Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

The next day.

Zhang Jun rode the Flying Shuttle to the outside of the Grotto Mansion. He noticed the sharp-edged carvings on the large stone outside and smiled knowingly.

He began to shout loudly, ”Elder Ji!”

After three calls, a light curtain shimmered in a location outside the woods, forming a doorway from which a gentle voice emanated, ”Come in to talk.”

Zhang Jun stepped into the Magic Array, walked through the woods, and entered the Grotto Mansion.

He saw that the living room was very simple; in the central hall was an ink landscape painting, depicting jagged rocks and surging white waves. Further on were a few chairs and a not-so-large table.

On the table was placed a large three-legged Beast Ear Incense Burner, though the incense was not lit.

On each side of the incense burner were White Jade Discs, containing some pastries.

Besides that, there was nothing else.

He couldn’t help but feel surprised, thinking to himself that a Golden Core Daoist Master lived so simply, which made him feel ashamed.

Ji An pointed to a chair and said:

”Sit down and speak, don’t be reserved.”

His demeanor was very cordial, although the opportunities to interact weren’t frequent, he understood that the other person was a reliable individual who would not bother him without reason.

Zhang Jun sat upright and respectfully said:

”At noon, a cultivator began a realm breakthrough in a certain Grotto Mansion atop the Immortal City, the Spiritual Energy Vortex that gathered spanned thirty li, evidently breaking through to the Golden Core Stage.”

He was quite sentimental, thinking it had been less than a year since someone last broke through the Golden Core Stage, and yet so soon another cultivator had succeeded.

Ji An’s eyes flashed with a hint of joy; the auction had ended more than half a month ago, and calculating the time, some cultivators should have started renting Grotto Mansions to attempt breakthroughs.

Not accounting for the two high-quality Golden Core Pills bought by Golden Core cultivators, three had been purchased by loose cultivators, he believed he should have acquired three opportunities for the Stone Turtle to absorb Dao Rhyme.

Loose cultivators and small family forces without high-grade Spiritual Veins would obviously choose to rent Grotto Mansions in the Immortal City to attain better environments for breakthroughs.

He took out a middle-grade Spirit Stone and a Jade Slip, emphasizing:

”Well done, in future, you must notify me of such news as soon as possible.

Additionally, inquire about the prices of various medicinal herbs in the Jade Slip, then report back to me.”

In recent days, he had been exploring Pill Formulas again; after initial calculations, practical refining revealed many issues, and he had changed several herbs.

What is gained from theory is ultimately shallow, exploring Pill Formulas has given him a deeper understanding of the nature and pharmacology of medicines.

He believed that as long as the correct direction was found, mastering Pill Formulas was only a matter of time.

Zhang Jun took the Spirit Stone, patted his chest and said:

”I will promptly attend to Elder’s entrusted matter.”

Ji An smiled and said, ”Compare prices to choose the most favorable shop for me, because later I might purchase in large quantities.

Moreover, the day after tomorrow I will be doing some errands in the Immortal City; let’s meet at 7:00 AM in front of the Certification Association, then we’ll buy Spirit Medicine.”

This counted as a test; as long as the person handled matters seriously and wasn’t perfunctory, he would choose them to be an agent to manage routine tasks over the long term.

”As you command.”

...

Two days later.

Ji An had just purchased the needed medicinal herbs at late afternoon and hurried to the Certification Association.

After finding Master Qingfeng, the two immediately set off for the location of the trade meeting, a certain Grotto Mansion within the Immortal City.

Precisely because the trade meeting’s location was within the Immortal City, Ji An agreed, if it was held outside the Immortal City, he wouldn’t attend.

By the time they arrived, over ten cultivators were already inside, leisure conversing quietly.

Master Qingfeng was familiar with several individuals there and introduced Ji An to those he knew.

”This is Fellow Daoist Jinrong, an Artifact Refining Grandmaster affiliated with Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, if you need to refine Magical Treasures, he’s the one to look for.”

Ji An cupped his hands and smiled amiably:

”I didn’t expect to meet Fellow Daoist under such circumstances, it’s a pleasure.”

The two had met briefly before, Ji An’s Cyan Lotus Treasure Banner was crafted by the cultivator before him.

Wan Jinrong, after a momentary daze, also laughed heartily.

”When did Fellow Daoist Ji arrive in Central Continent?”

Master Qingfeng raised his eyebrows, ”Oh, you’re acquainted then.”

Wan Jinrong briefly recounted events from years past, feigned a sigh and said:

”I even gifted a token to Fellow Daoist Ji back then, yet after arriving in Central Continent he never visited, apparently he never truly regarded me as a friend.”

Ji An quickly said, ”Fellow Daoist, you’ve taken it too seriously. I’ve only recently settled in Cloud Sea Immortal City, there have been so many matters to handle, otherwise I’d have long brazenly visited.”

The three joked a bit more, becoming harmonious, and found a table to sit at, starting to chat about their various experiences over the years.

About two quarters of an hour had passed, the cultivator who initiated the trade meeting stepped forward and said:

”I am San Shan Daoist Master, welcome matters and new friends for gracing us with your presence amidst busy schedules to attend the trade meeting.

Since everyone intended has arrived, I now announce, the trade meeting begins.

As per old customs, I first offer something modest to inspire you.”

With that, he took out a Red Flying Sword and said:

”Three lower-grade Magical Treasures, compounded with eighteen layers of Treasure Prohibition, when the Magical Treasure attacks, it carries a splash effect, with mere ripples able to inflict massive damage on enemies at the Chao Origin Stage level, while enemies at the Foundation Establishment level will turn to flying ashes.

”Used to exchange three-tier top-grade fire-elemental spiritual objects, variety unlimited.”

The surface of the flying sword had seven celestial stars connected in a line, strikingly beautiful.

At the outset, a magical treasure was displayed, instantly igniting everyone’s enthusiasm. Cultivators in need came forward, engaging in silent bargaining with San Shan Daoist Master.

Wan Jinrong said softly:

”Treasure Prohibition is more complex than Spiritual Prohibition. This artifact can stack eighteen layers of Treasure Prohibition, making it the finest among lower-grade items.”

Add one more layer of Treasure Prohibition, and it becomes a tier-three middle-grade artifact.

Ji An scratched his head. He hadn’t seen tier-three top-grade spiritual objects yet.

Soon enough, San Shan Daoist Master completed his transaction with others, both parties looking very satisfied.

Cultivators constantly went up, presented their treasures, and stated their needs.

Some succeeded in getting what they desired, going down in high spirits, but only two fortunate individuals achieved satisfactory exchanges, while many returned disappointed.

A cultivator with two mouse-like whiskers stepped forward, raised a pale golden jade slip, and laughed:

”I have a body refining cultivation method here, called Acala Bodhisattva Skill. It can be cultivated to Nascent Soul level. I want to exchange for thirty pills to advance Golden Core early-stage cultivation.”

There was a subtly mocking laugh from below, and Ji An raised an eyebrow, thinking the cultivation method in the jade slip was fake.

When did a Nascent Soul-level method become so cheap?

Master Qingfeng transmitted,

”This person is a loose cultivator, known as Tuntian. He’s been selling this method for many years.”

His expression was somewhat disdainful. Were the two words ’Tuntian’ something an ordinary loose cultivator could manage?

Ji An found it even more amusing; the other party had probably not sold a single one during this long period.

Seeing the cold scene below, Tuntian Daoist Master continued:

”I know many people will question the authenticity of the method, but there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it.

The method, however, is a Buddhist cultivator technique, very different from Daoist sect techniques. The external items needed are mainly formulated using Vajra Bodhi Fruit.”

Ji An suddenly became interested. The Vajra Bodhi Tree is one of the holy trees of Buddhist cultivators, but to Daoist cultivators, it’s not much.

Other people might think obtaining a large quantity of Vajra Bodhi Fruit is not easy, but to him, it’s simple and easy.

As long as the method is authentic, it’s worth acquiring.

He transmitted, ”Is the method confirmed true? Has he managed to sell it over the years?”

Master Qingfeng responded:

”I remember a Buddhist cultivator bought it, and I’ve heard him mention that the method is fine. Acala Bodhisattva Skill is quite famous among Buddhist cultivators.”

Ji An pondered carefully, stood up, and approached, saying:

”Can I examine the method?”

Tuntian Daoist Master readily agreed, ”Of course, no problem, but Fellow Daoist can only examine part of it.”

Saying this, he took out another white jade slip and handed it over, saying:

”Buddhist cultivation differs greatly from Daoist sects. This jade slip contains the Acala Bodhisattva Skill, which can elevate Dharma Body to the equivalent level of a Chao Origin-stage body cultivator.

Fellow Daoist should have researched body refining techniques; one glance will discern its authenticity.”

”Fellow Daoist is very generous.”

Ji An smiled, took the jade slip, placed it on his forehead to read the information, his eyes flashing with an unusual look.

The method is divided into two parts; one emphasizes meditation visualization, refining one’s essence, qi, and spirit into a Dharma Guardian Deity.

The other part is a more typical body cultivation method, circulating blood and qi to strengthen life’s essence.

He vaguely sensed that learning meditation visualization might close off the path to Nascent Soul formation, yet the qi circulation routes seemed familiar.

He discovered the method had many similarities with the Glaze-Gold Jade Bone Body, feeling the wonder of fate.

Ji An deliberated on his words, saying warmly:

”Fellow Daoist, individuals like us, even if we obtain this method, deciding to base our breakthrough to Nascent Soul Realm on this would be impossible.

Thus, this method at most allows cultivation to late-stage Golden Core.

Thirty pills are too pricey; I’m willing to offer ten and form a connection.”

Tuntian Daoist Master felt joyful inside; picky buyers imply strong interest.

He displayed an exaggerated expression, saying:

”I can’t agree to Fellow Daoist’s requirements. According to the method, it indeed implements breakthroughs to Nascent Soul Stage; one cannot disparage its level because it might be unfit for us.

Think about it, the method can serve as the foundational accumulation for a force; even if you don’t cultivate it, future generations can use it to climb higher realms.

Seeing Fellow Daoist’s sincere intentions, I’ll willingly reduce by two pills.

I haven’t specified the type of pills; Fellow Daoist is at an advantage, can use monster beast inner core-based pills for trade.”

The two began bargaining, Ji An’s haggling skills improved, ultimately closing at twenty pills.

He sent out pills made from Kuimu Ape and Earth Dragon Beast inner cores, then took out four pills made from Howling Moon Wolf inner cores.

Tuntian Daoist Master’s eyes lit up; he had been selling the method for years, this transaction marked only the second success.

The previous exchange was for cultivation method, this time for pills enhancing cultivation, speeding up his cultivation progress significantly.

After completing the transaction, Ji An and Tuntian Daoist Master returned to their seats, and the trading continued further.