Shengui Changsheng: Start from Zhenwuwei and add some points to cultivate immortality

As Fu Shaoping approached the entrance to the Cloud Mist Market, he could feel the extraordinary nature of this place even more. The entrance to the valley was not undefended; runes flickered faintly on the cliffs on both sides, indicating that a warning or defensive formation had been set up. The entrance was guarded by four cultivators dressed in uniform blue Taoist robes, their expressions solemn. Their cultivation levels were all between the fourth and fifth levels of Qi Refining, and their auras were connected, clearly indicating that they were well-trained guards.

A guard stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Fu Shaoping, and said in a businesslike tone, "First time entering the market? You need to pay one low-grade spirit stone to receive a temporary identity jade token. The token is valid for one month, during which you can freely enter and exit. After the expiration date, you will need to pay again or apply for a long-term residence certificate."

Spirit stones! Upon arrival, he immediately sensed the stark rules of the cultivation world. Fu Shaoping had no spirit stones on him, but he was prepared. He took out the "Mountain and River Map" he had prepared beforehand from his bundle, slowly unfolding a corner, and a profound and steady aura emanated from it.

"I am new here and do not have any spirit stones on me. This painting is my own work, containing a hint of the spirit of mountains, which can help people calm their minds and stabilize their cultivation. I wonder if it can be used as payment for the market entry fee?" Fu Shaoping's tone was calm and neither humble nor arrogant.

The guard, clearly familiar with various instances of goods being exchanged for payment, carefully considered the painting's meaning, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. A painting that could directly influence one's state of mind was indeed more valuable than many low-grade pills or materials. He nodded: "Alright. This painting is priced at two low-grade spirit stones. After deducting market entry fees, here's the change—one spirit stone—and your identity jade token." He handed over a warm, white jade token and a small, shimmering, rhomboid crystal—the very low-grade spirit stone.

Fu Shaoping accepted the jade token and spirit stone, feeling relieved. He had finally entered smoothly and even obtained his first spirit stone. He carefully put the spirit stone away; it was not only currency but also an important resource that could aid in cultivation.

Stepping into the market town is like entering another world. The streets paved with bluestone slabs are clean and spacious, lined with shops on both sides, their banners fluttering in the wind. There is "Hundred Herbs Pavilion" selling elixirs, "Divine Weapon Pavilion" dealing in magical artifacts, "Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion" buying materials, "Immortal Guest House" providing accommodation for cultivation, and even a branch of "Cloud Mist Pavilion" dedicated to posting tasks and exchanging information.

The air was filled with a faint fragrance of medicine, a metallic scent, and the mixed aroma of various spiritual materials. Cultivators came and went in an endless stream, most of them in a hurry, their cultivation levels ranging from the early to late stages of Qi Refining. Occasionally, one could sense the aura of one or two unfathomable cultivators, who seemed to be Foundation Establishment cultivators, passing by, drawing the attention of those around them with expressions of awe.

Preliminary exploration and information gathering:
Fu Shaoping did not rush to make a transaction or find a place to stay. Instead, he walked slowly along the main street of the market, observing carefully, just like a true newcomer.

• Price awareness: He entered several shops, pretended to inquire about prices, and quickly learned about basic prices.

A bottle of the most basic Qi-restoring pill (which accelerates the recovery of true qi) costs five low-grade spirit stones.

• A first-grade, low-level Qinggang sword magic weapon, priced from twenty spirit stones.

• Renting a quiet room with a simple spirit-gathering array for one day costs three low-grade spirit stones.

• To acquire the materials from the Ironback Demon Bear he brought, including its fur, claws, and teeth, the shopkeeper was only willing to offer eight low-grade spirit stones.

• Understanding the Rules: From conversations with shop assistants and passersby, he learned that fighting was strictly prohibited within the market area, and patrols maintained order. However, outside the market area, life and death were left to fate. Cloud Mist Pavilion was the largest power in the area, managing the market and possessing a powerful background.

• Goal Confirmation: His primary goal is to obtain a stable source of spirit stones and subsequent cultivation techniques. The various tasks issued by the Cloud Mist Pavilion (gathering, guarding, talisman crafting, etc.) are the main way to earn spirit stones. Cultivation manuals, on the other hand, are mostly sold in the Cloud Mist Pavilion's own "Scripture Pavilion" or some shops specializing in this field, at extremely high prices.

Initial transaction and final destination:
After gathering the basic information, Fu Shaoping went to the "Wanbaozhai" shop and sold the materials for the Iron-Backed Demon Bear, along with the few ordinary Polygonatum and Polygonum multiflorum plants. After some haggling, he finally settled on a price of twelve low-grade spirit stones. Adding to the one he had already acquired, he now had thirteen low-grade spirit stones as start-up capital.

He then chose an inn called "Qingyuanju" on the edge of the market. The prices there were relatively cheap; renting a simple quiet room without a spirit-gathering array cost only half a low-grade spirit stone per day. He prepaid for ten days and rented a secluded room.

The room was simply furnished but clean and tidy, and equipped with soundproofing. For Fu Shaoping, it was sufficient for the time being.

Develop a plan:

After settling in, Fu Shaoping sat cross-legged on the couch, counting his only thirteen spirit stones, and began to plan his next move.

1. Short-term goal: Earn more spirit stones as quickly as possible to maintain cultivation and basic expenses. At the same time, inquire about subsequent cultivation methods or better options for the "Azure Profound Breathing Technique".

2. Ways to earn spirit stones:

• Complete the task: This is the most direct way. He decided to go to Cloud Pavilion tomorrow to check on the task.

• Selling paintings: "Daoist Charm in Paintings" has unique value, but it cannot be easily revealed. It is necessary to find a reliable and knowledgeable buyer, otherwise it may attract covetousness.

Alchemy/Talisman Making: This is his long-term goal, but it requires initial investment and learning, and cannot be realized for the time being.

3. Improve Strength: At the fourth level of Qi Refining, one's cultivation is still at the bottom in the market. It is imperative to improve strength as soon as possible, learn more spells, and perhaps even purchase a defensive magical artifact.

With his thoughts clear, Fu Shaoping took out the low-grade spirit stone, held it in his palm, and activated the Azure Profound Breathing Technique. Instantly, a pure and gentle stream of spiritual energy flowed into his body from the spirit stone, making his cultivation speed several times faster than simply absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth!
"No wonder spirit stones are such a valuable currency..." he thought to himself, his determination to earn more spirit stones growing stronger.

The next morning, Fu Shaoping left Qingyuan Residence and headed towards the "Cloud Mist Pavilion" in the center of the town. It was the intersection of information, and also the beginning of him earning his first pot of gold and truly integrating into this cultivation world.

Life in Yunwu Market has officially begun. The challenges and opportunities ahead will become indispensable foundations on his journey.

Located in the very center of the market, Yunwu Pavilion is a magnificent five-story wooden and stone structure with flying eaves and arched beams, exuding a spiritual aura. A plaque with the three ancient characters "Yunwu Pavilion" hangs at the entrance, subtly radiating an aura of power, highlighting its transcendent status in this place.

Fu Shaoping stepped into the pavilion. The first-floor hall was extremely spacious and bustling with activity. To the left was a long counter, behind which sat several cultivators who appeared to be stewards, handling various matters. To the right was a huge jade wall, shimmering with light and constantly displaying various information—the mission jade wall. Many cultivators were gathered around the jade wall, carefully examining the mission information. Fu Shaoping did not rush to the counter but first went to the mission jade wall and began to study it intently.

The tasks on the jade disc are varied and arranged from highest to lowest difficulty and reward:
Hunt down the second-tier demonic beast 'Azure-Eyed Fire Fox', obtain its inner core and pelt. Reward: 300 low-grade spirit stones or equivalent pills. (Requirements: Recommended for Foundation Establishment cultivators; late-stage Qi Refining cultivators must form a team.)
• Escort a caravan to 'Blackwater Marsh', passing through areas frequented by quicksand bandits. Reward: 80 low-grade spirit stones per person. (Requirements: Mid-stage Qi Refining or above, those skilled in combat will be given priority.)
• Collect 'Centennial Blood Spirit Mushroom', Location: Yin Feng Ravine, Cloud Mist Mountains, Reward: 150 Low-Grade Spirit Stones. (A simple map and image of the Blood Spirit Mushroom are included. Warning: Yin Feng Ravine is infested with miasma and low-level ghosts.)
Seeking to purchase ten bottles of 'Tier 1 High-Grade Spirit Gathering Pills', with a reward of twenty-five low-grade spirit stones per bottle. (Posted by: Dan Ding Ge)
• We are a long-term buyer of 'Golden Vein Ore', offering two low-grade spirit stones per kilogram. (Posted by: Shenbinglou)
• Assist in crafting the 'Gentle Breeze Talisman'. Must be proficient in basic runes. Compensation negotiable. (Posted by: Talisman Studio)
……

There were plenty of tasks available, but high-level tasks were too risky, and he didn't yet possess the skills for tasks like alchemy and talisman making. His gaze lingered on tasks suitable for the mid-stage of Qi Refining with relatively manageable risks.

Ultimately, his attention settled on a task:

[Collection Task]: Collect 20 portions of 'Moonlight Moss'.

[Location]: Outer perimeter of the Cloud and Mist Mountains, Youyue Valley (with simple map).

[Reward]: Two low-grade spirit stones will be paid for each portion of Moonlight Moss, and a total of forty low-grade spirit stones will be paid for twenty portions.

[Requirements]: The moonshine moss must be intact and its spiritual energy must not have dissipated. Task deadline: Five days.

[Note]: Low-level demonic bats are active in Youyue Valley at night, so be careful.

"Moonlight Moss..." Fu Shaoping's heart stirred slightly. This was the same low-grade first-tier spiritual plant he had collected along the way. The Dark Moon Valley was located on the outer edge of the mountain range, making it relatively low-risk. Forty spirit stones was a considerable reward for a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator, enough to support his basic cultivation and expenses for a period of time.

Without further hesitation, he walked to the counter on the left and expressed his willingness to take on the task to a kind-looking middle-aged deacon.

"Moonlight Moss Collection Mission, confirm acceptance?" The middle-aged deacon glanced at Fu Shaoping, seemingly somewhat surprised that he, with his Qi Refining Level 4 cultivation, had accepted the mission alone, but he didn't say much, merely confirming it as a matter of routine.

"Confirmed." Fu Shaoping nodded.

"Alright." The steward took out a specially made jade slip, stuck it to his forehead to record something, and then handed it to Fu Shaoping. "This is the mission token and a detailed map of Youyue Valley. After completing the mission, bring this token and the collected Moonlight Moss here to hand over the mission and receive your reward. If the mission fails or expires, the token will be invalid."

Fu Shaoping took the jade slip and scanned it with his divine sense. Sure enough, there was a more detailed map inside than the one on the jade disc. It marked the location of Youyue Valley and the areas where moonlight moss might grow. There was even a simple description of the habits of the demon bats.

"Thank you, Steward." Fu Shaoping put away the jade slip, cupped his hands, and took his leave.

After leaving Cloud Mist Pavilion, he didn't set off immediately. Instead, he first went to the "Hundred Herbs Pavilion," where he spent three low-grade spirit stones to buy a small bottle of miasma-avoiding pills (which can resist ordinary miasma). Then he went to the "General Store," where he spent one spirit stone to buy ten of the lowest-level cleansing talismans and one simple warning talisman. These preparations would effectively increase the success rate and safety of the mission.

Back in his quiet room at Qingyuan Residence, he carefully studied the map in the jade slip, planning his route and strategies for dealing with potential problems. Nighttime in Youyue Valley is when the Moonlight Moss's spiritual energy is at its peak, and also when the demonic bats are most active. He decided to set off at dusk, using the cover of darkness to gather the moss while simultaneously dealing with the demonic bats.

After regulating his breathing and meditating to restore himself to his best condition, Fu Shaoping quietly left the market as the sun set and hurried towards Youyue Valley according to the map.

This was his first official mission in this realm, not only for spirit stones, but also to test his own strength, familiarize himself with the environment of the Cloud Mist Mountains, and establish a preliminary connection with the Cloud Mist Pavilion.

As night fell, mist filled the mountains and forests, accompanied by the roars of beasts and the chirping of insects. Fu Shaoping used his Wind Control Technique to nimbly traverse the rugged mountain path, his sharp eyes and keen senses alert to everything in the darkness.

Upon receiving his mission, his journey began. In the Valley of the Dark Moon, he faced not only the Moonlight Moss he needed, but also potential dangers and trials. From this moment on, his cultivation journey in the Cloud Mist Mountain truly took its first solid step.

As dusk settled and the forest grew deep and dew was heavy, Fu Shaoping followed the map and traversed the rugged mountains for over an hour before finally arriving at his destination—Youyue Valley.

The valley is sunken, with steep cliffs on both sides. The valley is densely forested and never sees sunlight. Only on moonlit nights can the cool moonlight barely penetrate the layers of tree canopy, casting dappled light. The air is filled with the damp smell of decaying leaves, mixed with a faint, chilly aura—the perfect environment for moonshine moss to grow.

Fu Shaoping did not venture deeper rashly. He stopped behind a hidden boulder at the valley entrance, concealing his aura as if blending into the shadows. He first took out the simple warning talisman, infused it with a wisp of true energy, activated it, and carefully placed it on the path he was sure to take not far behind him. The talisman had a single function, only able to provide him with a weak warning when triggered by external objects, but it was better than nothing.

Then, he activated the Spiritual Eye Technique (a minor auxiliary technique attached to the Azure Profound Breathing Technique), and his eyes emitted a barely perceptible azure light, instantly making the scenery within the valley much clearer. He carefully scanned the damp rocks at the bottom of the valley and the base of the rotting tree trunks, searching for that familiar azure-blue hue that would shimmer faintly in the moonlight.

"Found it." Soon, he found several clumps of moonshine growing close to the rock face not far away, emitting a hazy glow under the sparse moonlight.

But he didn't immediately step forward. The task required twenty copies, all of which had to be intact. He needed to plan an efficient gathering route and remain constantly vigilant against the demonic bats mentioned in the jade slip.

Fu Shaoping moved through the valley like a ghost, his wind manipulation technique used to its fullest extent, his steps light and almost silent. Whenever he found a clump of moonlight moss, he wouldn't rush to pick it. Instead, he would first use his spiritual sense to survey the surroundings, confirming there were no hidden dangers, before quickly approaching and carefully prying it up from the root with a small jade shovel he had prepared beforehand, placing it in a specially made wooden box (to prevent the loss of spiritual energy).

The entire process was fast, accurate, and quiet. (End of Chapter)