Wanfa Daojun, starting from the Little Cloud and Rain Technique

Chapter 499 The Second Soul-Nourishing Wood
Inside the cave, Zhu Xiangrong sat on a grand chair, with several disciples standing behind him.

He looked gently at the disciple who was respectfully serving tea, a slight smile playing on his lips. He reached out and took the teacup, sipped it gently, and said:
“Hongming, I was not planning to take on any more disciples, but your talent and spirituality have moved me.”

In the future, if you can balance your time for improving your cultivation and refining weapons, you might become the sect's first Golden Core level weapon-refining master.

The closed-door disciple is of great significance, so a rigorous talent test was conducted. This disciple's aptitude reached the Earth grade, and was only a step away from the Heaven grade.

With such talent, there won't be any bottlenecks before breaking through to the Golden Core stage; at least, one can quickly advance to the fifth level of the Chaoyuan stage.

In that case, even if one's comprehension is lacking, there will still be enough time to comprehend the divine meaning of the mutual generation of the five elements.

The cultivation of the Chaoyuan stage involves many hurdles, including opening up various divine palaces, comprehending the five divine intents, reaching the state of the Five Qi Converging, and finally refining the Golden Elixir.

Of the twelve challenges, the Five Qi Gathering is actually the simplest, because this challenge only requires patience and perseverance, and success is guaranteed; the only difference is the speed.

Based on this calculation, this disciple is likely to reach the stage of breaking through to the Golden Core realm in the future.

Zhu Xiangrong was even happier. What could make him happier than teaching a Golden Core disciple?

Another very important point is that, through chatting, I learned that this disciple has a very solid foundation in weapon crafting.

Gu Hongming lowered his head and said solemnly:
"I will follow Master's teachings."

He sighed inwardly. He was not qualified to choose his master, and now he could only hope that the other party would not be as strict as his grandfather and would give him time to play.

Zhu Xiangrong offered a few words of encouragement, then turned and instructed:
"Zhao Lei, take your junior brother down to explore the area, explain the rules of our sect and our place, and arrange accommodations for him."

Before he reaches the Foundation Establishment stage, there's no need to assign him any tasks.

"Don't worry, Master," Zhao Lei replied, his face lined with wrinkles and his hair graying with age.

After the disciples left, only the master and two guests remained in the cave. Zhu Xiangrong's amiable expression vanished, replaced by a solemn look.
“Something’s not right. Hongming’s aptitude is already close to the Heavenly Rank. If I were his grandfather, why wouldn’t I let him become a disciple of a Golden Core cultivator?”

He learned in detail about his disciple's family background from Ji An. As a master weapon refiner in Red Rock Immortal City, Gu Tai had a good chance of getting his grandson to become a disciple of a Golden Core True Person through connections.

Ji An shook his head slightly and said:

"I've thought about this question too. I think the Gu family has a conflict with a certain Golden Core cultivator, but we have very little information, and it's meaningless to speculate on the real reason."

Most importantly, I think Hongming has learned some of the weapon-refining techniques of the Gu family, and his becoming a disciple of the sect is beneficial to us.

The grudges of Hongyan Immortal City could not possibly cross such a vast distance to involve the Jinling Sect, which is located at the southern tip of the Western Continent.

Jia Yu laughed and said, "Why think so much? Senior Brother has taken on a very promising disciple, which is worth celebrating. We should have a good drink together."

Two weeks later, at noon, a group of guests arrived at Crimson Flame Peak.

Ji An hosted a grand banquet, entertaining fellow disciples and Senior Sister Ge Luoying in the living room, and welcoming the next generation of disciples in the open-air, shady area outside.

Apart from Liu Yu, all the cultivators from the Ningcui Cliff lineage that he recognized were present; Senior Brother Liu had gone on a trip.

He raised his glass and smiled:

"This cup is to celebrate Senior Sister Zhong's breakthrough to the Chaoyuan stage, and to wish our lineage continued growth. It is a cause for celebration."

If we exclude the sect's founders, the influence of the Ningcui Cliff lineage is second only to that of the Yunhe Mountain lineage. As time goes by, it will only be a matter of time before it surpasses them.

Zhong Yuefei, beaming with pride, said in a hearty manner:
"cheers!"

She was the oldest among them, and if she couldn't break through, she might not live much longer. She was very fortunate that she still had the determination, so she succeeded.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere gradually became more lively, but Ji An noticed a faint sadness hidden on the faces of Li Lingyu and Mu Qingwan.

He sighed softly to himself. Both of them had reached a lifespan of around 160 years. It was normal to feel anxious as they watched their fellow disciples advance to higher realms.

In fact, both of them had taken longevity pills made from second-tier mid-grade longevity peaches, giving them ample time to break through.

However, they need to adjust their mindset themselves. If he tries to persuade them, it feels like he's talking without understanding the situation, and it might backfire.

Compared to their family's situation, Senior Brother Du Huaiyuan's situation was much better. He had given up hope of improving his cultivation and instead gained more happiness.

Enjoying fine wine and delicious food, perhaps it's just a fleeting thought of giving up that suddenly makes one feel a sense of boundless freedom.

Du Huaiyuan put down his wine glass and smiled:

"Junior brother, is there no good wine in the North? Or did you simply not bring any?"

"The liquor in the north isn't strong enough; some people I know prefer the pine nut liquor I bring."

Ji An explained that the climate in the North would make it more expensive to grow fire-elemental spiritual plants.

If the sect can produce more surplus spiritual herbs in the future, selling fire-elemental spiritual herbs or spirit wine to the northern lands would be a good option.

A hint of melancholy appeared in Du Huaiyuan's eyes as he said:
"Crimson Flame Peak is becoming more and more prosperous, but the number of spiritual plants here is also decreasing, and the time I spend brewing wine each year is also decreasing accordingly."

"From now on, I need to find more high-quality partners."

He enjoys drinking and brewing wine, a passion that has remained unchanged for many years; Crimson Flame Peak can no longer satisfy his tastes.

Ji An laughed heartily, "This is a wise choice. There will be fewer and fewer opportunities to use you in the future."

After the grade of a spirit plant is improved, the number of spirit plants must be reduced; otherwise, the spiritual energy in the spirit field will be excessively consumed, thus affecting the improvement of the grade of the spirit vein.

In addition, the fruiting period of high-grade spiritual plants is longer. For example, the pine cones of a superior spiritual pine take three years to mature, while those of a top-grade spiritual pine take five years.

This greatly reduces the amount of materials needed for brewing.

Crimson Flame Peak is now completely focused on the high-end market. Perhaps one day, there will be no more spiritual plants below the second-tier superior grade here.

As long as the spiritual vein is upgraded to the third rank, and Ji An stays in the sect for a few years, it is not very difficult to achieve such a wish.

If a spiritual plant cannot be cultivated to a second-tier superior grade in such an environment, it must be because the spiritual plant itself lacks sufficient foundation and needs to be cut down and replanted.

"Hey, you can't be so heartless."

Du Huaiyuan wore a wronged expression, as if he had been used and then abandoned, which made everyone burst into laughter.

He laughed too, changing the subject:
"Senior Sister Zhong, no, Headmaster Zhong, how does it feel to be in charge of the Pill Refining Academy?"

After a three-year break following her breakthrough to the Chaoyuan stage, Zhong Yuefei was appointed to a new position.

She waved her hand gently, "I am only the vice dean. The Dan Ding Academy is still under the jurisdiction of Senior Sister Han Yan. Junior Brother, please don't call me that anymore."

If someone with ulterior motives overhears this, they might use it to sow discord between me and Senior Sister Han.

Du Huaiyuan nodded, and solemnly changed his words:
"Okay, Vice Dean Zhong."

There are some things we must be wary of; there are always some cultivators with dark tendencies.

Zhong Yuefei chuckled, then said:

"At first, I had a desire for power to command others, but it was quickly overwhelmed by various other things. The Pill Refining Academy needs to coordinate with the General Affairs Hall, the Workshop Hall, the Agriculture Hall, and the Beast Taming Hall to supply pills to all the cultivators in the sect."

If a sect is unable to refine certain pills, it must coordinate with the Treasure Pavilion to discuss whether it is necessary to trade with other forces.

There's a lot to do; it's nowhere near as easy as it used to be.

"Junior Brother Ji, you are the Hall Master of the Ministry of Agriculture, and you also have many mundane affairs to handle. How do you manage them?"

"Let the people below handle it; I'll just keep the direction in mind."

Ji An spoke up, saying that he had no desire for power, and the pleasure he felt from improving his cultivation was far stronger than commanding lower-level disciples.

Zhong Yuefei patted her forehead, a hint of fatigue showing on her face:
"I used to think that the rules of the Dan Ding Academy had many drawbacks, but after I truly accepted them, I realized that there was a reason why all the rules were implemented."

Making changes is difficult; it's like pulling one thread and affecting the whole system.

She originally wanted to make some reforms, but found that they were very difficult to implement and could not be driven by her prestige.

Ji An shook her head. "Senior sister, let's follow the existing rules first. Even if we need to make changes, we should start with the smallest details."

Reform is a difficult thing to do in any world.

He didn't like to make things difficult for himself. He only started to change the Si Nong Hall more than ten years after he became the hall master. Most importantly, he effectively reduced everyone's burden and increased everyone's income, so there was much less resistance.

Zhong Yuefei let out a sigh of relief. "Let's not talk about this anymore. The things that Junior Brother mentioned in the Wuji Hall a few days ago, the Ancestor didn't issue a strict gag order. Aren't you going to tell your junior brothers and sisters?"

"Of course we should tell them."

Ji An's expression turned solemn as he recounted the events surrounding the demonic cultivator, saying:
"If you don't have a valid reason to go out, try not to leave the sect."

Furthermore, this matter should not be spread blindly to avoid causing unnecessary panic.

At the Wuji Hall meeting, the patriarch asked him if he could hand over the method of drawing the Purifying Spirit Talisman to the sect, and he explained the situation of the Great Dao Oath.

He can draw talismans and submit them to the sect, but he cannot reveal the method of drawing them.

Du Huaiyuan grinned, "A demonic cultivator at the Golden Core stage! Luckily, I don't like to wander around."

The banquet lasted for two hours, ending as the sun began to set.

When seeing everyone off, Ji An gave each person two Cleansing Spirit Talismans and a few ounces of second-grade mid-level Jade Dew Golden Tooth Tea.

He kept Li Lingyu and Mu Qingwan behind alone, saying:

"Senior sisters, there is plenty of Jade Dew Golden Tooth Tea produced on Crimson Flame Peak now. Please feel free to come to me if you need it."

If I'm not around, you can contact Lin Lan and the others; I've already told them.

That's all the help he can offer. As for how far things will go in the future, that depends on fate.

"Thank you, junior brother," Li Lingyu said, her expression somewhat unnatural. The gap between them was widening, and she was unsure how to interact with him.

Standing atop the flying boat, Wei Songnian gazed at the distant, billowing golden-red clouds, his heart filled with emotion. In the end, all his thoughts boiled down to one sentence:

"The spiritual energy of Crimson Flame Peak is even more intense now. Back then, the color of the spiritual mist was far less vibrant than it is now."

His temples were already streaked with gray, and his brows held a more dignified air than before, with less of his former friendliness.

There are two things I need to do on this trip. The first is to make a deal and obtain scarce goods from the Golden Spirit Sect and the Crimson Flame Peak. The second is to have a private talk with an old friend.

Yin Qiuyun stood beside him and said softly:
“Songtao said that when we left, the spiritual veins of Crimson Flame Peak were only of the middle grade of the second rank, but now they are of the highest grade of the second rank.”

Her appearance is much better than her Daoist partner's; she is now a Foundation Establishment Level 8 cultivator, and still retains her charm.

"Pine Waves"

A shadow of sadness crossed Wei Songnian's eyes; his younger brother had already passed away peacefully.

The airship maintained a constant speed and finally entered Crimson Flame Peak.

Upon receiving the report, Ji An personally went out to greet them. One by one, familiar faces disappeared from his life, and he cherished his old friends more.

There will be fewer and fewer people like this in the future. Many high-level cultivators take a very detached view of relationships, perhaps because they are used to seeing life and death.

Time is the most ruthless killer; everyone is caught in its web.

Wei Songnian and his companion hurriedly stepped forward, their faces beaming with smiles, and bowed, saying:
"Fellow Daoist's demeanor remains as elegant as ever, much to our envy."

Ji An returned the greeting with a cupped hand, "Haha, please come inside, both of you."

He led the guests to the living room, and after they were seated, Zhang Xuening served them spiritual tea and pastries, attending to them at their side.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, the two talked about their past over the years, mostly reminiscing about bygone days.

Half an hour later, Ji An noticed that the other party was glancing at the maid from time to time and seemed hesitant to speak, so he gave the order:
"Xue Ning, you may step back."

"Yes," the maid said, moving away and considerately closing the door behind her.

Ji An said softly:
"Fellow Daoist, please speak freely now."

Wei Songnian stood up and smiled mysteriously:
"I acquired some good things a few years ago, and I'm waiting for you to return so I can present them to you."

As he spoke, he took out a large gray earthenware jar, about the size of a water bucket, and carefully placed it on the ground.

The earthenware pot has a lid with several holes about the size of a thumb punched in it.

There was a spirit-sealing talisman affixed to the body of the jar and the edge of the lid.

Ji An became interested. "What kind of spiritual plant?"

At his current level, he wouldn't even look at low-grade spiritual plants; he would only pay attention to those with the potential to be top-grade second-tier.

"Fellow Daoist, why don't you come and see for yourself?" Wei Songnian said mysteriously, stretching out his arm in a gesture of invitation.

Ji An felt a surge of anticipation, tore off the talisman on the lid, and peered inside.

Inside was a small sapling, six inches tall, without branches, entirely black and about the thickness of a thumb, with a few faint white crack patterns on its bark.

At the top are three wilted, spoon-shaped leaves, black with a slight purplish tinge, and white veins, creating a striking contrast that has a unique aesthetic appeal.

Ji An was stunned. Memories of the past surfaced in his mind; it was a similar style of earthenware pot back then.

"I remember there was a strong smell in the jar back then. Fellow Daoist's luck is the best I have ever seen in my life."

Another Soul-Nourishing Wood, given by the same person, plus the Yuan-Gathering Tree—he owes this person far too many favors.

Wei Songnian chuckled a few times, "It's because you're lucky, fellow Daoist. I'm just a porter."

(End of this chapter)