Chapter 151: Green Wood Longevity (Requesting Monthly Tickets)
“Ah, this. . . actually, among both ancient and new cultivation methods, there are truly top-tier techniques. Their common characteristic is not only astonishingly fast spiritual energy progression, but also various powerful spells and divine abilities. . . ”
Yuan Feihong scratched his head: “As for the distinction between ancient and new methods, it’s a differentiation that has only emerged in the last few millennia. For instance, the ‘Nether Heart Art’ that I cultivate is a top-tier technique among the new methods. If you ask about its characteristics? It’s probably a more detailed stratification of stages. . . For example, the Foundation Establishment stage in my ‘Nether Heart Art’ can be further divided into nine layers, turning major bottlenecks into minor ones, making breakthroughs relatively simpler. . . ”
“Whereas those ancient methods are simply divided into early, middle, late, and perfected stages of Foundation Establishment, making breakthroughs more difficult. ”
“I see. Are there any new wood-attribute cultivation methods here? ” Fang Xi certainly wasn't one to seek out difficulties; if breakthroughs could be simple, then simple was better.
Dividing a major stage into many minor stages with clear objectives indeed makes things easier to succeed.
“Well. . . we do not have such a cultivation method on the second floor of our pavilion. ”
Kong Jiang gave an awkward smile.
Fang Xi felt a little disappointed, but he could also understand. After all, he wasn't one of their own; they wouldn't offer the best.
As for the cultivation methods available for sale, it was already good enough if they were usable.
Fang Xi quickly made his decision. Since he was going to cultivate, he naturally needed a higher-tier one.
“Alright, with Thirty Shao’s guarantee, this transaction can proceed. ”
Kong Jiang smiled, stroking his beard, and added: “The authentic copy of this cultivation method costs a thousand Spirit Stones. If you wish to buy it outright, then ten thousand Spirit Stones will suffice. ”
“How could I possibly have that much wealth? ”
Fang Xi gave a bitter laugh, took out a thousand Spirit Stones from his storage pouch, and piled them on a nearby table.
Kong Jiang counted them one by one. Finally, with great care, he went to the back of the pavilion, opened a certain formation, and took out a wooden box.
The wooden box opened, revealing a jade slip of verdant green: “Before the transaction, I ask that fellow Daoist swear an oath upon the Grand Dao, promising not to transmit this cultivation method to outsiders! ”
Fang Xi's expression turned solemn, and he made the oath.
Immediately after, he calmly took the jade slip from Kong Jiang's hand and immersed his Divine Consciousness within it.
The Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment cultivation methods of the "Green Wood Longevity Art" were all clearly displayed before him.
Seeing that there was indeed a Core Formation section at the end, he couldn't help but nod with satisfaction.
“It's truly wonderful to have been able to help fellow Daoist today. ”
Seeing the transaction successfully concluded, Yuan Feihong also looked greatly relieved.
“Fellow Daoist Yuan. . . ”
Fang Xi, however, did not leave. He strolled casually around the second floor and asked, seemingly by chance: “Regarding my matter of joining White Peace Immortal City, have there been any complications? ”
“Well. . . indeed,” Yuan Feihong replied with a bitter smile.
“Since that is the case, I don't wish to make things difficult for Fellow Daoist Yuan. . . Let us consider this matter dropped. ” Fang Xi, however, revealed a calm smile: “Furthermore, I'm feeling a bit greedy and would like to purchase another book here. Would that be permissible? ”
“This. . . ” Kong Jiang grew a little anxious.
It was Yuan Feihong who fell into contemplation instead.
“This is indeed an unreasonable request. However, I saw a certain legacy that I greatly desire. After this matter, consider me owing you a favor. ”
Fang Xi, discerning Yuan Feihong's hesitation, intentionally raised the stakes.
Anyway, this thing called a ‘favor’ is only a favor if one values it. If one doesn't, then it's worth nothing!
“Alright then, this matter is settled! ” Yuan Feihong said: “There's no need for fellow Daoist to owe me a favor. Consider us even. . . ”
After saying this, he actually looked somewhat relieved, leaving Fang Xi feeling puzzled.
But he certainly wouldn't miss this opportunity. He walked over to the shelf of Hundred Arts of Immortal Cultivation, picked up a jade slip, and revealed a brilliant smile: “This second-order puppet art legacy, what is its price? ”
...
Half an hour later.
Myriad Laws Pavilion, second floor.
Kong Jiang and Fang Xi had long since departed, leaving Yuan Feihong alone, staring silently at the mirror in a daze.
Within the formation, a light flashed, and Ouyang Zhen stepped out with large strides, striking the mirror with a hand seal.
The mirror's surface immediately glittered with light, then transformed into a stream of light and flew into Ouyang Zhen's sleeve.
He looked at his junior martial brother and asked with a smile: “Junior Brother, why don't you ask me about the result? ”
“Senior Brother did not immediately notify or hint at anything at the time, so I knew the outcome. ” Yuan Feihong said with a bitter smile: “It seems that fellow Daoist Fang still hasn't caught Senior Brother's eye. . . ”
“Hmm, bone age fifty-eight. . . his Body Cultivation is decent, spiritual energy is mediocre. Judging from his physical appearance, his spiritual root aptitude is indeed average. . . ”
“I used my Divine Consciousness to investigate with the aid of Master's 'Illuminating Mirror'. Even a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator wouldn't be able to detect it, you can rest assured. . . ”
Ouyang Zhen reported the findings: “This person does indeed have a small secret, but it's merely a hidden trump card in his Body Cultivation. Your little Qing didn't want to get close to him, likely because his close-quarters combat is quite sharp. . . This person's potential is limited, not worth our investment. Let's forego the matter of recruiting him as a guest elder. . . ”
“Everything is as Senior Brother wishes. ” Yuan Feihong cupped his hands and did not argue further.
“Haha, this person is still somewhat clever! Taking advantage of this opportunity, he even bought an extra second-order puppet art! ”
Ouyang Zhen burst into hearty laughter: “With this art, he's already capable of establishing himself in the immortal city. Junior Brother, there's no need to worry. . . Moreover, our karma with him is settled, and we owe each other nothing. ”
“Indeed. . . ”
Yuan Feihong muttered.
In truth, some favors don't appreciate in value by being continuously owed. On the contrary, a great kindness can turn into enmity.
Cashing in a favor immediately is also a wise approach.
...
Fang Xi believed he had no personal relationship with Yuan Feihong, nor did he hold onto the favor with the intention of seeking repayment once the other party's cultivation became profound.
If it could be spent now, then spend it now! Monetizing it was the most practical!
Returning to House Eighty-Seven in Willow Alley, he gazed at the courtyard and the first-order spiritual energy environment, shaking his head: “Although I have the cultivation method, I can't expect to get a residence for free. I'll still have to rent a place in the inner city. . . ”
“That's fine too. Working for others is impossible. . . I'll continue to be a rogue cultivator. . . ”
“This time, the matter of becoming a guest elder encountered unexpected complications. The person behind it, hehe. . . ”
Fang Xi's eyes deepened.
...
More than ten days later, the joke about a certain Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator failing to join White Peace Immortal City as a guest elder began to spread throughout White Peace Immortal City.
Those Qi Refinement cultivators dared not disrespect a Foundation Establishment cultivator to their face, but secretly, they spread gossip with great delight, likely due to some hidden, dark psychology.
After Fang Xi became a Foundation Establishment rogue cultivator, he gained a bit of fame again, only this time, it was infamy. . .
But he didn't care in the slightest.
The evaluations of the world? What concern were they to him?
Once dozens or hundreds of years passed, he could even go party on these people's graves!
During this time, however, Chen Ping unexpectedly passed away, leaving him feeling a little sad, and he went to offer his condolences.
“Fellow Daoist Jin Ling. . . my reputation in the city has been poor lately. Do you wish to leave? ”
After offering condolences to Chen Ping and bidding farewell to Lu Zhi and others, Fang Xi called Jin Ling and casually asked.
“This one believes senior is not such a person! ”
Jin Ling looked delicate and weak, but at this moment, she showed considerable spirit.
“That is excellent. ”
Fang Xi chuckled heartily: “I happen to be in need of a maidservant and a butler. I ask fellow Daoist to take on the role. Let's first go to the inner city and rent a set of second-order residences, then we can discuss other matters. . . ”
The inner city of White Peace Immortal City was a second-order spiritual land, and its residences also came in many grades.
As for the one handling it? It was still Steward Han from last time.
Fang Xi directly leased a residence, spending seven hundred and fifty Spirit Stones, with a lease starting at ten years.
...
The new residence was very spacious. Fang Xi looked around inside and out, finding that the spiritual energy within the residence was around mid-grade second-order, enough for his cultivation. He couldn't help but feel very satisfied.
“Master, please give the residence a name! ”
Jin Ling brought a talisman brush and said with a smile.
“Let's call it ‘Peach Blossom Pavilion’. . . On Peach Blossom Island, the Peach Blossom Pavilion; within the Peach Blossom Pavilion, the Peach Blossom Immortal; the Peach Blossom Immortal plants peach trees, and picks peach blossoms to sell for wine. . . ”
Fang Xi felt quite emotional.
He feared he would be living in Peach Blossom Pavilion for quite a long time.
This time, the matter of becoming a guest elder encountered unexpected complications, eighty percent likely due to some petty villain's machinations, and there was a high probability it was Song Qing of the Song Clan!
If he were to frequently leave the city to travel now, he might very well encounter danger!
Although he wasn't afraid, there was no need to clash head-on with the Song Clan.
Fang Xi could very well continue to stay in White Peace Immortal City!
This place had mid-grade second-order spiritual energy, he possessed a cultivation method, and with his aptitude comparable to a superior-grade spiritual root, even by just meditating and cultivating, without needing other resources, he could slowly advance his spiritual energy!
What's more, the other party was a young master of a family, with high status and great authority. How could he possibly remain staked out in White Peace Immortal City for long?
When it came to patience and free time, he would absolutely win!
Once his realm surpassed theirs in the future, he could suppress them and exact his revenge with a mere flick of his hand!
...
Two years later.
Peach Blossom Pavilion.
Within the quiet room, Fang Xi opened his eyes; a gentle green light flashed within them.
“One year to comprehend the cultivation method, and one year to adjust the flow of spiritual energy. As of today, I've finally gained initial mastery of the 'Green Wood Longevity Art'. . . ”
He felt quite emotional.
The 'Green Wood Longevity Art', in terms of its complexity and profundity, far surpassed techniques like the 'Everspring Art' and 'Green Wood Art'. It truly lived up to its reputation as a cultivation method capable of reaching Core Formation!
And adjusting a cultivation method was by no means simple.
Fortunately, Fang Xi discovered that his 'Green Wood Spirit Body' possessed infinite wondrous uses, and seemed to provide a bonus in this regard.
Otherwise, changing one's foundational cultivation method would not have been so easy.
He inwardly observed his Qi Sea Dantian and saw twenty drops of azure liquid spiritual energy, now even deeper in color, a vibrant, dripping green, like droplets of glazed jadeite, with faint patterns emerging on their surface.
This was the spiritual energy after being converted to the 'Green Wood Longevity Art'. Although the total amount of spiritual energy hadn't changed, its quality had increased by several tenths!
“After Foundation Establishment, the subsequent cultivation is a process of continuously increasing the upper limit of liquid spiritual energy. . . ”
“According to the 'Green Wood Longevity Art''s description, one must accumulate a total of at least forty to fifty drops of liquid spiritual energy within the Dantian before attempting to break through to the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. . . This process generally requires decades of slow refinement for ordinary cultivators. Of course, with the aid of medicinal pills, it's an exception. . . ”
Spiritual energy could be rapidly replenished after being expended, but continuously increasing its upper limit was extremely difficult.
However, after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, medicinal pills capable of enhancing spiritual energy became exceedingly rare.
The 'Water Vein Pill' formula Fang Xi obtained last time from the Dragon Fish Zhong Clan required main ingredients that were several hundred-year-old spirit herbs, making them extremely troublesome to collect. . .
From this, it was clear that after the Foundation Establishment stage, advancing spiritual energy was indeed difficult.
Not to mention, some cultivators were limited by their spiritual root aptitude and might spend their entire lives stagnating in the early stage of Foundation Establishment.
Comments