Cultivating Immortality: Starting from Ferrying Passengers

Chapter 192 Domain of Divine Power

Fang Jingxuan walked down from the arena steadily, greeted by Xiao Yan's approving gaze.

Seeing the shifting gaze in Madam Ye's eyes, Fang Jingxuan obediently stood behind Xiao Yan, letting him shield him.

At this moment, Fang Jingxuan had not forgotten the words of the mad beast that had turned to ashes: Madam Ye cultivated the Path of Ruthlessness.

So no matter how much she shows him affection right now, it's all bait in a spider's web; if you take it, you'll die.

Xiao Yan was very pleased with Fang Jingxuan's self-awareness. He was both capable of fighting and obedient. In this respect, Xuanming was more worthy of his efforts to win over than the other Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"You won this time and helped our Holy Infant Sect win a match. Regardless of whether you win the next two matches, you have made a great contribution. Now watch carefully, in another ten years or so, we may have to fight again."

Fang Jingxuan nodded seriously, but he didn't care too much about whether he would still be here more than ten years later.
The next two matches were extremely bloody, perhaps giving the Thousand Sun Sect cultivators hope that they would win this spirit stone mine even if it meant their own death.

While Foundation Establishment cultivators are valuable, they are not invincible; it all depends on whether they are worth it.

After the final nine matches, the Thousand Sun Sect emerged victorious with a score of five to four.

In this arena battle, the Holy Infant Sect suffered seven casualties: three killed, two seriously injured, and two slightly injured.

Fang Jingxuan and the other male cultivator were unharmed. Unlike Fang Jingxuan's dawdling, this male cultivator finished the battle in just a hundred breaths.

Out of curiosity, Fang Jingxuan noted down the other party's name: Bai Zhu, a Foundation Establishment cultivator who was renowned for his wood-attribute cultivation techniques.

Fire is inherently weak against wood, yet to use wood to control fire and so easily defeat an opponent at the same level can only mean that Bai Zhu is terrifyingly strong.

It was precisely because of this person that Fang Jingxuan did not attract much scrutiny.

The Saint Infant Sect cultivators were somewhat demoralized on their return journey, having narrowly lost the game to four to five.

After this battle, the Holy Infant Sect lost five Foundation Establishment warriors and its largest spirit stone mine, suffering a severe blow.

However, Fang Jingxuan observed Xiao Yan's expression halfway and found that the other party was not too frustrated. Either he was very shrewd, or there was still a chance for things to turn around.

Three days later, Fang Jingxuan returned to the Holy Infant Sect's mountain gate with the others. After disembarking from the flying shuttle, the four groups of cultivators naturally parted ways.

Three Foundation Establishment cultivators went there, but only two have returned, which left Xiao Yan feeling quite disheartened.

Upon arriving at his own mountain range, Xiao Yan summoned the remaining Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Ghost Face, Proud Bones, Sea Tiger, and White Ghost rushed over upon hearing the news. When they saw Fang Jingxuan standing there unharmed, but the Mad Beast was nowhere to be seen, their expressions were all different.

Ghost Face was delighted, Aogu and Haihu were incredulous, while White Ghost remained expressionless.

"This time, the mad beast unfortunately perished, and I will take care of his relatives and family members. As long as I, Xiao, live, I will protect them. You guys should also help them out in the future."

Inside the main hall, Fang Jingxuan sat beside Xiao Yan. At this moment, his status and position had clearly been greatly elevated.

"Furthermore, Xuanming played a crucial role in this battle, securing a victory for the Holy Gate. I, Xiao Yan, will certainly reward those who have rendered meritorious service. Xuanming, what do you desire?"

Fang Jingxuan held the wine cup, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"I cultivate water-based techniques and lack Xuanming True Qi, so I would like to ask Elder Xiao to allocate some Xuanming True Qi to me."

Xuanming True Qi has always been scarce. Buying a few hundred catties is fine, but Fang Jingxuan is currently facing a huge shortage. He needs to refine the seven Gang Sha first, and even a thousand catties is not enough.

Even though Fang Jingxuan is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he can't buy too much Xuanming True Qi, since other cultivators also have needs.

"That's easy. I'll approve a quota of 500 jin for you. As long as you have enough spirit stones, you can go to the sect's main warehouse to collect it."

Furthermore, this reward is insufficient to match your great achievement. Here's what we'll do: there's a phosphorus-iron spirit mine on the edge of the Holy Gate's territory. It will be transferred to your name and you will be in charge of its management. If you find it troublesome, you don't need to manage it yourself; just collect the spirit stones steadily each year. These mundane affairs will be handled by the Qi Refining cultivators below."

Upon hearing Xiao Yan's reward, the other three were filled with envy. A phosphorus iron spirit mine could produce at least fifty high-grade phosphorus irons a year, and it was given to Xuan Ming so easily.
Looking at the three men's eyes, Xiao Yan felt a sense of pride. He thought to himself, "You guys don't dare to fight. In crucial moments, we still have to rely on Xuanming, who is capable of fighting."

Moreover, this phosphorus iron spirit mine is located on the edge of the Holy Gate's territory, and it might be taken away at any time. In that case, it would be only natural to use Xuanming to fight for me.

Fang Jingxuan was unaware of Xiao Yan's thoughts, but why should he refuse the spirit stones offered for free? So Fang Jingxuan expressed his gratitude to Elder Xiao for his high regard.

"Elder Xiao, you once said that if we return victorious, we will have a five-year cultivation period during which we will not be required to perform any mandatory missions from the sect. So, may I begin my five-year period of seclusion from now on?"

"Of course. I will not disturb your peace for the next five years unless the enemy comes knocking. Otherwise, you can focus on your cultivation."

Xiao Yan said with a smile, and then added:
"Now that you are a high-ranking cultivator of the Holy Sect, I have a thousand direct Qi Refining disciples under my command, and I can indirectly influence no less than five thousand Qi Refining cultivators outside. So during this period, if you have any needs, you can issue tasks and let these disciples do things for you."

Furthermore, according to the sect rules, I should also build you your own cave dwelling and gather servants. Of course, if you find this troublesome, you can decline these requests and instead use spirit stones.”

Fang Jingxuan couldn't help but admire the Holy Infant Sect's approach. With such generous benefits, it was no wonder they could attract so many Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Xiao Yan's side has the most Qi Refining disciples directly under him, which clearly shows that Xiao Yan's ability to handle administrative affairs is the strongest among these four elders.

"Then I will follow Elder Xiao's orders. From now on, Xuanming will definitely follow Elder Xiao's lead."

“Hahaha, drink!”

Despite the deaths and defeats, Fang Jingxuan couldn't sense Xiao Yan's distress, so he simply didn't care about those things. For now, improving his cultivation was the most important thing.

Five days later, after finishing his business with Ghost Face and building rapport, Fang Jingxuan, accompanied by four late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, arrived at the General Affairs Hall, where sect missions were issued.

“Deacon Xuanming, it’s kind of you to come in person. If there’s anything you need, just let them tell me. There’s no need to take up your precious cultivation time.”

The head of the General Affairs Peak was an elderly late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. Upon seeing Fang Jingxuan arrive, he immediately pushed aside the other stewards and personally served Fang Jingxuan.

Fang Jingxuan gained considerable fame from the battle with the Thousand Sun Sect. As one of the only two Foundation Establishment cultivators who were not injured, Fang Jingxuan, even if not as dazzling as Daoist Baizhu, was not someone that the Qi Refining Master could neglect.

Such deliberate attempts to make things difficult are not feasible within the Holy Infant Sect. If Fang Jingxuan were truly angered, he could be slapped to death, which would only result in Fang Jingxuan being fined a few more spirit stones.

"I came out for a walk and took the opportunity to post a few long-term quests. I need spiritual materials like [Golden Cicada Remains], preferably of second-tier quality, the higher the better. Anyone who obtains them can contact me anytime."

Furthermore, I need the spiritual essence of pine and cypress trees, the blood essence of dragon-blooded demon beasts, the main ingredients of high-level aquatic spiritual beasts, and traces of these rare and wondrous waters of heaven and earth—I need them all.

Fang Jingxuan made a long list of requests. Just as Xiao Yan said, it would be better to mobilize these thousands of Holy Infant Sect disciples than to search for them alone.

The head of the General Affairs Peak quickly noted down Fang Jingxuan's needs, and then cautiously asked:

"Then, Deacon Xuanming, is the corresponding reward you pay mainly in spirit stones? And how is this price calculated? Of course, if you pay a very high premium, I think these disciples will treat the tasks you issue as their most important task."

Fang Jingxuan nodded. With enough spirit stones, things would be much easier. Xiao Yan had given him a phosphorus-iron spirit mine, which would provide him with a passive income of fifty high-grade spirit stones every year.

In addition to the three hundred high-grade spirit stones he still had, he currently had no shortage of spirit stones to use.

Things change too quickly in this world. Yesterday we were inseparable, but today we've parted ways and will never see each other again. I was even thinking of participating in the once-in-a-decade auction on Guixu Island, hoping to auction off the top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill I had.

Now it seems there's no need for such trouble anymore.

"I have a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill here. As long as I can collect spiritual items that satisfy me, this Foundation Establishment Pill will be his."

Furthermore, I will pay 1.5 times the market price in spirit stones, with a maximum payment of 3 times, but only if I want it.

Upon hearing about the Supreme Foundation Establishment Pill, Fang Jingxuan could sense that the surrounding late-stage Qi Refining cultivators all paused in surprise.

It seems that even within the Holy Infant Sect, obtaining a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill is no easy feat.

"Yes, yes, I will certainly comply. Deacon Xuanming, may I ask about your top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill?"

"Hehe, I'll keep it here for now, but it can only be used to exchange for these rare and precious waters."

Fang Jingxuan gave a few more instructions before leading the group out of Shuwu Peak.

These four were vassal cultivators assigned to Fang Jingxuan by Xiao Yan. Their main role was to run errands. If they could win Fang Jingxuan's favor, they would naturally reap many benefits.

Such opportunities are rare, and even cultivators in the late Qi Refining stage, with their special status, do not want to miss them.

Even without the reward of spirit stones and pills, Fang Jingxuan only needed to casually share a few of his insights from his Foundation Establishment journey, which would be enough for them to benefit from.

Of course, Fang Jingxuan was not a stingy person. He would occasionally give some spirit stones and materials to the vassal cultivators who ran errands for him, so it didn't cost him much spirit stones in total.

Although there is only one step between a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator and a Foundation Establishment cultivator, that one step is a chasm.

Back in his cave, Fang Jingxuan dismissed the others and went into his meditation room to cultivate in peace.

The task has been assigned; now it's up to time to decide.

Even if a cultivator were extremely lucky, they could probably find a few useful spiritual materials to study together.

Time flies, and half a year has passed in the blink of an eye. Fang Jingxuan emerged from his meditation and glanced at his attribute panel.

【Age: 42/280】

[Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Level 1 (5000/45000)]

[Netherworld Abyss: [Abyss of Ghostly Howls] [Soul Extraction] [Loss of All Five Senses]]

Total Mana: 1410 (drops)

Total spiritual energy: 506/3300 (zhang)

"I'm another year older now," Fang Jingxuan shook his head and looked away.

His cultivation is progressing steadily, so there's nothing to look forward to. At this rate, it will take another ten years to advance to the second level of Foundation Establishment.

The total amount of magical power and the strength of the divine soul have also increased considerably, but the progress is not obvious.

Only the Yellow Springs Gang Sha section has changed drastically, with three new supernatural powers added.

After more than half a year of refining, Fang Jingxuan has completely replenished the Xuanming True Qi he needed before. Now, this Yellow Springs Domain has already smelted two hundred catties of Xuanming True Qi.

When the true water of the Yellow Springs in the Nine Netherworlds combines with the true qi of the Mysterious Netherworld, and is then refined through the "True Explanation of the Mysterious Abyss," this Yellow Springs Dharma Domain is formed.

The so-called "Dharma Domain" is an extraordinary supernatural power that can change the dominant attributes of the surrounding environment.

This is the standard equipment for Golden Core cultivators. If it is further supplemented with the true meaning of alchemy, no matter how many Foundation Establishment cultivators there are, they will not be a match for it.

Such Dharma Domains are not something Foundation Establishment cultivators should possess, but there are always exceptionally talented cultivators in the world who can comprehend Dharma Domain abilities even during the Foundation Establishment stage.

Fang Jingxuan's method was just like that. Although he took a shortcut and did not mix in the true essence of alchemy, thus greatly reducing its power, a domain is still a domain. Once it is deployed and envelops the opposing cultivator, the difference in strength between them becomes very obvious.

The Yellow Springs Domain is a system where Fang Jingxuan replaced the core of the Yellow Springs with the true meaning contained within the Nine Nether Yellow Springs True Water, which is the true meaning of alchemy that only Golden Core cultivators can comprehend.

A single stream of wondrous water from heaven and earth embodies the true meaning of alchemy. The reason why "The True Explanation of the Profound Abyss" is so powerful is that it allows one to possess different domains of law within it and to use them in different situations.

How could a cultivation technique not be powerful if it allows a cultivator in the Foundation Establishment stage to obtain a Dharma Domain that only Golden Core cultivators possess?

Unfortunately, the Nine Netherworld True Water obtained earlier amounted to only two liters, and its quality was also mediocre. Currently, only three supernatural abilities have been awakened.

The complex domain of magic contains dozens of supernatural powers that complement each other. Compared to it, Fang Jingxuan's domain of magic is far too immature.

Fang Jingxuan didn't care. He was only at the first level of Foundation Establishment. What was the point of comparing his domain with those Golden Core cultivators? He didn't fight Golden Core cultivators, and he should avoid provoking even Foundation Establishment cultivators of the same level. It would be better for him to bully those Qi Refining cultivators and fight against enemies beyond his level.

Understanding this, Fang Jingxuan felt only joy. With the Yellow Springs Domain activated, he could easily escape even from a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

There are two ways to enhance the power of the Yellow Springs Domain. One of them is to continuously absorb and refine the Xuanming True Qi, which can increase the size and range of this domain.

Only by absorbing the true water of the Yellow Springs can one increase their supernatural powers within the Dharma Realm.

These two complement each other and are indispensable, but Fang Jingxuan can only find Xuanming True Qi at present, and he has not encountered the Yellow Spring True Water again.

Thinking of this, Fang Jingxuan sighed slightly. True Qi is easy to obtain, but true water is hard to find.

Just then, a message arrived from the outside world. Fang Jingxuan opened it and immediately showed a look of joy.

It turns out that news came from Shuwu Peak that Fang Jingxuan's mission had finally caught a big fish.

(End of this chapter)