yě yǒu guò ， bù guò hěn kuài jiù dǎ xiāo le 。
至于抛开冰魄，自己去寻修罗七宝，这样的念头，宝蛇自然也有过，不过很快就打消了。
The idea of seeking the Seven Treasures of Naraka on her own also crossed Precious Snake's mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
xiǎng yào jiě kāi fēng yìn ， bì xū yǐ ā xiū luó wáng zú de xuè mài wèi ３， bīng pò zhè huà ， jué bú shì wēi yán sǒng tīng ， fǒu zé ， ruò méi yǒu zhè ge chè zhǒu ， tā yòu bù shǎ ， gàn má jiāng zhè tiān dà de mì mì shuō yú zì jǐ tīng a ！
想要解开封印，必须以阿修罗王族的血脉为３，冰魄这话，绝不是危言耸听，否则，若没有这个掣肘，她又不傻，干嘛将这天大的秘密说于自己听啊！
To break the seal required the bloodline of the King of Naraka. Ice Spirit was not exaggerating; if there were no such constraint, why would she share this massive secret with her?
bīng pò gǎn zhè me zuò ， bì shì chī dìng le zì jǐ dé dào bǎo wù yě méi yǒu yòng tú ， zhè yì diǎn ， bǎo shé xīn zhōng yǒu shù ， jì shì rú cǐ ， tā yě jiù bù zuò shén me fēi fèn zhī xiǎng le 。
冰魄敢这么做，必是吃定了自己得到宝物也没有用途，这一点，宝蛇心中有数，既是如此，她也就不做什么非分之想了。
Ice Spirit’s actions were certain to be in vain unless she had no use for the treasures. Precious Snake understood this and did not entertain any unreasonable thoughts.
lǎo lǎo shí shí fǔ zuǒ bīng pò xún zhǎo bǎo wù ， dào shí hòu tā chī ròu zì jǐ zǒng yě huì zhān guāng yǒu tāng hē ， zhè duì liǎng rén lái shuō ， dōu yǒu hǎo chù 。
老老实实辅佐冰魄寻找宝物，到时候她吃肉自己总也会沾光有汤喝，这对两人来说，都有好处。
She would obediently assist Ice Spirit in finding the treasures, ensuring that she too could benefit from it. This was beneficial for both of them.
xiǎng dào zhè lǐ ， bǎo shé wēi xiào zhe kāi kǒu le 。
想到这里，宝蛇微笑着开口了。
With a smile, Precious Snake spoke, "Sister, rest assured. Although we do not know where the Seven Treasures of Naraka are located, I will certainly support you to the best of my abilities..."
“ jiě jiě fàng xīn ， xiū luó qī bǎo suī rán bù zhī dào wèi yú hé chù ， dàn zuò mèi mèi de ， yí dìng huì jìn xīn fǔ zuǒ nǐ de ……。”
“姐姐放心，修罗七宝虽然不知道位于何处，但做妹妹的，一定会尽心辅佐你的……。”
"Very well. As long as our sisterhood works together, we can go anywhere in the world. If my foolish sister achieves her heart’s desire, she won’t forget your contributions."
“ hǎo ， zhǐ yào wǒ men jiě mèi lián shǒu ， tiān xià jǐn kě qù dé ， yú jiě ruò yǒu xīn yuàn dé cháng de yī kè ， yě jué bú huì kuī dài nǐ de 。”
“好，只要我们姐妹联手，天下尽可去得，愚姐若有心愿得偿的一刻，也绝不会亏待你的。”
Ice Spirit's face showed a trace of satisfaction. Her words had not been wasted. With Precious Snake's help, finding the Seven Treasures of Naraka would likely be much smoother.
bīng pò de liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī mǎn yì zhī sè ， zì jǐ de yī fān shuō cí zǒng suàn méi yǒu bái fèi chún shé ， yǒu bǎo shé xiāng zhù ， xún zhǎo xiū luó qī bǎo xiǎng bì huì shùn lì xǔ duō 。
冰魄的脸上露出一丝满意之色，自己的一番说辞总算没有白费唇舌，有宝蛇相助，寻找修罗七宝想必会顺利许多。
The two women continued their conversation for some time before they came upon a desolate valley surrounded by barren hills. The valley was devoid of any vegetation or even low shrubs, and the aura of the surrounding area was peculiarly strange.
suí hòu liǎng nǚ yòu liáo le yī xiē bié de ， hěn kuài ， qián miàn chū xiàn le yī huāng wú de shān gǔ ， shān gǔ bèi huāng shān bāo guǒ ， rán ér què shì guāng tū tū de ， bié shuō huā duǒ shù mù ， shèn zhì kàn bú jiàn dī ǎi de guàn mù lèi zhí wù 。
随后两女又聊了一些别的，很快，前面出现了一荒芜的山谷，山谷被荒山包裹，然而却是光秃秃的，别说花朵树木，甚至看不见低矮的灌木类植物。
However, both Ice Spirit and Precious Snake's faces lit up with joy.
bù jǐn rú cǐ ， tiān dì jiān de líng qì ， yě shì gǔ guài yǐ jí ， rán ér bǎo shé bīng pò ， liǎn shàng què tóng shí lù chū xǐ sè 。
不仅如此，天地间的灵气，也是古怪以极，然而宝蛇冰魄，脸上却同时露出喜色。
"Indeed, indeed. This is it. By tearing through this spatial node, we can return to the Holy Realm," said Precious Snake happily.
“ bù cuò ， bù cuò ， jiù shì zhè lǐ le ， yóu cǐ kōng jiān jié diǎn jiàng xū kōng sī pò ， nǐ wǒ jiù néng huí dào shèng jiè qù le 。” bǎo shé xīn xǐ de shuō 。
“不错，不错，就是这里了，由此空间节点将虚空撕破，你我就能回到圣界去了。”宝蛇欣喜的说。
"Hmm." Ice Spirit nodded. "This time, I didn’t come out in vain. We successfully obtained the combs and mirrors from the Seven Treasures of Naraka. Unfortunately, that Lin boy is too cunning; he managed to escape our hands."
“ ń 。” bīng pò diǎn le diǎn tóu ：“ zhè cì chū lái ， zǒng suàn méi yǒu bái máng huó ， chéng gōng dé dào le xiū luó qī bǎo zhōng de shū zhuāng hé ， kě xī nà xìng lín de xiǎo zi tài guò jiǎo huá ， què yòu ràng tā cóng nǐ wǒ jiě mèi shǒu zhōng táo chū shēng tiān le a ！”
“嗯。”冰魄点了点头：“这次出来，总算没有白忙活，成功得到了修罗七宝中的梳妆盒，可惜那姓林的小子太过狡猾，却又让她从你我姐妹手中逃出生天了啊！”
"Sister just advised me not to dwell on this matter. Why am I feeling melancholic now?" Precious Snake was surprised.
“ jiě jiě gāng gāng hái quàn wǒ ， bú yào duì cǐ shì tài guò jiè yì ， rú jīn zì jǐ ， zěn me què dòng chàng shàng le ？” bǎo shé yī è ， yǒu diǎn qí guài de shuō 。
“姐姐刚刚还劝我，不要对此事太过介意，如今自己，怎么却恫怅上了？”宝蛇一愕，有点奇怪的说。
"It’s nothing. My foolish sister is merely expressing her feelings. Although that boy is detestable, his talent is undeniable, and his advancement has been swift. With your Ninefold Serpent Pill, he might have a chance to transcend the tribulation stage. I feel it’s best to deal with this trouble as soon as possible."
“ méi shén me ， yú jiě bù guò shì yǒu gǎn ér fā bà le ， zhè lín xiǎo zi suī rán kě wù ， dàn zī zhì què rán bù sú ， jìn jí shí fēn xùn sù ， rú jīn yòu dé le nǐ jiǔ zhuǎn líng shé dān xiāng zhù ， tà rù dù jié yě jiù yǒu nà me yī sī kě néng le ， suǒ wèi yǎng hǔ wéi huàn ， wǒ zǒng jué de zhè ge má fán ， hái shì yào jǐn kuài xiǎng bàn fǎ jiǎn chú 。”
“没什么，愚姐不过是有感而发罢了，这林小子虽然可恶，但资质确然不俗，晋级十分迅速，如今又得了你九转灵蛇丹相助，踏入渡劫也就有那么一丝可能了，所谓养虎为患，我总觉得这个麻烦，还是要尽快想办法剪除。”
Ice Spirit's unease stemmed from her impending departure from the Spirit Realm. As a True Demon Ancestor, such feelings had not been felt in ages.
bīng pò rú cǐ zhè bān de shuō ， tā shì quàn guò bǎo shé ， dàn mǎ shàng yào lí kāi líng jiè le ， xīn zhōng què mò míng qí miào de gǎn dào yǒu yī xiē bù tuǒ ， zhè zhǒng huáng kǒng bù ān de gǎn jué ， zuò wéi zhēn mó shǐ zǔ ， yǐ jīng duō shǎo nián méi yǒu tǐ huì guò 。
冰魄如此这般的说，她是劝过宝蛇，但马上要离开灵界了，心中却莫名其妙的感到有一些不妥，这种惶恐不安的感觉，作为真魔始祖，已经多少年没有体会过。
As a cultivator, while these omens might not always come true, ignoring them was certainly unwise. That’s why she wanted to deal with Lin Xuan as soon as possible.
shēn wèi xiū xiān zhě ， zhè zhǒng xīn tóu líng zhào suī rán wèi bì cì cì yìng yàn ， dàn děng xián shì zhī ， kěn dìng yě shì bù tuǒ ， suǒ yǐ tā cái yǒu yào jǐn kuài jiǎn chú lín xuān yī shuō 。
身为修仙者，这种心头灵兆虽然未必次次应验，但等闲视之，肯定也是不妥，所以她才有要尽快剪除林轩一说。
However, this time, it wouldn’t be feasible. Even if they returned to the Holy Realm, their status would allow them to find a way to handle a spirit-stage cultivator.
zhǐ shì zhè yī cì ， kěn dìng lái bù jí ， bù guò nǎ pà shì huí dào shèng jiè yǐ hòu ， yǐ tā men de shēn fèn ， yào duì fù yī fēn shén qī de xiū xiān zhě ， yě zǒng néng xiǎng chū bàn fǎ lái de 。
只是这一次，肯定来不及，不过哪怕是回到圣界以后，以她们的身份，要对付一分神期的修仙者，也总能想出办法来的。
Precious Snake chuckled and said, "Sister need not worry about that. If that boy truly takes the Ninefold Serpent Pill to challenge the tribulation stage, he has no chance of success. Moreover, he will fall into madness. We won’t have to do anything; his soul will return to the Underworld."
“ hē hē ， jiě jiě zhè dào bù yòng zháo jí ， zhè lín xiǎo zi ruò zhēn fú yòng jiǔ zhuǎn líng shé dān chōng jī dù jié qī píng jǐng ， shì jué wú chéng gōng kě néng dì ， bù jǐn rú cǐ ， hái huì zǒu huǒ rù mó ， gēn běn bù yòng nǐ wǒ dòng shǒu ， jiù hún guī dì fǔ diào le 。” bǎo shé qīng xiào zhe shuō 。
“呵呵，姐姐这倒不用着急，这林小子若真服用九转灵蛇丹冲击渡劫期瓶颈，是绝无成功可能地，不仅如此，还会走火入魔，根本不用你我动手，就魂归地府掉了。”宝蛇轻笑着说。
"Why? Did I give him a fake Ninefold Serpent Pill?" Ice Spirit was greatly surprised.
“ wèi hé ， nán dào hǎo gěi tā de jiǔ zhuǎn líng shé dān shì jiǎ de ？” bīng pò dà wèi jīng è 。
“为何，难道好给他的九转灵蛇丹是假的？”冰魄大为惊愕。
"Of course it’s real. That boy specifically requested this item, and his discernment is not poor. If I had given him a fake pill, it would have been easily detected. The loss would be mine and yours," Precious Snake said calmly.
“ dāng rán shì zhēn de ， nà xiǎo zi jì rán zhǐ míng yào cǐ wù ， kě jiàn jiàn shí yě shì bù sú ， wǒ ruò ná chū yī lì jiǎ de dān yào ， duō bàn dāng chǎng jiù huì bèi shí pò ， nà diū de bù hái shì wǒ yǔ jiě jiě nǐ de yán miàn me ？” bǎo shé dàn dàn de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“当然是真的，那小子既然指名要此物，可见见识也是不俗，我若拿出一粒假的丹药，多半当场就会被识破，那丢的不还是我与姐姐你的颜面么？”宝蛇淡淡的声音传入耳朵。
"If it’s genuine, why do you say that taking the pill will result in madness and even soul destruction?" Ice Spirit was increasingly confused. Even with her vast experience, she couldn’t fathom the subtleties involved.
“ jì shì zhēn de ， nà wèi hé nǐ shuō tā fú yòng le fǎn ér huì zǒu huǒ rù mó ， yǐ zhì yú hún fēi pò sàn ne ？” bīng pò yuè tīng yuè shì hú tú ， yǐ tā chéng fǔ ， zhè zhōng jiān yǒu shén me xuán miào zhī chù yě shì xiǎng bù qīng chǔ 。
“既是真的，那为何你说她服用了反而会走火入魔，以至于魂飞魄散呢？”冰魄越听越是糊涂，以她城府，这中间有什么玄妙之处也是想不清楚。
"Ice Spirit should understand. Although the Ninefold Serpent Pill is extremely rare, its main ingredient is a mixture of eighty-one types of snake venom, supplemented by other precious substances, refined into a single pill."
“ jiě jiě yīng gāi qīng chǔ ， jiǔ zhuǎn líng shé dān gù rán zhēn xī wú bǐ ， dàn què shì yǐ jiǔ jiǔ bā shí yī zhǒng shé dú wéi zhǔ yuán liào ， fǔ yǐ qí tā zhēn qí líng wù ， níng liàn ér chéng de 。”
“姐姐应该清楚，九转灵蛇丹固然珍稀无比，但却是以九九八十一种蛇毒为主原料，辅以其他珍奇灵物，凝炼而成的。”
"Indeed, I know this," Ice Spirit nodded.
“ bù cuò ， zhè wǒ zì rán xiǎo de 。” bīng pò diǎn le diǎn tóu de shuō 。
“不错，这我自然晓得。”冰魄点了点头的说。
"This pill is difficult to refine. Even for me, it’s usually just ordinary quality pills. However, with enough practice, there are chances for better outcomes. The Ninefold Serpent Pill I gave Lin Xuan was an upper-grade pill due to a stroke of good fortune."
“ cǐ dān yào liàn zhì bù yì ， jí biàn shì wǒ ， tōng cháng yě zhǐ néng liàn zhì chū yī xiē pǔ tōng pǐn zhì dì líng dān ér yǐ ， bù guò liàn de cì shù duō le ， zǒng yǒu jī yuán qiǎo hé ， wǒ sòng yǔ lín xuān nà méi jiǔ zhuǎn líng shé dān ， jiù shì zài yī cì yùn qì jí hǎo de qíng kuàng xià ， liàn zhì chū lái de shàng pǐn dān 。”
“此丹药炼制不易，即便是我，通常也只能炼制出一些普通品质的灵丹而已，不过炼的次数多了，总有机缘巧合，我送与林轩那枚九转灵蛇丹，就是在一次运气极好的情况下，炼制出来的上品丹。”
"Upper-grade pill." Ice Spirit had some inkling.
“ shàng pǐn dān 。” bīng pò yě bú shì pǔ tōng de xiū xiān zhě ， yǐn yǐn yǐ huí wèi guò lái le 。
“上品丹。”冰魄也不是普通的修仙者，隐隐已回味过来了。
"Hmm, Sister seems to have figured it out. The power of the Ninefold Serpent Pill is fierce. Ordinary quality pills can increase the chances of advancing to the tribulation stage by twenty percent. An upper-grade pill has about a fifty percent chance," said Precious Snake with a chuckle.
“ hē hē ， kàn lái jiě jiě yǐ jīng xiǎng dào le ， jiǔ zhuǎn líng shé dān yào lì gāng měng ， pǔ tōng pǐn zhì dì dān yào ， jiù zú yǐ jiāng xiū shì jìn jiē dù jié de jī lǜ tí shēng liǎng chéng ， ér zhè shàng pǐn dān ， jù wǒ gū jì ， chà bu duō shì yǒu yí bàn de jī lǜ 。”
“呵呵，看来姐姐已经想到了，九转灵蛇丹药力刚猛，普通品质的丹药，就足以将修士进阶渡劫的几率提升两成，而这上品丹，据我估计，差不多是有一半的几率。”
"Fifty percent?" Ice Spirit was shocked. In the Three Realms, there were only a few tribulation-stage existences. A fifty percent chance for advancement was unbelievable.
“ yí bàn ？” bīng pò jǐn guǎn yǒu suǒ cāi cè ， hái shì bèi xià le yī dà tiào de ， fàng yǎn sān jiè ， dù jié qī cún zài cái jǐ gè ， cǐ dān yào jū rán yǒu yí bàn de jī lǜ ràng rén jìn jí ， jiǎn zhí shì bù kě sī yì 。
“一半？”冰魄尽管有所猜测，还是被吓了一大跳的，放眼三界，渡劫期存在才几个，此丹药居然有一半的几率让人晋级，简直是不可思议。
"Hmm, Sister need not worry. Although that’s an outrageous probability, it still depends on having the命to enjoy it. Because this upper-grade pill is extraordinary, its benefits are beyond what even a spirit-stage cultivator can bear. He will only fall into madness if he takes it," Precious Snake explained.
"Could it be that Sister is searching for the Seven Treasures of Naraka to..."
"No, indeed. Even a wise man may err once in a thousand deliberations. Even the most brilliant and extraordinary King of Naraka could never be without mistakes. Her arrangement for reincarnation is ingenious beyond compare, but for me, there are flaws I can exploit. If I gather all seven treasures of Naraka, the power of the King of Naraka will belong to me."
Ice Spirit's eyes flashed with a strange color as she spoke, hinting at both desire and envy, along with some complex emotions.
The Precious Snake could not help but ponder that her sister’s grudge against the King of Naraka might run much deeper than what was currently known.
However, as the saying went,祸 from mouth comes out. Although she was curious, she would never seek to find out on her own.
If Ice Spirit truly found all seven treasures of Naraka and absorbed the power of the King of Naraka, then in the Three Realms, there would be no one who could stand against her. As her closest friend, she too would rise with her, gaining a different status. Perhaps even with his help, she might ascend to true immortality.
Thinking about this, the Saint Ancestor Precious Snake's heart raced. Although already exalted as one of the nine True Demonic Ancestors, compared to true immortals, there was still a gap.
Ordinary cultivators might aim for eternal life, but at their level, longevity had lost its luster. The pursuit of cultivation knew no bounds; the more powerful they became, the greater their yearning for true immortality.
Yet, they always fell short by one step. Despite millions of years of effort, they could not fully comprehend the realm of true immortals. Now, an opportunity presented itself. If Ice Spirit succeeded, she might have a chance to benefit as well.
The idea of seeking the Seven Treasures of Naraka on her own also crossed Precious Snake's mind, but she quickly dismissed it.
To break the seal required the bloodline of the King of Naraka. Ice Spirit was not exaggerating; if there were no such constraint, why would she share this massive secret with her?
Ice Spirit’s actions were certain to be in vain unless she had no use for the treasures. Precious Snake understood this and did not entertain any unreasonable thoughts.
She would obediently assist Ice Spirit in finding the treasures, ensuring that she too could benefit from it. This was beneficial for both of them.
With a smile, Precious Snake spoke, "Sister, rest assured. Although we do not know where the Seven Treasures of Naraka are located, I will certainly support you to the best of my abilities..."
"Very well. As long as our sisterhood works together, we can go anywhere in the world. If my foolish sister achieves her heart’s desire, she won’t forget your contributions."
Ice Spirit's face showed a trace of satisfaction. Her words had not been wasted. With Precious Snake's help, finding the Seven Treasures of Naraka would likely be much smoother.
The two women continued their conversation for some time before they came upon a desolate valley surrounded by barren hills. The valley was devoid of any vegetation or even low shrubs, and the aura of the surrounding area was peculiarly strange.
However, both Ice Spirit and Precious Snake's faces lit up with joy.
"Indeed, indeed. This is it. By tearing through this spatial node, we can return to the Holy Realm," said Precious Snake happily.
"Hmm." Ice Spirit nodded. "This time, I didn’t come out in vain. We successfully obtained the combs and mirrors from the Seven Treasures of Naraka. Unfortunately, that Lin boy is too cunning; he managed to escape our hands."
"Sister just advised me not to dwell on this matter. Why am I feeling melancholic now?" Precious Snake was surprised.
"It’s nothing. My foolish sister is merely expressing her feelings. Although that boy is detestable, his talent is undeniable, and his advancement has been swift. With your Ninefold Serpent Pill, he might have a chance to transcend the tribulation stage. I feel it’s best to deal with this trouble as soon as possible."
Ice Spirit's unease stemmed from her impending departure from the Spirit Realm. As a True Demon Ancestor, such feelings had not been felt in ages.
As a cultivator, while these omens might not always come true, ignoring them was certainly unwise. That’s why she wanted to deal with Lin Xuan as soon as possible.
However, this time, it wouldn’t be feasible. Even if they returned to the Holy Realm, their status would allow them to find a way to handle a spirit-stage cultivator.
Precious Snake chuckled and said, "Sister need not worry about that. If that boy truly takes the Ninefold Serpent Pill to challenge the tribulation stage, he has no chance of success. Moreover, he will fall into madness. We won’t have to do anything; his soul will return to the Underworld."
"Why? Did I give him a fake Ninefold Serpent Pill?" Ice Spirit was greatly surprised.
"Of course it’s real. That boy specifically requested this item, and his discernment is not poor. If I had given him a fake pill, it would have been easily detected. The loss would be mine and yours," Precious Snake said calmly.
"If it’s genuine, why do you say that taking the pill will result in madness and even soul destruction?" Ice Spirit was increasingly confused. Even with her vast experience, she couldn’t fathom the subtleties involved.
"Ice Spirit should understand. Although the Ninefold Serpent Pill is extremely rare, its main ingredient is a mixture of eighty-one types of snake venom, supplemented by other precious substances, refined into a single pill."
"Indeed, I know this," Ice Spirit nodded.
"This pill is difficult to refine. Even for me, it’s usually just ordinary quality pills. However, with enough practice, there are chances for better outcomes. The Ninefold Serpent Pill I gave Lin Xuan was an upper-grade pill due to a stroke of good fortune."
"Upper-grade pill." Ice Spirit had some inkling.
"Hmm, Sister seems to have figured it out. The power of the Ninefold Serpent Pill is fierce. Ordinary quality pills can increase the chances of advancing to the tribulation stage by twenty percent. An upper-grade pill has about a fifty percent chance," said Precious Snake with a chuckle.
"Fifty percent?" Ice Spirit was shocked. In the Three Realms, there were only a few tribulation-stage existences. A fifty percent chance for advancement was unbelievable.
"Hmm, Sister need not worry. Although that’s an outrageous probability, it still depends on having the命to enjoy it. Because this upper-grade pill is extraordinary, its benefits are beyond what even a spirit-stage cultivator can bear. He will only fall into madness if he takes it," Precious Snake explained.