"Oh?"
"I've only been refining pills for three months?"
Fang Qing carefully put away the exquisite "Mysterious Star Waterfall Pill," then did some calculations and couldn't help but smile. "Originally, I estimated that refining pills would take at least a year... but unexpectedly, this time, by sheer luck, not only did my Dao Foundation reach perfection, but my pill-refining skills also greatly improved..."
He felt that if he fully digested this realization that "refining pills is cultivation," he could not only break through to the fourth-tier alchemist level, but every time he refined pills using water techniques in the future, it wouldn't be a time-consuming and arduous task; instead, it would benefit his cultivation!
"Now that my Dao Foundation is perfected, I can look forward to the Purple Mansion..."
Fang Qing sighed contentedly, his expression becoming serious again.
Purple Mansion!
Supernatural Power!
This is as heavy as a thousand hooks. In the realm of Qi Cultivation, once one reaches the Purple Mansion, one immediately transcends the mortal realm, able to jump off the chessboard and become a player.
From then on, one no longer needs to worry about being influenced by the upper sect, being a fisherman... and can live freely for five hundred years!
Countless geniuses have fallen before this step! Just like Li Rulong!
Even with Sangji's initial cultivation and wisdom... he almost failed.
This shows how difficult it is to attain supernatural powers!
Fang Qing silently recalled the ancient Shu Daoist scriptures' records about supernatural powers:
"Supernatural powers are extraordinary abilities that transcend the mortal realm, surpass the mundane, and soar above the void. They can seize the creation of heaven and earth and steal the mysteries of yin and yang... "
The Purple Mansion cultivation method he possessed also contained many descriptions of breaking through the Purple Mansion and cultivating supernatural powers.
The *Precious Earth Returning to Origin Scripture* states: "When form and spirit unite, one attains longevity."
The *Azure Phoenix True Fire Scripture* says: "Opening the Purple Mansion is like the initial birth of chaos, where darkness gives way to light...
" The *Forest Creek Seeing Deer Technique* records: "Tranquility and emptiness allow true qi to follow...
" The *Heavenly Escape Sword Technique* requires sword cultivators to concentrate their spirit and gather qi, converging the primordial light of gold into the Purple Mansion, and breaking through the mysterious barrier with unwavering will...
These are just a few examples.
Without exception, they are all extremely difficult and dangerous... Only those with great perseverance and great fortune can achieve them.
"Have I not overcome many obstacles in my cultivation so far?"
Fang Qing sighed softly, returning to his own scripture, the *Listening to the Mysterious Cave Spring Scripture*.
He could only glance at other cultivation methods; after all, he primarily cultivated the [Ji Shui] lineage, preparing to break through to the Purple Mansion realm using the "Wei Lin Feng" technique.
Although he currently possessed two [Ji Shui] Purple Mansion cultivation methods, both were instantaneous conversions, unlike the effortless cultivation of "Wei Lin Feng," which he had painstakingly built up step by step. The *Ting Xuan Dong Quan Jing* was a Purple Mansion cultivation method, also recording how cultivators broke through
to the Purple Mansion realm: "At the moment of the new moon and the moon's zenith, when the Milky Way shines brightly, seize the Kan and fill the Li trigrams, gathering the spirit of Ji Shui, the essence of the constellations, and the primordial energy of water and fire... into the Purple Mansion. The Purple Mansion opens, and a yin wind flows, rising from the Yongquan point, penetrating straight through the mud wall, turning the five internal organs to ash, rotting the four limbs, dissolving the bones and flesh, and the body disintegrating..."
"Breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm is truly difficult, difficult, difficult!"
"Fortunately, I am already a Core Formation cultivator, with five hundred years of lifespan to plan slowly..."
"Furthermore, I have many spiritual items on hand, such as ten-thousand-year-old stone milk, top-grade spirit stones, etc., so I can make some preparations in advance..." Fang Qing let out a long breath: "Of course, it would be best to prepare a [Ji Shui] spiritual item to assist in breaking through to the Purple Mansion, so as to be completely prepared." "And... according to Sang Ji's description, there are all sorts of bizarre things when breaking through to the Purple Mansion, somewhat similar to the mental demon tribulation when condensing the Nascent Soul?" "I should still prepare more spiritual items to deal with mental demons... Fortunately, I already have that piece of Bright Crystal, so I should refine that 'Mysterious Nether Mirror' to increase my chances." "The cultivation world in the East Sea is indeed rich in resources. I've heard that there are many spiritual items that are beneficial to mental demon tribulations, so I can collect them..." In short, he wanted to use the abundant resources of the Chain Qi Path to pave the way for his own Purple Mansion!
"The spiritual energy here is excellent, perfect for refining the 'Mysterious Netherworld Mirror'..."
Fang Qing saw that there was still time left for alchemy, so he immediately patted his storage bag and took out a box containing the "Radiant Crystal."
Judging from the difficulty of breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm, this natal magic weapon would not only help Yuan Qu overcome his inner demon tribulation, but could also be used during the breakthrough to the Purple Mansion realm, so it still needed to be refined properly. As for the issue of the True Core Origin?
Although cultivating multiple natal magic weapons would inevitably hinder one's cultivation, the advantage of the "Sea Devouring Technique" lay in its ability to advance by leaps and bounds. At worst, he could just swallow a few more Essence Pills and make up for everything. With this thought, Fang Qing no longer hesitated. The Dao Life Pearl spun rapidly, and his internal magical power instantly shifted.
He opened his mouth and spat out a jet of dark pill fire, which began to slowly burn the "Radiant Crystal"...
Several months passed in the blink of an eye.
Outside the Yuanbing Spring.
The weather was clear, and the bright sunlight streamed down.
Rumble!
Accompanied by the sound of the array restrictions collapsing from within the cave, the cave, which had been closed for over a year, finally burst open.
Fang Qing emerged from the cave in a good mood, reaching out to touch his dantian.
Within his dantian, a jet-black true core resided, absorbing and releasing vast amounts of spiritual energy. Around
the Devouring Sea True Core, the outer core, the Tide-Generating Pearl, lingered listlessly.
Beneath the true core, two magical treasures—a bottle and a mirror—were immersed in the core's power, being slowly nurtured.
The bottle was naturally the "Devouring Sea Bottle."
As for the mirror, it was the "Mysterious Netherworld Mirror!"
This magical treasure also possessed considerable power for combat, capable of holding mystic crystals. The Mirror Light possesses the ability to trap and confuse enemies.
Of course, its most unique use is to guard one's own sea of consciousness, capable of "illuminating illusions and calming the mind," preventing inner demons from arising in ordinary times, and proving equally effective against the inner demon tribulations during breakthroughs in major realms. "However... to be effective against the inner demon tribulations of breaking through to the Yuan Qu level, one must at least advance to the upper-grade of the third rank... or even the upper-grade of the third rank, or near the fourth rank..." "And the inner demon illusions at the Purple Mansion level... are probably only at the middle-grade of the third rank."
Fang Qing secretly estimated in his mind.
After all, a Yuan Qu cultivator, placed in the Qi Consolidation Dao realm, has destructive power comparable to a Grand True Person in the late Purple Mansion stage.
Breaking through to the Purple Mansion realm is difficult, but it can't compare to the monumental breakthrough of "Shattering the Core to Achieve Success."
"Congratulations on your completion of seclusion, senior!"
Just then, a Foundation Establishment level light flew over, revealing a merchant steward.
He clasped his hands in a respectful bow: "My young master wishes to befriend high-level alchemists. Hearing that Senior Bai is refining pills here, he dared not disturb you… Now that you have succeeded, please allow us to have a chat." As the head of a market, he naturally wanted to cultivate relationships with high-level talisman masters and alchemists—talented individuals in the various arts of cultivation.
"If I were a fourth-level, or even a near-fourth-level alchemist… Shang Yuanxin would have to wait outside the cave."
"Of course, if my true identity were exposed, it would be the same…
" "Now you've only sent a steward to wait, probably thinking I'm a low-grade third-level alchemist?"
Fang Qing saw through Shang Yuanxin's intentions perfectly, but a smile appeared on his face: "I've long wanted to meet this Yuanxin Market owner. Lead the way!" Whether it's breaking through to the Yuan Mansion realm or the Purple Mansion realm… both are enormous expenses.
In terms of the abundance of channels, the "Merchant Alliance" is undoubtedly the leader in the cultivation world of the East Sea! At
the Merchant Pavilion
, Fang Qing was invited into a private room, where a maid soon brought in tea.
A moment later, Shang Yuanxin strode in: "Fellow Daoist Bai... we meet again. From the first time we met, I knew you were no ordinary person. I never expected you to be a high-level alchemist. My apologies..." "I've only learned a few alchemy techniques by chance... I can refine a couple of ordinary third-grade mid-level and high-level pills," Fang Qing smiled slightly.
He didn't tell Shang Yuanxin about his spiritual root and cultivation method, but a metal-attribute spiritual root could also use water-based alchemy, taking advantage of the mutual generation of metal and water. And... couldn't he be a sword cultivator who cultivated water?
Shang Yuanxin was about to exchange a few polite words when he immediately froze: "Third-grade high-level pills?... Fellow Daoist, are you already a third-grade high-level alchemist?" Such a figure held a high position and great power even in a Yuanqu-level power.
Why would he stoop to serve in the mere Zhongmeng?
"Indeed."
Fang Qing took a sip of tea and smiled slightly. "If the sect leader has any needs, I can lend a hand… However, I don't accept spirit stones as payment for my alchemy; I only require barter or intelligence in exchange." As he spoke, he handed over a jade slip.
Shang Yuanxin glanced at it and immediately gasped: "This… a Nascent Soul artifact? A lightning-repelling treasure? A treasure beneficial to the inner demon tribulation? A secret technique?" He put down the jade slip, examining it from left to right, only sensing that this sword cultivator's aura was only around the early stage of Core Formation.
How could his demands be so terrifying? Only late-stage or even perfect Core Formation cultivators would need to prepare such things?
"My ambition is to reach the Nascent Soul stage, so I must prepare as early as possible, just in case,"
Fang Qing laughed. "As long as you have any of the above channels or clues... you can trade with me to refine a third-tier pill." Shang Yuanxin thought for a moment, then replied with a wry smile, "To exchange such a treasure for a pill-refining opportunity would be too extravagant... but to exchange it for intelligence channels would be too much of a loss for you, for example, I know that at the Merchant Alliance's top auctions, there are always treasures like Spirit Condensation Objects and Lightning-Repelling Treasures for sale..."
"Such common information naturally doesn't count..."
Fang Qing looked at Shang Yuanxin, "You are the young master of the Merchant Alliance, don't you have any special channels? You don't have Spirit Condensation Objects... but surely you have some clues about techniques, secret arts, or treasures that benefit the Heart Demon Tribulation?" "You actually know my identity?"
Shang Yuanxin was slightly surprised. Many high-level cultivators knew he was a member of the Merchant Alliance, but few knew his identity as the young master.
"The identity of the young master of the Merchant Alliance is at least that of a Nascent Soul cultivator... You also have lofty ambitions,"
Fang Qing smiled.
"Fellow Daoist, you flatter me..."
Shang Yuanxin waved his hands repeatedly: "Although the treasures and secret techniques for overcoming the inner demon tribulation... are less valuable than thunder-repelling treasures, and thunder-repelling treasures are less valuable than Nascent Soul spiritual items, they are still beyond the reach of us Core Formation cultivators..." "Oh? It seems that this person really has some clues? As long as there are enough clues... I can directly perform divination."
Fang Qing was delighted.
"This involves items that condense the Yuan Qi, and I truly cannot produce them..."
Shang Yuanxin said with a wry smile, his tone becoming cautious and hesitant.
Fang
Qing knew this man's business acumen; he wouldn't act without a clear objective. He was only casually acquainted with "Bai Jianfeng," so he certainly wouldn't give the truth directly. However, he wouldn't miss the opportunity to cultivate a good relationship with a third-tier high-grade alchemist, or even a powerful cultivator suspected of being in the late or peak stage
of Core Formation. Therefore, the information and channels he would initially provide were the contents of his jade slip... Sure enough, Shang Yuanxin continued, "But I do have a clue about the top-grade spiritual items produced by the Spirit Spring..."
"Oh? I'd like to hear the details,"
Fang Qing said with a smile.
"Does fellow Daoist know... Tianquan Island?"
Shang Yuanxin scanned his surroundings with his divine sense and lowered his voice.
"This is the holy land of water-based alchemists, how could I not know it? Are you referring to the recent invasion of Tianquan Island by Blood Fiend Island?"
Fang Qing countered.
"Indeed... Fellow Daoist, since you know Blood Fiend Island, do you not know that the island possesses its own mysteries, having refined boundless blood fiend energy... When demonic cultivators used this island to attack Heavenly Spring Island, the blood fiend energy penetrated deep into the earth's veins and water veins... As a result, that fourth-order spiritual spring was greatly damaged, showing signs of falling in rank... The Xuanzhong Sect invited array masters and geomancers from the East Sea to go, but the results were not good..."
Shang Yuanxin thought, "I received news that several fourth-order array masters have examined it and all believe that the fall in rank of that fourth-order spiritual spring is irreversible. They can only release its spiritual energy and fiend energy, transforming it into a third-order spiritual spring... And a fourth-order spiritual spring is the essence of heaven and earth. When it releases its spiritual energy, it will surely produce high-grade spiritual spring treasures..."
"Thank you for telling me the truth, Fellow Daoist."
As Shang Yuanxin spoke, Fang Qing was already constantly calculating the cause and effect in his mind.
At this moment, his eyes shone even brighter: "My Purple Mansion opportunity... is indeed here. Truly, one cannot see the whole mountain from the leaf."
Fang Qing reflected that even back on Tianquan Island, he hadn't foreseen this, proving that the saying "one cannot heal oneself, one cannot divine oneself" sometimes holds true. Only when an outsider pointed it out did he gain this insight.
"This is a wake-up call... one cannot assume that having divination skills in the Chain Qi Path makes one invincible..."
He looked at Shang Yuanxin, his eyes gleaming: "Could the Merchant Alliance possibly acquire this Spirit Spring Treasure?"
Tianquan Island is backed by the Xuanzhong Sect, one of the nine major powers of the East Sea. As a mere Core Formation cultivator, he couldn't gain much by going there. On the contrary, the Merchant Alliance, also one of the nine major powers, had the potential to purchase it.
"I am a merchant, naturally I will do my best... if I can offer a price that the other party cannot refuse, I can buy it."
Shang Yuanxin's eyes flashed, tinged with darkness: "But... what price can you offer?"
Fang Qing fell silent.
Indeed, to impress such a powerful force, and to match the value of the spiritual spring treasure, even a third-tier spiritual item would be insufficient.
"We can't just directly rob it, can we? That's a force overseen by the old monster Yuan Qu, comparable to a Grand True Person in the late Purple Mansion stage...
'Steal?' That's unlikely to succeed either...
" Fang Qing secretly deduced, "We can only trade, but the item for the trade is equally difficult to choose."
"To impress such a powerful force, even ordinary fourth-tier spiritual items aren't enough. The only thing I have, the 'Wraith Fruit,' is barely enough... but its origins are shady." If the transaction were to be discovered by Talisman Sword Island, trouble would immediately follow.
Not to mention, there's a possibility the Xuanzhong Sect might double-cross them.
Unless the Merchant Alliance intervenes directly, which would require Shang Yuanxin's full support. It
wouldn't be a simple middleman role; he'd have to stake his young master's reputation to persuade the Merchant Alliance to mediate.
But then another problem arises: how to ensure Shang Yuanxin's wholehearted dedication, rather than betraying him? Should he summon the Merchant Alliance's Nascent Soul elders or the Heavenly Talisman Master? "Could it be... that's still the only option?"
Fang Qing's thought was naturally to convert Shang Yuanxin into a disciple, immediately opening up numerous opportunities for maneuvering, and allowing for complete peace of mind.
But... that's not my style.
His disciples, Mingfei, were mostly recruited voluntarily or as enemies, which is why he subdued them one by one.
And there are only three Mingzi positions.
Qin Ruxue, Xiang Dahu... It was voluntary, while Xu Hei was a former enemy.
These three were given the positions of Mingzi and Mingfei, and as long as they didn't die, the positions couldn't be taken back.
Besides them, Yu Xiang'er, Zhong Lingxiu, Sangji... all had once tried to kill Fang Qing, but he had subdued them instead.
There were several other disciples, mostly in similar situations, from the White Bone Path, with numerous crimes...
And this Shang Yuanxin was neither a bloodthirsty demonic cultivator nor did he want to kill him. Why would he want to convert someone into a slave for no reason?
At least at this moment, Fang Qing still felt somewhat reluctant.
As for voluntary?
This was the young master of the Shang family, whose family had produced many Yuan-level cultivators, even an ancestor in the late Yuan-level stage. Would he voluntarily become a slave to a Core Formation cultivator? It was obviously impossible!
In short, taking this person as a disciple went against Fang Qing's principles.
Although he didn't have many principles, he always had some bottom lines.
This was just like how Fang Qing never took human pills or used demonic techniques to devour Core Formation cultivators.
Once broken, perhaps nothing would be seen in the short term, but it would always feel like he was no longer himself.
There are certain principles that define me.
Of course, if the situation had reached a point where failure to subdue Shang Yuanxin meant certain death, Fang Qing wouldn't have hesitated much.
But clearly, it hasn't come to that.
"Sigh...it seems I'm being a bit contradictory and sentimental..."
"But so what? Since I've embarked on the path of cultivation, isn't it so that heaven and earth cannot sway my will?"
"Humans are inherently contradictory beings, and these contradictions are also part of who I am..."
"I must accept these contradictions with equanimity. As long as I am comfortable in my heart, there's no need to change... "
Fang Qing's mind raced, and he glanced at Shang Yuanxin again.
Shang Yuanxin, unaware that he had just narrowly escaped death, was still smiling and saying, "I wonder what kind of spiritual spring treasure you need, friend?" "Several special springs, very useful for alchemy..."
Fang Qing recorded the descriptions of several spiritual springs suitable for [Ji Shui] to break through to the Purple Mansion in a jade slip and handed it to Shang Yuanxin: "I'll trouble you, Master, to inquire for me... If Tianquan Island produces similar spiritual items, I'm willing to pay a high price... Hmm, Master, for your help, I will refine a pool of third-grade high-quality spiritual pills in return..."
"Good."
Shang Yuanxin nodded. "I'll send someone to contact the Shanglou branch over there... As for pills? I wonder if you've ever refined 'Jade Spring Pills'?" "I've heard of them. It seems to be a type of pill more suitable for late-stage Core Formation cultivators, used to enhance magical power..."
Fang Qing was slightly surprised.
"That's right, I need a batch of Jade Spring Pills. I'll trouble you to lend a hand. I've prepared three sets of raw materials. As long as it meets the minimum requirements, the rest is yours." Because it's common for alchemists to skimp on pills beyond the norm, Shang Yuanxin seemed very generous.
"Good."
Fang Qing gave Shang Yuanxin a deep look and agreed.
Refining a third-grade high-quality pill was nothing to him now.
Besides, every time he used water-based alchemy, it was a form of cultivation...
Several months later.
Inside the Spirit Spring Alchemy Room.
Fang Qing sat cross-legged, several bottles of "Jade Spring Pills" casually placed beside him.
Refining this kind of pill was no challenge for him at all.
His thoughts were still on Tianquan Island.
"Although I sent Shang Yuanxin to investigate, I actually know that there must be suitable Purple Mansion spiritual objects produced there. The only remaining question is how to obtain them… If we don't go through the exchange, I can infiltrate, bribe and control the Tianquan Island disciples, and wait for an opportunity… But this method is somewhat dangerous. After all, there's the Yuan Qu Old Monster there. If we push him too far, he'll still chase us into the Void… Being chased by the Yuan Qu Old Monster is such an exciting thing, suitable for Zhan Hongxiu, not for me."
If we go through the exchange, the only spiritual object I'm willing to offer that could entice Tianquan Island is probably the "Resentful Infant Fruit"… But that would require a very trustworthy middleman. "None of the plans are safe, but luckily I know divination."
Fang Qing took out a tortoise shell and a few copper coins, and began to carefully calculate.
His divination skills initially came from the *Plum Blossom Divination*, but he later studied many other divination books.
Especially after entering the secret system, he also comprehended the essence of various blood divination techniques of this Golden Core power.
After obtaining the position of a Transcendent, his divination skills improved by leaps and bounds.
At least in the Qi Cultivation Path, he made breakthroughs, not only able to predict his own safety, but also to deduce the cause and effect of Qi Cultivation and Foundation Establishment cultivators, as clearly as reading lines on his palm. In the Chain Qi Path, he was even more invincible.
After a moment, Fang Qing looked at the various hexagrams, his expression thoughtful.
"If we sneak in and rob, it's a minor misfortune?"
"If the transaction is conducted through Shang Yuanxin, would it be auspicious?
My divination skills should be stronger in the Qi Chain Path... but if it involves the Old Monster Yuan Qu, it will have some impact." After all, the so-called divination and fortune-telling techniques are rather taboo in predicting those of high status.
But the Old Monster Yuan Qu is obviously not as good as the Golden Core True Monarch in the Qi Conquest Path, so although there will be a slight impact, it won't obscure cause and effect and kill me. "To be absolutely sure, it would be best to forcibly convert Shang Yuanxin...
"Besides that, I can use divination to confirm this person's intentions...
"According to the divination, if I am only a third-level alchemist, I don't carry enough weight in his heart, and there is a possibility of trouble... but if I am Fang Shui, who has the Void Spirit Root, it will strengthen his confidence... Anyway, once the Resentful Infant Fruit appears, he should be able to guess my identity."
Fang Qing was quite emotional.
It seems that in Shang Yuanxin's mind, this "Fang Shui" is "in the form of a Nascent Soul," otherwise he wouldn't be like this.
"However, this is tantamount to revealing our hand, betraying Zhong Meng and Zhong Lingxiu...
"If something happens in the future, this person will surely die... But Zhong Lingxiu won't betray me, so let her die. Incidentally, she'll also be a 'hostage' placed with Shang Yuanxin... which makes her even more useful."
The Merchant's Building.
Shang Yuanxin gazed at the pill in his hand, his eyes filled with amazement: "The quality is superb... Fellow Daoist Bai truly deserves to be a third-tier high-grade alchemy master." "Hehe... Fellow Daoist flatters me."
Fang Qing sat opposite him, sipping his spiritual tea, seemingly admiring the landscape painting on the wall.
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As the reception room of the Merchant's Building, this quiet room was decorated quite elegantly. Next to the landscape painting was a jade vase with plum blossoms inserted in it. He carefully sensed and discovered no less than five kinds of restrictions, covering soundproofing, spirit suppression, etc., and the protection was quite good.
After admiring the pills, Shang Yuanxin smiled and said, "I haven't yet congratulated you on fulfilling your wish, Fellow Daoist. Tianquan Island's merchant guild has confirmed that they do indeed produce a type of spiritual spring that you require, called 'Qingming Spiritual Spring'..." He noticed that Fang Qing's expression remained unchanged, as if he had known all along, but in his heart he thought, "This person doesn't show his emotions; he's quite shrewd." Shang Yuanxin was unaware that Fang Qing had already figured out this item after he gave him the crucial clue.
Furthermore, this "Qingming Spiritual Spring" is called "Lingxi Jade Rinse" in the Qi Cultivation Dao realm, and it's one of the several Purple Mansion spiritual items suitable for cultivators at the [Ji Shui] Dao Foundation Perfection stage to break through to the Purple Mansion and refine supernatural abilities! "As expected of the East Sea cultivation world, spiritual items are abundant... Even a casually placed fourth-tier spiritual spring produces quite a few Purple Mansion spiritual items..." Fang Qing thought to himself, then asked seriously, "Would Tianquan Island be willing to sell it?"
"This 'Clarity Spiritual Spring' is not only a top-tier water-based Core Formation spiritual object, but it also has many wondrous uses... It's even rumored that Nascent Soul cultivators can use it to master several powerful spells... It's incredibly valuable." Shang Yuanxin sighed, not immediately declaring it worthless.
"If this is it, I wonder if it's enough?"
Fang Qing smiled, casually taking out a jade box and placing it on the table.
Shang Yuanxin was stunned.
He truly hadn't expected that this alchemy master possessed something as valuable as the "Clarity Spiritual Spring."
Upon opening the jade box, he saw a fruit shaped like an infant, its entire body covered in blood vessels.
Seeing someone open the box, a pair of blood-red eyes glared at him, seemingly filled with resentment.
"This is... the Resentment Fruit?"
Shang Yuanxin could no longer maintain his composure, staring at the spiritual fruit with a look of infatuation, even a hint of greed on his face.
He snapped out of his daze, quickly glancing around, and formed hand seals, causing a transparent protective shield to rise.
Then, looking at Fang Qing with a face full of surprise, he asked, "Should I address you as Fellow Daoist Bai or Fellow Daoist Fang?"
"Haha, I am Fang Shui, greetings to Young Master Shang."
Fang Qing transformed back into "Fang Shui," his magical energy fluctuations changing accordingly, and bowed.
"Fellow Daoist's transformation technique is truly unparalleled... even I was fooled."
Shang Yuanxin smiled wryly, "Fellow Daoist has kept me in the dark for quite some time."
"After all, I've offended the old monster Yuan Qu, so it's better to keep a low profile..."
Fang Qing waved his hand dismissively. "Look at this Yuan Qu Fruit, could it be exchanged for 'Clear and Bright Spiritual Water'?"
He had many treasures, but those with high value in the Qi Path were the only ones he was willing to exchange, and this Yuan Qu Fruit was the only one he was willing to give up. Although this fruit was considered a chance to condense a core, the consequences were too great, and the success rate was not high, so Fang Qing certainly wouldn't use it himself.
As for its remaining use? Naturally, it could only be traded.
Merchants would be a good channel for selling stolen goods.
As for using it to convert a Core Formation Perfection cultivator and then let them use it to break through to the Nascent Soul stage?
Fang Qing himself couldn't even defeat a Core Formation Perfection cultivator, so how could he convert them?
As for getting them to do it willingly?
It was obviously unlikely.
If he offered the Yuan Qu Fruit as a temptation, their first reaction would definitely be to snatch it directly, not to submit.
"In fact, if I really wanted to cultivate a Nascent Soul cultivator, the Yuan Qu Fruit wouldn't be enough. I would also need to plan for tribulation-crossing treasures and demonic treasures... "So many resources invested in others, just for a Nascent Soul subordinate? Then why don't I use them myself?"
"Enough, of course it's enough!"
Shang Yuanxin nodded repeatedly, even feeling a slight greed in his heart.
If the person in front of him wasn't Fang Shui, but that Bai Keqing from before, he didn't know if he could resist the temptation.
But thinking of Fang Shui's feat of escaping unscathed from a Core Formation cultivator in a near-fourth-order formation, and then toying with a mid-stage Yuan Qu cultivator, Shang Yuanxin immediately calmed down. The formation of his Yuanxin Workshop was similar to the near-fourth-order formation of Bingtian Workshop; even at full power, it definitely wouldn't be able to hold back the person in front of him. Moreover, offending a cultivator with a Void Spirit Root meant that if the other party married in the future, their Void Divine Power would increase, making them even more elusive, and even the Shang family might not be able to make them wary... "Since I've already invested, I should invest well...
"Besides, I want this favor, and I want this Spiritual Object!"
After much deliberation, Shang Yuanxin chose to speak frankly: "Fellow Daoist... is the 'Clear and Bright Spiritual Spring' all you need?"
"Indeed..."
Fang Qing, understanding the implied meaning, put away the jade box containing the "Fruit of Resentment": "Whoever retrieves the 'Clear and Bright Spiritual Spring' for me can trade with me for this Nascent Soul opportunity..." "Since that's the case, then there's no need for you to trouble yourself, fellow Daoist. I guarantee I will definitely retrieve the 'Clear and Bright Spiritual Spring'!"
Shang Yuanxin gritted his teeth. Even if his savings weren't enough, he would borrow from his family and use his status as the young master of the Shang family, his connections, and his network of relationships... He was determined to obtain a "Clear and Bright Spiritual Spring." At that time, he could also gain this Nascent Soul opportunity, plus a great favor from Fang Shui!
As for the potential consequences of the "Fruit of Resentment"? He could exchange it for other Nascent Soul opportunities from his family's treasury, or even use it to train his subordinates.
It was hard to say about his other subordinates, but Uncle Fu had followed him through thick and thin for many years. If he were to advance to the Nascent Soul stage in the future, he would definitely grant him a Nascent Soul opportunity if the opportunity arose. "Good, fellow Daoist, just inform Zhong Lingxiu of the Zhong Alliance when you succeed."
Fang Qing smiled.
"Oh? What about Zhong Meng?"
Shang Yuanxin's expression shifted.
"This is a force I casually supported, and I hope you will take good care of it..."
Fang Qing cupped his hands, his figure breaking into the void and disappearing without a trace.
This...
Shang Yuanxin's eyes twitched: "This person's void magic is even stronger... Even if I call on the old monster Yuan Qu, can I really subdue this person?" "This is intimidation! At the same time, he also left Zhong Meng as a hostage... What a Fang Shui!"
"Such meticulous planning and magnanimity... What will he be like after he advances to the Nascent Soul stage? This person disdains to use such a flawed opportunity for cultivation, he must have great ambitions." "Haha, the stronger this person is, the stronger my future external support will be!"
Sea Serpent Island.
This island is not famous in the East Sea cultivation world, it is even quite ordinary, because the island is not large, and there is only one second-tier spiritual vein on the island, so it rarely attracts the attention of high-level cultivators. Moreover, a group of strange sea serpents live on the island. The demonic energy of these sea serpents is best at corrupting magic weapons and spiritual weapons, and also comes with... Extremely poisonous… and crucially, their flesh and blood are thinly imbued with spiritual energy, and they taste particularly unpleasant. Furthermore, the probability of a second-tier sea serpent producing a demonic core is shockingly low compared to other second-tier demonic beasts.
This makes hunting sea serpents a losing proposition for cultivators.
Over time, as long as these sea serpent demonic beasts don't harass the cultivators' gathering points, no cultivators come to hunt them.
A harmonious atmosphere of coexistence between cultivators and demonic beasts has formed on the entire island.
Then one day!
Rumble!
The spiritual energy of heaven and earth within a radius of dozens of miles became unusually restless, suddenly gathering and transforming into a cloud.
"This..."
On the island, a Qi Refining stage cultivator struggled to control his spiritual power and had to drop his magic weapon, gazing at the distant vortex of spiritual energy: "Core Formation... a celestial phenomenon?" "Why would someone choose such a remote place to form their Core?"
"Let's hurry over and pay our respects to the senior; perhaps we can get some good luck."
A Foundation Establishment stage light shone forth, and one of the Foundation Establishment cultivators' eyes gleamed: "Let's all go and offer our congratulations..."
"Indeed, indeed..."
"Let's go together, let's go together..."
The nearby cultivators all agreed with smiles, their eyes flashing with a strange light.
Obviously, how many spirit stones could they possibly get from this so-called "lucky draw"?
What they really wanted was to wait for that senior to fail in his Core Formation and die, then divide up all his wealth!
They might even deliberately create some commotion to interfere with his Core Formation!
What if he succeeded?
Then they would naturally come to congratulate him, and there's no harm in numbers...
Unless they were particularly bloodthirsty demonic cultivators, they would be in a good mood when their own Core Formation succeeded, and wouldn't dare to attack a lower-level cultivator, right?
The group of Foundation Establishment cultivators arrived at the location of the celestial phenomenon and found it to be a small mountain.
"This is Three Python Mountain? It's been occupied by three second-tier snake demons..."
One of the Foundation Establishment cultivators examined it and said, "The spiritual energy is decent, but it's only second-tier high-grade... Hmph, they must have used a large amount of spirit stones to fill the gap in spiritual energy..." All the Foundation Establishment cultivators' hearts stirred: "A fat sheep...
But at this moment, an array soared into the sky, with flowing runes and faint baleful aura... It was clearly very powerful.
There was even a second-tier Longevity Turtle, coiled up beside the cave, like a small mountain, watching them, these uninvited guests, with wary eyes. "A spirit pet guarding it?"
"Second-tier high-grade? No, a second-tier peak Longevity Turtle... In terms of defense, even a magic weapon couldn't break through it in one blow, right?"
"With such a formation, even a Core Formation cultivator could hold out for a long time..."
The Foundation Establishment cultivators looked at each other, none of them making a move.
If they made a move now, and that spirit pet remembered them, it would be hard to say what would happen once that senior successfully formed his Core.
They could only wait helplessly, hoping their senior would fail in his Core Formation.
"Judging by the surging spiritual energy, the Core Formation must have reached its most crucial stage..."
An old man stroked his beard, shaking his head, seemingly wanting to offer some opinion.
But suddenly, a cold, Core Formation-level divine sense swept over them: "Heh heh... a bunch of cowardly scoundrels. It seems I'll have to take action myself!" Accompanied by the divine sense, a dark light slammed into the formation, causing the Longevity Turtle inside to roar in anger.
"Hmm? A Core Formation cultivator?"
"Not good, it seems to be the Heartless Daoist!"
Several Foundation Establishment female cultivators turned and ran.
This Heartless Daoist was a notorious Core Formation-level demonic cultivator in the nearby seas, rumored to be lecherous by nature. His attack on a fellow cultivator currently forming his Core today showed his extreme cowardice and bullying of the weak!
"Hiding on a remote spirit island to form his core, with no disciples or followers to protect him... only a spirit pet."
"Clearly, he has no background; this is a stroke of luck bestowed upon me by heaven."
The Heartless Daoist, only at the early stage of Core Formation, wore a black robe and had a pale face, like a corpse that hadn't seen the sun for years.
He had fallen into demonic ways during his Foundation Establishment stage, relying on demonic techniques to quickly reach Core Formation, resulting in him being stuck at the early stage for his entire life.
Fortunately, this Heartless Daoist had no heart for the Great Dao, only thinking of indulging in pleasure and possessing many wives and concubines, causing havoc in the area.
Furthermore, he never attacked Core Formation cultivators, but rather enjoyed bullying lower-level cultivators, making a great name for himself in the nearby seas.
This time, he was attracted by the beauty of a Foundation Establishment female cultivator and came to this Sea Serpent Island, just in time to witness this celestial phenomenon!
*Those who haven't yet formed their core are truly excellent prey… Even if such cultivators are lucky enough to successfully form their core, under my influence, they'll at most achieve a low-grade core, not even having time to refine their natal magic weapon…* They're nothing more than fish on a chopping board…
The Heartless Daoist licked his lips, then reluctantly took out a shimmering silver talisman—a third-tier barrier-breaking talisman!
The moment this talisman appeared, the wind and clouds changed color, transforming into a silver spear of light that struck the formation.
*Whoosh!*
The formation cracked open under its influence.
Without hesitation, the Heartless Daoist wielded a jet-black flying knife magic weapon, conjuring layers of black light to protect himself, and charged into the formation. As soon as he entered, the opening immediately closed.
A third-tier barrier-breaking talisman couldn't destroy a third-tier formation; it could only temporarily open a passage.
If one were to rush in and find a third-tier formation master controlling the formation, it would be like walking into a trap!
But now?
The Heartless Daoist was clearly confident: "I don't believe a mere Longevity Turtle like you can be a third-tier formation master!"
Sure
enough, the Longevity Turtle couldn't manipulate the formation at all; it only operated automatically, appearing incredibly rigid, clearly without anyone controlling it. The Longevity Turtle roared, its back intertwined with blue patterns that transformed into water mines, exploding with a deafening roar.
"Hmph, child's play!"
A peak second-tier Longevity Turtle might be a headache for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but the Heartless Daoist had already formed his Core!
The black flying knife of his natal magic weapon flashed, transforming into a jet of black light several meters long, falling like a dragon. The Longevity Turtle took several hits, then cried out and retreated into its cave.
"Hehe, they're all mine now."
A hint of joy appeared on Wuxin Daoist's face. Just as he was about to rush into the cave, his expression suddenly changed!
Streaks of lightning and fire erupted from the cave entrance, forming a new array!
"This is... an array within an array?"
Wuxin Daoist's expression changed. He still had a third-tier barrier-breaking talisman in his hand, but that was for survival.
He didn't want to use it unless absolutely necessary.
Sizzle!
Just then, the Longevity Turtle opened its mouth and spat out a talisman.
This talisman was pitch black, palm-sized, and carried an unfathomable pressure.
Even the Longevity Turtle's demonic power rapidly decreased before it could activate it. It was a low-grade third-tier talisman!
A burst of fire spread, accompanied by chaotic lightning, and slammed into Wuxin Daoist's protective energy shield.
"How can this Longevity Turtle be so incredibly wealthy?
" "Has he run into a brick wall this time?"
The Heartless Daoist was sent flying backward when suddenly a pillar of light rose from the sky, transforming into a five-colored auspicious cloud—the celestial phenomenon of a successful Core Formation! Not only that, but the auspicious cloud continued to expand outward, instantly breaking through three miles, then four, five, and six miles!
"A low-grade True Core formed in one fell swoop, even a mid-grade True Core couldn't hold this person back..."
The Heartless Daoist watched helplessly as the celestial phenomenon broke through six miles, entering the realm of a high-grade True Core, only stopping at nine miles. "A high-grade True Core?!"
His expression changed drastically, a mixture of jealousy and sorrow, but it was too late.
Accompanied by a clear phoenix-like cry, the auspicious cloud in the sky transformed into dark clouds, with thunder raging.
A figure flew out of the cave, clad in a blue robe with crimson cuffs—it was Zhan Hongxiu!
Since the battle on Tianquan Island, she knew her secrets had been exposed, and a group of powerful cultivators were likely searching for her. She dared not continue traveling the East Sea and could only find a secluded place to quietly cultivate and form her core. Fortunately, she was lucky; on a deserted island where she temporarily sought refuge, she discovered a piece of "Ten Thousand Year Azure."
Even if consumed raw, this item could enhance a cultivator's power, and it was incredibly pure!
With the help of a small portion of "Ten Thousand Year Azure" and a bit of luck, Zhan Hongxiu finally reached the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage.
She already possessed the "Golden Core Formation" resource, the top-tier "Hundred-Bend Core Qi," and several secret techniques that Elder Turtle had once instructed her on. She immediately began attempting to form her core. Ultimately, she succeeded in one go, achieving a superior-grade True Core using the "Turtle and Crane Longevity Technique"!
Even within the Yuanqu sect, she was considered one of the Yuanqu seeds!
"Unexpectedly, someone still disturbed me…"
"He's a cultivator in the early stage of Core Formation, and he also possesses a magic treasure …
If his condition is too poor after surviving the Heavenly Tribulation, we might not be able to capture him…" Zhan Hongxiu scanned the area with her divine sense, understanding everything perfectly. A hint of killing intent flashed in her eyes as she looked at the Heartless Daoist. She formed hand seals and summoned a tortoise shell. The shell rapidly expanded, landing on her head. Its surface was ancient and imbued with an indescribable charm. Bolts of heavenly lightning struck the shell, but they were all neutralized without any residual shock. Nine layers of heavenly lightning passed in the blink of an eye, unbelievably simple.
"What kind of treasure is that? A treasure for transcending tribulation? A treasure that can quell lightning tribulation?"
Wuxin Daoist's eyes widened, then he suddenly realized something: "A high-grade fourth-tier tortoise shell? It's you? That Foundation Establishment female cultivator with a bounty on her head by Blood Fiend Island?" "Hmph!"
Zhan Hongxiu snorted coldly, and with a wave of her hand, two magical treasures she had picked up during her adventures flew out.
Although these treasures were not her natal treasures, they were still usable after being refined with the power of her True Core.
Zhan Hongxiu didn't care about revealing her whereabouts at all, since she planned to leave Sea Serpent Island after forming her Core.
"Old Turtle, what do you think of my actions this time?"
Zhan Hongxiu habitually asked in her heart, but received no response.
Her eyes dimmed slightly, and then her gaze towards the Heartless Daoist was filled with murderous intent...
Near Ice Sky Island, in a temporarily opened underwater cave,
Fang Qing sat cross-legged, making hand seals, silently deducing cause and effect: "Oh? Zhan Hongxiu has formed her core?"
In this kind of divination, the most taboo thing is to deduce a high-level existence without cause and effect. For example,
without any clues, if he were to deduce the news of condensing spiritual objects or tribulation treasures, he would be completely in the dark.
But if given a clue, there is cause and effect, and the calculation becomes much simpler.
As for Zhan Hongxiu?
This woman's cause and effect with Fang Qing is too deep, not to mention that he had already secretly hidden her personal belongings and even her essence blood as a basis for divination, so there was no way she could escape... He could even deduce some of her current situation.
"It seems... my great opportunity regarding the Zhou Tian Star Palace is about to be realized... Such a treasure land should contain spiritual objects and secret techniques for overcoming tribulations, right?" He deduced that Zhan Hongxiu was just a side effect; he was now focusing all his efforts on divination regarding Shang Yuanxin, after all, people's hearts are unpredictable.
Perhaps just yesterday, Shang Yuanxin was still sincerely willing to trade, but in the past two days, he had gone back on his word, bringing the Yuan Qu Old Monster to ambush him.
If the news of Fang Qing's "Resentment Fruit" spread, it would be enough to attract several Yuan Qu Old Monsters.
"Fortunately... Shang Yuanxin is still worthy of my trust."
"The cultivation world of the East Sea is still mostly populace with simple and honest people..."
Fang Qing sighed, having already obtained the result of his divination.
Meanwhile.
Zhong Alliance.
"Fellow Daoist Zhong... please inform that 'Fellow Daoist Bai' that Yuanxin has brought the goods he needs."
Shang Yuanxin arrived to pay his respects, dismissed everyone, and transmitted his voice through divine sense.
"I have arrived."
Fang Qing's voice suddenly rang out, and the void seemed to lift like a curtain, revealing his figure.
"Fellow Daoist Fang..."
Shang Yuanxin stood up with some surprise: "I thought you would choose to trade outside the island, as that would be the safest option."
"Haha, I trust you, Fellow Daoist."
Fang Qing laughed heartily.
In fact, if he hadn't divined several times before coming and concluded that he would be safe and sound, he wouldn't have taken the risk.
"Fellow Daoist, please look."
Seeing that Zhong Lingxiu had already gone outside and activated the protective formation, Shang Yuanxin immediately took out a jade bottle without hesitation: "This is the 'Clear and Bright Spiritual Spring'..." "Oh?"
Fang Qing felt a certain attraction, reached out and took the jade bottle, and saw a pool of spring water hidden in a secluded ravine, concealed among the verdant peaks, as if connected by a spiritual connection... The water was clear and flawless, like crystal, reflecting the azure sky and the lush green trees.
Its water was crystal clear, able to moisten moss, brighten secluded valleys, enhance the beauty of verdant peaks, cleanse the mind, and awaken the spirit…
"What a fine 'Lingxi Jade Rinse'…"
He slightly converted a wisp of his [Ji Shui] magic power, and after confirming it was genuine, he immediately tossed out a jade box.
Shang Yuanxin caught it and saw that it was indeed the "Resentful Marriage Fruit," and was delighted.
He had exhausted his resources and borrowed a considerable amount from his family to buy this "Clear Spirit Spring" from Tianquan Island.
If this Fang Shui had taken the spring and run away, he probably wouldn't have gone bankrupt, but would have had to withdraw from the competition for the young master.
Fortunately, this "Fang Shui" was indeed quite generous and did not disappoint him.
"To be honest, the value of this 'Resentful Marriage Fruit' is still much higher than that of the 'Clear Spirit Spring.' You've lost out in this transaction, fellow Daoist…" Shang Yuanxin carefully put away the "Resentful Infant Fruit" and said seriously.
"The Resentful Marriage Fruit has too many hidden dangers and is useless to me. It's better to exchange it for something useful."
Fang Qing shook his head.
"Fellow Daoist, you truly have lofty ambitions..."
Shang Yuanxin nodded, knowing that this rare cultivator with the Void Spirit Root was not merely aiming for the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm.
He aspired to become a dominant force in the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, or even a powerful cultivator in the late stage!
A thought struck him, and he took out a token: "If you are interested in Nascent Soul spiritual items and Tribulation Transcending treasures, you must attend the Merchant Alliance's top-tier auction... I have a Merchant Token here, sufficient as an admission ticket to the top-tier auction, which I will bestow upon you...
" "Thank you."
Fang Qing accepted it without hesitation.
After inputting a wisp of magic power, he could sense that this Merchant Token also contained a map and a date—the day of the next top-tier auction. "It's only been about ten years..."
A thought struck him, and he looked at Shang Yuanxin with a half-smile. "Although it's a fair trade, honest and fair... I still owe you a favor. If you ever encounter trouble in the future, you can ask me to help you once. As long as it doesn't violate morality or endanger my own safety, I will definitely agree... At that time, we'll still contact each other through the Zhong Alliance." "
Thank you, fellow Daoist!"
Shang Yuanxin was overjoyed and immediately bowed deeply...