Chapter 57 Preparation
Ji An nodded firmly.
"Staying in the sect is safe, but if you reach the Qi Refining Perfection stage without Foundation Establishment Pills, you're just wasting your time. I'm already at the eighth level of Qi Refining, and for the past two years I've persisted in practicing combat techniques without the slightest slackening."
If I prepare two more magical artifacts, my combat strength will be comparable to those veteran demon-hunting disciples.
With just a few real-world experiences, one can quickly transform from a novice to a veteran.
The earlier you advance to the Foundation Establishment stage, the more favored you will be by the sect; wasting time is not worthwhile.
Even among cultivators at the first level of Foundation Establishment, the treatment they receive varies.
He's putting in all his effort and only managed to reach the eighth level of Qi Refining. You can imagine how difficult it will be to get to the Foundation Establishment stage.
When hunting demons in the wild, encountering spiritual herbs along the way is a major source of rewards. If you are lucky enough to find the main ingredient of the Foundation Establishment Pill, you can obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill first.
"Why"
Wei Songnian sighed softly, his excitement waning somewhat.
If his family hadn't suddenly given him significant support, he would have had to wait several more years to accumulate enough contribution points.
He fell silent and began to count the talismans.
“56 low-grade talismans, each worth 20 spirit crystals; 14 mid-grade water curtain talismans, each worth 40 spirit crystals; and 11 mid-grade Geng metal talismans, each worth 35 spirit crystals.”
Wei Songnian recited the words aloud while rapidly calculating in his mind:
"A total of 20 spirit stones and 65 spirit crystals."
With my junior brother's current talisman-making skills, if there's a sufficient supply of talisman paper and ink, he won't be slow in earning crystals.
Ji An shook his head and smiled:
"As consumption increased significantly, the price of talismans rose somewhat, but the prices of various materials also increased."
There are many Qi Refining stage disciples in the sect, and quite a few talisman makers. It's not a monopoly business, nor is it extremely profitable; it's just hard-earned money.
"Senior brother, do you know any weapon refiners who can help me inquire about the price of magical artifacts?"
I want to buy a mid-grade defensive magic weapon and a low-grade offensive magic weapon.
For defensive magical artifacts, a shield shape is best; for offensive artifacts, I prefer heavy weapons, such as hammers or the Mountain and River Seal.
The only weapon refiner he knew was Zhang Yuanshan, but Zhang Yuanshan always stayed at Moyashan, making communication too costly.
Ji An's mind was instantly drawn to the stone tortoise.
[Spell: Object Manipulation (Perfect 27%)]
Wind Control Technique (Minor Success 75%)
Water Curtain (Perfect 11%)
Geng Metal (87% of Dacheng)
The reason why cultivators like to use magical artifacts is that they consume less mana when using them. If one's understanding of magic is not yet sufficient, it is more reliable to use magical artifacts.
Most Qi Refining stage disciples prefer to use knives or swords as their offensive weapons. This is because these sharp weapons are easier to wield and can cause greater damage. Furthermore, wielding heavy weapons consumes more mana.
Ji An's Gengjin Finger is nearing perfection. He should spend more time practicing Gengjin Finger in the coming days to perfect it. It can completely replace low- to mid-grade sword-type magical weapons.
Once he masters the Wind Control Technique, his magical power will be sufficient to make his way in the world; all he lacks is experience.
Wei Songnian nodded slightly:
"Let me ask Senior Brother Cui Yuan. His magical artifacts are slightly more expensive than the market price, but their quality is widely recognized."
"Junior brother, are you in a hurry? If we expedite the customization, it will cost an extra amount of crystals."
"No rush, the two magical artifacts can be prepared within six months."
Ji An responded that he had never dealt with Senior Brother Cui before, and that purchasing magical artifacts required cash on delivery; there was no way to extend credit.
In another month or so, after the harvest of this season's green corn and talisman grass, he will have enough spirit stones to buy magical artifacts.
"Okay, I understand."
Come on, let's drink. I've now exchanged for Foundation Establishment Pills, so I won't have any major expenses in the future.
If you're short on crystals, junior brother, I can help you out a bit.
Ji An raised his wine cup and said with a smile, "Thank you, Senior Brother."
After drinking and eating to their hearts' content, Ji An bid farewell to Wei Songnian and went straight to Green Bamboo Peak.
Zhao Mengyao, wearing a blue tulle dress, gracefully arrived with light, delicate steps.
"Judging by the dates, Junior Brother Ji shouldn't be coming until next month. What brings you here today?"
Her features were exquisite, and the joy in her eyes was impossible to hide.
Through her family's efforts, she will be able to obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill in five years.
Given her superior aptitude, having a Foundation Establishment Pill gives her at least an 80% chance of establishing her foundation.
Ji An's eyes lit up, and he grinned sheepishly:
"I miss my senior sister."
The girl's figure became increasingly exquisite, and coupled with the extraordinary physique of a cultivator, her skin was as delicate as white porcelain, which made him, who rarely saw female cultivators, have many fantasies.
"cut!"
Zhao Mengyao rolled her eyes and feigned a cold laugh:
"I know you too well! Speak up, what is it?"
She knew that besides cultivating spiritual fields and making talismans, this junior brother spent his time practicing magic in his courtyard and had almost no other pastimes.
Witnessing the other person's journey from an ordinary disciple with no support to where they are today, she still feels great admiration for them.
"I came to Green Bamboo Peak specifically to see my senior sister."
"Of course, since I'm here, I'll buy another batch of medicinal herbs."
Ji An paused for a moment, then said:
"Senior sister, I haven't seen Senior Brother Chuhe in the past few years. Do you have any contact with him?"
"Senior Brother Zhang helped me contact a reputable demon-hunting team. One of the team's disciples died, and Chu He filled the vacancy."
They have been staying at Moyashan for the past two years, and it is said that they have had a good harvest.
What are you going to do?
Ji An recounted the information he had received and then expressed his intention to participate in the demon hunt.
Zhao Mengyao frowned slightly, and after a long while, she sighed:
"The competition for Foundation Building Pills is indeed getting fiercer and fiercer, so it's good to make plans early."
What are you planning to do by contacting Chu He? You yourself said you have spirit fields to take care of and can't participate in demon hunting all year round.
“A well-established squad won’t allow you to join unless you can find teammates who are available at the same time as you, or wait for a squad to temporarily recruit people.”
However, I advise you not to join these temporary recruitment teams unless you know them well. Some people may seem kind in the sect, but who knows what they'll be like in the wilderness.
"What Senior Sister said makes sense. I just want to join Senior Brother Chu's team in my spare time to learn from his experience, or Senior Brother Chu can help me introduce a trustworthy team that happens to be in need."
Ji An said that among the people he knew, only Chu He was fighting on the front line of demon hunting, so of course he would ask Chu He for help.
"How is your combat skill, junior brother? Have you prepared the magical artifacts you're using?"
"We are currently purchasing magical artifacts, and we have also been practicing combat spells diligently for the past two years, with considerable success."
However, without actual combat experience, his fighting skills are likely mediocre.
No matter how well most people train in peacetime, they'll be nobodies on the battlefield. Only those who have been tested by blood and fire can become elites.
Ji An raised his eyebrows and smiled:
"Senior sister, I have an advantage. Have you forgotten my beast taming skills?"
The Spirit-Seeking Rat is now a Qi Refining Level 5 demon beast. It's moved everything with even a trace of spiritual energy within a few miles of my bamboo house into my home.
(End of this chapter)
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