Chapter 163: Nine Stripes Rank Assessment, Everyone Shaken!
In Zhao Xiaozhu’s courtyard, Ling Shuangren and Mu Yunxia were gathered together.
However, there was another man.
This man was inner sect disciple Huo Yunbo.
He was also wearing a black robe, but it had seven golden stripes.
That was a Black Robe Seven Stripes!
Once a black robe had seven stripes, it was different.
Within the Wind Thunder Sect’s inner sect, they were already considered strong.
Huo Yunbo said with a smile, “Junior Sister Zhao, have you considered it? If you want to open a pill shop in Heavenly Desolation City, it’s impossible without an expert to guard it. But if we open a pill shop together, it would be different. My strength is Black Robe Seven Stripes, and I have the Huo family behind me. Protecting a mere pill shop wouldn’t be an issue.”
“As for others with Black Robe Four Stripes or Six Stripes, they’re useless. I won’t take much, how about just fifty percent of the profit?”
Upon hearing this, Ling Shuangren and Mu Yunxia secretly clenched their fists.
They really wanted to beat up Huo Yunbo.
They wished they could smash Huo Yunbo’s head.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t make a move.
If they acted, they would be the ones at a disadvantage.
Zhao Xiaozhu’s expression turned solemn, and she said coldly, “Senior Brother Huo, I apologize, but I have already made an agreement with a few friends to open a pill shop together, so I won’t trouble you, Senior Brother Huo.”
Hearing Zhao Xiaozhu’s refusal, Huo Yunbo didn’t get angry. Instead, his eyes narrowed slightly and he said, “Junior Sister, you might not have heard me clearly. With just the few of you trying to open a pill shop in Heavenly Desolation City, you won’t succeed at all!”
“If Junior Sister doesn’t believe me, she’ll know in a while. That’s all I have to say. I hope Junior Sister Zhao will consider it carefully.”
With that, Huo Yunbo turned and left.
In the courtyard, Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two had furrowed brows.
“Xiaozhu, where did this Huo Yunbo come from? And how did he know you wanted to open a pill shop?”
Ling Shuangren asked.
This Huo Yunbo was so detestable.
It seemed he even wanted to kick them out.
Zhao Xiaozhu said with a wry smile, “This Huo Yunbo is from the Huo family. The Huo family is quite influential in the Wind Thunder Sect, having produced Nascent Soul True Monarchs in the past! Although they have declined now, no matter how much they’ve declined, they still have Golden Core cultivators generation after generation in the Wind Thunder Sect. The Huo family currently has a Golden Core True Person and is considered an established family in the Wind Thunder Sect with well-informed news.”
“I was looking for a suitable location and shop in Heavenly Desolation City, and the Huo family discovered it. Then, this Huo Yunbo came to my door. After all, I’m an alchemist, and when I’m looking for a shop, it’s easy to guess what I’m planning…”
“Sigh, it’s actually because our apparent strength is too weak. We don’t even have a Black Robe Seven Stripes disciple. In others’ eyes, how could we be qualified to open a pill shop?”
The three looked at each other.
It seemed they could all guess what the other was thinking.
“There’s been no news from Fellow Daoist Ji…”
The three fell silent.
They had actually been waiting for Ji Qing’s actions all along.
But Ji Qing seemed to have vanished.
There was no news at all.
He hadn’t shown his face recently either.
For a moment, Zhao Xiaozhu felt truly uneasy.
“Shuangren, you live next door to Fellow Daoist Ji…”
Ling Shuangren shook her head and said, “Fellow Daoist Ji should be in secluded cultivation. He’s been in his courtyard and hasn’t come out. I can’t disturb him.”
“Secluded cultivation, huh? That could take a while…”
Zhao Xiaozhu was very disappointed.
She was even a little dejected.
The shops had actually been found.
But without an expert to oversee it, she didn’t dare to open the shop.
“Buzz.”
Suddenly, the communication talismans of the three vibrated simultaneously.
The three immediately took them out to look, and then smiles appeared on their faces.
“It’s Fellow Daoist Ji. He’s out of seclusion.”
“Fellow Daoist Ji only sent one message: he’s going to the Wind Thunder Tower for his rank assessment…”
“Let’s go, hurry to the Wind Thunder Tower!”
Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two immediately left the courtyard and rushed towards the Wind Thunder Tower.
The Wind Thunder Tower was still crowded with people.
Ji Qing stood outside the Wind Thunder Tower. After waiting for only a moment, three familiar figures rushed over.
“Fellow Daoist Ji!”
Zhao Xiaozhu exclaimed joyfully, her face beaming.
It was Zhao Xiaozhu, Mu Yunxia, and Ling Shuangren.
The three had come together.
“Why have the three of you come together?”
Ji Qing asked.
It was too coincidental.
Zhao Xiaozhu said with a smile, “The three of us were just discussing matters regarding the pill shop, and we were wondering when Fellow Daoist Ji would come out of seclusion, when we received Fellow Daoist Ji’s communication talisman.”
“Fellow Daoist Ji just came out of seclusion and is coming to the Wind Thunder Tower. Are you preparing to be assessed for Black Robe Seven Stripes?”
Ji Qing didn’t commit.
He then glanced at Ling Shuangren.
Ling Shuangren hesitated for a moment, then said, “Brother Ji, Xiaozhu has been targeted by Huo Yunbo recently because of the pill shop issue, and the pressure is considerable. That Huo Yunbo even wants to kick us out, and Huo Yunbo is Black Robe Seven Stripes. We’ve been waiting for your assessment to formally open the pill shop.”
Ji Qing understood.
Zhao Xiaozhu’s opening of a shop would definitely require preparation.
Since preparation was needed, there would inevitably be clues.
This wasn’t a particularly secretive matter.
Moreover, Zhao Xiaozhu was somewhat of a figure within the inner sect of the Wind Thunder Sect.
After all, she was an alchemist, and there were quite a few people watching her.
This seemingly carefree Foundation Establishment female cultivator was actually bearing immense pressure.
“Alright, I understand, Fellow Daoist Ji. Just wait for good news.”
With that, Ji Qing flew into the crowd and began to queue.
Zhao Xiaozhu glanced at Ling Shuangren and Mu Yunxia and whispered, “What do you think Fellow Daoist Ji will be assessed as this time?”
Mu Yunxia pondered for a moment and said, “I think Fellow Daoist Ji will be assessed as at least Black Robe Eight Stripes. After all, Ling Daoist just mentioned Huo Yunbo is Black Robe Seven Stripes, isn’t that indirectly a reminder to Fellow Daoist Ji? Black Robe Seven Stripes isn’t enough to deter Huo Yunbo.”
What Mu Yunxia said made sense.
But Ling Shuangren’s eyes flashed with a sharp glint, and she said solemnly, “If we must be safe, then the assessment will definitely be Black Robe Eight Stripes. After all, the combined strength of the four people from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect back then should be comparable to Black Robe Eight Stripes. If Brother Ji is assessed as Eight Stripes, it will certainly be stable. But I feel that Brother Ji will go all out this time and will likely attempt to be assessed directly as Nine Stripes. Only with Black Robe Nine Stripes can many opportunistic individuals, including Huo Yunbo, be deterred!”
Ling Shuangren had full confidence in Ji Qing.
Zhao Xiaozhu’s eyes also lit up.
Black Robe Nine Stripes.
If he could truly be assessed as Black Robe Nine Stripes, within the inner sect of the Wind Thunder Sect, he would practically be able to walk sideways.
If Golden Core and Heavenly Human experts didn’t intervene, who could claim to be superior to Ji Qing?
At that time, their pill shop would be stable!
“Won’t Black Robe Nine Stripes be a bit risky? If the assessment fails, we’ll have to wait until next month to try again…”
Zhao Xiaozhu also had concerns.
If he failed, without an expert of Black Robe Seven Stripes or higher to oversee it, their shop wouldn’t be able to open.
Even if it opened, there would be endless trouble.
Zhao Xiaozhu still hoped for stability.
For a time, the three of them were actually filled with apprehension and worry, looking even more tense than Ji Qing.
However, Ji Qing remained as calm as ever.
In fact, he had already considered this problem.
He was also hesitating.
But his hesitation wasn’t about whether to be assessed as Eight Stripes or Nine Stripes.
His hesitation was whether to go all out and directly attempt to be assessed as Ten Stripes.
Ten Stripes was the highest assessment.
For every realm, there was a top-tier Ten Stripes.
But generally, only “Nine Stripes experts” would emerge.
The reason was simple.
Ten Stripes was a realm that ordinary cultivators couldn’t reach.
For example, Black Robe Ten Stripes actually had a specific term to describe such people.
Heavenly Human Combat Power!
Black Robe Ten Stripes represented true Heavenly Human Combat Power!
The “Heavenly Human” here didn’t refer to those in the demon realm comparable to Golden Core or Heavenly Human existences.
Nor did it refer to Heavenly Humans or Golden Core cultivators among rogue cultivators.
It referred to Heavenly Humans from Deity Transformation Sects like the Wind Thunder Sect!
As is well-known, between Heavenly Humans and Golden Core cultivators, Heavenly Human Combat Power was slightly stronger.
Therefore, being able to possess Heavenly Human Combat Power at the Dao Foundation level was simply incredible.
In the long history of the Wind Thunder Sect’s founding, fewer than ten people in total had ever been assessed as Black Robe Ten Stripes!
There were only nine in total!
This showed how difficult it was to be assessed as “Ten Stripes” in the Wind Thunder Tower.
Ji Qing looked up at the Wind Thunder Tower.
He thought of Zhao Xiaozhu and the others again.
The pill shop they were so eager for depended on his “rank assessment” this time.
Therefore, Ji Qing had also made his decision.
He was preparing to be assessed…
“Hey, it’s your turn.”
Ji Qing snapped back to reality.
A Black Robe Six Stripes disciple behind him looked at Ji Qing with some displeasure.
Everyone behind him was queuing.
Ji Qing immediately took two steps forward and arrived before the Elder of the Wind Thunder Tower, presenting his identity token.
“Ji Qing? Just joined less than two months ago, and already Black Robe Five Stripes, not bad. Speak, what rank do you wish to be assessed for this time?”
The Elder immediately looked up Ji Qing’s information.
He was even a little surprised.
He even recognized Ji Qing.
After all, being assessed at Five Stripes on his first attempt had left a deep impression on him.
The Elder hadn’t expected Ji Qing to be here for another assessment so soon.
Was he already aiming for Six Stripes so quickly?
Ji Qing immediately replied, “Elder, this disciple wishes to be assessed for Nine Stripes.”
“Being assessed for Six Stripes would be too fast… Wait, you said Nine Stripes?”
The Elder abruptly looked up and stared at Ji Qing.
“Nine Stripes!”
The Elder confirmed.
Upon hearing Ji Qing’s words, the surrounding people widened their eyes as if in disbelief.
“Nine Stripes? He wants to be assessed as Nine Stripes?”
“What a joke, he’s only Black Robe Five Stripes. How dare he attempt Nine Stripes all at once?”
“He’s gone mad… Did the Elder say this person joined less than two months ago?”
“I’ve never seen a Foundation Establishment disciple go from Five Stripes last month to Nine Stripes this month…”
Even in the Martial Dao lineage, where martial artists were special and their strength might grow faster.
It wasn’t this fast.
The gap between Five Stripes and Nine Stripes was like heaven and earth.
The Elder narrowed his eyes slightly and said sternly, “Are you sure, assessed as Nine Stripes? You only have one chance to be assessed each month. If you fail this month, you can only try again next month.”
“This disciple is sure, assessed as Nine Stripes!”
Hearing Ji Qing’s words, the Elder nodded.
“Alright, Nine Stripes! Go ahead.”
Ji Qing cupped his hands towards the Elder and then transformed into a stream of light, flying into the Wind Thunder Tower.
This caused a sensation among many people.
Normally, if someone was assessed as Nine Stripes, it would be a major event.
Let alone such an unbelievable feat, going directly from Black Robe Five Stripes to Nine Stripes?
It was too unbelievable.
Zhao Xiaozhu and the others, who were watching from afar, had been paying attention to Ji Qing.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaozhu and the others in the distance had been paying attention to Ji Qing.
Naturally, he also knew the news of Ji Qing’s Rank Assessment of Nine Stripes.
Ling Shuang Ren clenched her fists and said proudly, “How is it? I said Brother Ji would likely be assessed as Nine Stripes, didn’t I?”
Zhao Xiaozhu and Mu Yunxia both nodded.
But it could be seen that both of them were very tense.
Nine Stripes!
Almost standing at the pinnacle of Black Robes!
Ji Qing actually dared to be assessed as Nine Stripes?
But what if he failed…
Zhao Xiaozhu didn’t dare to think about it.
She could only pray silently in her heart, hoping Ji Qing would definitely succeed.
“Swish.”
Ji Qing had already flown into the Wind Thunder Tower.
He found himself in a pitch-black void.
For this assessment of Nine Stripes, Ji Qing had actually been “conservative” in the depths of his heart.
He knew his own situation.
He should have the strength to aim for “Ten Stripes.”
But now Zhao Xiaozhu and the others needed his protection, so achieving Nine Stripes first was the most stable approach.
It wouldn’t matter if he came again next month to attempt Ten Stripes.
Even if he failed, it wouldn’t be a big deal.
After all, these Ten Stripes corresponded to the Heavenly Human experts of the Wind Thunder Sect.
Not some demons, or rogue Golden Core cultivators, or the like.
The gap between those demons and rogue Golden Core cultivators and the Heavenly Humans of a major sect like the Wind Thunder Sect was too vast.
Heavenly Humans of major sects could take on ten rogue cultivators of the same level without any issue.
And they could even crush them directly!
It was understandable for Ji Qing to be a bit “conservative.”
As for the Black Robe Nine Stripes.
Ji Qing was naturally confident that he would be able to pass the Nine Stripes trial.
“Swish.”
In the pitch-black void, Ji Qing suddenly saw a female cultivator.
“A woman?”
Ji Qing was a little curious.
Overall, the Wind Thunder Sect had relatively few female cultivators.
Especially this particular female cultivator, who was a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
As soon as the Foundation Establishment female cultivator appeared, she waved her hand.
Ji Qing took a closer look.
It was Yin Lei Zi?
And it was an enhanced version of Yin Lei Zi.
Ji Qing even felt a hint of threat.
“Clang.”
Ji Qing didn’t hesitate, and instantly drew his saber.
The saber qi, tens of feet long, directly struck Yin Lei Zi.
“Rumble.”
Yin Lei Zi exploded.
The terrifying explosive shockwave swept towards Ji Qing in a mighty surge.
However, this level of shockwave could not affect the true qi defense on Ji Qing’s body.
But, as the smoke and dust cleared, what did Ji Qing see?
“Swish swish swish swish swish.”
Flying swords!
Dense flying swords!
As far as Ji Qing could see, there were only flying swords.
And each flying sword exuded a sharp edge.
“Is this the strength of Black Robe Nine Stripes?”
Ji Qing’s heart grew solemn.
Good heavens.
With such a formation, the Golden Core realm demons he had killed back then wouldn’t have been able to withstand it.
These sky-filled flying swords made one feel despair.
However, this was only the beginning.
Behind the flying swords were one talisman after another.
Equally dense.
And there were all sorts of talismans like Lightning Summoning Talisman, Spiritual Fire Talisman, Explosion Talisman, Water Corroding Talisman, and Ice Talisman.
Ji Qing suddenly understood why this female cultivator could be the “trial” for Black Robe Nine Stripes.
With this level of wealth… the consumption of one fight would be enough to hire a Golden Core expert…
Is this a “rich woman’s” combat style?
Foundation Establishment cultivators, especially wealthy ones, are terrifying!
“Saber Two!”
Ji Qing unleashed another saber strike.
At the same time, the Five Elements Pill Granules within Ji Qing’s body vibrated wildly.
One saber strike, two saber strikes, three saber strikes…
Innumerable saber qi roared out.
When it came to numbers, Ji Qing truly feared no one.
Moreover, Ji Qing hadn’t even activated his domain yet.
It was just the pure saber qi, combined with his current physical body strength.
With the two combined, the terrifying might, Ji Qing didn’t believe this Foundation Establishment female cultivator could be his opponent?
“Rumble.”
Ji Qing’s saber qi clashed head-on with the sky-filled flying swords and talismans.
Occasionally, Ji Qing would be hit by flying swords or talismans, or by the shockwaves, but Ji Qing had a layer of true qi defense, plus his current formidable physical body, which was simply unbelievable.
This much attack could not shake Ji Qing at all.
Moreover, Ji Qing wasn’t afraid even if he got injured.
His physical body’s recovery ability was also top-notch.
This was the benefit of Ji Qing desperately increasing his martial arts foundation when he was in the Heavenly Martial Sacred Land.
It left him with almost no weaknesses.
He was top-tier in every aspect, whether it was offense, defense, or recovery ability.
A moment later, Ji Qing’s saber qi surged again.
Following that, the Demon Saber descended, and tens of feet of saber qi cleaved down upon the female cultivator.
Layers of light flashed across the female cultivator’s body.
And each layer of light represented a protective magic tool.
“Crack crack crack.”
The lights all extinguished.
The protective magic tools were shattered one by one.
In the end, they still couldn’t withstand Ji Qing’s saber qi, and the female cultivator’s phantom was directly annihilated by the saber qi.
“Congratulations, Inner Sect Disciple Ji Qing of the Martial Dao lineage, you have successfully passed the Rank Assessment trial. Please continue to work hard next time.”
A voice sounded in Ji Qing’s ears.
He knew he had succeeded!
However, Ji Qing also sighed a little, the female cultivator in the Nine Stripes trial was truly hard to kill.
Her opponent was simply too wealthy.
Ji Qing even suspected that if he really encountered this female cultivator in reality.
Even if they were both Black Robe Nine Stripes, he probably wouldn’t be able to kill her.
After all, she would surely possess more powerful life-saving items.
To kill her?
Too difficult.
It was only within the Wind Thunder Tower that the female cultivator, as the Nine Stripes trial, was actually weakened.
Many terrifying magic tools and even magical treasures could not be used.
Ji Qing finally understood the combat style of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Measuring whether a Foundation Establishment cultivator is powerful is actually very simple.
That is, it depends on whether the opponent is wealthy.
For example, Zhao Xiaozhu and Mu Yunxia.
Even if Mu Yunxia was Black Robe Six Stripes, if she were to fight Zhao Xiaozhu, Mu Yunxia would definitely not be able to defeat Zhao Xiaozhu.
The reason is simple: Zhao Xiaozhu, as an Alchemist, was simply too wealthy!
Ji Qing even suspected that when he encountered the four people from the Soul Banner Demonic Sect, Zhao Xiaozhu might have been able to escape in the end.
Zhao Xiaozhu definitely had life-saving treasures on her.
This was also why Zhao Xiaozhu dared to provoke Mu Yunxia, who was outwardly stronger than her.
Zhao Xiaozhu was not afraid at all.
However, martial artists were different.
Martial artists were all paupers.
And divine weapons didn’t offer much of an increase to martial artists.
The strength of a martial artist was earned through solid martial arts, fist by fist, kick by kick, fought with real sabers and guns.
“Swish.”
Ji Qing was enveloped by the power of the Wind Thunder Tower and was instantly teleported out of it.
“Hmm?”
“He’s out!”
“Ji Qing didn’t spend much time in the Wind Thunder Tower, did he? Did he fail or succeed?”
“Last time Ji Qing was teleported out in a very short time; this time it took a bit longer. Did he actually succeed?”
“The Black Robe Nine Stripes trial is too terrifying. How could a Dao Foundation cultivator defeat that terrifying Foundation Establishment female cultivator?”
“Yes, that Foundation Establishment female cultivator had an outrageous amount of treasures…”
Regarding information about the Black Robe Nine Stripes trial, many people had heard rumors.
That mysterious trial, the “female cultivator,” truly made many Black Robe martial artists grind their teeth in hatred.
Especially those Black Robe Eight Stripes Foundation Establishment or Dao Foundation cultivators.
They had attempted the Nine Stripes Rank Assessment more than once.
The result was invariably failure for all of them.
Many people even developed psychological trauma and stopped attempting the Nine Stripes assessment, instead directly trying to break through to Golden Core or Heavenly Human.
Rank Assessment is a division of combat power, not cultivation.
As long as one’s foundation is sufficient, or one is lucky enough, even a Five Stripes combatant can break through.
Of course, overall, the stronger one’s combat power, the easier it is to break through.
At this moment, the Elder of the Wind Thunder Tower looked up, his eyes filled with shock.
He had already received the result.
But he still found it hard to believe.
The Elder looked up and said with a complex expression, “Inner Sect Disciple Ji Qing of the Martial Dao lineage has successfully passed the Nine Stripes trial! Ji Qing, congratulations, you have passed the Nine Stripes Rank Assessment. You are now a Dao Foundation Nine Stripes disciple! Your information will be reported to the inner sect, and from now on, you will enjoy the treatment of a Dao Foundation Nine Stripes disciple.”
As soon as the Elder finished speaking.
“Boom.”
A stormy sea of shock surged through everyone near the grand Wind Thunder Tower.
“What? Passed Nine Stripes?”
“How is this possible? That’s Black Robe Nine Stripes…”
“Black Robe Nine Stripes is that easy? First time Black Robe Five Stripes, second time Black Robe Nine Stripes… This is truly extraordinary, this person must be truly extraordinary!”
“I heard this person got into the inner sect through connections and bribing Elder Qi…”
For a moment, everyone was in an uproar.
Their gazes towards Ji Qing were also a bit complicated.
Black Robe Nine Stripes!
An unattainable goal for countless Inner Sect disciples of the Wind Thunder Sect.
Yet Ji Qing achieved it in two assessments.
But Ji Qing reached it in two rank assessments.
This is simply unbelievable.
Throughout the history of the Wind Thunder Tower, no Black Robe disciple has ever passed the Nine-Pattern level in their first Rank Assessment.
Ji Qing is the first!
“Thank you, Elder.”
After speaking, Ji Qing flew towards Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two.
The three of them were already incredibly excited.
“Nine-Pattern, he succeeded, he really succeeded!”
“I knew Brother Ji would definitely succeed!”
“Haha, Fellow Daoist Ji succeeded, does that mean our pill shop can open?”
Zhao Xiaozhu, Mu Yunxia, and Ling Shuang Ren watched as Ji Qing landed in front of them.
Countless gazes followed Ji Qing, falling upon them.
“Let’s go, we’ll talk when we get back.”
Seeing the three of them attracting so much attention, Ji Qing became a bit flustered.
He then led the three back to the courtyard.
“Huh?”
Just outside the courtyard, he saw Chu Xiong next door.
Chu Xiong was now a Black Robe Six-Pattern.
Seeing Ji Qing and Ling Shuang Ren, his face was filled with pride.
However, when he saw Mu Yunxia and Zhao Xiaozhu beside Ji Qing, whose beauty even surpassed Ling Shuang Ren, Chu Xiong’s expression turned grim.
“Wait, those two female cultivators seem to be Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Immortal Path, how did they get involved with Ji Qing? This female cultivator seems vaguely familiar, she’s quite well-known in the Immortal Path lineage, she is… she is Zhao Xiaozhu, an Alchemist!”
Chu Xiong remembered.
An Alchemist!
Zhao Xiaozhu is an Alchemist.
Everyone knows Alchemists are incredibly wealthy.
Many who wanted to become Zhao Xiaozhu’s Dao companion were rejected.
And now, Zhao Xiaozhu actually followed him into Ji Qing’s courtyard?
And Ling Shuang Ren, plus another unfamiliar female cultivator.
This is… unbelievable!
And Ji Qing, how did he manage it?
At this moment, Chu Xiong really wanted to confront Ji Qing and ask him properly.
How?
“Bang.”
Ji Qing had already closed the door.
Inside the room, the three beautiful female cultivators’ gazes all fell on Ji Qing.
Zhao Xiaozhu spoke first, “Fellow Daoist Ji, you are now a Black Robe Nine-Pattern, so can our pill shop officially open?”
“Yes. However, what are your specific plans for the pill shop, Fellow Daoists? For instance, how large should we make it…”
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately began to explain.
The three of them had already discussed this matter thoroughly.
The pills refined by Zhao Xiaozhu would be the primary focus.
But they couldn’t rely solely on Zhao Xiaozhu.
After all, how many pills could one person refine?
They would need to recruit Alchemists.
They didn’t need to be very strong; Qi Cultivation level Alchemists would suffice.
However, it would be best to find some Foundation Establishment level Alchemists.
That would require a significant amount of Spirit Stones.
Moreover, when recruiting Foundation Establishment Alchemists, the price was secondary; the key was their background and whether their safety could be ensured.
That wouldn’t be possible in the short term.
“Therefore, my immediate plan is to work harder myself and refine more pills. Qi Cultivation level Alchemists are also good; I can personally train some apprentices. As for Foundation Establishment level Alchemists, we can start recruiting, and it would be best if we can find some, but it’s not a major issue if we can’t.”
Zhao Xiaozhu had already made her plans.
Ji Qing listened and nodded.
“No problem, let’s get the pill shop started first. As for Foundation Establishment Alchemists, even if we don’t have any now, once I break through to the Heavenly Human Realm, Foundation Establishment Alchemists will naturally come.”
Ji Qing said.
“Breakthrough to Heavenly Human?”
“Brother Ji, you’ve already reached Dao Foundation Perfection, are you already attempting to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm?”
Ling Shuang Ren’s eyes lit up.
The Heavenly Human Realm.
Every Martial Artist, who wouldn’t aspire to reach the Heavenly Human Realm?
In the Barren Domain, Dao Foundation cultivators could be considered experts, but only at the mid-tier.
However, the Heavenly Human Realm was different.
Anywhere in the Barren Domain, Heavenly Human Realm cultivators were considered experts and held high status.
Furthermore, only Heavenly Human Realm or Golden Core Realm cultivators were qualified to establish sects and become patriarchs!
Even some prominent families were passed down from Heavenly Human or Golden Core ancestors.
Without Heavenly Human or Golden Core cultivators, they wouldn’t even be considered prominent families.
Therefore, the Heavenly Human or Golden Core Realm was effectively a dividing line for cultivators.
Crossing it meant soaring to the heavens!
Zhao Xiaozhu and Mu Yunxia also became excited.
If Ji Qing could break through to the Heavenly Human Realm, he would be a true powerhouse to rely on.
They would have to hold on tight.
Perhaps their chances of forming a Golden Core in the future would depend on Ji Qing.
“That’s right, I am indeed attempting to break through to the Heavenly Human Realm!”
“However, the cultivation technique I practice is very special, requiring the Five Elements Gold to temper my physical body. Do you three have any suggestions?”
Ji Qing did not hide anything, directly explaining his situation.
He had already tempered Five Elements Gold, specifically Black Pattern Gold.
He had reached his limit.
For his next tempering, Ji Qing decided to temper Five Elements Water.
After all, in the Five Elements, gold gives birth to water.
Tempering Five Elements Water would not conflict with Five Elements Gold and should proceed more smoothly.
However, there were so many types of Five Elements Water in the world.
Choosing which specific Five Elements Water to use was not easy.
That’s why Ji Qing brought it up, asking Zhao Xiaozhu to help him think.
“Five Elements Divine Light Great Law… Brother Ji, you dare to cultivate this technique? Moreover, you’ve already tempered Five Elements Gold, taking a solid step forward, it’s truly incredible…”
Ling Shuang Ren exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief.
The more she understood Ji Qing, the more she was astonished.
Zhao Xiaozhu and Mu Yunxia didn’t understand what the “Five Elements Divine Light Great Law” entailed.
But Ling Shuang Ren, as a Dao Foundation disciple of the Martial Dao lineage, how could she not understand the significance of the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law?
This was a top-tier Heavenly Human cultivation technique.
In the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage, no one had managed to cultivate the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law for many years.
Yet, Ji Qing had successfully tempered Five Elements Gold.
Clearly, Ji Qing had a great chance of successfully cultivating this martial art.
Once cultivated, there would be no need to comprehend any Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
This technique inherently possessed Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
He would be guaranteed to achieve the Heavenly Human Realm then.
It could be said that Ji Qing had already half-stepped into the Heavenly Human Realm.
Calling him “half-step Heavenly Human” would not be an exaggeration.
Of course, there was no such concept as “half-step Heavenly Human” in the Barren Domain.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, based on what you’ve said, you need a large quantity of Five Elements Water for tempering, and it cannot be ordinary Five Elements Water. Matching the preciousness of Black Pattern Gold, I suggest you use Netherworld Water.”
“There are ten great spiritual waters in the world, but they are all very rare and have low yields. If you need a large quantity of Five Elements Water, those ten great spiritual waters are out of the question. Netherworld Water is second only to the ten great spiritual waters, ranking among the top-tier superior spiritual waters. Although its yield isn’t large, as long as you are willing to spend Spirit Stones to purchase it, there will certainly be enough for your cultivation.”
“Netherworld Water has significant restorative effects for injuries, and also has a certain resistance to inner demons and external evils. Of course, the most important thing is that Netherworld Water can cleanse spirituality, including Magic Tools, Divine Weapons, and even Magic Treasures. As long as they possess spirituality, Netherworld Water can cleanse them, even erasing their spirituality!”
“If you temper Netherworld Water, you will be able to counter Magic Tools and even Magic Treasures of Immortal Path cultivators to a certain extent, increasing your chances of victory.”
Zhao Xiaozhu analyzed carefully.
Ji Qing’s eyes lit up after hearing this.
This Netherworld Water seemed quite suitable for him.
Especially the ability of Netherworld Water to cleanse spirituality, which would indirectly enhance Ji Qing’s strength.
After all, which cultivator didn’t use Magic Tools?
Magic Tools possess spirituality.
If cleansed by Netherworld Water, it would inevitably affect the spirituality of the Magic Tool.
If combined with Five Elements Destruction True Qi, the effect of Netherworld Water would be even greater!
“Do you have any Netherworld Water on you, Fellow Daoist Zhao? Just a little bit is fine.”
“Yes.”
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately took out the Netherworld Water.
It was just a small bottle.
She also needed some Netherworld Water for refining pills sometimes.
Ji Qing immediately swallowed the Netherworld Water in one gulp.
He then began tempering.
After about the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, Ji Qing opened his eyes.
“How was it?”
Zhao Xiaozhu’s eyes were full of anticipation.
After all, it was her suggestion.
“Good, Netherworld Water is very suitable.”
Ji Qing smiled.
They say gold gives birth to water, and it’s indeed true.
After he tempered one bottle of Netherworld Water, it seemed to interact with the Black Pattern Gold, and they mutually benefited, making Ji Qing’s tempering of Netherworld Water even smoother.
“By the way, there’s one thing I didn’t mention. Netherworld Water is good, but its only drawback is… it’s expensive!”
Zhao Xiaozhu suddenly said.
“Expensive? How expensive?”
“More expensive than Black Pattern Gold…”
Ji Qing fell silent.
Counting the Black Pattern Gold, he had spent over eighty thousand Spirit Stones.
Would this Netherworld Water cost over a hundred thousand Spirit Stones?
“The pill shop needs to open quickly!”
Ji Qing was eager for the pill shop to open immediately.
“Everything is ready, we can open at any time. However, for the pill shop to open, there’s another very important issue: we need to invite a Golden Core or Heavenly Human Realm expert, even if it’s just for show.”
“As long as a Golden Core or Heavenly Human Realm expert shows up, the pill shop’s reputation will immediately be established in Heavenly Desolation City, and we won’t have to worry about business in the future.”
Zhao Xiaozhu had some business acumen.
But this stumped everyone.
A Golden Core True Person?
Zhao Xiaozhu knew some, but inviting them would be extremely difficult.
A candidate came to Ji Qing’s mind.
“What do you think of my master, Elder Qi?”
“Elder Qi is focused on mending his foundation; he’s usually hard to invite…”
“It’s fine, others might not be able to invite him, but I, Ji, might be able to try. Besides, as long as the Spirit Stones are in place, why wouldn’t my master be willing to come?”
Hearing this, everyone’s expression immediately became enlightened.
That’s right, they all knew the rumors about Elder Qi.
He was greedy for money!
As long as the Spirit Stones were sufficient, Elder Qi could naturally be persuaded.
Moreover, Ji Qing was now a Black Robe Nine-Pattern.
Elder Qi would likely be very surprised.
It was highly probable that Ji Qing would have no problem inviting Elder Qi.
“There’s no time to lose, I’ll go see my master now!”
Ji Qing immediately stood up.
Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two also got up; they also needed to go back and prepare for the opening of the Pill Shop.
Just as the few people walked out of the courtyard, they saw a disciple coming to deliver clothes for Ji Qing.
Those were Black Robe Nine Stripes clothes.
Ji Qing took the clothes and immediately changed into them.
These clothes came at just the right time.
It would be perfect to wear these clothes to see Elder Qi.
At this moment, Ji Qing’s “neighbor,” Chu Xiong, was also preparing to go out.
He saw Ji Qing and three female cultivators.
Suddenly, Chu Xiong’s pupils contracted sharply.
He saw that the clothes Ji Qing was wearing had changed.
Although they were still black robes, there were nine golden stripes on the cuffs and collar.
And Chu Xiong knew too well what nine golden stripes meant.
It was Black Robe Nine Stripes!
“Black Robe Nine Stripes, how is that possible? He was only Black Robe Five Stripes before, how did he suddenly become Black Robe Nine Stripes?”
Chu Xiong was in a daze.
As if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
But this was the reality.
As for Ji Qing randomly wearing clothes?
That was even more impossible.
In the Wind Thunder Sect, no one dared to wear clothes randomly.
Moreover, judging by the joy in the eyes of the three female cultivators.
It was obvious they had known for a long time that Ji Qing was Black Robe Nine Stripes.
“So that’s how it is… no wonder the three female cultivators are following Ji Qing…”
Chu Xiong suddenly understood.
He looked at the six golden stripes on his own sleeves.
Then he thought about how he had been smug before, and even mocked Ji Qing.
Thinking that the three female cultivators were blind.
Now Chu Xiong finally understood.
The three female cultivators were not blind.
He was the one who was truly blind.
He was the real clown…
…
Recently, Qing He had been very pleased with herself.
Perhaps it was because of her “hard work and great achievements,” or perhaps because she “never left,” but in any case, Elder Qi was very satisfied with Qing He and directly promoted her from a maid to the status of a concubine.
Although it was only a one-word difference, their status, position, and treatment were worlds apart.
Currently, Elder Qi was in closed-door cultivation, recuperating his damaged foundation. All external matters were handled by Qing He.
Qing He now held considerable power.
Even Elder Qi’s true disciples dared not act presumptuously in front of her now.
Especially Luo Xiong.
He had once used his status as Elder Qi’s disciple to give her a hard time.
Now Luo Xiong dared not.
He had to be respectful in front of her.
Even though Luo Xiong’s strength was greater than hers.
But she represented Elder Qi!
Qing He was feeling proud and considering how to further reprimand Elder Qi’s disciples.
At this moment, Luo Xiong rushed into the back courtyard.
“What is it that makes you so flustered?”
Qing He said coldly.
Luo Xiong glanced at Qing He, then lowered his head and said, “Mistress, Ji Qing has arrived.”
Elder Qi did not have a companion.
Now that Qing He had been promoted to concubine, she was naturally Luo Xiong’s Mistress.
Qing He frowned slightly and asked, “Who is Ji Qing?”
“Uh… it’s the Inner Sect Disciple who gave Master ten thousand Spirit Stones last time and became Master’s disciple…”
With Luo Xiong’s reminder, Qing He remembered.
“So it’s him… Wasn’t it made clear? Once he became a disciple, he entered the inner sect and would have no further connection with the Elder. Why is he still coming? Just drive away people like this who want to climb the social ladder.”
Qing He shook her head.
For matters like this, there was no need to inform Elder Qi.
Qing He could refuse.
Luo Xiong raised his head, a strange expression on his face.
He took a deep breath and said softly, “Mistress, I’m afraid Master really needs to see this Ji Qing.”
“Why?”
“Ji Qing… is Black Robe Nine Stripes!”
Qing He’s eyes suddenly widened.
Her proud expression had disappeared.
Instead, it was an expression of utter astonishment.
“What did you say? Black Robe Nine Stripes?”
“Yes, Black Robe Nine Stripes! I wouldn’t mistake the clothes Ji Qing is wearing.”
“I remember Ji Qing joined less than two months ago, right?”
“Yes.”
Qing He fell silent.
Ji Qing being Black Robe Nine Stripes less than two months after joining the sect definitely meant his strength hadn’t increased in these past two months.
He must have had the strength of Black Robe Nine Stripes before becoming a disciple.
And her previous arrogance towards Ji Qing made her feel embarrassed just thinking about it.
As for jealousy?
Or trying to trip Ji Qing up?
She dared not!
Qing He knew very well that she was not afraid of Black Robe Five Stripes or even Six Stripes.
But it was different for Black Robe Seven Stripes and above.
Not to mention Black Robe Nine Stripes.
How could she dare to try and trip Ji Qing up by relying on Elder Qi?
She wasn’t worthy!
If Elder Qi knew, he would directly kill her.
“Quick, invite Ji Qing in, I’ll go report to the Elder…”
Qing He immediately got up and walked towards the inner room.
After a while, Ji Qing entered the inner room.
He saw an old man with white hair and beard.
Here, the old man’s identity was naturally self-evident.
Ji Qing immediately bowed and said, “Disciple Ji Qing pays respects to Master!”
Actually, this was the first time Ji Qing had met “Master” Elder Qi.
The last time he became a disciple, Ji Qing only paid the Spirit Stones and bowed outside.
He hadn’t seen Elder Qi at all.
As for Qing He, Elder Qi’s former maid and now promoted to concubine, her expression towards Ji Qing was somewhat complicated.
She had seen too many nominal disciples of Elder Qi.
But this was the first time Qing He had seen a disciple with the strength of Black Robe Nine Stripes like Ji Qing.
With the strength of Black Robe Nine Stripes, why would he take a back door into Elder Qi’s tutelage?
“Five Elements Divine Light Great Law? And even refined Black Pattern Gold…”
“Ji Qing, you with your noble strength of Black Robe Nine Stripes, came to me through the back door to become my disciple, all for my Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Way lineage’s Five Elements Divine Light Great Law?”
Elder Qi not only spoke, but his tone was also extremely stern!
“Boom.”
At the same time, Elder Qi even released his Heavenly Human Artistic Conception!
The entire room was enveloped in the Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
Qing He and Luo Xiong’s expressions changed slightly.
Because, the release of Heavenly Human Artistic Conception meant that Elder Qi was enraged!
ps: Monthly ticket request, monthly ticket request, monthly ticket request! Old Yue has been working hard to maintain a daily update of ten thousand characters, please give Old Yue some motivation, thank you all!
