"I still have some Contribution Points left. I'll trade them for a Yin-Yang attribute spell."
Having decided to reshape his Yin-Yang foundation, Qi Ping found he had over two thousand points remaining, just enough to trade for a single spell. After some thought, he chose a technique called Yin-Yang Dharma Seals. It wasn't an incredibly profound spell—it only involved the basic manipulation of Yin and Yang spiritual energy—but its characteristics were balanced and upright, making it perfect for an introductory technique.
After obtaining the spell, he quietly left the Pavilion of Scriptures where he had stayed for over three months and immediately exited the mountain gates. Once he confirmed he wasn't being followed, he switched routes several times and hid his presence before reaching a secluded spot. He then had the bees bring out the Mysterious Black Market token.
[Black Market Spirit Stones (Low-grade): 47,600]
[Black Market Points: 36,189]
[Remaining Spirit Stones (Mid-grade): 61,027]
This was the wealth he had amassed after adding the stones from the Foundation Establishment cultivators he had recently slain. He hadn't even had time to process the rest of the spoils yet.
A pleasant surprise was finding two sets of Yin and Yang attribute Foundation Establishment manuals and spells among the spoils. The spell was named Yin-Yang Chess, and the manual was titled the Scripture of Radiant Day and Dark Guidance. Both were of a very high level, with a degree of sophistication that surpassed the Gold-Flame Scripture he had once practiced. They were even on par with his self-created Immortal Scripture of Water and Fire.
This was his best find since he began gathering spoils, and it happened to be the exact Yin-Yang attribute manual he needed most. It was a stroke of incredible luck.
However, a trace of unease flickered in Qi Ping's heart. Why would a cultivator who didn't follow the Yin-Yang path have such high-quality manuals on them?
'Could it really just be a stroke of luck?'
Statistically, it was possible. He had seized so many manuals that it wasn't impossible to find a gem once in a while.
'Regardless, I won't practice this manual directly. But dissecting its principles and the mechanics of its spells will be of immense benefit.'
Now, he only needed to buy a few key Yin-Yang spells, manuals, and fusion-related knowledge from the black market to create his own Yin-Yang techniques. Qi Ping already had a deep understanding of the principles of Foundation Establishment cultivation. Among the many manuals he had seized, there were plenty of pure Yin or pure Yang techniques.
His current Immortal Scripture of Water and Fire also contained the essence of Yin and Yang. As long as he comprehended the fusion of Yin and Yang, he could create a Yin-Yang attribute technique himself. Referring to other manuals was primarily to ensure his creation was perfect and to deepen his comprehension of the path.
With his path decided, he began his purchases. First, he bought the most pure Yin and Yang attribute spirit trees from the black market: the Rank 3 High-grade Radiant Sun Ancient Wood and the Rank 3 High-grade Dark Night Ancient Wood.
The Radiant Sun Ancient Wood's trunk was like a miniature sun; it consumed and produced the most balanced and pure solar power. The Dark Night Ancient Wood was its perfect opposite; its body was like the netherworld, consuming and producing the most balanced and pure lunar power.
These pure forces were best suited for Qi Ping's cultivation, as they carried the least risk and would build the most stable and pure foundation.
'I'll nurture and contract these two trees as soon as possible, then apply the most excellent Solar and Lunar Refining Methods to them.'
'Once they grow, I can use the Plant Sovereign talent to refine and comprehend the Law power generated within their spirits.'
Combined with the natural ability of the Shepherd of Trees to sense the power of spirit trees, Qi Ping estimated it wouldn't take many years for him to comprehend the Yin-Yang Intent, especially since he already had some insight into the Solar Intent.
The purchase of the two trees cost him twenty-four thousand black market points and two hundred and forty thousand spirit stones. Afterward, he spent the remaining points on Yin-Yang manuals, spells, and a specialized array called the Heavenly Extinction Yin-Yang Array. This was a top-tier Rank 2 array with immense killing power.
He waited for about three days before the Box Puppet delivered the seeds, manuals, and array plate. Once he had them, Qi Ping had the bees transport them back to his main body.
The Cloud-Dream Immortal Tiger had reached the middle stage of Rank 2, and its divination abilities had improved further. With it guarding the sanctuary, bringing items into the territory was much safer and easier.
A few days later, in the Cloud-Mist Mountains, Qi Ping's main body accepted a refined storage ring from the legs of a Wind-Blade Bee. He patted the bee's head and began his journey of nurturing the trees and studying the techniques.
As he began to practice and comprehend the Yin-Yang techniques, his vast foundation of knowledge and his mastery over cultivation principles became a powerful advantage. Techniques that were difficult for others to grasp were being mastered by Qi Ping at an incredible speed.
While his main body was focused on planting and research, his Treant clone returned to the Qingyuan Sect as Lin Ya. Since his Contribution Points were almost depleted, he began considering how to earn more.
His position and relationship within the sect were very delicate, and he didn't want to move recklessly. During his wait, he received several friends who had consistently stood by him, discussing their recent cultivation insights.
Through these discussions, Qi Ping found his understanding deepening even further. About half a month passed in this manner. Just as he was worrying about points, a mandatory task was delivered to him.
On his exclusive Qingyuan Sect message talisman, a message in gold appeared.
[Special Sect Mission: Lin Ya is appointed as the new Warden of Starfall City for a term of twenty years. Base Contribution Points: 5,000. Performance-based Contribution Points: 50,000 to 300,000!]
[Zhang Da-niu and Han Li are appointed as Deputy Wardens of Starfall City for a term of twenty years. Assume duties within ten days!]
'A mandatory sect mission... Warden of Starfall City!'
'Ten thousand to three hundred thousand points!'
The moment he saw the mission, Qi Ping's pupils constricted. The rewards were terrifyingly high. However, the moment he recalled the information regarding Starfall City, his brow furrowed deeply.
Why Starfall City?
Not long after, Han Li and Zhang Da-niu rushed frantically into Manor Seven. It wasn't just the three of them; the moment the mission was announced, a massive shockwave rippled through the entire Qingyuan Sect!