Chapter 80: Chapter 80: [Cave Mansion: Level 2], Star Spiral Cloud Barrier Array
Speaking of the most important thing, Luo Tian immediately asked:
"Big brother, Dong Qian said she’d look into the matter of pseudo spirit root foundation establishment for us when she joined the sect. Any news?"
"Yes, she sent back information a couple of days ago. Besides meeting the fourth brother, calling you back is also to discuss this matter."
Yao Jingfeng nodded.
Ji Yuan also realized that the main point was about to be discussed and quickly asked, "What exactly is it?"
Du Wanyi explained, "Establishing the foundation for celestial spirit roots happens naturally, without even needing a foundation establishment pill, but earth spirit roots and true spirit roots need such treasures."
"Generally, an earth spirit root requires one foundation establishment pill; some true spirit roots need one, some need two."
"But for us with pseudo spirit roots, the difficulty of foundation establishment is something fourth brother, you must have heard about."
Ji Yuan nodded, "I’ve heard that within the Water Dragon Sect, cultivators with pseudo spirit root foundation establishment are extremely rare."
"Yes, so we commissioned Dong Qian, who joined the Water Dragon Sect this year, to inquire about how many foundation establishment pills a pseudo spirit root would actually need so we can have some preparation."
"How many are needed exactly?"
Luo Tian pressed on.
As the three people’s gazes turned to him, Yao Jingfeng also sighed, "It’s more than we previously expected."
"What?"
Luo Tian exclaimed in surprise.
"Currently, there are three seniors in the sect with pseudo spirit root foundation establishment. One was luckier and succeeded with 5 pills, another with 7 pills, and even one who needed 11 pills to succeed."
After Yao Jingfeng finished speaking, he turned to Ji Yuan with a wry smile, "Earlier, the three of us estimated based on earth spirit roots and true spirit roots foundation establishment and thought we might need at most 5 foundation establishment pills for pseudo spirit roots."
"Never thought 5 would be the minimum, and it might take a dozen to be enough."
Upon hearing this, the room fell silent.
Obviously, these figures exerted considerable pressure on them.
Even Luo Tian leaned back, slumping into his chair with a resigned posture.
"If we buy them, how many spirit stones would a foundation establishment pill cost?" Ji Yuan asked out of curiosity.
"Fourth brother, don’t think about buying them; many peak Qi Refining Stage cultivators in the sect are waiting too, as you know, so no foundation establishment pills make it outside the sect."
Du Wanyi also responded with a wry smile, "To get a foundation establishment pill, you’ll have to gather the materials yourself and then ask an alchemist to refine it. They’re not for sale."
"What about the pill recipe? That should be for sale, right?" Ji Yuan continued to ask.
"Of course, and it can be exchanged for contributions within the sect."
Yao Jingfeng added, "The recipe isn’t valuable. Once we join the Water Dragon Sect, it should be easy to obtain. The issue is with some of the ingredients in it, which are said to be extremely rare and hard to get."
"No rush; we haven’t even reached the peak of Qi Refining Stage yet."
Luo Tian adjusted himself after a while, "Let’s stick to the plan and improve our strength first. We can think about the foundation establishment pill once we’ve reached the peak of Qi Refining Stage."
"Yes!"
Du Wanyi nodded firmly, "Exactly; we’ve been delaying joining the Water Dragon Sect to quickly improve our strength."
It seems that those with strength and potential aren’t in a hurry to join the Water Dragon Sect.
They all understand the principle of ’better be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix’... Ji Yuan mused in his heart listening to their conversation.
Then, the four of them chatted casually about their recent situations, or discussed whether there were any ways to easily earn spirit stones.
Through this, Ji Yuan also learned that Du Wanyi and Yao Jingfeng were the ones running Shop Number 18. They earned quite a bit by conducting business between markets using a flying boat.
As for Luo Tian, he mostly stayed in
"Alright, if that’s all, is there anything else you need to address?"
Yao Jingfeng glanced at them.
Ji Yuan shook his head, but he felt as if something was missing.
Sure enough, Yao Jingfeng then looked at him and said, "Fourth brother, by now you must have realized that the most important thing among the four of us is honesty about information. Secondly, it’s about resources. If you feel something can be shared, you can share it among us, or if you’ve met your own needs and have surplus, you can also offer it for others."
"Like, once we enter the sect, if one of us obtains the pill recipe, it’s as if all four of us have it, which saves a lot of unnecessary expenditure."
"Yes, I understand. Don’t worry, big brother."
Ji Yuan said with a smile.
"Yes, fourth brother is sensible."
Du Wanyi also smiled.
What is there not to understand? It’s simply about sharing resources as much as possible, although this sharing relies on mutual willingness... If someone stays in this group of four without contributing anything, they might not be included in future activities.
If Luo Tian or Du Wanyi only sought to take advantage, Yao Jingfeng would certainly start distancing himself from them.
Then, the four exchanged contact locations to ensure they wouldn’t have trouble finding each other later, and then parted ways.
Du Wanyi and Yao Jingfeng gave locations within the market, but Luo Tian’s was on a small island within Cloud Rain Marsh.
Ji Yuan left Shop Number 18 and watched as the three of them each left on their flying boats, then stretched leisurely.
Meeting today, I finally caught a glimpse of the true scene in the cultivation realm.
In comparison, Ji Yuan realized further.
Everything experienced earlier in Zengtou City was all about survival, not about cultivation or achieving immortality.
It wasn’t until reaching the late Qi Cultivation Stage that the true path to cultivation was opened.
Thinking of this, Ji Yuan summoned the Thunder Falcon Boat, and with a curve, headed straight towards the lakeside cabin.
Level 2 materials for the Cave Mansion were ready, and now it was time for an upgrade.
There were no delays on the way home, and in no time, Ji Yuan had landed in his yard. Ever since advancing to the late Qi Cultivation Stage, he didn’t even need to open the door.
Once home, he closed the doors and windows tightly and then took out from his storage bag the previously prepared 10 catties of River-stilling Sand, along with 6 pieces of Clear Spirit Jade given by Du Wanyi.
He naturally had the 50 spirit stones.
Not to mention that big brother Yao Jingfeng gave 30 pieces, he had sold Blood Essence for 150 pieces just yesterday.
After arranging everything, Ji Yuan glanced at the panel showing (achieved).
With a thought, he chose to upgrade.
As the text on the panel flickered, the [Cave Mansion] upgraded from Level 1 to Level 2.
[Cave Mansion lv2]
[Spirit Effect: Daytime Spiritual Qi concentration +10%, Nighttime Spiritual Qi concentration +30%, Basic Silence Barrier]
[Upgrade Conditions: Low-grade Spirit Stones ×50, Clear Spirit Jade ×6 pieces, River-stabilizing Sand ×10 pounds]
The Level 2 Cave Mansion not only increased the nighttime Spiritual Qi concentration but also raised the daytime Spiritual Qi concentration by 10%.
In addition to the original Dust Avoidance Barrier, a Silence Barrier was added.
Now, when thinking about doing something at home, one doesn’t have to worry about being overheard or having to stick Silence Charms on the walls.
Having seen the Spirit Effects of Level 3 buildings, Ji Yuan now feels that the Spirit Effects of this Level 2 [Cave Mansion] are just so-so.
What truly excites him is the effect of the Level 3 [Cave Mansion].
As his mind immersed into the panel, the Spirit Effects of the Level 3 [Cave Mansion] appeared before his eyes.
[Cave Mansion lv3]
[Spirit Effect 1: Mind Calming and Qi Condensing, Daytime Spiritual Qi concentration +20%, Nighttime Spiritual Qi concentration +40%]
[Spirit Effect 2 (Star-whirl Cloud Barrier): Cave Mansion automatically generates Tier Two Protective Array "Star-whirl Cloud Barrier Formation"]
[Upgrade Conditions: Cultivation level reaches Foundation Establishment Stage, Mid-grade Spirit Stones ×50, Starlight Stones ×10 pounds.]
Two Spirit Effects again?!
Whether day or night, the Spiritual Qi concentration is increased by another 10%, especially the nighttime Spiritual Qi concentration, which is increased by a full 40%.
With such a treasure at hand, cultivation will certainly be faster than others.
But what truly excites Ji Yuan is this Spirit Effect 2... the Defensive Array of the Cave Mansion, finally revealed!
A Cave Mansion without array protection really doesn’t offer much security.
The Level 1 and Level 2 Cave Mansions, although having effects like Dust Avoidance and Silence, are practical but far inferior compared to a true Defensive Array.
It’s now better; just upgrading the Cave Mansion to Level 3 will suffice.
It seems clear that after reaching the Foundation Establishment Stage, the first priority is to upgrade [Cave Mansion] to Level 3 and secure this array.
Star-whirl Cloud Barrier Formation... the name itself sounds extraordinary.
It seems that within the Tier Two Array category, it’s among the stronger ones.
After the gathering is over, the [Cave Mansion] is fully upgraded, and Ji Yuan can rest assured to cultivate.
That evening, Lin Hu and his wife also came to see him, awkwardly expressing their congratulations.
Ji Yuan naturally told them there’s no need for such formality; everything should be as usual.
...
Two nights later.
Zengtou City, Qin Family.
Qin Long and He Laosan stood guard in front of a dark room, waiting silently. After what felt like forever, accompanied by a soft "boom" sound, the stone door opened, and a hoarse voice came from inside.
"Come in and speak."
Qin Long exchanged a glance with the other, hastily rose and went inside.
In the large dark room, only a single candle was lit, making it extremely dim.
In the center sat an extremely old man, face full of wrinkles, with the few remaining strands of white hair unbound and hanging down his back.
"What is it?"
The old man slowly raised his head, his eyes clouded over, making him seem quite eerie.
"It’s related to Ji Yuan again." Qin Long hurriedly said.
"Him again?"
The Blind Qin frowned and said in a deep voice, "I told you, after today, our Qin Family has nothing to do with him anymore. What more do you want?"
"No, father, this Ji Yuan for some reason caught the attention of Yao Jingfeng and their group. Now Yao Jingfeng, Luo Tian, Du Wanyi, and Ji Yuan have formed a small alliance. I’m worried it will negatively affect our Qin Family." Qin Long quickly explained.
He Laosan chimed in with a salute, "Second brother speaks truly, I share the same concern."
Not worried about Ji Yuan alone, but add Luo Tian and the other three... the Qin Family can’t withstand that.
"Luo Tian and Yao Jingfeng actually took a liking to Ji Yuan?"
This news took the Blind Qin by surprise.
He knew very well the discernment of those three; many sought connections with them but were often dismissed. Yet now they proactively sought out Ji Yuan.
But then again, considering Ji Yuan’s age and having already reached the late stage of Qi Cultivation, it’s understandable why he’d be noticed.
"Indeed."
Qin Long said only that and the dark room became silent.
The Blind Qin seemed to be weighing things, his fingers continuously tapping the table, making a "dong dong" sound echoing through the dark room.
After the duration of a tea time, his hoarse voice finally broke the silence.
"Where is Qiu Qianhai now?"
"Ever since Ji Yuan parted ways with him, he disappeared. The Zhu family has no news either. I suspect he’s still hiding out at Clear Wave Pool, or he’s gone to another market."
"I’ll go personally this time."
The Blind Qin slowly got up.
"What, father, you’re going to personally kill Qiu Qianhai?!"
Qin Long exclaimed in shock.
Previously sending three Qi Cultivation Level Six to chase Qiu Qianhai was one thing, but now the Blind Qin is going to act personally... if there’s nothing significant behind this, who would believe it?
"Yes, there’s something I must get my hands on!"
The Blind Qin said as he headed for the door.
"Remember, my going out, tell no one."