34: Chapter 34: Fifth Level of Qi Refining

The Chen Family members of the Xiao Yun Mountain branch rarely possessed innate talent for array Formations, and even fewer could afford the cost of setting them up, so their understanding of the Dao of array Formations was shallow.

Hearing Chen Jiancang's explanation today, they all suddenly saw the light.

Chen Jiandu's face alternated between red and white, shame spreading in his heart, but the stubborn defiance still grew wildly in his mind like weeds.

He lowered his head and muttered softly, "What he said sounds quite reasonable, but I always feel it's not that simple; maybe he's just fooling us."

Although his voice was low, in the now quiet Spirit Field, it was still clearly audible.

When Chen Jiancang heard this, he just shook his head gently, a faint bitter smile appearing at the corner of his mouth, thinking to himself, "Let him be. Facts will always prove everything."

He was too lazy to bother with Chen Jiandu's doubts anymore. After all, in his opinion, any further verbal arguments at this point were meaningless. Ultimately, their knowledge was shallow; when they gained some experience, everything would become clear.

Many Chen Family members dispersed to get busy. Thus, Chen Jiancang turned and walked towards home. The new batch of Lueling Grass was about to mature; when he checked yesterday, it was already 99% mature.

Thinking of this, Chen Jiancang's steps became even lighter.

After the Lueling Grass matured, the rewards obtained would definitely be enough for him to improve himself further and break through to the Qi Refining Fifth Level cultivation.

Upon returning home, he walked directly to the hidden medicinal garden behind the Spirit Field, his gaze eagerly falling upon the dark gold and emerald green Lueling Grass.

A gentle breeze brushed past, the Lueling Grass swayed slightly, emitting a faint spiritual light.

Chen Jiancang bent down to check the state of the Lueling Grass.

[Variety] Lueling Grass

[Grade] First Order Spiritual Plant (Upgradeable)

[Maturity] 100%

[Uses] Contains a large amount of spirit energy, is toxic, can be used to make talisman paper, can be made into Lue Ling Powder, is colorless and odorless, can cause Foundation Establishment cultivators to lose their spiritual power, holding one's breath can prevent poisoning.

[Cultivation Plan] Needs a First Order Gathering Spirit Array setup, mix thousands of ling sand into spirit paste soil, mix in iron skin grass ash, water with spiritual rain once a day, matures in twenty days, has a chance to obtain a Second Order Lueling Grass spiritual seed.

Chen Jiancang, who had been eagerly anticipating this, couldn't wait to start harvesting with his sickle.

[You harvested a Lueling Grass, rewarded with a small spirit energy group.]

[You harvested a Lueling Grass, rewarded with a portion of Crafting Talismans experience]

[You harvested a Lueling Grass, rewarded with a portion of Lue Ling Powder crafting experience]

As each Lueling Grass was harvested, Chen Jiancang's harvest notifications popped up one after another. Small spirit energy groups continuously integrated into his body, providing a steady stream of energy for his Breakthrough.

He was already at the peak of the Qi Refining Fourth Level, and after harvesting less than a third of the Lueling Grass, the barrier to the Qi Refining Fifth Level was broken through as easily as if it didn't exist, happening naturally.

The moment he broke through, a majestic power surged within Chen Jiancang's body.

The spirit energy around him rapidly gathered at a speed visible to the naked eye, forming a small spirit energy vortex that stirred the surrounding air, making a whooshing sound.

The originally stable Meridians, under the impact of this power, began a new round of transformation.

Chen Jiancang closed his eyes tightly, focusing his attention on guiding the spiritual power within his body.

He clearly felt that every meridian was being repeatedly flushed and tempered by the spiritual power, becoming more resilient and wider, like widened river channels, capable of accommodating more spiritual power to surge and flow.

And the spiritual power that he could only barely mobilize during the Qi Refining Fourth Level now became docile and easy to control, as if endowed with sentience, obeying his every command.

In the depths of his Sea of Consciousness, the spiritual sense that was like a weak candlelight had now grown into a fiercely burning flame, emitting dazzling light that illuminated the entire space of his Sea of Consciousness.

This flame not only represented the improvement of his strength but also opened up a completely new understanding of the use of spiritual power.

Chen Jiancang could sense that with the Breakthrough in his cultivation, his perception of the surrounding heaven and earth's spirit energy became more acute, as if he had a pair of invisible eyes that could see through the flow trajectory and subtle changes of the spirit energy.

As he breathed in and out, the spirit energy in the air, as if summoned, continuously surged into his body, and after being refined, integrated into his ocean of spiritual power.

His aura also became increasingly profound and powerful during this continuous absorption and transformation, subtly giving off a sense of pressure.

Chen Jiancang was immersed in the joy of his Breakthrough, the spiritual power within his body surging like a river, inexhaustible.

Feeling the transformation of his Meridians and the fiercely burning spiritual power flame in his Sea of Consciousness, his heart was filled with anticipation for the future.

"Chen Jianshen, with his three-spirit root talent, is only at the Qi Refining Fifth Level cultivation at this time."

After carefully experiencing the changes in his cultivation for a while, the joy on Chen Jiancang's face gradually faded. He then activated the Northern Darkness Breath Concealing Art, suppressing his aura to the Qi Refining Third Level.

The cultivation world was so dangerous; he still planned to Cultivate cautiously. His cultivation was his own; being too dazzling would only attract unnecessary trouble.

Moreover, with his five-element mixed spirit root talent, such a rapid Breakthrough speed would also arouse suspicion from others and invite trouble.

Calming his emotions, Chen Jiancang knew that this was not the time to relax. The harvest of Lueling Grass was not yet complete, and more rewards were waiting for him.

He took a deep breath, calmed his inner excitement, and continued to wield his sickle, harvesting the remaining Lueling Grass.

As each Lueling Grass was cut down, the System's notification sound continuously echoed in his mind:

[You harvested a Lueling Grass, rewarded with a small spirit energy group.]

[You harvested a Lueling Grass, rewarded with a portion of Crafting Talismans experience.]

[You harvested a Lueling Grass, rewarded with a portion of Lue Ling Powder crafting experience.]

Each reward brought a slight improvement in his strength and skills. Accumulating little by little, Chen Jiancang felt that his foundation was being continuously solidified.

Just as he was harvesting the last small patch of Lueling Grass, suddenly, a unique Lueling Grass came into view.

This Lueling Grass was entirely dark gold in color, with the edges of its leaves emitting a faint purple halo. The spiritual energy fluctuations it emitted were also several times stronger than ordinary Lueling Grass.

Chen Jiancang's heart trembled, and he quickly bent down to examine it carefully.

[Variety] Lueling Grass (Mutated)

[Grade] Second Order Spiritual Plant

[Maturity] 100%

[Uses] Contains extremely rich spirit energy, can be used to make high-grade talisman paper or Second Order Lue Ling Powder, can be mixed into spirit energy and absorbed through Meridians, has a very strong spiritual power suppression effect on Foundation Establishment cultivators.

[Cultivation Plan] Needs a Second Order Gathering Spirit Array setup, supplemented with ling sand, spirit paste soil, and special spiritual fertilizer, watered daily with spiritual rain, matures in sixty days.

"Second Order Lueling Grass!" A hint of pleasant surprise flashed in Chen Jiancang's eyes.

He hadn't expected that in this ordinary Spirit Field, he could Cultivate a mutated Second Order spiritual plant. When he checked before, he hadn't noticed that a Second Order Lueling Grass was mixed in with this batch.

The value of this Lueling Grass was far beyond that of ordinary Lueling Grass. Whether used to make high-grade talisman paper or refine Lue Ling Powder, its effect was definitely incomparable to First Order Lue Ling Powder.

He carefully used his sickle to cut down this Second Order Lueling Grass, and the System's notification sound rang out again:

[You harvested a Second Order Lueling Grass, rewarded with a medium spirit energy group.]

[You harvested a Second Order Lueling Grass, rewarded with a portion of high-grade Crafting Talismans experience.]

[You harvested a Second Order Lueling Grass, rewarded with a special spiritual seed - Second Order Lueling Grass spiritual seed (Rare).]

"Second Order Lueling Grass spiritual seed!" Chen Jiancang was ecstatic.

According to the description, Second Order Lue Ling Powder can be mixed into spirit energy and absorbed through Meridians. Doesn't that mean Second Order Lue Ling Powder cannot be defended against by holding one's breath, unlike First Order Lue Ling Powder?

If he could successfully refine Second Order Lue Ling Powder, it would definitely be impossible to guard against.

However, what surprised Chen Jiancang even more was that this Golden Finger harvest actually rewarded him with a physical item.

At this moment, Chen Jiancang sensed the spiritual sea in his Dantian. A subtle space had appeared within it, its size uncertain, enclosing an object.

With a thought, that object appeared out of thin air in his hand, and the space in his spiritual sea also disappeared.

Chen Jiancang lowered his head to look at the object in his hand. It was several seeds emitting a faint spiritual light, their surfaces covered with intricate patterns, as if containing some profound power.

This was precisely the Second Order Lueling Grass spiritual seed rewarded by the System!

He examined the spiritual seed in his hand carefully, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

This spiritual seed was not only precious but also represented infinite possibilities for his future cultivation path.

When he harvested that Second Order Lueling Grass just now, the rewarded spirit energy group was actually medium-sized. One medium spirit energy group was comparable to one hundred small spirit energy groups.

If he could successfully Cultivate Second Order Lueling Grass, his strength and resources would undergo a qualitative leap.

"However, cultivating Second Order Lueling Grass requires setting up a Second Order Gathering Spirit Array, and also needs ling sand, spirit paste soil, and special spiritual fertilizer..." Chen Jiancang frowned slightly, calculating in his mind. Planting First Order Lueling Grass had already made him bankrupt, let alone a Second Order Gathering Spirit Array.

"Also, the Golden Finger actually rewards physical items. Does that mean that harvesting spiritual plants in the future will also have corresponding physical item rewards?"

Chen Jiancang shook his head helplessly, anticipating in his heart, "This matter still needs to be discussed in the long run."

He carefully put away the spiritual seed and that Second Order Lueling Grass, then continued to sort out this harvest.

Besides the Second Order Lueling Grass and the spiritual seed, he also harvested a large amount of ordinary Lueling Grass and Crafting Talismans and Lue Ling Powder crafting experience.

These resources were enough for his use and improvement for a period of time.

After harvesting all the remaining Lueling Grass, the sky had already grown dark.

Chen Jiancang returned to his house, lit a spiritual lamp, and began to refine Lue Ling Powder.

After removing the spiritual seeds from the Lueling Grass leaves, he carefully refined them according to the experience rewarded by the System. As spiritual power was injected, the medicinal powder gradually fused, finally condensing into a bottle of colorless and odorless Lue Ling Powder.

After completing the refining, Chen Jiancang let out a long sigh of relief and put away the Lue Ling Powder.

With his Qi Refining Fifth Level cultivation, refining Lue Ling Powder was no longer as strenuous as before. By the time Chen Jiancang pushed open the door, the sky had already become bright.

After feeding Crimson Sky some spiritual beast meat, Chen Jiancang practiced some Mortal martial arts for a while. Chen Jianyun hadn't come over these past few days, and he didn't know what she was busy with, but Chen Jiancang didn't pay much attention.

After practicing martial arts and tidying up the spiritual herb area, Chen Jiancang stepped on his spiritual sword and flew towards the Market.

Chen Yingong was in the main branch. With Chen Jiancang's current cultivation, flying to the main branch on a spiritual sword would be quite strenuous, so he could only notify Chen Yingong to come.

Chen Jiancang controlled his spiritual sword and soon arrived at the Market. He walked directly to the Law Enforcement Hall, found the Deacon responsible for contacting the main branch, and respectfully said, "Deacon sir, this Junior Chen Jiancang has an important matter to inform Senior Chen Yingong of the main branch. Please relay the message for me."

The Deacon looked him up and down, saw that Chen Jiancang's aura was steady and his attitude respectful, and nodded, "What matter needs to be relayed to the main branch?"

"It is a matter that I and Uncle-Clan Yinkong agreed upon. We had a previous agreement."

The Law Enforcement Hall Deacon of the Xiao Yun Mountain Market was not a member of the Chen Family from the Little Cloud Mountain Spiritual Vein. Chen Jiancang didn't know him, but Chen Yingong was a well-known battle maniac in the Law Enforcement Hall and held an important position there, so the Law Enforcement Hall Deacon was naturally familiar with him.

"I will immediately send a message to Elder Yinkong. You can wait here for a moment."

Chen Jiancang nodded in thanks and stepped aside to wait quietly.

Not long after, the Deacon received a reply from the main branch. He turned to Chen Jiancang and said, "Elder Yinkong has received the message. He will arrive at the Market in an hour. You can wait at the Market teahouse."

Chen Jiancang thanked him again, then left the Law Enforcement Hall and went to the Market teahouse.

He ordered a pot of spiritual tea and sat quietly, waiting. An hour later, Chen Yingong arrived as expected.

As soon as Chen Yingong entered the door, he saw Chen Jiancang, walked directly to him and sat down, his expression slightly agitated, "Your refined Lue Ling Powder was successful?"

Chen Jiancang respectfully took out the Lue Ling Powder, offering it with both hands, "Uncle-Grandfather, this is the Lue Ling Powder this Junior refined. Please take a look."

Chen Yingong took the Lue Ling Powder, examined it carefully, and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, "Not bad, it is Lue Ling Powder. You actually refined five portions. Very good, very good!"

Chen Jiancang, unaware that Tian Zhongli had divided a bottle of Lue Ling Powder into five portions for sale, humbly said, "This batch only had half a mu of Lueling Grass, so I could only refine this one bottle of Lue Ling Powder."

Chen Yingong nodded, put away the Lue Ling Powder, then took out a storage bag and handed it to Chen Jiancang, "This is the reward for refining the Lue Ling Powder this time. Take it."

Chen Jiancang took the storage bag, secretly delighted, but his expression remained respectful, "Thank you, Uncle-Grandfather."

Chen Jiancang's consciousness was already immersed in the storage bag. It actually contained 5000 spiritual stones.

"This..."

Jiancang's face involuntarily showed a look of shock. He remembered that when he sold the Lue Ling Powder to the Chen's Treasure Pavilion in the Xiao Yun Mountain Market, he only sold it for 1500 spiritual stones.

But now there were actually a full 5000 spiritual stones in the storage bag.

"Nephew Jiancang, is there a problem with the number of spiritual stones?" Chen Yingong asked. When he purchased it from Tian Zhongli, the price of one portion of Lue Ling Powder was 1500 spiritual stones.

Logically speaking, the amount in this bottle should be 7500 spiritual stones, but the Lue Ling Powder, after passing through the Chen's Treasure Pavilion, would inevitably be sold at a higher price, so he estimated the price of a bottle of Lue Ling Powder to be around 5000 spiritual stones.

When Chen Jiancang heard Chen Yingong's question, he quickly composed himself and respectfully replied, "Uncle-Grandfather, there is no problem with the number of spiritual stones. It's just that this Junior didn't expect the value of Lue Ling Powder to be so high, and I was a bit surprised for a moment."

"Uncle-Grandfather, this is the Lue Ling Powder refining method I organized." As he spoke, Chen Jiancang fulfilled the promise he made last time and handed over a copy of the Lue Ling Powder crafting method he had organized to Chen Yingong.

Chen Yingong smiled with satisfaction, examining the Lue Ling Powder crafting process. Its complexity was no less than refining a First Order elixir.

Chen Yingong laughed heartily and patted Chen Jiancang's shoulder, "Nephew Jiancang, your skill in refining Lue Ling Powder is considerable. This Lue Ling Powder can affect Foundation Establishment cultivators, and its effect on Qi Refining Stage Cultivators is even more astonishing. Your ability to refine such a poison means your future prospects are limitless."

Chen Jiancang smiled humbly, "Uncle-Grandfather is too kind. This Junior was just lucky to succeed and still needs to work harder."

Chen Yingong nodded, his eyes filled with admiration, "It is rare for you to achieve such accomplishments at such a young age. However, remember not to be arrogant and complacent. The path of cultivation is long; only by being grounded can you go further."

Chen Jiancang nodded solemnly, "Uncle-Grandfather's teachings, this Junior will engrave them in my heart."

Chen Yingong then took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Chen Jiancang, "These are some Alchemy insights I obtained by chance. Take them and study them carefully. I see that you have quite a talent in Alchemy. Perhaps you can pursue the path of an Alchemist. Perhaps you can go further on the path of cultivation."

Chen Jiancang took the Jade Slip, overjoyed, and quickly thanked him, "Thank you for your kindness, Uncle-Grandfather. This Junior will definitely study diligently and live up to your expectations."

Chen Yingong waved his hand and smiled, "Alright, you should go back and Cultivate well. If you need anything, contact me anytime."

Chen Jiancang respectfully bowed and watched Chen Yingong leave. Only after Chen Yingong's figure disappeared from sight did he let out a long sigh of relief, his heart filled with excitement.

"5000 spiritual stones, plus this Alchemy Jade Slip. This harvest is truly abundant!" Chen Jiancang secretly rejoiced. He put away the storage bag and the Jade Slip, left the teahouse, and prepared to return home to Xiao Yun Mountain.