Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

Shen Mo did not make a decision immediately. Instead, he calmed his mind and carefully picked up the jade slip containing the "Qi-Guiding Technique," attempting to probe it with a wisp of his divine sense.

Immediately, a vast and orthodox thought flowed into his mind. Although it was only a few words at the beginning, it explained the most fundamental principle of the circulation of spiritual energy, which was far more systematic and exquisite than the incomplete cultivation method that Su Xiao was currently practicing!

You really do get what you pay for! Wan Juan Lou's reputation is well-deserved.

He then examined the jade slip titled "First Understanding of Herbs," the contents of which were equally solid and fundamental, exactly the "textbook" that the sect urgently needed.

Shen Mo fell into deep thought. Spirit stones are hard to come by, but investing in "knowledge" and "foundation" is the most worthwhile.

With orthodox cultivation methods, disciples can go further; with knowledge of elixirs, the sect can have the ability to generate its own resources.

With a determined look, Shen Mo made a decision instantly: "I want the two jade slips, 'Qi Induction Technique' and 'Elementary Knowledge of Herbs'."

A hint of appreciation appeared in the steward's eyes. A sect leader who could invest so decisively in the foundation of the sect was a rare sight in the lower levels of the cultivation world.

He skillfully took out two new, well-sealed jade slips and said, "Fellow Daoist, this totals forty-five low-grade spirit stones. Since this is your first time patronizing my shop, I can waive the change and charge you forty stones."

Five spirit stones were removed in one go! This level of discount was beyond Shen Mo's expectations and also showed the generosity of Wan Juan Lou.

He readily paid the spirit stones and carefully put away the two heavy jade slips. This cost him almost all of the profits from selling the pills, but he felt it was well worth it!

As I left the Ten Thousand Scrolls Pavilion, the steward handed me a small wooden talisman engraved with the words "Ten Thousand Scrolls," promising, "If you need any more books in the future, you can enjoy a 10% discount at our store by presenting this talisman."

Shen Mo thanked him and accepted the gift. Establishing contact with Wan Juan Lou was of great significance.

After his shopping spree, Shen Mo had very few spirit stones left. But he felt a sense of peace in his heart.

Food, building materials, and knowledge—the most basic elements for the sect's survival and development—have all been initially prepared.

As the sun set and the market lights began to twinkle, Shen Mo stood at the east entrance of the market, watching the shop assistants from "Baiguyuan" and "Shimuxuan" bring in the purchased supplies, which piled up like a small mountain.

He rented a simple mule cart and loaded the goods.

Shen Mo drove the creaking mule cart loaded with supplies away from Qingtai Market and embarked on his journey back to Qingyun Mountain.

As dusk settled and the mountain breeze grew cooler, the rumbling of wheels on the rugged mountain road was exceptionally clear in the silent wilderness.

Unlike when he arrived alone and filled with trepidation, he now felt a sense of peace and hope, even though he was travel-worn.

The truck was loaded not only with grain and building materials, but also with the foundation for Qingyun Sect's rebirth.

He subtly moved his senses and quietly scanned his surroundings. He could feel some subtle gazes following him in the dark—some curious, some inquisitive, and perhaps even some with ill intentions.

But after several confrontations in the market, Shen Mo's mindset is now different. He is no longer as cautious as he was at the beginning, but has gained a sense of calm and vigilance. As long as he doesn't provoke anyone, he can sit back and relax.

They walked in silence until the moon was high in the sky, when finally the familiar, dilapidated yet vibrant mountain gate of Qingyun Mountain came into view.

Before the mountain gate, a burly figure paced anxiously back and forth; it was Shi Tie. Hearing the sound of wheels in the distance, he rushed over like an arrow, his face full of anticipation and worry.

"Sect Leader! You're finally back!" Shi Tie's voice was gruff with relief and joy. "Junior Sister Su, A Yuan, and I were so worried! Did anything happen to you in the market?"

Immediately afterward, Su Xiao also heard the sound and quickly walked out of the main hall carrying a lantern, followed by A Yuan, who was sleepy-eyed but trying to be energetic.

Seeing Shen Mo safe and sound, and the mountain of supplies piled up in the car, Su Xiao's beautiful eyes instantly lit up with surprise. A Yuan also rubbed her eyes, a happy expression on her face.

"No problem, everything went smoothly." Shen Mo jumped out of the car, a tired but relieved smile on his face. "Come on, let's move the things inside first."

"Alright!" Shi Tie's voice was loud and clear, full of energy. He immediately stepped forward, effortlessly hoisted the heaviest bag of black chestnuts, and then picked up the salted meat with one hand, striding towards the warehouse.

Su Xiao and A Yuan also rushed forward to help carry the lighter rice, noodles, and salt.

Watching his junior brothers and sisters busy and full of energy, Shen Mo felt a warm glow in his heart. This was his sect, and his disciples, though small and weak, were united in purpose.

The supplies were brought in and filled up almost half of the previously empty warehouse.

Looking at the substantial grain and supplies, Shi Tie rubbed his hands together, chuckled, and exclaimed happily, "That's great! We won't go hungry anymore!"

Su Xiao carefully checked and registered everything, her eyes filled with anticipation for the future.

Shen Mo gathered the three of them beside the Spirit Eye, where the spiritual energy was so calming. He first took out the two jade slips wrapped in oilcloth, his expression solemn.

"Junior Sister Xiao, Junior Brother Tie, and A Yuan." Shen Mo's gaze swept over the three of them. "This is the most important gain I made on this trip down the mountain, and it concerns the very foundation of the Qingyun Sect's lineage."

He handed the jade slip containing the "Qi-Inducing Technique" to Su Xiao: "Junior Sister Xiao, your original cultivation method is incomplete. This is the orthodox foundation-building method, which is crucial for your breakthrough to the second level of Qi Refining and even your future path. Take it and study it carefully."

Su Xiao accepted the jade slip with trembling hands, feeling the profound meaning contained within. Her eyes reddened with emotion, and she bowed deeply in gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Senior Brother Sect Leader! Xiao'er will certainly live up to your expectations!"

He then looked at A-Yuan and said gently, "A-Yuan, you are still young. Right now, you should focus on sensing spiritual energy and cultivating your character. You can study this jade slip, 'First Encounter with Herbs,' with your Senior Sister Su. Identifying herbs is also a form of cultivation."

A-Yuan nodded obediently and whispered, "A-Yuan will study hard."

Shen Mo nodded, then looked at Shi Tie: "Junior Brother Tie, you are straightforward and have a strong physique, which makes you suitable to continue body tempering. However, good body tempering techniques are extremely hard to find. I will prepare one for you when I come across one. For now, you should continue practicing the previous method."

Shi Tie didn't mind at all: "Sect Leader! It's alright. My body-refining technique is still in its infancy, so all techniques are the same!"

After assigning tasks, Shen Mo solemnly instructed: "Starting tomorrow, Junior Brother Tie will oversee the repair of the main hall; Junior Sister Xiao will coordinate resources, study cultivation techniques, and attempt to refine the Bigu Pill; A Yuan will assist your Senior Sister Su in tending the herb garden and comprehending the spiritual plants."

"The path to the revival of our Qingyun Sect begins with the first step. I hope all my fellow disciples will work diligently and tirelessly to overcome these difficult times together!"

"Yes! Sect Leader (Senior Brother)!" The three responded in unison, their voices filled with an unprecedented sense of unity and mission.