Wanfa Daojun, starting from the Little Cloud and Rain Technique

Chapter 462 Invitation

"The Heavenly Spiritual Root is truly different. What kind of trash are Soul Nourishing Wood and Phoenix Wood? They don't have the prestige of the Heavenly Spiritual Root, and their grade improvement is so slow!"

Ji An felt very pleased. Two years ago, the Gathering Yuan Tree was only a first-grade high-quality tree. Such a rapid improvement made him feel unreal.

Now that the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Root has been upgraded to the highest grade, it will be able to draw more spiritual power from the void, and the speed at which the Earth Vein is upgraded will definitely be much faster.

A rustling sound came from the side. Ji An turned his head slightly and found that the Soul-Devouring Insects had crawled out of their nest and were starting a new round of nest building.

There are two possibilities for the Soul-Devouring Insects building a nest: first, a large number of new life forms are being created; second, there is a significant change in the concentration of spiritual energy.

These abandoned nests, once crushed, can be used as spiritual soil. Perhaps in a few years, they will be able to replace earth-elemental spiritual soil.

Fire coral can replace fire-elemental earth, and one day in the future, the gourd world may be able to achieve self-sufficiency.

With a slight upturn of his lips, Ji An was filled with anticipation. He had everything he needed and didn't need to seek anything from outside, which would minimize the risk of exposing his small world.

Crimson clouds formed beneath his feet, clear as rosy clouds, and he rode the clouds toward the Fire Spirit Field.

In the lava lake deep below the abyss, amethyst bees flit among the fire corals, creating a bustling scene.

He took out the Crimson Sand from his storage bag, mixed it with the red sand excreted by the Fire Crystal Ants, and sprinkled it into the spirit field. The red sand was of low quality and could not cultivate the spirit field, but it could improve the soil.

Wood ash can improve the soil environment of the wood element spirit field, making it much easier to transform the fire and wood element spirit fields when returning to Crimson Flame Peak.

Next, Ji An sprinkled the white clay, black clay, and green clay into the corresponding spirit fields to communicate with the stone turtle to leave the gourd world.

He sat cross-legged on the futon and began to practice the spirit sealing technique. The hand seals changed to draw qi into talismans, so that no other materials were needed.

Now he has a deeper understanding of the Five Elements, and his progress in the Spirit Sealing Technique is very rapid.

This spell is based on the five elements' mutual generation and restraint. Although it can be learned during the Foundation Establishment stage, without a deep understanding of the five elements, one will know what it is but not why it works, and progress will inevitably be slow.

He is now very interested in this spell because he has discovered that practicing the spell helps him understand the five elements' generating and restraining relationships.

During the release of the sealing technique, the nature of the magical power is constantly changing. In his view, the underlying reason for this change is the embodiment of the five elements' mutual generation and restraint.

Cultivators emulate the heavens and earth, but isn't the human body also an independent microcosm? The statement that humans are close to the Dao is not without merit.

When a demon beast breaks through to the Nascent Soul stage, it will undergo a transformation tribulation, and the form it takes is that of a human.

He tirelessly released the sealing spell, sensing the subtle changes in his magical power within his body.

Previously, he couldn't perceive the changes because he wasn't at a high enough level, but now he can easily grasp the secrets.

An hour later, Ji An stopped practicing his magic and began cultivating the Five Elements Revolving Scripture.

Accumulating magical power is very important and is a long-term process. Everyone understands the principle that small streams make a mighty river, but it is not easy to achieve.

Ji An finished his cultivation and opened his eyes, his eyes flashing with spiritual light and the void seemed to electrify.

The winds and clouds have changed along the Nulan River, and several seasons have passed. Three years have gone by.

He rose from his seated position, sighed softly, and reflected on the passage of time.

After getting in touch with Gu Mingyuan, he was able to enter the mine more than ten times a year to experience the changes in the spiritual energy of the metal element. He gained some understanding, but the quantitative change had not yet led to a qualitative change.

He boiled water and brewed a pot of spiritual tea, the swirling steam spreading throughout the room.

Ji An focused his mind on his dantian and connected it with the stone tortoise, and lines of writing appeared in his sea of ​​consciousness.

[Master: Ji An]

【Daoyun: 0】

[Spiritual clues: Kan (坎) spirit 687.4, Gen (艮) spirit 872.5, Zhen (震) spirit 493.7, Xun (巽) spirit 736.8, Kun (坤) spirit 785.2, Qian (乾) spirit 685.3, Dui (兑) spirit 682.4, Li (离) spirit 570.1]

[Spell: Spirit Sealing Technique (Perfect 2%)]

Wood Release Technique (95% Perfection)

Fire Release Technique (Perfect 14%)

Metal Escape Technique (Perfect 16%)

Water Release Technique (Perfect 72%)

Mental Roar (Minor Success 68%)

[Thread-Pulling Mantra (Perfect 1%)]

Over the years, he has accumulated 1.2 points of Water Element Daoist Rhyme and 1 point of Earth Element Daoist Rhyme, all of which he has devoted to the Small World.

The accumulated inspiration remained unused, reserved for unforeseen circumstances.

Because the art of escape can only be practiced freely in open areas, Ji An's escape skills did not improve much.

The Spirit Sealing Technique and Mental Roar were the spells that improved the most, but since the Spirit Sealing Technique was upgraded to the Perfect level, its progress has become extremely slow.

Two years of diligent practice yielded only slight improvement, which he felt was because his understanding of the Five Elements' generating and restraining relationships was no longer sufficient for rapid advancement.

With such slow efficiency, we cannot spend more time practicing the Spirit Sealing Technique.

Ji An decided to improve his escape techniques, as improving his water escape techniques would be faster in the far north.

Feeling the teacup in his hand cool down a bit, he drank the spiritual tea in one gulp.

In truth, no matter what kind of spiritual tea he drinks, whether it is expensive or cheap, he rarely savors it; most of the time he just gulps it down.

Stepping out of the cave, Ji An arrived at Zuixianju, where someone was treating him to a meal.

The innkeeper greeted him with a smile, "Senior, you've arrived! Senior Wei and the others are in room number one of the top-tier rooms. You can go straight in."

What shop wouldn't like a high-level cultivator with spending power?

Over the past few years, the other party has come to spend money every day without any hesitation. Although he is not a local cultivator, he has a strong network of connections and is closely associated with the direct descendants of the major families in the Immortal City.

Ji An smiled and nodded, "I'm going up."

When he arrived at the private room, Wei Chengqian smiled and said:

"Fellow Daoist, please have a seat."

"Am I late?"

"Of course not, we had something to discuss, so we arrived a little early."

Wei Chengqian turned his head and instructed the maid, "Notify the kitchen that the dishes can be served."

The maid bowed and replied "Yes," then quickly left with small, quick steps.

Ji An sat down and asked with a smile:

"What confidential matters are you discussing? May I listen?"

They were already familiar with each other, so they spoke quite casually. If it were just ordinary friends, he would never ask any extra questions.

Gu Mingyuan's expression was somewhat solemn as he said:

"It's not a secret. I've heard that some cultivators who rent cave dwellings never return after going out. They are all cultivators who rent second-tier cave dwellings."

This phenomenon is actually quite normal. Some cultivators engage in demon hunting, which is extremely dangerous. When they encounter powerful demons, they may become the prey themselves.

However, the large number of cultivators who have gone missing in the last two or three years is highly unusual, as the Immortal City's law enforcement team has not received any intelligence regarding the presence of powerful demonic beasts.

Previously, the annual casualty rate among high-level cultivators in the Immortal City was less than 10%, because those without the necessary skills either changed professions early or died young, while the rest were all quite capable. However, in recent years, this rate has soared to nearly 30%, which is highly unacceptable.

Ji An rested his elbows on the table, his hands crossed to support his chin. "If it's not caused by demonic beasts, then it could be human. Could it be a treacherous cultivator who has wandered over from another region?"

The deaths of cultivators who venture out are due to a few reasons: demonic beasts, ambushes, or being trapped in dangerous places.

"Perhaps. This matter has already attracted the attention of the law enforcement team, and they are preparing to intervene in the investigation to maintain the safety of the area around Immortal City."

Fellow Daoist Ji, when you go out, avoid areas that are rarely visited by people.

Gu Mingyuan warned that if the law enforcement team could not guarantee the safety of the area surrounding the Immortal City, it would inevitably affect the prosperity of the Immortal City.

"Thank you for the reminder. I never put myself in danger."

Ji An smiled and said that because he had a choice, there was no need to risk his life for an opportunity, which was why he was able to appear calm.

The maids filed in and placed the delicious-looking spiritual food on the table, and the three of them raised their cups and drank to their hearts' content.

After a few drinks, Wei Chengqian spoke:

"Fellow Daoist, in these past few years, have you encountered any difficulties in comprehending the Dao of Metal?"

As someone who has been through it all, he deeply understands the immense pressure faced by those working in the mines, where the spirits of the gold miners roam freely.

Enduring the chilling aura of metal while simultaneously sensing the changes in spiritual energy is a dual challenge to a cultivator's perseverance and comprehension.

Ji An shook his head gently, "No, maybe it's because I'm more adaptable."

For other cultivators, comprehending the concept of metal generating water is a formidable challenge, but not for him.

He turned to Gu Mingyuan and said:
"Brother Gu, I have a request. In the future, please arrange some areas with fierce metal elemental tides. The current location is not very helpful to me anymore."

The short duration and insufficient intensity of the minor spiritual tide no longer met his requirements.

I took the opportunity of today's gathering to express my request; otherwise, I would have to wait until the next trip to Xuanwu Snow Mountain to bring it up with him.

Gu Mingyuan was slightly taken aback, and replied:

“No problem. Comprehending a large spiritual tide often requires hundreds of mid-grade spirit stones. Helping you will allow my family to earn more money at the same time. I have no reason to refuse.”

This was a subtle reminder, because the other party didn't have many opportunities to sense the spiritual energy of the metal element. If they were in a large spiritual tide, they might have to use all their energy to fight against the attack of the spiritual tide, and sensing changes in spiritual energy would become a luxury.

However, he understood very well that people can teach people with a hundred words, but actions can teach people in one go.

Ji An cupped his hands in thanks.

Wei Chengqian frowned slightly. He felt that the other party was too impatient. Three years of training was too short, because spiritual tides don't happen every day. Large spiritual tides and small spiritual tides are two completely different concepts.

His expression quickly relaxed. He remembered that he had been like that in the past, and that he would correct his mistakes after hitting a few walls.

He raised his glass and smiled:

"I will be leaving Red Rock Immortal City in a few days. I don't know when we will meet again after today's gathering. Let's drink to each other!"

Ji An finished his drink and asked, "Fellow Daoist, are you going on a journey?"

The other party said "I don't know when we'll meet again," meaning that their return date is uncertain and that they have been away for a long time.

In his view, the other party must be trying to understand the mutual generation of the five elements.

"Yes, the reason I came here is the same as Fellow Daoist Ji."

"I wish you a speedy return to your hometown, fellow Daoist."

"Haha, thank you for your kind words, fellow Daoist. If I ever go to the Western Continent, I will definitely visit the Golden Spirit Sect."

"Make the bed ready for you."

Gu Mingyuan sighed softly and said:
"I truly envy you. My cultivation has not yet reached the point of comprehending the mutual generation of the five elements. I hope you two immortals will not forget my old appearance in the future."

When the music ended and the crowd dispersed, Ji An, slightly tipsy, floated back to his cave.

"Fellow Daoist Yuan, what are you doing here? Is there something you need from me?"

Yuan Hong nodded, "I immediately sent over the several kinds of spiritual energy I collected a few days ago to you, fellow Daoist!"

In addition, I would like to buy some talismans from you, fellow Daoist.

He maintained a smile on his face, but thought to himself:
'Kid, you're living the high life!'

Ji An opened the magical barrier around the cave, saying, "Please come in quickly."

In recent years, the number of monsters hunted by the other party has decreased significantly compared to before, and the volume of trade between them has shrunk considerably.

However, this was within his expectations, since the other party 'had a mine' and didn't need to work hard to hunt monsters to make a living like before.

The two entered the cave and took their seats as host and guest, with Yuan Hong placing two jade bottles on the table.

The jade bottles are of different sizes, one red and one white, respectively. The bottles are covered with symbols and their interiors shimmer with light.

"As before, this contains the Crimson Dragon Hidden Abyss Evil and the White Tiger Roaring Wind Evil, with 50,000 strands of Crimson Dragon Evil and 10,000 strands of White Tiger Evil."

The jade bottles are all specially made storage artifacts. The red ones are large bottles that can store 50,000 strands of spiritual energy, while the white ones can only store 10,000 strands.

Ji An carefully examined the spirit demon and nodded in satisfaction.

"Excellent, of high quality."

He stored the spiritual energy in the Void Stone. "Fellow Daoist, what is earth-elemental spiritual energy? I've never seen you sell it."

What he most wanted was the Earth Element Spirit, because he wanted to use the Wuji Apricot Yellow Flag as his natal magic weapon.

Yuan Hong put the spirit stones away and gently shook his head:
“A fellow Daoist needs a large quantity of Earth Elemental Spiritual Energy and has ordered 100,000 strands. However, the production of Spiritual Energy is limited, and it will be available to you in a few years.”

The earth elemental spirits in the ruins are polluted. If the original yellow spirits are now like black mud and exude a strong bloody smell, how could anyone dare to sell them!

Ji An let out a breath, "If you start selling Earth Element Spiritual Fiends to the public, you must tell me immediately."

"Of course, no problem. Fellow Daoist is our biggest customer."

Yuan Hong changed the subject and said:

"This time I need to buy fifty of each of the top-grade Fire Dragon Talisman and Xuanjia Talisman."

"Fellow Daoist, you've discovered a great opportunity!"

Yuan Hong smiled without saying a word, clearly acquiescing.

Ji An pointed out two top-grade talismans: "The Fire Dragon Talisman costs 320 spirit stones each, and the Mysterious Armor Talisman costs 380 spirit stones each, totaling 350 mid-grade spirit stones. If you want to exchange them for three high-grade spirit stones, I need to give you another 300 spirit stones."

"The spirit's energy is worth eighteen high-grade spirit stones. I need to give you another fifteen. Is that right?"

In the shops, the top-grade Fire Dragon Talisman is priced at 350 spirit stones, while the top-grade Mystic Armor Talisman is priced at 400 spirit stones.

Yuan Hong waved his hand generously, "That's right, you don't need to give me three hundred spirit stones. Fellow Daoist, you only need to give me fifteen high-grade spirit stones."

After the payment was settled, he added:
"Fellow Daoist Ji, are you interested in going out to hunt demons? This time the target is very powerful, and Fellow Daoist Zhang and I are afraid we are not up to the task."

"As a talisman maker, it's safer for me to stay in the Immortal City. Also, I'd like to advise you, fellow Daoist, that the Immortal City Enforcement Hall has discovered that in the past two or three years, a large number of high-level cultivators who rented cave dwellings have gone out and never returned. I suspect that there is a powerful group of tribulation cultivators around the Immortal City."

Yuan Hong was taken aback. "There's such a thing? Thank you for informing me, fellow Daoist."

(End of this chapter)