Chapter 168: Martial God Path Severed, Born In Unlucky Times!
The Divine Lord looked at Ji Qing and shook his head, saying, “Ji Qing, you are a Dao Foundation realm martial artist, belonging to the Martial Dao lineage. Even with your exceptional talent, becoming a Martial God is difficult, difficult, difficult! It’s as hard as ascending to heaven. This is why I am disappointed.”
“If you were at Foundation Establishment, then there would be no problem. With the sect’s full cultivation and my protection, you would have a sliver of hope to reach Spirit Transformation and, in the future, protect the sect for ten thousand years!”
Ji Qing knew that Spirit Transformation Divine Lords had long lifespans, with a lifespan of a full ten thousand years!
Once a Spirit Transformation Divine Lord was born, it could allow the sect to continue for ten thousand years.
However, Ji Qing’s heart tightened.
Martial Gods were difficult to achieve?
“May I ask the Divine Lord, the Barren Domain has produced Martial Gods, so why do you say it is too difficult to achieve Martial Godhood?”
The Divine Lord stared at Ji Qing and sighed, “You are only at the Dao Foundation realm; the distance to becoming a Martial God is too great for you. You only need to remember that the Barren Domain has not produced a new Martial God in eight thousand years… Once the old Martial Gods of the Barren Domain reach the end of their lifespans, it is likely that the Barren Domain will have no Martial Gods left!”
“What, the Barren Domain hasn’t produced a new Martial God in eight thousand years?”
Ji Qing’s heart trembled.
He knew that in the vast Barren Domain, there were actually quite a few Martial Gods.
But even Martial Gods had lifespans of ten thousand years, yet the fact that no new Martial Gods had been born in eight thousand years was definitely abnormal.
No matter how difficult it was, it shouldn’t be so difficult that the Barren Domain couldn’t produce a Martial God for eight thousand years.
Something must have gone wrong!
As for what had gone wrong, the Divine Lord seemed unwilling to say.
“Ji Qing, when you forged your Dao Foundation, how many zhang did you climb on Martial Dao Mountain?”
The Divine Lord asked.
Ji Qing’s heart tensed.
He had once seen an ancient text in the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Arts Library.
It listed three types of Dao Foundations.
The standard for judging them was the height climbed on Martial Dao Mountain after achieving the Dao Foundation.
It mentioned that climbing one zhang on Martial Dao Mountain was merely a superior Dao Foundation.
Climbing two zhang was considered a top-tier Dao Foundation.
And climbing three zhang was a legendary Dao Foundation.
A legendary Dao Foundation was a seed for a Martial God.
There was hope for future Martial Gods!
However, this method of judgment was very subjective.
Furthermore, only the martial artist themselves would know exactly how high they had climbed on Martial Dao Mountain.
No one else could possibly know.
Even if Ji Qing said it, no one would believe him.
Therefore, Ji Qing had never told anyone about it.
However, since the Divine Lord was asking, Ji Qing dared not hide it and replied, “Reporting to the Divine Lord, this disciple climbed three zhang!”
“Three zhang… As expected, you forged a legendary foundation. If it were ten thousand years ago, you would have been a definite Martial God seed, and our Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage would even have had hope of producing a Martial God!”
“Unfortunately, you were born in the wrong era…”
The Divine Lord seemed quite regretful.
He also acknowledged Ji Qing’s martial talent, deeming him a Martial God seed.
But the more this was the case, the more regretful the Divine Lord felt.
“Born in the wrong era…”
Ji Qing did not inquire further.
Since the Divine Lord did not say, there must have been a reason.
However, Ji Qing did not feel discouraged at all.
Regardless of the reason for the Divine Lord’s pessimism, Ji Qing was not afraid.
He had Origin Points.
Even if the path to Martial God was broken, he could reconnect it himself!
“Hmm?”
“Since you know the path to Martial God is severed, you are not disheartened at all? Not bad, no wonder you could manifest a domain.”
“According to the Wind Thunder Sect’s rules, if you successfully pass the Rank Assessment as ‘Black Robe Ten Rings,’ you will be promoted to a True Disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect! Although you are a Dao Foundation Martial Artist, these rules cannot be broken. In the history of our Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage, you are the first Martial Dao True Disciple!”
“However, only Nascent Soul True Monarchs, Martial Saints, and myself will know about you being the first Martial Dao True Disciple. All others will not know of your promotion to True Disciple. Furthermore, you cannot reveal your True Disciple identity!”
Ji Qing was somewhat confused.
“Divine Lord, the Wind Thunder Sect has had True Disciples in its history; why must the identity be hidden?”
The Wind Thunder Sect had many True Disciples throughout its history.
Each of them was extraordinarily talented.
The Divine Lord sighed, “That was in the past! Precisely because the identities of True Disciples were not hidden before, look at how many of them eventually achieved Nascent Soul or Martial Saint. Even the average ones…”
“If one can become a True Disciple, their talent is certainly enough to achieve Nascent Soul, and they lack no resources, so why did the average ones not succeed? Because they all died… they died before achieving Nascent Soul.”
Ji Qing’s heart stirred.
“Assassination?”
The Divine Lord nodded, “Precisely. You must know that the Barren Domain is not solely home to our Wind Thunder Sect’s Spirit Transformation Orthodox Lineage. There are many entities with conflicting interests with our Wind Thunder Sect. Not to mention distant ones, let’s talk about the Zhou Tian Sect. You killed True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect. Once you become a True Disciple, do you think the Zhou Tian Sect will let you grow in peace?”
“The so-called True Disciple actually has another name: a seed for Spirit Transformation! Every person who is promoted to True Disciple has the potential to become a Spirit Transformation. Even if the probability of failure is high, what if they succeed? One more Spirit Transformation for those enemy sects would be a near-apocalyptic disaster.”
“Although you are a disciple of the Martial Dao lineage and the path to Martial God is severed, with your terrifying combat power, after advancing to Martial Saint in the future, you will likely sweep through Martial Saints and be considered invincible! If that were to happen, you would be considered half a Spirit Transformation. Would the Zhou Tian Sect let you go?”
“Therefore, it’s not that our Wind Thunder Sect truly has no True Disciples; it’s that the True Disciples who are produced are hidden. True Disciples are actually among the Inner Sect Disciples. Not only our Wind Thunder Sect operates this way, but the Zhou Tian Sect does too. On the surface, there are no True Disciples, but in reality, the True Disciples are hidden among the Inner Sect Disciples.”
Ji Qing understood.
No wonder there were no True Disciples publicly acknowledged by the Wind Thunder Sect.
So they were all hidden.
“Although True Disciples are not publicized, your treatment is vastly different from that of Inner Sect Disciples. You are from the Martial Dao lineage, and although the path to Martial God is broken, you and the True Disciples from the Immortal Path lineage will receive the same treatment.”
“Thank you, Divine Lord!”
Ji Qing hurriedly bowed in thanks.
The Divine Lord, being insightful, naturally knew what Ji Qing was thinking.
This also made Ji Qing breathe a sigh of relief.
As long as the sect’s higher-ups did not differentiate treatment, he would be at ease.
“Remember, do not tell anyone. You must absolutely keep this in mind!”
“Divine Lord, this disciple understands.”
Even a Spirit Transformation Divine Lord was so serious, Ji Qing naturally knew the matter was of great importance.
“Bring your Identity Token here?”
Ji Qing respectfully presented his Identity Token.
The Divine Lord grabbed it with his large hand, and immediately, it seemed as if some changes occurred within the Identity Token.
However, Ji Qing did not know the specific changes.
The Divine Lord threw the Identity Token back to Ji Qing.
“Your Identity Token has been reforged by me. It contains a micro teleportation formation. As long as you activate it with your Spiritual Imprint, you can directly teleport to the True Inheritance Grand Hall of the Wind Thunder Sect.”
“In the True Inheritance Grand Hall, you will receive all the treatment of a True Disciple.”
“Remember, when you teleport, you must be in a very concealed location and not be discovered.”
“Thank you for the reminder, Divine Lord!”
Ji Qing’s eyes lit up.
This was a good thing.
Ostensibly an Inner Sect Disciple, but actually a True Disciple.
Thinking about it was quite thrilling.
It was a pity that he couldn’t tell anyone.
This secret could only be kept in his heart.
“By the way, after you go out, you don’t need to hide your strength. After all, you were already able to defeat a Golden Core at the Dao Foundation realm. If you hide your strength, forces like the Zhou Tian Sect might suspect you are hiding something.”
“Therefore, when you go out, you should be high-profile as needed. Don’t worry about anything, just go with the flow.”
“Yes, Divine Lord, this disciple understands.”
The Divine Lord nodded.
“Alright, you will be teleported out of the Wind Thunder Tower. This time, the outside world will only assume you failed the Rank Assessment.”
As the Divine Lord’s voice fell, he directly waved his hand.
“Whoosh.”
Ji Qing was teleported out of the Wind Thunder Tower.
When he reappeared, he was outside the Wind Thunder Tower.
“Swish.”
Numerous gazes converged on Ji Qing.
Ji Qing swept his gaze around and saw Zhao Xiaozhu and others.
He also saw Black Water Daoist.
And Elder Qi and other Heavenly Human realm elders, Golden Core True Persons, and so on.
All of them were focusing their attention on him.
They even held a hint of anticipation.
However, Ji Qing could only offer a silent “apology.”
His Rank Assessment this time could only be a “failure.”
These Golden Core and Heavenly Human realm cultivators were not qualified to know his True Disciple identity.
Even Zhao Xiaozhu and the others could not be told.
Furthermore, Ji Qing even displayed a hint of dejection on his face.
“Ji Qing took too long for this Rank Assessment, several times longer than the previous two. Is his assessment not going smoothly?”
“Not just not smoothly, it probably failed.”
“Ji Qing’s face shows a hint of dejection, did he really fail?”
“If even Ji Qing failed the Rank Assessment, then who else can achieve Ten Rings?”
Many people’s gazes turned towards the elders of the Wind Thunder Tower.
The elders should have received news on whether Ji Qing’s Rank Assessment of Ten Rings was a success or failure.
Indeed, one of the Golden Core Elders sighed and said, “Inner Sect Disciple Ji Qing, attempted Rank Assessment for Ten Rings, failed…”
“Boom.”
As the words fell, it was like a storm, stirring up a tempest in everyone’s hearts.
He failed!
Ji Qing actually failed?
In fact, whether it was disciples or elders.
They had placed great hope in Ji Qing.
For example, the Heavenly Human and Golden Core realm cultivators who had given him gifts.
They all believed Ji Qing would succeed in his Rank Assessment for Ten Rings.
The result was, he actually failed?
“He failed… How did he fail?”
Elder Qi muttered to himself.
If Ji Qing failed, where would he go to exchange for the Origin Pill he wanted?
Elder Qi was more disappointed than Ji Qing.
At this moment, Zhao Xiaozhu and the others arrived before Ji Qing.
The three looked at Ji Qing with concern.
“Brother Ji, it’s only a failure this time. You can re-attempt the Rank Assessment next month, and you can attempt it twelve times a year. You will eventually succeed…”
Ling Shuang Ren advised.
Ji Qing shook his head and said, “You don’t understand. If I can’t pass the Rank Assessment this time, I won’t be able to succeed in future attempts… However, failing the Rank Assessment was within my expectations. Let’s go.”
Ji Qing did not say any more.
He left directly.
His departure caused news of the Wind Thunder Tower to spread rapidly.
It would even reach the Zhou Tian Sect.
A Black Robe Ten Rings, even if he could defeat a Golden Core, what of it?
Without becoming a True Disciple, he was ultimately just an Inner Sect Disciple.
Moreover, like Ji Qing, who initially had great momentum and seemed to be certain of achieving Ten Rings, but ultimately failed.
Such people were not uncommon.
Of course, some might speculate whether Ji Qing had passed the Ten Rings assessment but was “hidden” by the Wind Thunder Sect, falsely declared as failed, but actually succeeded?
There was such a possibility.
However, if one truly looked at it this way, then the number of Black Robe Ten Rings in the Wind Thunder Sect would not be small.
Then it would be difficult to screen them.
Many had been very promising before.
But in the end, they failed their Rank Assessment.
Moreover, Ji Qing was, after all, just an Inner Sect Disciple of the Martial Dao lineage.
Even if he were a True Disciple, he could not achieve Martial God.
Even if he were a true disciple, he could not achieve Martial God.
The threat was not great.
Ji Qing and Zhao Xiaozhu returned to the Pill Shop with two others.
Zhao Xiaozhu had specifically closed for business for one day.
She just wanted to see Ji Qing’s rank assessment.
As it turned out, Ji Qing had failed the rank assessment.
“Brother Ji, are you truly not going to attempt the rank assessment again?”
Zhao Xiaozhu couldn’t help but ask.
“Yes.”
Ling Shuang Ren spoke, “Brother Ji, it was just one failure. How many of us didn’t fail ten or eight times during our rank assessments? Failing once is normal. You must not be discouraged.”
Ji Qing shook his head and said, “Do you think I’m discouraged? No, this isn’t discouragement, it’s a fact. I’ve already reached Dao Foundation Perfection, my strength has reached its peak, and I can’t improve any further. In this situation, even if I’m given ten or a hundred more chances to be assessed, I won’t succeed.”
“Moreover, in the path of cultivation, the cultivation realm is fundamental. I’ve already begun the process of refining the Five Elements. As long as I gather the items of the Five Elements, I will be able to gain enlightenment of the Five Elements Artistic Conception and ascend to the Heavenly Human realm. At that point, will the Black Robe Ten-pattern still be important?”
The three of them, Zhao Xiaozhu and the others, looked at each other.
It seemed Ji Qing’s words made some sense.
For a cultivator, the key was ultimately their realm.
“We are not as carefree as Fellow Daoist Ji.”
Zhao Xiaozhu smiled, then asked, “Fellow Daoist Ji, to what extent have you cultivated your Five Elements Divine Light Great Law?”
“I was just about to ask you.”
“My Five Elements Divine Light Great Law has already refined Black Pattern Gold and Netherworld Water, both to their limit. Next, I should refine the Wood element of the Five Elements. However, after much thought, there are simply too many types of Wood element, which is why I’ve been hesitant to decide.”
“Do the three Fellow Daoists have any suggestions?”
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately took out a porcelain bottle and said with a smile, “Fellow Daoist Ji, I guessed you would be refining the Wood element, so I prepared this for you long ago. Take a look at what this is?”
Ji Qing took the porcelain bottle and opened it.
Inside, there were actually drops of emerald green liquid.
It exuded a rich vitality.
“What is this?”
Ji Qing asked.
“This is Sky Green Spiritual Wood, one of the thirty-six spiritual woods of the Barren Domain. This spiritual wood is not scarce in the Barren Domain. You can go and buy a tree to refine directly; it should be enough.”
“Actually, it would be even better if you could find the legendary Divine Tree. Those Divine Trees are far superior to these spiritual woods,” Zhao Xiaozhu explained.
“Spiritual Wood? Divine Tree?”
Ji Qing’s heart stirred.
If he were to talk about Divine Trees, he actually had one.
When Ji Qing annihilated the Green Wood Immortal Sect, he had obtained a Magic Treasure, the Green Wood Divine Tree.
Yunmeng Goddess had then re-created a Green Wood seedling from it.
Later, Ji Qing had integrated this Green Wood Divine Tree seedling into his body.
It was equivalent to a peculiar Divine Weapon.
However, as Ji Qing’s strength improved, this Green Wood Divine Tree seedling no longer served much purpose for him.
If Zhao Xiaozhu hadn’t mentioned “Divine Wood” today, Ji Qing might not have even remembered the Green Wood Divine Tree seedling.
However, Ji Qing was also somewhat hesitant.
Was the Green Wood Divine Tree truly the Divine Tree that Zhao Xiaozhu spoke of?
Ji Qing immediately spoke, “Fellow Daoist Zhao, I have a Divine Tree within my body, but I don’t know if it’s the one you’re referring to?”
Ji Qing opened his hand and a thought flickered through his mind.
“Buzz.”
In Ji Qing’s hand, a green tree seedling suddenly “grew.”
Yes, it was merely a seedling.
Yet, even from this mere seedling, one could feel the terrifying vitality contained within.
“Is this… the Green Wood Divine Tree?”
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately recognized it.
She examined it closely and finally exclaimed, “It truly is the Green Wood Divine Tree! This was once one of the top ten Divine Trees in the Barren Domain, and it has long since gone extinct. How do you possess such a Divine Tree, Fellow Daoist Ji?”
Ji Qing smiled and said, “It was just a fortunate encounter. Can this Divine Tree be refined?”
Zhao Xiaozhu shook her head and said, “Although it’s a Divine Tree, it’s still in the ‘seedling’ stage. Refining it now wouldn’t meet your needs, would it? Wouldn’t that be a waste of heavenly resources?”
“It’s not possible?”
“It’s not that it’s impossible, but the Green Wood Divine Tree must be made to grow quickly. I remember that if the Green Wood Divine Tree devours a Heart of Spiritual Wood, it can accelerate its growth. If you had a Heart of Spiritual Wood, it might be possible to make the Green Wood Divine Tree grow rapidly to maturity, and then you could refine it, Fellow Daoist Ji.”
“Once you refine a Divine Tree, your foundation will be strengthened to an unimaginable degree…”
Ji Qing pondered.
“Alright, I will go and purchase some Hearts of Spiritual Wood.”
Ji Qing was now quite wealthy.
If he could use Hearts of Spiritual Wood to accelerate the growth of the Green Wood Divine Tree,
then even if it cost a large amount of spirit stones, it would be worth it.
Ji Qing had originally intended to go to the Myriad Treasures Pavilion merchant association.
But he considered his current identity.
He was a True Disciple!
The treatment was generous.
Although he was nominally an Inner Sect Disciple, he was secretly a True Disciple of the Martial Dao lineage.
The treatment was no less.
Perhaps he could also obtain a Heart of Spiritual Wood by virtue of his identity as a True Disciple.
With this thought, Ji Qing decided to go to the True Inheritance Grand Hall to take a look.
Thus, Ji Qing returned to his residence.
He took out his identity token.
Then he activated it.
“Buzz.”
An invisible force enveloped Ji Qing.
“Whoosh.”
The next moment, Ji Qing’s figure disappeared from the secret chamber.
Ji Qing felt the power of “teleportation.”
That was a teleportation formation!
When Ji Qing’s figure reappeared, he was already in a brightly lit underground palace.
The palace was vast, but there were very few people.
Only a handful of individuals.
Moreover, the auras of these people were all terrifying.
They were basically all Golden Core True Persons!
“Hmm?”
“Such an unfamiliar aura…”
“Could it be that a new True Disciple has been born in the sect?”
“It should be. Apart from Nascent Soul True Monarchs, anyone who comes here is a True Disciple.”
“His aura… is that of a martial artist?”
“Has the Martial Dao lineage also produced a True Disciple?”
These Golden Core cultivators did not recognize Ji Qing at all.
This was the strange part.
Ji Qing knew very well how famous he was within the Wind Thunder Sect. Even if not everyone knew him, it was not normal for these Golden Core cultivators not to recognize him.
“What do you call yourself, Fellow Daoist?”
One of the Golden Core True Persons asked Ji Qing.
“Ji Qing.”
Upon hearing this name, the numerous Golden Core True Persons finally seemed to recall.
“Ji Qing, so it’s you… who defied Golden Core in Quan City and even killed True Person Chong Yi of the Zhou Tian Sect with your Dao Foundation cultivation. Hahaha, I should have known, it must be you.”
“Rumor has it outside that you failed your ten-pattern rank assessment. So, it turns out it was all a ruse by the sect, just like us.”
“Congratulations on your promotion to True Disciple! And you are the first True Disciple of the Martial Dao lineage in our Wind Thunder Sect, truly rare.”
Everyone now knew “Ji Qing.”
After all, these True Disciples were all Inner Sect Disciples.
Ji Qing’s fame was immense now.
They might not have seen Ji Qing, but they had definitely heard his name.
“Fellow Daoists, I have just been promoted to True Disciple, and this is my first time in the True Inheritance Grand Hall. Can we True Disciples exchange for cultivation resources?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Of course. Here, we use True Inheritance Merit Points to exchange for supplies from the sect. And all supplies are half price!”
One of the female cultivators said.
Ji Qing’s eyes lit up.
Half price.
Indeed, the treatment of a True Disciple far surpassed that of an Inner Sect Disciple.
“Then what about the merit points?”
“We use True Inheritance Merit Points, and each month we receive one thousand points.”
“One thousand points per month?”
Ji Qing’s heart trembled.
One merit point in the Wind Thunder Sect was equivalent to one hundred spirit stones.
One thousand points per month was equivalent to one hundred thousand spirit stones.
In a year, that would be one million two hundred thousand spirit stones.
Ji Qing had put in a great deal of effort during his recent town guarding mission in Quan City, even killing a Golden Core True Person.
The result was only about one million spirit stones, excluding the magic treasure.
But as a True Disciple, even without doing anything, one could receive twelve thousand merit points per year.
And the exchange for sect resources was at half price.
In essence, it was equivalent to twenty-four thousand merit points per year, which was two million four hundred thousand spirit stones.
Ji Qing’s heart was stirred by stormy seas.
Shocking!
It was truly shocking!
Furthermore, he finally understood the difference between a True Disciple and an Inner Sect Disciple.
True Disciples were supported by the entire sect.
They didn’t need to do anything, just cultivate wholeheartedly.
No wonder everyone wanted to become a True Disciple.
If the Inner Sect Disciples knew about this treatment, they would be driven mad with jealousy.
“What do you call yourself, Fellow Daoist?”
Ji Qing asked.
“You can call me Baoyue.”
The female cultivator said with a smile.
Her attitude was very friendly.
“So it’s True Person Baoyue. Thank you, True Person Baoyue, for introducing me to the True Inheritance Grand Hall.”
Ji Qing cupped his fists and bowed to True Person Baoyue.
The other party was not an ordinary female cultivator.
She was a Golden Core True Person!
And also a True Disciple.
Every True Disciple had succeeded in achieving ten-pattern during their Foundation Establishment stage.
True Person Baoyue’s strength was unfathomable.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, do you see that wall? That wall is actually a Magic Treasure called the True Spirit Wall. By entering that wall with your spiritual sense or a martial artist’s spiritual consciousness, you can see all sorts of supplies in the sect and exchange for whatever you wish.”
“After exchanging for supplies, someone will deliver them to the True Inheritance Grand Hall. You can even cultivate in the cultivation rooms within the True Inheritance Grand Hall.”
Ji Qing nodded and thanked True Person Baoyue again.
Then Ji Qing approached the True Spirit Wall.
He immediately used his spiritual consciousness to penetrate the True Spirit Wall.
As expected, Ji Qing immediately sensed various supplies.
Ji Qing began searching for the Heart of Spiritual Wood.
Soon, he saw the Heart of Spiritual Wood.
The Heart of Spiritual Wood was very expensive; each spiritual wood yielded only one Heart of Spiritual Wood.
If it were in the Myriad Treasures Pavilion, one Heart of Spiritual Wood would cost at least a thousand spirit stones.
And the Wind Thunder Sect’s Heart of Spiritual Wood?
And what about the Wind Thunder Sect’s Heart of Spiritual Wood?
The price for one is ten Merit Points.
Moreover, Ji Qing is a True Disciple, so it’s halved, meaning five Merit Points.
Ji Qing currently has one thousand True Inheritance Merit Points, enough to purchase two hundred Spirit Wood Hearts.
Ji Qing doesn’t know if two hundred Spirit Wood Hearts will be enough to cultivate the Green Wood Divine Tree.
But it doesn’t matter if it’s not enough.
Ji Qing still has over ten thousand Inner Disciple Merit Points. These Spirit Wood Hearts can also be exchanged in the inner sect, but they will cost ten Merit Points each, not a fifty percent discount.
However, over ten thousand Merit Points can exchange for one thousand Spirit Wood Hearts.
Even if it’s still not enough, Ji Qing has one million Spirit Stones.
Therefore, Ji Qing is not afraid of not having enough Spirit Wood Hearts.
In just a moment, Ji Qing saw a Golden Core True Person deliver a Storage Bag.
“Which one of you is True Disciple Ji Qing?”
“It’s me.”
“True Disciple Ji, these are the resources you exchanged for.”
Ji Qing took the Storage Bag and looked, indeed it contained two hundred Spirit Wood Hearts.
“Thank you, True Person.”
Ji Qing put away the Spirit Wood Hearts and was immediately eager to go to the cultivation room within the True Inheritance Grand Hall.
In the cultivation room, Ji Qing took out a Spirit Wood Heart.
Then, the Green Wood Divine Tree seedling appeared. Seemingly sensing the Spirit Wood Heart, the Green Wood Divine Tree seedling was incredibly eager, embedding countless roots into the Spirit Wood Heart.
A moment later, one Spirit Wood Heart shattered.
The essence within was completely devoured by the Green Wood Divine Tree.
Ji Qing could also feel that the Green Wood Divine Tree seedling had indeed “grown” a little.
“Next one.”
Ji Qing immediately took out another Spirit Wood Heart.
Then, one after another.
A few days passed, and the two hundred Spirit Wood Hearts were gone.
The Green Wood Divine Tree, however, had doubled in size!
Fortunately, the cultivation room here is very special, seemingly a Space of its own.
Even if the Green Wood Divine Tree grows into a towering tree, it won’t be affected at all.
This is much better than the Courtyard where Ji Qing lives.
It seems that for future cultivation, he will have to come to the True Inheritance Grand Hall.
Moreover, the concentration of Spiritual Energy in the cultivation Secret Chamber far surpasses that of Ji Qing’s Courtyard.
Ji Qing still needs a large number of Spirit Wood Hearts to cultivate the Green Wood Divine Tree.
Although the True Inheritance Merit Points are gone, Ji Qing still has Inner Disciple Merit Points.
As long as there are Merit Points, they can be exchanged in the True Inheritance Grand Hall.
It’s just that Inner Disciple Merit Points cannot enjoy the fifty percent discount.
Thus, Ji Qing continued to exchange for Supplies.
He exchanged for five hundred Spirit Wood Hearts in one go.
If it’s not enough later, he can continue to exchange.
Soon, the Spirit Wood Hearts arrived.
Ji Qing then calmly began cultivating the Green Wood Divine Tree in the cultivation room.
Three days, five days, ten days…
In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.
After Ji Qing had exchanged a total of nine hundred Spirit Wood Hearts and used almost all of them to cultivate the Green Wood Divine Tree.
Finally, the Green Wood Divine Tree completely grew into a towering tree!
The Green Wood Divine Tree was no longer a seedling.
“One month has passed… 2180 Merit Points remain.”
Ji Qing breathed a sigh of relief.
His Merit Points were almost used up, but the effect was very good. Now that the Green Wood Divine Tree has completely grown into a towering tree, he can Refine it.
This is where Ji Qing’s cultivation truly begins.
“Divine Tree, please aid my cultivation…”
Ji Qing immediately circulated the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law and began to Refine the Green Wood Divine Tree.
“Boom.”
The giant Green Wood Divine Tree shattered.
Abundant Vitality filled Ji Qing’s Physical Body.
This Refinement was smoother than the previous two.
After all, this Green Wood Divine Tree had long been Refined by Ji Qing.
Now, completely Refining it is equivalent to utterly destroying this Divine Tree.
Time passed little by little.
This time, it took even longer.
One month, two months, three months, four months, five months…
Ji Qing spent a full five months Refineing the Green Wood Divine Tree.
Coupled with the previous month spent cultivating the Green Wood Divine Tree.
Ji Qing had been in the True Inheritance Grand Hall for a full half a year.
However, despite the long time spent, the effect was quite good.
Ji Qing successfully Refined it!
The Green Wood Divine Tree had disappeared, completely melted into Ji Qing’s body.
Ji Qing now emanated incredibly rich Vitality from within and without.
Furthermore, the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law had now Refined three kinds of Five Elements materials.
With two more kinds of Five Elements materials, Ji Qing would be able to achieve Beginner level in the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law, and then he could comprehend the Five Elements Artistic Conception and advance to the Heavenly Human realm!
He could even directly use Origin Points to improve the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law!
At that time, Ji Qing would soar to the heavens!
“Half a year has passed, I should go out and see…”
Ji Qing immediately left the cultivation Secret Chamber.
In the True Inheritance Grand Hall, Ji Qing encountered Baoyue Zhenren again.
When Baoyue Zhenren saw Ji Qing, her eyes lit up.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, the Vitality aura on your body seems to be even more potent, indicating you’ve made progress in your cultivation this past half year. However, according to the rules for True Disciples, if a Foundation Establishment level True Disciple does not break through to Golden Core within ten years, they will automatically lose their status as a True Disciple.”
“If it’s a Golden Core True Disciple, failure to break through within a hundred years will also result in losing True Disciple status.”
“Therefore, Fellow Daoist, do not be too fixated on cultivating Secret Techniques or Divine Skills, pursuing only Strength and Combat Power while neglecting the breakthrough of your own Cultivation.”
Baoyue Zhenren intended to remind him.
“Thank you for your reminder, Baoyue Zhenren.”
Ji Qing cupped his fists in thanks.
Ji Qing then did not linger any further, activated his Identity Token, and left the True Inheritance Grand Hall.
When Ji Qing reappeared, he was once again in the cultivation room within his Courtyard.
“Next is the Five Elements Fire… Zhao Xiaozhu is an Alchemist and is very familiar with Spiritual Fires, I’ll go ask her.”
Ji Qing immediately left the Courtyard and headed straight for the Pill Shop in Heavenly Desolation City.
Zhao Xiaozhu was overjoyed to see Ji Qing.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, you’ve arrived at just the right time. There’s something I’ve been struggling to decide on recently, and I’d like to ask for your advice.”
Zhao Xiaozhu said with some hesitation.
“Oh? What is it that you can’t decide on?”
Ji Qing asked.
“It’s like this, our shop has always been recruiting Alchemists, right? Recently, we finally have a Foundation Establishment Alchemist willing to join our Pill Shop. This Alchemist is called ‘Yu Hu Daoren’, and their alchemy attainment is very high. Without the help of a Pill Spirit, my alchemy attainment is even inferior to Yu Hu Daoren’s.”
“Yu Hu Daoren has many other high demands, but I think it’s worth every penny. There’s just one issue: Yu Hu Daoren comes from the Red Pill Tower. Although they can leave the Red Pill Tower at any time on the surface, in reality, the Red Pill Tower does not allow them to leave. Once they leave, they will offend the Red Pill Tower. Yu Hu Daoren asked if we could withstand the pressure from the Red Pill Tower? In essence, they are indirectly asking if we have the Strength to resist the Red Pill Tower?”
This is where Zhao Xiaozhu is hesitating.
Relying on her alone, she definitely cannot withstand the pressure from the Red Pill Tower.
That’s why she needs to ask Ji Qing.
“Why didn’t you notify me sooner?”
Ji Qing said.
“Fellow Daoist Ji has been in seclusion for the past half a year. I couldn’t disturb you for such a small matter concerning the Pill Shop.”
Ji Qing mused.
“In the future, for similar matters, send me a Communication Talisman. I am also a part of the Pill Shop.”
“As for Yu Hu Daoren’s matter, you can agree to their terms. When they come to our Pill Shop, they won’t have to worry about the Red Pill Tower’s pressure.”
“For the specific details, Fellow Daoist Zhao can go to the Red Pill Tower to negotiate, using my name.”
Ji Qing, of course, knew about the Red Pill Tower.
It was said to have a Golden Core and two Heavenly Humans behind it.
But Ji Qing estimated that he now possessed Heavenly Human Combat Power and had a Battle Record of Defeating Golden Core.
The Red Pill Tower would definitely be wary.
Withstanding the pressure from one Red Pill Tower should not be a problem.
“That’s wonderful! With your word, Fellow Daoist Ji, I can finally relax.”
Zhao Xiaozhu also breathed a sigh of relief.
The Pill Shop had only ever had her as a Foundation Establishment level Alchemist, and the pressure was immense.
Now that she could have Yu Hu Daoren to share her burden, she naturally welcomed it.
“Oh right, Fellow Daoist Ji, did you come here for something?”
Zhao Xiaozhu finally remembered that Ji Qing had come proactively, so he must have had a reason.
Ji Qing smiled and said, “Isn’t it about cultivation? I’ve successfully Refined the Green Wood Divine Tree, and now I can Refine the Five Elements Fire. As an Alchemist, Fellow Daoist Zhao should be very knowledgeable about all sorts of Spiritual Fires, right? So I’ve come specifically to ask for your advice.”
“Spiritual Fires, I am indeed very familiar with them…”
Zhao Xiaozhu began to introduce all sorts of Spiritual Fires one by one.
There were simply too many types of Spiritual Fires, Ji Qing could choose freely.
However, Ji Qing suddenly recalled facing True Person Chong Yi in Quan City, and almost being Refined into a flying back by True Person Chong Yi’s Magic Treasure.
Within the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda, there seemed to be Flames.
And they seemed to be Divine Fire?
Ji Qing’s heart stirred, and he immediately took out the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
“Fellow Daoist, this Magic Treasure also contains Flames, but do you know what kind of Flames they are?”
Zhao Xiaozhu and the other two’s eyes lit up.
This was a Magic Treasure, after all.
“Let me take a look.”
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately circulated her Magic Power.
As a result, it was rather awkward.
She couldn’t activate the Magic Treasure.
But Mu Yunxia also joined in.
The two of them circulated their Magic Power together, and only then could they finally activate the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
Moreover, they could only activate it a tiny bit.
“Buzz.”
Finally, a wisp of flame sprayed out from within the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
It was this wisp of flame that Zhao Xiaozhu saw.
Immediately, Zhao Xiaozhu’s expression trembled.
“This is… Azure Nether Divine Fire?”
Zhao Xiaozhu exclaimed.
“What is Azure Nether Divine Fire?”
Ji Qing asked.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, Azure Nether Divine Fire is extraordinary. It is one of the thirteen known Divine Fires in the Barren Domain. Although it cannot burn through everything, it is very troublesome. Once you are burned by Azure Nether Divine Fire, it is very difficult to expel. You would have to burn the target to ashes to be free.”
“Furthermore, your Magic Treasure is very special; it seems to be able to slowly recover after consuming Azure Nether Divine Fire, only requiring some Spirit Stones. But if you intend to Refine Azure Nether Divine Fire, you must be cautious. Your Physical Body must be very strong, strong enough to withstand Azure Nether Divine Fire, otherwise, Refineing Azure Nether Divine Fire would be very detrimental.”
Ji Qing understood.
As for withstanding Azure Nether Divine Fire?
He had absolutely no problem with that.
After all, Ji Qing had forcefully withstood the burning of the Divine Fire from the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda back then.
The key issue was how to extract the Azure Nether Divine Fire from the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
“Fellow Daoist Zhao, can you activate the Azure Nether Divine Fire within the Treasure Pagoda?”
Ji Qing asked.
If she could, she could simply help him.
But Zhao Xiaozhu smiled bitterly and said, “Fellow Daoist Ji, the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda is a Magic Treasure. My Cultivation level is insufficient to activate it. Even if Fellow Daoist Mu and I work together, we can only activate a tiny bit, and our Magic Power will be depleted very quickly. I’m afraid I won’t be able to help with your cultivation.”
Zhao Xiaozhu also guessed Ji Qing’s intention.
Ji Qing wants to cultivate the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law, which would certainly require a large amount of Azure Nether Divine Fire.
Relying on the two of them?
If they can barely activate a Magic Treasure, how can they help Ji Qing cultivate?
“So, it’s best to find a Golden Core True Person?”
“Yes.”
Ji Qing pondered.
Only a Golden Core True Person could easily activate the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
But the key was, who would Ji Qing find?
The Immortal Dao Cultivators Ji Qing knew were few and far between, let alone Golden Core True Persons.
Moreover, inviting a Golden Core True Person to help him cultivate would not be a matter of a day or two; it would take a very long time.
This was not something an ordinary Golden Core True Person could achieve.
In short, for Ji Qing to have a Golden Core True Person assist his cultivation was truly a troublesome matter.
But Ji Qing could not possibly give up on the Azure Nether Divine Fire.
After thinking for a moment, a figure appeared in Ji Qing’s mind.
Perhaps he could go and ask.
With this thought, Ji Qing put away the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
“Regarding Yu Hu Daoren’s matter, you can let him come to me. If there’s anything else, just send me a Communication Talisman.”
“Okay.”
Ji Qing finished speaking and turned to leave.
Ji Qing returned to the cultivation room at his residence and immediately took out his Identity Token, activating the micro-teleportation array.
“Buzz.”
Ji Qing was once again teleported to the True Inheritance Grand Hall.
In the True Inheritance Grand Hall, there was a figure that made Ji Qing’s eyes light up.
The other person hadn’t left yet.
Thus, Ji Qing walked over quickly.
“Baoyue Zhenren, do you have time for a chat?”
Ji Qing spoke.
If one were to ask who he was most familiar with among the Golden Core True Persons?
It would undoubtedly be Baoyue Zhenren.
Moreover, Baoyue Zhenren was a True Disciple of the Golden Core, making it easier to activate the Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda.
But the trouble was, how to persuade Baoyue Zhenren?
“Fellow Daoist Ji?”
Baoyue Zhenren looked Ji Qing up and down, then finally nodded and said, “I have time for now. What is it, Fellow Daoist?”
Ji Qing took a deep breath and immediately transmitted his voice, “Fellow Daoist, please follow me to the cultivation room for a chat.”
Baoyue Zhenren glanced at the other Golden Core True Disciples nearby.
She nodded and, with Ji Qing, entered a spacious cultivation room.
The two sat opposite each other.
Baoyue Zhenren asked with a smile, “Fellow Daoist, why are you so solemn?”
In reality, Ji Qing hadn’t known Baoyue Zhenren for very long.
He didn’t even know Baoyue Zhenren very well.
But among the Golden Core True Persons he knew, Baoyue Zhenren was the only one he was even slightly familiar with.
Moreover, Baoyue Zhenren was a True Disciple, making their statuses equal.
After much thought, Ji Qing couldn’t find a better candidate than Baoyue Zhenren.
Thus, Ji Qing spoke, “I implore Baoyue Zhenren to assist my cultivation!”
“Hm?”
“Fellow Daoist Ji, you don’t mean…”
Baoyue Zhenren’s expression changed.
She immediately looked at Ji Qing warily and said coldly, “Fellow Daoist Ji, I have no intention of Dual Cultivation. Furthermore, you practice the Martial Way, and I practice the Immortal Path; even if we did Dual Cultivation, it would likely be of little benefit.”
“Therefore, Baoyue cannot agree to this matter.”
Having said that, Baoyue Zhenren immediately got up to leave.
Ji Qing was slightly taken aback.
Dual Cultivation?
When had he ever said he wanted to Dual Cultivate?
Moreover, Baoyue Zhenren’s tone already held a hint of anger.
This was normal; anyone who was asked to Dual Cultivate by a stranger would likely feel a hint of anger.
Ji Qing knew that Baoyue Zhenren had misunderstood.
“Baoyue Zhenren, I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood. The cultivation I mentioned is not Dual Cultivation.”
Ji Qing immediately extended his hand.
“Buzz.”
A wondrous pagoda appeared in Ji Qing’s hand.
“If Fellow Daoist Baoyue can help me cultivate, this Thirteen Layered Flame God Treasure Pagoda will be gifted to you.”
Ji Qing’s words made Baoyue Zhenren stop in her tracks.
She swept it with her Spiritual Sense, and a look of astonishment immediately appeared on her face.
“This is… a Magic Treasure?”
Numerous thoughts raced through Baoyue Zhenren’s mind.
Ji Qing was actually going to give her a Magic Treasure?
This was a Magic Treasure!
Although she also had Magic Treasures, which Golden Core would not want more Magic Treasures?
Thus, Baoyue Zhenren sat back down.
“Fellow Daoist Ji, please tell me how Baoyue can assist your cultivation?”
Baoyue Zhenren’s expression turned serious; ultimately, the attraction of the Magic Treasure was too great, and she remained.
ps: Please help this old moon cultivate, Fellow Daoists, by generously casting your monthly votes. This old moon thanks you! Monthly votes! Monthly votes! Monthly votes!
