18: Chapter 18 Qi Refining Level 3 and Market Preparations

The shadow of demonic cultivators was like a sword hanging over their heads, keeping the Lin Family on edge for several days. The clan's protective formation was active around the clock, patrols were increased, and even the air was thick with a sense of solemnity.

But life must go on, and Cultivate cannot stop.

With the Li Family's warning still ringing in his ears, the Family hunting missions were suspended indefinitely. Lin Cangchen's "wild monster grinding" journey, which he had just started to enjoy, was forced to an end. To this, he could only express understanding and quickly channeled all his energy into a boring but safe "homebody cultivation" life.

"If I can't go out and roam, then I'll just stay home and grind my Rank!" The Little Liver Emperor Lin quickly adjusted his mindset.

Over the next three months, he lived an even more disciplined life, one that could be described as "ascetic."

Once the courtyard gate was closed and the sound-isolating formation activated, it became his own Small World.

Every day, he spent two hours unfailingly on the Qi Guiding Art, absorbing the stable Spiritual Qi provided by the first-grade mid-rank spirit vein. Then, he would swallow one qi gathering pill and spend two hours refining that pitiful but better-than-nothing 5% medicinal power. In the intervals between Cultivate, he repeatedly polished various Spells. Geng Metal Finger and Green Vine Art maintained their proficiency at the Minor Achievement Realm, while Spirit Concealment Art and Wind Chasing Steps received his special attention as he launched attempt after attempt toward the "Proficient" Realm.

One catty of first-rank middle-grade spirit rice was also a daily necessity; its 5% Cultivate speed bonus accumulated steadily over time.

During this period, he used contribution points to exchange for several more bottles of qi gathering pills from the Clan Treasury. At the internal Family price, one bottle (ten pills) only cost eighty contribution points, which was cheaper than the market retail price. His more than six hundred contribution points were consumed rapidly like water through an open sluice gate.

The results of this single-minded bitter Cultivate were significant.

He could clearly feel the vortex of Qi in his Dantian growing day by day, and his spiritual power becoming more abundant. Five Spirit Roots Cultivate was slow, but with the help of Medicinal Pills, spirit rice, Spiritual Veins, and his own persistent efforts, this slowness was only relative.

One day two months later, while he was operating the Qi Guiding Art as usual and finishing the refinement of a qi gathering pill's medicinal power, the Qi vortex in his Dantian suddenly spun violently, as if it had reached a critical point!

A feeling of things falling into place naturally welled up in his heart.

Lin Cangchen had a sudden flash of inspiration. He immediately focused his mind, guiding the even more majestic spiritual power to complete the final cycle through his Meridians.

"Buzz—"

A slight hum seemed to echo in his mind, and the Dantian's Qi vortex expanded abruptly, becoming more solid. The total amount and purity of the spiritual power within it had both risen to a noticeably higher level!

Qi Refining Third Layer!

A Breakthrough!

He didn't encounter any Bottleneck. Breakthroughs in the Early Stage of Qi Refining (layers one to three) were mostly about the accumulation of spiritual power. As long as one's foundation was sufficient, the Breakthrough would happen naturally.

Lin Cangchen slowly opened his eyes, feeling the power within him that had nearly doubled, along with his more acute five senses. A heartfelt smile appeared on his face.

"It hasn't been easy. After so many years since my Transmigration, I've finally reached the Qi Refining Third Layer!" He stretched, his joints making crisp popping sounds. "Now, casting Spells should be more sustainable, and their power should be a bit greater."

He tried to activate the Geng Metal Finger. A gust of finger-wind shot out, hitting the testing wooden stake in the courtyard and leaving a mark half an inch deeper than before. When he used Wind Chasing Steps, his movements became more elusive, and his speed increased by a fraction.

"Not bad, not bad. The feeling of increasing strength is truly exhilarating!"

Breaking through to the Qi Refining Third Layer meant his effective daily Cultivate time could increase from two hours to three! This meant he could "grind" more experience every day! Although the further one cultivated, the more Spiritual Qi was required for advancement, his efficiency had improved overall.

Over the next month, he stabilized his third-layer Realm and continued to polish Spells. Spirit Concealment Art finally reached the "Proficient" Realm through his tireless efforts! Now, when he fully restrained his aura, it would be difficult for anyone to detect his spiritual power fluctuations unless their Cultivate was several layers higher and they were intentionally searching. For survival and "slacking off," this was undoubtedly a divine skill.

Although Wind Chasing Steps was still one step away, it was also becoming increasingly Proficient.

One day, just as he finished his morning Cultivate, there was another knock on the courtyard gate.

Standing outside was Lin Lingfeng.

"Uncle Lingfeng?" Lin Cangchen was somewhat surprised. During this period of Family alertness, everyone had been interacting much less.

Lin Lingfeng looked at the glowing Lin Cangchen, whose spiritual power fluctuations were clearly much stronger. A flash of surprise and approval crossed his eyes. "Qi Refining Third Layer? Not bad. It seems you haven't been idle these past three months."

"Hehe, a clumsy bird flies early; diligence can make up for a lack of talent." Lin Cangchen chuckled.

"If you're a clumsy bird, the other kids in the Family will want to crawl into a hole." Lin Lingfeng joked, then turned serious. "I'm here to notify you to get ready. In five days, you'll be joining the team for another trip to the market."

"The market?" Lin Cangchen's eyes lit up. After being in seclusion for so long, he indeed needed to go out for some fresh air, and the market meant opportunity!

"Yes." Lin Lingfeng nodded. "The Family has some accumulated resources that need to be sold, and we also need to purchase a batch of essential Medicinal Pills and Talismans to deal with any possible changes. After discussion, the Clan Chief and Elders decided we still need to make a trip. We'll go and return quickly, just with increased vigilance."

He paused and added, "I will be leading the team this time. The members include you, Ling Yun, Ling Yu, and two other clan brothers from the ling generation who need to purchase Cultivate resources. The numbers are streamlined to ensure a quick trip."

"Understood!" Lin Cangchen agreed immediately. With Lin Lingfeng, a Four-Element Spiritual Root Genius at the Qi Refining Fifth Layer, leading the team, the safety factor was much higher.

"Since you've just had a Breakthrough, it's a good time to visit the market and see if there's anything suitable for you. contribution points can't be used at the market; you'll need Spirit Stones. You still have some on hand, right?" Lin Lingfeng reminded him.

"I still have over ninety Low-Grade Spirit Stones!" Lin Cangchen patted his Storage Pouch. This was the capital he had saved up from his previous hunting and Family rewards.

"Mm, spend them wisely." After saying that, Lin Lingfeng turned and left; he still had to notify the others.

After seeing Lin Lingfeng off, Lin Cangchen rubbed his chin and paced excitedly in the courtyard.

"The market... it's been a long time since I last went." He began to plan. "For this trip, I have several main goals:"

"First, see if there are any Cultivation Technique insights suitable for the Middle Stage of Qi Refining, or perhaps more Advanced escape techniques or breath-concealing techniques? Although Divine Movement Technique is good, it's always better to have a few more tricks up my sleeve."

"Second, Medicinal Pills. qi gathering pills are becoming less effective for me. I need to see if there are pills more suitable for the Qi Refining Third Layer, or something that can help with breaking through small Bottlenecks. Well, those are probably very expensive, so I'll check the prices first."

"Third, Talismans. The vajra talisman and spirit wood armor talisman I bought last time were quite useful, but consumables need to be replenished. Also, I could buy a few more powerful offensive Talismans just in case; if I run into trouble, throwing Talismans can hold them off for a while."

"Fourth, and most importantly... picking up bargains!" Thinking of his glorious achievement in picking up the Divine Movement Technique last time, Lin Cangchen's heart burned with excitement. "I wonder if there are any dust-covered treasures waiting for me this time?"

He checked his belongings:

Low-Grade Spirit Stones: 94.

Talismans: 1x first-rank middle-grade vajra talisman, 1x first-rank middle-grade spirit wood armor talisman, several First Grade, Low Rank inferior fireball talismans and earth shield talismans, and 6x light-body talismans.

Medicinal Pills: 5x qi gathering pills left, 5x qi recovery pills, 5x grain dispelling pills.

Others: 1x small jar of clear heart tea, 1x blank Jade Slip.

"Spirit Stones are still not quite enough." Lin Cangchen scratched his head. "I need to find a way to see if I can flip some items at the market..."

He organized the items he didn't need to bring, taking only his Spirit Stones and necessary defensive items. Looking at the Qi Refining Third Layer spiritual power that represented the result of his three months of bitter Cultivate, he was full of anticipation for this trip to the market.

"Seclusion is over. It's time to go out and see the world... uh, I mean, replenish my supplies!"

Lin Cangchen chuckled, as if he could already see the dazzling array of goods in the market and... the potential bargain-hunting opportunities.

Five days later, market, here I come!