Chapter 256 Returning to Mingfeng Mountain

The spirit rice is ripe, and hundreds of spirit farmers are busy in the fields.

Ji An looked at the bustling scene and shook his head slightly.

Liu Erhu, who had been watching his expression closely, stepped forward and said with a smile:

"Uncle-Master, you can rest today and start planting the next batch tomorrow."

"Given my uncle's planting efficiency, earning contribution points is incredibly easy."

He sighed inwardly, realizing that with the other party's spell, the yellow sprout rice could mature in eight days, yielding over a million catties of spirit rice. He wondered how the sect should reward them.

Ji An shook his head and chuckled, saying:

"If I continue to plant it, the price of yellow sprout rice will immediately plummet, and I won't earn much contribution points."

He now understands that while the yield of yellow sprout rice in Xizhou can be very high, various forces maintain a relatively stable price to ensure that lower-level disciples have a way to survive.

If a large number of high-level spirit farmers participate in planting low-level crops, the yield will immediately increase, and the price will collapse instantly.

This is what a market economy is all about. At that time, it's not impossible for one spirit stone to buy thousands or even tens of thousands of kilograms of spirit rice.

If the price of Ginkgo biloba collapses, many families that rely on farming will go out of business.

The current price of Lingmi is likely the result of a compromise among all parties.

Spirit rice is just a tiny part of the cultivation world; what truly determines the number of cultivators is the production of spiritual herbs.

Unlike spirit rice, elixirs don't have such dramatic effects on spells.

The higher the grade of the medicinal herb, the more time it takes to cultivate it to a sufficient age.

"You guys go ahead with your work," Ji An waved his hand, then summoned his flying shuttle and returned to Crimson Flame Peak.

Harvesting spirit rice manually was too slow, so he thought of using magical artifacts to harvest it.

He took out the golden sword for communication, recorded his thoughts into it, and then activated the sword.

It flashed with golden light and flew towards Lingxiao Mountain.

He didn't need to worry about the rest; the Diligent Work Hall would take care of everything. That's the advantage of being organized.

A few days later, another batch of Lingmi rice matured.

Ji An looked at the magical artifact flying in the air like a combine harvester and smiled knowingly.

He simply provided an idea, and the product was created: a specially designed, large-capacity storage bag that solved the storage problem.

The efficiency of the magical artifact is comparable to the manual harvesting of hundreds of spirit farmers; this is the power of cultivation technology.

Liu Erhu was dumbfounded. Aren't magical artifacts all used for fighting?

Looking back, all those years of hard work harvesting crops by hand were incredibly stupid.

Ji An coughed lightly and said:

"What are you all standing there for? Tell the other disciples to get to work."

The Qi Refining stage disciples are mainly responsible for casting the Flame Spell. Although their casting range is small, there are many of them.

In this way, he can conserve his mana to complete the planting.

"I was just attracted by the novel magical artifact, please wait a moment, Uncle-Master."

Liu Erhu snapped out of his daze and shouted:

Stop looking and get to work!

Three months later.

Ji An sat cross-legged in the mulberry field, cultivating, with various colored light spots dancing around him, the pale golden sun fire being the most eye-catching.

Half a month ago, order was restored in Maple Valley, and there was no longer a need to plant yellow sprout rice. His life finally returned to normal.

A golden sword carrying a message flew in from the sky and stopped beside him, trembling violently.

Ji An exited his cultivation state and caught the golden sword to examine it.

"Ji An, a disciple of Crimson Flame Peak, is hereby ordered to assemble at Sunrise Peak at Chenshi (7-9 AM) three days from now and proceed to Windward Mountain."

Those who fail to appear by the deadline without a valid reason will be held accountable by the Enforcement Hall.

Please hurry and purchase combat supplies. You can use this token to exchange for magical artifacts in the Treasure Pavilion and enjoy wartime benefits.

"It's finally here."

With a soft sigh, Ji An stood up.

The tide of events was unstoppable; there was no escaping it. So let's just go through it.

He patted the storage bag; everything he needed was inside, so there was no need for any extra preparations.

He channeled his magical power and flew back to the icy pool. Ji An summoned several Qi Refining stage disciples and said in a deep voice:

"Upon receiving orders from the sect, I will travel to Mingfeng Mountain in three days aboard a spirit boat."

After I leave, you must keep the mountain-protecting formation active and do not be stingy with spirit stones.

The disciples were startled and bowed their heads, saying, "We will obey our master's orders."

Seeing the somber expressions on their faces, Ji An laughed loudly:

"When I return to Crimson Flame Peak, I will have a great time with all of you fellow Daoists. I hope I can make it in time for your Foundation Establishment Ceremony."

Having said that, he summoned his flying shuttle and flew away from Crimson Flame Peak.

Ningcui Cliff is lush and verdant, with clouds and mist swirling around its summit and cascading waterfalls flowing down its slopes, creating a scene reminiscent of a fairyland.

Ji An landed and strode into the cave like a dragon.

He smiled and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Master, I must take my leave now. I will be heading to Mingfeng Mountain in three days."

His anxiety had completely subsided during the journey, and now only composure remained.

Mingfeng Mountain still exists, and his mission is nothing more than to hold the line and defend the position.

The sect has set up a teleportation array in the immortal city, so unless one is unfortunately killed, they can always return.

Has the situation become that critical?

Ge Ying muttered to herself, "The sect has actually started recruiting spirit farmers. The situation at Mingfeng Mountain is probably in grave danger."

Ji An shook his head slightly and said:

"Not entirely. After all, I am a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Even if I am not good at combat, my abundant mana can still accomplish a lot."

It's true that other ling farmers aren't good at fighting, but he's an exception.

If it's a battle between people of the same level, he fears no one, including monsters and the like.

"Be careful in everything. If we can hold out for two months, the Azure Mist Secret Realm will reopen, and the situation will be better then."

By the way, do you have any defensive magical artifacts on you?

"Yes, many years ago I asked Senior Brother Zhao Lei from the Refining Hall to refine the Apricot Yellow Flag. After more than ten years of refinement, the spiritual weapon is quite spiritual."

"That's good. I have nothing of value on me, so I'll give you some pills. I hope you'll never need them."

Ge Ying took out several jade bottles and introduced them one by one:

"This gray bottle contains millennium stalactite, which can quickly restore magic power. There are about a dozen drops left."

This light blue jade bottle contains two Profound Origin Regeneration Pills. If the body is injured, taking these pills can quickly restore broken bones and regenerate blood to heal the injury.

This red jade bottle contains a Blood-Burning Pill, which burns away vital energy and magical power. Using it recklessly will cause severe side effects; it should only be taken as a last resort.

Sensing that her days were numbered, she prepared a pill for each of her disciples, entrusting them with her final concerns.

Ji An pursed his lips, took two steps forward, and caught the pill with both hands:

"I will always remember the kindness of my teacher."

He knew all too well the preciousness of the thousand-year-old stalactites and the Xuan Yuan Rejuvenation Pill, as they were extremely rare and difficult to obtain in the current environment.

This kindness will surely be repaid to Senior Sister Ge Luoying in the future.

"There's not much more I can do to help you. From now on, you and your fellow disciples must walk this path well."

After bidding farewell to his master, Ji An rode his flying shuttle to Chaoyang Peak.

As the sun set, the golden lettering on the weathered plaque shimmered.

He stepped into the main hall, where cultivators were exchanging defensive magical artifacts.

After the person left, he stepped forward, took out his identity jade token and communication golden sword, and smiled:

"Uncle-Master, please exchange for an offensive spiritual weapon."

He has plenty of defensive measures, but what he lacks are offensive magical artifacts.

Jia Yu sighed softly and said resentfully:

"Those bastards in Central Continent really screwed us over!"

He was well aware of the situation at the front. Although it wasn't exactly in dire straits, it was a struggle to hold on, and battles between Golden Core cultivators occasionally broke out.

The good news is that the monsters suffered even greater casualties; now it's a matter of which side will give out first.

He paused, then asked:

What are your requirements for the magical artifact?

Ji An pondered for a moment and said:

"First, the attack range must be wide; "

Secondly, it can pose a fatal threat to demonic beasts in the early stages of Foundation Establishment.

In fact, his Purple Fire Spirit Gourd could meet the requirements, but he was at a loss after the flames stored inside were exhausted. He was wondering if there was a spirit artifact that could automatically generate flames.

"Then let's take the Flame Banner. The crafting technique for this kind of spiritual weapon has been passed down in the sect for thousands of years and is the most mature."

“A recommendation from my martial uncle must be good; I will listen to you.”

Jia Yu nodded and returned to the secret vault to retrieve the magical artifact:

“Previously, it would have cost 1,600 minor merits to exchange for it, but now there’s a discount, and since you’re enjoying the benefits of a first-class disciple, you only need 1,000 minor merits to take it away.”

Ji An grinned, "Can I exchange for a few more?"

"Don't even think about it! Each person only gets one discount."

"Haha," Ji An chuckled, picked up the Flamelight Flag and examined it closely, then asked in surprise:

"Why does this magical artifact look somewhat like the apricot-yellow flag?"

"The Apricot Yellow Flag is a replica of the Primordial Spiritual Treasure Wuji Apricot Yellow Flag, and the Flame Light Flag is a replica of the Primordial Spiritual Treasure Lidi Flame Light Flag."

Both spiritual treasures are types of the Five Innate Banners; they only look similar in appearance, but the materials used are completely different from those used in spiritual restrictions.

"I see," Ji An nodded slightly.

The Five Primordial Banners are ancient treasures passed down through generations. They are: the Central Apricot Yellow Banner (戊己杏黄旗), the Eastern Azure Lotus Banner (青莲宝色旗), the Southern Flame Banner (离地焰光旗), the Western Plain Cloud Banner (素色云界旗), and the Northern Mysterious Water Control Banner (玄元控水旗).

Regardless of the type of flag, it possesses both offensive and defensive capabilities, as well as other ingenious uses.

The imitations were far less effective; his apricot-yellow flag was only good for defense.

Jia Yu rested her elbow on the table and asked with concern:

"How are the preparations going?"

Ji An patted the storage bag and answered with considerable confidence:

"We have done the best preparation we could."

Three days later, Ji An arrived at Yingri Peak.

He carried two spirit beast pouches, one with a golden-feathered eagle and the other with a gray-feathered sand goose, for reconnaissance purposes.

Other beasts are simply no match for direct combat, so they should remain at Crimson Flame Peak.

He glanced at them and estimated that there were about a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators and a large number of Qi Refining disciples recruited this time, about seven or eight hundred in total.

A disciple from the Enforcement Hall stepped forward, carrying something that resembled a spirit disc, and said:

"Uncle-Master, please leave your magical imprint."

Ji An scratched his head, "There's even a sign-in feature here?"

He made hand seals, leaving his mark.

Lin Jiuxiao turned to look at the rising sun and called out:

"It's time to board the spirit boat."

The group flew onto the spirit ship and landed on the deck.

Lin Jiuxiao's voice rang out again:

"This trip to Mingfeng Mountain will be led by my junior brother Zhu Xiangrong and me."

The situation at the front is relatively stable, mainly because other cultivators have consumed too much of their mana, so fresh troops are needed to join them.

During the flight, everyone should rest and adjust their condition. Upon arrival at Mingfeng Mountain, we will likely be immediately engaged in combat.

Three days later, the spirit boat will arrive at Mingfeng Mountain.

A golden-feathered eagle with a wingspan of two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) and several smaller ones were hot on their heels. A fierce glint flashed in Lin Jiuxiao's eyes as he said:

"Junior Brother Zhu, you continue to control the flying boat, I'll be right back."

"Be careful, senior brother."

"Don't worry, they're just a few hairy beasts."

Lin Jiuxiao summoned a flying sword, the magical weapon flaming with intense flames, exuding a chilling killing intent.

He made a sword incantation, and his body merged with the sword as he flew out of the spirit boat.

A blazing flame appeared in the sky, instantly covering an area of ​​a hundred feet in radius, like a rolling sea of ​​fire.

The fiery clouds descended upon the demonic beast, and the golden-feathered eagle emitted streaks of pale blue light, with countless wind blades cascading down like waterfalls.

The sea of ​​clouds churned, and a red light flashed out as swiftly as a dragon, followed by a smaller golden eagle splitting in two in mid-air.

Lin Jiuxiao burst into loud laughter, his voice echoing in all directions.

"It's a pity that the demon core was cut open. I'll be more careful next time."

The lead golden eagle flew into a rage and swooped down, countless translucent crescent-shaped wind blades swirling around its body as if accompanied by a gale.

The spirit boat landed in the immortal city of Mingfeng Mountain.

A female cultivator dressed in a light blue robe hurried over, holding a sect token in her hand.

"The person whose name is called stands behind me; you have other plans."

Ji An, Yuan Lin, Zhang Shun.

The female cultivator spoke very quickly, calling out seven or eight names in no time.

Ji An was slightly taken aback, then immediately jumped off the flying boat and stood behind him.

He was completely unaware of any special arrangements and was filled with suspicion.

The female cultivator glanced at the people behind her, silently counted them in her mind, and then summoned her flying shuttle, saying, "Quickly follow me."

On the journey, the female cultivator explained:

"There is a severe shortage of healing medicines right now, and injured cultivators rely entirely on their own magical power to nurture and heal themselves."

We understand from the information that you all practice wood-elemental techniques and are also skilled in healing arts, so we invited you to assist in treating the wounded.

Cultivators who practice the Wood Element Technique possess a regenerative power within their magical energy, which inherently has healing effects and some detoxification capabilities. When they release healing spells, the effects are amplified.

With each cultivator cured, the situation in the Immortal City improves slightly.

"We will go all out!"

Ji An said solemnly that his Rejuvenation Technique was still at the perfect level, and he would take this opportunity to practice the spell.

The others echoed their agreement, secretly relieved that they wouldn't have to risk their lives on the front lines.

The group arrived at a large courtyard, which was very close to the western city wall. The western city wall was the area that had been under the most intense attack, and wounded soldiers were being brought in from time to time.

The yard reeked of blood. Everywhere you looked, there were severed arms and legs. Some were lucky enough to have only been cut off, while others were missing parts. The cries of agony were deafening.

The female cultivator shouted:

"Hurry up, don't just stand there, start treating the wounded!"

There were too many wounded, and some of them missed the best time for treatment, dying instead of being able to survive.

Ji An's first wounded soldier was a cultivator whose abdomen had been ripped open. He lay flat on the blood-stained ground, his robe torn in three places from his abdomen to the hem, his hands covering his stomach, a section of his intestines exposed.

The wounded soldier's face was covered in sweat and tears, and there were several deep, bone-revealing late-stage wounds on his right cheek.

If the wound had been an inch higher, he would have lost his eye.

Ji An squatted down, removed the wounded man's hand, stuffed his internal organs back into place, put the ruptured intestines together, and then activated the Rejuvenation Technique.

A vibrant, emerald-green light spread throughout the wounded soldier's abdominal cavity, causing his intestines to slowly grow back together. Then, the torn skin on his abdomen gradually tightened and healed. It was all so miraculous.

(End of this chapter)