Chapter 162: Saber Slash Severs The Soul Banner, Crushes Foundation Establishment! Ji Qing’s Second Rank Assessment—come Quickly!
“Uh… add… add money?”
Zhao Xiaozhu felt a sense of disbelief.
She even looked towards Ling Shuang Ren.
Her gaze was self-explanatory.
Is Ji Qing’s brain malfunctioning?
Why is he spouting nonsense in this situation?
“Add! Fellow Daoist Ji, if you kill them all, Xiaozhu will add another ten thousand spirit stones!”
Ling Shuang Ren suddenly spoke.
Zhao Xiaozhu was stunned.
She kept winking at Ling Shuang Ren.
What’s going on?
Ji Qing has gone mad, and Ling Shuang Ren has followed suit?
If she didn’t know Ling Shuang Ren, she might have thought Ling Shuang Ren had some connection with Ji Qing, speaking up for him like this.
However, precisely because Zhao Xiaozhu understood Ling Shuang Ren, she knew Ling Shuang Ren wouldn’t speak without reason.
“Alright, as Shuang Ren said, an extra ten thousand spirit stones for Fellow Daoist Ji! But, Fellow Daoist Ji, will you keep your word and kill them all!”
Zhao Xiaozhu agreed.
Even though she felt it was a bit insane herself, she chose to trust Ling Shuang Ren.
A faint smile appeared on Ji Qing’s face.
He glanced deeply at Ling Shuang Ren.
He didn’t expect Ling Shuang Ren to believe him?
Or rather, Ling Shuang Ren had so much confidence in him?
However, the conversation between Ji Qing and Zhao Xiaozhu angered the four late Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect.
“Since you don’t want to hand over the treasure map, then enter our soul banners! Hehehe, go…”
The four immediately unfurled their soul banners.
Instantly, the four soul banners grew in the wind.
Terrifying black qi rapidly spread, covering the sky and sun, plunging the void into darkness.
Everyone seemed to hear the sound of wailing ghosts in their ears.
“Not good, it’s the Soul Banner Great Formation! They’re using their four soul banners together to set up a great formation, and they are late Foundation Establishment cultivators, we’re all probably going to die…”
Zhao Xiaozhu’s voice trembled.
At this moment, those five from the Divine Heavenly Palace Immortal Sect also reacted.
They made their move first.
“Swoosh.”
A flying sword shot out rapidly, attempting to cut through the Soul Banner Great Formation.
But as the flying sword cut open a gap, the next moment, a large amount of black qi surged forward, quickly filling the void.
Simultaneously, terrifying Yin souls flew out from within the soul banners, opening their massive maws and biting towards the people of the Divine Heavenly Palace Immortal Sect.
Those swallowed by the Yin souls’ maws immediately stiffened.
Their consciousness was instantly annihilated.
Even their souls were devoured.
Only their physical bodies remained, falling to the ground.
This is the terror of the soul banners.
They can directly devour souls.
Furthermore, powerful soul banners can even devour the Primordial Spirit of a Spirit Transformation Divine Lord.
This is why the Soul Banner Demonic Sect is one of the most terrifying demonic sects in the Barren Domain.
Mu Yunxia said with a grim expression: “These four from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect are all late Foundation Establishment cultivators, their strength comparable to Seven Stripes. Now that they’ve joined forces to set up a great formation, their strength is likely comparable to Eight Stripes, perhaps they can even contend with Nine Stripes. This time, we are probably doomed…”
Hearing this, everyone’s hearts sank.
Ji Qing’s gaze, however, was calm.
Late Foundation Establishment is merely a cultivation level and has no relation to combat power.
Black Water Daoist is also a late Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Yet, even with Black Water Daoist’s full burst, his strength is only at the level of Three Stripes.
To reach Four Stripes, he has to rely on luck.
And the probability is not high.
Even among late Foundation Establishment cultivators, the gap can be enormous.
This is essentially the gap between rogue cultivators and major sects.
Black Water Daoist hails from the Northern Mausoleum Immortal Palace in the Boundless Sea Region.
In reality, he’s no different from a rogue cultivator in the Barren Domain.
This is why Ji Qing could slaughter so many demons in the sea region, and even be considered to have Heavenly Human Combat Power by many Foundation Establishment cultivators, yet Ji Qing was still only assessed as Five Stripes initially.
The cultivators of the Boundless Sea Region have too low of a vision.
They haven’t seen the true Heavenly Talents of the Barren Domain.
These four from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect, if they were in the Immeasurable Domain, would be enough to sweep through all the sects in the Immeasurable Domain.
Northern Mausoleum Immortal Palace, Southern Li Sword Sect, etc., would all be vulnerable.
However, Ji Qing is ultimately different.
His gaze locked onto the four from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect.
His hand gradually grasped the hilt of the Demon Saber.
“Old friend, it’s been a long time since I’ve used you…”
Ji Qing also felt a sense of emotion.
Ever since he arrived in the Barren Domain, he had hardly used the Demon Saber.
However, these four from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect are indeed not simple.
If Ji Qing doesn’t use his Saber Domain, he can only draw his saber.
Ordinary means likely won’t be enough to defeat these four.
As for the Saber Domain.
Ji Qing doesn’t want to use it yet.
“Saber Domain” is Ji Qing’s trump card.
There’s no need to use a trump card like the Saber Domain against these four.
He just needs to draw his saber!
“Fellow Daoist Ji, if you don’t act soon, we might…”
Zhao Xiaozhu’s words were cut short.
“Clang.”
A crisp sound.
Ji Qing drew his saber.
Although he hadn’t drawn his saber in a long time, Ji Qing felt no awkwardness this time.
On the contrary, it felt very smooth.
“Saber Two!”
This saber strike was also a Saber Technique created by Ji Qing himself.
Without the amplification of the Saber Domain.
Without dazzling Blade Light.
Only terrifying Saber Qi filled everyone’s sight.
It was also accompanied by Saber Intent.
Although the Saber Intent had evolved into a Saber Domain, Ji Qing still possessed Saber Intent.
It was a world.
As if it descended with the immense Saber Qi.
Simultaneously, the sound of a dragon could faintly be heard.
That was Ji Qing’s Heavenly Dragon Power.
It also accompanied this saber strike.
Even the Five Elements Gold that Ji Qing had just refined was integrated into this saber strike.
The only thing that might be slightly lacking is the Innate Five Elements Destruction True Qi.
The soul banners and Yin souls of the Soul Banner Demonic Sect are not within the Five Elements, so they are not restrained by Ji Qing’s Innate Five Elements Destruction True Qi.
But there’s no need to restrain them with Five Elements Destruction True Qi.
It’s a direct, upright, and honorable saber strike.
For Ji Qing, this was a familiar and incredibly skilled saber strike.
But in the eyes of others, it was extraordinary.
Zhao Xiaozhu, Mu Yunxia, and Ling Shuang Ren felt their bodies tighten upon seeing Ji Qing’s terrifying saber strike.
Even from afar, and not directed at them, the terrifying Saber Qi still made them feel fear.
To know that Mu Yunxia was Seven Stripes.
The fact that she felt her heart palpitate just by looking at it showed how terrifying Ji Qing’s saber strike was.
Zhao Xiaozhu’s eyes, however, lit up.
She even felt a hint of excitement.
In contrast, Ling Shuang Ren was somewhat dumbfounded.
After all, Zhao Xiaozhu and the others were not Dao Foundation Martial Artists.
But Ling Shuang Ren was a genuine Dao Foundation Martial Artist.
She knew exactly how terrifying Ji Qing’s saber strike was.
Seven Stripes, no, it should be Eight Stripes.
Perhaps even Nine Stripes!
This saber strike was too terrifying.
Ling Shuang Ren was trembling.
Meanwhile, the soul banners and Yin souls of the Soul Banner Demonic Sect let out sharp shrieks.
The Yin souls acted as if facing a great enemy, fleeing madly.
Unfortunately, it was useless.
Any Yin soul touched by Ji Qing’s Saber Qi was instantly torn apart, scattered to the winds.
The dark and terrifying Soul Banner Demonic Formation was directly torn apart by this saber strike.
Even sunlight shone through the torn cracks.
The four late Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect turned pale, scarcely believing their eyes.
A Dao Foundation Martial Artist.
Or rather, just a mere Five Stripes.
How could they unleash such a world-shattering saber strike?
“Rumble.”
Finally, Ji Qing’s saber strike landed.
This saber strike was composed entirely of Saber Qi.
His Saber Qi was now erupting from the Five Elements Pill Granules within his body.
The Might of the Saber Qi was incredibly terrifying.
And it was enhanced by Saber Intent.
The four late Foundation Establishment cultivators only let out screams before being engulfed by the Saber Qi.
Even the four soul banners were directly severed by the Saber Qi.
Silence!
At this moment, it became completely quiet.
The soul banners vanished.
The four late Foundation Establishment cultivators were also ground into a pulp by the Saber Qi, undeniably dead.
Ji Qing stood quietly in place.
He slowly sheathed his saber.
“Snap.”
The Demon Saber was sheathed with a crisp sound.
It also seemed to “awaken” the several individuals from the Divine Heavenly Palace Immortal Sect.
“Go!”
These individuals dared not delay and immediately prepared to leave.
But how could Ji Qing let them escape?
No one involved in today’s events would be allowed to leave!
Ji Qing immediately reached out and grabbed.
The Innate Qi Great Capture Hand was unleashed.
A giant palm immediately grasped the disciples of the Divine Heavenly Palace Immortal Sect in the air and squeezed hard.
“Bang.”
The physical bodies of several people were instantly crushed.
A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator possesses neither Nascent Soul nor Primordial Spirit.
Once the physical body dies, it is truly dead.
“Gulp.”
Zhao Xiaozhu swallowed with a dry throat.
If it weren’t for Ling Shuang Ren, Zhao Xiaozhu would have turned and fled right now.
Terrifying.
Too terrifying.
Is this still Black Robe Five Stripes?
In Wind Thunder Sect, perhaps someone would hide some strength.
But at most, they’d hide one or two stripes.
What is Ji Qing’s situation then?
Black Robe Five Stripes, who has even killed experts of Black Robe Seven Stripes and Eight Stripes.
Is this still Black Robe Five Stripes?
“Swish.”
Ji Qing’s gaze fell upon Zhao Xiaozhu.
Zhao Xiaozhu’s heart trembled.
She couldn’t help but clutch her trump card.
If Ji Qing made a move, she would truly have to use her life-saving trump card…
However, Ji Qing did not make a move. Instead, he said lightly, “Fellow Daoist Zhao, as agreed, an additional ten thousand Spirit Stones! This mission, I will guarantee at least twenty thousand Spirit Stones.”
“Add them, I’ll definitely add them! Fellow Daoist Ji, don’t worry, there will be twenty thousand Spirit Stones, and I’ll give them to you now!”
Zhao Xiaozhu did not hesitate at all.
She immediately gave Ji Qing twenty thousand Spirit Stones.
She even forgot about the two thousand Spirit Stones as a “deposit” for Ji Qing.
Effectively giving Ji Qing twenty-two thousand Spirit Stones.
This survival instinct is very strong!
Shouldn’t Zhao Xiaozhu’s survival instinct be strong?
Look at Ji Qing, after killing people, he was still grabbing their corpses with large hands, continuously “looting” them.
Any Storage Bag he found, he directly put into his hands.
These were Ji Qing’s personal spoils of war.
Naturally, they belonged to Ji Qing personally.
Ji Qing calmly put away the twenty thousand Spirit Stones.
As for returning the two thousand Spirit Stones?
Impossible.
Currently, Ji Qing is extremely poor and urgently needs a large amount of Spirit Stones; truly, one regrets not having money when one needs it.
How could he return them?
Furthermore, Ji Qing said meaningfully, “Fellow Daoist Zhao, Ji is very curious. We are all Black Robe disciples, yet you seem very wealthy?”
“Uh…”
Ji Qing’s gaze made Zhao Xiaozhu’s heart tremble.
She forced a smile and said, “Fellow Daoist Ji, didn’t Shuang Ren tell you? Actually, I am an Alchemist. I can only refine pills to earn some Spirit Stones, so I am indeed a little richer than ordinary cultivators…”
“Alchemist? No wonder… I’ve heard Alchemists are rolling in wealth, with an endless stream of Spirit Stones. Why come here and take risks?”
“Fellow Daoist Ji, you may not know, but this ancient cultivator was actually an Alchemist, and an ancient Alchemist at that. For us Alchemists, the most important thing is Pill Recipes, especially Unique Pill Recipes are extremely important. I still don’t have a Unique Pill Recipe to this day, which is why I wanted to open this Ancient Cultivator Cave Mansion, hoping to find some ancient Pill Recipes to become my Unique Pill Recipes!”
Ji Qing understood.
An Alchemist’s Unique Pill Recipe is like a signboard.
With it, their pill refinement can command a premium.
It also attracts more people to seek Zhao Xiaozhu for pill refinement.
This makes sense.
It’s worth taking risks for a Unique Pill Recipe.
And this Zhao Xiaozhu in front of him is a “rich woman,” so Ji Qing must seize the opportunity.
He smiled and said, “Fellow Daoist Zhao, if you have any missions in the future, you can find me. At the Foundation Establishment level, Ji has no major concerns. As long as there are Spirit Stones.”
“Uh… certainly.”
Zhao Xiaozhu breathed a sigh of relief.
Ji Qing saying he would look for her in the future meant he was planning for “long-term gains.”
This indicated they were safe for now.
She was truly afraid Ji Qing would kill them too and snatch their Spirit Stones.
Afterwards, Ji Qing sat cross-legged to recover from his earlier consumption.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaozhu and the others began to clean up the corpses.
At the same time, Zhao Xiaozhu looked at Ling Shuang Ren with a resentful gaze.
Meaning, how could Ling Shuang Ren invite such a terrifying person as Ji Qing to join their team?
It was too dangerous!
Ling Shuang Ren also felt wronged.
She also didn’t know Ji Qing was so formidable.
However, this could be considered a blessing in disguise.
It was just an additional ten thousand Spirit Stones.
If it weren’t for Ji Qing, they probably would have become sisters in the Soul Banner Demonic Sect today…
The few of them continued to wait in place.
Ji Qing began to inspect the Storage Bags of those Foundation Establishment cultivators or Dao Foundation Martial Artists.
“Hmm? Only a few hundred Spirit Stones?”
“Broke…”
“All broke…”
Ji Qing discovered that the Storage Bags of the four people from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect were cleaner than their faces.
They were all Late Foundation Establishment, their strength comparable to Black Robe Seven Stripes great cultivators.
And this is it?
Ji Qing had never seen such poor cultivators.
They were even poorer than rogue cultivators.
Seeing Ji Qing’s disgusted expression, Zhao Xiaozhu burst into laughter.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, don’t disdain the cultivators of the Soul Banner Demonic Sect for being poor. The cultivators of the Soul Banner Demonic Sect are like this; their strength or weakness depends entirely on the Soul Banner they hold. If they have any Spirit Stones, they will find ways to enhance the Soul Banner’s Might.”
“Therefore, Soul Banner Demonic Sect cultivators are basically never wealthy. Most of their wealth is invested in their Soul Banners. If those four Soul Banners were intact, it would have been great, but unfortunately, Fellow Daoist Ji’s Saber Qi was too strong, and all four Soul Banners were shattered…”
Ji Qing frowned upon hearing this.
So those four Soul Banners were the most valuable items?
He had only recently arrived in the Barren Domain and had no understanding of the conditions of the various cultivators there.
He had suffered a loss this time.
If he had known, he definitely should have preserved those four Soul Banners.
Ji Qing immediately beckoned.
He collected the fragments of the four Soul Banners from the ground.
These broken pieces might still sell for some Spirit Stones later.
Ji Qing then inspected the Storage Bags of the Divine Immortal Sect disciples.
After inspecting them, Ji Qing finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Fortunately, the disciples’ Storage Bags from the Divine Immortal Sect were much more normal.
Each Storage Bag contained many Spirit Stones.
The Spirit Stones alone added up to nearly ten thousand Spirit Stones.
There were also some Magic Tool materials, alchemy materials, and ready-made Pills.
Well, and Divine Weapons of Dao Foundation Martial Artists.
The total harvest, combined, would be about twenty thousand Spirit Stones.
“Not bad, twenty thousand Spirit Stones, plus the twenty thousand Spirit Stones promised by Zhao Xiaozhu, that makes a total of forty thousand Spirit Stones, which can buy four thousand jin of Black Pattern Gold. Moreover, the Ancient Cultivator Cave Mansion hasn’t appeared yet. If there’s a harvest in the Ancient Cultivator Cave Mansion…”
A smile appeared on Ji Qing’s face.
When he was in Heavenly Martial Sacred Land, Ji Qing had never experienced being “poor.”
At that time, even if the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy was not abundant, he had plenty of Spirit Stones.
He couldn’t spend them all.
But upon arriving in the Barren Domain, Ji Qing felt that Spirit Stones were insufficient.
Money was spent like flowing water.
If he were an Alchemist…
Never mind, he was from the Martial Dao System; how could he become an Alchemist?
It would be more realistic to capture an Alchemist.
Thinking of this, Ji Qing couldn’t help but cast his gaze towards Zhao Xiaozhu.
She was a rich woman and an Alchemist.
If he captured her and made her refine pills, it would be an endless stream of Spirit Stones…
Zhao Xiaozhu couldn’t help but shiver.
Seeing Ji Qing’s gaze, Zhao Xiaozhu shrank her neck and quickly moved closer to Mu Yunxia.
However, Ji Qing eventually gave up this idea.
A gentleman loves wealth and obtains it through proper means.
He was, after all, a Dao Foundation Martial Artist and disdained doing such things.
Time passed day by day, and in the blink of an eye, a month had gone by.
“Buzz.”
One day, the earth shook violently.
Vaguely, a huge Cave Dwelling suddenly appeared before Ji Qing and the others.
The Cave Dwelling had an ancient and elegant style, vastly different from modern Cave Dwellings.
“It’s finally here…”
Zhao Xiaozhu was very excited.
Everyone else was also invigorated.
After waiting for a month, it finally appeared; this trip was not in vain.
Zhao Xiaozhu held a complete Treasure Map synthesized from three incomplete Treasure Maps.
It even contained nodes related to the Formation.
This made it easier to break the Formation.
Thus, Zhao Xiaozhu and Mu Yunxia began to try to find the nodes.
After about an hour, Zhao Xiaozhu shouted loudly, “Fellow Daoist Ji, we’ve found the Formation node! Please make a full-power strike with your Saber to completely break the Cave Dwelling’s Great Formation.”
Ji Qing did not hesitate.
“Clang.”
Ji Qing Draw Sword.
Terrifying Saber Qi transformed into a hundred-zhang-long saber, slashing fiercely towards the node of the Cave Dwelling’s Great Formation.
“Rumble.”
The Cave Dwelling’s Great Formation vibrated violently.
Then, with a “crack,” the Cave Dwelling’s Great Formation was broken.
Without the Cave Dwelling’s Great Formation, this ancient Cave Dwelling was revealed to them.
“Hahaha, it’s really broken, let’s go in quickly.”
Zhao Xiaozhu was already impatient.
Thus, the four of them quickly entered the Cave Dwelling.
Upon entering the Cave Dwelling, Ji Qing immediately sensed that something was not right.
There was a kind of “fragrant” feeling.
He took a slight breath.
Instantly, he felt an inexhaustible supply of energy throughout his body.
Zhao Xiaozhu and Mu Yunxia experienced it even more intensely.
The Magic Power fluctuations on their bodies suddenly became violent.
Zhao Xiaozhu’s eyes widened, she could hardly believe it.
She reached out and grabbed.
It seemed she grabbed a mass of air from within the Cave Dwelling.
This mass of air was faintly white.
It was very faint; if one didn’t look carefully, it would be hard to detect.
“Is this… Pill Qi?”
Zhao Xiaozhu’s whole body was trembling.
She trembled with excitement.
She was too excited.
Pill Qi.
This cave dwelling is actually filled with Pill Qi?
It’s simply unimaginable.
“What is Pill Qi?”
Ji Qing asked.
“When medicinal pills age, they slowly volatilize into the air, and that is Pill Qi. This situation is very rare; generally, medicinal pills are stored in bottles, making it difficult for them to volatilize.”
“However, if enough time passes, even those in bottles will volatilize. This indicates that this cave dwelling is extremely ancient, to the point where the pills in the bottles have volatilized and formed Pill Qi.”
“Most medicinal pills retain their efficacy even after a very long time. Quickly sit down and meditate, this is extremely beneficial.”
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately pulled Mu Yunxia to sit down cross-legged and meditate.
These medicinal pills are all for improving magic power.
They don’t have much effect on Ji Qing and Ling Shuang Ren.
At most, it’s just increased energy.
Ji Qing continued to walk inside.
He pushed open a room.
“Boom.”
A mass of flames suddenly erupted.
Ji Qing’s true qi formed a wall in front of him.
The flames burned on the true qi wall.
“Spirit Flames?”
Ji Qing recognized it.
This is one of the most commonly used Spirit Flames by cultivators.
It is generally used for alchemy and artifact refinement.
It is also part of the Five Elements, so it naturally couldn’t harm Ji Qing at all.
Seeing the scene before him, Ji Qing couldn’t help but widen his eyes.
What did he see?
A group of round, chubby “little people,” like elves, were flying around the room.
There was an alchemy furnace in this room.
It should be the alchemy room of the cave dwelling.
And the “little person” that just spat out Spirit Flames was a round, chubby “little person” exuding a fiery aura.
It was only palm-sized.
There were also various other “little people,” all about palm-sized, but with different forms.
Some were snow-white and emitted a rich fragrance.
Others were like a mass of slime, struggling to move.
And some “little people” were very elastic, bouncing around the room.
Seeing this room full of “little people,” Ji Qing felt very strange.
He immediately reached out.
His true qi transformed into a large hand, directly grabbing the fire-spitting “little person.”
Despite the “little person’s” frantic struggles, it was useless.
It could not break free from the restraint of Ji Qing’s large hand.
“What are you?”
Ji Qing asked.
However, these “little people” seemed unable to speak, only struggling incessantly.
But they definitely possessed intelligence, and quite high intelligence at that.
Just as Ji Qing was about to crush the “little person” to see what it was.
Suddenly, Zhao Xiaozhu’s voice, filled with surprise and uncertainty, came from behind: “Stop! Fellow Daoist Ji, stop!”
“Hmm? Fellow Daoist Zhao, do you know what these are?”
Ji Qing asked.
Zhao Xiaozhu hurried over, looking at the room full of “little people” with excitement in her eyes.
“These are no ordinary things, these are… Pill Spirits.”
“Yes, you can also think of them as medicinal pills that have gained sentience.”
“These ‘little people’ were originally high-grade medicinal pills refined by the cave dwelling’s master. Due to the immense passage of time, the undissipated medicinal pills gradually gained a trace of spirituality and then transformed into ‘Pill Spirits’.”
“Medicinal pills gaining sentience? What are they used for? Can they still be eaten?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Uh… of course they can be eaten, but who would consume a Pill Spirit? That would be a complete waste of precious resources. The greatest use of Pill Spirits is their ability to emit Pill Qi, a continuous stream of Pill Qi. Furthermore, Pill Spirits can automatically convert Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy into Pill Qi. Similar to…”
Zhao Xiaozhu thought for a moment, unable to find a specific analogy.
But Ji Qing’s eyes lit up.
“Similar to a hen that lays eggs? It can continuously produce eggs…”
“Uh… this analogy is also correct. The Pill Qi emitted by Pill Spirits is no different from that of medicinal pills, only slightly weaker in effect, but it has the advantage of being continuous. If Pill Spirits are placed in a cultivation secret chamber, the air will be filled with Pill Qi, equivalent to constantly consuming medicinal pills with almost no Pill Toxin.”
“Each Pill Spirit is a product of fortune. But to have so many Pill Spirits in this cave dwelling is simply incredible…”
Ji Qing finally understood.
These Pill Spirits were all incredibly precious.
“So, we’ve hit the jackpot?”
“Yes, a huge jackpot…”
Ji Qing pondered.
He truly coveted these Pill Spirits.
So precious.
If a single Pill Spirit were to appear in the outside world, it would likely drive people insane.
Golden Core True Persons and even Nascent Soul True Monarchs would go mad.
And in this alchemy room, there were dozens of Pill Spirits.
The master of this ancient cultivator cave mansion likely never imagined that so many Pill Spirits would be nurtured in his cave dwelling after his death.
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately took out a Storage Bag and said with a smile, “There’s a lot of delicious and fun stuff inside, why don’t you all go in and try?”
Strangely enough, these Pill Spirits all actively flew into the Storage Bag.
“Phew…”
When the last Pill Spirit flew into the Storage Bag, Zhao Xiaozhu breathed a sigh of relief.
Her eyes were filled with excitement.
However, Ling Shuang Ren and Mu Yunxia fell silent.
Even Ji Qing looked at Zhao Xiaozhu with a smile that was not a smile.
Pill Spirits, everyone knew their value.
As the saying goes, wealth moves people’s hearts.
It was impossible to say that the three of them had no intentions.
Even if they wouldn’t act on it directly.
The news might still leak afterward.
If such a thing leaked, could Zhao Xiaozhu still keep the Pill Spirits?
That was simply impossible.
Zhao Xiaozhu wasn’t truly foolish either. Her eyes darted around, she took a deep breath, scanned the three of them one by one, and then said solemnly, “Everyone, our harvest from this cave dwelling has been considerable. There are many ancient Pill Recipes. Although many may not be usable, some are quite unique.”
“Combined with so many Pill Spirits, it would be too unprofitable to simply sell them off. Moreover, we all need to continue cultivating in the future, and there will be many expenses requiring Spirit Stones. It’s better to have a steady, long-term income.”
“Therefore, I plan to open a Pill Shop in Heavenly Desolation City to sell the medicinal pills I refine. I will hold fifty percent, Fellow Daoist Ji will hold thirty percent, and Fellow Daoist Shuang Ren and Fellow Daoist Mu will each hold ten percent. However, Fellow Daoist Shuang Ren and Fellow Daoist Mu will each need to invest thirty thousand Spirit Stones into the Pill Shop. Fellow Daoist Ji will not need to. What do you three think?”
Ji Qing’s heart stirred slightly.
A Pill Shop?
He didn’t know Zhao Xiaozhu’s alchemy attainments, but with the existence of Pill Spirits, Zhao Xiaozhu could improve her alchemy attainments even by simply stacking them.
At that time, the Pill Shop would be able to continuously generate Spirit Stones.
Of course, the reason he didn’t need to contribute Spirit Stones was simple: Zhao Xiaozhu valued Ji Qing’s strength.
At least the strength of a Black Robe NinePattern!
To open a Pill Shop, one needs backing.
Zhao Xiaozhu didn’t dare to approach Golden Core True Persons or Heavenly Human Realm experts.
One wrong move, and her belongings would be taken.
But Ji Qing and the others were different.
At the very least, they had shared life-and-death experiences this time.
They had established a connection.
Although Ji Qing wasn’t yet a Heavenly Human, and his protection of a Pill Shop seemed a bit strained.
But the strength of a Black Robe NinePattern was barely sufficient.
What if Ji Qing were to be promoted to Heavenly Human in the future?
Then she would have made a huge profit.
That’s why she didn’t ask Ji Qing for Spirit Stones.
After all, she was the one who needed Ji Qing.
As for Ling Shuang Ren and Mu Yunxia, it was different.
Bringing them into the partnership was purely because they were familiar with each other, and it was an opportunity for them.
Even though thirty thousand Spirit Stones was a lot for them.
The two of them thought about it but didn’t refuse.
Instead, they gritted their teeth: “Alright, thirty thousand Spirit Stones it is. I will definitely gather them when we return!”
Ling Shuang Ren and Mu Yunxia both nodded in agreement.
They even felt excited.
This was an opportunity.
If the Pill Shop could truly open, they would have a share of the profits from then on.
A steady stream, and they wouldn’t lack cultivation resources for a long time to come.
Everyone’s gaze turned to Ji Qing again.
In fact, whether Ji Qing agreed was the most important thing.
If Ji Qing didn’t agree, the Pill Shop likely wouldn’t be able to open.
“I can.”
Ji Qing also nodded in agreement.
“That’s great!”
Zhao Xiaozhu was also immensely excited.
Finally, she could open a Pill Shop.
And with the help of the Pill Spirits, her alchemy attainments would definitely improve rapidly in the future.
With a Pill Shop and Pill Spirits, she truly had a chance to reach the Golden Core realm in the future.
Golden Core, Heavenly Human, even Inner Sect Disciples of the Wind Thunder Sect, were unattainable for most people.
Among so many disciples of the Wind Thunder Sect, how many could ultimately achieve Golden Core or Heavenly Human?
It was probably one in a hundred!
Perhaps even one in a thousand!
“Let’s see if there are any other treasures in the cave dwelling.”
So, the group began searching everywhere again.
Suddenly, Ling Shuang Ren opened a secret chamber.
“This is…”
Ling Shuang Ren’s eyes lit up.
Magic Tools!
A room full of Magic Tools!
We’ve struck it rich, truly struck it rich this time!
And not just Magic Tools, but Divine Weapons as well!
However, after such a long time, many Magic Tools and Divine Weapons couldn’t withstand the passage of time and were damaged.
But it didn’t matter, some were still intact.
The few of them cleaned everything up.
Then they divided the Magic Tools and Divine Weapons.
Ji Qing calculated that they should be able to sell for twenty thousand Spirit Stones.
If added to the previous forty thousand Spirit Stones, their haul for this trip would be around sixty thousand Spirit Stones!
It was indeed a huge gain.
Ling Shuang Ren and Mu Yunxia were also very happy.
They had been worrying about how to gather the thirty thousand Spirit Stones.
Now they had already obtained twenty thousand Spirit Stones!
The remaining ten thousand Spirit Stones shouldn’t be too difficult to gather.
The group searched the cave dwelling for several days.
They meticulously searched every corner of the cave dwelling.
Not leaving behind a single treasure.
“That’s about enough, we should head back.”
Zhao Xiaozhu said.
“Alright, we really should head back.”
Ji Qing also chimed in.
With sixty thousand spirit stones, he could buy six thousand catties of black pattern gold, which should be enough.
After all, he had already refined two thousand catties of black pattern gold previously.
Thus, the four of them immediately left the cave dwelling.
Zhao Xiaozhu glanced back at the cave dwelling.
With a wave of her hand, terrifying spiritual fire burned fiercely within the cave dwelling.
Soon, the cave dwelling was destroyed.
After all, a pill spirit had once been born in the cave dwelling, and this news absolutely could not be leaked.
Naturally, the cave dwelling had to be destroyed, just in case.
“Let’s go!”
Zhao Xiaozhu took out a flying boat, and the four of them boarded it, quickly soaring into the sky and heading towards Heavenly Desolation City.
Ji Qing and the other three encountered no danger on the way and smoothly returned to Heavenly Desolation City.
“Everyone, it’s fine to use magic tools and divine weapons, but the matter of the pill spirit must not be revealed in the slightest. With our current strength, if the news leaks, we absolutely cannot protect the pill spirit!”
Zhao Xiaozhu reminded everyone again.
“We naturally understand. This pill spirit is related to our pill shop, and it’s equivalent to the smoothness of our future immortal path. We will absolutely not reveal a single detail!”
Mu Yunxia said solemnly.
Ling Shuang Ren also nodded.
As for Ji Qing, he would certainly not reveal it.
“By the way, Fellow Daoist Ji, the rank assessment is next month. It would be great if you could achieve Seven Stripes or above, or even Nine Stripes would be best! With your strength as a Black Robe Nine Stripes, our pill shop can also be opened smoothly, and many troubles will be avoided. After all, the safety of our pill shop in the future will rely on you, Fellow Daoist Ji.”
Zhao Xiaozhu said to Ji Qing.
Ji Qing naturally understood Zhao Xiaozhu’s meaning.
What was the reason he occupied thirty percent of the pill shop’s profits?
It was to guarantee the safety of the pill shop.
He was the “strongman” behind the scenes of the pill shop, responsible for deterring petty troublemakers.
Therefore, Black Robe Seven Stripes was the baseline; Nine Stripes would be even better!
Strength had to be displayed openly to be intimidating.
The four then parted ways.
Ji Qing thought for a moment and immediately went to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
He had so many magic tools, divine weapons, the treasures of Foundation Establishment cultivators, and even broken soul banners; Ji Qing needed to find a place to deal with them.
In exchange for spirit stones.
The Myriad Treasures Pavilion might not offer the highest prices.
But it was definitely the safest and most reputable merchant association.
Thus, Ji Qing once again stepped into the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
At this moment, a charming female cultivator walked over.
“Senior, what do you require?”
Ji Qing glanced at her and said indifferently, “Where is Yan Liu Qing?”
The female cultivator’s expression stiffened slightly, but she still respectfully replied, “Yan Liu Qing is currently entertaining another distinguished guest. Perhaps I could introduce you to someone else…”
“No need, I’ll wait for Yan Liu Qing in the lounge.”
With that, Ji Qing went directly to the lounge.
It wasn’t that Yan Liu Qing was particularly important, but rather that this batch of goods was indeed from somewhat dubious sources.
Having someone familiar to handle it would also reduce a lot of trouble.
Moreover, he had come specifically to find Yan Liu Qing, which was equivalent to delivering spirit stones to her. Wouldn’t she serve him wholeheartedly?
It would only be a short wait; Ji Qing was not in a hurry.
After waiting for about half an hour, Yan Liu Qing rushed into the lounge.
Upon seeing Ji Qing, Yan Liu Qing’s eyes lit up.
This was a distinguished guest!
With such a large transaction last time, she never expected him to come to her again.
Yan Liu Qing was naturally very pleased.
“Senior, are you here to purchase black pattern gold again this time?”
Yan Liu Qing asked.
“No, I need to sell some items. Help me estimate the price.”
Ji Qing immediately took out a pile of magic tools and divine weapons.
Among them were many damaged magic tools.
Especially the four tattered soul banners, which made Yan Liu Qing’s mouth twitch slightly.
“What a pity. If these four soul banners were intact, their value would be immense…”
Yan Liu Qing said regretfully.
However, Ji Qing did not respond.
Yan Liu Qing cautiously glanced at Ji Qing.
These four soul banners were no ordinary items.
To be so severely damaged, one could imagine how terrifying a great war they had endured.
And the soul banners had fallen into Ji Qing’s hands.
Clearly, this “Senior” was the one who had truly emerged victorious.
That made him even more terrifying.
Yan Liu Qing’s demeanor towards Ji Qing became even more cautious.
“Senior, for these items combined, how about we offer you forty-three thousand spirit stones?”
Yan Liu Qing stated a very honest price.
She knew very well that Ji Qing had specifically asked for her this time, which meant he trusted her.
If she served him well this time and satisfied Ji Qing.
Then Ji Qing would definitely come to her again in the future.
For such a distinguished guest, she naturally had to ensure his satisfaction.
“Agreed.”
“Also, give me another four thousand catties of black pattern gold.”
Yan Liu Qing was slightly taken aback: “Four thousand catties?”
“Yes.”
Yan Liu Qing said no more.
Four thousand catties of black pattern gold; the Myriad Treasures Pavilion naturally had it in stock.
“Distinguished guest, please wait a moment.”
Yan Liu Qing went to attend to the matter.
About half an hour later, Yan Liu Qing re-entered the lounge.
She first handed Ji Qing four thousand spirit stones.
“Senior, three thousand spirit stones are the remainder, and one thousand spirit stones are a discount I secured for your purchase of four thousand catties of black pattern gold. Here are the four thousand catties of black pattern gold; please take them.”
Ji Qing carefully counted everything.
Then he smiled.
He was very satisfied with Yan Liu Qing’s service.
Thus, he directly took the black pattern gold and four thousand spirit stones and swiftly returned to the Wind Thunder Sect.
Back in his room, Ji Qing took out the four thousand catties of black pattern gold.
He actually still had twenty thousand spirit stones to purchase two thousand catties of black pattern gold.
But Ji Qing did not buy it all at once.
After all, he didn’t know how much black pattern gold his physical body could ultimately refine.
He had already refined two thousand catties before.
For now, he would purchase four thousand catties.
If it wasn’t enough, he could buy more later.
This was to avoid buying too much at once and wasting it.
“Begin.”
Ji Qing no longer hesitated and immediately began to refine the black pattern gold.
Time passed day by day.
With ample black pattern gold, Ji Qing circulated the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law and refined it frantically.
As a result, the four thousand catties of black pattern gold were completely refined.
But Ji Qing still did not feel the limit of his physical body.
He could still refine more.
Thus, Ji Qing simply exchanged all the remaining twenty-four thousand spirit stones for black pattern gold.
He bought another two thousand four hundred catties of black pattern gold and continued refining.
An unknown amount of time passed.
“Swish.”
Ji Qing opened his eyes.
He gently extended his hand.
He felt the surging power within his body.
And there were about a hundred catties of black pattern gold remaining in front of him.
“A total of eight thousand three hundred catties of black pattern gold has been refined by the physical body; it has finally reached its limit!”
Ji Qing sighed with emotion.
Although it was not ten thousand catties, it far exceeded Ji Qing’s expectations.
Before, Ji Qing thought that perhaps refining three to five thousand catties would be very good.
But he never expected to refine eight thousand three hundred catties!
The Five Elements Gold of the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law had been cultivated to completion.
This also allowed Ji Qing’s physical body to break through its limitations.
Now, the power of Ji Qing’s physical body was incredibly formidable.
With just his physical body, Ji Qing felt it could likely rival cultivators at or above the Black Robe Seven Stripes level.
Not to mention the addition of the Five Elements Pill Granules and his Saber Technique, and so on.
Although Ji Qing had not yet achieved Heavenly Human status, his strength had undoubtedly advanced further!
Ji Qing picked up the Communication Talisman.
He found a communication from Zhao Xiaozhu inside.
“The pill shop is all prepared, just waiting for me?”
Ji Qing naturally knew what Zhao Xiaozhu meant.
Waiting for him?
It was probably waiting for his “rank assessment.”
If Ji Qing did not “rank assess,” Zhao Xiaozhu’s pill shop would not dare to open.
Calculating the time, a month had indeed passed since Ji Qing’s last “rank assessment.”
So, he could assess his rank again.
Ji Qing knew that Zhao Xiaozhu and the others were all anticipating his rank assessment.
Ji Qing had no intention of deliberately playing hard to get or delaying.
The sooner the pill shop opened, the more spirit stones he could get.
With this thought, Ji Qing immediately sent a communication to Zhao Xiaozhu, Ling Shuang Ren, and Mu Yunxia.
The communication contained only one sentence.
“Rank assessment at the Wind Thunder Tower, come quickly!”
