Chapter 32: Auxiliary Cultivation Of Two Skills, Lead And Mercury Blood Treasure Seed Tool Secret Technique
Although his emotions fluctuated, Fang Shu still kept a calm expression, continuing to attend the banquet. After chatting and laughing with Li Hou Er and others over a meal, he finally left the paper workshop and returned to the dojo.
After all, he didn’t really feel jealous of Li Hou Er. He just couldn’t help but feel envious upon seeing such a good thing.
Especially after seeing the delighted and relieved expression of his neighbor Uncle Li, he couldn’t help but think of his Second Uncle Yu Le.
His own Second Uncle was still enduring arduous cultivation in the mine.
After returning to the dojo, Fang Shu felt even more motivated, and his desire to enter the Dao through refining essence grew stronger because of it.
He used the Dao Talisman to review his recent cultivation progress, while a thought brewed in his mind.
So on this day.
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan appeared before everyone again after many days, inspecting the disciples.
Fang Shu stopped his cultivation practice and proactively stepped forward to pay respects.
“Greetings, Master. This disciple has some questions about cultivation that he wishes to consult you on.”
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan had a calm expression, glanced at him, and nodded indifferently.
The other party didn’t ask what Fang Shu’s specific question was, but instead gestured for Fang Shu to follow, leading him to a quiet room next to the cultivation practice hall.
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan sat leisurely on the grand master’s chair and glanced at the teacup on the tea table.
Fang Shu understood immediately and quickly brewed tea and poured water.
The other party blew on the tea, showed a satisfied expression, and then said, “You’ve been in the dojo for three or four months, and you’re fairly diligent in your arduous cultivation. What’s the problem? Speak.”
Fang Shu organized his words and said solemnly:
“This disciple has limited spiritual root aptitude. Recently, though I’ve practiced arduously, taken pills, and applied insect blood, my cultivation efficiency has still not improved further.
May I ask, Master, if there is any method to increase this disciple’s cultivation efficiency a bit more, to enter the Dao sooner?”
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan gave a skin-deep smile, stared straight at Fang Shu, and chuckled lightly:
“That’s easy. The marketplace has Marrow Extraction Powder and other drugs that boost cultivation efficiency, as well as Power Boosting Pills that can provide a one-time massive boost to qi and blood. Just pick one of the two and buy it.”
Fang Shu was aware of things like Marrow Extraction Powder and Power Boosting Pills.
The former, just from its name, was clearly no good. It boosted cultivation efficiency at the cost of squeezing the body’s potential and even irreversibly damaging lifespan, more potent medicine than potent medicine.
Moreover, when taking it, the user’s bones would ache unbearably. Once taken, it was highly addictive—one would ache without it. Even if one passed the First Tribulation with it, they would be unable to break through the Second Tribulation for life.
As for the Power Boosting Pill, it was slightly better than Marrow Extraction Powder and more expensive, but it was also potent medicine, purely relying on external drug effects to give the user a one-time massive growth in qi and blood.
For immortal cultivators who had already refined essence, their internal qi and blood was self-sustaining, so they could dissolve the external qi and blood from the Power Boosting Pill, leaving fewer hidden dangers.
But for those who had not entered the Dao and lacked foundation, taking a Power Boosting Pill prematurely was self-sabotaging one’s future. Even if not stuck at the Second Tribulation, one would be stuck at the Third Calamity or the refining qi checkpoint, unable to refine qi for life.
Fang Shu was already very cautious about things like depleting primordial essence and primordial yang, fearing damage to his potential, so how could he touch these two types of drugs.
He immediately shook his head and asked:
“Master, is there any method that doesn’t harm the body, doesn’t cost life, and doesn’t damage potential?”
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan sipped her tea and said calmly:
“There is, but this kind of consultation is not covered in the dojo’s tuition fee.”
This old woman extended one finger.
Fang Shu wasn’t surprised. Before coming to consult, he had done some homework and inquired about the other’s preferences.
So he promptly took out a string of one thousand talisman money from his bosom and presented it with both hands.
In Du Gu Guan, such specialized consultations often cost one thousand money each time.
Seeing the talisman money, the other party tapped the tea table, signaling Fang Shu to place it there.
Then, the old woman coughed lightly:
“To boost your cultivation practice efficiency, just practice a few more methods.”
“What?” Fang Shu looked up, staring at the other in surprise.
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan explained:
“The reason your cultivation efficiency has stagnated is nothing more than your body no longer absorbing more drug effects, no longer enduring more tempering or more toxin each day.
To solve this, either switch to a cultivation method more suited to you and faster, or find a cultivation method that can alter your spiritual root.”
The other paused: “Besides cultivation methods, you can also cultivate corresponding magic, which can boost your body’s absorption of drug effects and tolerance to toxin.
For example, cultivating a magic for tempering skin and membrane would naturally allow you to use more insect blood daily, improving your daily cultivation results.”
Fang Shu listened, gradually understanding in his heart.
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan continued explaining:
“Generally speaking, this old body would suggest those arduously cultivating like you to learn a few magics for the body. This provides self-protection, enhances the physical body, and makes earning money easier.
But this old body must also remind you: cultivating magic before entering the Dao will delay your cultivation. Magic not only requires comprehension but also sacrifice and refining of magic tools, which consumes mind and qi and blood.
Messing around short-term is not as good as properly comprehending one cultivation method.”
Hearing this, Fang Shu nodded.
He had experienced this while sacrifice and refining the Long Tongue Sword and had decided not to sacrifice and refine any more magic or magic tools before entering the Dao.
Fang Shu’s gaze was bright, continuing to wait for the Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan’s remaining advice.
The old woman looked at him and said calmly:
“It seems you don’t want to take the path of practicing more magic, so you can only start from cultivation methods.
This dojo’s Insect Skill is already among the fastest in the marketplace, can be pushed with insect blood, and is even seen as seeking quick success by some dojos. With your status, there’s nothing to switch to.
Since that’s the case, you can only find a way to auxiliary cultivate another cultivation method. This old body suggests this method prioritize stability over speed, ideally one that promotes altering the spiritual root—one fast, one slow, complementing each other.”
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan added: “Also remember, you can cultivate multiple magics. But cultivation methods cannot be multiply refined; two is already the limit for ordinary people.
Auxiliary cultivating cultivation methods is not one plus one equals two; achieving twenty percent more efficiency is already a good match.
If cultivating too many and too miscellaneous, not only does it consume mind, it may result in failure in all, and the cultivation methods may conflict, harming the body and bones.”
At this point, Fang Shu fully understood and felt slightly pleased in his heart.
With the Dao Talisman at his side, he could comprehend and analyze secret script day and night, unafraid of the difficulty of cultivation methods, only needing one suitable for him.
So his eyes shone brightly as he cupped his hands and asked:
“Please teach me, Master, which cultivation method matches the dojo’s Insect Skill and is suitable for helping this disciple alter his spiritual root.
This disciple is not afraid of hardship, fatigue, or whether the cultivation method is easy or difficult!”
Hearing this, a hint of unusual color finally appeared in the Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan’s eyes, but she didn’t answer immediately.
Just as Fang Shu thought the old woman would demand more talisman money, the other suddenly pulled out a piece of paper from her sleeve and flicked it to him.
The other sipped her tea:
“This is this old body’s calling card. You can take it to other dojos for consultation. As for cultivation methods matching this dojo’s Insect Skill, you can ask Yu Er yourself.
However, this old body sees you’ve learned the Long Tongue Sword and have some affinity with Shao Wei Guan, so I suggest focusing on the cultivation methods in Shao Wei Guan—they may be easier for you to get started.”
Hearing the three words “Shao Wei Guan,” surprise immediately appeared on Fang Shu’s face.
He hadn’t expected the Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan to tell him to seek cultivation methods from another dojo, and that one which had rejected him, rather than directly pulling out a few for him to buy with money.
And would Shao Wei Guan really sell cultivation methods to outsiders?
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan seemed to see through his inner doubt and said flatly:
“It’s not this old body brushing you off; the cultivation methods in Shao Wei Guan are indeed better at altering spiritual roots than this dojo’s. Old Man Ling brought quite a few of this type when leaving the sect.
What you can seek are not Shao Wei Guan’s exclusive or improved cultivation methods, just the original versions passed down from the Immortal Sect, and the price isn’t cheap.
By the way, disciples from Shao Wei Guan occasionally come here to this old body for Immortal Merit, to mutually verify and comprehend.”
These words dispelled Fang Shu’s doubts.
He thought to himself darkly: “Dojos can actually lend cultivation methods to each other? Even if not exclusive ones, that’s still rare.”
He pondered that the marketplace rumors were true—the dojos in town were actually set up to select talents for the Immortal Sect.
Otherwise, without the Immortal Sect’s orders, why would the town dojos act like this? Each guarding their treasures tightly would be the norm.
After all, according to what he knew, the magics and drugs in various dojos were never open to outsiders.
For example, the Ant Spirit Paste in Du Gu Guan.
The Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan only allowed her own disciples to use it, not to sell or lend to family, otherwise, once caught, the magic would be reclaimed and Immortal Merit crippled!
Immediately after, Fang Shu asked some details about seeking Immortal Merit in other dojos.
It turned out that borrowing methods from other dojos was not only expensive and limited to originals, but one could only self-comprehend from the dead secret manuals, without help like the Ant Master when Fang Shu was taught the Insect Skill.
Understanding this clearly, Fang Shu cupped his hands, planning to take his leave.
But at this moment, the Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan suddenly called him back and pulled out another piece of paper from her sleeve.
The other said indifferently:
“Don’t say this old body is too stingy, charging you one thousand money for a consultation.
Since you’re not afraid of hardship, fatigue, or difficulty, this old body has a Gu recipe for refining gu here. If you’re free, you can comprehend it on the side.
Once you’ve comprehended one portion and can refine it, bring the Gu Worm back here to exchange for another.”
Fang Shu respectfully took the Gu recipe.
He glanced at it and found it was a refining method called “Sleepy Bug.” Once refined, this Gu Worm could apparently help people sleep, making their sleep sweeter.
Immediately, Fang Shu felt much better.
One thousand money wasn’t just for asking a question; he at least got a Gu recipe, which counted as half a magic.
After giving the Gu recipe, the Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan drank her tea to see him off, no longer glancing at Fang Shu.
However, after Fang Shu left.
The old woman narrowed her eyes slightly and muttered slowly: “Spiritual root not high, but comprehension is decent. To fully refine this old body’s Insect Skill in just three or four months.”
She pondered, then sighed: “It’s a pity; this old body already has Qin Bao Er. The Royal Jelly brewed by the dojo’s Bee Master is limited and can only all be supplied to Bao Er to try altering her spiritual root.
Otherwise, this old body would have wanted to allocate some to you, kid, to test the waters.”
Fang Shu didn’t know that, besides cultivation methods and magic, Du Gu Guan had precious medicine that could directly alter spiritual roots.
But such drugs weren’t sold outside; even their existence wasn’t known, as they were one of the dojo’s true foundations for survival.
Soon.
After taking his leave, Fang Shu found Senior Sister Yu Er in the dojo.
Senior Sister Yu Er was as kind as ever, answering every question, and even proactively analyzed the pros and cons of auxiliary cultivation methods for him.
After some conversation, Fang Shu made up his mind and determined exactly which auxiliary immortal merit to seek.
However, he didn’t rush to seek that cultivation method, but instead found Li Hou Er to ask a few questions, and deliberately went out to inquire about auxiliary cultivation method news in the marketplace.
Until the next morning.
Fang Shu, carrying ten thousand talisman money heavily, arrived once more at the entrance of Shao Wei Guan.
Upon entering the dojo, the shouts of Shao Wei Guan disciples reached his ears. The number of disciples and their vigor seemed better than in Du Gu Guan.
In an instant, a thought floated in Fang Shu’s mind: if he had joined Shao Wei Guan back then, who knows what his situation would be now.
But he suppressed this stray thought, didn’t dwell, and cupped his hands toward the fly whisk female cultivator who walked out from Shao Wei Guan.
The one receiving Fang Shu this time was still Xiao Li Li.
Upon first seeing Fang Shu, she felt he looked familiar. Recognizing him, she thought he was here to apprentice again, so she organized words in her mind, planning to pretend not to know him and advise him away directly:
“Young brother, our dojo has no plans to take disciples recently, please…”
As a result, Fang Shu smiled politely:
“Fellow Daoist, this one is not here to apprentice, but to seek a viewing of your esteemed dojo’s Immortal Merit.”
He neither humbly nor arrogantly handed the calling card to the fly whisk female cultivator of Shao Wei Guan.
Xiao Li Li’s expression immediately became awkward, feeling embarrassed again. She feigned composure, took the calling card from Fang Shu, and saw it was from the nearby Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan.
“In that case, I’ll notify for you. Fellow Daoist, please wait.” Xiao Li Li pocketed the calling card, took the talisman money, and quickly walked toward the hall.
Seeing this, Fang Shu withdrew his gaze.
His posture relaxed, unlike last time standing foolishly outside the hall. Instead, he walked to the doorway of the cultivation practice hall, leaned against the doorpost, and closed his eyes to rest.
During the time Fang Shu waited, more Shao Wei Guan disciples kept coming out from the hall.
Because of Fang Shu’s unfamiliar attire, many disciples glanced extra, one of whom showed a strange expression.
After thinking, the other decided to greet Fang Shu and directly patted toward his shoulder.
But before getting close, Fang Shu opened his eyes, stared vigilantly at him.
This reaction made the other’s hand pause.
Yin Xiao Jian then realized his action was not only abrupt but very rude to a cultivator.
But Yin Xiao Jian didn’t apologize; instead, displeasure flashed in his eyes, as if losing face.
The man casually cupped his hands: “Fang Shu, what a coincidence. Are you here at the dojo to apprentice?”
Fang Shu then recognized the person—he was the toad boy who had been on the same boat and spent a night with the Toad Woman on the ship.
He smiled and cupped his hands: “Greetings, Brother Yin.”
After some pleasantries, a Shao Wei Guan disciple called for Yin Xiao Jian. Yin Xiao Jian patted his belly and responded loudly: “Coming.”
Before leaving, the fellow patted his skinny chest and said:
“The dojo has no intention of taking disciples this year, so don’t waste effort waiting. If they really do, I’ll definitely tell you in advance!”
After speaking, the other didn’t even ask where Fang Shu lived and left with light steps.
Once a bit farther away, Yin Xiao Jian showed a mocking smile on his face:
“Hmph! Want to join the dojo? Toad wanting swan meat.”
He, Yin Xiao Jian, had long known that his own dojo entry slot had just beat Fang Shu to it, practically snatched from Fang Shu’s hands.
This gave him a winner’s disdainful overlook of the loser’s mentality toward Fang Shu.
Fang Shu narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the other leave, also displeased in his heart, feeling the fellow was seeking a sense of existence from him.
But Fang Shu didn’t pay much attention to this person and continued closing his eyes to rest.
………………
On the other side.
Xiao Li Li took the calling card to find her manager father Xiao Hu and told him about Fang Shu.
Manager Xiao Hu had long forgotten all about Fang Shu and his uncle.
Without much thought, he nodded in agreement, took the Dojo Master of Du Gu Guan’s calling card, turned and entered the storeroom, retrieved the original Immortal Merit Fang Shu sought, and registered it.
Only after registration was complete did Xiao Li Li mention Fang Shu’s identity.
Manager Xiao Hu raised a brow: “Eh! It’s actually the poor kid from Yu Lao Er’s family.”
The fellow looked at the now-registered document and the nearby talisman money, eyes turning as if pondering something.
Xiao Li Li snatched the Immortal Merit original and gave him a white-eyed glare, warning:
“He’s a Du Gu Guan disciple now. Put away your dirty thoughts, or you’ll ruin relations between the two dojos!”
Scolded by his daughter, Manager Xiao Hu wasn’t annoyed at all and didn’t take the words to heart.
He muttered:
“Just a few months, and he’s already coming here for merit. Looks like Du Gu Guan’s cultivation method doesn’t suit the kid.
I said long ago, let him come to our dojo as a menial laborer first. Doesn’t listen to this old man, suffers now.”
Xiao Li Li, holding the Immortal Merit secret manual original, had some doubt in her eyes. From her observation, Fang Shu’s qi and blood was now abundant, quite different from before, not like someone wasting away in Du Gu Guan.
But she didn’t think too much, turned and quickly walked out, back to the hall doorway, and straightforwardly handed the original secret manual to Fang Shu.
Fang Shu took the Immortal Merit, seeing the seeking process went smoothly, and secretly relaxed half a breath.
He immediately cupped his hands:
“Many thanks, Fellow Daoist. Will definitely return in half a month.”
Xiao Li Li shook her fly whisk, smiling:
“Call me Xiao Li Li. Relations between our two dojos are decent, no need to be so polite. Return in a month is fine.
By the way, I once went to your Du Gu Guan for cultivation methods and have a good relationship with your dojo’s girl Yu Er.”
Hearing this, Fang Shu was slightly surprised, nodded, and proactively gave his name.
Though their relationship warmed a bit, Fang Shu still opened the Immortal Merit original right in front of her, carefully inspecting it page by page.
This action made Xiao Li Li’s expression slightly stiff.
Fang Shu ignored the other, examined closely, found the cultivation method fine, then relaxed completely with a breath of relief.
At Shao Wei Guan’s entrance, on the cultivation method original in his hand, were hot-gold embossed eight big characters:
《Lead and Mercury Blood Treasure Seed Tool Secret Technique》!
