Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

Chapter 193: Chapter 190: Obtaining the Pill

Inside the stone room, both Xia Yuhuan and her sister were seated cross-legged on the Pudun.

The concentration of Spiritual Qi in the Tier Two Spiritual Vein posed no pressure for the two Qi Refining Disciples to cultivate together in one room.

A peculiar fluctuation arose nearby, prompting Xia Yu Lian to instinctively halt her cultivation to investigate.

She felt the strong Spiritual Pressure emanating from her sister, her eyes flickered with a complex mix of joy and disappointment.

They had been at Red Flame Peak for five years now.

With the same Cultivation Technique, consuming the same Pill, similar medication frequency, and nearly identical daily cultivation duration.

Yet, her sister had broken through, while she felt the bottleneck required more time to polish.

During the entrance test, they had the same qualifications, but now it seemed her sister was indeed superior.

Xia Yuhuan finished her cultivation just as she met her sister’s gaze.

Xia Yu Lian immediately reined in her emotions, putting on a smile, and softly said:

“Congratulations on breaking through the bottleneck and reaching the Ninth-Layer Qi Refining.”

Three realms in five years; that’s a remarkable speed.

“Congratulations to you too; you will break through soon.”

Xia Yuhuan giggled, having reached the Ninth-Layer Qi Refining, it was time to prepare for Foundation Establishment.

She was only 22 years old, with plenty of time.

She inwardly sighed, cultivating in the Tier Two Spiritual Vein, the speed of improvement was genuinely fast, consuming only four to five Pills every month.

“I still have a way to go.”

Xia Yu Lian’s expression was somewhat unnatural, shifting the conversation:

“Now facing the issue of exchanging for Foundation Establishment Pill, with our own efforts, it will take at least seven to eight years.

To obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill, waiting in line is still necessary, better plan early.”

“I can only borrow some from Junior Martial Uncle, but over the years, I’ve only accumulated a bit over nine hundred Spirit Stones, the gap is too large.

Alas, had I known, I wouldn’t have eaten that Celestial Essence Pear, could have sold it for some Spirit Stones.”

Xia Yu Lian gently shook her head:

“How many Spirit Stones can one Spirit Fruit sell for? I still have some, you can use them first.”

“When you reach the Ninth-Layer Qi Refining, you will also face the issue of exchanging for Foundation Establishment Pill. I can’t take your Spirit Stones.

I’ll find a chance to ask Junior Martial Uncle, hoping he considers our years of hard work and lends some.”

Xia Yuhuan knew she wasn’t as valuable in Junior Martial Uncle’s eyes compared to Huang Feihu and Liang Hill, fearing that asking might not yield Spirit Stones but rather displeasure from Junior Martial Uncle.

She needed to carefully consider how to speak so that she wouldn’t be refused.

…

The next day, at 7:00 AM.

Huang Xuan stepped forward with the Flying Shuttle, saying:

“Junior Martial Uncle, yesterday we delivered Celestial Essence Pear to all the Junior Martial Uncles; Senior Martial Uncle Zhang Yuanshan, Senior Martial Uncle Mo Mountain, and Junior Martial Uncle Zhao Mengyao were not in their Grotto Mansion.”

Ji An slightly nodded, saying:

“Thank you for your efforts; I will go out today. You each perform your duties.

Yu Han, prepare some Celestial Essence Pear and put them in the Brocade Box, with ten pieces in one box, and four pieces in another.”

He was somewhat surprised, seeing that Liu Yu and others were in the Grotto Mansion, an opportunity to meet and strengthen bonds.

“Yes,” everyone responded, and Xia Yuhuan ran to the warehouse to prepare.

Once Ji An received the Brocade Box, he swiftly navigated eastward with the Flying Shuttle.

The mountains were lush, with temples and Grotto Mansions embedded within, sometimes sighting disciples riding Flying Birds or Talisman Birds.

After more than a double hour of flight, Ji An descended onto the midsection of Ningcui Cliff.

This journey alone cost dozens of Spirit Stones.

“Master, the Celestial Essence Pear planted at Red Flame Peak has matured, bringing some for you to taste.”

Ji An smiled as he presented the Brocade Box, knowing this Water Element Spirit Fruit was especially beneficial for Master.

“It’s rare for you to think of me; I am pleased.

Your Cultivation is progressing, and Red Flame Peak has stable productivity; among the disciples, you’re living quite comfortably.”

Ge Ying’s eyes revealed a kind smile, personally accepting and opening the Brocade Box.

Spirit Fruits were plentiful; she was delighted that her disciple always remembered her, sharing the produce from the Grotto Mansion.

Spiritual Apricots, Spiritual Peaches, Pine Nuts, Mulberries, and even freshly prepared Spirit Fish were still warm upon delivery.

She handed the box to the maid, instructing:

“Wash a plate, and store the rest in the warehouse.”

She turned to seriously assess her disciple, nodded with satisfaction, saying:

“Breaking through to the Fifth-Layer Foundation Establishment so quickly, your Refinement of Spiritual Objects must have sped up again?”

Though a question, her tone was assured.

“Indeed, I have fewer related Spiritual Objects at hand, needing further exchanges from the Secret Vault.”

Ge Ying slightly nodded, took out her Jade Token, and asked:

“Are the Pills sufficient?”

The sect supplied Cyan Lotus Pill to cultivators practicing Evergreen Wood Skill, this Water and Wood dual-element Spirit Pill enough to elevate cultivators to Late-stage Foundation Establishment.

Being one of the sect’s strongest Alchemists herself, also practicing Evergreen Wood Skill, she knew the situations disciples would face.

Ji An grinned, saying:

“Not quite enough; the sect distributes just over ten pieces; I purchase another twenty to thirty from other sect Alchemists and more from Zhen Dan Workshop, yet there’s still a significant gap.”

Wood Element cultivators practicing at Red Flame Peak have their Magical Power refined and purified, thus taking Pills constantly for rapid progress.

“The sect recently assigned me the task of refining Cyan Lotus Pill; I happened to save some; you can take them.”

Ge Ying took out two Jade Bottles containing eighteen Pills.

“Master, how many do I pay with Spirit Stones?”

“Do I need your Spirit Stones? Did I ask for Spirit Stones for the Spirit Fruits and Spirit Wine you brought? Take this!”

Ge Ying feigned anger. Every year, she received gifts from her disciples, which amounted to at least a hundred Spirit Stones.

“Thank you for the reward, Master!”

Ji An grinned, obediently took the Jade Bottle, and carefully stored it away.

“That’s more like it.”

“Master, when will the Sect’s Tier Two Top-grade Spirit Peach Tree bear fruit? I want to plant more Spirit Peaches.”

Ji An asked. Now that he had gained some status in the Sect, he had discussed with Senior Brother Ye about planting Spirit Fruit Trees in areas previously used for Spirit Medicine cultivation, as they were easier to manage.

His counterpart agreed, but required that all the seeds be Tier Two or above, so they could be planted as the Spirit Medicines were gradually harvested.

Ge Ying pondered:

“By my calculations, it will mature in another fourteen or fifteen years.

By then, Late-stage Foundation Establishment Spirit Farmers will be gifted two seeds each. I can keep the ones I receive for you.

Early and Mid-stage Foundation Establishment Spirit Farmers will need to exchange Contribution Points for them. If you wish to plant more, you’ll need to apply to the Diligence Hall, and they may grant you a few more seeds, but it’s not guaranteed they’ll have extras.”

It’s not as though Tier Two Top-grade seeds will necessarily produce Spirit Trees of the same level. Generally speaking, reaching Tier Two Middle Grade is already quite good.

A maid brought a fruit platter, silently placing it on the table and quietly withdrew.

“Thank you, Master, I’ve already spoken with Senior Brother Ye from the Diligence Hall, and he will do his best to secure more seeds for me.

There’s another matter I wish to consult with you, Master, do you know any methods for cultivating the Soul Nourishing Wood?”

“By chance, I’ve obtained a Soul Nourishing Wood and am troubled with how to cultivate it quickly.”

Ji An couldn’t hide a smile as he recounted how he acquired the Soul Nourishing Wood, its current growth environment, and his cultivation methods in detail.

“It seems you’re in luck, sitting in the Sect with treasure plants delivered to your doorstep!”

Ge Ying believed that this disciple carried a certain amount of fortune, having encountered the eruption of Red Flame Peak and still managed to acquire a treasure plant.

“The Soul Nourishing Wood is one of the mystical trees in the Cultivation Realm, and as far as I know, there’s no specific secret technique for its cultivation.

The Sect obtained a Soul Nourishing Wood and has been cultivating it for one hundred and twenty years; thirty years ago, it reached Tier Two Lower Grade. You’ll need to be mentally prepared.”

“Through observing the actual planting conditions, we found that the Thick Earth Returning Origin Spell works better on the Soul Nourishing Wood.

The Sect’s Soul Nourishing Wood is being cultivated by Junior Brother Lin Mao because he specializes in Earth Element Cultivation Method.”

“Junior Brother Lin’s cultivation method is similar to yours. He discovered that the Soul Nourishing Wood enjoys basking in the moonlight, so you need to carve a large enough opening to let in moonlight, which will aid the Spirit Wood.”

“Thank you, Master, for enlightening me.”

Ji An offered his gratitude, once again realizing the benefits of relying on the Sect. If he had to explore this on his own, he didn’t know how many years it would take to realize these insights.

The significance of legacy lies in allowing younger generations to stand on the shoulders of their predecessors.

“It’s good if it’s useful to you,” Ge Ying’s gaze grew ever more kindly.

She picked up a Celestial Essence Pear, took a gentle bite, savoring the aroma and Spiritual Power spreading between her teeth and lips.

…

Ji An slowed down the speed of the Flying Shuttle, navigating the specified route over Sunrise Peak, and finally landed at the Treasure Pavilion.

He stepped inside and called out:

“Junior Martial Uncle Jia, Spirit Wine is here!”

As he called out, he placed a five-jin jar of Tier Two Pine Nut Wine on the table.

“Hey, you’re always thoughtful.”

Jia Yu chuckled as he accepted the Spirit Wine, saying:

“Here to exchange for Spiritual Objects again? This time the refining speed is faster than before.”

Ji An visited once every half a year, and each time he brought a jar of Spirit Wine. Although Jia Yu never marked the exact dates, he could roughly calculate them.

Ji An demonstrated by releasing Spiritual Pressure, smiling:

“Fifth-Layer Foundation Establishment now, so it’s normal to be faster.”

A High-Tier Cultivator could use Divine Sense to scan and see the cultivation of Low-Tier Cultivators easily, but such an action would be rude, as no cultivator liked being “scanned” all the time.

“Good lad, that’s quite fast.”

Ji An handed over two Jade Tokens, then took out a green Jade Box:

“The usual: Azure Dragon Wood, Jade Wave Water, and Profound Yellow Soil. The quantity this time needs to be one and a half times more than before.

The box contains a few Tier One Top-grade Celestial Essence Pears, which I cultivated. Please have a taste, Junior Martial Uncle.”

“Excellent, I see you’re thinking of me when there are benefits, I’ll go fetch them for you.”

Jia Yu went into the Secret Vault and peeked out shortly after, saying:

“We’re out of Jade Wave Water, so we’ll substitute Trickle Spirit Water; there’s not enough Azure Dragon Wood; the next batch of Spirit Wood will need three to four years. Do you want to substitute with other Spirit Wood?”

“Never mind, without Azure Dragon Wood, I’ll go back and cut some Clear Spirit Bamboo to make do.”

This was the first time Ji An encountered a shortage of Spiritual Objects.

Jia Yu soon came out with a Storage Bag, saying:

“Count it carefully; once you leave from here, I won’t acknowledge any discrepancies.”

Ji An quickly counted through the items and stored the Spiritual Objects in his own Storage Bag.

“Junior Martial Uncle, the count is correct, but the Supply of Spiritual Objects in the Secret Vault is beginning to run short?”

“In the past six months, two disciples who cultivate the Wood Element Cultivation Method have broken through to the Mid-stage Foundation Establishment. A few more years, and other Spirit Woods will also face shortages.

As more cultivators break through, the shortages of Spiritual Objects will become more severe in the future.

The Sect’s Spiritual Vein upgrade can produce more Spiritual Objects, but it will also enable more disciples to break through.

These resources have never truly been enough.”

Jia Yu sighed and then asked:

“Do you remember when you mentioned planting Azure Dragon Wood? What’s the status now?”

“I’ve planted ten Spirit Woods, all cultivated to Tier One Top Grade.

Since it’s the first time planting them, I’m unsure how long it will take to cultivate them to Tier Two.”