Wanfa Daojun, starting from the Little Cloud and Rain Technique

Chapter 419 Defeating Li Haoran
Chaoyang Peak, Wuji Palace.

The bright sun shines down on the mountains, casting golden light on the plaque of the main hall.

Jia Yu stepped into the hall, clasped his hands in a respectful bow, and said:

"Greetings to the ancestor."

He had just arrived at the Treasure Pavilion when he received a message from the Ancestor, a golden sword, inviting him to come and pay his respects immediately.

"Little Jia, have a seat!"

Master Zhengyang spoke in a very kind tone, “I have discussed with Junior Brother Yuxiao that we plan to upgrade the spiritual veins of Crimson Flame Peak to the third rank in the future.”

Starting next year, half a percent of the major resources in the Treasure Pavilion related to enhancing spiritual veins will be reserved annually for the Bingyin Hall of the Secret Treasury.

The sect's secret vault is divided into several halls, with the Bingyin Hall storing supplies that are not currently in circulation.

He didn't know what method the array masters of Central Continent would use to upgrade the spiritual veins of Crimson Flame Peak, but he guessed that the amount of materials required would be similar to those needed for upgrading the main spiritual vein.

"Disciple has noted it down. The list of materials used by the sect to upgrade the main spiritual vein is kept in the treasure pavilion."

Jia Yu was not surprised by the ancestor's decision. Crimson Flame Peak was becoming increasingly important to the sect. Putting aside everything else, even if Junior Brother Ji couldn't cultivate third-tier spiritual plants, it would be excellent to produce more second-tier top-grade spiritual plants.

He sighed inwardly, wondering if he would ever live to see the Crimson Flame Peak's spiritual veins upgraded to the third tier, as the cost of upgrading the spiritual veins was too high.

The sect is still too poor; it takes a long time just to raise resources.

Master Zhengyang nodded slightly. Jia Yu had been in charge of the secret treasury for many years and was reliable in his work, so he trusted him completely.

"When the cultivators from the Central Continent arrive in the Western Continent again, let's exchange for more Azure Treasure Light Pills. Fallen Maple Valley can also produce a small amount of Heavenly Water Soul Cleansing Pills. If possible, let's trade some as well."

The status of Crimson Flame Peak is becoming increasingly important. When Ji An practices Qi cultivation by consuming metal, he can stay in the sect. However, when he practices Qi cultivation by consuming water, he has to travel outside.

If disciples go out, the sect's accumulation of high-level resources will be slowed down.

If possible, he wanted to provide his disciple with ample elixirs so that he could travel outside after his Water Element Divine Palace was perfected.

Jia Yu didn't quite understand the old ancestor's intentions, but he still nodded in agreement:
"Disciple understands, but how many pills does Ancestor intend to store?"
Currently, only Junior Brother Ji An has established a Water Palace within the sect, and what he needs most now is to strengthen his Metal Palace.

There are two types of pills available for cultivators to use to strengthen the core of their Water Mansion: the Heavenly Water Soul Cleansing Pill and the Azure Treasure Light Pill.

Of the two types of pills, the Heavenly Water Soul Cleansing Pill contains less water-based energy, but it does contain a trace of the ability to purify the soul.

However, the sect paid a considerable price in the last transaction with Falling Maple Valley, buying up most of Falling Maple Valley's stock of Heavenly Water Soul Cleansing Pills. It's simply impossible to buy them in bulk now.

In his view, storing too many water-elemental elixirs was pointless.

How many Water-type Elixirs does the Treasure Pavilion currently hold?

"Ten pills of each of the two types, which should not be needed for at least ten years, are enough to support the merchant ships of Central Continent to arrive again."

"If a cultivator relies solely on pills to cultivate the Water Divine Palace to perfection, how many pills would they need? Let's estimate based on the average talent of a disciple."

Master Zhengyang asked, but it had been too long, and he couldn't remember how many Water-Element Elixirs he had taken back then.

Jia Yu scratched his head; he vaguely understood his ancestor's plan.

However, cultivators have different talents. Even if they consume 50,000 strands of Qi, some cultivators may have already reached the core perfection of their Divine Palace, while others may be far behind.

Because this involves understanding the Five Elements theory, it is very difficult to quantify, and the estimated values ​​differ greatly from the actual values.

“Ancestor, according to the sect’s records, eight hundred years ago, a senior opened up the Water Palace and traveled around the Southern Continent to absorb Qi. He returned to the sect forty-two years later. We can use him as a reference.”

At that time, the sect could not provide many pills. If we assume that the other party consumed eighteen strands of Qi every day, then over the years it should be equivalent to swallowing more than one hundred and eighty Canglan Baoguang Pills.

"Furthermore, this senior must have also purchased some pills in the Southern Continent; I estimate there are about two hundred and twenty or thirty."

Jia Yu paused for a moment, then tentatively began to speak:

"Is the Ancestor planning something for Junior Brother Ji?"

“That’s right. When he was in the sect, Crimson Flame Peak was truly a treasure trove.”

"There's something the Ancestor might not know: Junior Brother Ji has 120 Azure Light Pills."

Once the merchant ships from Central Continent arrive, I believe purchasing eighty more pills will be more than enough. Junior Brother Ji has his own plans; the sect need not worry about it.”

A kind look appeared in Master Zhengyang's eyes as he smiled and said:
"Well, he is very well prepared."

"Eating Qi is also an important part of understanding the Five Elements. If he relies entirely on elixirs to improve, he will still have to travel to places with abundant water veins when he travels in the future."

Half a month later, in the Ministry of Agriculture.

All the Foundation Establishment cultivators gathered in the main hall, a large assembly.

Some cultivators had never seen the temple master before and were craning their necks to look at him.

Kong Yunyi presented the account books and said in a deep voice:

"Lord, these are the tasks assigned to the various groups, as well as the growth status of each herb garden."

The Ministry of Agriculture conducts annual assessments of each group; this is a routine practice.

Ji An picked up the ledger and glanced through it, then began asking questions to each group. He hadn't been back for many years, so he still had to maintain this demeanor.

The inquiry alone took more than two hours.

He closed the ledger and smiled:

"Everyone did a great job. I will be doing spot checks on some of the herb gardens tomorrow. Now let's discuss something else."

He recounted the events of exchanging spirit seeds a few days ago, and then added:
"Palace Master Zhang is right. The rules for the purchase of spirit seeds by the Ministry of Agriculture in the past were not perfect and we need to revise them."

If these are spirit seeds that have already been cultivated in large quantities within the sect, the purchase price will inevitably continue to decrease. What do you all think?

Kong Yunyi responded first, "What the Palace Master said is absolutely right. I have also noticed this situation. Some spiritual seeds in the warehouse are showing signs of overflowing, which is infringing on the interests of the sect."

Only planted spiritual seeds can have a effect; what exists in the warehouse are just meaningless numbers.

Everyone agreed. No one would object to the Palace Master's first suggestion, not even the cultivators who profited from selling spirit seeds through loopholes.

Because they know that the sect will plug this loophole sooner or later, and they have already profited a lot over the years.

"In that case, Lord Kong, please write out a set of regulations and implement the new rules from now on."

However, if a disciple submits a valuable and rare spiritual seed, an additional reward may be given.

Only those with at least a second-tier, high-grade spirit seed are eligible for this reward.

"Yes, ma'am. I will draft the bylaws after the meeting and hand them over to the warehouse for implementation."

Ji An nodded slightly and began the next topic:
"Palace Master Lin Mao is enjoying his retirement and can no longer share the burden of the sect. Palace Master Kong has heavy responsibilities and needs another Palace Master to help him with daily affairs. Does anyone have any recommendations?"

Kong Yunyi gave a polite smile. He himself did not find the task arduous at all; on the contrary, he enjoyed it every day.

However, he must not give the impression that he is greedy for power, so he cooperated by saying:

"When we, the Lingnong, select the virtuous and capable, we may consider several aspects such as cultivation level, magical skill level, and conduct."

"Sect Master, I believe Yang Qi, Lin Lan, and Han Shan are all qualified. All three have reached the late Foundation Establishment stage and each also possesses a perfected level spell. Junior Brother Han Shan, in particular, has mastered the Thick Earth Returning to Origin Spell to its fullest extent; he is truly a pillar of the sect."

Discussions broke out in the main hall, with Lin Lan and Han Shan being the most vocal.

Most cultivators knew perfectly well that these two were the Palace Master's personal disciples.

Han Shan stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to those around him, and said:
"Thank you all for your kindness. I have never handled sect affairs before, and I am afraid I will fail you all."

"I am not qualified for the position of Vice Hall Master."

He understood that the duties of the two deputy hall masters were to handle mundane affairs and maintain the operation of the Ministry of Agriculture.

As a Foundation Establishment Stage 7 cultivator in his early sixties, he had absolutely no interest in this.

Having a master with a high chance of breaking through to the Golden Core stage, he should at least aim for the Chaoyuan stage.

Lin Lan also stood up and expressed similar thoughts. She had a gut feeling that if she became obsessed with power, her relationship with her master would gradually become distant.

Ji An clapped his hands and, after everyone quieted down, said:
"Yang Qi has more experience, so the position of deputy hall master is rightfully his."

"Lord Kong, you will hand over your tasks later."

"As ordered!"

Yang Qi stood up, her face flushed with excitement:
"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Palace Master. I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

He is 148 years old and just broke through to the late Foundation Establishment stage two years ago, with no hope of reaching the Chaoyuan stage.

Becoming a deputy temple master grants access to more resources, which can be accumulated for future generations.

Having covered the most important points, Ji An chatted amiably with everyone for a few moments before the meeting concluded.

He ordered his two disciples to wait in the rear hall, while he and the two deputy hall masters went to the central hall to oversee the handover.

It was half an hour later when he returned to the inner hall.

The three entered the main hall and took their seats. Ji An said:
"Both of you have excellent aptitude, and with my support, if you cultivate diligently, you have a great chance of breaking through to the Chaoyuan stage."

As for what choices you make after your breakthrough, I will no longer interfere.

The main ingredients for the Nourishing Essence Pill are grown in Crimson Flame Peak. Once his disciples reach the Chaoyuan stage, he can relinquish his position as the head of the Agriculture Hall, and the herb garden of Emerald Cliff can be handed over to his disciples.

"How fortunate I am to have Master's loving care!"

Lin Lan and the other woman were overjoyed. Their master had clearly stated that he would support them in breaking through to the Chaoyuan stage, which was incredibly lucky!
"Don't be too happy yet. After you break through to the Chaoyuan stage, each of you will need to practice two planting techniques. The responsibility of taking care of the sect's high-level spiritual plants will fall on your shoulders."

Ji An smiled and said that after becoming a Golden Core cultivator, the sect could provide very little help, and he was planning to travel to the Central Continent.

Before leaving, I will try my best to cultivate a few more third-tier spiritual plants to repay the sect and the ancestor for their kindness in nurturing me.

Leaving behind two disciples at the Chaoyuan stage can be considered as preserving the legacy of a Chaoyuan-stage spiritual farmer for the sect.

At that time, one disciple will take over the Green Cliff, and the other will take over the Crimson Flame Peak. As long as the two work together, maintaining the status quo will not be a problem.

"Master, what grade of high-level spiritual plant are you referring to?"

Lin Lan asked excitedly, her heart filled with anticipation.

"Second-tier top-grade spiritual plants; in the future, there will be third-tier spiritual plants."

Therefore, you only need to cultivate diligently until you reach the Chaoyuan stage, and you will naturally reap greater rewards.

A silver streak shot out from the clouds, landing in the icy pool of Crimson Flame Peak, revealing Li Haoran's figure.

Then, a thunderous roar echoed from the sky.

"Junior brother, you didn't even say goodbye when you returned to the sect. That's not very nice of you."

Ji An smiled and said, "I heard that Senior Brother is currently developing the Fire Element Divine Mansion, so I dare not disturb you. Please come and sit in the living room."

"No need. Junior Brother isn't in the sect, and he doesn't even have anyone to spar with on ordinary days. Why don't we go and have a friendly match? That would be much more enjoyable!"

As a sword cultivator, Li Haoran was not used to a life without any ups and downs. Without fighting, how could he hone his sword intent?

Now that his master and senior brother Lin Jiuxiao are traveling, he has no rivals among the Chaoyuan stage cultivators, which is not what he wants.

For him, there is no progress without rivals.

"Senior brother, you're in high spirits! Let's go to the back mountain for a battle!"

Ji An also wanted to test his current abilities. The core of the Metal Element Divine Palace continued to grow stronger, and the power of the Geng Metal Spirit-Slaying Sword increased slowly but steadily.

"readily!"

One person rode on a sword of light, while the other rode on a golden auspicious cloud, and soon they flew to the north side of Crimson Flame Peak.

Ji An released the Mixed Gold Yuan Armor Spell and the Rock Mountain Technique, which stacked two layers of armor. With a thought, two top-grade spiritual artifacts flew out of his dantian at the same time.

The apricot-yellow banner of Wuji unfurled ten thousand golden flowers to protect its master, while the flame banner above the ground condensed into a fire phoenix the size of a millstone, circling in the sky.

The fire phoenix was merely "formed" using spiritual energy; it did not take human form. Only magical artifacts with spirits can take human form.

Once everything was ready, Ji An activated the Gengjin Spirit-Slaying Sword, and thousands of silver flying swords, each about an inch long, surged towards his opponent like a nimble school of fish, forming a torrent.

Li Haoran's pupils suddenly contracted. As a Metal Element Daoist, he could sense how powerful the hidden destructive force was in the flying sword, and how much faster it was than before.

He was somewhat frightened, but more excited than anything else.

During their last sparring session, the opponent's magic revealed an unparalleled sharpness and a chilling, desolate intent that seemed to wither everything. Now, he focused his mind on his spiritual flying sword without letting a trace slip through, concealing his murderous intent beneath its unassuming exterior.

Without a moment to think, he instinctively transformed his sword energy into a river, and his flying swords, like scattered starlight, fell into the sword river, their sword intent surging into towering waves.

Metal represents sharpness, water represents softness; what if one possessed both? His sword intent at this moment perfectly blended these two qualities together.

It's like two streams of water meeting in a river, creating countless splashes.

At the moment of impact, the world seemed to pause. After a brief silence, the sword's cry was like thunder, the magic's intent like lightning, and the roar shook the surrounding area.

Where the two forces collided, the aftershocks carved out a mark resembling a 'twisted riverbed'.

The silver flying sword formed from spiritual energy disintegrated into mist, but its momentum did not diminish, and the river of sword intent surged back.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Li Haoran escaped in a flash, but his robe was instantly riddled with holes, striking him with a clanging sound and causing him immense pain.

This is the mystery of the Golden Body; at critical moments, his body can be as solid as the Dragon Pattern Gold.

Ji An was secretly pleased; he had used eight-tenths of his strength, and the effect was quite good.

He did not continue his attack, but looked at his opponent with a questioning gaze.

Li Haoran waved his hand, his eyes shining, and said:

"There's no need to compete anymore. Brute force can overcome any technique. I've lost."

(End of this chapter)