Chapter 368: Choices (Seeking Monthly Votes)
Chapter 368: Choices (Seeking Monthly Votes)
“This time, Taisui’s advancement only required a pill refined from a third-order wood-attribute demonic core. . . I still have three more demonic beast inner cores, no, wait. . . add in the Demonic Blood Flood Dragon’s inner core, that makes four! ”
Fang Xi swept his sleeve, bringing Taisui into the Mountain Sea Pearl, and fell into contemplation.
“This Demonic Blood Flood Dragon’s inner core isn’t of much use to me anymore. I might as well give it directly to Big Green. . . whether it succeeds or not depends on its fortune. Even if it fails, I won’t keep investing in it like I did with Taisui. . . ”
“Apart from that, I can also cultivate a few more False Core cultivators. . . ”
Now that his cultivation was profound, each seclusion took a long time, and he truly needed some manpower.
This was also why most high-stage cultivators established sects—to better serve their own cultivation.
He released his Divine Consciousness, instantly enveloping Dragon Fish Island, and immediately discovered many cultivators.
“With so many cultivators arriving, it’s indeed time for me to show my face. ”
Big Green, splashing in the lake, immediately leaped up, transforming into a streak of azure spiritual light, and soon arrived by his side.
“Let’s go! ”
Fang Xi stood atop the Green Corner Fish Dragon and spoke leisurely.
The Green Corner Fish Dragon immediately let out a long cry, clouds coiling around its body as it flew, shaking its head and tail, circling Dragon Fish Island once.
......
“It’s the Dragon Fish Island Master! ”
“The Island Master has emerged from seclusion! ”
“Greetings, Core Formation Grand True Person! ”
Countless cultivators were startled by the dragon’s roar, emerging from their seclusions. When they saw a Core Formation ancestor with the face of a youth soaring on a dragon, the terrifying spiritual power emanating from him instinctively made them lower their heads and bow.
Before long, the Green Corner Fish Dragon settled in the Evergreen Pavilion, and Fang Xi sat directly in the main hall, summoning representatives from all the major forces who had come to visit.
It was nothing much, really; he just had them state their identities, leave their gifts, and then they could neatly scram. . .
It wasn’t until the Yan family from Spirit Sky Island arrived that Fang Xi showed them a pleasant expression, allowing them to speak a few more words. However, he did not accept their maidservants, sending away a group of pretty young women to the old family head’s regretful expression.
“Anyone else? ”
Fang Xi sat in the main seat, asking casually.
Zhong Hong Yu immediately stepped forward: “Young Master. . . there is another female Foundation Establishment cultivator, who calls herself ‘Zong Linghu,’ claiming to be an old acquaintance of yours? ”
“Oh? ”
Fang Xi rested his clenched fist against his cheek, saying casually: “Let her in! ”
Soon, the petite figure of Zong Linghu gracefully entered, respectfully bowing: “Zong Linghu greets the Ancestor, bowing in thanks for your life-saving grace all those years ago. . . ”
Gazing at the woman, Fang Xi couldn’t help but recall the Zong family couple he had encountered when refining corpses at Black Water Pool, before he left the Three Kingdoms cultivation world.
“You claim to be a descendant of my old acquaintance, do you have proof? ”
Although looking at her face and the familiar craftsmanship of the talisman armor she wore, Fang Xi already believed most of it, he still asked another question.
“My father always kept the Ancestor’s portrait, and our family’s third-order talisman inheritance, it is said, was bestowed by Senior. . . ”
Zong Linghu obediently took out two items: a scroll and a jade slip, respectfully handing them to Zhong Hong Yu.
Fang Xi did not open the scroll, merely sweeping his Divine Consciousness over the jade slip, then nodded: “It is indeed a talisman inheritance. That you can refine ‘talisman armor’ shows you have considerable talent in the Dao of Talismans. . . Truly excellent, Talisman Master Zong has a successor. ”
“Without the Ancestor’s bestowed inheritance, how could Linghu be where she is today? Linghu wishes to be your servant, to repay the Ancestor’s great kindness! ”
Zong Linghu said solemnly.
She had indeed relied on the Dao of Talismans to accumulate many Spirit Stones, allowing her to fortunately achieve Foundation Establishment.
But to be a servant. . .
Fang Xi’s expression turned somewhat strange: ‘How is it that I, someone devoted to the Dao, keep getting proposals for concubines, servants, and cultivation cauldrons lately. . . Are they truly looking down on me? ’
His expression turned solemn: “My acquaintance with your father and your ancestors was but a faint one. . . as it stands, the benevolence of a gentleman rarely extends beyond five generations. . . there’s no need to speak of such things. ”
Upon hearing this, Zong Linghu’s expression immediately dimmed, but she bowed again: “I still beg the Ancestor to permit Linghu to cultivate on Dragon Fish Island! ”
“For miscellaneous affairs on Dragon Fish Island, you may consult Hong Yu. You may withdraw. ”
Fang Xi waved his hand, dismissing Zong Linghu.
At this moment, Zhong Hong Yu reported all of the woman’s previous actions, without embellishment, but from an outsider’s perspective, neither concealing nor suppressing anything.
“She’s a clever woman. . . just a bit too pragmatic. ”
Fang Xi listened, noncommittal: “Perhaps she’s also caused some trouble and wants to use Dragon Fish Island for refuge, or perhaps borrow my prestige. . . Never mind, you handle it yourself. ”
To him, after fulfilling his promise to Chen Ping, his connection to Zong family’s descendants had indeed grown much weaker.
In terms of connection, she couldn’t compare to Zhong Hong Yu.
“Hong Yu understands. . . ”
Zhong Hong Yu nodded obediently.
Fang Xi gazed at the woman, nodded and then shook his head, his expression softening: “You are now over a hundred and sixty years old, yet only at the late Foundation Establishment stage. . . your cultivation is a bit slow. ”
Zhong Hong Yu’s expression grew dim: “This concubine’s cultivation is slow, disappointing Young Master. . . ”
“Never mind, the Profound Sound Art you cultivate isn’t perfectly matched with your Void Spiritual Root, this is unavoidable. . . ”
Fang Xi tossed out a jade bottle: “The pills in this bottle are greatly beneficial for increasing magical power. . . Take them and cultivate diligently, reaching the perfect Foundation Establishment stage will be no problem. ”
“Thank you, Young Master. ” Zhong Hong Yu took the jade bottle amidst the envious gazes of Hai Da Niu and Tai Shu Hong, a hint of joy appearing on her face.
“No need for thanks. You have managed Dragon Fish Island for me for many years; you deserve this. ”
Fang Xi then looked towards Tai Shu Hong and Hai Da Niu, particularly the latter.
Hai Da Niu’s spiritual root aptitude was ordinary; he was only at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage now, so it seemed unlikely he would ever achieve Core Formation in this lifetime.
So he waved his hand, and two high-grade Spirit Artifacts flew out, landing in their hands: “These two Spirit Artifacts are granted to you! ”
“Thank you, Island Master. ”
Both Foundation Establishment cultivators also showed expressions of delight, bowing respectfully.
“Very well, you may all withdraw. ”
Fang Xi waved his hand, dismissing everyone. As he watched the backs of the three Foundation Establishment cultivators, a strange look flashed across his face.
......
Late night.
The moon was like a hook.
Fang Xi was leaning by the window, leisurely sipping Green Bamboo Wine.
“Young Master, Zhong Hong Yu seeks an audience! ”
Outside the door, a voice suddenly sounded.
“Come in. ”
He nodded, then a red blur flashed, and Zhong Hong Yu entered, bowing gracefully: “Young Master requested this concubine to come tonight, may I ask for what matter? ”
“Hong Yu. . . do you, still wish to achieve Core Formation? ”
Fang Xi took another sip of Green Bamboo Wine, asking casually.
“Naturally I do, but regrettably, at this concubine’s age, even if I could swiftly advance to the perfect Foundation Establishment stage. . . it would be almost impossible to venture out and seek Core Formation Spiritual Items. ”
A bitter smile appeared on Zhong Hong Yu’s lips.
If Core Formation Spiritual Items were so easy to obtain, all the female cultivators of the Three Kingdoms would be fighting for them.
Furthermore, while the three great Core Formation sects would not openly target Dragon Fish Island out of respect for Fang Xi’s absence, they would certainly not be polite when it came to competing for opportunities.
And within the Three Kingdoms, Core Formation opportunities were truly scarce, mostly like the Profound Water Liquid, which even if obtained, offered little hope.
“I only ask you, is your heart for the Dao still present? ”
Fang Xi looked at Zhong Hong Yu with a smile.
Zhong Hong Yu’s heart stirred, and she immediately knelt: “Please, Young Master, make it clear! Hong Yu will brave any danger, even death, without hesitation! ”
“It’s not that serious, it’s just a repeat of your Foundation Establishment breakthrough. . . ”
Fang Xi waved his hand.
He still held considerable anticipation for this Void Spiritual Root’s Core Formation breakthrough.
Last time, observing her Foundation Establishment, he had comprehended a fragmented Silver Seal Script, which, combined with the ancient cultivators’ Jade Talisman art, led to the development of the ‘Anti-Air Talisman. ’
If he could observe her Core Formation, perhaps he could complete another part of the Void Runes?
Or, make the ‘Anti-Air Talisman’ even more perfect?
Upon mentioning the previous Foundation Establishment, a blush couldn’t help but appear on Zhong Hong Yu’s cheeks, but she immediately nodded: “This concubine is willing! ”
“Don’t agree so quickly. After you form your Core, I will place some restrictions on you to ensure you cannot betray me. ”
Fang Xi spoke words that made Zhong Hong Yu’s face turn pale: “Because I am dedicated to secluded cultivation, I need a few loyal and trustworthy subordinates to handle matters for me and find spiritual items. . . ”
Zhong Hong Yu immediately fell into a struggle.
If merely letting Fang Xi see her once could grant a Core Formation Spiritual Item, surely all the female cultivators in the Three Kingdoms would scramble for the chance.
But to have restrictions placed upon her, with her life and death controlled by another, that was entirely different.
She struggled for a long time, finally nodding with a pale face: “This concubine. . . is willing! ”
“Very good. . . ”
Fang Xi smiled faintly: “You should go and cultivate diligently. Once you reach the perfect Foundation Establishment stage, come to me to receive ‘Profound Crystal Essence’ and ‘Heavenly Fire Glaze. ’ At that time, I will also impart to you the secret method of ‘Water-Fire Alchemy for Golden Core,’ as well as my insights on Core Formation. . . ”
“What? Such high-grade Core Formation Spiritual Items? ” Zhong Hong Yu suddenly looked up, her face filled with surprise: “This concubine thought. . . ”
“Could it be you thought, this Young Master would fool you with demonic beast inner cores? ”
Fang Xi’s face showed a half-smile as he waved his hand, dismissing Zhong Hong Yu.
Not long after, a streak of sword light landed outside the Evergreen Pavilion.
A moment later, another voice sounded: “Island Master. . . Tai Shu Hong seeks an audience! ”
“Come in. ”
Fang Xi’s expression relaxed considerably as he looked at the perfect Foundation Establishment cultivator, Tai Shu Hong: “You have contributed greatly over the years, even if not by merit alone. I offer you three choices. First, I will bestow upon you a small trinket. Second, I will bestow upon you this demonic core. . . ”
Before he finished speaking, Fang Xi opened a jade box, revealing an inner core emanating faint light.
This inner core came from Old Man Yan; its attribute was barely compatible with Tai Shu Hong.
Upon seeing this demonic core, Tai Shu Hong’s eyes immediately glowed with fervent anticipation, but he restrained himself: “May I know what the third choice is, and what its conditions are? ”
“Haha. . . you are indeed excellent. ”
Fang Xi nodded with satisfaction, then took out another jade slip: “The third choice, I will bestow upon you an ancient sword cultivation art, named ‘Grand White Sword Art’. . . If you choose the first option, everything will remain as usual. If you choose the second or third option, I will place a restriction on you, and your life and death will henceforth be controlled by me. . . ”
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