Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

As the Spiritual Qi passed through the Water Element Divine Mansion, the sound of flowing water emanated from his body, beginning as a gentle stream and then surging like a mighty river.

The Spiritual Qi was refined once, entering the Wood Element Divine Mansion, and verdant patterns emerged on his skin.

At first, like seeds sprouting tender shoots, the shoots rapidly grew, some transforming into towering trees, others becoming twining vines.

Next, flowers blossomed and trees bore fruit, reaching the height of abundance before quickly withering.

At this moment, the Spiritual Qi entered the Fire Element Divine Mansion, and the Quiet Chamber echoed with subtle crackling sounds, reminiscent of firewood burning in a blaze.

Ji An’s body temperature rose rapidly, radiating heat like a furnace, and the vine and tree patterns on his skin vanished, replaced by scarlet flame patterns.

The patterns were still dynamically changing, resembling flickering flames at first glance.

Suddenly, the scarlet patterns transformed into golden flames, and lightning-like brilliance appeared within the void.

In the next instant, a heavy aura spread from Ji An, like a towering mountain meeting reverence, like a vast, boundless earth.

The Spiritual Qi was further processed within the Earth Element Divine Mansion, now transformed into Spiritual Liquid.

As the Spiritual Liquid flowed into the Gold Element Divine Mansion, the Divine Intent was further gathered, and streaks of light appeared in the Quiet Chamber, akin to the armor reflected by a cold moon.

The Spiritual Liquid was further compressed, becoming as thick as paste, now having transformed into Magical Power, finally converging in the Dantian.

The Dantian represents the Ancestral Acupoint of the human body, symbolizing the beginning of cultivation, as the tide of Magical Power poured down, the Primordial Flame glowed brightly, and the Stone Turtle’s mouth moved, voraciously devouring the Magical Power.

When the Water Mansion, Wood Mansion, and Earth Mansion lit up, the Immortal Vein received varying degrees of nourishment, undergoing extremely subtle changes.

The Immortal Vein became broader and more resilient, with traces of it found in every corner of the body.

Ji An felt that, judging by the efficiency of refining Spiritual Qi, his aptitude should have reached Celestial Grade.

...

The next day.

Zhang Le and Yuan Hong were walking down the road, conversing via transmission.

”Old Yuan, do you think Fellow Daoist Ji will agree to explore the ruins?”

”It’s hard to say; I’ve been in contact with him for over a year, and I feel he is an extremely cautious person who won’t easily agree to take risks.

Moreover, I have a hunch that he is a cultivator with hidden depths, and his strength may be much stronger than we anticipate.”

Yuan Hong sighed gently, trusting his intuition greatly, as past experiences have proven his intuition to be quite reliable.

Zhang Le remained silent, and after a moment, they arrived at their destination, finding Ji An already waiting at the entrance of the Grotto Mansion.

”Please, come in, Fellow Daoists,” Ji An invited them into the Grotto Mansion and subtly expressed his refusal.

”Regrettably, I feel my current life is quite good, and I don’t want to take risks.”

The benefits of adventure are not clear, but the risks are absolutely visible.

Zhang Le glanced at his friend, regretfully saying:

”It’s a pity not to collaborate with Fellow Daoist.”

After a short and fruitless conversation, the two bid farewell and left, needing to invite other cultivators.

Ji An lightly shook his head, wondering if his refusal would cost him two excellent beast hide suppliers.

He pondered for a while, then stood up laughing, realizing it was pointless to worry about things beyond his control, which only unnecessarily affected his mood.

He left the Grotto Mansion, striding away.

...

At Wey’s Spirit Talisman Shop.

Ji An had just stepped into the shop when he saw the shopkeeper hurriedly coming down from the second floor and asked in surprise:

”Fellow Daoist, what’s the matter?”

He paused, jokingly saying:

”Could it be that Fellow Daoist foresaw my arrival and came down especially to greet me?”

Wey Xianglin showed a kind smile, ”Senior, our master was just about to go to your Grotto Mansion to find you.”

He stepped forward a couple of steps and lowered his voice, ”Our young master has long wanted to meet Fellow Daoist, but things have always gotten in the way.

Today, he happened to come here, hoping to meet you, Senior.

As a result, he sent me to inquire if Senior was free, not expecting you to arrive.”

As a prolific Talisman Maker, the collaboration over the past two years has earned the shop quite a few Spirit Stones.

The two of them went to the VIP room on the second floor, where Ji An met the main person.

A cultivator with a square face and composed demeanor, carrying a scholar’s grace, whose face and beard gave off a sense of amiability upon meeting.

”Young master, this is Senior Ji An.”

The fair-faced cultivator stood up and greeted warmly:

”I’ve long heard of your esteemed name, Fellow Daoist. I am Wey Chengqian. Please, have a seat.”

After the host and guest sat down and exchanged pleasantries, Wey Chengqian spoke in a humble tone:

”Based on your accent, Fellow Daoist seems not to be from the Northern Land. May I ask where your Immortal Realm is? I don’t mean to probe, but if it’s inconvenient, you need not answer.”

The shopkeeper had previously mentioned his requests, and as allies with a good cooperative relationship, there’s no harm in doing a favor.

”There’s nothing that can’t be shared; I hail from the Western Continent.”

”Ah, the Western Continent. I once traveled there. What does Fellow Daoist think of this place compared to Cyan Cloud Immortal City?”

Ji An raised an eyebrow slightly and self-deprecatingly said:

”Cyan Cloud Immortal City is not as good as this place, to be honest. Initially, I thought the Northern Land’s Cultivation Realm was quite desolate, but it turns out the Western Continent’s prosperity pales in comparison to the Far North.”

”Haha, Fellow Daoist is quite honest.

To me, the Western Continent’s Cultivation Realm only has a few notable families and three Major Sects that can be considered significant forces.”

Instantly, Wey Chengqian felt good about Ji An, as some cultivators faced with facts might choose to bluster.

”So, Fellow Daoist has heard of my origins. I am a cultivator from the Golden Spirit Sect.”

”Of course, I am aware. Your sect is in the south of the Western Continent, closer to the Southern Continent.”

The two’s conversation grew increasingly pleasant, unknowingly shifting to the topic of cultivation.

Ji An shared his understanding of the Metal Element and Earth Element, earning the other’s praise. A capable cultivator garners respect wherever they go.

Unbeknownst to them, half an hour had passed, and Wey Chengqian smiled warmly:

”Discussing with Fellow Daoist today, there emerged a feeling of regret for not meeting sooner. I wonder if you could honor us tonight by allowing me to host you as a local hospitality?”

The Wey Clan has dealings with Luofeng Valley and Yuanhe Mountain, yet hasn’t engaged in trade with the Golden Spirit Sect; fostering camaraderie might open a commercial avenue.

Moreover, befriending a promising cultivator is instinctive behavior for direct lineage disciples of families like his.

Ji An smiled, ”I am flattered; accepting your invitation seems better than declining.”

He himself had the idea of fostering ties with local major forces; however, establishing connections requires skill, as forcefully inserting oneself undermines dignity.

Wey Chengqian’s smile became even more affable, saying:

”The shopkeeper mentioned Fellow Daoist seeks a quota for experiencing Gold Element Spirit Mechanism at a mine; my friend’s family operates several mines; I’ll introduce you in a few days.”

Fellow Daoist should prepare Spirit Stones or High-tier Spiritual Objects, and if you’re short, you can borrow some from the shop.”

In reality, bridging connections would showcase more sincerity; however, such actions seem petty and are not his style.

”Thank you, Fellow Daoist, for helping me greatly, keeping it in my thoughts.

By the way, I’ve not inquired about the fee before; does Fellow Daoist have any news?”

Ji An felt pleased, for Spirit Pill Pavilion’s shopkeeper claimed familial and mine owner ties but offered no further information, while Wey’s Spirit Talisman Shop was more reliable.

He decided to reduce refining elixirs later, using saved time for drawing Talismans, reciprocating favor.

”They charge based on the strength of gathered Gold Element Spirit Mechanism, ranging from ten to a hundred middle-grade Spirit Stones each time.

The outbreak of Spirit Tide is extremely brief, possibly lasting only a few breaths, never more than half a quarter-hour.”

Wey Chengqian explained, noting that comprehending Gold Generating Water is the toughest among the Five Elements Mutual Generation, due to the short duration of Spirit Tide, ending before any realization.

He himself spent over twenty years comprehending Gold Generating Water, observing several hundred times.

The comprehension process was incredibly painful and highly distracting; considering it quick, he’s seen cultivators give up after four or five decades.

He described the pains encountered during comprehension, even offering tips for avoidance.

Ji An respectfully cupped his hands, saying:

”Thank Fellow Daoist for sharing.”

These details were told by the ancestor, though not as thoroughly explained, since time has blurred memories.

”It’s a minor suggestion; Fellow Daoist need not dwell on it; even without my mention, once immersed a few times, you’d develop better strategies, likely surpassing my advice.”

Wey Chengqian gestured, genuine interaction fosters better friendships.