Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

Chapter 189: Chapter 186: Soul Nourishing Wood

Another fellow cultivator succeeded in Foundation Establishment, Ji An felt happy in his heart, and after dispersing the crowd, he flew back to the mountainside.

He did not enter the grotto mansion, but instead leaped to a nearby pile of rocks to practice the Geng Metal Finger.

Because of obsessive-compulsive tendencies, after learning so many techniques, he had to practice them to the Great Perfection Level; otherwise, he always felt uncomfortable.

Golden beams of light ravaged, leaving smooth small holes in the rocks; now he could cast techniques from any finger, aiming for an attack that was impossible to defend against.

Ji An’s remaining magical power in his body was abundant; the Immortal Vein was exceptionally resilient, unafraid of continuous casting.

About half an hour later, the remaining magical power within Ji An’s body was nearly depleted. He immersed his mind into his dantian.

Perhaps it was the dual benefits from the Great Perfection of the Sharp Gold Technique and Golden Light Technique that he noticed the Geng Metal Finger was improving very quickly.

[Technique: Geng Metal Finger (Perfection 29%→Perfection 30%)]

Ji An missed the thrill of rapidly enhancing by refining the Spiritual Mechanism:

“Still too slow!”

He shook his head slightly, suppressing the urge to refine the Spiritual Mechanism.

It only takes half an hour each day; it won’t take too long to practice the technique to its pinnacle, so there’s no need to spend any Spiritual Mechanism.

There are only a dozen techniques on the list, and he can practice them for years.

…

The next day, after the luncheon ended, Ji An and his companion walked into a stone house.

Huang Feihu bowed deeply and said seriously:

“Senior Brother, without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Please accept my bow!”

Ji An calmly accepted the bow and helped him up, smiling:

“You two met in humble beginnings; it’s not easy to gather together, so stay in touch in the future.

Come, sit down and have a chat.”

The other had helped him a lot, and although there were interests involved, it indeed saved him a lot of time and effort.

Moreover, he worked diligently, without any complaint, all of which Ji An remembered in his heart.

“Haha, I’ll often come to the Red Flame Peak, as long as Senior Brother doesn’t mind my disturbance.”

Huang Feihu scratched the back of his head, laughing foolishly.

Having known each other for many years, he understood very well that Ji An was the type who didn’t like to move around much.

When he said to stay in touch, it meant he’d have to be the one to visit often.

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

Ji An cleared his throat and said:

“In recent years, the number of Foundation Establishment Cultivators in the sect has increased significantly, and suitable grotto mansions are probably not too many.

When you go to the Diligence Hall to choose a grotto mansion, have Senior Brother Ye advise you more.”

“Understood.”

“After establishing Foundation, choosing a cultivation technique is a core issue, affecting the path we will take in the future. Let me tell you about this.”

Ji An repeated what he had told Junior Brother Liang before, saying:

“The planting techniques during the Qi Refining Stage happen to encompass the Five Elements. I suggest you choose the one for which you have the greatest natural talent.”

Many cultivators are inherently more compatible with a certain type of technique. Generally speaking, choosing the same type of cultivation technique tends to lead to more successful progression.

“Thank you, Senior Brother, for pointing me in the right direction. I’ve practiced the Thick Earth Technique to its peak, and I feel I’m more suited to Earth Element cultivation methods.”

“I wouldn’t call it guidance; you can ask any Senior Brother or Junior Martial Uncle in the Inheritance Hall, and they will patiently answer.”

Ji An smiled; sometimes, explaining things to others can bring new insights to oneself.

He paused and asked:

“What are your plans next?”

Huang Feihu sat upright and said solemnly:

“I’ll head to the Diligence Hall early tomorrow morning; I’ll set off directly and won’t see Junior Martial Uncle off.

After choosing the grotto mansion and the cultivation technique, I’ll leave the sect to visit Little Bamboo Mountain to accompany my grandfather for half a month before coming back to set up my grotto mansion.

I need to borrow your Flying Shuttle for a while if it’s convenient?”

“No need to stand on ceremony. I don’t have any plans to go out recently.

By the way, Junior Brother Liang mentioned setting up his grotto mansion and other expenses cost more than two thousand Spirit Stones; your Spirit Stones won’t be enough, right?”

Huang Feihu scratched his head in embarrassment and said:

“I was thinking of asking to borrow another thousand Spirit Stones from you.”

If he borrowed more Spirit Stones, he would owe five thousand to Ji An, which was difficult to ask.

“Take it, and if you have difficulties, speak up without feeling embarrassed.”

…

Wei Songnian piloted the Flying Ship to land on the Cold Pool, noticing the walnut-sized Celestial Essence Pear; he smiled and said:

“Senior Brother, here, spirit plants are everywhere, bearing abundant fruit, becoming more and more like an Immortal Family estate.”

Ji An withdrew the technique, releasing the captured Red Grouper, responding:

“I think it looks more like a farmer’s courtyard. Let’s discuss it in the stone house.”

“An Immortal Farmer’s courtyard!”

Ji An smiled; this chubby guy was still as articulate as ever.

The two arrived at the stone house, took their seats as host and guest, while Xia Yuhuan brewed tea nearby.

Wei Songnian took out an account book and said:

“Senior Brother, please have a look at the sales situation of the spirit wine over the past few months.”

The sale of spirit wine had a challenge; those taverns that could stably sell large quantities of wine would delay settlements, usually for six months.

The spirit wine produced at Red Flame Peak had a richer aroma, and it contained more spiritual Qi than similar spirit wines; Wei Songnian managed to negotiate for settlements every three months.

Ji An nodded and took the account book to check carefully.

After deducting the commission paid to the other party, the Mulberry Wine yielded 2500 Spirit Stones, and the Pine Nut Wine yielded 4700 Spirit Stones, with forty percent being Senior Brother Du’s “craftsmanship fee.”

“No problem, tell me about the transactions I entrusted to you.”

The purchases of the corresponding Five Elements Essence, pills, as well as the collection of rare high-tier spirit plants, were all entrusted to the other party.

The Spirit Stones from selling the spirit wine were often insufficient, requiring additional supplements from him to manage.

His cultivation could advance rapidly, partly due to his willingness to spend Spirit Stones on pills.

“Purchasing the Five Elements Essence cost two thousand Spirit Stones, and buying thirty Cyan Lotus Pills cost fifteen hundred Spirit Stones.”

Wei Songnian paused, taking out a black jar about a foot high, and said with a mysterious smile:

“By sheer luck, I bought a Treasure Plant from several Loose Cultivators, and I’m presenting it to Senior Brother!”

The jar was as thick as a bucket, with a Sealing Spirit Talisman stuck on both the lid and the body, the Spirit Light had already dimmed.

Ji An raised an eyebrow. To be called a Treasure Plant, it must be a Spirit Plant capable of growing to Tier Three.

He took the jar and was about to open it, only to be stopped by someone.

“Senior Brother, there’s some smell inside, it’s not suitable to open in the room, let’s go to the bamboo grove outside.”

Ji An felt more puzzled. He carried the jar to the bamboo grove, half sealing his nostrils.

He tore off the Sealing Spirit Talisman and opened the lid, immediately smelling a faint foul odor.

It was like leaves that had accumulated for years in the forest being turned over, mixed with bird droppings and decaying carcasses, that acrid stench.

Even just a whiff made him feel nauseated and queasy.

He completely sealed his nostrils, dry-heaved a few times, and formed a spell to release the Thick Earth Returning Origin Spell.

Warm yellow Spirit Light spiraled inside the jar, and when the light dissipated, Ji An unsealed his nostrils.

By now, the smell had weakened significantly, leaving only a faint trace, barely perceptible.

The Thick Earth Returning Origin Spell contained nurturing Divine Intent, which could enhance the fertility of the soil and also draw all scents into it.

Wei Songnian asked in surprise:

“What does Senior Brother mean by this?”

It’s not like we’re planting, there’s no need to use Magic Techniques.

“You don’t need to seal your nostrils anymore, give it a try.”

Ji An said as he began to carefully examine the Spirit Plant inside the jar.

A four-inch tall sapling, showing signs of wilting.

As thick as a thumb, entirely black, with white cracked patterns on the bark.

Three spoon-shaped leaves, also black, with a slight purple tinge, and white veins.

“Soul Nourishing Wood?!”

Ji An exclaimed in disbelief, Soul Nourishing Wood could indeed be called a Treasure Plant; its growth limit could reach Tier Four!

Soul Nourishing Wood had no seeds, its reproduction was a mystery. Cultivators had tried to cultivate it from the roots of Spirit Wood, but without exception, these roots withered quickly once detached from the parent, and couldn’t be kept alive.

It’s said that the Sect had a Soul Nourishing Wood, and Chao Origin Stage Cultivators could get a branch every few years.

“Junior Brother, what do you want?”

Ji An covered the jar, his gaze intense towards Wei Songnian.

Always playful and smiling, Wei Songnian now looked serious, solemnly saying:

“As I’ve said before, I present it to Senior Brother, how could I take it back.”

Ji An rhythmically tapped the jar, silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice:

“The value of the Soul Nourishing Wood can’t be displayed now, but once cultivated to Tier Two, its value will emerge.

Whether for the Sect or the family, its significance is tremendous and increases with time.

If you offer it to the Sect, what you’ll get is much more than I can offer.”

“There are things the Sect won’t provide.”

Wei Songnian sighed slightly and continued:

“With my aptitude, at most I can only become a Palace Steward within the Sect.

When the time is right, I wish to return to my family.”

He had also heard about the upcoming Demon Calamity, keeping the Soul Nourishing Wood in the family was not safe.

Offering the Spirit Wood to the Sect would only yield pills, spiritual objects, Contribution Points, or Great and Small Merits, all lifeless things.

He wanted something longer-lasting, and this Soul Nourishing Wood was an investment.

“You’re gambling, do you have such confidence in me?”

Ji An said softly, starting to understand the other’s mindset.

His question was double-edged, asking about the other person’s confidence in his character and future growth.

Wei Songnian’s eyes were clear, he smiled and said:

“Let’s call it a gamble then.”

He had once succeeded, tasting victory.

Having witnessed Senior Brother’s growth trajectory firsthand, he felt that within the Sect, besides those with exceptional aptitudes, no one could surpass him.

“Haha, good! Junior Brother has confidence, and so do I!”

Ji An raised his right hand, and the two palms clapped heavily together.

He made no promises, nor did the other ask, everything was unspoken.

Holding the bottom of the jar, Ji An said:

“Junior Brother, go back inside and enjoy some tea, I need to plant it quickly; I’ll entertain you later.”

Soul Nourishing Wood needed the nourishment of the Earth Vein, or it would wither easily.

Wei Songnian cupped his hands and replied with a smile:

“Senior Brother, go ahead; the matter is important.”

Ji An released Wind Control Technique, searching for Huang Xuan:

“Fill a few sacks with black soil from Mulberry Field and transport them to the underground grotto, quickly.”

“As you command.”

Ji An nodded slightly, flying into the underground grotto.

The Golden Light sleeping beneath the Earth Spirit Fruit Tree opened its sleepy eyes and glanced around before closing them to continue its nap.

Generally, other than its owner, no one else would come here.

Ji An took out an Earth Spirit Fruit and tossed it.

The Golden Light quickly scrambled up, leaped into the air to grab the Spirit Fruit, and a look of innocent joy appeared on its face.

’Didn’t I just eat one a few days ago?’

“Go out and hunt a few Fire-toothed Rabbits and bring them here, now, immediately!”

“Chirp chirp.”

The Golden Light swiftly devoured the fruit, spat the seed back, and vanished into the rock.