https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-896-How-to-Become-a-Qualified-Fisher/12545346/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-898-An-Inevitable-Step-in-Fishing/12545348/
Chapter 897: The Blacksun Fishing Rod and the Fish Shop Owner
Chapter 897: The Blacksun Fishing Rod and the Fish Shop Owner
"Spirit brew? It seems to be of decent quality."
The middle-aged cultivator carefully probed the jade washing spirit dew with his spiritual sense. Although he didn't sense anything amiss, he refrained from drinking it immediately out of caution.
"We still have to stay here for a while, so I shouldn't indulge too much. I'll properly savor your fine brew later, fellow cultivator."
He smiled and stored the jade washing spirit dew into his storage bag.
"Of course, the treasures we'll catch are more important."
Lu Chen nodded in agreement.
This was their first meeting, and he understood the other's cautious behavior. It was rare for him to meet someone more careful than himself.
Although the middle-aged cultivator didn't taste the brew, Lu Chen's gesture still brought them closer.
Shi Zichen's attitude warmed noticeably.
"Let's talk about the fishing spot first. Choosing a suitable location is especially crucial."
"The Thousand Treasures Spirit River presents both opportunities and dangers. It can't be considered safe for fishing cultivators. Cultivators often perish within its waters for various reasons. Moreover, the quantity and grades of treasures vary significantly depending on the location."
"However, the prime fishing spots along the river are usually occupied by major sects and powerful forces. Solitary cultivators like us can only settle for less desirable locations."
"Additionally, the timing of the fishing expedition is also essential. The Thousand Treasures Spirit River experiences periodic surges of spiritual energy, increasing the risks while also causing an explosion of rare and precious treasures."
"During one such spiritual surge, I once fished out a mid-grade artifact fragment from the river."
Shi Zichen's face lit up with excitement, resembling an avid fisherman eager to parade his catch around the entire city.
Lu Chen secretly rolled his eyes, gently nodding and committing the other's words to memory.
"Moreover, the tools used for fishing are of utmost importance."
"The fishing rod must be crafted from superior spirit bamboo or high-grade spirit ore. The rod should also be inscribed with numerous restrictions, with reinforcing restrictions being the most basic requirement.
Sometimes, you need to set up special restrictions targeting the spiritual fish, water beasts, or treasures you wish to catch, thus increasing your chances of success."
"My Blacksun Fishing Rod was forged using tens of thousands of pounds of black sun stone mixed with various other spirit ores. It's a high-grade fifth-grade artifact. While it's not exceptional for combat, it's incredibly effective for fishing treasures."
Shi Zichen brandished the pitch-black fishing rod, a hint of pride in his voice.
"To spend a fortune on a fishing rod artifact, you truly live up to your reputation as a legendary fisherman."
Lu Chen secretly mocked him, but a hint of well-placed envy flashed in his eyes.
"A fifth-grade fishing rod! Fellow Shi, you must have reeled in countless treasures from the Thousand Treasures Spirit River."
"..."
The middle-aged cultivator's expression froze.
"Not bad, not bad at all."
He forced a laugh.
"Apart from the rod, the fishing line and the net used to scoop up treasures are also critical. In my years by the river, I've seen many cultivators lose their hard-earned catches due to inferior lines and nets."
"They would beat their chests and stamp their feet in regret."
The middle-aged cultivator sighed.
"That is indeed unfortunate."
Lu Chen chimed in.
Although he couldn't empathize, he could imagine such a scenario.
After painstakingly cultivating a high-grade spirit plant to maturity and eagerly anticipating the unknown treasures, just when you think you'll reap a bountiful reward, the light dissipates before you can even touch it...
The very thought of it was suffocating.
"Last but not least, we must discuss the bait used for fishing treasures."
"The most common baits are several types of spirit worms beloved by spiritual fish and water beasts. Certain heavenly materials and earthly treasures also possess a strong allure for certain water demons and monsters.
"Finally, there are strict requirements for cultivators who wish to fish here."
"The area along the Thousand Treasures Spirit River is not exactly safe. When pulling treasures out of the river, one often needs a robust physical body to withstand prolonged encounters with high-level spiritual fish and water beasts."
"After reeling them in, one must possess sufficient strength to subdue and suppress them. Failing to do so due to inadequate strength would only invite ridicule."
Shi Zichen nodded, emphasizing his point.
"Of course, a cultivator's soul must also be strong. While fishing, there are peculiar existences within the True River that can influence and bewitch the fisher. If one's spiritual sense is ordinary and their willpower is weak, it's easy to fall under the river's influence and be drawn into its depths, never to return."
The middle-aged cultivator offered this advice earnestly to Lu Chen.
"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Shi. Lu will keep it in mind," Lu Chen expressed his gratitude sincerely.
Although Shi Zichen had only shared basic common sense about fishing in the Thousand Treasures Spirit River and had not delved into specific details about the treasures that could be caught, his insights were immensely helpful to Lu Chen, who was new to this place, and would save him from making many potential mistakes.
"Speaking of which, if I were to cultivate high-level spirit bamboo and forge it into superior fishing rods, then bring them here to sell to these fishermen, I wonder if they would fetch a sky-high price," Lu Chen mused to himself.
"Fishing for treasures may seem simple, but there are many intricacies involved. If you're interested, Brother Lu, you should explore it further," the middle-aged cultivator said casually.
"I won't hide it from you, Brother Shi. I am indeed intrigued by this interesting way of obtaining treasures, and I would like to give it a try," Lu Chen replied, his enthusiasm evident.
"Go for it. Compared to exploring secret realms, fishing for treasures in the Thousand Treasures Spirit River is relatively safer," the middle-aged cultivator said.
"There's just one thing. When it comes to fishing for desirable treasures, there are simply too many factors to consider. If even one of them is lacking, it becomes extremely difficult to make a catch," he added.
"It's not uncommon to go decades without fishing a single satisfying treasure," he continued.
"But remember, don't get too obsessed and neglect your cultivation."
"As for me, I came here to fish because I had no hope of advancing to the Nascent Soul stage. I'm hoping to find a glimmer of hope in this mysterious Thousand Treasures Spirit River," Shi Zichen said in a low voice.
"Don't worry, Brother Shi. I won't neglect my cultivation because of this," Lu Chen quickly assured him. With the light orb, it made little difference whether he cultivated or not, so he might as well enjoy the pleasure of fishing for treasures.
"Looks like I've found a nice pastime for my stay in the Imperfect Caverns," he thought to himself.
Initially, Lu Chen had assumed that his prolonged isolation in the Imperfect Caverns would be lonely, but now, with the presence of the Thousand Treasures Spirit River and the numerous fishermen along its banks, he felt a renewed sense of anticipation.
"Brother Shi, where can I buy fishing rods, bait, and other necessary items? Your stories have piqued my interest, and I'm eager to give it a try," Lu Chen said with a smile.
"If you travel downstream from here for eight hundred li, you'll find a small shop that sells a variety of fishing-related treasures. They offer several types of fishing rods and bait for cultivators like yourself to choose from," the middle-aged cultivator explained.
"The shop may be small, but the owner is no ordinary person. He's been running that shop for many years and possesses the cultivation base of the Nascent Soul stage. People call him the 'Fish Shop Owner'," he continued.
"The Fish Shop Owner has a rather eccentric and reclusive personality, but he's not bad to us fishermen. Don't take it to heart, Brother Lu," he added.
"Alright, once I've purchased my fishing gear, I'll come back to find you, Brother Shi," Lu Chen said.
"Sure, that will help pass the time," Shi Zichen nodded in agreement.
(End of Chapter)
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