Chapter 47: Planting A Spiritual Root, Gu Master Inheritance
Hearing this, Fang Shu said in a deep voice, “Master, why do you say that?”
Seeing Fang Shu’s eyes burning with desire yet maintaining a calm demeanor, the Dojo Master’s smile deepened. She did not answer directly but said:
“Among the disciples in this dojo, how many can be considered spiritual talents or Dao talents?”
Without waiting for Fang Shu to answer, the old woman spoke to herself:
“Only two and a half.
Qin Min possesses spiritual roots, has an extraordinary physique, and a fierce spirit, so she counts as one. Yu Er has been learning the Dao from me since childhood, understands medicinal principles, and has my care, so she counts as half.
As for you, you were able to independently comprehend my Insect Skill within three months, and within three months, comprehend Shao Wei Guan’s Lead Skill. Combining these two skills and successfully passing the Scorpion Basin Tribulation, despite having a Mortal Root and common disposition, you possess some comprehension and considerable tenacity, so you naturally count as one.”
Fang Shu pondered in silence.
Seeing this, the Dojo Master smiled and asked, “What, did I say something wrong?”
“Master has a discerning eye!” Fang Shu cupped his hands in praise.
He paused, sensing something amiss, and said:
“Your disciple has some minor cleverness, but compared to Junior Sister Qin Min’s entering the Dao in two months, I am more than three times slower. Why would Master say that I can study the Nine Branches of Immortal Studies, while Junior Sister Qin Min cannot?”
The Dojo Master sighed lightly at his words:
“Do not belittle yourself. While your cultivation speed may not match Qin Min’s, your future achievements may not necessarily be inferior to hers.
More importantly, you have perfectly completed the Scorpion Basin ritual, your body now contains a fusion of medicinal poison, making you immune to all snakes and insects, and all snakes, insects, and poisonous insects in this dojo are merely food to you.
Your Precious Blood can even catalyze poisonous insects for your use, far surpassing those who barely passed the Scorpion Basin Tribulation by more than three times. Coupled with your decent comprehension, if you diligently study Gu Refining and Secret Scripts during the Refining Essence stage, you might even become a Gu Master during the Refining Essence stage.”
Fang Shu chewed on the word: “Gu Master?”
“That’s right, Gu Master.”
The Dojo Master said in a deep voice, “Those who can truly delve into the Nine Branches of Immortal Studies each have their own titles: Pill Master, Talisman Master, Artifact Master, Formation Master, Spell Master, Incantation Master, Martial Master, Sword Master… and so on. They all arise from the Nine Branches.
She looked at him sharply, “A Gu Master is someone who emerges from the Witchcraft and Suppression branch, capable of refining Gu Worms, controlling magic with insects, and using Gu for refining techniques. The Gu Worm, in particular, can be large or small, ascend or descend, external or internal; its life and death are mysterious, its nature supernatural and strange, and it is a formidable protector.”
Hearing this description, Fang Shu’s heart was stirred.
Although Gu Masters and Gu Worms seemed obscure and somewhat unorthodox compared to the common Talisman Masters and Pill Masters in the marketplace, he had already joined the Du Gu Guan, so why should he care about such things?
Moreover, Gu Masters also originated from one of the orthodox Immortal Dao branches, representing the prospect of achieving longevity and immortality!
He couldn’t help but ask:
“Then, Master, how can one become a Gu Master?”
The Dojo Master smiled slightly again at this point:
“It’s simple. If you can refine a Qi Refining Spiritual Gu during the Refining Essence Human Immortal stage, you will be a Gu Master.
At that time, when you enter an Immortal Sect, others will beg Immortal Sect disciples to accept them as disciples or servants, exchanging their physical bodies or lives for the opportunity to refine Qi.
You, however, can directly trade with them using your skills or Gu Worms. As long as not everyone in the Immortal Sect is blind, your chances of being accepted into an Immortal Sect are exceptionally high.
Furthermore, with the assistance of Gu Worms, when you plant a spiritual root in the future, you can do it yourself without relying on others, and your chances of breaking through to Qi Refining are far greater than ordinary people.”
Fang Shu’s mind raced with further imaginings upon hearing these explanations, especially the term “plant spiritual root.”
He probed with anticipation, “Master, what does planting a spiritual root refer to?”
Without waiting for him to finish, the Dojo Master nodded, “Yes, it is exactly as you imagine: planting a spiritual root.”
The old woman said with an air of composure:
“As Immortal Studies have developed to this day, severed limbs can be replaced, internal organs can be exchanged, and bloodlines can even be transplanted.
While spiritual roots are quite profound and involve not only the physical body but also the soul, there are certainly methods for planting them. Moreover, the key to breaking through to Qi Refining and advancing to Qi Refining Spiritual Immortal lies in planting a spiritual root.
Those without spiritual roots cannot sense the heavens and earth, nor can they refine True Qi.
For this reason, those born with spiritual roots not only cultivate rapidly but also face no significant obstacles when breaking through to Qi Refining, possessing spiritual roots without the need for planting them.”
Hearing this, Fang Shu’s eyes, filled with envy, also brightened.
“Don’t get happy too soon.”
The Dojo Master glanced at him and said indifferently:
“The spiritual roots obtained by planting are Acquired Spiritual Roots, referred to as ‘secondary spiritual roots,’ or even disparagingly called ‘false spiritual roots.’
These spiritual roots are still below the lowest tier of spiritual roots, merely ensuring that you can stably communicate with heaven and earth and enter the Qi Refining realm, without significantly increasing cultivation efficiency.”
Fang Shu’s gaze became fixed, and he probed again:
“Master, since spiritual roots can be planted, can these Acquired Spiritual Roots be further refined and strengthened in the future? Not to become top-tier, but even mid-to-low tier, would that be possible?”
A strange smile appeared on the Dojo Master’s face, and she nodded:
“Naturally, it is possible. Not to mention the lower, middle, and upper tiers, even Heaven and Earth Spiritual Roots are possible.
However, spiritual roots that are innate, born from the mother’s womb, require efforts comparable to flawless body snatching to reverse such good fortune and transform the acquired into the innate. These are truly the means of True Immortals.
Only True Immortals can barely achieve this. Remember, ‘barely’.”
This answer made Fang Shu’s heart freeze.
He knew what True Immortals were.
They referred to Core Formation Golden Immortals, specifically those who formed their own Golden Core, not those who formed a false core and possessed magic power without true realm.
The three disasters and six tribulations of an immortal cultivator formed a true watershed between Foundation Establishment and Core Formation.
The first three tribulations, although containing the word “immortal,” were still more inclined towards humanity, akin to immortals who were merely people living in the mountains.
The latter three tribulations represented true transcendence from the mortal world, where one’s fate was self-determined, and one’s being could transform into a mountain; these were True Immortals, hence the character “true.”
Even such figures could only barely improve Acquired Spiritual Roots. For Fang Shu, a mere beginner Human Immortal at the Refining Essence stage, it would be harder than ascending to heaven, and he should abandon such thoughts.
Especially since Fang Shu recalled the Dojo Master mentioning during the recent lecture.
Spiritual roots were most useful during the cultivation of the first three tribulation realms; the latter three tribulations relied primarily on comprehension, accumulation, and opportunity.
In other words, when spiritual roots were needed, immortals lacked the means to improve them, and only when they were not needed did the means to improve them emerge.
Letting out a long breath, Fang Shu dismissed his distracting thoughts and cupped his hands, saying:
“Your disciple understands.”
Seeing his dejected expression, the Dojo Master comforted him:
“Among the myriad beings in the world, those without spiritual roots are the majority. To be able to plant an Acquired Spiritual Root to aid us in reaching the Qi Refining realm is already an excellent feat of current Immortal Studies.
If it were in ancient times, those born without them would never have them even until death; without spiritual roots, one was unworthy of cultivating immortality. Be content, be content.”
Fang Shu’s expression was solemn as he cupped his hands, “Yes, your disciple humbly accepts your teaching.”
Seeing that his demeanor was acceptable, the Dojo Master secretly let out a sigh of relief.
Then, the smile returned to the old woman’s face, and she suddenly pointed to the booklet Fang Shu was holding carefully, saying:
“Although Acquired Spiritual Roots are merely planted into the physical body and their cultivation efficiency is limited due to the separation between spirit and flesh, different spiritual roots have different uses. They can refine different True Qi, influencing the strength and wondrous effects of the True Qi.
More importantly, they can be linked to the Nine Branches of Immortal Studies.”
The Dojo Master said with a smile:
“While your spiritual root has an efficiency ceiling, knowledge has no limit. Promoting cultivation and increasing the chances of breakthrough can be explored in other aspects.
For example, consuming pills, finding precious locations, constructing formations, or even—this Gu Technique.”
Fang Shu’s gaze shifted, immediately falling upon the thin, cicada-wing-like booklet in his hand.
The Dojo Master said with reserved pride:
“This book is half of a Gu Master’s inheritance that I compiled while cultivating in an Immortal Sect. It contains the refining methods for three types of Gu Worms: the Sleepy Bug, the Follower Bug, and the Breath-Holding Insect. Each can be refined into a Tribulation Three Gu Worm at most.
Additionally, there are refining secret recipes for common Gu Worms such as the Soy Sauce Worm, Vinegar Worm, Tea Worm, Rice Worm, Oil Worm, Salt Worm, and Firewood Worm, totaling ten types of Gu Worms. This can be said to be the culmination of my life’s effort.”
This thin booklet actually contained the refining methods for ten types of Gu Worms, and three of these Gu Recipes were capable of refining Tribulation Three Gu Worms!
Fang Shu clutched the book, momentarily worried he might crush it.
Seeing his change in expression, the Dojo Master let out a soft laugh:
“The other half includes the Tribulation Four Gu Recipes for the Sleepy Bug, Follower Bug, and Breath-Holding Insect. I am not giving them to you now because the refining methods for Qi Refining Gu Worms are quite different from those for Refining Essence Gu Worms. Giving them to you prematurely might cause you to become fixated and fall into an epistemological barrier.
Once you can successfully refine any one Tribulation Three Gu Worm, you can come to me anytime to retrieve the remaining half.”
Seeing the Dojo Master’s generosity, Fang Shu felt a little hesitant and instinctively asked:
“You are giving me this Gu Master inheritance now?”
The Dojo Master replied grumpily:
“It’s already in your hands, why are you asking that?”
*Snap!*
Fang Shu immediately performed a deep bow to her:
“Thank you, Master, for imparting this knowledge. Your disciple will remember this kindness!”
Without the Dojo Master needing to explain further, Fang Shu already understood the immense value of a craft inheritance.
Let alone an inheritance of this caliber, capable of refining Qi Refining Spiritual Gu, which was considered proper.
Even less prestigious ones, he had seen in the marketplace, such as Talisman Masters and Pill Masters, who, relying on a single craft inheritance, not only lived lavishly but could also establish themselves in the marketplace, have families, and concubines—all easily achievable.
Moreover, the inheritance given by the Dojo Master was obtained from an Immortal Sect. Just hearing the names of the Gu Worms indicated it had its own system, incomparable to the scattered inheritances on the market.
Such an inheritance, Fang Shu suspected, would not be easily obtained even if he entered an Immortal Sect.
The Dojo Master stood in the quiet room, calmly accepting Fang Shu’s deep bow, and then instructed:
“This Gu Book is now yours. You can read it freely until you learn it. However, since you do not have a Storage Bag yet, it would be best to hand it over to Master Mang for safekeeping when you leave the dojo.
I will speak with it later and tell you to simply store the Gu Book in its belly. It will spit it out for you when you ask for it.”
Fang Shu responded loudly:
“Yes, Master! Your disciple will diligently study the Gu Technique and will not waste your efforts.”
Seeing Fang Shu’s compliant attitude and such a strong declaration of loyalty, the Dojo Master narrowed her eyes and began to ponder.
After pacing around the quiet room, she sighed and said to Fang Shu:
“It is just an inanimate object. Keeping it here would be a waste. Passing it to one person is the same as passing it to two.
Since you have achieved this, it is what you deserve. However, I have now, in one go, given you everything I can.”
These exceptionally sincere words, however, caused a flicker of unease to arise in Fang Shu’s joyous heart.
Although he and the Dojo Master had become master and disciple, and Fang Shu believed his own potential was not lacking, the Dojo Master’s words were those typically reserved for a grandson, or even only spoken before one’s death.
Thus, Fang Shu looked at the Dojo Master with concern, wanting to speak but hesitating. Of course, a trace of hidden vigilance also lay in his heart.
The old and astute Dojo Master, upon seeing Fang Shu’s worried expression, understood that he was likely guessing something incorrectly.
“You little brat! What are you thinking!”
The old woman muttered a curse and then explained:
“I will not hide anything from you. The reason I am giving you the Gu Technique all at once today, besides your having cultivated Gu Blood, is also because I fear I have shortchanged you.
In this dojo, besides the few esteemed masters you have seen, there is also a Bee Master. The Bee Master can refine Royal Jelly, a Precious Medicine capable of improving Spiritual Roots.”
Upon hearing “improve Spiritual Roots,” Fang Shu immediately straightened up.
“Unfortunately, Qin Min entered the Inner Courtyard before you, and her Spiritual Root aptitude is inferior to yours. She needs Royal Jelly even more to improve her Spiritual Roots and compensate for deficiencies from her childhood.
For the next two years, the Royal Jelly that the Bee Master can brew will only be sufficient for her.
After brewing for two years, the Bee Master will need another three years of recuperation before it can brew again, to avoid damaging its vitality. Not to mention the total of five years, even just two years is likely too long for you to wait.”
The Dojo Master looked at Fang Shu and exhaled,
“So, Shu’er, you are one step too late.”
The slight flicker of anticipation in Fang Shu’s heart dissipated before it could even fully arise.
A look of dejection appeared on his face, and he immediately understood the Dojo Master’s intention to compensate him.
Since she could not provide him with Royal Jelly, she decided to compensate him in terms of inheritance instead. This was why she had promised him the entire Gu Master inheritance so soon after he joined.
As for the comparison between Precious Medicine and inheritance, it was difficult to say which was more valuable or rare.
Fang Shu said in a deep voice:
“Your disciple understands. Please rest assured, Master. What has been missed is missed, and your disciple will not harbor any inappropriate thoughts that could damage our sect relationship.”
The Dojo Master had initially intended to explain further, perhaps even utter a few harsh words to completely dispel any unrealistic expectations Fang Shu might have.
However, Fang Shu preempted her by saying this, causing her to pause and reveal a look of relief.
“Good, good. You and Qin Min are both excellent talents.
I feared that if I wasn’t firm, wavering, it would cause friction between you two. I will give you both what you deserve; what you don’t deserve, you must not covet.”
The Dojo Master sighed and said, “Your ability to possess such insight is truly remarkable.”
After comforting Fang Shu, she carefully explained some key points regarding Gu cultivation, particularly how to balance magic and Gu techniques.
“During the Refining Essence stage, delving too deeply into magic will only excessively consume Qi and Blood. This Gu Book is enough for you to study, and you already possess the Tongue Sword. Do not be distracted by other magic, wasting your energy and delaying your cultivation.”
The Dojo Master earnestly cautioned, “Remember, your Spiritual Root is ordinary. You must not lose sight of the bigger picture and delay the accumulation of Qi and Blood.
Cultivation is the foundation!”
Fang Shu, confident that he had his Dao Talisman for protection, had other thoughts, but he replied in a deep voice, “Your disciple understands.”
Subsequently, they chatted for a few more moments before the Dojo Master signaled for Fang Shu to leave.
However, just as he was about to depart, Fang Shu’s gaze flickered.
He suddenly turned back and cupped his hands towards the Dojo Master:
“Master, your disciple has something to report…”
