Cultivating Immortality: Starting from Ferrying Passengers

Chapter 199 Asking One's Heart to Reveal One's Will
On the sea, Fang Jingxuan sat cross-legged on the back of Tuoyuan, looking as if he were resting with his eyes closed.

Life is unpredictable. Fang Jingxuan never expected that just one mission would eventually lead to this outcome.

It can only be said that it was a matter of timing and luck, caused by a combination of factors.

But if we talk about the deepest reason, Fang Jingxuan felt that it was because he was no longer the young man who ferryed passengers back then. Instead, after more than 20 years of hard work, he had finally become a selfish, self-serving, and no longer passionate overseas rogue cultivator.

For his own safety, Fang Jingxuan calmly gave up Lin Xiaoqian, Baizhu, and everything in the Holy Infant Sect.

On the one hand, these things were not of great importance to Fang Jingxuan; they were easily obtained, so he wouldn't feel bad about losing them.

If it were Tuoyuan or Liugu who were detained, Fang Jingxuan certainly wouldn't have just left so easily.

On the other hand, with Bai Zhu outmatched, Fang Jingxuan did not want to completely reveal his strength.

Although there are three Foundation Establishment warriors on my side, can we really capture them all by joining forces with Bai Zhu?
Unless he can kill all five of them, if even one of them escapes and the news leaks out, Fang Jingxuan will immediately become the target that the three major forces—the Four Seas Society, the Xuan Shui Society, and the Thousand Suns Sect—must eliminate.

Even if we kill them all, we can't kill the people on our side, the Qi Refining cultivators on that ship, can we? And will Bai Zhu keep it a secret for us?

As the saying goes, "The most outstanding tree in the forest will be felled first." Look at the fate of Bai Zhu. He was just a bit too high-profile in recent years, which attracted four Foundation Establishment cultivators to join forces against him.

He had only concealed most of his strength when he fought in the arena, and had only sent Li Guanxiang to distract him.

This is the consequence of completely exposing one's strength. Therefore, Fang Jingxuan subconsciously conceals his strength, hoping that the enemy will misjudge him, thus making the crises he encounters in the future smaller and giving him more chances of survival.

As a self-taught cultivator, essentially without a powerful sect or a strong master to rely on, Fang Jingxuan's worries never subsided.

To avoid trouble and never take the lead is the proper self-cultivation for a wandering cultivator.

Those cultivators who think they can turn the tide and be the first to stand out in everything may succeed for a while and gain great fame and fortune, but in the long run, can they turn danger into safety and get through every crisis safely in ten, thirty or fifty years?

Only those cultivators who survive have a future. A genius like Bai Zhu has shone brightly in recent years, earning the praise of many Foundation Establishment cultivators and the respect of many low-level Qi Refining cultivators in the Holy Infant Sect. But after this, who will remember him after another ten or twenty years?

On Tuoyuan's back, Fang Jingxuan pondered many things along the way. The path of cultivation was not easy, especially for a rogue cultivator like himself. Every step he took was even more difficult.

Ask yourself honestly, what exactly makes you stronger than other cultivators?
Is it the data-driven dashboard that's the key to success?

Does having this advantage mean one can act with impunity?

No, it's not like that. It's the diligence and hard work of the early stage of Qi Refining, earning the first batch of spirit stones by ferrying passengers and soliciting business. It's also the social skills of the middle stage of Qi Refining, currying favor with Wei Tong and using his influence to get things done. It's also the realization of reality in the later stage of Qi Refining, where, with enough spirit stones, I devoted myself to cultivation for seven or eight years, which led to who I am today.

Looking back on his journey, Fang Jingxuan felt that his understanding had been constantly changing. At first, he only wanted to make money by ferrying people peacefully. Later, he longed for the stability of a government job and the false power. Then, he devoted himself to cultivation, solely in pursuit of power.

And now, I've finally become that kind of person I used to hate—selfish, greedy, and only concerned with personal gain, a shrew who only weighs the pros and cons when faced with a situation.

All of Fang Jingxuan's actions just now were subconscious, and after realizing this, he didn't feel that he had done anything wrong.

Selfishness is not terrible; what is terrible is hypocritical selfishness. Fang Jingxuan is well aware of what he has become. In order to achieve immortality and to see a higher view, he must give up many things in his life, qualities that are unacceptable to ordinary people.

Three days later, Fang Jingxuan arrived at the territory of Lianshuimen. Without the burden of the cargo ship, Tuoyuan traveled at a rapid pace. What would have been a journey of more than half a month could now be completed in three days without Tuoyuan needing to rest.

The loss of a shipload of goods, worth over a thousand high-grade spirit stones, was a serious responsibility. Furthermore, given the current precarious state of the Holy Infant Sect, which was struggling to survive, Fang Jingxuan had no intention of returning to the sect to request punishment.

Fang Jingxuan didn't take Li Guanxiang's recruitment of the Xuanshui Society seriously; joining him now would be treason.

A traitor is more hateful than an enemy. Not only will the Holy Infant Sect be watching him to kill, but the Xuan Shui Society will also not be able to completely trust Fang Jingxuan.

Most likely, they want him to pledge his loyalty and urge him to fight against the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Holy Infant Sect.

Being disliked by both sides and posing a high risk, Fang Jingxuan was not out of his mind, which is why he didn't even consider Li Guanxiang's offer of recruitment.

Unless these four factions fight to the death, and Fang Jingxuan joins at that time, taking advantage of the many deaths of Foundation Establishment cultivators, he will not be highly valued or receive more benefits.

Before that, stay away as far as you can; don't be foolish as cannon fodder.

It's a bit of a pity that the promised income from the phosphorus spirit mine—fifty high-grade spirit stones per year—is now completely gone.

After entering the territory of Lianshuimen, Fang Jingxuan found an inn to rest and then calculated the spirit stones and wealth he had left.

The five hundred high-grade spirit stones promised back then, as well as the profits from the phosphorus spirit mine over the past five years, were mostly exchanged by Fang Jingxuan for Xuanming True Qi and refined.

Of this, nearly two hundred catties were used by Fang Jingxuan to exchange for Yellow Spring True Water with Jue Yunzi.

Now, Fang Jingxuan's storage bag is almost empty of spirit stones, but fortunately, at the last moment, he managed to collect a full bag of high-grade spirit ore. If he sells it, he can get back about thirty high-grade spirit stones.

Cultivation is a one-way street that constantly consumes resources. The higher one's cultivation level, the more scarce the spirit stones become. Thirty high-grade spirit stones were something Fang Jingxuan would never have dared to dream of back in the Red Leaf Workshop. Now, he feels that it would barely last him a year or two.

Over the next two days, Fang Jingxuan went to several trading companies and sold all the spirit ore. For Fang Jingxuan, who had the Foundation Establishment cultivation level, this was not a troublesome matter.

If Fang Jingxuan were still only at the Qi Refining stage, then he would have to put a lot of effort into slowly distributing these spirit ores.

With the spirit stones, Fang Jingxuan felt more confident, but he did not choose to stay in Lian Shuimen any longer.

As the sect with the closest dealings with the Holy Infant Sect and the Four Seas Society, Fang Jingxuan felt that this place was not very safe.

Thinking of one of his original purposes, Fang Jingxuan adjusted his emotions and went to the place where Baishan and Qiyun meet, which is also the largest immortal city in the vicinity, Qifu City.

Within the City of Artifacts, five Golden Core cultivators reside: Kuai Tong, Qi Wushuang, Luo Feng, Liu Wenxian, and Zhang Xianling.

With such a lineup, Qifu City is undoubtedly the overlord of the surrounding 70,000 to 80,000 li territory.

Compared to that, the Dan Ding Sect back then was nothing. The current city lord of Qi Fu City is Kuai Tong, a late-stage Golden Core cultivator, with unparalleled wisdom and ruthless methods. Under his leadership, Qi Fu City's territory has expanded considerably in recent decades.

Fang Jingxuan stepped into the Artifact City and examined this immortal city. Compared to the Bomu City he had seen before, the Artifact City was clearly inferior.

Even so, considering that there are at least five Golden Core cultivators in charge of this city, its significance is immense.

Using the same skills he had learned before, Fang Jingxuan successfully found Wang Xuan's residence and went to pay his respects.

Faced with the request of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, the gatekeeper of Wang Xuan's residence was not as indifferent as before, but warmly welcomed Fang Jingxuan inside.

"Are you seeking elixirs or medicines, sir? Or do you have high-grade spiritual herbs for sale? My master is always fair and will never treat you unfairly."

The gatekeeper led the way, chattering incessantly, showing no respect whatsoever for the Foundation Establishment cultivators. Clearly, in the past, those who came and went were all Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Fang Jingxuan smiled but did not answer, and had nothing to say to the gatekeeper. After being led to the reception room, the gatekeeper withdrew, and then several beautiful maids came forward to serve spiritual tea and fruits.

"Fellow Daoist, you look very familiar. Have we met before?"

Wang Xuan walked out from behind, and when he saw Fang Jingxuan again, his expression was somewhat hesitant.

"Master Wang, you really have a bad memory. Do you still remember that someone bought a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill from you using a book on the Art of Substitution?"

After a few words of reminder from Fang Jingxuan, Wang Xuan finally realized that the powerful Foundation Establishment cultivator in front of him was actually the Qi Refining cultivator who had sought medicine eight years ago.

"I really can't tell. The changes in cultivation are so great. We haven't seen each other for so many years. It's already quite remarkable that I can recognize you."

Wang Xuan said with a smile, his attitude less condescending and more approachable than it had been eight years ago.

Although Wang Xuan was optimistic that Fang Jingxuan could achieve Foundation Establishment after their brief encounter and transaction, there are no absolutes in such matters.

Moreover, Fang Jingxuan had been missing for eight years. If he hadn't come looking for him now, Wang Xuan would have just thought that there was another pitiful person in the world who had failed to establish his foundation.

"I must thank Master Wang for his generosity. The top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill is very effective, especially the one you refined."

Fang Jingxuan offered a few words of flattery at the right time, which pleased Wang Xuan greatly. After the two exchanged a few words, Fang Jingxuan revealed his purpose.

"You want to learn the art of refining Water Spirit Liquid? This..."

Wang Xuan looked troubled, and after thinking for a moment, he shook his head:

"The art of alchemy is the foundation of every alchemist's livelihood, and it is not easily passed on to outsiders. Even my disciples are tested for character for ten years, and only after ten years of apprenticeship will I be taught some of the techniques. We are not related, so I really cannot easily pass on such techniques to you."

Fang Jingxuan had anticipated this situation. It would be best if he could master this skill, but if he couldn't, he could only settle for second best and have Wang Xuan refine the Extreme Yin Moon Essence True Water.

"I was being presumptuous. In that case, I would like to ask Master Wang to help me refine a kind of true water. This is the raw material."

Fang Jingxuan handed over a bottle of Moon Essence Dew. After Wang Xuan took it and studied it with great interest for a few moments, he said:

"I'll try to refine it for a while, but I can't guarantee it will go smoothly. I can only do my best."

Fang Jingxuan understood this line of reasoning; it was like a doctor's pre-operative consultation—who would dare to give a complete guarantee?
Even a minor surgery requires signing various terms and conditions. However, this is the cultivation world, and alchemists like Wang Xuan value their reputation highly. They would never dare to resort to underhanded tactics for a little bit of Moon Dew.

"Then I will await good news."

After leaving Wang Xuan, Fang Jingxuan counted the spirit stones in his storage bag. He had just given Wang Xuan five high-grade spirit stones as a deposit to cover the cost of various auxiliary materials used in extracting the true water.

There are still twenty-four high-grade spirit stones left, and if these spirit stones are used sparingly, they can be used to rent a place in this Artifact City for many years.

However, if it's used to rent a cave for cultivation, then this amount of spirit stones is completely insufficient.

Although the second-tier superior spiritual vein cave here is not as good as Bomu City, it still yields five or six superior spirit stones a year.

This was just the cost of renting the cave dwelling; Fang Jingxuan hadn't even calculated the other major expenses yet.

Without a second-tier spiritual cave for cultivation, Fang Jingxuan felt that his cultivation progress was only about ten points a day. At this rate, he might not be able to break through to the third level of Foundation Establishment even in fifteen years.

Therefore, a second-tier superior-grade cave dwelling is my current necessity. In addition, I also need spirit stones to purchase indispensable resources such as pills, Xuanming True Qi, and Tuoyuan spiritual food.

Previously, within the Holy Infant Sect, there were offerings within the sect and profits from phosphate mines. In a year, one could easily earn at least seventy or eighty high-grade spirit stones.

At this moment, Fang Jingxuan only had twenty-four high-grade spirit stones. Every one he spent was one less. His immediate priority was to figure out how to earn more spirit stones.

Walking on the wide streets of Qifu City, Fang Jingxuan kept thinking about these things. Of all the arts of cultivation, apart from talismans, he was completely ignorant of the others.

His knowledge of talismans had been neglected during his daily cultivation and meditation. Now he was only at the level of a first-grade high-level talisman master, and the talismans he drew were basically for use by Qi Refining cultivators.

So how can one earn spirit stones steadily, sustainably, and in large quantities?
After pondering for a long time, Fang Jingxuan recalled the splendor of the Chu family in Red Leaf Workshop back then.

Although the Chu family only has four Foundation Establishment cultivators, they can command thousands of Qi Refining cultivators, form military formations, and have thousands of Qi Refining cultivators at their disposal.

Red Leaf Workshop's annual income is consistently several hundred high-grade spirit stones. In addition, the Chu family's spirit fields, mines, and animal pens also generate substantial profits, and there are numerous vassal families they can exploit.

As fellow Foundation Establishment cultivators, and even with superior combat power, why can't I occupy a territory, like the Chu family, dominate a corner, reap the benefits of the land, and enjoy their tribute?

Upon reading this, Fang Jingxuan gradually realized that building power was like dealing with chamber pots: when needed, they must be used without hesitation, but once they were no longer needed, or even when they felt it would dirty their hands, they could be thrown away and left.

As the saying goes, all things are available to me, but the path of immortality values ​​private interests and cannot tolerate the slightest pity.

(End of this chapter)