Chapter 110 Resource Integration

The reappearance of demon cultivators who had disappeared from the cultivation world for many years served as a wake-up call for everyone.

Ji An suddenly thought of a question: how did the sect determine the timing of the demonic calamity, and how much error was involved?

"Do you think the demonic calamity might break out sooner than the ancestors predicted?"

Liu Yu nodded slightly:

"I think it might be a few years earlier than expected, but the possibility of it being much earlier is very small. But who can say for sure? We can only do our best to prepare."

Mu Qingwan pondered for a moment and said:

"I have consulted records about demonic calamities. Every time a demonic calamity breaks out, it is a catastrophe for cultivators."

For the Central Continent, the sects and families of the Western Continent served as a buffer zone during wars; after each major battle, only two or three tenths of their forces were able to survive.

Du Huaiyuan circulated his cultivation technique to refine the spiritual wine, and the drunkenness in his eyes quickly dissipated:

"Small boats fear the wind and waves, and large ships find it difficult to turn. Once the foundation of a sect is established, it is impossible to avoid this war. The sect's patriarchs can only consider expanding the sect's strength before the storm."

I think the sect is doing a good job right now, constantly expanding its outposts.

The other two factions are also taking the same action. If they establish enough strongholds and penetrate deep into the inner perimeter of the Ten Thousand Mountains, it is equivalent to driving a large number of wooden stakes into the riverbed before the river floods, which can always play a role in delaying the demon calamity's offensive.

It's said that in recent years, independent cultivators have been able to rent cave dwellings in wilderness outposts for extended periods, which allows them to make better use of their resources.

After learning from his master that a demonic calamity was about to break out, he also looked up relevant records and found that after each demonic calamity ended, a group of sects and families would migrate from the Central Continent.

Of the three sects, the Golden Spirit Sect and the Yuanhe Mountain Sect migrated from the Central Continent three thousand years ago.

He was optimistic about the crisis because Fallen Maple Valley had survived the last demonic calamity, when there were only three Golden Core cultivators in the entire Western Continent.

After continuous mergers and acquisitions, only three major sects remain in the Western Continent, while all other small and medium-sized sects have disappeared, making it easier to unify power.

More importantly, there are now seven Golden Core Ancestors in the three sects, which gives people a lot of peace of mind in terms of the number of top-level combatants.

After three thousand years of growth and development, the strength of human cultivators is even greater than when the last demonic calamity occurred.

Ji An nodded slightly and smiled:

"I think the three sects should give up more benefits and tie more rogue cultivators to the war machine."

The combat strength of the independent cultivators is not as good as that of the sect disciples, but their numbers far exceed those of the three sects.

If used properly, it can alleviate a lot of pressure.

After the outbreak of war, sects will conscript rogue cultivators, but a considerable number of them will inevitably go through the motions without putting in any real effort.

Many independent cultivators would rather find a place with sparse spiritual energy to hide away. Why risk their lives if there's no personal gain involved?

They will wait for the sect to sort out the situation, because the main target of the demon beasts will inevitably be the various spiritual veins.

Liu Yu nodded slightly and smiled:

"That's a problem for the sect's elders to consider. We just need to follow orders."

The sect is working hard to cultivate the spiritual vein. The master said that it would take about 10 to 20 years to cultivate it to the third level.

At that time, the sect's protective formation will be unbreakable even under the siege of many Golden Core level demons. Unless a Nascent Soul level demon personally intervenes, there has never been a record of a Nascent Soul level cultivator participating in a demon calamity.

I truly believe this demonic calamity is a great opportunity for everyone. The struggle will forge an indomitable spirit, and those who survive will undoubtedly have a brighter future.

This was also the real reason he joined the Law Enforcement Hall: to fight against fate and earn the resources to advance to the Chaoyuan stage.

He possesses the Fire Element Body and has chosen the Blazing Sun Furnace Scroll as his cultivation method, which offers significant advantages in both improving his cultivation level and practicing fire-element techniques.

"Haha, while I'm still figuring out how to survive the war by being subservient, my senior brother is already thinking about the opportunities hidden in the danger. I'm far inferior to him."

Du Huaiyuan raised an eyebrow, feeling a deep sense of admiration.

He then took out a jar of spirit wine from his storage bag and tapped open the seal under the table:

"After hearing what my senior brother said, we should have a big drink."

Mu Qingwan said solemnly:

"Senior brother has an extraordinary demeanor, and Qingwan admires him just as much."

Several people raised their glasses and drank to their hearts' content. Du Huaiyuan laughed and said:

"My senior's path is too difficult and not suitable for me. I'd rather stay behind and do some logistical work for everyone."

After I return, I will study alchemy in depth. When the sect sees that I can create more value by staying behind, they will surely reduce the number of combat missions assigned to me.

Senior brother, when you come to me to buy pills, I'll give you a discount!

Li Lingyu slightly pursed her lips and said:

"My senior brother cultivates fire-based techniques, so how could he possibly buy pills from someone like you who uses water-based alchemy? You only talk about cheap deals and you're not being sincere."

Even when buying pills, she would go to Senior Sister Mu to buy them.

"Senior sister, don't you think so?"

Her face turned towards Mu Qingwan, and on her profile, which was out of sight of others, her large eyes blinked playfully.

Du Huaiyuan was surprised and said:

“That’s not right. Junior Sister Li is also an alchemist. The wood-elemental pills you refine are also suitable for Senior Brother Liu. There’s no need to specifically ask Junior Sister Mu for help.”

Mu Qingwan's face flushed slightly.

Liu Yu's expression remained unchanged as he spoke:

"Speaking of pills, since several of my junior brothers and sisters are working at the Pill Refining Institute, is the sect's pill reserve sufficient?"

Mu Qingwan coughed lightly and said gently:

"Currently, there is plenty of material available, and our alchemy tasks are becoming increasingly demanding."

When I first joined the Pill Refining Academy, I could complete my daily pill refining tasks in a little over an hour. Now it takes me three hours, even with the increase in the number of pills I produce.

Du Huaiyuan nodded in agreement:

"The sect has already begun to stockpile a large number of pills. It is said that the spiritual herbs in various herb gardens are ripening one after another, and the heavy task of refining pills will continue for several years."

He turned and asked:

"Junior brother, where have you chosen your cave dwelling? What kind of missions do you plan to take on from the sect in the future?"

Ji An replied, "I am just a spirit farmer, so of course I choose various planting tasks for sect missions."

The cave dwelling was chosen on Crimson Flame Peak. Perhaps it was because the sect's demand for various kinds of spirit charcoal had increased due to the increased task of refining pills, and Crimson Flame Peak was more suitable for planting spirit wood to make spirit charcoal.

Spirit trees are also easier to manage, allowing for more time to improve cultivation and practice spells.

Du Huaiyuan scratched his head and pondered:

“I know that place. I once considered choosing Crimson Flame Peak, as it is particularly suitable for brewing spirit wine.”

However, the water-based cultivation method I chose was too difficult to improve my cultivation level there, so I had to give up on it.

"Junior brother cultivates wood-elemental techniques; he won't have an easy time there. You wouldn't happen to be after the ten extra acres of spirit land the sect gave you, would you?"

"That's one factor."

Liu Yu said with considerable surprise:

"I also know about that place. The spiritual energy of Crimson Flame Peak is too domineering and not suitable for Foundation Establishment cultivators to stay there for a long time."

Choosing that location as a cave dwelling might slow down cultivation progress, but it allows one to purify their mana by utilizing the domineering aura of golden wind and raging fire.

The purpose of Foundation Establishment stage cultivation is to comprehend the divine intent of the cultivation method, use this as an opportunity to refine one's magical power and hone oneself, and ultimately ignite the primordial fire of life.

He thought to himself that Junior Brother Ji must have the ambition to break through to the Chaoyuan stage, which can be seen from his choice of cave dwelling. As for the other party's claim that he had his eye on the extra spiritual fields, he couldn't take it seriously.

However, choosing Crimson Flame Peak as a cave dwelling now seems too early; it would be more advantageous to move in later stages of Foundation Establishment.

He paused for a moment and then smiled:

"I'll be troubling you more often in the future, junior brother. I plan to visit you every now and then for a few days to refine my magical power."

Originally, Crimson Flame Peak was rented out by the Chen family of Puyun Mountain, so even if he wanted to use the aura of Golden Wind and Blazing Fire to purify his magic power, he couldn't go there often.

Now that's good. That place has become my junior brother's cave dwelling. Without that worry, I can get closer to my junior brother who has high aspirations.

"Haha, welcome, senior brother. I'll certainly prepare a warm welcome for you."

Ji An smiled and said, "Human relationships only deepen through mutual exchanges."

He inquired about the preparations needed for moving into the cave, and subtly mentioned the unpleasant parting he had with Chen Xingyun and Zhu Qinghao a few days ago.

Du Huaiyuan lightly pounded the table and said coldly:

"Senior Brother Zhu is really something. He even colluded with outsiders to force Junior Brother to change his mind and move to a different cave. I've figured it out now; he doesn't necessarily consider us fellow disciples."

Mu Qingwan expressed her agreement:

"Because of Master's habits of accepting disciples, our cultivation levels are quite different from those of other senior brothers and sisters. We don't have the same bond of learning under Master's tutelage at the same time, so it's normal that our relationship is rather bland."

Li Lingyu said in a deep voice:

"In the eyes of the Chen family, my junior brother's choice will probably be seen as a great enmity that cuts off their source of income."

"One should always be wary of others; junior brother, you must be careful."

Her father was a wandering monk who had told her many stories about the wickedness of human nature.

Ji An smiled and said:

"Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister. I don't plan to leave the sect for the next few years, so no one can do anything to me."

After a few years, his magic will have become quite sophisticated, and his ability to protect himself will be much stronger.

This was an exchange meeting to integrate resources. Liu Yu often handled monster materials, and Ji An ordered a batch of animal hides and monster blood essence. He wanted to pick up the talisman-making skills again in the future.

Once an alchemist's proficiency increases, completing the sect's alchemy tasks will yield several extra pills, which are considered extra income for the alchemist.

Li Lingyu is currently mainly responsible for refining Qingling Pills, and Ji An has made an agreement with her to purchase the pills.

The supply of Foundation Establishment stage pills has decreased significantly, and without a familiar alchemist, there are few avenues for purchasing additional pills.

Li Lingyu and Mu Qingwan also ordered a batch of spirit charcoal and alchemy aids from Ji An.

"My junior brother hasn't even moved into his cave yet, but the future benefits are already clearly visible, which really makes me envious."

I'm also ordering some spirit charcoal, made from purple yang wood and clear spirit bamboo. I need 500 catties annually, cash on delivery.

Ji An asked in surprise, "Senior Brother used water to refine pills, why would he need spirit charcoal?"

"It has its own wonderful uses; you'll find out later."

Du Huaiyuan smiled mysteriously and said:

"Junior brother, let's make a deal. The spirit wine fermented in the secluded pool at the foot of Crimson Flame Peak is extremely effective. How about I borrow this treasure land for a while in the future?"

"I always give my junior brother a share; every time we brew wine, I share a few jars of each type with him."

"Senior brother, please feel free to use it, as long as you're not afraid I'll sneak a sip."

Du Huaiyuan scratched his head:

“I will remember the amount of spirit wine.”

Everyone smiled and chatted for a while before going their separate ways.

Outside the cave, the setting sun casts its rays upon the green bamboo, making the purple tear stains appear as red as blood, creating a unique and beautiful scene.

Ji An stayed behind last, drew his fiery red magic sword, and said with a wry smile:

"Senior sister, it's been three years and we still haven't sold them. We can only sell them in the Immortal City."

"In a few days, let's go to Qingyun Immortal City together, sell the magical artifacts, and divide the spirit stones among ourselves."

He planned to go to the Immortal City to purchase array plates and other supplies, and asked someone to accompany him so he could feel at ease.

Li Lingyu nodded: "Okay, once the date is confirmed, Junior Brother will contact me."

Since the sect does not sell the main ingredients for refining pills, and she does not have any familiar spiritual farmers to cooperate with, she can only go out to buy them.

(End of this chapter)