Wanfa Daojun, starting from the Little Cloud and Rain Technique

Chapter 479 Spirit Realm Intelligence
After the auction ended, the others glanced at Ji An a few times before leaving.

The female cultivator's delicate brows, hidden beneath her veil, furrowed slightly. She had never seen the other person before, which shouldn't be the case.

The higher the level of a cultivator, the smaller their social circle becomes, because the number of high-level cultivators is inherently small.

She shook her head slightly. The other party was likely an outsider cultivator, and she had now completely offended a high-level puppeteer.

She greeted Wei Tianhua and left quickly.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Ji, your generosity is truly remarkable!"
I had heard Xianglin mention your name many times before, and seeing you today, I am certain you possess an extraordinary appearance and remarkable demeanor.

Wei Tianhua said with a warm smile, which was like a gentle breeze.

Ji An grinned slightly, "I've exhausted all my resources and gone bankrupt."

"Haha, with your talisman-making skills, you'll soon be able to accumulate wealth."

Wei Tianhua stopped rambling and got to the point:

"Three days later at midnight, when the full moon shines brightly on the summit of Red Rock City, that will be the time to enter the Netherworld."

Please make sure you arrive here before 9 PM (亥时), so we can travel together to the Nine Netherworlds. Remember this.

As he spoke, he handed over a palm-sized, pale gold token.

The front features a dragon head relief with tiny runes engraved on its fine scales, while the back displays the seal script character "韦" (Wei), its elegant and powerful strokes exuding a unique charm.

Ji An put away the token and solemnly cupped his hands, saying:

"Understood. Fellow Daoist's family has been operating in Red Rock Immortal City for many years. Please do not hesitate to tell us the specific situation of the Nine Nether Lands. I would be very grateful."

The other party has made it clear that the Nine Netherworld is not peaceful, so how can we proceed without gathering information?

Just like playing a game and running a dungeon, you need to prepare various resistance potions and targeted equipment!
Time is tight, so he needs to sell off some resources.

Wei Tianhua gestured for him to sit down, saying, "Fellow Daoist, please sit down, and I will explain to you slowly."

The other party is a major client who has paid such a huge price, so it's only right that they share some information that isn't exactly confidential.

Although the other party was a cultivator from the Western Continent, the Wei family had trade relations with the Western Continent, but they had not expanded to the southern part of the Western Continent before.

You should always give those small favors that don't cost you anything extra. You never know when you might need those connections. Even if you don't, it's always better to be kind to someone than to plant a seed of resentment in their heart.

The two sat down, and Wei Tianhua began to speak in detail:

"The Nine Netherworld is located at the deepest part of the earth and is connected to the River Styx. The River Styx rises and falls periodically, and the essence of Gui water contained within it can nourish the Ji earth. The Ji earth aura in the Nine Netherworld is so strong that it is almost tangible."

According to legend, the River Styx is the final resting place for all spirits, nourishing their souls; it is a paradise for the dead and a hell for the living.

After death, a wisp of spirit remains, returning to the earth and falling into the River Styx, washing away the marks of its past life.

"The veracity of the legend is unverifiable, but there are indeed many wandering spirits in the River Styx."

Normally, these spirits are confined to the River Styx, but as the river's water level rises and falls, some spirits break free of its restraints and enter the spirit realm.

"Ji Earth is nourishing soil and also soothing soil. Earth overcomes water. The collision between these two spiritual forces will not only create a spiritual realm where earth generates metal, but also become a warm bed for those souls that have broken free from the shackles of the River Styx."

Powerful Yin Soul Beasts easily breed in the Nine Netherworld, and the Yang energy of the living is what they crave most.

Yin Soul Beasts are of Yin nature, and some individuals can cultivate Soul Crystals, which are highly valuable. After purification, they can be refined into pills to enhance spiritual power, and can also serve as the core of puppet beasts.

"Before the Nine Netherworlds are opened, the Immortal City will lead many forces with available slots to wipe out the Yin Soul Beasts. However, even with a thousand nets, there will always be some Yin Soul Beasts that are missed."

Your entry coincides with the peak of the Styx tide, which will give rise to new vengeful spirits.

Therefore, while seeking spiritual realms to comprehend the interrelationship of the five elements, one must also be wary of Yin spirit beasts, and at the same time, be wary of one's own kind.

"The Yin Soul Beast exists between physical and illusory forms and can switch forms at any time."

It is best to use fire-based magic attacks, as physical damage has little effect and it is difficult to kill in one hit; it can only be worn down.

If you are not good at fire magic, you should stockpile a large number of talismans of the same type.

The Yin Soul Beast can unleash relatively weak soul attacks, so it is recommended to stock up on spiritual items that can restore spiritual consciousness.

"Beware of your own kind because after a cultivator dies, their body will be inhabited by Yin Soul Beasts. In the Nine Netherworld, it is difficult for us to discern any discord."

"The Nine Netherworlds are a complex place, and it's easy to lose your sense of direction if you stay there. Before entering, the Immortal City will distribute a map to everyone."

I suggest you strictly follow the map's directions, otherwise it's easy to get lost.

"Since we need to stay inside for three months, we must prepare all kinds of survival supplies."

Wei Xianglin spoke slowly and deliberately. This information was not difficult to obtain; it was a favor that would be done for him without costing him anything.

Ji An kept everything in mind. "Thank you for informing me, fellow Daoist."

Only by not fighting battles we cannot win can we remain invincible. Now that he has a basic understanding of the situation inside, he can make targeted arrangements.

"Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. You would have known even without me."

As the bright moon shone on his return, Ji An returned to his cave and began to check the supplies he had.

He also had five second-tier superior-grade Soul Nourishing Pendants in his hands, plus about two catties each of Jade Dew Golden Bud Tea and Cloud Peak Silver Needle Tea, so he didn't need to prepare any more nourishing items for his soul.

He possesses the Flaming Banner, has mastered the Fire Dragon Burning Heaven Technique at the Great Perfection level, and has more than thirty Fire Dragon Talismans, ten Xuanjia Talismans, and ten Earth Escape Talismans as spares. He is not lacking in means to deal with Yin Soul Beasts.

The only thing that needs to be replenished is the Bigu Pill. He possesses a small world, but he dares not reveal it in the Nine Netherworld.

Ji An sorted out the supplies and smiled:

"It's comfortable to be a well-rounded individual; you can handle all kinds of situations, and having no weaknesses is your greatest strength."

Seeing that it was still early, Ji An went to the quiet room, sat cross-legged on a futon, and began to ponder some of the things Wei Tianhua had said.

He discovered a very interesting phenomenon: Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, and Earth overcomes Water; Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, and Wood overcomes Earth.
The interactions of the five elements—generating and restraining each other—form triangles that eventually combine to form a five-pointed star.

He began to ponder what kind of code was hidden within it, and what yin and yang changes were contained within the mutual generation of the five elements.

The distinction between Yin and Yang, and between purity and turbidity, is both confusing and fascinating.

The next day, Chenshi.

Wei Xianglin stepped into the Wei family's villa atop the mountain, easily finding his way to a side hall. He cupped his hands and said:

"Greetings, Second Uncle. May I ask what your orders are?"

He was puzzled, wondering why the other party had sent someone to look for him so early in the morning.

"Xianglin, sit down!"

After the other person sat down, Wei Tianhua said kindly:

“You introduced Ji An to the auction last night, so tell me more about him.”

"Senior Ji is an extremely skilled talisman maker; he has been cooperating with our shop for eight years."

After recounting the story, Wei Xianglin tentatively asked:

"Second Uncle, did something go wrong at last night's auction?"

The elders specifically inquired about Ji An's information, which must mean that something happened that he was unaware of.

"It's not a sudden change; I'm just curious about him."

Wei Tianhua paused, smiled mysteriously, and lowered his voice:
Do you know what price the spot cost at the auction last night?

"Judging from Uncle's expression, he must be extremely proud. So it seems that Senior Ji won the bid for the spot."

"Xianglin, has anyone ever told you that occasionally acting a little silly can help you get along better with others?"

Wei Xianglin chuckled wryly and scratched his head. Sometimes he had to play dumb, and other times he had to appear smart enough. It was too difficult. "Second Uncle, what's the final price? Tell me so I can see for myself."

"An auction hosted by you will certainly bring huge profits to the family."

"You should have said that earlier," Wei Tianhua coughed a few times and said in a deep voice:

"I obtained 295 high-grade spirit stones and two pieces of second-tier top-grade Azure Dragon Wood, which I estimate to be worth 325 high-grade spirit stones."

The Azure Dragon Wood possesses exceptionally strong spiritual energy, making it suitable as the foundation for wood-based magical artifacts or for crafting outstanding puppets. Knowledgeable cultivators would likely be willing to offer forty or fifty high-grade spirit stones to purchase it.

Wei Xianglin's eyes widened; the number was simply too enormous.

The family spent two hundred high-grade spirit stones to purchase the spot and reached some agreements. They originally expected to gain a maximum of thirty or forty high-grade spirit stones, but this far exceeded their expectations.

He swallowed hard and said:

"Speaking of which, Senior Ji still owes the shop 30,000 spirit stones as a final payment."

He recounted the fact that the other party owed him materials on credit, which made Wei Tianhua burst into laughter:
"Good loan! This deal is profitable; we actually made a profit!"
What I'm curious about is the origin of the top-grade Azure Dragon Wood, as such a spiritual material is extremely difficult to cultivate.

Do you have any guesses about this?

Wei Xianglin shook his head, "I don't know, Senior Ji has never mentioned these things."

However, I know he is a cultivator from the Golden Spirit Sect of the Western Continent, so his status must be quite high. I've been to his cave dwelling before, and he served me second-grade superior spiritual tea.

Wei Tianhua, from the Golden Spirit Sect, stroked his chin and pondered for a moment before saying:

"Keep in good contact with them. In the future, the family's caravans can try to contact them to see if they can expand their business in the southern part of the Western Continent."

"clear."

Sun's Rice Shop, Selangor Street.

Ji An stepped into the shop and said:

"Shopkeeper, do you have any fasting pills made from pearl blood rice?"

To refine a fasting pill, the medicinal herbs used in combination will vary depending on the main ingredient.

Ji An didn't have time to research the new fasting pill. His understanding of the medicinal properties was superficial. He would hand this task over to Senior Sister Han Yan when he returned to the sect.

The shopkeeper replied with a smile:

"Yes, Pearl Blood Rice is a second-grade low-level spiritual rice, and the Bigu Pills refined from it contain even more spiritual energy."

In the absence of any accumulated battles, a single pill can sustain a cultivator in the Chaoyuan stage for half a month.

"Senior, are you going out? How long will you be gone?"

The profit from selling raw materials can never compare to the profit from selling elixirs.

Ji An did not answer, but asked instead:

How many spirit stones does one cost?

"Two mid-grade spirit stones and one spirit stone."

"Let me check the goods first. If I'm satisfied, please give me fifteen."

Ji An said that entering the Nine Netherworld would inevitably involve battles, which would greatly increase the consumption of Bigu Pills.

Prepare for any eventuality; with second-grade superior spirit peaches and dragon blood fruits to replenish supplies, fifteen should be enough.

"Alright," the shopkeeper called to the waiter to bring over a bottle of fasting pills. He ordered fifteen pills, so he was quite a big customer.

He handed over the jade bottle the shop assistant gave him, saying, "Senior, you may examine any one of them."

After receiving the jade bottle, Ji An randomly poured out a pill, carefully scraped off a little powder, and put it in his mouth.

Feeling the rich spiritual energy emanating from the rice paddies, the aroma of rice lingers on the lips and teeth.

"Good, provide me with enough."

He took out thirty mid-grade spirit stones and placed them on the table; now everything was ready.

.

Under the full moon, groups of cultivators gathered in front of the main hall atop the immortal city.

Ji An mingled with the Wei family's group at Longshou Mountain, his heart filled with suspicion.

The Nine Netherworlds, as the name suggests, connect to the underworld and should be underground. Standing on the mountaintop, this seems a bit out of place.

Wei Tianhua noticed his expression and leaned closer to say:
"Does something feel off?"

Ji An nodded, "It feels like going in the opposite direction."

"Haha, that's what all the cultivators who are here for the first time think. In a little while, the Golden Core cultivators from the Immortal City will activate the teleportation array and send the cultivators with available spots directly to the entrance of the Spirit Realm Secret Land."

The Nine Netherworld is located a thousand feet underground from the Immortal City. It is protected by magical barriers that prevent cultivators from entering directly. They can only travel through teleportation arrays. Forcing their way in will only result in them being trapped and dying within the array.

Wei Tianhua beckoned over, summoning a cultivator with a gentle smile on his face.

"Let me introduce you. This is Wei Chengyuan, a direct descendant of our Wei family, and this is Fellow Daoist Ji An."

"The two of you should get to know each other; you might need to help each other out."

Wei Chengyuan slightly raised his hand, then quickly lowered it again:
"Greetings, fellow Daoist."

Ji An cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, with a polite smile:

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Wei."

He could sense the underlying pride beneath the other person's smile; perhaps this kind of cultivator was used to being favored and held himself in high esteem deep down.

Wei Tianhua shook his head secretly and changed the subject to chat casually, while Wei Chengqian made an excuse to leave.

As the full moon shone overhead, a majestic voice echoed through the hall:

"Cultivators who have entered the Spirit Realm, please proceed."

Ji An bowed to Wei Tianhua in farewell, and then left with the crowd.

To the west of the main hall, a teleportation array about three zhang in diameter was emitting spiritual light, and three cultivators were present, including the Cold Dragon Immortal.

Ji An scanned the crowd and found that there were more than forty cultivators about to enter the Spirit Realm, which was quite a number.

He also saw an acquaintance, Zhang Dong from the enforcement team, who was distributing jade slips to everyone.

The Cold Dragon Immortal spoke:

"The jade slip contains a map that has been explored, as well as methods for dealing with the Yin Soul Beasts in the Nine Netherworld."

"Please keep this safe. You may also make several copies for your own records. Activate the teleportation array in fifteen minutes."

Time passed quickly, and everyone stood in the teleportation array. With a flash of gray spiritual light, the world changed in the next moment.

Ji An found himself in a huge cave with a ceiling inlaid with a large number of luminous pearls, like stars in the night sky, illuminating the area as if it were daytime.

Surrounding the cave were many cultivators from the Enforcement Hall dressed in black Taoist robes. In the center was a huge underground cave, pitch black with a thin mist rising from it, preventing any light from penetrating.

Master Han Chi also came down with everyone, and he spoke again:

"At the moment when day and night alternate, the mist in the cave will dissipate, and that will be the time to enter. Good luck, everyone."

(End of this chapter)