With a whoosh
, Fang Qing raised his hand, and a sword light flew out. Amidst the starry sky, a sword aura suddenly dissipated, transforming into countless sword threads.
[At this point, I hope readers will remember our domain name: 𝓽𝔀𝓴𝓪𝓷.𝓬𝓸𝓶 (for all Taiwanese novels)]
It was none other than the peerless sword technique, "Refining Swords into Silk"!
"Useless, sword cultivators… I've killed them before."
The Heart-Eating Hermit grinned maliciously. His "Black Spirit Silk" was highly poisonous, adept at breaking through magical energy shields, and could even corrupt magical treasures!
Even a sword cultivator's flying sword, once entangled by his Black Spirit Silk, would lose its spiritual power in a short time.
But as the sword silk clashed with the Black Spirit Silk, an astonishing scene unfolded.
*Poof!
* The sword silk crisscrossed, and the Black Spirit Silk instantly snapped in two, as if made of paper!
"No! Impossible!"
The Heart-Eating Hermit's hair fell loose, his face filled with disbelief. He then made a sudden hand seal.
The two-headed python transformed from the flying fork swooped down, while he quietly retreated.
At this moment, the demonic arts had not yet completely eroded his Dao heart. Encountering an enemy he could not defeat, he naturally had to flee.
"Brother Bai?"
Wang Ziqin and Wang Zixuan, who had been in despair, felt a sense of relief upon seeing this scene.
"Too weak! Too weak!"
Fang Qing shook his head. If a sword cultivator's natal flying sword could be so easily corrupted, wouldn't all sword cultivators who embraced the Dao be wiped out?
That "Kill the Wolf" sword technique, capable of transforming between form and substance through three stages, was originally an incomparably sharp golden aura when condensed. How could it be corrupted? At this moment, his sword technique changed, unleashing the "Heavenly Escape Sword Technique" with unrestrained freedom. He became one with his sword, transforming into a streak of light that swept past the two-headed black python. Crack!
Thunder rumbled.
When the sword light passed, the two-headed black python suddenly froze, letting out a mournful cry as it transformed into a flying fork.
At this moment, the flying fork was clearly split in two, the cut surface perfectly smooth.
Thump!
The Black Poison Bell, entangled by strands of sword energy, let out a mournful cry before losing its spiritual power and transforming into a small bell that floated in the air.
"Sister..."
Wang Zixuan only saw Fang Qing chase after him, and the black poison bell fell as if it had lost its magic power. A terrible guess arose in her mind: "That Fellow Daoist Bai Jianfeng, could he have killed... both Shi Xin Sanren and the others?" "I've always heard that sword cultivators are skilled in combat and can kill in the blink of an eye. Seeing it today, I know that the reputation is well-deserved!"
Wang Ziqin sighed softly. Then, a flash of sword light appeared, and Fang Qing's figure appeared, holding a head in his hand. Who else could it be but Shi Xin Sanren? "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist, on killing a formidable enemy..." Wang
Zixuan's voice trembled slightly. After all, this was a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, skilled in demonic arts, and with astonishing combat power!
If this Bai Jianfeng could easily kill Shi Xin Sanren, wouldn't that mean... he could also easily kill the two of them?
Wang Ziqin suddenly felt the black poison bell in her hand was a bit too hot, and quickly offered it with both hands: "The Heart-Eating Hermit was killed by you, fellow Daoist, so his magical treasures and storage bag should rightfully belong to you..." Fang Qing took the black poison bell with a half-smile and casually tossed it into his storage bag.
Wang Zixuan and her sister exchanged a glance and continued: "We sisters are willing to offer the osprey beast and all the spiritual items in its nest to you, fellow Daoist..." Fang Qing didn't stand on ceremony and readily agreed, as it was what he deserved anyway.
Wang Ziqin and her sister exchanged a glance, then suddenly became enthusiastic: "Fellow Daoist Bai, would you like to stay at my home for a while? We sisters must repay your life-saving grace..." "Oh?"
Fang Qing secretly divined, a smile appearing on his face: "It's not impossible, but I've heard about the duel between your Wang family and the three fierce Tong clan members..." "So you know, that's even better."
Wang Ziqin's expression remained unchanged, still full of smiles: "Your methods are extraordinary, if you're willing to fight, you can choose any resources from my Wang family's treasury..." "I am still lacking a few thousand-year-old spiritual herbs..." Fang
Qing smiled: "Why don't you lead the way?"
Several days later.
Wang Family Immortal Island.
A magnificent carriage suddenly descended, with seemingly melodious music playing inside.
"Welcome, Ancestor!"
The Wang family members on the island quickly activated the formation to welcome the two Core Formation female cultivators back to the family.
The carriage stopped, and Wang Ziying, her face still flushed, stepped down, followed by Wang Ziqin.
Once Wang Ziqin had also alighted, Fang Qing leisurely stepped out of the carriage, stretching lazily: "The families of you two... are quite prosperous indeed." Many members of the Wang family felt a pang of sadness upon seeing a male cultivator alight from the carriage of their two beautiful Core Formation cultivators. However, given the noble status of Core Formation cultivators, they could only offer their respects.
A short while later, a streak of light appeared, revealing an elderly man in the mid-Core Formation stage.
He was dressed like a wealthy landowner, with a ruddy complexion and white hair and beard. He smiled and said, "Ziqin, Zixuan... why don't you quickly introduce this handsome young man?" "Uncle Feng... this Brother Bai Jianfeng is a good friend of ours. He saved us sisters from danger this time..."
Wang Ziqin gave a brief introduction.
"I see. Please rest well, fellow Daoist. I will have a feast prepared immediately..."
This "Uncle Feng" was clearly an important figure in the Wang family and had a close relationship with the late-stage Core Formation cultivator. He spoke and acted with a decisive and efficient air: "What Ziqin and Zixuan agreed to, I agreed to. Jin Yuan!"
He called out, and immediately a female cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment flew out and respectfully bowed: "Greetings, esteemed elders..."
"Take this Fellow Daoist Bai to rest..."
Uncle Feng gave a few instructions, and the graceful female cultivator immediately bowed to Fang Qingyan: "Honored guest... please!"
"Mm."
Fang Qing followed the woman's escape light to a magnificent palace.
The enjoyment of this clan's cultivators was indeed far superior to that of ordinary rogue cultivators and sects...
"Senior... I have always admired the two aunts. I wonder if you encountered any danger on this trip?"
Wang Jinyuan spoke eloquently, but was quite cunning, subtly probing.
"Oh?"
Fang Qing's face held a half-smile. Suddenly, he made a hand seal, calculating the cause and effect: "So that's why the Wang family suddenly became enemies with the three Tong Fiends. It turns out it's a factional struggle within your own family. Someone is secretly instigating, fanning the flames, trying to kill several Core Formation cultivators, framing Core Formation cultivators for Foundation Establishment? I've truly seen something new... Is it for the sake of resources? Or is it a factional struggle between different lineages? Hmm, it should be both... You've gone too far. It's one thing to harm your own family, but why involve the three Tong Fiends? Those three cultivate the 'Childlike Heart True Skill,' so not only are their bodies like children, but their minds are also immature. You're bullying fools! No wonder they wanted a life-or-death duel!" "What?"
Wang Jinyuan was startled: "Senior... what are you saying? This junior doesn't understand..."
Fang Qing shook his head with a smile: "Your two invited me here for a life-or-death sword duel, but my time is precious, I won't play any tricks with you. I like to overturn the chessboard... The one who came up with this plan was Wang Chufang, and the ones who cooperated were Wang Dalu and Wang Qiao... They were responsible for stirring up trouble, tricking Wang Jinfeng, Wang Jinhai, and 'Tong Zhen' from the Tong family's three villains into a feud at Feiyanhai Market, right?" As he explained the people, the location, and even the clues to the conspiracy in detail, Wang Jinyuan's face turned pale, and he looked at Fang Qing as if he had seen a ghost! Fang Qing just smiled without saying a word, while inwardly complaining:
"It's only because the people of the Qi Chain Path are so honest and simple that Foundation Establishment cultivators might be able to harm Core Formation cultivators... If they use relics or formations, Qi Chain cultivators could trap and kill Core Formation cultivators, or trick Nascent Soul cultivators into doing the same... "But in the Qi Absorption Path, after the Purple Mansion, there are ranks that can easily predict everything about the next cultivator. Where is there such a good thing?"
"If I weren't afraid of scaring people, I could have used my 'eloquence' talent to make Wang Jinyuan confess and reveal everything... giving these Core Formation cultivators of the Qi Path a real eye-opener! But that would be too frightening, and they would think I used some kind of evil magic to control cultivators... But now? I can only say that I have a powerful force behind me, which is why I was able to find out so much information... The reason I flipped the table was naturally because Fang Qing was impatient to fight with them.
His time was precious; he was too busy refining pills and cultivating, so how could he have the mind to play such childish games?
It was most convenient to just flip the chessboard, let the Wang family decide, take the reward, and leave."
"Senior... you actually know all this? Could you be from the Three Islands and Four Sects? Or perhaps from that Palace and Temple?"
Wang Jinyuan smiled bitterly. "Such a powerful force is interested in my Wang family's mere Core Formation cultivators? Yes! I'm jealous of Wang Ziqin and Wang Zixuan... how am I any worse than them? Why am I the one who has reached Core Formation?" "But what good will eliminating your own Core Formation cultivators do you?"
Fang Qing deliberately provoked. "Aren't you afraid of the Wang family's annihilation?"
"Hmph, as long as our late-stage Core Formation ancestor is alive, what's wrong with losing a few early-stage Core Formation cultivators? The old man will feel sorry for them and release his 'Golden Core'..." Wang Jinyuan sneered, then saw the talisman in Fang Qing's hand, his expression changing drastically. "This is... a recording talisman?"
"Fellow Daoist, go explain to your own Core Formation cultivators."
Fang Qing smiled slightly.
Although the Core Formation cultivators of the Chain Qi Path are weak, if they really set their minds to it, they still have many ways to torment lower-level cultivators.
For example, that "Soul-Splitting Split Technique"!
But such a technique would essentially cripple a person. Not to mention blood-related cultivation families, even within a sect, it's impossible to do this without evidence. But now there's a recorded image as evidence, right?
Next, if the Core Formation cultivators of the Wang family want to, they can definitely dig out all the rats.
But Fang Qing estimates that in the end, only a few will die…
After all…
*They're all family. Even if there's suspicion of collusion with outsiders, in the end, there won't be any tragic consequences, right? A few slaps on the wrist, and it'll be over… But that's none of my business. I'm just here to watch the show and collect my reward…
Fang Qing casually flicked out a communication talisman. A moment later, his divine sense detected the entire Wang family starting to riot, and a pleased smile immediately appeared on his face…
Several days later.
Inside the magnificent palace, the sound of a zither lingered for days.
Wang Ziqin played the zither, Wang Zixuan danced, and Fang Qing leaned back in a soft chair, casually eating spiritual fruit, his expression relaxed.
After the song ended, Wang Ziqin's expression turned somewhat resentful: "Fellow Daoist lit the fire, causing quite a commotion for my family..." "Haha... Fellow Daoist Ziqin, you're wronging me. These are parasites born from within your Wang family, it has nothing to do with me... Besides, I've even eliminated a hidden danger for your Wang family." Fang Qing laughed: "Otherwise, if they dared to frame you few early-stage Core Formation cultivators today, they would dare to betray their late-stage Core Formation ancestors tomorrow... To deal with such people, we must strike hard!" "Fellow Daoist makes it sound so easy..."
Wang Zixuan felt a pang of bitterness in her heart, not only from the pain of being betrayed by her own family, but also from the subsequent headaches...
Many of the Wang family members who framed Wang Jinhai and Wang Jinfeng were related to her family, some even being cousins or nephews... A bunch of white-haired elders were kneeling before her family, pleading bitterly, what could she do?
"In the propagation of family bloodlines, there will always be a few unfilial sons... Especially on the path of cultivation, the difference between Foundation Establishment and Core Formation is a chasm of magical power and supernatural abilities, a difference of hundreds of years in lifespan... How many people can remain unmoved?" Wang Ziqin, however, was more open-minded, curtsying: "This time, I must thank you again, fellow Daoist... Uncle Feng has already prepared to open the family treasury, allowing you to choose any treasures as a reward." "Oh, then I will accept your offer."
Fang Qing laughed heartily.
If it weren't for the fact that there was still an opportunity for him in the Wang family treasury, would he have bothered to come to the Wang family again?
"Lead the way!"
He had Wang Ziqin and her sister lead the way. All the Wang family cultivators they encountered along the way bowed respectfully by the roadside, some even going out of their way to avoid him as if he were a plague god. After all, what Fang Qing had done to Wang Jinyuan had already spread.
There were rumors in the Wang family that this person was a Daoist prodigy of a powerful force, with abundant intelligence resources, and acted as he pleased without any scruples. If something were to slip out again, it would look bad for everyone.
*Sigh…it's lonely at the top.*
Fang Qing sighed inwardly, arriving at the deepest part of the Wang family's formation.
His uncle, dressed like a wealthy landowner, was already waiting there, his face solemn: "Fellow Daoist…please!"
He held a golden token in his hand, his hands forming a hand seal.
Runes entered the treasure vault's door, and soon the door burst open, releasing countless rays of light.
"Haha... They're afraid I have some powerful background, so they don't dare let me participate in the duel. They just want me to take the benefits and leave as soon as possible?" Fang Qing saw through the mentality of these Wang family cultivators. With his hands behind his back, he walked into the Wang family's treasure vault with great curiosity.
As a Core Formation force, the spiritual materials that could be included in the treasure vault were basically at least quasi-third rank.
The treasure vault was not large, with only a few shelves, but every spiritual item on it was extraordinary.
Fang Qing first saw a row of medicine cabinets, all made of purple fragrant wood, which could preserve the medicinal properties and prevent them from being lost. Inside the boxes, there were also specially made "jade ointment boxes". There were also notes on many of the medicine cabinets, recording the names and years of the medicinal materials.
"Thousand-year-old spiritual herbs, quite a lot..."
Fang Qing saw several kinds, all of which were needed to refine the "Mysterious Star Waterfall Pill", and his heart stirred.
At this moment, Uncle Feng, who had been accompanying him all the way, smiled and said, "I heard from those two girls that you are looking for spiritual herbs to refine pills? If they are medicinal materials, you can choose three portions..." This was obviously an attempt to befriend him.
As the leader of a powerful force, it was only natural for Uncle Feng to try and win over Fang Qing, a high-level cultivator with extraordinary cultivation techniques and extensive intelligence networks. Fang Qing nodded and then shook his head, feeling that these spiritual herbs could be collected by the Zhong Alliance, which didn't seem like the opportunities he had obtained through divination. He then went to the magic weapon shelf. There were only a few magic weapons on display, mostly of low grade. He glanced at them and moved on to the mineral shelf next to him.
"Huh?"
Only then did Fang Qing's heart stir, and he reached out and picked up a pitch-black iron box.
After opening it, a palm-sized piece of ore inside emitted a dazzling light.
"This is a fourth-grade 'Radiant Grade'... suitable for refining some mirror-shaped magic weapons."
An old voice sounded.
Inside the treasure vault, there was another Core Formation cultivator. His aura had reached the late Core Formation stage, and he wore a golden robe. His hands and feet were large, and his face was covered in bristling hair and beard, like a lion king that had just woken up. "Brother..."
Uncle Feng hurriedly bowed.
"So it's the Wang family patriarch."
Fang Qing smiled, knowing that this was the pillar of the Wang family, the patriarch in the late Core Formation stage.
"I am Wang Junjie, greetings, fellow Daoist."
The Wang family patriarch bowed and smiled, "This item is one of the most precious treasures in the treasury... Does it meet your standards, fellow Daoist?" "Indeed, this item is just what I need."
Fang Qing nodded.
Among his natal magic treasures for the "Swallowing the Sea Technique" is a "Mysterious Nether Mirror," which he absolutely needs as its main ingredient!
"Other Core Formation cultivators, already possessing a natal magic treasure, certainly wouldn't want to refine another one...
After all, cultivating a natal magic treasure greatly consumes the true essence of the core.
Generally speaking, one or two are enough for an ordinary Core Formation cultivator.
For other battles? Of course, there are ordinary magic treasures, even rare treasures and talismans available...
But the 'Mysterious Nether Mirror' is different. This treasure can 'dispel illusions and purify the mind,' and it even has a certain effect on the 'inner demon tribulation' during the condensation of the Yuan Qi. Therefore, Fang Qing will definitely refine it and cultivate it vigorously.
He even wants to find the fourth-order dragon eye needed to refine the 'Abyss Eye Pearl' to enhance his own divine sense! "After all... that's a Yuan Qi chasm! There are many tribulations... it's always good to be well-prepared."
Unfortunately, although the Wang family is considered wealthy among Core Formation forces, they don't have any demon beast materials with the bloodline of the Candle Dragon...
"This 'Radiant Item' has been in my family's treasure vault for many years. Now it seems that it is destined to be with you, fellow Daoist."
The Wang family patriarch chuckled and flicked his sleeve.
A surge of immense magical power landed on the black box containing the luminous items.
Instantly, the sounds of shattering seals echoed.
As treasures of the Wang family, these items naturally contained hidden seals. If someone unknowingly took them out of the treasury, it would immediately trigger a reaction from the entire clan's protective array… Although the Wang family's third-tier array was nothing to Fang Qing, it was still a gesture of goodwill.
Moreover, the patriarch's flick of his sleeve to dispel the seals, revealing his powerful magical power and divine sense control, was undoubtedly a deterrent! "Thank you, fellow Daoist."
Fang Qing laughed heartily, putting the Mingyao item into his storage bag, still marveling to himself:
"This Qi Path world is indeed rich in resources... Even a Core Formation power can access fourth-tier spiritual materials...
"In the Qi Cultivation Path, that would be a True Person in the early or middle stages of the Purple Mansion realm... to obtain a Purple Mansion spiritual item used by a Great True Person in the late stage of the Purple Mansion realm... well, it's not impossible, but it's too unlikely..." The three of them left the Wang family's treasure vault. He looked at the Wang family patriarch and Wang Junfeng, and smiled, "What follows is merely a matter for the Wang family. As an outsider, I will not disturb you any longer. Farewell..." "This..."
Wang Junfeng was clearly caught off guard, but the Wang family patriarch stroked his beard and smiled, "Fellow Daoist, please take care... May I ask where your immortal home is? I will certainly visit you another day." "It's just a nameless place..."
Fang Qing laughed heartily, not glancing at the pale-faced Wang Ziqin and her sister again, and transformed into a sword light, quickly flying away from Wang Family Island.
"Brother... are you just going to let this person go like that?"
Watching the sword light fly out of the formation, Wang Junfeng finally couldn't hold back any longer: "This brat took advantage of the most outstanding woman in our Wang family and just left. He's truly not human!" "Hmph, you still have the nerve to say that?"
The Wang family patriarch glared at his younger brother: "I went into seclusion and entrusted the family to you. Is this how you manage the family? You've made a mess of things... even Foundation Establishment cultivators have been harmed by Core Formation cultivators. When our Wang family cultivators go out in the future, won't they be laughed at by their fellow cultivators?"
"Uh..."
Mentioning this, Wang Junfeng was extremely ashamed: "I am guilty... I beg you, brother, to take back the clan authority. I will go to the family's punishment hall to receive my punishment..." Now that the family is in such a mess, he really doesn't want to take on this responsibility anymore.
After all, both his son and daughter are his flesh and blood.
Even the Wang family patriarch, who rushed out of seclusion, was extremely troubled by this situation.
"Alas...you wretched creature! You wretched creature!"
He sighed repeatedly, then asked, "What did the three Tong brothers say?"
Now that they knew there was a reason for the incident, the Wang family naturally wanted to reconcile.
However...
"The three Tong brothers are unwilling..."
Wang Junfeng felt his head was about to explode: "After all, they cultivate the 'Childlike Heart True Scripture,' and their temperament is like that of a mischievous child. Once they've made up their minds, not even nine oxen can pull them back... They said that since we've decided to fight, we'll fight to the end!" "Alas...what a mess."
The Wang family patriarch sighed deeply: "Fine...if they want to fight, let them fight. Do they really think I'm afraid of that old demon? And this Bai Jianfeng who suddenly appeared, his origins are quite suspicious...even that one palace and one temple, could they really have such a powerful force that they know all the secrets of our Core Formation families?"
"What my elder brother says is true..."
Wang Junfeng had some guesses in his heart.
"Behind the three fierce Tongs is the 'Old Demon of Clouds and Rain,' a late-stage Core Formation cultivator who has roamed the land for many years... How could he not have a background? He probably comes from Blood Fiend Island..." The Wang family patriarch sighed, "That Bai Jianfeng's swordsmanship is awe-inspiring, yet he hides his origins... He might even be from the demonic path, or from Blood Fiend Island!" "Blood Fiend Island is full of demonic cultivators, but Bai Jianfeng's sword energy is condensed and not chaotic..."
Wang Junfeng clearly didn't believe it.
"Hmph! Those with demonic energy that even we cultivators can see through are fake demonic cultivators!"
The Wang family patriarch said, "Your cultivation is still too shallow. True demonic cultivators are all outwardly virtuous, even more virtuous than gentlemen... Sword cultivators are extreme and most prone to demonic possession!" "What about the Ziqin sisters?"
Wang Junfeng was shocked.
"So what if he's a demonic cultivator? In this cultivation world of the East Sea, strength reigns supreme. Having a path on the demonic path isn't bad..."
The Wang family patriarch suddenly smiled, "Otherwise, why would I have given that kid a piece of fourth-grade spirit ore?"
Ice Sky Island.
Before Fang Qing landed on the island, he secretly cast a divination to confirm that the Celestial Talisman Master had already left.
"Hmm... I am now the 'White Sword Edge' Guest Elder of the Zhong Alliance, a Golden Spiritual Root sword cultivator! How could I possibly be the same as that Empty Spiritual Root Fang Shui who caused such a ruckus on Ice Sky Island?" Dressed in white, he arrived at the entrance of Yuanxin Market.
This market was still divided into nine levels, with palaces and pavilions stretching across each level, corresponding to the stars above and drawing upon the earth's veins below, creating an astonishing spectacle.
However, the guardians of the market's gate were no longer giant ice-attribute puppets, but rather cultivators hired at high prices.
And the highest point of the core level was no longer the palace of the Ice Sky True Person, but rather an octagonal commercial building.
"Shang Yuanxin did a good job..."
Fang
Qing entered the market and arrived at the Zhong Alliance's stronghold.
The Zhong Alliance had previously taken advantage of the market's unstable period to acquire shops and cave dwellings on a large scale... Now that asset prices had recovered, they were rolling in money. Even a single stronghold was located in the inner three levels, where spiritual energy was abundant.
"So it's Fellow Daoist Bai..."
Fang Qing took out his token and had just entered the stronghold when a Core Formation cultivator came out to greet him.
He recognized the man; it was none other than Old Daoist Xuan Qi!
This Daoist was once a steward of the Ice Heaven Pavilion and had even gone to the Zhong Alliance to collect debts. However, his own power collapsed, and he suffered investment losses. In his miserable state, he ended up relying on Zhong Lingxiu and helping the Zhong Alliance. It was as if the original relationship had been reversed. Zhong Lingxiu, on the other hand, considered that he needed a local expert familiar with the market, and since the Zhong Alliance had expanded, having only one Core Formation cultivator was indeed insufficient. So, he reluctantly accepted him to handle some daily affairs. "The Alliance Leader has already given instructions. Since Guest Elder Bai has arrived, proceed to his cave immediately."
Old Daoist Xuan Qi led the way without the slightest embarrassment.
Fang Qing entered a third-tier cave dwelling, sensed its energy, and nodded immediately: "Third-tier high-grade spiritual energy...not bad, not bad."
"Greetings, Young Master!"
After closing the formation, Zhong Lingxiu, with a full head of white hair and a feminine appearance, quickly bowed: "As per Young Master's instructions, the required spiritual herbs have been collected..." As he spoke, he handed a storage bag to Fang Qing: "Young Master...there is one more thing. I heard that after I established a foothold in Yuanxin Workshop, the Sect Master of Tianshuang Sect also corresponded with me, sending disciples to this place for training..."
Zhong Lingxiu was not only Fang Qing's servant, but also a disciple of the Old Monster Yuan Qu, and a Core Formation Elder of Tianshuang Sect.
He had his own social connections and networks.
"Oh? Is there any encroachment involved?"
Fang Qing asked casually.
"It's not that bad... That sect leader is a smart man, only thinking about mutual benefit."
Zhong Lingxiu laughed, "After all, I'm a Core Formation cultivator, with some status in the sect."
"Then it's fine, do as you please..."
Fang Qing had no objection if he could use Yuan Qu's power to further develop the Zhong Alliance.
He checked the various spiritual herbs for refining the "Mysterious Star Waterfall Pill" and nodded to himself: "Adding what I have accumulated, and that 'Transforming Roc Grass,' it's enough... This pill is only a mid-grade third-rank pill, and with my current high-grade third-rank water-based pill refining skills, I can succeed on the first try..."
"On the contrary, my cultivation is still a bit far from the perfect early stage of True Core..."
"This cave is nice, I'll cultivate for a while."
He said to Zhong Lingxiu.
"Yes, young master."
Zhong Lingxiu understood his meaning: "I'll move out immediately... just say I'm going out to..."
"Hmm, inquire again about the nearby third-tier spiritual springs... and special spiritual spring treasures of third tier or higher... We don't need the 'Eye of the Spiritual Spring'." Among the spiritual springs of the Chain Qi Dao world, the most likely spiritual item to be produced is the "Eye of the Spiritual Spring," which can be placed in a cave to increase the density of spiritual energy, making it highly sought after even by high-level cultivators. However, Fang Qing had tried it before, and this spiritual item was of little use for his breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm.
Zhong Lingxiu thought for a moment and said, "Young Master, according to the information we gathered earlier, ordinary third-tier spiritual springs probably won't be enough to meet your needs. I'm afraid..." "Only a fourth-tier spiritual spring has a chance... I recently heard that after the great battle between Blood Fiend Island and Xuanzhong Sect, the blood and fiend energy on Tianquan Island has polluted the earth's veins and water veins... That fourth-tier spiritual spring was damaged as a result, and they are currently summoning geomancers and array masters from all over the world to repair it..." "A fourth-tier spiritual spring is the essence of heaven and earth. If it is damaged, it is indeed possible to extract one or two spiritual spring treasures..."
Fang Qing's expression changed: "However, in that case, that spiritual spring will also be ruined... Never mind, I'll go and take a look later." After sending Zhong Lingxiu away, Fang Qing sat cross-legged, and the Dao Life Pearl in his body spun around.
The original Dao Foundation of the Qi Cultivation Dao, "Sharp Edge Chapter," instantly transformed into an extremely profound "Primal Blaze," falling into the Dao Life Pearl.
Meanwhile, the previously stored True Core Qi of the Chain Qi Dao was replaced, transforming into a jet-black True Core.
This was the True Core of the "Sea Devouring Technique"!
As a superior technique of the "Azure Sea Technique," this technique had already been chosen by Fang Qing as his primary cultivation method.
The rest of the "Azure Sea Technique" was merely used for concealment.
As Fang Qing circulated his techniques, streams of spiritual energy from heaven and earth were absorbed, entering his body, circulating through his meridians, and finally settling in his dantian, transforming into True Core power. Around him, a cloud of malevolent energy appeared, transforming into a mysterious black aura.
Within the swirling black mist, numerous ferocious beasts swam and roared…
Judging from their forms, besides the Blood Sea Shark, there were also phantoms of dugongs, sea snakes, giant turtles, and other demonic beasts.
Each one was above the third rank, a demon king in its own right, yet they were all condensed into one place, moving according to Fang Qing's will.
"If I were to make a move in the future, the special effects of this 'Sea Devouring Technique' alone would be enough to kill an ordinary Core Formation cultivator...
"In terms of the refinement and utilization of essence and spirit power, it even surpasses the 'Ten Thousand Soul Banner'! "
Fang Qing's heart stirred, and he formed hand seals.
In his dantian, the "Sea Devouring Bottle," which had already reached the limit of a low-grade magic weapon, flashed and spat out a fish-eagle beast demon core.
The osprey beast's soul within this essence pill had already been cleansed by the "Sea-Swallowing Bottle," becoming a distorted mess. It
offered almost no resistance, being devoured by the dark true core of the Sea-Swallowing Technique, and then the entire inner core...
Fang Qing was enveloped in a hazy black mist, and a faint osprey beast phantom appeared within it.
After a long while, he opened his eyes, a glint of light flashing within them: "After this, the osprey beast clan's demonic power will no longer pose any threat to me... On the contrary, my Sea-Swallowing Technique's core power is their nemesis..."
Sensing the progress of his own core's power, he couldn't help but feel satisfied.
"Counting the days... less than ten years until Core Formation. In these years, I haven't wholeheartedly secluded myself to cultivate my power, yet I've already perfected most of my initial Core Formation power..." "Is this the speed of improved aptitude, aided by the top-tier Sea-Swallowing Technique, and with resources maxed out?"
Ordinary Core Formation cultivators might need decades or even centuries to reach that bottleneck.
But for Fang Qing, a few more third-tier water-attribute demon cores should be enough.
"It's even faster than when I was at Foundation Establishment?"
"As expected, the resources in the East Sea cultivation world are abundant... My True Core is of extremely high quality, equivalent to an improvement in aptitude, saving a lot of resources and increasing cultivation speed..." "Looking at it this way, I still need to refine that Breakthrough Pill as soon as possible."
Fang Qing went into seclusion for another half month, fully digesting the spiritual energy brought by the "Osprey Beast" inner core, before leisurely emerging from seclusion.
While he was in seclusion practicing, he also occasionally observed the situation on the Qi Absorption Path side through the Dao Life Pearl.
The East Water Land was still raining as always. Since the East Water Bai Family territory had been turned into a bad land, even cultivators were unwilling to go there. And Sangji's battles with the White Bone Path, suffering heavy casualties, were all expected.
Before the Three Sects and Four Families were completely wiped out, the Secret Dharma Kings obviously would not attack the Joyful Union Sect.
"As expected of a Golden Core power... they really have that kind of prestige."
"And the wars of cultivators are obviously measured in years..."
"The Hehuan Sect seems to be deliberately delaying things. They might actually be able to put on a good show...
To see a show of this caliber without fear of being killed, even an ordinary Mingzi wouldn't be able to.
Even if Fang Qing wanted to see it, he'd probably have to rely on Sangji's eyes.
Even this top enforcer might be killed.
But there's no way around it.
"If Sangji unfortunately falls... I'll just have to go to the Eastern Taiyi Xuanmen territory, change my identity, and start over...
"Anyway, until the Hehuan Sect's major event is over, it's best not to go to the Fuqi Dao...
"As long as I'm determined not to leave my den, I'll stay here on the Lianqi Dao side, and I'll be impervious to all magic... Even a True Monarch can't kill me!" "Are there any places for entertainment in the market now? Like the Tiancanlou?"
After leaving seclusion, Fang Qing found Zhong Lingxiu and asked this local expert to be his guide, leading him to Yuanxinfang for some entertainment.
"After the passing of the Celestial Meal Master, there is still a 'Fairy of Primordial Buds' here... skilled in third-tier spiritual cuisine, and she runs a 'Hundred Flowers Pavilion'." Zhong Lingxiu immediately led Fang Qing to a certain place in Yuanxin Workshop.
Seeing the beautiful women on the first floor, Fang Qing's expression was somewhat strange, and he glanced at Zhong Lingxiu warily: "Old Zhong, I didn't expect you to be such a dishonest person..." "Young Master is joking... This place is indeed famous for its spiritual cuisine, these women are just entertainment during meals, a bonus..." Zhong Lingxiu's expression remained unchanged.
Cultivators are like this, neither men nor women hide their desires.
In the cultivation world of the East Sea, it is often heard that there are female Core Formation cultivators, and even the Ancestor Yuan Qu has a large harem, keeping three thousand male concubines... Of course, there are even more male cultivators.
Furthermore, there were also pure and virtuous fairies like Wang Zixuan and Wang Ziqin, the latter often being more sought after by high-level male cultivators…
"Alright, let's see for ourselves today."
Fang Qing laughed and had Zhong Lingxiu lead the way.
The two walked side by side into the Hundred Flowers Pavilion, where several Core Formation cultivators came out. Both sides were taken aback upon seeing them…
Hmm? It's this person?
Fang Qing's eyes couldn't help but show a hint of surprise when he saw the newcomers.
"Greetings, Master!" Zhong
Lingxiu bowed to the group of cultivators ahead. The leader of that group was none other than Shang Yuanxin, who had already formed his Core Formation, becoming a newly promoted early-stage Core Formation cultivator. While it was still somewhat inadequate for an early-stage Core Formation cultivator to control such a large market, with the support of Shangjia Island, it was more than enough. Shang Yuanxin had just finished entertaining a group of guests and, upon seeing Zhong Lingxiu, was equally polite: "Fellow Daoist Zhong… and this fellow Daoist, you seem somewhat unfamiliar?" "This is Bai Jianfeng, a guest elder of my Zhong Alliance," Zhong Lingxiu introduced Shang Yuanxin. "So it's Fellow Daoist Bai..." Shang Yuanxin cupped his hands in greeting. Zhong Meng was merely a Core Formation power in his market, insignificant in terms of both cultivation level and influence. He only stopped to greet him out of respect for Zhong Lingxiu, a Core Formation elder of the Tian Shuang Sect. He exchanged a few polite words with this unfamiliar guest, Bai, before leaving with his entourage. The old servant followed closely behind, his aura appearing extremely humble, but in Fang Qing's eyes, his cultivation had also greatly improved. "Hmm, Shang Yuanxin made the right bet, earning a fortune... This is a boost to the family's evaluation, resulting in rewards and resources. Both master and servant have made significant progress in their cultivation," Fang Qing thought to himself. But given the circumstances, it was simply deserved that the other party got to eat this fat piece of meat! After all, the reputation of Shang Meng and the Core Formation experts were not something an ordinary power could offer. "Later... I might have to deal with this market owner." Regarding alchemy, if Fang Qing didn't want to return to the Xiaohuanhai cultivation world, he could only search for a third-tier spiritual spring in the East Sea. Water-based alchemy was also very popular in the East Sea! Yuanxin Market offered rental services for such springs. This was the most convenient method Zhong Lingxiu could think of. Otherwise, he could only take Fang Qing back to the Tianshuang Sect and use their springs for alchemy, which would be much more spectacular... "My 'Sea-Swallowing Bottle' has been cultivated to a certain level now, and should be able to absorb water veins as well... "With the Wonderful Spring Purifying Bottle... moving a third-tier or higher water vein wouldn't be difficult. Of course, it would be best to get a fourth-tier spiritual spring in one go!" "However, this is not an easy task. If I don't find a lucky break, I'll probably have to wait until after I'm married before I can plan this..." "Alright, I have nothing to do today, let's satisfy our appetites first." Fang Qing dismissed the thought and followed Zhong Lingxiu into the private room. Immediately, a dignified fairy came over and asked with a charming smile, "Would you two honored guests like some service?" "Of course, bring me all your most beautiful fairies and best dishes." Zhong Lingxiu knew what her young master meant and spoke directly. At the highest point of Yuanxin Market. Atop the octagonal commercial building. Shang Yuanxin stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at a map. He wasn't as indulgent as some people; his visit to Baihua Tower was only to entertain honored guests. At this moment, looking at a bright dot on the map, a hint of joy appeared on his face: "This time, the 'Wilderness Alliance' accepted the banquet, showing goodwill... This market can open up another trade route, and produce several more unique spiritual items..." Running a high-level market well requires a tremendous amount of effort. And many of his investments have yielded huge profits, small profits, small losses, or even total losses. "Young Master... We have news from this island." Uncle Fu emerged from the shadows and handed over a jade slip. "Oh..." Shang Yuanxin took it, scanned it with his divine sense, and his face darkened again: "Alas... how many heroes are there in the world? Although I occupy a market town, my brothers and sisters have all accomplished earth-shattering feats... If I maintain this scale, my chances of being selected in the future are really slim... I need to recruit more capable people." Speaking of capable people, he thought of Fang Shui, the one with the "Void Spirit Root". Unfortunately, the other party was truly audacious. He even dared to steal the things of the Old Monster Yuan Qu! However, after finding out what it was, Shang Yuanxin had to admit that he was also a little envious. If he had the chance, he would also try to steal it! That was the Resentment Fruit! Although there were some potential problems, they, the young masters of the Shang family, each went to remote places to cultivate trade routes, establish caravans and markets... In the end, what they were competing for was just this kind of Resentment Fruit resource, wasn't it? Although the Resentment Fruit provided by the Shang family was at least at the level of Heavenly Infant Fruit, which was better than the Resentment Fruit, they were essentially the same. "Do you have any news about that person?" Shang Yuanxin asked. "No… Young Master, in my opinion, having offended the people of Talisman Sword Island, that cultivator has probably already fled and is unlikely to return to our market." Uncle Fu sighed. This young master had indeed chosen the right person and invested. Unfortunately, that person was too troublesome and never returned. Now it seems that this investment will still result in a loss… "Never mind…" Shang Yuanxin was slightly unwilling, but ultimately smiled calmly: "I'm already used to it…" Just then, another steward of the market requested an audience. After entering, he bowed: "Lord… Zhong Meng has come to apply for a mid-grade third-tier spiritual spring. This is the document." "Oh? Zhong Meng, that nouveau riche who made his fortune by speculating on land, actually has a third-tier water-based alchemy master?" Shang Yuanxin took it, slightly curious. Building a third-tier fire vein and spiritual spring… opening it to the public, and then attracting high-level immortal cultivators to settle down, was also part of his policy for establishing Yuanxin Market. But as far as he knew, Zhong Meng shouldn't have such resources. "Bai Jianfeng? Is that really him?"
Shang Yuanxin chuckled, "That's interesting... The 'Yuanbing Spring' is still empty, let's rent it to him for two years..."
Several days later.
Having finished his leisure time, Fang Qing finally got down to business.
Yuanbing Spring.
"The spiritual energy of this Ice Heaven Island leans towards the ice attribute... Even if the water veins are drawn to create a spiritual spring, it's still a
superior spring..." Fang Qing converted his [Water-Gathering] magic power, casually waved his hand, and a stream of spring water fell into his palm. After carefully experiencing it, he felt reassured. He was skilled at refining pills with the "Ice Soul Cold Spring" on Taibai Island, and facing this Yuan Ice Spring, which was a level higher, he could still handle it with ease. In fact, based on his pill refining skills and water control techniques, he could even figure out how to temporarily upgrade this spring to a third-grade high-quality using the "Water and Fire Pill Technique"! "However, the Xuanxing Flying Waterfall Pill I'm refining is only a third-grade mid-quality pill, and this spiritual spring is already enough..."
Fang Qing stood with his hands behind his back, glanced around the pill refining room again, and nodded: "The formations are all new... and very clean, not bad." After all, it was built by the Merchant Alliance, and it wouldn't be worth it to affect his reputation for such a small thing.
With this thought in mind, he stopped delaying and patted his storage bag.
One by one, jade boxes appeared, scattered on the ground, and were opened. With
a whoosh
, various spiritual lights, colorful lights, and chilling auras overflowed.
Accompanied by the fragrance of various herbs, most of them were
surprisingly third-tier spiritual herbs. The "Transforming Peng Grass" was also among them.
"These breakthrough pills, like the Barrier-Breaking Pill series, belong to the [Well Wood] category. They should be refined using the 'Wind and Rain' technique that I've comprehended..." With this thought, Fang Qing immediately activated his "Positioning in the Wind" Dao Foundation.
In his previous [Wind and Rain] cultivation method, "Long-lasting Sweet Rain" only contained the Dao Foundation content; the supernatural power part was later supplemented from the Bai family of Dongshui.
"Positioning in the Abyss" belongs to the [Zhen Water] category, and although its cultivation level is higher, it also lacks the Purple Mansion content.
Therefore, he has always mainly cultivated the Dao Foundation of the *Listening to the Mysterious Cave Spring Scripture*—"Positioning in the Wind"!
Now, these... His foundation had reached the late stage of the Dao Foundation Realm, nearing perfection, possessing a profound and mysterious quality.
A gentle breeze stirred, and the Yuanbing Spring responded in kind, its flow endless, spreading and engulfing countless spiritual flowers and herbs.
Suddenly, pine trees appeared all around, their shadows swaying, and the sound of dripping spring water could be heard.
Drip! Drip!
The spring's murmur suddenly rose, like an echo in an empty valley. Each drop of water that fell transformed into a brightly colored cheetah, leaping into the spring and initiating a transformation of its medicinal properties… Amidst the misty rain, osmanthus trees rose from the ground, silver crows perched on their branches, spreading their wings and calling out…
"Water flows through the Ji meridian, wind arrives at its position, pine waves echo, springs murmur in the valleys, nature transforms, the leopard transforms and virtues are revealed..."
"The rain falls like sweet dew, deer frolic in the deep forest, fish play in the vast marsh, mountains and rivers are radiant, grasses and trees are nourished, the marshland moistens
the earth..." As the alchemy intensifies, Fang Qing's eyes become slightly dazed. His hands form hand seals, unconsciously manipulating them, naturally and effortlessly. The
"Position Facing the Wind" Dao Foundation within his body is incredibly vibrant, actually starting to operate on its own.
At this moment, the water virtue Dao cultivation he received from the Heavenly Tribulation, as well as the fragmented knowledge he had previously gained from various high-ranking beings during his adventures, are all fully mobilized... The contents of the Daoist scriptures of the Dongshui Bai family, namely the "Forest Creek Deer-Seeing Technique" and the "Misty Transformation Scripture," instantly flow through his mind... "
So that's how it is... Alchemy is cultivation! How can Dao cultivation be such an inconvenient thing?"
Fang Qing laughed heartily, his hand seals changing again.
The Dao Foundation of "Position Facing the Wind" shimmered with an inexplicable radiance, carrying a sense of perfection, and then summoned winds from all directions.
As the winds reached its position, deer and fish responded, all disappearing into the Yuanbing Spring.
The spring water boiled, and the faint roar of a leopard could be heard.
A sliver of starlight fell, scattering in specks, and the spring water cascaded down, like a white ribbon, transforming into a waterfall...
Osmanthus trees gathered into a forest, and a white deer leaped out gracefully, landing in front of Fang Qing, holding a "Mysterious Star Flying Waterfall Pill" in its mouth! This pill had a faint aura, the color of stars, and six exquisite pill patterns on it, clearly indicating that it was a top-grade pill!
A mid-grade, third-tier Xuanxing Flying Waterfall Pill is quite effective for breaking through the bottleneck of the mid-stage Core Formation realm in the early stages.
A high-quality Xuanxing Flying Waterfall Pill can even be effective for breaking through the bottleneck of the late-stage Core Formation realm!
However, Fang Qing's gaze was no longer on this high-quality breakthrough pill.
He closed his eyes, immersing his divine sense in his own dantian.
During this pill refining process, he accidentally triggered a spiritual opportunity, fully absorbing the resources obtained from the Dongshui Bai family, and even breaking through his own Dao Foundation bottleneck on his own… When the pill was completed, his "Position in the Wind" Dao Foundation was already perfected!
From then on, he was a cultivator with a perfected Dao Foundation and a chance to reach the Purple Mansion realm.
After having Tang Luoluo transfer the Foundation Establishment Pill to his storage ring, Xu Yuan then stored it in his system space before examining it closely.
This time, three pills were produced in one batch.
Two of them, like the previous Foundation Establishment Pills Tang Luoluo had refined, showed obvious black flaws.
The remaining pill was perfectly round, the size of a longan, with a predominantly pale gold surface, but also interspersed with a few strands of white, and faintly emanating a misty spiritual aura.
Judging from the situation, at the very least, it was a slightly flawed low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill.
Giving Tang Luoluo ten thousand spirit stones as a reward, Xu Yuan told the two to go back first, reminding them not to slack off, as the Foundation Establishment Pills still needed to be refined.
After the two left, Yun Mochen asked,
"What happened?" Xu Yuan smiled, "Good news," but didn't specify what it was. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Nangong Wentian stop a few steps away, looking over with a hesitant expression. Xu Yuan turned his head and looked over: "What is it?" Nangong Wentian then stepped closer, clasped his hands and said, "Yes, this humble general has something to discuss with General Xu." He looked to be in his early twenties, with sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and sharp features; apart from being slightly short, he was flawless. Seeing that he had specifically asked for Xu Yuan, Yun Mochen didn't stand there rudely. After greeting Xu Yuan, he walked to the side. "Speak, what is it?" Xu Yuan asked, already having a vague idea of why Nangong Wentian wanted to see him. Sure enough. Nangong Wentian quickly explained his purpose. It was about how he had spoken to so many people, but had singled out the Nangong family. He himself hadn't intended to ask. However, his clansmen were very concerned, especially after discovering that those people hadn't experienced any more spiritual energy shortages after being summoned by Xu Yuan. This undoubtedly caused some people to have bad thoughts. They were all risking their lives to defend the city, so why were they being treated differently? Seeing that he dared to come to him about this matter, Xu Yuan, who was already inclined to believe they were unaware, became even more certain. After all, if someone had a guilty conscience, being treated differently like this would only make them more guilty, so how could they dare to come to him? Moreover, apart from Amamiya Ran, Xu Yuan hadn't seen any negative goodwill towards him from any other member of the Nangong family. Of course, this only applied to women. It would be even better if the system could see the men's panels. That would make it even more certain. But for now, to be on the safe side, Xu Yuan didn't say it outright, only admitting that he had indeed given some help to some people in difficult circumstances. The Nangong family, being one of the three major families, was large and powerful, so they weren't within his consideration. "But the Ling family and the Ji family also received help." Nangong Wentian said after a moment of silence. "That's because the head of the Ji family and the eldest daughter of the Ling family contacted me and asked me to take care of them..." Xu Yuan stopped halfway through his sentence: "Never mind, give me a list of which members of your family are in difficult circumstances." Anyway, a contract would be signed, and if there were any spies or infiltrators, he could use this to eliminate them directly. "Thank you, General!" Nangong Wentian's face instantly lit up with joy. Considering that if the War Department members never lacked spiritual energy, it would inevitably attract attention sooner or later. After dealing with the Nangong family's affairs, Xu Yuan found Yun Mochen. "Brother Yun, since the War Department can gather other people's spiritual energy into me, could we share my spiritual energy, or rather, everyone's spiritual energy?" "Of course we can," Yun Mochen hesitated. "However, spiritual energy is most effective when gathered in the strongest member of the War Department. If everyone shares it, it might be wasted by those with lower cultivation levels and insufficient strength." " It's alright, let them use it sparingly, just for survival," Xu Yuan said nonchalantly. "The main thing is to save their spiritual energy, so they won't be reassigned because they run out." For him, if they could share, Jiang Yue, Cheng Yi, and the other women could contribute more spiritual energy, thus consuming more spirit stones and returning more resources. That way, they wouldn't be seen as deliberately exploiting a loophole to farm spirit stones, right? Evening. Back home. After dinner, Xu Yuan eagerly called Gao Yunmiao into his room. "I probably can't stay with you any longer. If I do, I won't be able to suppress my cultivation level and will have to try to reach the Foundation Establishment stage," Gao Yunmiao refused. She had been stuck at the Qi Chain Perfection stage for many years, but with Xu Yuan's active help last year, the bottleneck had loosened. For the past year, she had never stopped trying to break through the bottleneck. With Xu Yuan's active help these past few days, and her exceptional talent as a Heavenly Spiritual Root, her Qi Chain bottleneck was now almost shattered at the slightest touch. "Why is your little brain always thinking about unhealthy things?" Xu Yuan flicked her forehead. Gao Yunmiao: "..." She finally understood what it meant to cry wolf. If Xu Yuan hadn't been doing unhealthy things whenever he had free time, even in broad daylight, why would she have said that? Xu Yuan stopped teasing her and took out a Foundation Establishment Pill.
"Here's the surprise I mentioned before."
Gao Yunmiao took it with a puzzled look. "What's this?"
Xu Yuan replied, "A Foundation Establishment Pill."
A Foundation Establishment Pill?!
Gao Yunmiao's eyes widened in shock.
Even their Tianxuan Sect didn't know if they still had any of these. Xu Yuan, a mere Qi Refining cultivator, was actually giving one away?
And he was even going to give it to her?!
This surprise was far too great!
It seemed that no one in the entire cultivation world, except for Xu Yuan, would be so generous.
Gao Yunmiao was deeply moved. After a moment of silence, she didn't accept it.
"No, this is too precious. You should keep it."
She handed the Foundation Establishment Pill back, looking at Xu Yuan earnestly. "You need it more than I do."
Even without the Foundation Establishment Pill, she was quite confident that she could successfully establish her foundation.
In comparison, Xu Yuan, with only five spiritual roots, clearly needed the Foundation Establishment Pill more.
Xu Yuan didn't take it. "Just take it. I have more."
"Really?"
Gao Yunmiao was a little skeptical.
Such a precious and rare pill as the Foundation Establishment Pill—Xu Yuan not only had it, but he had more than one?
"Would I lie to you about my own Foundation Establishment achievement?"
Hearing Xu Yuan's words, Gao Yunmiao reluctantly accepted the gift.
"Successfully gifted 1 low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. Current number of women is 18. You can choose to receive 18 low-grade Foundation Establishment Pills or 1 high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill."
It really was a low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill.
After upgrading, it even skipped the mid-grade and directly returned a high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill!
However, considering that Jiang Xuansu and Tang Luoluo might not be able to refine Foundation Establishment Pills again
, Xu Yuan chose the low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill for the sake of caution.
He didn't give Gao Yunmiao any more Foundation Establishment Pills to increase her chances of success.
Anyway, if she failed, she could try again.
He could also get more spirit stones that way.
Taking out spirit stones and injecting enough spiritual energy into the room, Xu Yuan let Gao Yunmiao begin her Foundation Establishment.
He himself, unusually, didn't seize the time to cultivate, but instead chose to observe from the sidelines.
Night had fallen, and all was silent.
The shadows of the trees filtered through the window lattice, casting sparse, inky patterns on the floor.
The room was dark, save for a faint sliver of moonlight, which slanted across the shoulders of the woman meditating on the futon.
Gao Yunmiao's eyes were closed, her long eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath them. Her breathing was long and shallow, almost inaudible.
Only within a three-foot radius around her, an extremely subtle, almost imperceptible halo of light floated in the air.
This was spiritual energy, drawn by an invisible force, slowly and steadily converging and seeping into the acupoints of her body.
Xu Yuan sat on the bed, his gaze calmly fixed on Gao Yunmiao.
This book, first published online by 𝕥𝕨𝕜𝕒𝕟.𝕔𝕠𝕞
, had not missed a single change in her aura from beginning to end.
Foundation Establishment for cultivators is defying the heavens, seizing the power of creation, and is the first life-or-death hurdle on the true path to immortality. The
process was fraught with danger, plagued by external demons and internal disturbances, and clashes of spiritual energy.
A slight misstep could result in shattered meridians and a collapsed dantian. At best, one's foundation would be damaged, rendering them a cripple; at worst, their soul would be scattered on the spot. Having the opportunity to observe and learn, they naturally couldn't let it pass. Time flowed silently in the utter stillness. After an unknown amount of time , the
previously
slowly flowing spiritual energy in the room suddenly became violent , frantically surging into Gao Yunmiao's body. The commotion was so great that a visible vortex of spiritual energy formed around Gao Yunmiao. With the frenzied influx of spiritual energy, Gao Yunmiao's aura grew stronger and stronger, quickly reaching a level comparable to Ji Linyuan. Only when eight or nine tenths of the spiritual energy in the room was consumed did the vortex gradually dissipate. The room returned to calm. Gao Yunmiao's aura gradually stabilized. "It's a success?" Xu Yuan was surprised. Wasn't it supposed to be extremely dangerous, a near-death experience? Gao Yunmiao opened her eyes, her clear gaze filled with joy. She hadn't expected to succeed in Foundation Establishment so easily. Moreover, she had forged a superior-grade Dao Foundation, a feat few could achieve, after consuming over 30,000 units of spiritual energy! Her own spiritual energy was only a little over 13,000. Compared to the Dao Foundations of ordinary people, which required 20,000-30,000 units of spiritual energy, her foundation was incredibly solid and stable. She released her spiritual energy, removing the foreign objects from her body, and couldn't help but get up and throw herself into Xu Yuan's arms. Without a word, she expressed her gratitude through actions, offering a passionate kiss. She then took Xu Yuan's large hand and placed it on her body. Finally, she pressed Xu Yuan down beneath her, shyly saying, "Don't move, this time it's my turn to serve you." As the first rays of morning light streamed into the room, Xu Yuan glanced at the woman in his arms who had fallen asleep from exhaustion. [Name: Gao Yunmiao] [Age: 38] [Talent: Heavenly Spiritual Root (Earth)] [Favorability: 92] [Appearance : 95] [Figure: 89] [Temperament: 93] [Holiness: 100] [Total Score: 94.4] Her appearance and temperament both increased by one point with her cultivation level. Her total score has caught up with that Core Formation True Monarch. Tied for first place among all women! Unfortunately, her skin was already very good, and her figure couldn't be changed in a short time, so her figure score didn't increase with her cultivation level. That afternoon. When Gao Yunmiao arrived at the city wall. "Senior Sister, why didn't you come this morning?" Bu Yanran looked at Gao Yunmiao, who was dressed in casual clothes, with a strange expression. After getting closer, her expression suddenly changed: "You've reached Foundation Establishment?!" "Just lucky." Following Xu Yuan's instructions, Gao Yunmiao didn't mention the Foundation Establishment Pill. "But there aren't any small grotto-heavens here..." Bu Yanran was still incredulous. "Where did all those spirit stones for Foundation Establishment come from?" Gao Yunmiao glanced at Xu Yuan imperceptibly and shook her head. "It's a secret." "Congratulations, Senior Sister." Bu Yanran's expression was complex, a mixture of envy, confusion, and determination... Not far away, Luo Feiyang also noticed that the aura emanating from Gao Yunmiao was no weaker than his own, and his face instantly darkened. Previously, Gao Yunmiao had been suspected of murdering a fellow disciple and stealing their belongings to sell the spirit stones because she had taken out the five thousand spirit stones needed to enter a small grotto-heaven. Now, however, she had completed Foundation Establishment in an environment without a small grotto-heaven... In addition, Gao Yunmiao was very close to Xu Yuan, so Luo Feiyang's first thought was almost always Xu Yuan. He guessed that the spirit stones Gao Yunmiao needed for Foundation Establishment were all provided by Xu Yuan. "He's really generous, giving away tens of thousands of spirit stones like that..." Luo Feiyang was both envious and resentful. Because of Xu Yuan, he had been ambushed. To survive, he had no choice but to surrender and take the poison given to him by Nangong Ming. Seeing that Guanlan City was already at its last gasp, it was only a matter of time before it was captured.
Xu Yuan returned and single-handedly killed three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Haiqi Kingdom!
This removed the Haiqi Kingdom's advantage in the number of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
His battle force was invincible on the battlefield.
Now, with the emergence of another Foundation Establishment cultivator, the city's defenses were further strengthened.
It was as if they were working against him at every turn!
At this rate, would he still have a chance to obtain the antidote?
He returned to his residence that evening.
When the others learned that Gao Yunmiao had successfully achieved Foundation Establishment, most were greatly encouraged.
Xie Zhi's expression held a different meaning.
"So, he really didn't lie to me."
"Foundation Establishment really isn't out of reach!"
A few people who weren't very familiar with Xu Yuan found it hard to believe, unable to understand how Gao Yunmiao, a high-ranking Foundation Establishment cultivator, could accept living with so many women alongside Xu Yuan?
For example, Jing Liuli, Chu Yun...
After dinner,
Xu Yuan's gaze fell on Chu Yun's information panel.
[Name: Chu Yun]
[Age: 26]
[Talent: Three Spiritual Roots]
[Favorability: 86]
[Appearance: 90 ]
[Figure: 91]
[Temperament: 89]
[Holiness: 90]
[Total Score: 90]
As her figure returned to its original level, her appearance, enhanced by the Beauty Pill and the Jade Condensation Pill, successfully increased by one point.
This also brought her total score to the required level.
He then let her into the room.
He closed the door.
He reached out and hugged her.
Seeing her flustered appearance, he asked,
"What? Are you nervous?"
Chu Yun subconsciously shook her head, then stopped, took a deep breath, and looked at Xu Yuan: "Come on."
As a result, Xu Yuan's hand on her waist only moved slightly downwards, and her body instantly stiffened again.
"No..."
Her elegant face instantly turned red.
After Xu Yuan covered her mouth, she quickly widened her eyes.
Her eyes contained disbelief, shyness, and shock...
It took a long time for them to soften as tears welled up.
After Xu Yuan released her...
She covered her mouth with her hand, still unable to hide her embarrassment: "How could you do that..."
Seeing her stammering, embarrassed to speak, Xu Yuan's eyes lit up: "You've never done this before?"
"Of course not! This kind of thing, this kind of thing..."
Chu Yun seemed to be in a state of shock.
Xu Yuan leaned closer and asked: "Were you comfortable just now?"
Chu Yun: "..."
She fell silent at the question, her face turning even redder, as if it were about to bleed.
Although she was too ashamed to speak, she had to admit it.
The feeling just now was unprecedented.
It was as if her soul was being caressed and stirred, waves of electricity coursing through her body, a tingling, numb sensation.
From body to mind, there was an indescribable, strange feeling.
Seeing her delectable appearance, Xu Yuan immediately lifted her snow-white chin and took another bite.
"Aren't you going to respond at all?"
Xu Yuan released Chu Yun again, both amused and annoyed.
As a married woman, Chu Yun was actually more reserved than a young girl.
She was passive and even evasive throughout.
But she still had the expected reactions, even more so than the average person.
She was practically limp, clinging to him. Her
eyes had become hazy.
[I hope readers remember our domain name: Taiwan Novel Network, ƚɯƙαɳ.ƈσɱ, super useful]
Hearing Xu Yuan's words, she reacted for a while before her eyes darted away and she said, "I...I don't know how."
"You can't learn!"
"How do I learn?"
"Come on, I'll teach you."
Xu Yuan said, his fingers tracing her luscious red lips.
Soon, Chu Yun's eyes widened again.
But she still suppressed her shyness and followed Xu Yuan's verbal and physical instructions, learning as he went.
After Xu Yuan checked her progress,
"Is...is it okay?"
Chu Yun asked breathlessly.
"You're still far from good enough!"
Xu Yuan commented. "You're only at the level of someone who didn't finish elementary school. Remember to practice more in the future."
"Huh?"
Chu Yun only understood the second half of the sentence .
Xu Yuan didn't explain to her, but directly bent down and picked her up, placing her on the bed.
His ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) was slightly loosened, revealing a section of fair and delicate skin at his waist.
Sure enough, the previous scars had completely disappeared.
"The light is still on,"
Chu Yun said nervously.
Xu Yuan leaned down to look at her: "Like this, I want to look at you properly."
A hint of joy seemed to appear on Chu Yun's blushing face, but soon her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, her red lips parted slightly, and she quickly covered them with her hands.
But Xu Yuan grabbed her hands and removed them.
Some time later,
Xu Yuan patted her.
He only received a confused and puzzled look in return.
Xu Yuan had no choice but to explain to her.
"No, it's too... you should just... leave it like this."
Even at this point, Chu Yun was still as shy as an innocent young girl.
Xu Yuan didn't want to be the one to suffer all the trouble.
Not only was it tiring, but it was also incredibly boring!
It seemed I'd have to continue teaching her elementary school knowledge.
The next day,
they arrived at the city gate.
"Xu Yuan, are you also stationed at the West Gate today? What a coincidence."
Ling Yao, clad in silver armor, approached with a reserved smile.
She had already
joined the army, but not the Yun Yuan War Division where Xu Yuan served.
Instead, she mainly stayed with her family,
hoping to protect them with her own strength and the talismans Xu Yuan had given her.
Xu Yuan glanced at her shapely figure beneath her silver armor and asked, "How far are you from achieving the Qi Refining Perfection stage?"
"About three or four thousand spiritual power."
Ling Yao was puzzled. "What's wrong?"
Xu Yuan gestured for her to extend her hand and transferred a Foundation Establishment Pill into her storage ring.
"What's this?"
Ling Yao didn't recognize it either.
After all, this wasn't something ordinary people could see now.
Even if they had seen it before, they might not recognize it.
They all looked similar; unless one frequently dealt with pills, one couldn't tell the difference by appearance alone.
"Foundation Establishment Pill,"
Xu Yuan transmitted his voice.
Ling Yao: "???!!!"
After a long pause, she asked in a voice transmission, "Didn't they say there's nowhere to buy this anymore? Where did you get it?"
"You don't need to worry about that."
"But you've given it to me, what about you?"
"Don't worry, I still have some."
Ling Yao was so moved she couldn't speak.
Xu Yuan had already given her Foundation Establishment spiritual items and mid-grade spirit stones needed for Foundation Establishment, and now he was even giving her such a precious pill as the Foundation Establishment Pill... She felt
like she had a thousand words in her heart, but in the end, they all turned into one sentence.
"I'll come find you tonight."
Xu Yuan didn't refuse and glanced at the system information.
"Successfully gifted 1 low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. Current number of women is 19. You can choose to return 19 low-grade Foundation Establishment Pills or return 1 high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill."
Hmm?
Before, the returned Foundation Establishment Pills were high-grade, how come they're high-grade today?
Is it because the person who gave it is different?
Or is it because the number of people has increased?
Xu Yuan chose the high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill without hesitation.
As long as the Foundation Establishment Pill reaches the low-grade level, it can ensure that the Dao foundation is not damaged in the event of a failed Foundation Establishment attempt.
Further upgrades in grade primarily increase the probability of Foundation Establishment.
Low-grade Foundation Establishment Pills generally have minor flaws and only increase the probability of Foundation Establishment by about 10%.
Mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pills can increase the probability by 20% , high-grade
by 30%
, and top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills can increase it by up to 50%!
They are said to be extremely difficult to refine.
Even third and fourth-grade alchemists, let alone second-grade alchemists, would find it very difficult to refine a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. They might not
succeed even after a hundred attempts.
Even before the spiritual energy was depleted, given the rarity of Foundation Establishment Pill materials, third and fourth-grade alchemists would rarely have a hundred opportunities to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill in their entire lives.
Once such an opportunity arose,
it would inevitably cause fierce competition. After all, a 50% increase in the probability of Foundation Establishment is practically a guarantee for those with good talent.
Even those with poor talent, possessing four or five spiritual roots, could see their chances rise from slim to around 50%.
It's practically a life-changing ability.
Unfortunately, Xu Yuan is currently several tens of thousands of spiritual power away from achieving the Qi Chain Perfection stage.
He can't use it for now.
After chatting with Ling Yao, Xu Yuan found an opportunity to give Jiang Yue a Foundation Establishment Pill, which was also a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill returned upon leveling up.
That night,
based on her previous experience, Ling Yao deliberately brought her maid, Yin Yue, along.
Xu Yuan had originally thought that a pampered young lady like her, who had been spoiled since childhood, would be the least accepting of such a thing.
Unexpectedly, she would actually bring someone along.
It was just a pity that Yin Yue did not meet the system's requirements.
One night later,
Xu Yuan glanced at Yin Yue's panel.
[Name: Yin Yue]
[Age: 18]
[Talent: Five Elemental Roots]
[Favorability: 33
] [Appearance: 82]
[Figure: 84]
[Temperament: 81]
[Holiness: 99]
[Total Score: 85.6]
Huh?
Why did her holiness drop by one point?
Xu Yuan looked at Ling Yao again; her holiness hadn't dropped and was still full marks.
Thinking about what she had done to her little maid last night, Xu Yuan was thoughtful.
So, this is how Jing Liuli's holiness dropped?
While eating breakfast, Xu Yuan glanced at Jing Liuli's information panel.
[Name: Jing Liuli]
[Age: 42]
[Talent: Three Spiritual Roots]
[Favorability: -85]
[Appearance: 92]
[Figure: 82]
[Temperament: 89]
[Holiness: 95]
[Total Score: 90]
After enjoying a lot of medicinal meals with beauty and jade-like ingredients, her appearance gained one point, and her total score successfully met the requirement.
But after providing her with such good food and drink for so long, her favorability only increased by a single point?
He noticed that just for glancing at her a few times, she was already mentally cursing him.
Xu Yuan, who didn't have to guard the area during the day, took Jing Liuli directly back to his room after breakfast.
He was ready to verify his guess.
As the door closed,
Jing Liuli's cursing soon filled the room.
But as she cursed, her voice began to change.