Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

“Congratulations!”

Ji An smiled and clasped his hands in response. He took out a jade box from his storage bag:

“Here are two Celestial Essence Pears, Senior Brother, you may use them.”

Liu Yu checked the box, nodded, and put it into his storage bag:

“With you here, Junior Brother, I’ve saved myself a lot of effort.”

“No need for formalities between us, Senior Brother.”

“I’ll owe you these Spirit Fruits for now and use some late-stage Foundation Establishment beast hide to repay you later.”

“Alright,” Ji An propped his elbow on the table, his body slightly leaning forward, and asked:

“Senior Brother, what kind of Mysterious Technique have you comprehended that actually requires the use of Celestial Essence Pears?”

To other cultivators practicing the Evergreen Wood Skill, the insights of a Fire Element Technique cultivator might not offer much enlightenment, but he was different.

Without exaggeration, he had diligently cultivated in the Five Elements. Ask any Foundation Establishment cultivator — who among them could have as profound an understanding of the Power of the Five Elements that he did?

The subtle influence from the ten Dao Seeds within his body gave him unique insights into any cultivation involving the Five Elements.

“Do you remember, Junior Brother, I mentioned before that I had comprehended the complementing of water and fire.

Since then, when practicing my cultivation method, I have been able to draw upon the Water Element Spirit Mechanism.

However, when initially choosing a grotto mansion, I chose a region abundant with Fire Element Spiritual Energy. The Water Element Spiritual Energy was evaporated by the intense flames, making it scarce to absorb the Water Element Spirit Mechanism.

Initially, it was barely enough, but as my understanding of the cultivation method deepened, the Water Element Spiritual Energy I absorbed became insufficient.

Thus, I required more supplements to fully unleash the effect of the cultivation method.”

Liu Yu paused briefly, then said:

“When I practice my cultivation method, I can draw upon the Sun Bing Fire Spirit Mechanism and the Ding Fire Spirit Mechanism from my grotto, and then merge them in my heart to form a liquid that manifests anomalies.

I speculate that if I could directly draw the Water Element Spirit Mechanism from my body, it should yield better results.”

Recently, Liu Yu had heard Senior Uncle Zhuu Xiangrong discuss the Dharma, during which he mentioned:

’Life energy emerges from the kidneys, in which lies True Water; liquid forms in the heart, in which lies True Qi.

True Water and True Qi are the True Dragon and True Tiger.

When the Dragon and Tiger harmonize, only then is it true water and fire complementing.’”

Inspired by this, he conceived the idea of seeking from within rather than from outside.

However, he was cultivating a Fire Element Technique, not a Water Element Cultivation Method, so the True Water in his kidneys was certainly concealed.

He tried numerous Dharma Gates but could not sense the True Water.

Ji An nodded continuously, fully understanding the concept, and smiled:

“Senior Brother wishes to consume Water Element Spirit Fruits to enrich kidney Qi, invigorate the silent and deep essence of kidney Qi, and induce harmony between kidney water and the heart’s fire to achieve Dragon and Tiger Harmony.

It’s a good thought, worth trying.

However, since you’re experimenting within your body, you should consult with your elders to ensure a proper balance.”

Typically, water and fire conflict with each other. Brilliant as the idea might be, without proper handling, the conflicting powers of the Five Elements could explode within the abdomen.

Liu Yu appeared slightly stunned, raising his eyebrows:

“As this matter concerns cultivation, I had already sought confirmation from Senior Uncle Zhuu and Junior Martial Uncle Jia Yu.

They both expressed support, offered valuable opinions, and shared experiences.”

Without the support of his elders, he wouldn’t dare to put this idea into practice.

This Junior Brother completely understood his articulation, earning his admiration.

The other party cultivated the Wood Element Technique, and such insight exceeded his expectations.

“That’s good to hear. Here, I wish you success in verifying your Mysterious Technique, Senior Brother.”

Ji An then instructed:

“Cuihua, go to the Clear Spirit Bamboo Forest and fetch the Tier Two Pine Nut Wine.”

The Fire Element Spirit Wine, nourished by Wood Element Qi, significantly aids cultivators practicing Fire Element Technique.

“Okay, I’ll prepare it now.

Since it’s getting late, after retrieving the Spirit Wine, I’ll directly prepare dinner, so please excuse my absence.”

The maid responded and quickly left with small steps.

“Haha, we’re in for a treat tonight!”

Liu Yu beamed; the bamboo barrel Pine Nut Wine was not only delicious, but it also accelerated the operation of cultivation methods.

If possible, he’d like to have a cup every day.

However, such excessive demand was impossible to voice, nor did he have many resources to trade with.

Their conversation shifted from exchanging cultivation experiences to discussing the current situation.

Liu Yu furrowed his brows and said:

“Yuxiao Ancestor led a group of Chao Origin Stage Junior Uncles to Yuanhe Mountain, leaving the high-tier forces insufficient.

We can still control the sect’s outer areas, but aiding the surrounding families is beyond our capability.

It’s said that besides the areas controlled by various sects, many families have perished in the Demon Calamity.

Even if the Demon Calamity ends, it could take a century for the Western Continent to restore its Primordial Qi.”

Population is a crucial resource, and reproduction takes time.

Ji An seemed puzzled and said:

“Something seems amiss. We’ve been defending with the array. Our casualties are far less than the Demon Beasts’.

Logically, the depletion of low-tier Demon Beasts should have exceeded every Demon Race’s limit. They have no reason to continue the relentless assault.

Senior Brother, do you have any news from Yuanhe Mountain?”

Unless the Demon Beasts could breach a major sect of the Human Race, such depletion would be disadvantageous for them.

“No, the Junior Uncles wouldn’t share that information with us.”

…

Yuanhe Mountain.

The bluestone steps wind up, and Heavenly Prayer Peak pierces straight into the clouds.

At the mountain top, a nine-tiered gable-roof hall stands quietly under the azure sky.

The black jade tiles radiate a hazy spirit light under the sunlight yet reflect no light.

The surface of the scarlet beams is painted with faint golden cloud patterns, each different from the next: cloud shapes, cloud water patterns, flowing cloud patterns.

The west wind whistled, and the iron horses at the eaves played a melody of warfare, startling the blue smoke curling above the three-legged beast-eared copper furnace.

Under the eaves, the plaque bears the three golden characters “Purple Cloud Hall.”

The handwriting is robust, carrying a sense of sharpness.

Master Beichen sits in the main seat of the hall, on a bronze cast throne, its relief depicting the struggle between dragon and tiger.

He is the Sect Leader of Yuanhe Mountain, outwardly appearing as a thin, elderly man, with two wisps of white brows and a benevolent gaze.

Yet no one dares to underestimate him, for Master Beichen, who practices the Dragon Elephant Wisdom Skill, had just blown apart a Wild Boar Demon King half an hour ago.

“Yuanhe Mountain has no retreat left. If the demon beasts continue their fierce assault, the mountain gate is in peril.

I wonder if any of the Daoist Masters present have a wondrous plan to break the enemy?”

Though Master Beichen’s tone is indifferent, every cultivator present can sense the intention of warfare in his words.

Silence fills the hall while the clanging sound of the iron horses outside grows more intense.

Master Nanshan casts a glance around at everyone, raising his eyebrows to say:

“Gentlemen Daoist Masters, the spiritual vein of Yuanhe Mountain is only at Tier Two Top Grade level.

Having endured years of assault by demon beasts, it is barely hanging on.

If the spiritual vein drops in tier, Yuanhe Mountain will meet its demise.

The Three Sects are branches of the same tree, and I earnestly ask the Daoist Masters to request assistance from the sects by dispatching more Golden Core Daoist Masters so that we can unite our forces to expel the demon beasts!

Afterward, Yuanhe Mountain will express its gratitude abundantly!”

Before the outbreak of the Demon Calamity, Yuanhe Mountain was striving to enhance the level of its spiritual veins, almost reaching fruition after a millennium of accumulation.

Unfortunately, the Golden Spirit Sect took one step ahead, driving the prices of the Five Elements Spiritual Objects in the Western Continent to soar, delaying their progress.

Now, Yuanhe Mountain had to abandon all but the main spiritual vein, and the Mountain Protection Array has been under fierce assault for so long, undoing the accumulation of several centuries.

If the attacks persist for a few more years, the spiritual vein might indeed fall in tier.

Master Yuxiao remains silent, for they are still worried about the same issue.

If the Transformed Great Demons make a move, a sect without Golden Core Daoist Masters to hold the fort, even with a Mountain Protection Array, can’t last long.

If the Golden Core cultivators rush to Yuanhe Mountain intending to expel the demon beasts, they must leave the sect, and the array will be too far away; facing ambushes by shameless Transformed Great Demons, they can only suffer in silence.

Yuanhe Mountain is nearing a desperate situation, so it can ignore these risks, but the same doesn’t apply to them.

Without the backing of a Nascent Soul Daoist Master, there’s no sense of security.

Noticing the subtle changes in his ally’s facial expressions, Master Beichen feels exhausted and softly says:

“Daoist Masters, if Yuanhe Mountain falls, the situation in the Western Continent will become thoroughly chaotic.”

Earlier, he spared no cost to use a secret technique to forcefully kill a demon king, hoping to find a glimmer of hope in this war of attrition.

Compared to before the outbreak of the Demon Calamity, Yuanhe Mountain disciples have seen nearly half of those in the Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining Stages perished in battle.

The casualty rate among Chao Origin Stage cultivators has also slightly exceeded thirty percent.

The spiritual stone reserves in the mountain gate have fallen below twenty percent, and if the war drags on, the earth vein’s essence Qi will have to be drawn to sustain them.

Under such circumstances, the underlying potential and reserves of Yuanhe Mountain will be drained.

Even if the Demon Calamity ends, Yuanhe Mountain will surely decline.

This is something he doesn’t want to see. Why should the other two sects stand by while stepping over Yuanhe Mountain’s corpse?

“I will report our situation to the Sect Leader, and if necessary, I will request his assistance,” Master Yuxiao responds. Yuanhe Mountain certainly still has some resources left, but if they’re left to burn out entirely, there might be backlash.

The reactions of the two Yuanhe Mountain Daoist Masters when the sect’s inheritance faces such crisis is unpredictable!

The Daoist Master from Luofeng Valley is a Kun Earth Cultivator, with the title Daoist Baiyun.

Daoist Baiyun raises her delicate eyebrows slightly and solemnly replies:

“I will report your sect’s difficulties to Senior Brother Huoyun. I believe the Three Sects will surely come up with a reasonable solution.”

…

Mangcang Mountain is located eight hundred miles west of Yuanhe Mountain and serves as the main base of the demon beasts.

At this moment, all Demon Kings gather together, each looking deeply solemn.

Today, the Human Race Daoist Masters displayed tremendous might, actually managing to withstand the attacks of several Demon Kings and even kill one, making them all tremble with fear.

The Ox Demon lets out a few roars, saying:

“What should we do next? All the clans have reached their limit, and Yuanhe Mountain is still unbreachable.

If Hu Fairy’s mission cannot be completed, we will all be stuck here.

Continuing this battle, all the clans cannot sustain it anymore.”

The Demon Kings have long wanted to retreat, but under the orders of the Qingqiu Fox Race, they dare not disobey, facing a dilemma with an unfavorable situation.

The Cyan Dragon lets out a low chuckle, saying:

“I think if we want to capture the Human Race sect with a Mountain Protection Array, we must consolidate our forces and relentlessly assault day and night, quickly exhausting the grand array’s earth vein essence to degrade its tier to succeed.

It’s still possible to gather all the Demon Kings now.”

The Black Wolf glances sidelong, speaking viciously:

“True Master Qing Jiao, your words are easy. If we perish with the Human Race sect, even if we breach the mountain gate, how many of us will survive?”

He sweeps his gaze across the Demon Kings, adding:

“In my opinion, we should send an envoy to report to Hu Fairy and temporarily halt the attack.

Now that the battle between the two races has led to the rampant rise of demon cultivators, I received information that a Golden Core Stage demon cultivator has emerged.

Let the Human Race worry about it themselves; eradicating demon cultivators is no easy task.

If demon cultivators and the Human Race stand against each other, we might just be able to benefit.”