Wanfa Daojun, starting from the Little Cloud and Rain Technique

Chapter 635 Greed
Han Yan answered without hesitation:

"Of course, it's about honing my alchemy skills, but I haven't figured out how to do it yet. Please give me some pointers, senior brother."

Alchemists can obtain more pills for cultivation. In fact, what the sect lacks most now is high-level spiritual farmers. Since the establishment of the Department of Agriculture, she has directly felt the help that powerful spiritual farmers bring to the Pill Cauldron Pavilion.

The quality of the elixir will be improved, and its growth cycle will be shortened.

With the continuous improvement of the spiritual veins and the continuous expansion of the Ministry of Agriculture, the alchemists of the sect are now living much happier lives than she did back then.

Ji An pondered and said:
"Junior Sister must know the situation here. The first step is to go to the Certification Association to take the assessment. Once you get the third-level alchemist certification, you can receive the mission from the association."

In addition, I often receive tasks to refine Golden Core pills, so I can spare you a few batches to practice with.

"There's no other way. It's not easy to gather enough ingredients to refine a batch of third-grade pills. Without a reputation, no cultivator will come to us seeking our services to refine them."

"Senior brother, you've been operating in the Immortal City for sixty years. Many cultivators must have come to you seeking medicinal herbs, right?"

"My social circle is relatively narrow, and since I was able to receive the task of refining third-tier pills from the certification association, I didn't expand my network."

Currently, only a few familiar fellow cultivators ask me for help, mainly for refining Golden Core pills and a certain kind of medicine to treat injuries caused by cold poison.

"It's already very good. I have even fewer opportunities to refine third-tier pills in the sect."

As Han Yan spoke, she took out several brocade boxes from the Void Stone:

"It was the sect leader who asked me to bring this to you. It's one-tenth of what Crimson Flame Peak produces. In addition, you helped refine so many Fire Essence Pills, and I also brought some third-tier fire-elemental spiritual items as a reward for you."

Senior Brother Yuxiao said that only when all efforts are rewarded can they last longer.

She transmitted her voice:

"It can now be confirmed that the depleted spiritual vein beneath Crimson Flame Peak is of the fourth tier, and we have discovered a fourth-tier fire-elemental spiritual artifact!"

Ji An could hear the emotion in the voice transmission; it was filled with joy.

He was also delighted and said:
"Great! We're starting to look like a Nascent Soul sect. As long as we can obtain the inheritance technique that leads directly to the Nascent Soul path and upgrade the sect's spiritual veins to the fourth tier, the Nascent Soul inheritance will be stable."

Han Yan's eyes were clear and bright. "I don't know if I will live to see that day come. My senior brother, the sect leader, wants to send people into the Five Elements Sect ruins, since most of the disciples cultivate the Five Elements Reincarnation Scripture."

Golden Core cultivators live for a thousand years. She is currently over four hundred years old. If she can take a third-tier longevity pill, she will have over six hundred years of life left.

This period is very likely to witness the sect upgrading its spiritual veins to the fourth tier; sufficient resources will save time in upgrading spiritual veins.

In that case, we only need to see if the sect can obtain the inherited cultivation techniques.

Ji An said in a deep voice, "I also plan to enter the Five Elements Sect ruins. I am currently making active preparations and plan to stay in the Immortal City for another thirty years before heading to the Myriad Transformations Mountain Range."

Now that Han Yan has arrived in Zhongzhou, he will go to the Golden Puppet Pavilion in a few days to commission them to refine a top-grade third-tier puppet.

"Senior brother can wait for the other disciples to arrive. I estimate that the sect leader will send Senior Brother Li Haoran."

Senior Brother Li is currently a Golden Core Stage 3 cultivator and is actively seeking to break through to the mid-Golden Core stage.

"Then you two can enter the ruins together, so you can look out for each other."

Ji An nodded slightly. "The ruins are dangerous. If Junior Brother Li can break through to the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm, the two of us can go together. If your cultivation is not high enough, I suggest that you do not go in."

I have accumulated many trump cards; I can handle the dangers of the ruins single-handedly.

Although Li Haoran is a sword cultivator, his role is limited due to insufficient cultivation. He can act more freely when he acts alone.

Han Yan remained silent. She could sense the confidence in Ji An's tone and knew that the other party must have something to rely on. She wondered what gave the other party such confidence.

Ji An didn't want to continue this topic and said:

"Junior sister wants to get more opportunities to refine third-tier pills, but just waiting for the association's tasks seems too passive."

I have a suggestion: let's run a pill shop together, buy spiritual herbs and sell pills, and we can accumulate materials that way.

After two years, once I've built up a certain level of popularity, I'll put two Golden Core pills up for auction. That should quickly build my reputation, and more cultivators should come to me with materials requesting pill refining services.

The third-tier spirit fruits the sect gave me can all be used as main ingredients; I just need to exchange them for pill formulas at the Certification Association.

As long as he can acquire spiritual herbs, he can gradually sell off the high-grade spiritual fruits in his possession to generate cash, since no one knows exactly what he has acquired.

Han Yan smoothed the hair that had fallen across her forehead. "Running a shop is not easy. You need to have enough pills in the early stages, otherwise it will be difficult to build up popularity."

In addition, the largest portion of the spiritual herbs supplied by each alchemy shop is undoubtedly provided by the cooperating spiritual farming forces.

Many medicine shops are run by various factions, making it difficult for us to gain the support of the spirit farmers.

There aren't that many spiritual herbs waiting for cultivators to collect in the wild. The prosperity of the cultivation world is based on the large-scale cultivation of enough spiritual plants by cultivators.

Ji An knew that what the other party said made sense, but he had his own considerations.

"Let's give it a try. At most, we'll lose some money on shop rent."

"I'll provide the spirit stones, and my junior sister will be in charge of managing the business. We'll receive a reward for every transaction. What do you think?"

Han Yan smiled, revealing her pearly teeth, "According to what Senior Brother said, of course I should agree."

There's no risk involved, and she can still make a profit. It won't affect her chances of obtaining third-tier pills through other channels. It would be foolish to refuse.

“Then it’s settled. Over the years I’ve been in Zhongzhou, I’ve accumulated quite a few spiritual herbs and fruits. Let’s buy some auxiliary herbs and see how many pills we can refine.”

I will inform my junior colleague once the store location is selected.

"Let's go to the certification association in the Immortal City now and get certified as alchemists. That way, we can get a discount on the rent for our cave dwelling."

"Great! How much can I get a discount?"

"As long as you can complete the third-tier, one-star alchemist certification, you can get a discount of five high-grade spirit stones every year."

For each star upgrade, two more high-grade spirit stones are deducted, which, over the long term, can save a considerable amount of money.

High-level artisans don't have much turnover; unless there's a compelling reason to leave, no one will give up the network they've painstakingly built.

Ji An headed to the Wanhua Mountains, but would return to Yunhai Immortal City after the Five Elements Sect ruins were opened.

Han Yan asked curiously, "Is this preferential treatment only available to alchemists?"

"No, only cultivators who learn cultivation techniques and whose certified abilities reach the second level can receive preferential treatment."

If a cultivator is proficient in multiple cultivation techniques, the reduction in cave dwelling rental fees can be accumulated.

Ji An now holds two third-tier, four-star certifications: Alchemist and Talisman Maker, which allows him to receive a discount of twenty-two high-grade spirit stones annually.

"This method isn't particularly sophisticated, but it's very practical. It seems that Immortal City can attract many skilled independent cultivators."

Cloud Sea Immortal City, Certification Association.

Two hours had passed since the assessment, and Ji An waited outside the room with a jade slip containing Lei Zhu's suggestions for improvement pasted on his forehead.

Not wasting time has become his instinct, and pursuing higher levels is his eternal motivation.

With a creak, the door opened, and Master Lieyang stepped out:
“Fellow Daoist Xuanqing, your junior sister has been certified as a third-tier, one-star alchemist. The jade tablet will be ready soon. Let’s go and have a chat.”

Han Yan followed closely behind and nodded to Ji An with a smile.

“Alright,” Ji An agreed, and the two siblings followed Master Lieyang into another room. After the three sat down and exchanged pleasantries, Master Lieyang said:

"Once you are certified as an alchemist, you can enjoy the resources provided by the association and also receive tasks issued by the association."

Based on Master Yu Hua's performance in the assessment, he is eligible to receive the task of refining Fire Essence Pills and all pills of grade three and below.

Han Yan nodded gently, "I understand, thank you for informing me. Does the association currently have any Fire Essence Pill refining tasks?"

'Yu Hua' is her Daoist name. She doesn't know many third-tier pill formulas, and the only one she has experience refining is the Fire Essence Pill.

"Not for now. Let's exchange mana imprints. I'll send you a message via the golden sword if a suitable alchemy task comes up."

Fellow Daoist possesses the Azure Lotus Treasure Color, and can accept the task of refining Vajra Pills on ordinary days.

These are elixirs for purifying demonic energy. They will be used extensively after the full-scale outbreak of the True Demonic Calamity. Several batches of Vajra Elixirs need to be refined right now. Fellow Daoist, would you like to accept the quest?

Master Lieyang's tone was full of envy. The fact that the other sect members both possessed the Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame meant that their sect had obtained the seed of fire.

A ball of celestial fire can condense into two or three fire seeds. I wonder if the other sect still has any fire seeds left.

If it exists, we'll pay a higher price to get our hands on it.

However, now is not the time to inquire about the situation. Let's ask indirectly in a few years.

The opposing sect already has two alchemists who possess the Heaven and Earth Spirit Fire. If there is a third fire seed, it should be relatively easy to obtain it if the price is right.

Han Yan had certainly heard of the Vajra Pill; the sect's Agriculture Department had already begun cultivating the relevant medicinal herbs.

"I am willing to accept the mission."

She had never personally refined a Vajra Pill before, so she naturally wanted to practice when she had the chance, as it would come in handy when she returned to the sect.

"This kind of pill requires a 40% success rate. If the success rate is not met, it will need to be increased later."

Master Lieyang laughed and said that the Vajra Pill refined by activating the spiritual fire of heaven and earth was more popular, and he could get more rewards by handing it over to headquarters.

Han Yan frowned. "As far as I know, the Vajra Pill is a second-tier top-grade pill. This is my first time trying to refine one. Why are the requirements so high?"

Master Lieyang explained with a smile:
"Headquarters requires that pills like Vajra Pill and Precious Flower Pill be given only to cultivators with experience in refining them."

If you don't possess the Azure Lotus Burning Heart Flame, I won't give you the opportunity to refine it. In the future, your success rate in refining pills will have to reach 50%.

Fellow Daoist Xuanqing was also aware of this.

Ji An nodded slightly, "That's true. Don't worry, just take on the missions with confidence. I'll cover for you if there are any problems."

He rarely takes on the task of refining Vajra Pills from the association now. Master Feiyun's family also has a need to refine Vajra Pills, and all the pills can be exchanged for Purple Cloud Jade Mushroom Pills.

"Thank you, senior brother, but I won't hold you back."

Han Yan smiled and said, "Please give me the medicinal herbs, fellow Daoist."

Master Lieyang said kindly, "No rush. Let's discuss the details of the mission and sign the entrustment agreement, while we wait for the jade token to be delivered."

He wasn't worried about the other party's credibility at all. Although it was the first time he had dealt with the other party, he trusted the other party's senior brother very much.

After leaving the Certification Association, Ji An took Han Yan for a stroll around the Immortal City. As evening approached, they held a banquet at Dingxiang Pavilion to welcome her back. When they left the Immortal City, the bright moon hung high in the sky.

Back in his cave at Black Stone Mountain, Ji An entered the gourd world, flew on a cloud to the Wood Spirit Field, and felled three mid-grade third-tier Azure Dragon Woods.

The spirit tree let out a mournful cry, and the Azure Lotus Banner flew out and whistled in the sky, as if in silent tribute.

Ji An placed the spiritual materials into the Void Stone, then flew to the Vajra Bodhi Tree, found suitable spiritual wood, summoned the stone tortoise, and commanded:
"Refine the Dao essence to upgrade the spirit wood to the third-grade upper level."

The stone tortoise appeared above the chosen Azure Dragon Wood, and Bagua patterns emerged on the ground, weaving a silver cocoon of light.

It took more than an hour to upgrade three Vajra Bodhi trees and obtain six Tier 3 Top-Grade Gengjin Divine Thunder Talismans.

After the matter was settled, Ji Anfei went to the Gathering Yuan Tree and began to circulate the Five Elements Revolving Scripture.

Because he didn't have enough Purple Cloud Jade Mushroom Pills, he could only take an average of two pills per month, but this was still better than most mid-stage Golden Core cultivators.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth quickly gathered into a vortex above his head, and the five elements of spiritual light, like mischievous sprites, danced around him.

After the spiritual energy is refined into magical crystals, it splits into two parts. Most of it enters the middle dantian and is absorbed by the golden core, while a small part enters the lower dantian to nourish the stone tortoise and the primordial fire.

The Blazing Sun Furnace floated up and down in the flames. This was its happiest moment, with no companions to compete for it, enjoying the nourishment of the primordial fire all to itself.

Compared to when he first broke through to the Golden Core stage, the Yuanming Fire had expanded to about twice its original size, and its color had changed from light gold to golden yellow.

The Five Elements Spiritual Liquid was condensed in the Divine Palace and transported to the Middle Dantian.

Whenever spiritual liquid is absorbed by the Golden Core, the Golden Core's rotation speed will increase slightly, and the speed of the cultivation technique will also increase accordingly.

After his spiritual energy was mostly depleted, Ji An stopped circulating his cultivation technique and began practicing the Immovable King Technique instead.

The next day.

Ji An rode a cloud to the Immortal City and landed at the Golden Puppet Pavilion.

He went directly to the pavilion master, cupped his hands in greeting, and said with a smile:

"Greetings, fellow Daoist. I have something to trouble you with today."

We were very satisfied with the puppets you crafted last time. This time, our fellow disciples brought three top-grade Vajra Bodhi trees from the Western Continent, and we immediately thought of you, hoping you could craft them into puppets for us.”

Master Xuanji was taken aback. "Alright, let's go to the storeroom to talk."

He remained outwardly calm but inwardly astonished. To accumulate three top-grade Vajra Bodhi trees in thirty years meant that the sect controlled something extraordinary.

He felt a surge of greed if the Golden Puppet Sect could control such power.

Upon arriving at the storeroom, Ji An took out the spiritual materials:
"Please examine it, fellow Daoist."

Master Xuanji quickly examined it and said:
"The materials are of excellent quality. Just like last time, it will take me five years to refine it. The reward for refining it will also remain the same. How about it?"

"Okay, let's sign an agreement."

After signing the agreement and returning to the living room, Ji An said goodbye and left after chatting for a while.

Master Xuanji's gentle gaze turned somewhat fierce. A sect from the Western Continent actually possessed the means to quickly cultivate spiritual materials, something the Golden Puppet Sect lacked.

He recorded everything on a jade slip, sealed it with a key, and then summoned his trusted confidant, saying in a deep voice:
"Set off immediately and deliver the jade slip to the sect leader."

Ji An's first offering of a third-grade high-quality spirit wood aroused his greed, though not intensely.

He felt that the benefits brought by secret techniques or treasures would always come at a price, and the chances of obtaining the secret techniques or treasures he desired were slim.

It seems the cost isn't high now. If a True Monarch of the sect is interested, we can try to see if we can obtain it.

You may not be able to get it, but it's worth a try as long as you have the chance.

"As ordered!"

(End of this chapter)