Chapter 338 The Flaming Flag Away from the Ground
"You have already cultivated a second-grade high-quality spirit mulberry on Crimson Flame Peak. I'm afraid it won't be long before you meet the ancestor's requirements and cultivate fifty high-quality spirit plants."
With the sect's help, the spiritual veins of Crimson Flame Peak were upgraded to the upper-grade second tier, which in turn nourished the growth of spiritual plants.
Ge Ying felt radiant. Throughout the sect's history, the spiritual vein grade of the dojo had never been improved for any individual. This disciple was going to set a precedent for the sect.
"I believe that within ten years, we will definitely be able to meet the requirements, and it is possible to cultivate the top-grade spiritual peaches here to the highest grade."
Ji An smiled, his tone calm and composed, as if cultivating a top-grade spiritual plant were as casual as taking a leisurely stroll.
He predicted that the Yellow Dragon Enhancing Yuan Technique and the Cloud Dragon Spreading Rain Technique would reach the Great Perfection level within two years, further enhancing their magical effects.
Based on the experience of upgrading two spells, such as the Azure Dragon Awakening Technique, to the Great Perfection, the corresponding Dao Seed can break through to the Middle Grade, thereby increasing the power of the spell.
He guessed that even if a cultivator from a major sect in the Central Continent was at the Chaoyuan stage and had also practiced planting spells to the Great Round Gate level, the spell's effect would still be weaker than his.
A duel between masters may seem to be separated by only a fine line, but the outcome can be completely different.
How confident are you in cultivating a top-grade spirit peach?
Ge Ying looked anxious. Her disciple's words meant that she could see top-quality spiritual plants grow on Ningcui Cliff again in her lifetime.
"I'm at least 60-70% confident. Even if I don't succeed, it will only take a few more years. I'm now fully confident in cultivating top-grade spiritual plants."
Ji An said firmly that in just a few years, the number of second-tier spiritual plants in Crimson Flame Peak has increased dramatically, including a large number of mid-grade spiritual plants.
Once all the planting techniques in the Chaoyuan stage are upgraded to their maximum level, the effects will be further amplified when combined with mid-grade Dao seeds.
This superposition is multiplication, not addition. The multiplier is greater than 1, and it is estimated to reach around 1.5, which is a considerable increase.
"Ten years... I will wait for that day to come as soon as possible."
By the way, judging from the speed at which your Wood Element Divine Palace stage is improving, you should be able to break through to the third stage of the Chaoyuan period in ten years.
After discovering the unearthed shrine to the deity, when do you plan to travel?
Ge Ying asked with concern. Although he was not a cultivator of Yuan Qi, she knew that the sect could not meet the needs of those who consumed earth and water to cultivate Qi.
If her disciple wanted to travel as soon as possible, it would be a final farewell to her.
Ji An pondered for a moment and said:
"I will stay in the sect for a few years. Then I can travel with Senior Brother Liu Yu and look after each other."
Like him, Senior Brother Liu first needs to open up the Fire Element Divine Palace. After cultivating the Fire Palace to perfection, he can open up the Earth Element Divine Palace, which requires going out to absorb Qi.
Senior Sister Ge has opened up the Metal Element Divine Palace. When she reaches the second stage of the Chaoyuan realm, she will open up the Water Element Divine Palace, at which time she will also need to go out.
"Very good. You should prepare higher-grade spiritual artifacts in advance. It's a bit shabby for a cultivator in the Chaoyuan stage to use a second-grade low-level spiritual artifact."
I suggest you prioritize crafting defensive magical artifacts; protecting yourself is the most important thing.
Ge Ying reminded him that this disciple was wealthy and could directly refine high-grade or even top-grade spiritual artifacts.
After all, I am just a spiritual farmer. Even if I have talent in combat, I do not hone my fighting skills like a sword cultivator does. Therefore, I am not suited to be aggressive or ruthless.
"Master, rest assured, I will make preparations in advance, and I will go to find Senior Brother Zhu Xiangrong in a few days."
Ji An gladly accepted the suggestion. In previous years, he had struggled with choosing which top-grade spiritual artifact to refine, because he wanted to use it as his natal magic weapon.
Custom-made top-grade magical artifacts are extremely expensive, and he doesn't have the means to change them if he's not satisfied.
The current situation at Crimson Flame Peak has relieved him of this concern. He will first refine a few top-grade spiritual artifacts, and if they are not good enough, he will replace them!
That's the advantage of being rich and powerful; you don't have to count the grains of rice before cooking.
"Uncle-Master Zhu is the best weapon refiner in the sect. Seeking him is definitely the right thing to do."
The two chatted for a while, and Ji An described the future of Crimson Flame Peak to his master before finally getting up to take his leave.
"Master, this disciple takes his leave. I need to return to Crimson Flame Peak to cultivate the Ding Fire Qi."
“Go ahead,” Ge Ying waved her hand with a smile, her eyes full of kindness and relief.
Even after breaking through to the Chaoyuan stage, the disciple has never relaxed in improving his cultivation. With the second-tier spiritual plants all over Crimson Flame Peak as a backup, he will not lack resources for breaking through to the Golden Core stage in the future.
As evening fell, the light and shadow distorted within the teleportation array, and Ji An returned to Crimson Flame Peak.
He rode a cloud across the cold pool and found two guests he hadn't seen in a long time sitting at a stone table.
As the fiery clouds, as red as the sunset, descended, Wei Songnian and his wife immediately stood up:
"Greetings, Martial Uncle!"
"Fellow Daoists, you are too kind."
Ji An observed their expressions and asked softly:
"Is there anything urgent, my dear couple?"
Wei Songnian's expression became slightly unnatural, and he smiled:
"I came today to catch up with my martial uncle. If he is busy, we will come another day."
When he arrived at Crimson Flame Peak, he secretly inquired with his younger brother, who said that Fellow Daoist Ji's personality had not changed.
He was initially quite relieved, but the words "is there an emergency?" immediately plunged his spirits into despair. He lamented the vast difference in their levels of understanding, realizing that their past friendship had naturally become distant.
Ji An chuckled, pointing to the setting sun behind him, and said:
"Fellow Daoist misunderstood me. Cultivation in the Chaoyuan stage requires consuming Qi, and there are strict requirements for consuming Qi. If you miss the time, the Five Elements Qi you consume will not be pure enough."
If your matters are not urgent, please wait a moment.
"It's been a long time since we last met, let's have a good drink and chat tonight."
Wei Songnian sensed that the other party wasn't truly distant, realizing he had overthought things and misunderstood. Slightly embarrassed, he said:
"Fellow Daoist, your business is more important. We'll wait for you."
"Haha, please wait in the living room first."
"Songtao, have Cuihua prepare a few more of her signature dishes. Feel free to use the mid-grade second-tier spirit wine and ingredients."
Ji An gave instructions to show that he took it seriously.
He met the other party when he was at the first level of Qi Refining, and they had close advice until the outbreak of the demon calamity. Their friendship was not limited to business dealings.
Wei Songnian hurriedly said:
"Fellow Daoist, this is unacceptable. It would be too wasteful for a Foundation Establishment cultivator to consume mid-grade second-tier ingredients."
He injured his dantian during the battle at Mingfeng Mountain. Although he managed to preserve his cultivation and his injury later improved, his cultivation progress became extremely slow, and he gave up on cultivation altogether.
"When in Rome, do as the host does. Fellow Daoist, please go to the living room and wait."
Red clouds rose from beneath Ji An's feet, and he rode the clouds toward the Crimson Cloud Pine Forest.
The sun had already set, leaving only its afterglow; the bright, fiery, and golden sunset was rapidly losing its brilliance.
He stood in a corner of the woods, mouth half-open, tongue pressed against his lower teeth, and exhaled, saying "Ah."
The turbid air in the heart's fire chamber is exhaled, and the breath is naturally inhaled to expel the old and take in the new.
The warm, fiery energy from the wood was inhaled into the mouth, and the body instinctively swallowed it.
The Ding Fire Qi circulated rapidly within the Immortal Meridian and converged into the heart.
At this moment, the heart was like a fiery red jade, radiating its own brilliance, with golden veins shimmering with light.
The Yin and Yang energies of Ding Fire and Bing Fire merged and transformed into a crimson gold color. The core of the Divine Palace trembled slightly, and the fire element was instantly swallowed up. The core radiance flashed for a moment.
As the last glimmer of light disappeared from the sky, the clouds vanished into the night.
Ji An finished consuming the qi, and felt a warm sensation all over his body.
He flew back to the living room on a cloud and laughed:
"We have neglected you."
Wei Songnian hurriedly stood up and replied:
"You're too kind, fellow Daoist."
After the host and guests were seated and exchanged pleasantries for a while, Wei Songnian began to speak:
"Fellow Daoist, I have heard some news."
The sect is about to purge the remaining demon and evil cultivators. Once the situation stabilizes, I can return to Xiaozhushan and rebuild the Wei family.”
After the two calamities ravaged the land, the Western Continent was devastated, and the Wei Clan was left with only one Foundation Establishment cultivator and seventy or eighty Qi Refining cultivators.
Their strength is only one-third of what it was at its peak, and they are now holed up in their ancestral homeland in the core area of Xiaozhushan.
His Daoist partner, Yin Qiuyun, was not a disciple of a sect, and there were many restrictions on her staying here.
Ji An nodded slightly. The sect and many families had an agreement that family disciples could return to their families after serving for a certain number of years.
Only disciples like Liu Yu, who have higher aspirations, would choose to completely integrate into the sect and gradually sever ties with their families.
"After you leave, fellow Daoist, you will no longer have the status of a sect disciple, and I will be unable to interfere in the disputes between families."
However, if you need help in other areas, please don't hesitate to ask. Whether it's spirit stones or resources, Crimson Flame Peak can trade with you for them.
The sect strictly forbids its disciples from interfering in matters outside the sect. If the Wei family is in conflict with other families, he cannot directly intervene.
"I know the rules of the sect and I won't make things difficult for you, fellow Daoist."
Wei Songnian smiled and relaxed. His purpose in coming here was to hear what the other party had just said.
He knows his limits and won't push his luck.
As a businessman, he knew very well that even the deepest feelings would fade with time and effort.
Once the conversation started, Wei Songnian lost his initial reserve, and the group chatted happily.
Dishes were served one after another, cold and hot dishes, each one a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate.
The aroma of fine wine filled the air, glasses clinked, and conversation flowed freely.
Yin Qiuyun put down her wine glass and said gently:
“Song Nian once said that when Bai Lin turns twelve, if his aptitude is good enough, he will also be accepted into the sect, saying that he should make more connections. I am quite reluctant to let him go.”
Bai Lin is Wei Songnian's second son, and he is only six years old now. His eldest son is not talented and only has low-grade aptitude, so he has no chance to join the sect.
Ji An nodded and smiled:
"Joining a sect is not difficult; it just depends on Fellow Daoist Wei's expectations for offspring."
"Let me ask you this: if Bai Lin's aptitude reaches the superior level, would you be willing to let him stay and develop within the sect?"
In fact, it wouldn't be difficult for Wei Songnian to arrange for the other party's eldest son to join the sect if he only asked him. As long as a cultivator in the Chaoyuan stage made the request, the General Affairs Hall would definitely give him face.
However, due to their low aptitude, they find it difficult to integrate into the sect and remain at the bottom, making it hard to make useful connections.
That must have been taken into consideration, which is why the other party didn't bring it up.
Wei Songnian was silent for a moment, then solemnly said:
"Of course I'm willing."
If the Wei family can produce a great cultivator, even if their relationship with the sect and family is weak, the potential impact will still be significant.
He will lead his family to prosperity, and his children can see the view from a higher vantage point on his behalf.
Ji An nodded slightly and promised:
"If the Wei family has a disciple with superior aptitude who joins the sect, I am willing to accept one of them as my disciple and nurture him with care."
Whether he stays in the sect or returns to Xiaozhushan, the choice will be his own.
This was to repay the favor of the Soul-Nourishing Wood. He touched the pendant on his chest, a rare object that could continuously release earth elemental energy, which was also a gift from the other party.
Wei Songnian cupped his hands and said in a deep voice:
"I will always remember your kindness, fellow Daoist."
He came today without mentioning anything, but his most important goal has already been achieved.
"Mutual favor and mutual benefit."
Ji An laughed heartily, raised his wine glass, and said:
"Don't stop drinking, let's not leave until we're drunk tonight."
"please!"
After the three of them drank together, Ji An said again:
"Fellow Daoist, after returning to Xiaozhushan, what kind of goods do you plan to sell?"
From now on, the output of Crimson Flame Peak will be at least second-grade low-level spiritual items.
Furthermore, the talismans I create from now on will primarily be of the second rank or higher.
In the past, their transactions mainly involved talismans and spirit wine.
Frankly speaking, if the Wei family were to deal in second-tier spiritual items, they would attract unwanted attention.
There's no other reason than that their strength is insufficient to deter petty villains.
Wei Songnian pointed to his Daoist partner and said:
"Qiu Yun has a talent for alchemy and is now able to refine pills for the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment."
When I return to my clan, I plan to train some more clan alchemists.
They mainly deal in elixirs, talismans, and spirit wine, and also run a general store to facilitate resource gathering.
He understood very well that the main reason he was able to obtain Ji An's promise was because of the Soul-Nourishing Wood.
The best way to stay in touch is to collect resources that the other person can use.
He will use the support he received from Crimson Flame Peak to manage his family business and strive to collect more rare spirit seeds or seedlings.
Ji An nodded slightly:
"I still have quite a lot of second-grade low-quality honey and various spiritual fruits here."
If you ever need anything in the future, just let me know.
In a few years, I will also be selling spirit tea here, which can be supplied to fellow Daoists.”
Once the Yunding Jade Tree and Youyue Cangyu Tree begin to bear seeds, tea tree planting will inevitably increase.
Putting everything else aside, he would plant every single species of the Azure Jade Tree.
The higher the level of the spirit tree, the fewer seeds it produces each time. He wanted to plant dozens of spirit tea trees, but he didn't know how many years it would take to fulfill his wish.
Two weeks later.
Ji An didn't need to go to the Ministry of Agriculture to oversee things, so he rode a cloud to a cave in the Red Copper Mountain.
Zhu Xiangrong came out to greet him, cupping his hands in greeting:
"Junior Brother Ji, what brings you here today?"
He learned from his junior brother Jia Yu that the other party was a diligent cultivator and rarely went out.
"I sought out my senior brother today to discuss the forging of spiritual weapons."
Ji An took out two cyan jade jars and smiled:
"I heard that you enjoy tea, so here are some Yunding Yinhao and Yulu Jinya teas from Chiyan Peak for you to try."
He chuckled inwardly. Zhao Lei was the other man's disciple and loved drinking; the two master and disciple had opposite tastes.
Zhu Xiangrong didn't stand on ceremony and put away the jade jar:
"Then I'll gladly accept it. Junior brother, come in and let's talk."
He had long coveted the spiritual tea from Crimson Flame Peak, but upon learning that the other party had no intention of selling it, he remained silent.
The two entered the cave and sat down. Zhu Xiangrong asked:
"Junior brother, what kind of spiritual weapon do you want to forge, and what level?"
"Top-grade spiritual artifacts are better the more potential they have, and the materials are relatively easy to collect."
Ji An knew that he didn't have the right to be picky.
He would choose whichever mature method of crafting spiritual weapons his sect possessed.
Those materials that were tailored to the specific conditions were materials from demonic beasts, which he did not have.
Zhu Xiangrong grinned and pondered for a moment before saying:
"Junior brother, you have great courage. In that case, I recommend that you refine the Ground Flame Banner or the Wuji Apricot Yellow Banner."
(End of this chapter)
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