Time flies, and more than half a year has passed.
"The three kinds of superior wood-attribute spells, Wood Escape Technique, Wood Stake Technique, and Canopy Technique are finally perfected!"
Lin Donglai combined the perfected runes of the Wood Needle Technique, Wood Spike Technique, and Wood Stake Technique.
A faint image of Foundation Establishment appeared, which actually transformed into the supreme spell [Giant Wood Divine Needle].
This was extracted from an entire century-old giant tree, first condensed into a large wooden stake, then into a wooden spike, and finally transformed into a wooden needle. The essence of the entire century-old giant tree was fused into this needle.
It is more like a one-time magic weapon than a supreme spell. It can be continuously refined to increase its power. When it is cast, once it enters the human body, it will quickly expand and burst the person.
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The needle's surface faintly bore runes, which Lin Donglai had incorporated into the "Nurturing Technique," causing the giant tree's power to be contained. This made the giant tree needle resemble a needle-shaped seed, unlikely to erupt unless touched, thus preventing it from becoming a one-time use item.
"Refining it with weapon-forging techniques, continuously absorbing century-old spiritual wood, it can continue to increase its power, even truly becoming a top-grade magic weapon."
Following this were the Bark Technique, Vine Armor Technique, and Canopy Technique.
The three spells perfectly combined their runes, transforming into the top-grade spell [Azure Wood Divine Armor].
A cyan-gold armor appeared around Lin Donglai, brimming with vitality and able to synergize with the [Heavenly Wood Body Forging Technique] to increase his strength, continuously drawing earth energy from the ground to restore his condition.
However, it also consumes the most resources. Only by truly crafting a full set of wood-attribute armor can one rely on magical artifacts for self-protection.
The perfect combination of the Wood Element Technique, Wood Concealment Technique, and Wood Escape Technique forms the [Wood Fate Escape Armor] technique. This technique is somewhat mysterious, a method for hiding and escaping, and also carries the meaning of concealing one's fate. It allows one to entrust their destiny to a spirit tree, confusing others' deductions and making it difficult to find their true form.
These are only the three simplest variations.
The Wood Needle Technique, Wood Concealment Technique, and Canopy Technique, when combined, can form the supreme-grade technique [Wood Concealment Barrier].
Just nine perfect-level techniques already possess so many variations.
No wonder it was called a [Wonderful Method] when the Five Elements Qi Gathering Technique was introduced.
These nine perfect wood-element techniques can evolve into a minor wood-element supernatural power. Depending on the individual's understanding and their purpose in seeking foundation building, the minor supernatural power will also differ.
[Eastern Azure Lotus]
Although Lin Donglai understood the technique and could combine spell runes, it required condensed spiritual energy to cast, meaning he needed at least a Qi Refining Perfection level like Xu Changchun. His own cultivation was only at the seventh level of Qi Refining, so he couldn't achieve it.
This was a minor protective divine ability.
The spell runes combined in his mind to form the image of an azure lotus.
The lotus resembled the Jade Lotus that Lin Donglai had cultivated for several years.
This divine ability focused on protection, concealment, and escape, allowing him to sit cross-legged on the Eastern Azure Lotus, possessing boundless vitality that transformed into radiant light, a canopy, and a protective barrier.
It wasn't just a divine ability; it could also be combined with a second-tier lotus spiritual plant to create a second-tier magic weapon.
Once completed, ordinary Qi Refining cultivators' spells and magic weapons would be unable to affect him.
Attacks from Foundation Establishment cultivators would also be significantly weakened.
Lin Donglai thought to himself, "This is much more practical than Willow Branch Dew, Virtue's Shade, and Withering and Flourishing Qi."
"It's a pity it's not an offensive minor divine ability. If it were a minor divine ability like Wood Element Divine Light or Wood Element Divine Thunder, it would be much better."
"Next, I'll perfect the water-attribute spells. Sooner or later, I'll be like Senior Sister Huang Yue, accumulating experience outside. The sect won't keep me here farming forever. Even if Xu Changchun arranges foundation-building spiritual objects for me, I'll need to have decent qualifications."
He suppressed the aura of his spell practice, and Lin Donglai's aura gradually became withered. Although his cultivation was at the peak of the fourth level of Qi Refining, his complexion was extremely poor, with a faint bluish-green aura condensing.
Xu Changchun used the fire in the furnace to absorb the Wood element's energy and burn it. Now that Lin Donglai was suppressing his energy and turning prosperity into withering, he naturally had to create an image of "being plagued by bad luck."
Lin Donglai then manipulated one leg until it became woody and stiff, mimicking a state of demonic possession, before limping out of the cave and back onto Tianquan Mountain.
The last batch of Jade Lotus would ripen in the next few days, and Xu Changchun would return to harvest the spiritual herbs and arrange the planting environment for the Heavenly Heart Lotus Seeds.
Xiao Chen, worthy of his three spiritual roots, had already reached the third level of Qi Refining. Moreover, this cultivation hadn't involved the use of pills; it was purely from spiritual grains and fruits. Besides learning tea cultivation from Lin Donglai, he cultivated for an hour daily, naturally reaching the third level of Qi Refining.
A top-grade tea sapling was planted in a large vat by the spring, with several other high-grade tea trees nearby.
These were planted by Lin Donglai when he was researching tea cultivation techniques and teaching Xiao Chen.
Not far from the tea trees are two first-grade longevity peach trees that have grown to the height of a person. They were grown from the pits of top-quality peaches. Lin Donglai has taken good care of them, but they still have to wait for them to bloom. Outside of the inner field of blessings, the Heavenly Creation Dew cannot be used. Lin Donglai's spiritual plant cultivation skills are the only way to accelerate the ripening.
"The Immortal Seedling Examination is approaching. Are you confident in cultivating a first-grade superior spiritual tea tree?"
"Under your guidance, I've mastered the Sprouting and Nurturing Technique, but I'm still only at a minor level with the Spirit Forging and Earth Shaking Technique and the Sweet Dew Rain Spell. I haven't reached the threshold of mastery yet." "
Cultivating a superior tea tree is quite difficult."
Lin Donglai nodded slightly upon hearing this. "I've taught you everything I need to. The reason you haven't broken through to mastery is simply because you lack personal insight." "
You still need to study and comprehend the knowledge of other spiritual plants more."
"During this time, you can try to feel natural rainwater, or like me, go barefoot and sense the earth's energy. You cultivate the Qi cultivation part of the Jade Forest Treasure Tree Mystic Art, but I don't understand this technique. Otherwise, I could have given you some pointers on the Five Elements Qi Gathering Technique."
"Senior Brother... your legs?" Xiao Chen's gaze kept drifting towards Lin Donglai's legs and feet.
"It's alright. Some people experience qi deviation when practicing the Heavenly Wood Body Tempering Technique. I'll ask Senior Brother Xu for guidance when he arrives."
"Senior Brother, please be careful on your cultivation path! Body tempering techniques are generally started in the late Qi Refining stage. You've only reached the fourth level of Qi Refining, and although your body tempering is only at the second level, you're more prone to qi and blood reversal, which can lead to qi deviation." "
Moreover, body tempering requires special spiritual objects for assistance. If you don't have them for a long time, various problems will arise!"
Xiao Chen's concern was genuine, and Lin Donglai felt comforted: "It's alright, I have my own plans."
He then gave a few more pointers, after all, Zhang Baiyi and Hou Wenhua both achieved great success with Lin Donglai's guidance.
"These days, you should go to Tianquan Manor specifically to perform this technique. Nie Caixia dug a large pond there to raise some fish and shrimp. It will take some time to fill it with water, so you should focus on performing rainmaking there, hundreds of times. When you feel the process is going smoothly, perhaps it will be successful."
After instructing Xiao Chen, Lin Donglai read a book while patiently waiting for Xu Changchun's arrival.
He waited until the last batch of Jade Lotus matured on the fifth day, then notified Xu Changchun to come and harvest them.
Xu Changchun had already completed the condensation process and was currently studying and comprehending the minor divine abilities in front of the second-tier alchemy furnace, [Yingxu Ding].
A lower-level Dao Foundation only has one Dao Foundation Divine Ability, called the Innate Divine
Ability. A middle-level Dao
Foundation has one more Innate Divine Ability. A superior Dao Foundation has at least one Innate Divine Ability and two Innate Divine Abilities.
These Innate Divine Abilities can only be inscribed into the Dao Foundation during the Foundation Establishment process if one comprehends and perfects a minor divine ability before Foundation Establishment.
He aspired to a superior Dao Foundation, so he needed to master at least two minor divine abilities and perfect them.
One was [Heart Sovereign Fire].
The other was [Medicine for All People].
The Myriad People's Medicine, refined by the Heart Sovereign Fire, could be used to refine the Grass Returning Pill during Foundation Establishment using the [Void Pill Cauldron].
His years of consuming pill energy had been a process of accumulating the imagery of the Myriad People's Medicine.
In fact, he was almost there.
What he was currently comprehending was the Heart Sovereign Fire.
Fire needs wood to burn to flourish.
Since subduing Lin Donglai and planting the medicine, he had been divinely aided in comprehending this supernatural power.
He was confident he could form a superior Dao Foundation, even considering comprehending another minor supernatural power to perfect it.
Seeing the last batch of Jade Algae Lotus ripen, he nodded slightly, rising from before the Void Pill Cauldron. This batch of Jade Liquid Pills was refined for resource exchange; although alchemists were wealthy, he relied solely on pill energy, making it quite expensive. He
rode his magic weapon to Tianquan Mountain. Xu Changchun arrived first, observing the ripening of the spiritual herbs, nodding repeatedly.
However, upon seeing Lin Donglai's pale face and numb legs, he was startled.
He immediately lowered his magic weapon.
Lin Donglai smiled as he saw Xu Changchun arrive: "Senior Brother Xu, I have fulfilled my mission. The last batch of Jade Lotus has matured, and we can now plant the Heavenly Heart Lotus Seeds."
"Let's leave the Jade Lotus aside for now. What happened to your leg?"
"Lately, I've been feeling restless and agitated, as if I have an unnamed fire burning inside me. If it weren't for Junior Sister Sang Qiao asking me to plant this top-grade Qingxin Tea Tree, I'm afraid my condition would still be poor." "
Therefore, when I was practicing the Heavenly Wood Body Tempering Technique, somehow, my blood and spiritual energy clashed, causing one of my legs to turn into wood."
Lin Donglai showed the bark on his leg and the tiny roots on his foot: "I was just about to ask Senior Brother Xu if he had any solutions."
Xu Changchun immediately thought of the phrase "exhaustion of Qi."
However, he harbored doubts: "Tianquan Mountain is a water vein, and it also possesses the treasure Baoxi Nasheng Bottle. Logically, it should be extremely nourishing for wood, able to accumulate and generate life energy. Moreover, the herbs it grows are precious spiritual herbs. It shouldn't be running out of life energy so quickly!"
But then he recalled that his comprehension of supernatural powers had indeed not been as smooth as before these past few days, and he couldn't help but become suspicious.
So he said, "This method requires a Lesser Calamity-Curing Pill to neutralize it. I don't have any here. I'll go ask my master."
He immediately flew away to Diao Douguang's cave. Diao Douguang was a second-tier alchemist with a prestigious status. Although he was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, he resided on the third-tier main vein of Misty Mountain.
He was refining a batch of elixirs when he saw Xu Changchun arrive. He asked, "Disciple, how is your comprehension of the Yingxu Cauldron going?"
Xu Changchun replied, "I have already mastered the Minor Divine Power of the Heart Lord Fire. It only needs further refinement."
"There is one thing I don't understand, so I came to ask Master."
Diao Douguang stroked his beard. "What is it? Speak plainly."
"That Lin Donglai, wasn't he struck by Master's [Life Candle Fire] Divine Power? Didn't Master say that his Jia Wood Qi was still good? Today, I saw that his face was pale and he had gone into a state of demonic possession during his practice. One of his legs had even turned to wood. It's clearly a sign of a great loss of Qi." "
That shouldn't be the case!" Diao Douguang said, "He is hardworking and ambitious. During his Immortal Seed stage, he formed cliques and subdued several Immortal Seeds, accumulating Wood Qi. With his Jia Wood Spiritual Body, he became number one in the cultivation of spiritual plants and Immortal Seeds, receiving the first influx of Qi into the sect. He already has the foundation of an inner sect disciple."
"Later, after taking over Tianquan Manor, Liu Jinyang stole the Golden Ganoderma. He took the initiative to report it, and the sect saw his commendable loyalty, so another bit of good fortune was transferred to him. At this point, entering the inner sect was a foregone conclusion."
"With your support, the Treasure Creek Life-Gathering Bottle, the cultivation of first-grade top-quality spiritual herbs, and the teaching of spiritual plant cultivation in the lecture hall, his good fortune should have been steadily increasing."
"At least until he becomes a second-grade low-quality spiritual plant cultivator, his good fortune won't stop."
"Let me calculate!" As a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator, Diao Douguang also understood cause and effect.
After a while, he said, "It's because your cultivation is too weak, or rather, your foundation is too poor. Your cultivation is higher than his, with fire being strong and wood weak."
"Cultivation is ultimately about strength. His destiny is weakened, while yours is increasing. With this ebb and flow, even with a top-grade magic artifact like the Treasure Stream Life-Gathering Bottle to nourish your destiny, you'll still inevitably suffer from the scorching." "
Furthermore, his foundation is shallow. He only has a few low-level spiritual plant disciples working for him, and he manages too few spiritual fields. If he had twice as many people to help him cultivate the land..." "
Previously, water was strong and earth was weak, and he was caught between water and fire, which made things difficult for him."
"Now, by replenishing his earth element destiny, water nourishes wood, wood nourishes fire, fire nourishes earth, and earth strengthens wood."
"You need to help him enter the inner sect. With inner sect disciple status, his destiny can withstand the [Life Candle Flame], which can illuminate your foundation and future."
"He's already planting the Pure Heart Tea Tree, and with the Heavenly Heart Lotus Seed, that makes three top-grade first-tier spiritual plants. Even if his cultivation isn't high enough, the Spiritual Plant Hall should be able to recommend him for an inner disciple."
"His merit points are insufficient," Diao Douguang said. "I've been in charge of the Merit Hall for a while now, so how could I not know that he's completely used up his merit points?"
"There are still four years until the Foundation Establishment Pill is ready, no rush. He just needs to be an inner disciple when you establish your foundation."
"Right now, let him recruit more people and cultivate more land; that will be enough to replenish his earth element."
"Besides, only Li Hanshan possesses the Pure Heart Tea Tree. Why would he give a branch to that kid? Did he see through my abilities? Does he want to forge a good relationship with him?"
"No, we've never crossed paths. He has no reason to offend me!"
However, a candle flame is still a candle flame; the wind can extinguish it.
The cool, refreshing aura of the Pure Heart Tea Tree is precisely the nemesis of the Life Candle Flame.
"This kid is worth nurturing. After you reach Foundation Establishment, extinguish your supernatural powers and make him a second-tier low-grade spirit plant cultivator. However, after Foundation Establishment, his own destiny alone won't be enough to support you. You need to cultivate your own team more."
"Thank you for your guidance, Master."
Xu Changchun bid farewell to Diao Douguang, then went to the outer sect's alchemy hall, summoned Xiao Yi, and inquired about the Spirit Field Mutual Aid Association.
He learned that it was all small-scale activity, with only low-grade alchemists and mediocre alchemy apprentices cooperating with the Spirit Field Mutual Aid Association. Moreover, the members of the Spirit Field Mutual Aid Association were basically all five-elemental roots... with low cultivation levels. He immediately nodded: "This foundation is acceptable in the outer sect, but it's lacking in the inner sect."
He immediately gave Xiao Yi a few pointers, then summoned several mid-grade alchemists, gave them a few pointers, and then spread the news that he was about to reach Foundation Establishment and would begin accepting disciples afterward.
The disciples of the outer sect's alchemy hall were naturally extremely excited.
In this way, these people would naturally find out that Lin Donglai was planting herbs for him, and they would also find out about the Spirit Field Mutual Aid Association. They would inquire about information and preferences, and after making some contact with them, it's likely that the Spirit Field Foundation wouldn't be bad.
After dealing with all this, Xu Changchun took out a Small Calamity Relief Pill.
"I've already asked my master, and this is because your cultivation is too weak, and you've been forcibly practicing body-refining techniques. If
your cultivation increases a bit, it won't be like this." "Take this Small Calamity Relief Pill; it can dissolve the blockage in your spiritual energy and blood."
Lin Donglai took the pill and expressed his gratitude many times.
He then sighed, "After all, I only have low-grade five-elemental-root aptitude, I've troubled you, Senior Brother."
"Spiritual root aptitude is never absolute," Xu Changchun said. "There's an old saying in the cultivation world: ability isn't important, following the right person is."
"Now that you're working for me and have talent in spiritual plants, you don't need to worry about pills, or even about pill poisoning."
"The Jade Lotus is now ripe, and half of the contract we signed has been fulfilled. It's time to settle our wages."
Lin Donglai said with a moved expression, "Even this Treasure Stream Life-Gathering Jade Purification Bottle, a top-grade magic artifact, is worth several thousand spirit stones. Moreover, it's extremely compatible with my cultivation. How could I possibly accept my senior brother's salary?"
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"This treasure bottle is originally meant for planting spiritual herbs." Xu Changchun smiled and said, "That doesn't count, especially since planting Heavenly Heart Lotus Seeds is for setting up the Nine Springs Stream Gathering Array."
"Do you want pills, spirit stones, or something else?"
Lin Donglai immediately said, "I don't take many pills. I just hope to get a Breakthrough Pill when I reach the sixth level of Qi Refining."
"Having suffered a qi deviation, it's no longer suitable to cultivate the Heavenly Wood Body Tempering Technique..."
Lin Donglai was troubled, finally saying, "How about Senior Brother guides me in alchemy?"
"You're not suited for fire-based alchemy; you're only suited for water-based or tree-based alchemy."
"Tree-based alchemy requires cultivating the Jade Forest Treasure Tree Mystic Art, but you cultivate the Five Elements Qi Gathering Art, which I'm afraid won't work."
"This is Tianquan Mountain, so why don't you cultivate water-based alchemy? However, I'm not very familiar with water-based alchemy either. How about this: there's a library in Tianquan Hall that you're not normally allowed to enter. I'll do you a favor and let you enter the hall to read while you're planting herbs here. How about that?"
"Then thank you very much, Senior Brother Xu, for your kindness!"
Lin Donglai originally wanted to learn fire-based alchemy so he could have experience roasting willow branches and control the heat.
But learning water-based alchemy would also be good; he could figure out fire-based alchemy later.
Besides, Lin Donglai liked reading and enjoyed the feeling of enriching himself, like a tree that needs to absorb nutrients to grow strong.
"Your merit points are insufficient. If you had two thousand points, plus the ability to cultivate three kinds of first-tier top-grade spiritual plants, it would be enough to be recommended as an inner disciple." "
The selection criteria for inner disciples are the potential to reach Foundation Establishment, and second-tier skills are also at the Foundation Establishment level. Therefore, those with first-tier top-grade skills can have their requirements relaxed and enter the inner sect."
"I have enough Jade Lotuses. You will collect six and hand them over to the Spiritual Plant Hall to exchange for merit points."
"Entering the inner sect sooner will allow you to obtain the sect's resources sooner, so I can focus on my seclusion later." "
After all, outer disciples can be manipulated at will, but inner disciples must follow the rules."
"With inner sect status, you can also gather more outer disciples to work for you."
"Once I become a true disciple, I will need a group of inner disciples by my side, not outer disciples!"
Xu Changchun said with a hint of encouragement.
Lin Donglai showed a moved expression: "I will definitely cultivate diligently! I will work hard to cultivate spiritual herbs and strive to become an inner disciple as soon as possible!"
"Just focus on cultivating the herbs! Don't be greedy for cultivation and rush ahead." Xu Changchun inquired whether Lin Donglai had any bottlenecks in his cultivation, gave him some serious guidance, picked the Jade Lotus, and left, leaving Lin Donglai with six.
These top-grade spiritual herbs, because they possessed a certain aura, were different from ordinary high-grade spiritual herbs.
Previously, Lin Donglai had to exchange one top-grade longevity peach for 188 merit points.
The Jade Lotus could be used to refine Jade Liquid Pills, which could assist in condensing liquid spiritual power and aid in Foundation Establishment, and its price was even higher than that of top-grade longevity peaches.
The sect could recycle one for 200 merit points.
Back then, two low-grade spiritual herbs only earned one merit point.
Mid-grade spiritual herbs were worth no more than ten points, and high-grade spiritual herbs no more than 50 merit points.
Now, one top-grade spiritual herb could be exchanged for 200 merit points, and six would be 1200.
If Lin Donglai could accumulate another eight hundred merit points, he could be recommended to enter the inner sect.
Entering the inner sect would be good, as all the inner sect members reside on second-tier spiritual veins, their cave dwellings are also on second-tier spiritual energy, and he could even bring his parents and relatives to live in Qingmu City.
After exchanging his merit points, Lin Donglai went to check on Tianquan Manor. He had been lecturing at Lingxi Peak for a year now, and the Ziyang Rice should have already ripened once, while the Heize Rice would be ready soon.
He had entrusted almost all of these spiritual fields to Nie Caixia and Ning Feng for management, and now he had distributed the Lesser Barrier-Breaking Pills to encourage them.
Everything was fine at Tianquan Manor. After Sang Qiao moved into the spiritual vein, she went to the Merit Hall to report. The Merit Hall said that the contract would be calculated according to the previously signed terms, for the specified number of years, and could be amended upon expiration.
Lin Donglai had signed a long-term contract at Tianquan Manor, for a full ten years, so it was calculated based on ten mu of high-grade spiritual fields and forty mu of mid-grade spiritual fields.
"How's the Ziyang rice harvest?"
Nie Caixia and Ning Feng stood on either side of each other, with the menial laborers who had been eliminated from this year's Immortal Seedlings, also hired by Ning Feng to work.
The other seven friends of Lingtian Valley, apart from Zhang Bai and Hou Wenhua who were helping Xu Changchun cultivate herbs on Tianquan Mountain, all had their own cooperating alchemists and rented spiritual fields outside.
They knew their own limitations and followed the established rules, joining the association through alchemists introduced by the Lingtian Mutual Aid Association, contributing 10% of their income. They also ate and exchanged techniques at Tianquan Manor regularly.
Currently, the main people at Tianquan Manor were Nie Caixia, Ning Feng, and several juniors who had been entrusted to Lin Donglai by the outer sect deacons and elders to learn from.
Although Lin Donglai wasn't as dedicated as he was to teaching Xiao Chen, he still frequently gave them extra tutoring.
"With the spiritual vein, the Purple Sun Rice yield has increased significantly. Plus, everyone's skills have gradually reached the pinnacle. This time, the yield per mu (unit of land area) is about 410 jin (unit of weight), about ten jin more than the previous 400 jin."
"That's already the limit." Lin Donglai nodded, then checked the accounts. Even with the 10% profit from the alchemists' cooperation, it wouldn't amount to more than two or three hundred spirit stones per year.
"Call them all here!" Lin Donglai took out the Lesser Breakthrough Pill: "Everyone has been practicing for quite some time now, and now a new batch of promising talents has joined, still in the early Qi Refining stage. It's a bit of a joke."
Nie Caixia's eyes lit up instantly. Lin Donglai said, "I originally got these pills from Senior Brother Xu Changchun, thinking I'd let you get them for 60% of the price. But now that I'm aiming for the inner sect, I'll just give each of you one." "
Zhang Baiyi and Hou Wenhua already took the pills and broke through to the fourth level of Qi Refining because they were helping Senior Brother Xu plant herbs with me, so they don't have any." "
You guys are supposed to be elders of the Spirit Field Mutual Aid Association, but you're still
only at the third level of Qi Refining. You've made a fool of yourselves." The group's eyes were burning with excitement: "Leader! Without you leading us, we'd probably still be low-grade first-level spirit farmers. Now we're planting high-grade spirit grains and mid-grade spirit herbs, and we've even saved up some wealth. We have spirit grains and spirit dishes to eat every day, and we can even eat spirit meat and spirit fruits every few days. This is already much better than working for those outer sect stewards and elders."
Lin Donglai sensed De Youyin's kindness and realized they were genuinely grateful, not just putting on an act. He smiled with satisfaction.
He immediately took out the Lesser Breakthrough Pills: "As long as everyone remembers the original intention of our Spirit Field Mutual Aid Association, that's enough."
Nie Caixia, Ning Feng, Ma Quanyong, Niu Fusheng, Li Gensheng, and He Wuxuan each took one.
Three pills remained.
Lin Donglai said to the apprentices, "The remaining three pills will remain with me. During the Immortal Seed Competition, we'll see which of your batch of immortal seedlings ranks highest and makes a name for our Spirit Field Mutual Aid Association. I'll give that person one pill." "
The remaining two pills will depend on who contributes the most."
Lin Donglai explained, and everyone's enthusiasm soared.
"Nie Caixia can't leave the valley, so she'll break through here."
"The rest of you, break through in my cave in turn. I don't usually stay in my superior-grade cave many times, so don't waste it."
"Thank you, Leader!"
Lin Donglai immediately arranged for Ning Feng to be the first to break through.
After arranging these people, Lin Donglai toured Tianquan Manor, sensing that the atmosphere there was different from before.
"The large-scale spirit-gathering array set up initially, combined with the feng shui arrangement by Sang Qiao and the relocated low-grade spiritual vein, complement each other perfectly. Nourishing each other with qi, and with each vein nourishing the other, this low-grade spiritual vein will likely recover to a mid-grade first rank within twenty years."
Reaching the newly dug pond, water gurgled in the center, originating from a spring.
Using his spiritual vision, he saw about a hundred fish fry in the pond, leisurely enjoying themselves.
Because the immortal seedlings practicing the Sweet Dew Rain Spell all performed their rainmaking here, these spirit fish thrived.
Lotus roots, mid-grade first-rank jade lotus roots, were planted in the pond. These were spiritual vegetables specifically for eating lotus roots, so they wouldn't flower or bear seeds, only grow leaves.
Lin Donglai nodded slightly and plucked a willow leaf from the Taiyuan willow branch in the bottle.
He then used the Sprouting and Nurturing Technique, and even a single leaf, under the perfected spell, sprouted roots and shoots. Lin Donglai planted it by the pond; the Taiyuan Willow had the ability to gather water and loved water, making it perfect for planting.
The willow leaf, once fallen, grew to a foot tall, but its quality had changed from a top-grade first-tier willow leaf to a mid-grade first-tier willow sapling.
After sprinkling some sweet dew to solidify it, Lin Donglai took the measuring cup of Purple Sun Rice to exchange for merit points.
Aside from the 12,000 jin he handed over, which yielded a fixed 480 merit points, Lin Donglai also brought an extra 2,400 jin, earning 400 merit points for every 6 jin.
With this total of 880 merit points, plus the 1,200 merit points from the six Jade Lotuses given by Xu Changchun, Lin Donglai had already fulfilled one of the conditions for being recommended as an inner disciple, possessing 2,000 merit points.
Next, he needed to be certified as a first-tier top-grade spiritual plant cultivator.
This wasn't urgent; he had only successfully cultivated one type of Jade Lotus so far. The Qingxin Tea Tree was originally propagated from second-tier spiritual plant cuttings, so it barely counted, but he still needed to cultivate the Heavenly Heart Lotus Seeds.
After exchanging his merits, Lin Donglai didn't continue exchanging for spells or cultivation techniques. He figured better things awaited him once he became an inner disciple.
Another half month passed. Lin Donglai feigned taking a Lesser Calamity-Relieving Pill to resolve his demonic possession.
His original intention was to rest for a while, waiting for the array master Xu Changchun had invited to set up the array before planting the Heavenly Heart Lotus Seeds.
However, he couldn't relax. Suddenly, he received many favors from outer sect stewards and elders of the Alchemy Hall.
Lin Donglai had previously done favors for these people, but those were for healing spiritual plants. Now, these people were inquiring about Xu Changchun.
Lin Donglai realized that these people were after Xu Changchun's acceptance of disciples.
Xu Changchun's Foundation Establishment was already considered a certainty by these people. If it was a superior foundation, he would undoubtedly be a true disciple, perhaps even taking over the Alchemy Hall in the future, with a status comparable to the peak masters of the nine inner sect peaks.
If a younger generation member was chosen, it would be an immense stroke of luck.
Even if they didn't like him, having someone familiar wasn't bad.
Those with real connections had gone to the inner sect elders to plead for him; only those without connections were desperate and had come to Lin Donglai.
Besides, Lin Donglai wasn't bad either. Although his spiritual root aptitude was a bit lacking, he had only been a disciple for a few years and was already helping to cultivate top-grade spiritual herbs. He had been personally instructed by Zhou Huaying, the Grand Elder of the Spirit Plant Hall. If Xu Changchun supported and nurtured him, coupled with his own becoming an inner sect disciple, he might even have a chance to become a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Even if it was a lower-grade Foundation Establishment cultivator, he would still be at the early Foundation Establishment stage for life.
Becoming an inner sect elder of the Spirit Plant Hall would be easy in the future; second-tier skills were always better than first-tier.
In short, before, Lin Donglai took the initiative to build goodwill; now, they were taking the initiative.
However, Lin Donglai saw things clearly, while they saw more of Xu Changchun.
"It seems Senior Brother Xu Changchun is really putting in the effort, valuing me so much? It seems this secret technique, once it chooses someone, can't easily replace them."
Lin Donglai looked at Xiao Chen. This kid has the three spiritual roots of water, earth, and wood. Although he doesn't have the Jia wood spiritual body, he's definitely on track to reach Foundation Establishment.
Xu Changchun didn't switch to cultivating him; it seems his talent in spiritual plants was too strong.
After properly handling these social obligations, Lin Donglai inexplicably gained some more contracts. These were for when their spiritual fields had problems, they could ask him to solve them; otherwise, they could receive spirit stones.
There were also some who wanted to entrust the Spiritual Field Mutual Aid Association to grow herbs, following the previous rules.
Lin Donglai only agreed to some low-grade and mid-grade ones, not a single high-grade one.
This whole process felt even more tiring than growing spiritual herbs.
Until Xu Changchun reappeared, bringing an inner disciple from the Array Hall.
This disciple was in the same year as Xu Changchun, a genius of the Array Hall. This time, he was helping out for the extra high-grade Jade Liquid Pills that Xu Changchun had.
This disciple, Lou Kun, practices the art of earth formations.
Formations are said to have one element, two polarities, three powers, four symbols, five elements, six harmonies, seven celestial bodies, eight trigrams, and nine palaces.
He practices the more common Nine Palaces Formation.
The Nine Springs Stream Gathering Formation to be set up now utilizes the changes of the Nine Palaces.
He has learned the "Nine Palaces Flying Star Water Method," which corresponds to stars above and water below.
He said, "Setting up the Nine Springs Stream Formation is suitable for responding to the auspicious influences of the heavens. The incoming water is auspicious, and the outgoing water is also auspicious. Nine top-grade spiritual spring jades, combined with nine springs, will transform from one yang to nine yang, converging into a great stream, which will correspond to the celestial yin,
representing the yang giving rise to yin." "One nine, two nine, three nine are cold yang springs.
" "Four nine, five nine, six nine are springs of warm springs. " "
Seven nine, eight nine, nine nine are springs of pure yang."
"Three threes converge, forming a nine-section encircling stream."
"Adding to what Brother Xu said, carving the spiritual spring jades into jade chimes, when washed by the spring water, will produce the tinkling sound of a spring. The sound of the cold spring is like the first snow melting in winter, the sound of the spring of warm spring is like hibernating insects stirring, and the sound of the pure yang spring is like all things coming to life."
Xu Changchun nodded slightly. He didn't really understand, only a little.
Lin Donglai, because of his exchange with Sang Qiao about the way of geomancy and his self-study of the principles of alchemy, artifacts, and talismans, could also understand some of it.
"The Nine Springs Receiving the Moon Array?"
Lin Donglai understood the concept of "one yang" to "nine yangs." Cultivating spiritual herbs required understanding that it essentially involved the period from the winter solstice to Grain Rain, the time when yang energy arises, lasting eighty-one days, encompassing spring and summer.
The twelve months of the year also begin with the birth of yang at the winter solstice, continuing through six yang phases, followed by the birth of yin, and so on, a cycle.
As for the auxiliary stars, they are celestial stars, namely the Heavenly Auxiliary Star and the Heavenly Assistant Star, representing two different yin and yang energies. Both energies signify auspiciousness, resolution, support, assistance, cultivation, growth, and subordination.
Lou Kun then began setting up the array, with Lin Donglai's Treasure Stream Receiving Life Bottle serving as the array's core, placed within a nine-palace array plate.
Following this were nine high-grade spiritual spring jades, each carved into a jade chime, also a magical artifact. Whenever water flowed over them, they would emit the sound of a spring.
After arranging the nine spirit spring jades, Lou Kun then brought out array pillars. Though called pillars, they were barely as thick as flagpoles and as tall as a person's eyebrow, covered in runes, and inserted into the field ridges to guide the array's power.
Next, he channeled the spring water from Tianquan Mountain into the array, activating it.
Lin Donglai, though watching intently, could only understand a fraction of it, as his theoretical knowledge of arrays was only at the lower first rank.
This array, however, was a top-grade first-rank array.
"Buzz!"
With the array complete, a gurgling sound came from the ground, followed by the tinkling of springs. Each of the nine springs gushed forth fist-sized streams of water.
Then, the water from one spring merged into another, the nine springs converging into a large stream, which then flowed back underground, returning as spring water.
The spring water tinkled!
The spring water tinkled!
Listening to the atmosphere created by the simulated sound of a cave spring, Lin Donglai felt a surge of joy and exhilaration...
but this was only temporary; listening for too long would become irritating.
Therefore, Lou Kun set up a soundproof array and took out a sound-recording stone. Using this stone, he set up an echo array. This sound-recording stone was made of a first-grade top-quality spiritual spring jade, containing the sound of a genuine second-grade cave spring. To activate this array, an additional mid-grade spirit stone was needed.
"Alright, the setup is complete. Although this array is small, it is ingeniously designed. It seems to be only for auxiliary purposes, but with slight modifications, it can be transformed into a water-attribute killing array or a trapping array."
Xu Changchun then gave him a bottle of his refined high-grade jade liquid pills. Each bottle contained 12 pills, each worth 200 merit points, so 12 pills would be worth 2,400 merit points.
Unlike him, who only ingested the elixir's essence, ordinary people would need a month to dissolve even one pill of this elixir, as all its medicinal power was used for spiritual energy liquefaction. Therefore, twelve pills were enough to save most of the time.
Moreover, the Treasure Stream Life-Gathering Bottle, the nine high-grade spiritual spring jades, and the first-tier top-grade sound-recording stone were all provided by Xu Changchun.
Otherwise, they would be even more precious.
"Here are the seeds of twenty-four Heavenly Heart Lotus seeds. You only need to grow eighteen Heavenly Heart Lotuses."
One Heavenly Heart Lotus can produce one lotus pod, and each lotus pod can produce 1-3 lotus seeds.
This lotus has no lotus root or stem, only lotus leaves. A lotus flower grows in the center of the lotus leaf, and a lotus pod develops on the lotus flower. Cultivating seedlings is also more difficult than others. The top-grade germination and growth technique is only the foundation; spiritual consciousness or divine consciousness is also required for catalysis.
Just then, Lin Donglai learned the [Surprising Mysterious Word Incantation], which is an attack method involving music and the soul.
Lin Donglai has already mastered the technique and can use it to promote germination. However, this secret technique only has one word: "surprise." But now, Lin Donglai might be able to grasp the meaning of the word "ding-dong" and understand how to imitate the sound of a spring to unleash this secret technique.