https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-102-Seventh-Stage-Qi-Refinement-Go-Find-a-City-Manager-/12831601/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-104-The-Auction-Where-Treasures-Appear/12831605/
Chapter 103: Perfecting the Way of Freedom
Chapter 103: Perfecting the Way of Freedom
“Hiss...”
A series of gasps echoed from the bed.
Luo Chen felt the cool, tingling sensation coursing through his body, finding it quite pleasant.
Earlier, he had taken a drop of the meridian-repairing elixir given by Uncle Mi, diluted it in a bowl of water, and drank it.
Surprisingly, it was quite effective.
With the aid of the Spirit Eye Technique, he could vaguely sense the gradual repair of his internal meridians.
The process wasn’t fast, but it was steady and reliable.
“I wonder how many spirit stones such a bottle of elixir would cost?”
Luo Chen sighed, putting the vial away.
One drop a day was enough; more would be counterproductive.
The higher one’s cultivation, the more auxiliary elixirs and techniques were needed.
During the Qi Condensation stage, hardly any elixirs were necessary; a single bottle of Qi Nourishing Pill was sufficient.
But for a Foundation Establishment cultivator, who aimed to breakthrough to the Core Formation stage, every detail mattered, including the maintenance of meridians and acupoints.
“Being able to enjoy these benefits is all thanks to Uncle Mi.”
With a sigh, Luo Chen began planning his cultivation schedule for the next month.
First, he should avoid practicing the Eternal Spring Technique for the time being.
Otherwise, each time he absorbed external spiritual energy, it would damage his meridians.
Other elixirs could still be taken, but in smaller quantities.
Luo Chen had a supply of Qi Nourishing Pills from the Spirit Medicine Pavilion and the Jade Marrow Pills he had refined himself.
The Qi Nourishing Pills, which had been effective up to the Seventh Layer of Qi Condensation, were now much less potent.
It seemed he had developed a tolerance.
“After consuming less than fifty bottles, which is just a few hundred pills, I’ve already developed a tolerance.”
“The legend that a thousand bottles of Qi Nourishing Pills can forge a perfect Qi Condensation cultivator must be a myth.”
“Of course, it’s also because I never stopped using them. If I had used them intermittently, the tolerance might not have developed so early.”
The effect of the Qi Nourishing Pills had waned, and the Jade Marrow Pills, which were of intermediate quality, were only half as effective.
However, he hadn’t developed a tolerance to the Jade Marrow Pills yet, so he could still take them occasionally.
But he had to be cautious; consuming too many Jade Marrow Pills could lead to the jadeification of his dantian.
Given these constraints, his cultivation speed would definitely slow down over the next month.
However, since his Eternal Spring Technique had reached the Grandmaster level, it had an automatic qi recovery effect.
He could focus his efforts on his magical techniques instead.
Luo Chen opened his attribute panel.
【Lifespan: 27/75】
【Spirit Roots: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth】
【Cultivation Realm: Qi Condensation Seventh Layer: 1/100】
【Cultivation Technique: Eternal Spring Technique Grandmaster: 927/1000】
【Magical Techniques: Perfect Fireball Spell, Grandmaster Wind Mastery 670/1000, Grandmaster Attraction Spell 800/1000, Grandmaster Entanglement Spell 510/1000, Grandmaster Spirit Eye Technique 521/1000, Perfect Cleaning Spell 350/500, Perfect Breath Concealment Spell 312/500, Proficient Healing Spell 115/200】
【Alchemy Techniques: Beginner Jade Hand 97/100, Beginner Pure Heart Hand 13/100】
【Martial Arts: Grandmaster Way of Freedom 901/1000, Perfect Mountain-Cleaving Palm 350/500, Beginner Heavenly Flower Scatter 81/100】
【Skills: First-Class Alchemist: Perfect Abstinence Powder, Grandmaster Supreme Marvel Pill 610/1000, Proficient Jade Marrow Pill 240/300】
【Achievement Points: 24】
It had been a while since he last reviewed his attributes, and he noticed some changes.
The secular martial arts, like the Way of Freedom, were now listed under a new category called “Martial Arts.”
This wasn’t surprising, as these martial arts didn’t significantly enhance his combat power but mainly provided achievement points.
There was also a new category, “Alchemy Techniques,” likely due to his dedicated study of the Green Essence Alchemy Manual.
“Unbeknownst to me, I’ve accumulated 24 achievement points. Perhaps I can use them to learn a fragmentary alchemy formula?”
Luo Chen thought of another formula given by Uncle Mi, the Netherworld Pill.
That elixir, when consumed, seemed to enhance one’s soul foundation.
But after some consideration, Luo Chen decided to put it off for now.
The main ingredient of the Netherworld Pill was quite unique, and large-scale procurement would likely draw attention.
He would save these achievement points for later.
Without a solid foundation, it was best to be cautious in his actions.
Luo Chen’s gaze fell on the techniques and martial arts that were close to leveling up.
Especially the Breath Concealment Spell!
“This month, I’ll focus all my efforts on practicing these techniques.”
“If they all level up, it will greatly enhance my combat power and accumulation of achievement points.”
...
That day, behind the Slanting Moon Valley.
Not venturing deep into the howling moon mountains’ primeval forest, but on a nearby open field.
A figure darted through the sky, moving with incredible agility.
At times, he twisted and turned, leaping several yards like an arrow released from a bow.
His energy seemed inexhaustible, and just as he was about to land like a falling leaf, a new surge of power would lift him back into the air, soaring with the wind.
Suddenly, the figure floated in mid-air, deep in thought.
After half a month of diligent practice, the secular lightness technique, the Way of Freedom, had finally reached its perfect state.
The perfection of the Way of Freedom allowed for an internal qi circulation.
In other words, even when his energy was not depleted, he could generate several streams of qi, enabling him to soar through the heavens once more.
If judged by the standards of mundane lightness techniques, there's no doubt that the Free and Easy Wanderer has reached its pinnacle.
It can allow mortals to fly for short periods of time.
However, with the Wind Control Spell at his disposal, this impressive effect becomes somewhat redundant.
"Guess I got my hopes up for nothing."
Shaking his head, Luo Chen smiled gracefully.
"But if I run out of spiritual energy, this lightness technique could still come in handy as a surprise tactic."
"Besides, it gave me an achievement point."
Thinking about it this way, he no longer felt cheated.
Moreover, achieving perfection in the Free and Easy Wanderer increased the speed of his Wind Control Spell by thirty percent.
Now, his flying speed had completely surpassed that of a late Qi Refinement cultivator using a magical tool.
In small-scale maneuvers, he could truly feel the freedom and ease of soaring through the void.
If he could also perfect the Wind Control Spell, the combined power would be even more remarkable.
Not to mention, he was almost maxed out in the skill of running away.
On his way back, he didn't use the Free and Easy Wanderer but instead flew using the Wind Control Spell.
Familiarity is built up bit by bit through daily habits.
Before long, he flew back to the Slanted Moon Valley.
As soon as he landed, he was called over by Murong Qinglian.
"Here, this is what the leader sent. Does it fit?"
Looking at the pure white, fur-lined coat in his sister-in-law's hands, Luo Chen was somewhat surprised.
"Does the guild issue clothes?"
As he spoke, he put on the coat.
Murong Qinglian watched him, her eyes revealing a hint of admiration.
What a fine specimen!
A graceful gentleman, handsome and refined.
Perhaps due to his injuries and recent focus on practicing spells and alchemy, his demeanor had lost some of its worldly edge and gained a more tranquil and detached air.
Overall, he looked like a noble prince or a distinguished disciple of a great sect.
"You were injured when you broke through your cultivation level, so you can't handle the cold. The leader had this fox fur coat sent over."
"Our climate is mild, and winter comes later than in other places, but once the snow seals the mountains, it gets very cold."
"With this coat made from fox fur, you won't need to constantly use spiritual energy to maintain your body temperature."
Listening to Murong Qinglian's chatter, Luo Chen felt a warm glow, both in his heart and on his body.
"The stitching is excellent! It's so fine that you can hardly notice it. The material is also top-notch. If it had an array inscribed on it, it wouldn't be much worse than a lower-grade magical robe."
Luo Chen commented, giving a nod of approval to Uncle Mi, who wasn't present.
The old man had put a lot of thought into it!
Murong Qinglian smiled and said, "The guild is planning to start this business, using the scattered beast hides from hunting to sew coats. It's a source of spirit stones during the winter."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, for this business, the Medicine Hall and the Beast Hall have been arguing nonstop."
Murong Qinglian glanced at the women cultivators in the valley and sighed, "The Medicine Hall is mostly women. There aren't many herbs to gather in winter, so we need to find them something profitable to do."
"Your coat was actually sewn by the women of the Medicine Hall, but the fox fur was provided by the leader as a whole pelt."
Luo Chen fell silent for a moment.
He had also experienced the harsh winters of the Great River Market. Those days were truly difficult.
Once the snow sealed the mountains, hunting, gathering herbs, and mining all became exponentially harder.
Many independent cultivators couldn't survive such winters, either stopping their cultivation or leaving for warmer markets to make a living.
How had he survived those winters?
The answer was by giving up!
He relied on the fasting powder he had refined, enduring each day without even thinking about cultivation.
Thinking back to those days, Luo Chen felt the warmth of the coat and said, "Sister-in-law, go ahead and fight for it. My Alchemy Hall will definitely support you. I'll also talk to Daoist Zeng and Brother Wang Yuan."
"That's very kind of you. If you need to clean the coat, you can hand it over to the women of the Medicine Hall."
Murong Qinglian smiled, pleased with his response.
After a brief chat, they agreed to meet at the courtyard for a birthday banquet at the end of the month, and Luo Chen hurried back to the Alchemy Hall.
Every day at this time, he returned to the Alchemy Hall to oversee the afternoon potion refinement.
The Jade Marrow Pills were all refined in the morning, while the afternoon was mainly dedicated to the All Wonders Pill and a small batch of fasting pills.
He still held the secrets of the All Wonders Pill.
But he had already taught everything about the fasting pills.
There was no need for him to hold onto such a low-yield skill.
Instead, freeing himself from these trivial tasks gave him a lot of free time.
"Mi Li, you're in charge of the large refining room today!"
"Spring Soup, you're in charge of the small refining room!"
"Everyone else, work together. I want to see how much you've improved!"
With his command, the young cultivators bustled about.
Luo Chen stood outside, his gaze falling on another abandoned refining room, frowning deeply.
"Leaving a refining room empty is such a waste."
"Not only does it limit my skill progression, but it also reduces the potion output, which cuts into my share of the profits!"
"No, I need to get Uncle Mi to buy a new refining furnace!"
It had been a long time since he had taken advantage of the guild's resources. After putting on the new coat, his heart was restless once again.
Luo Chen found himself itching to get started.
...
...
A small quadrangle courtyard, a vast world of people.
The usually quiet and lonely alleys in the northern part of the city had been bustling with activity since the afternoon.
People were coming and going, carrying all sorts of things into the courtyard.
Occasionally, residents would stop those entering and exiting to ask what was going on, only to be told that someone was having a birthday.
Who exactly, they didn't know, and the young members of the Broken Mountain Gang hadn't said.
But as they left, each of them was holding a large bamboo tube filled with freshly popped popcorn.
This was a good thing; normally, a bucket of popcorn at White Rock Square would cost one spirit stone.
Only our hall master could be so generous.
One bucket for each helper!
When Zeng Wen finally arrived at the courtyard entrance with his nephew Tang Quan, it was already near dusk.
"Hall Master must have earned quite a few spirit stones, but why does he live so far out?"
Tang Quan curiously looked around, finding it hard to recognize the place.
Zeng Wen gave him a light slap, "You little rascal, you don't know how lucky you are. Little Luo Daoist was once a wandering cultivator. Having a place to stay is already a blessing."
He then stared at Tang Quan, "Did you bring the gift I told you to bring?"
Tang Quan said with a hint of grievance, "I did. The incense burner is still in good condition, but Hall Master said we didn't need to bring gifts."
"Heh, you really are clueless!" Zeng Wen scolded, "I didn't ask you to bring anything expensive. A small token to show your respect and build a connection. You'll be working under him in the future, and he might just teach you more about alchemy."
As they spoke, a young girl holding a large wine gourd appeared, watching them curiously.
Zeng Wen's eyes lit up at the sight of the pretty girl.
But the girl gently bowed to him, "Is it Uncle Zeng? My father used to speak of you often."
Father?
Deceased?
Looking at the familiar oval face of the girl, Zeng Wen couldn't help but ask, "Your father is?"
"My father, Yuan Wuxiang, used to practice in the Broken Mountain Gang. He was known as the Leaping Stream Tiger."
Zeng Wen retracted his lecherous gaze, coughed, and became solemn.
"It's Little Yue. I did have a good relationship with your father. But if he often mentioned me, he was probably cursing me behind my back!"
Yuan Xiaoyue chuckled, her smile not hidden by the large gourd she was holding.
Noticing the gourd, Zeng Wen asked curiously, "What's that?"
"It's a birthday gift from my grandfather for Big Brother Luo Chen. It's a fifty-year-old Huangli wine. My father used to love this vintage, saying that the year's heavy snow made the Huangli fruit especially juicy, resulting in a richer and smoother wine."
"Luo Chen sure has a good mouth."
Zeng Wen looked enviously at the large gourd, then turned and slapped Tang Quan again.
"See that? Even a little girl knows to bring a gift. Do I have to teach you everything?"
Tang Quan felt aggrieved, but the girl had a grandfather to guide her!
Of course, Uncle Zeng had none of the paternal demeanor, but he did have the grandfatherly air.
As they chatted, they stepped into the courtyard.
The moment they entered, a warm and lively atmosphere greeted them.
The courtyard was filled with a large table laden with sumptuous dishes.
Three copper pots were placed at the front, middle, and back of the table.
Beneath the small copper pots, charcoal fires burned, providing most of the courtyard's warmth.
Before Zeng Wen could look for familiar faces, Tang Quan ran over.
"Old Qu, what brings you here? Is this your grandson?"
Qu Hancheng chuckled, "Hall Master heard that my injuries had healed and invited me for a meal."
He then pulled out a young boy from behind him.
"Lingjun, greet your Uncle Tang Quan."
The young boy, with his big, bright eyes, looked curiously at Tang Quan and whispered, "Uncle Tang Quan, hello!"
Tang Quan was amused, "A kid being so shy won't do. Come, Uncle will take you to play!"
Seeing Tang Quan carry his little grandson and fly around, the child started crying.
Qu Hancheng, however, smiled.
He was powerless, and his son lacked a spiritual root.
But his son and daughter-in-law worked hard and finally had three children, one of whom, Qu Lingjun, had a spiritual root.
Though it was still a low-grade four spiritual root, it was enough to start cultivation.
Now, if he could introduce him to these qi condensation cultivators, his future path would be smoother.
He had to thank Hall Master Luo Chen for this opportunity.
His gaze fell on the courtyard, where a few female cultivators were whispering, Zeng Wen was showing off in front of Murong Qinglian and getting beaten by Qin Liangchen, and a young male cultivator sat on the doorstep, his expression cold.
These were all high-level qi condensation cultivators!
Unconsciously, Hall Master Luo Chen's personal circle had reached such a level.
Yes, he couldn't just sit around; he needed to help more. He wasn't here to eat for free today!
...
Inside the house, Luo Chen, who was simmering the pot base, looked helplessly at the gifts being delivered.
"I said, no gifts were necessary. Today, I just wanted everyone to gather and have a good meal."
Zeng Wen, rubbing the bump on his head, pushed a book into Luo Chen's arms.
"Sure, I don't want it either. I'm just worried it might corrupt Tang Quan. Otherwise, I wouldn't give it to you."
Luo Chen was taken aback, noticing a corner of the Illumination Reader, and his lips twitched involuntarily.
"You take me for what kind of person? I'm not—"
"Alright, alright, I know you're not that kind of person. I won't bring it next time."
Zeng Wen waved his hand dismissively, clearly not believing Luo Chen's words.
In his view, Little Daoist Luo was one of his own!
Luo Chen quietly tucked the Illumination Reader into his storage bag.
This kind of thing had to be critically analyzed in the dead of night!
Speaking of which, even though he had mentioned it, today's visitors all brought some gifts, more or less.
They weren't particularly valuable, but they all came with a heartfelt sentiment.
Yuan Xiaoyue's fifty-year-old yellow pear wine, Tang Quan's incense burner, Bai Meiling's exotic flower, Feng Xia's seeds, and Duan Feng's little secret for maintaining magical artifacts.
Brother Wang Yuan had also come by, bringing Luo Chen a bottle of Golden Jade Elixir from Tai Shan Manor.
It was said that regular application was very beneficial for body refinement.
Brother Qin and his wife also gave him a folding fan. Though it was just a low-grade magical artifact, it looked exquisite!
Luo Chen had teased that it was almost winter, and a fan was a bit out of place, but when his sister-in-law mentioned that Brother Qin had picked it out personally, he couldn't say anything more.
Back in the days when they practiced together in the Trial Palace, he had casually mentioned a few things about flying with a sword and a white robe with a folding fan, a typical image of a cultivator.
He hadn't expected Brother Qin to remember it.
Only Gu Caiyi, under Luo Chen's reminder, didn't bring him any gift.
After all, they were so close that gifts would make things feel strange.
Luo Chen carefully noted down these small gifts in his mind, and his movements in preparing the soup base became even more vigorous.
This was his first official birthday celebration since crossing over, proving that he had finally settled down in this unfamiliar world.
He had to make sure everyone was well-fed and happy!
...
A few Moonlight Stones were placed around the courtyard, illuminating the area as bright as daylight under the moon's glow.
The steaming hot pot, a dozen small dishes with a perfect blend of color, aroma, and flavor, and a few cold dishes.
In addition, Luo Chen had also prepared some Magical Beans and popcorn, scattered around the courtyard.
Twelve people filled the large table.
Wine was poured, and everyone raised their cups.
Under the skilled hosting of Luo Chen and Zeng Wen, the atmosphere quickly heated up.
They chatted about all sorts of strange and interesting stories from inside and outside the Great River Manor. Even the usually quiet Wang Yuan shared a funny story from Tai Shan Manor.
It was about a young cultivator from a local family who had joined a Golden Core Sect in the Jade Cauldron Domain.
He accidentally stumbled into the sect's secret grounds and saw the sect leader's daughter bathing, thinking he would rise to prominence. His family even prepared the dowry.
But the sect leader's daughter refused and even called in the elders to exterminate the family.
What could have been a tragic story of family destruction had a touch of spicy romance and a bit of humor when told by Wang Yuan.
Midway through the drinking, Zeng Wen felt it wasn't lively enough and started a drinking game.
No one shied away, and even the usually cold Duan Feng showed off a bit.
When it was Luo Chen's turn, he was stumped.
"I don't know how to do it!"
"Didn't you come here to cultivate? Why are you doing literary stuff?"
With no choice, he took a big drink.
Seeing his awkwardness, Gu Caiyi took over, offering to perform a dance for everyone.
Everyone cheered!
Gu Caiyi didn't hesitate, winking at Luo Chen before gracefully floating into the air above the courtyard.
The stunning Swallow Dance that had amazed everyone on the Dao Discussion Platform was performed again.
Luo Chen watched in a trance, understanding her wink. This dance was his birthday gift.
When they first moved into the courtyard, he had mentioned wanting to see her dance privately, but it never happened.
Now, his wish was finally granted, even if others were watching.
Beside him, Zeng Wen lamented that such a dance could never be seen again in the Heavenly Fragrance Tower.
"Long out of practice, my dance skills have grown rusty."
After landing, Gu Caiyi smiled modestly, but the applause clearly disagreed.
Zeng Wen wanted to restart the drinking game, but everyone was tired of it and suggested a different game.
This didn't faze Zeng Wen, who had spent years in the pleasure quarters. He pulled out a small pot and a set of arrows.
"Let's play Arrow Pot!"
"Is this game any fun? It's not much of a challenge for us cultivators."
"Not at all, you underestimate Arrow Pot," Zeng Wen explained, "Foundation Establishment cultivators can't use spiritual senses, and Qi Refinement cultivators can't use spiritual energy."
"Plus, this pot is actually a mid-grade defensive magical artifact with an internal array. If your aim is off or your strength is lacking, you won't be to get the arrow in!"
With that, everyone's interest was piqued.
They took turns throwing the arrows.
Those who missed had to drink.
Of course, after Wang Yuan casually showed off his skill, he was banned from participating.
A body cultivator playing Arrow Pot was cheating!
In this joyful atmosphere, someone suddenly said,
"It's snowing!"
Everyone stopped playing, stopped talking, and looked up at the sky.
Under the night sky, crystal-clear hexagonal snowflakes drifted down gently.
"Who knows how many wandering cultivators will die in the Great River Manor this year."
"Ah, everyone has their own fate."
(End of Chapter)
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