"One million spirit stones!" Qin Changsheng began to ponder.
Soon, three feasible paths clearly appeared in his mind, and Qin Changsheng began to analyze the pros and cons of each.
The first method was to draw and sell talismans.
In the cultivation world, talismans were essential for cultivators. Whether it was for Qi Refining stage disciples to defend themselves or Foundation Establishment stage cultivators to replenish their combat power, various talismans were indispensable. Market demand was strong, seemingly a safe way to earn spirit stones.
However, Qin Changsheng knew in his heart that this path was simply not feasible for him.
He could only draw the most basic fireball talisman. This type of talisman was of low grade, only suitable for early Qi Refining stage disciples, with limited power and a very low price. Even a fireball talisman in perfect condition could only sell for twenty or thirty spirit sands.
Even with the golden attribute [Cultivation], which allowed Qin Changsheng to obtain five fireball talismans, it ultimately could not change their low grade and low value.
To earn one million spirit stones using Fireball Talismans, one would need to draw hundreds of thousands, requiring immeasurable time and effort. Moreover, the market for Fireball Talismans is highly saturated; even with numerous talismans, not all could be sold.
Considering this, Qin Changsheng gently shook his head, immediately rejecting the talisman-drawing path.
The second method was to refine and sell pills.
Compared to talismans, pills were more valuable and in greater demand, especially those suitable for low-level cultivators, which were often in short supply. If he could mass-produce them, the speed at which he could earn spirit stones would far exceed that of drawing talismans.
Furthermore, he could refine Qi Gathering Pills.
Qi Gathering Pills were the core pills for Qi Refining stage disciples, accelerating spiritual energy absorption and stabilizing their cultivation foundation. They were extremely sought after in the market, with one Qi Gathering Pill costing approximately one low-grade spirit stone, and those of exceptional quality even fetching ten.
With the golden attribute "Cultivation" enhancing his abilities, he could harvest five Qi Gathering Pills each time, a profit far superior to drawing talismans.
However, amidst his delight, a thorny problem arose: the core ingredient for Qi Gathering Pills, Spirit Gathering Grass, was extremely scarce.
Spirit Gathering Grass was often in short supply, driving up prices.
Qin Changsheng currently had only enough Spirit Gathering Grass to refine a dozen batches of Qi Gathering Pills. Even if he exhausted all the herbs, he would only earn a few thousand spirit stones, far short of his goal of one million.
To refine Qi Gathering Pills in large quantities, he needed a continuous supply of Spirit Gathering Grass. However, whether gathering it himself or purchasing it, it was extremely difficult, and the time and cost might not be lower than other methods.
Therefore, while refining Qi Gathering Pills seemed feasible, it was unlikely to achieve his goal of earning one million spirit stones. Qin Changsheng temporarily shelved this path.
Having rejected two methods in succession, Qin Changsheng was not discouraged. Instead, he continued to ponder, his gaze slowly settling on a third method—mining spirit stones.
In the cultivation world, spirit stone mines are the primary source of spirit stones. Whether it's a sect or a rogue cultivator, mining is one of the most direct and reliable ways to obtain large quantities of spirit stones. Even though the process is tedious, its stability and lack of barriers to entry make it a worthwhile option.
He is now at the fourth level of the Foundation Establishment stage, possessing keen spiritual sense and abundant magical power. His mining efficiency far surpasses that of ordinary Qi Refining disciples, even exceeding that of some ordinary mining cultivators.
Moreover, he can venture into medium or large spirit stone mines near the Heavenly Sword Sect. These mines have abundant spirit stone reserves and higher production efficiency. With sufficient time and effort, continuously mining and earning a million spirit stones is not impossible.
More importantly, mining does not rely on scarce medicinal herbs or complex techniques. He only needs sufficient strength to handle potential conflicts with demonic beasts or other mining cultivators within the mines.
Qin Changsheng's cultivation level is now quite high, and with the added benefit of the golden cultivation attribute, each dig yields five spirit stones.
With his and his avatar's diligent efforts, they can also harvest several hundred, even several thousand, spirit stones per day.
This million spirit stones can be achieved in just a few years.
Moreover, mining spirit stones, though tedious and monotonous, is stable and efficient, requiring no external aids. With perseverance, one can gradually approach the goal of one million spirit stones.
Just then, a faint ray of spiritual light streaked towards them from afar, moving with incredible speed.
The light was small and exquisite, entirely white, a communication talisman commonly used by cultivators in the cultivation world to relay messages.
Qin Changsheng's expression shifted slightly. He subtly condensed a wisp of gentle spiritual energy and gently guided the flying communication talisman, which landed steadily in his palm.
The aura of this communication talisman wasn't directed at him personally, but rather faintly connected to Hu Nan's aura, clearly intended for Hu Nan's avatar.
He slowly closed his eyes, a wisp of refined divine sense quietly emerging, gently probing into the communication talisman in his palm, activating the spiritual energy within to unlock the hidden message.
As his divine sense was channeled in, the communication talisman vibrated slightly, and a soft female voice slowly entered Qin Changsheng's consciousness: "Junior Brother Hu Nan, this afternoon is the Foundation Establishment Gathering. Please proceed to Qingyun Tower."
Qin Changsheng slowly opened his eyes, a knowing glint in them.
He had also attended this gathering last year.
At that gathering, he had heard a great deal of news.
It was also at this gathering that Qin Changsheng had exchanged the Millennium Profound Iron from Lin Hao.
Moreover, this gathering was attended by Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Qin Changsheng could also glean some important information from them.
He might even be able to exchange some useful treasures from these Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Thinking of this, Qin Changsheng used his divine sense to contact his avatar Hu Nan, instructing him to go to Qingyun Tower.
...
Qingyun Tower was bustling with activity.
Every year at this time, many fellow townsmen gather at Qingyun Tower.
Qin Changsheng's fellow townsmen from Beihai County often gathered here.
However, after Qin Changsheng established his Foundation Establishment, he stopped attending those gatherings.
Those townsmen always looked down on Qin Changsheng.
Naturally, Qin Changsheng didn't bother to look after them.
The first and second floors of Qingyun Tower were reserved for outer sect disciples.
The fourth floor of Qingyun Tower was reserved for high-level cultivators, offering quiet and secluded private rooms, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle downstairs. Ordinary cultivators had no right to enter.
Hu Nan, dressed in a purple sect robe, headed towards the fourth floor.
Along the way, many outer sect disciples bowed to Hu Nan upon seeing him.
Hu Nan also encountered Zhang Han, Lin Yao, Zhao Lei, and others on the second floor.
Their gazes towards Hu Nan were filled with jealousy and envy.
However, Hu Nan didn't linger, instead heading straight for a private room on the fourth floor.
The room was decorated in a simple yet elegant style, with a round wooden table in the center. On the table were exquisite tea snacks and spiritual tea, the steam rising gently and emitting a faint fragrance.
Beside the wooden table sat more than ten cultivators, all at the Foundation Establishment stage, their auras calm and composed.
As soon as Hu Nan entered, he felt several gazes fall upon him simultaneously—some gentle, some scrutinizing, and one extremely cold and sharp, carrying obvious hostility.
Qin Changsheng immediately understood; this hostile gaze must belong to Lin Hao.
After all, last year, Hu Nan had thoroughly tricked Lin Hao.
With just over a hundred spirit stones, he exchanged Lin Hao's millennium-old black iron for it.
"Senior Brother Hu..."
"Senior Brother Hu, we've been waiting for you!"
"Senior Brother Hu, when are you going to refine your natal magic weapon?"
Upon seeing Hu Nan arrive, everyone rose to greet him.
They were extremely envious of Hu Nan.
After all, last year, Hu Nan had exchanged millennium-old black iron for the refinement master's insights into refining natal magic weapons.
He also received an invitation from the Imperial Sword Manor.