Translator: AnubisTL
Having completed his Heart-Refining in the Mortal World, Li Qing returned to the Lingyun Sect with Qian Linghui. The journey was smooth and uneventful.
As Qian Linghui gazed at the Lingyun Sect's mountain gate, her eyes nearly glazed over.
Wisps of spiritual energy drifted through the air, illuminating magnificent and otherworldly structures. Behind the gate rose majestic spirit peaks, some of which bordered the sea, creating a breathtakingly majestic panorama.
This was a scene utterly unimaginable in the mortal world. Is this the immortal realm? Qian Linghui's crimson lips parted slightly, her refined face etched with shock and disbelief.
The spiritual energy permeating the surroundings was so dense it defied reason!
Though she knew spiritual energy was scarce in secular places like Maple Country, she never imagined the disparity would be so vast.
Within the Lingyun Sect's mountain gate, the spiritual energy was terrifyingly concentrated. Simply being present here, she could feel her cultivation slowly advancing.
Especially on certain spirit peaks, where swirling mists and clouds nearly materialized the spiritual energy into a tangible fog.
"Martial Granduncle Li... is this truly a cultivation sect?" Qian Linghui murmured, her voice barely audible.
After deciding to bring Qian Linghui into the Lingyun Sect, Li Qing instructed her to address him as "Grandmaster" instead of "Senior."
The term "Senior" felt too distant, especially since she was a descendant of Qian Hong. It simply didn't feel appropriate to keep calling her "Senior" all the time.
"Indeed, this is the mountain gate of the Lingyun Sect," Li Qing confirmed.
"Our Lingyun Sect is the most powerful cultivation sect in the entire Azure Ridge Domain. As you spend more time here, you'll gradually come to understand its unique significance."
"From today onward, you are a disciple of the Lingyun Sect. You must cultivate diligently within the sect and never misuse my name to cause trouble!"
Li Qing then proceeded to explain the sect's rules and regulations in detail, emphasizing the importance of diligence and discipline.
After countless reminders and warnings, Li Qing finally concluded, "If you ever encounter any problems or difficulties within the sect, you can always come to Azure Cloud Peak to find me!"
TL/N: Azure🡪Qing, Cloud🡪Yun.
Azure Cloud Peak was the spirit peak where Li Qing resided, named by combining his own name with the sect's name.
As he finished speaking, Li Qing pointed toward the location of his spirit peak.
"Martial Granduncle Li, I've memorized everything!" Qian Linghui nodded earnestly, her small face tense with concentration.
"Here, take this token. When you report to the Sect Leader's Hall later, present it and mention my name. Someone will explain everything to you."
"Also, here are some sect contribution points. You can use them at the sect's exchange hall to redeem qi refining realm pills, which will help refine your mana and accelerate your cultivation progress."
Li Qing gave Qian Linghui detailed instructions before finally escorting her to the Sect Leader's Hall.
With Li Qing's backing, she would immediately become an inner sect disciple, enjoying numerous exceptional privileges!
For example, she would be entitled to a free foundation establishment pill in the future and could freely choose a cultivation technique as a secondary path, among many other benefits.
For a cultivator at the third layer of the qi refining realm, this starting point was as high as it could possibly get!
Having just entered the immortal realm, she had already joined the strongest sect in the region and started as an inner sect disciple, destined to receive a foundation establishment pill.
If word of this got out, countless rogue cultivators would die of envy!
With Qian Linghui's initiation ceremony arranged, Li Qing turned his attention to his own affairs.
"First, I need to gather the spirit herbs for refining the Dragon Transformation Pill. That's the most crucial task."
With this thought, Li Qing went to the sect's alchemy hall and asked the alchemy elder if the sect had any of these spirit herbs in its records.
Soon, a middle-aged elder hurried out and respectfully addressed Li Qing:
"Ancestor Limitless, the sect only has a few of these spirit herbs recorded. The eight-hundred-year-old Profound Origin Grass and Yin-Yang Grass are particularly rare. Even in the Azure Ridge Domain, no traces of these two herbs have ever been reported. They might only be found in the outer domain."
Li Qing wasn't surprised. It was already quite remarkable that the sect had managed to gather the other spirit herbs. He hadn't expected to find all the necessary ingredients within the sect's resources.
"No matter," Li Qing said calmly. "Give me the spirit herbs you have. I'll find a way to obtain the Yin-Yang Grass and Profound Origin Grass myself."
Before long, the alchemy elder had gathered the Sea Profound Ginseng roots and other auxiliary herbs, handing them over to Li Qing.
With this, only two spirit herbs remained to complete the ingredients for refining the Dragon Transformation Pill.
This progress was remarkably swift, highlighting the advantages of commanding the resources of a cultivation sect.
If a rogue cultivator were to attempt this, they might spend years without success.
"Yin-Yang Grass, Profound Origin Grass," Li Qing repeated the names of the two spirit herbs, his mind already made up about how to acquire them.
He certainly wouldn't venture to the outer domain again specifically to search for clues about these herbs. Unlike the third-tier demon beast inner core, embarking on another sea voyage for this would be like searching for a needle in the ocean.
Therefore, Li Qing immediately decided to contact the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild.
When he had helped the guild rebuild their Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilions across the Azure Ridge Domain, they had promised to grant the Lingyun Sect certain preferential treatment in future transactions.
In fact, the Lingyun Sect and the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild had already established a stable cooperative relationship. Each year, the sect conducted numerous transactions with the guild.
The sect would directly sell the guild unique spirit herbs and other specialty products from the Azure Ridge Domain, while occasionally purchasing spiritual objects from the outer domain through the guild.
This mutually beneficial partnership had been well-maintained over the years.
With this in mind, Li Qing personally wrote a Spirit Sealing Letter to the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild, detailing his need for Yin-Yang Grass, eight-hundred-year-old Profound Origin Grass, and several other rare spirit herbs from the Azure Ridge Domain.
The guild's response was remarkably swift, even faster than Li Qing had anticipated!
Within days, True Monarch Tianbao himself arrived at Lingyun Sect to pay Li Qing a visit.
Li Qing was astonished that the guild had sent a Nascent Soul True Monarch directly.
"Hahahaha, Fellow Daoist Limitless, it's been too long! Just a few years apart, yet your progress on the dao has left me breathless."
"It seems you're only half a step away from Core Formation to Nascent Soul. When we meet again, I fear I'll have to address you as Limitless True Monarch!"
As a high-ranking member of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild, True Monarch Tianbao's words were exceptionally pleasing, no doubt honed through countless social interactions.
Even Li Qing, who had spent years navigating the mortal world, couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction.
For a cultivator on the verge of nascent soul formation, hearing others address him as "true monarch" in advance was undeniably gratifying.
"Hahaha, Fellow Daoist Tianbao, your insight is as sharp as ever. I have indeed begun preparations for nascent soul formation."
"As for whether I'll succeed, that remains to be seen. Throughout history, countless heroes have met their bitter end at this very stage. I dare not presume."
"So, Fellow Daoist, please don't flatter me so!"
Li Qing smiled, clasped his hands in a humble gesture, and replied modestly.
True Monarch Tianbao, however, smiled mysteriously and said, "Fellow Daoist, you're being too modest. Once you refine the Dragon Transformation Pill, your nascent soul formation should be a certainty."
These words caused Li Qing's smile to freeze slightly.
His heart skipped a beat. How had True Monarch Tianbao guessed his intention to refine the Dragon Transformation Pill?
Seeing Li Qing's reaction, True Monarch Tianbao burst into hearty laughter.
"Hahahaha, Fellow Daoist Limitless, do you underestimate the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild so much? We dare to call ourselves the 'Ten Thousand Treasures' for a reason, not just empty boasting."
"Our guild naturally possesses the Dragon Transformation Pill's formula, which I've personally reviewed. So, when I learned you were seeking spirit herbs including Yin-Yang Grass and Profound Origin Grass over eight hundred years old, I immediately deduced your purpose."
Li Qing forced a wry smile, but inwardly, his vigilance sharpened considerably.
Since the other party also possessed the pill formula for the Dragon Transformation Pill and knew he was preparing for Pill Refinement, they likely guessed he possessed a precious Millennial Dragon Blood Vine.
This was an extremely rare spirit herb, so rare that calling it a sacred or immortal medicine wouldn't be an exaggeration. It was virtually unheard of in the world!
However, with the Lingyun Sect now protected by a Fourth-Tier Grand Formation, Li Qing wasn't overly concerned.
"Fellow Daoist Tianbao, your foresight is truly remarkable. I am indeed preparing to refine the Dragon Transformation Pill in hopes of breaking through to the nascent soul realm."
Having reached this point, Li Qing decided to admit the truth directly, abandoning any pretense.
This candid attitude earned him a higher regard from True Monarch Tianbao, whose eyes flashed with a hint of admiration before he continued:
"One can only say your fortuitous destiny is extraordinary. To have obtained the most crucial primary ingredient for refining the Dragon Transformation Pill—even my Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild has never recorded such a specimen."
"But to return to the matter at hand, Fellow Daoist, the Profound Origin Grass you seek is in our guild's inventory. We can sell it to you directly for spirit stones."
"However, the Yin-Yang Grass will be far more difficult to acquire!"
Li Qing's heart stirred slightly, sensing an unspoken implication in the other party's words. He replied:
"Does even the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild lack the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom? Is this item truly so rare?"
True Monarch Tianbao shook his head. "Fellow Daoist, you may not be aware, but while the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom isn't as precious and rare as the Dragon Blood Vine, it remains an exceptionally rare spirit herb."
"To be frank, the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild does have a record of this mushroom. It was acquired over a decade ago at an auction held by our Flame Domain branch and subsequently transferred to the guild's headquarters."
"However, even at our headquarters, only a single specimen exists. Accessing it requires extremely high-level authorization, let alone selling it to outsiders."
Upon hearing this, Li Qing fell into deep thought.
It seemed refining the Dragon Transformation Pill would indeed be more challenging than he'd anticipated. Without the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom, he couldn't even begin the Pill Refinement process.
"Fellow Daoist Tianbao," Li Qing asked earnestly, "what price would be required to trade for the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom?"
True Monarch Tianbao stroked his mustache before slowly replying, "There is a way. As a high-ranking member of the merchant guild, I do possess the authority to access the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom. However, even my access is limited."
A glimmer of hope?
Li Qing wasn't easily swayed. He cut straight to the chase: "Fellow Daoist Tianbao, let's hear your conditions."
"Hahaha, it's always refreshing to deal with intelligent people."
"Then I won't beat around the bush. Fellow Daoist, I can provide you with both the Profound Origin Grass and the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom, but naturally, there are conditions."
"I can even offer these two spirit herbs to you without charge, but my condition is this: if the Dragon Transformation Pill refining succeeds and yields three or more pills, I want one of them."
"If the refining fails or produces fewer than three pills, I won't take any. You can compensate me with spirit stones of equivalent value afterward."
Upon hearing this, Li Qing instinctively wanted to refuse.
Demanding a share of a precious Dragon Transformation Pill in exchange for merely providing the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom and Profound Origin Grass seemed unreasonable.
However, he didn't rush to reject the offer. He wanted to consider it further, perhaps negotiate a better deal.
Seeing Li Qing's hesitation, True Monarch Tianbao spoke up: "I understand your concerns, Fellow Daoist, but the Dragon Transformation Pill is unlike foundation establishment pills or core formation spiritual materials. One can only consume a single pill in their lifetime."
"Whether or not you succeed in nascent soul formation afterward, you'll never have another chance to use this pill."
Li Qing remained hesitant, unsure if the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom was truly as rare as claimed.
What if this spirit herb was common in other great domains? Could the claim of its world-renowned rarity be nothing more than a fabrication to deceive him?
Rushing into an agreement would be out of character for Li Qing.
Sensing Li Qing's reservations, True Monarch Tianbao chuckled. "Heh heh, Fellow Daoist, you seem to doubt the difficulty of acquiring the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom?"
"Your caution is understandable. How about this? I'll give you the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom in advance!"
"Within ten years after you refine the Dragon Transformation Pill, if you can find another Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom, I won't take your pill. You can simply return the mushroom to me. How does that sound?"
With such a generous offer on the table, Li Qing could find no reason to refuse.
If things went as True Monarch Tianbao predicted, by then Li Qing would have reached the nascent soul realm, significantly increasing his influence.
If even after all that, they still couldn't obtain the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom, it would prove the mushroom's extraordinary rarity. Giving the other party another Dragon Transformation Pill wouldn't be a problem.
"Very well," Li Qing said. "Since you've gone to such lengths, it would indeed be impolite of me to refuse."
"But I still have a question, Fellow Daoist. You're clearly a cultivator in the nascent soul realm. Why are you so fixated on a single Dragon Transformation Pill?"
The Dragon Transformation Pill's sole purpose is to provide assistance during a cultivator's nascent soul formation. Beyond that, it serves no other purpose.
Since True Monarch Tianbao had already reached the nascent soul realm, why would he still need a Dragon Transformation Pill?
True Monarch Tianbao chuckled bitterly. "Ah, it's all for the sake of my descendants. My elder brother once saved my life. Now that his son has successfully achieved core formation, I wish to repay that debt by securing a Dragon Transformation Pill for him."
"While the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild maintains a facade of benevolence and harmony in its external dealings, the internal competition is fiercely intense."
So that's the reason.
Li Qing didn't pry further into the other party's personal affairs. Instead, he declared, "Very well, I agree to this matter!"
"If the refining of the Dragon Transformation Pill yields three or more pills, and I fail to acquire the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom within ten years, I will give you one Dragon Transformation Pill as compensation for the Yin-Yang Spirit Mushroom and Profound Origin Grass!"
"If the refining of the Dragon Transformation Pill yields three or fewer pills, or if the refining fails altogether, my Lingyun Sect will pay the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild the equivalent value in spirit stones!"
Hearing Li Qing's words, True Monarch Tianbao finally smiled.
"Hahaha, Fellow Daoist Limitless, you are truly forthright!"
"However, given the gravity of this matter, though I trust Fellow Daoist Limitless's character, it would be best to formalize our agreement with a spiritual contract."
He had no concerns whatsoever about Li Qing reneging on his promise later.
True Monarch Tianbao's confidence stemmed from his understanding that while there might be individuals in the world daring enough to cheat the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Guild, Ancestor Limitless of the Lingyun Sect—even as a nascent soul realm cultivator—was certainly not among them!
(End of the Chapter)
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