"Hoo!"

White vapor was expelled from Gu Yuan’s mouth, lingering for a long time, and smashing a crack on the hard stone wall.

His face was flushed, and the Mana within him surged violently. The mist in his Dantian seemed to have expanded substantially, and the Mana became increasingly dense.

After a long time, he slowly opened his eyes, a hint of joy at the corner of his mouth.

"Qi Refining Sixth Layer!"

"Mana doubled, Spiritual Sense extended from ten zhang to fifteen zhang, and the Power of Heaven-Earth that the Dharma Seal could draw upon increased significantly."

Feeling the Mana surging within and the limits reached by his Spiritual Sense, Gu Yuan’s smile grew wider.

The journey to the Cloud Cliff Shell Field had already yielded considerable gains.

In just half a day, his cultivation had advanced by a small realm, saving him over a year of arduous practice.

"Magical Combat and adventure, although fraught with danger, if one can gain something, the rewards indeed far surpass hard cultivation."

Gu Yuan couldn’t help but sigh.

"However, breaking through to the Qi Refining Sixth Layer is just the first step of the plan. There are more important matters waiting for me."

After another round of breath regulation, fully merging his Mana and solidifying his realm, Gu Yuan did not hesitate. He activated the Dharma Seal, drove the Jade Flood Dragon Shuttle, swiftly exiting the Water Cave Five Layer, then took a deep dive, heading towards the Water Cave Six Layer.

...

"Boom!"

In the Water Cave Six Layer, the scene was entirely different.

The entire water cave was enveloped by rushing water flows. Moreover, massive water veins swept through the cave like giant whips, carrying immense strength.

Such water force was something Gu Yuan’s ordinary Middle-grade Daoist Robe couldn’t withstand; Mana had to be gathered into a barrier, constantly holding back the water flow.

"It’s a pity, without a Waterproof Seal or Dharma Artifact, it’s an arduous task."

Looking at the surrounding clear yet seemingly inexhaustible water flow, Gu Yuan sighed lightly.

Without a Waterproof Seal or Dharma Artifact, he had to constantly condense his Mana into a waterproof barrier to resist the pressure from the water veins, resulting in the loss of a significant portion of his Mana.

Gu Yuan had considered crafting a Waterproof Seal or purchasing a Waterproof Dharma Artifact when heading to the Shell Field.

But alas, his pouch was too tight.

Moreover, the materials for such Dharma Artifacts or Seals had skyrocketed due to news of the Shell Field conquest, making him sigh in helplessness.

"Luckily, Kuang Mingsheng gave me a Void Nether Jade. With this jade, there should be no obstacles in seeking fortune."

Clasping the cool, transparent Jade Pendant in his palm, Gu Yuan couldn’t help but grin.

This was his plan on the Treasure Boat.

No Dharma Artifacts or treasures of his own? It didn’t matter, as long as the enemies had them.

This is what it means to sustain battle through battle.

And the Void Nether Jade lived up to its name as a stealth treasure for the Qi Refining stage. Gu Yuan enveloped himself in Mana to avoid the water flow, and despite the considerable commotion, under the Jade’s effect, the entire space seemed to be cloaked. In the midst of the water, all was silent. Anyone scanning with the naked eye or Spiritual Sense would only see a serene water flow, with nothing out of the ordinary.

Due to Mana activation, holding back the water, Gu Yuan dared not fully unleash the Dharma Seal, lest his whereabouts be exposed.

He could only move leisurely towards the north.

Fortunately, a cultivator’s Mana backed him, and his body was not too weak. With slight activation of the "Chasing Moon Seal," it wasn’t long before he approached his destination.

"Boom!"

"Fellow disciples, no need to hold back, activate the Dharma Seal to annihilate this snake with full strength!"

En route, Gu Yuan also encountered several waves of battle.

Perhaps due to his Qi Refining Sixth Layer strength increasing, or having experienced more deceit and intrigue, or perhaps due to his ingenuous Dao Heart, these skirmishes showcased purity. The cultivators cooperated seamlessly, without any unspoken grudges.

Meanwhile, Gu Yuan had no intention of getting involved, and gently bypassed them, focused solely on his quest for fortune.

Before reaching his destination, yet another fierce battle unfolded ahead.

A massive cyan snake, three zhang long, was clashing with four cyan-robed cultivators.

Dozens of Dharma Seals flickered in unison, several Dharma Artifacts roared simultaneously, but the cyan snake, with all its Demon Patterns lighting up, appeared to wear a layer of cyan Rosy Clouds Robe, miraculously blocking the torrential attacks.

"Damn, this Cyan Tungsten Snake seems to have been watered by True Dragon blood. Its Demon Pattern is so domineering, resilient enough to thwart our combined efforts."

The leading cultivator was a young man with a scar at the corner of his eye and slightly graying temples.

He was tenacious and usually composed, yet seeing the snake’s glowing Demon Patterns, he couldn’t help but have a solemn expression.

"I’ve heard that in the East Sea, there are giant whales that upon landing give rise to all things, True Dragons fall, and blood stains the earth, some fortunate Demon Beasts gain some benefits."

"But ultimately, it’s merely a Demon, not a Flood Dragon seed from the East Sea. We’ll wear it down to the bitter end."

A female cultivator behind the young man, with alluring looks and a shapely figure, said as she pursed her lips.

"Even so, prolonged battle is not ideal, potentially leading to unexpected twists!"

"This snake itself is a treasure, worth significantly more than the Shell King. We absolutely cannot afford losses; only by killing the snake can we gather enough supplies for the Zhongshan Secret Ruins."

"We can’t delay any longer. Please guard me while I activate the Secret Seal!"

The young man furrowed his brow, scanning the surroundings, an inexplicable unease stirring within. After deliberating for a moment, he seemed resolved, shouting to the nearby cultivators.

"Rest assured, elder brother!"

"We will definitely keep this snake occupied!"

The group responded instantly.