Starry Sky Professional

The airship docking area buzzed with activity.

Another large-bellied airship wobbled down from the distant sky, landing unsteadily.

Once the airship finally steadied, its door clanged open, spilling out a throng of cultivators who walked shoulder to shoulder.

Some bore expressions full of anticipation for the future, while others couldn't hide their worry.

Next to them, a different airship had finished its inspections and was poised for departure, its hold being filled with cargo and a few weary passengers.

This scene provided a stark contrast.

“Quite interesting, actually.”

Fang Xing's cultivation avatar, clad in a silver robe, was queued up to board the airship.

He was, naturally, the nephew his true self had mentioned.

Though Su Ye had some unfinished thoughts about Fang Yun, she deemed someone at Fang Xing's Qi Refining level unworthy of plotting against and readily provided him with a boarding document and token.

Thus, he approached the boarding.

This avatar, even if confronted by a Foundation Establishment cultivator, would be mistaken for a mere Qi Refinement novice without the slightest flaw.

“Halt! Are you boarding?”

At the entrance, two disciples of the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect stopped Fang Xing: “Where's your ticket and token?”

The disciples appeared to be in their thirties or forties, with sharp, robust faces.

One of them held a spirit hound on a leash, while the other cradled a mouse-like creature whose eyes emitted a glow nearly an inch long — a treasure-seeking rat!

The Ten Thousand Beasts Sect was renowned for beast mastery, naturally leading many of its disciples to excel in this art.

“Here's my ticket and token.”

Fang Xing retrieved a wooden ticket and a sealed letter from his backpack.

The wooden ticket seemed crude, yet it had cost a mid-grade spirit stone, more expensive than before!

What the letter contained was irrelevant; what mattered was the Foundation Establishment's power seal on it!

“Hmm? Your guarantor is that Foundation Establishment elder from the Green Profound Sect?”

The sect disciple with the spirit hound seemed surprised, glancing at his companion: “Brother Lian?”

“Ahahaha, no offense, fellow Daoist. Though our three sects are allied, we must follow protocol…”

Brother Lian patted his treasure-seeking rat, allowing it to sniff Fang Xing's backpack.

Witnessing this, Fang Xing remained unfazed outwardly, secretly counting his luck.

He had anticipated the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect's airship wouldn't be so straightforward, likely having some security checks.

Since the sect had deployed its Foundation Establishment for treasure retrieval, they would naturally guard against any pilfering.

Thus, he had already stashed the Myriad Transformation Cauldron, second-tier demon cores, and other valuables in his bronze ring, while moving large quantities of processed herbs and his other two storage bags onto his true self.

Fang Xing stood there, practically stripped clean, save for a hundred or so spirit stones and a few first-tier magical artifacts. If the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect wanted to kill him for these pitiful belongings, then he had nothing more to say. Once he gained power, he might as well eradicate the sect entirely.

‘Speaking of which… my initial transmigration used the place of crossing as a beacon… Now, it’s my incognito immortal self serving as the anchor…’

‘So, once my incognito self reaches the Familiar Wilderness, my true self can come directly… The coordinates for future crossings will be set there.’

‘It’s a pity I can’t leave a crossing anchor here; it would have made things much easier…’

While Fang Xing was lost in thought, the Treasure-Seeking Mouse had already sniffed him from head to toe and found nothing unusual.

“Alright, fellow traveler, please board the ship. Your room is on the second floor, Room B-3…” Senior Brother Lian gestured cordially with a smile.

“Your spiritual pet is truly mysterious… The Ten Thousand Beasts Sect's mastery over beast-taming is indeed captivating,” Fang Xing commented, intrigued by a resemblance to star-era beast-tamers, which piqued his curiosity.

“Haha, the journey is long; we fellow cultivators could gather for a chat, taste tea, discuss the Way, or even hold a small trading session,” Senior Brother Lian suggested warmly.

Once inside the cabin, Fang Xing calmed down.

“Senior Brother?”

Beside him, the junior holding a spiritual hound whispered, “He doesn’t seem to be wearing a disguise or concealing his cultivation… Otherwise, this ‘Mountain-Seeking Dog’ would have detected it. It was specially given by Elder Lian, and unless a Core Formation expert interferes, nothing can hide from it.”

“Bereft of treasures and with no higher-tier artifacts; he seems too clean. It’s odd… Who comes to risk it all at Green Forest Market without bringing anything?” Senior Brother Lian suddenly inquired, “Did you notice his cultivation level?”

“Woof woof woof!”

Before the junior could answer, the Mountain-Seeking Dog barked thrice.

“So he’s at the seventh level of Qi Refinement. Surprising how someone so young is already a late-stage Qi Refinement expert,” the junior remarked with admiration, “Once I complete this mission and return to the sect, I should be able to exchange for a small barrier-breaking pellet to breakthrough to late Qi Refinement myself.”

“He seems quite youthful, not like someone who’s used any age-preserving elixirs… Who knows, he might just be a treasure himself!” Senior Brother Lian mused, stroking his chin.

“Well… There are numerous ways to maintain youth in the cultivation world, some techniques naturally include anti-aging effects, and there are secret arts as well… Isn’t that assumption too rash?” The junior hesitated. “Besides… if he were truly a prodigy, the Foundation Establishment elders of the Azure Profound Sect would have taken notice long ago; how can we compete?”

“Hmph, the Azure Profound Sect was once formidable, but they’ve been in decline since their Core Formation expert died,” Senior Brother Lian sneered. “This is merely a speculation; during the journey, we can exchange thoughts and assess the other fat lambs…”

“Everything is as you say, Senior Brother,” said the junior helplessly, for how could he refuse someone of the Lian surname?

Not only was ‘Lian Fengqi,’ the late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator overseeing Green Forest Market, his direct uncle, but this bloodline was also related to the sect’s Core Formation ancestor. Naturally, he could misbehave with impunity, and even if trouble arose, the Foundation Establishment elders escorting them would take his side.

Room No. 3.

The room wasn't large, barely covering ten square meters. Inside, a simple soundproof array was set up, rendering the space eerily quiet once the door was shut.

"Surprisingly, it's not too bad. Must be because there aren't many people traveling?"

Fang Xing, accustomed to overcrowded transport, found this unfamiliar and slightly unsettling.

After a short wait, a sensation of weightlessness enveloped the entire room.

He moved to the window, watching as the ship rapidly ascended, turning everything on the ground into minuscule specks of dust.

"We've departed."

After observing for a while, boredom set in, prompting him to return to his meditation and energy cultivation.

As for his original body?

It remained in the dormitory at Blue Star University, relentlessly exploring the Blood Boiling technique to gain experience in the Dragon Elephant Skill.

‘If I master this A-ranked martial art to the Grandmaster level... the defense it provides might rival a second-grade medium demon beast? Or even a second-grade high one?’

‘Probably not higher, since it's just A-ranked...’

‘And not to forget the S-ranked Great Vajra Prana Power, which also demands effort... once it's mastered too, I’m confident I could achieve the "Dragon Elephant Unbreakable Divine Ability" even in the External Manifestation stage!’

‘At that point, I would be truly invincible in the external world, wouldn’t I?’

...

Over ten days slipped by.

Fang Xing glanced at the map given by Han Qingyun: “Hmm, we’ve passed Black Wind Forest and Soul-Slay Gorge... one more stop through the Spiritless Desert, and we’ll reach the Familiar Wastes.”

During this time, his days were spent in meditation and cultivation, occasionally interrupted by Ten Thousand Beasts Sect disciples inviting him for discussions, introducing him to a few fellow cultivators.

Though seemingly harmless, their excessive friendliness raised a touch of suspicion in him.

‘If any issues arise, I’ll just delay for three seconds... and let my original body take care of them all…’

‘Anyway, once we reach here, it won’t take long for my main body to arrive after me...’

With that thought, he resumed meditative cultivation, continuing his serene waiting.

...

At the same moment.

On the topmost level of the flying boat.

A woman in red lay reclining on a large, three-tailed white fox. Her pale wrist adorned with three red jade rings, her bare feet decorated with pink-coated toenails.

Nearby, a Senior Brother Lian knelt along with his younger disciple brother, neither daring to raise their heads.

“You two have been running around, plotting these days... are you expecting the sect to clean up your mess? Hmm?”

A woman, appearing to be around thirty years old, stood with natural allure. A plum blossom mark adorned her forehead, her ample chest standing proudly, and her slender waist revealing an enticing charm in every movement.

A junior brother internally lamented: 'Why has the sect suddenly replaced our escort? Wasn't it supposed to be Elder Jin? Why has it become her...?'

This woman is renowned as a prodigy with earth-grade spiritual roots, who has tamed a three-tailed spirit fox with exceptional bloodline, being highly valued by the sect's patriarch and seen as a prime candidate for core formation.

In terms of standing, she surpasses even Lian Fengqi.

"Uncle Master, with your permission... We only wish to perform another routine check for the sect."

Even as he spoke, Senior Brother Lian managed to maintain his composure, albeit with a slight tremor in his voice.

"Hehe... The variant treasure-seeking rat bestowed by my master can even sniff out treasures within storage bags. It has confirmed everything, yet you wish to test again... Are you suggesting you're more capable than a rat?"

The woman chuckled, a scornful remark escaping her lips, yet it carried a playful teasing in its tone.

"Our sect now aims to subdue the Black Heaven Monastery and the Azure Profound Sect, asserting dominance over Zheng State... This is the time to showcase our credibility, so put aside your doubts. Understand?"

"Yes, yes!"

The two disciples nodded quickly, bowing as they retreated from the cabin.

Inwardly, the junior brother couldn't help blaming Senior Brother Lian for his petty scheming, implicating him in the process...

...

"The Familiar Wastes have been sufficiently cultivated, thus relocating numerous mortals to form several nations, laying the foundation for the cultivation world... After all, spiritual root qualifications are rare, so we still need to seek them among mortals..."

On this day, Fang Xing was holding an ancient text, quietly reading.

The book introduced the features of the Familiar Wastes, acquired by Fang Xing at an exchange meeting for a piece of low-grade spirit stone.

"The lands of the Azure Profound Sect, Black Heaven Monastery, and Myriad Beasts Sect are situated in Zheng State... Numerous small sects and cultivation families are interspersed between..."

"To the east of Zheng State lies a large nation called 'Qi', ruled by the 'Heaven Sword Sect', rumored to be under the charge of a Yuan Yin True Monarch..."

"To the north of Zheng State, there lies a frigid glacier with many nomadic tribes... To the south are numerous small nations where sects abound, mutually warring, chaotic and unruly... Collectively known as the 'Five Sects, Ten Nations' region."

"Further south of the Five Sects, Ten Nations lies the demonic realm..."

"Between these many nations, there are immortal cities established by solitary cultivators, serving as trading grounds and places for which many solitary cultivators yearn..."

...

After reading for a while, Fang Xing grew somewhat impatient.

"Why haven't those two taken action yet?"

"We're nearing our destination... Should I just abruptly leave the flying ship? What reason would I give?"

While he could leave without a word, this would leave Su Ye in a bind.

Frankly, it wouldn’t be difficult to abandon Su Ye, but since she has conducted fair trade faithfully, leaving when nothing has happened feels wrong.

It makes him seem guilty.

He stepped outside, walking to the deck to take in the view.

Endless yellow sands spread as far as the eye can see, seemingly never-ending in their vastness.

“The journey has been rather stable, thanks to the safe path carved out by several generations before us, avoiding numerous dangers,” Fang Xing commented while admiring the view. Suddenly, a voice resonated:

“Everyone!”

“In three hours, the flying ship will reach 'Green Leaf Square.' After a short rest, we will head directly to the entrance of the Myriad Beasts Sect. Those who are not part of our sect may disembark at the market.”

The voice was smooth, clear, yet carried a hint of allure.

“It's someone from the Myriad Beasts Sect... We're finally almost there,” several Qi Refinement cultivators on the deck exclaimed with joy. Fang Xing listened, slightly surprised.

Green Leaf Square was merely a small marketplace, its name exuding the distinctive style of the Qingxuan Sect. It was established near the State of Zheng by a family affiliated with the Qingxuan Sect.

Three hours later, the flying ship carrying Fang Xing soared over the vast yellow sands, then passed over villages and cities of ordinary people, finally arriving at the marketplace.

Clang!

The door of the ship opened, and several Qi Refinement cultivators emerged. Fang Xing blended in with them, briefly turning back to see a woman in red standing on the deck, watching them leave.

“Such an enchanting fairy...”

He admired inwardly, as the nearby cultivators seemed entranced.

At a distance, a cultivator suddenly exclaimed, "It's Fairy Linghu, Shi Wanwan... What great fortune for our Green Leaf Market to attract such a presence!"

“Fairy Linghu?”

Fang Xing overheard and learned that Shi Wanwan was a genius with exceptionally high spiritual aptitude, a Jindan seed of the Myriad Beasts Sect.

'Wealthy and talented... Surely she wouldn't care about us mere Qi Refinement amateurs... No wonder the journey has been peaceful.'

He cupped his hands towards the deck, then vanished quickly into the crowd at the marketplace.

“An interesting young man...”

Shi Wanwan didn't dwell on it, ordering the ship to depart immediately.

Fang Xing looked up, watching the ship disappear into a tiny speck, before entering a teahouse to sip tea and gather news about the cultivation world of the State of Zheng.

“Welcome, esteemed guest...”

As he entered the teahouse, a waiter approached, beaming with hospitality.

“Bring me a pot of spiritual tea!”

Fang Xing casually tossed out a low-grade spirit stone, instantly lighting up the eyes of the waiter. "The 'Snow Blossom' from this establishment is the finest spiritual tea within a hundred miles," the waiter announced enthusiastically. "Regular consumption nourishes the body and sharpens the vision..."

130. The 130th Chapter: Ziyuan Immortal City

“In the state of Zheng, the Azure Profound Sect barely holds its ground, relying on a pseudo-core cultivator and the sect's grand formation…”

“The Black Heaven Temple's overseer is only at the peak of Foundation Establishment and has completely sided with the Myriad Beasts Sect…”

“With the allegiance of both factions, the Myriad Beasts Sect is now the dominator of Zheng…”

In the teahouse, Fang Xing sipped his tea as he contemplated the information he had gathered.

‘The Myriad Beasts Sect probably wanted to annihilate the two sects, but due to heavy losses and other concerns, they ultimately only accepted submission, leading to the current situation…’

‘For now, Zheng remains stable, with no major cultivation wars breaking out, providing a chance to tour the land…’

‘If chaos erupts, I'll have to head to Qi State... After all, Sky Sword Sect is a righteous sect, and rumors say they have a Nascent Soul cultivator in command; the cultivation resources should be plentiful…’

After leaving the teahouse, Fang Xing visited several shops selling magical tools, elixirs, and books, buying a few bestiaries before wandering out of the market town.

After walking a few miles, he sighed and said, "Come out!"

Silence enveloped the surroundings, with no response.

Fang Xing sighed again, "You've all ruined the positive impression of the cultivation world I managed to build, however briefly, thanks to Shi Wanwan…"

Thinking back, despite the main universe being entangled in wars, life was, in some ways, less burdensome—there was no fear of being killed just by stepping outside, nor was there worry of being robbed on a carriage. Without the threat of evil gods' minions, it was indeed a paradise compared to the cultivation world…

“If I turn dark someday, you'll all be primarily to blame.”

Sighing, Fang Xing pinched a hand seal, summoning a black iron shield from his bosom that transformed into a pitch-black light shield, guarding him closely.

“That rambling kid actually detected us!”

Nearby, the air wavered, revealing several bandit cultivators.

Among them were two mid-stage Qi Condensation, one late-stage, and another at the boundless peak of Qi Condensation!

No sooner had they appeared than the four glimmered with multicolored auras—some were shielded by golden light from Vajra Talismans, others used magical artifacts for protection.

A mid-stage Qi Condensation female cultivator immediately cast a pink pearl, chanting an incantation. The pearl emitted pink mist, intending to envelop an area hundreds of meters wide.

Seeing this, the late-stage Qi Condensation practitioner flashed a cunning light in his eyes. Silently deploying a tiny earthen needle, he let it fly close to the ground under the cover of fog, ready for a sneak attack.

This technique had claimed the lives of countless cultivators when they operated as bandits.

But in the next moment!

A flash of golden light struck, shattering the earth-toned flying needle which fell to the ground.

Sword light burst forth with ferocity, like a charging bull.

“Ah!”

The female cultivator who cast the pink treasure orb let out a scream. Her Vajra Talisman shattered with a bang, and a single flying sword pierced through her heart, killing her instantly.

“It’s not just a superior-grade flying sword! A sword cultivator as well?”

An elder at the peak of Qi Refinement exclaimed. Only true sword cultivators could wield sword lights so sharp, breaking the Vajra Talisman and killing a cultivator in one strike.

In truth, Fang Xing was not a sword cultivator, but his affinity with metal elemental spiritual energy was incredibly strong. His mana itself was imbued with sharpness, giving the illusion of a sword cultivator.

He regretted coming here, knowing now the person was a battle immortal might have dissuaded him. But for building a foundation, he had no choice but to gather spirit stones diligently.

An elder at the peak of Qi Refinement summoned a small drum into his hand and struck it forcefully.

Boom! Boom!

The drum's dull thuds made the flying sword quiver slightly.

“Good!”

Upon witnessing this, the remaining Qi Refinement late-stage and mid-stage cultivators brightened their eyes, each wielding a magic weapon to charge at Fang Xing after the mist cleared.

Fang Xing, seeing this, merely sneered.

Suddenly, another young man appeared before him.

The youth stretched out his hand, catching and breaking the two sword-like magic weapons in a shower of sparks.

“Is this a magic weapon?”

Fang Xing’s true form sneered, snapping the weapons into pieces with his hands.

“Ah… a foundation stage body cultivator?”

“I failed to recognize a true expert, forgive me, senior…”

The Qi Refinement mid-stage cultivator’s face crumbled, dropping to his knees.

The elder cultivators at the late and peak stages of Qi Refinement kept silent, turning to flee immediately.

“Hmph!”

Fang Xing let out a cold snort, refraining from throwing a punch. Instead, his formidable martial will seemed to transform into roaring dragons and tigers, sweeping outward.

The mid-stage Qi Refinement cultivator kneeling on the ground shrieked, dying in fright, his courage shattered!

The other two Qi Refinement cultivators were momentarily stunned, and by the time they regained their senses, Fang Xing was already before them, pointing a finger.

That single finger, pure as jade and light as a feather, pierced through the defensive artifact shield on the late-stage cultivator’s body, striking his brow.

The late-stage cultivator’s skull burst immediately, his corpse falling backward.

“Yun’er...”

Rage and horror filled the eyes of the elder cultivator at the peak of Qi Refinement.

He had encountered Foundation Establishment cultivators before and had witnessed second-order body practitioners in action.

But this person seemingly wasn’t just at the initial Foundation Establishment stage; with just a few casual moves, he had eliminated two of their members!

‘Could it be... is Heaven destined to end me?’

The elder’s liver and gall trembled in fear, and then Fang Xing seized him by the head, driving it into his chest...

Fang Xing himself stood motionless, tossing two storage bags over.

“Finally, we've arrived at this desolate land; where should we go next?”

Fang Xing glanced toward a direction, where the mountain gate of Qingxuan Sect lay.

If Meng Zijin could successfully join Qingxuan Sect, Shen Yuxin should also be there.

Perhaps, Ding Bushan and Ding Hongxiu, that grandfather-granddaughter pair, might be there too.

‘Everything has passed...’

‘They're merely acquaintances; if fate allows, we shall meet again. Otherwise... it is what it is.’

‘With my current talent, I can definitely join a celestial sect... but what comes after, I must still consider.’

‘Perhaps I can do as Su Ye did, join after establishing my foundation? Although the benefits won’t match those of a core disciple, there won't be any tests for secrets like spirit roots...’

Fang Xing shook his head, his domain power manifesting as he ascended into the air, taking his cultivation clone alongside him. "Since we're here, I might as well take you to the largest market in Zheng State first."

With the domain power showcasing, combined with the art of sky dancing, he became like a stream of light, heading straight towards the heart of Zheng State.

Along the way, mortals knelt in worship, as if a deity had descended.

Even cultivators, seeing Fang Xing levitating with his physical body, recognized him as a Foundation Establishment cultivator and dared not provoke him in the slightest.

...

Ziyuan Immortal City.

This city of rogue cultivators lies at the core of Zheng State, at the intersection of the Qingxuan Sect, Black Sky Temple, and the Myriad Beasts Sect.

Its city lord, 'Master Ziyuan', is a legendary rogue cultivator known for having exceptional spiritual roots. Mysteriously, he did not join any immortal sects initially and opted for the path of a rogue cultivator.

After achieving Foundation Establishment, he gradually rose to fame, once having promising prospects to become the first rogue Nascent Soul cultivator in Zheng State.

But somehow, he fell victim to a treacherous plot and injured his origin, eventually having no choice but to form a false core at the age of around 150, taking on the title 'Ziyuan', and seizing this spiritual vein to establish 'Ziyuan Immortal City'.

A century has passed since then.

As the sacred place for rogue cultivators in Zheng State, Ziyuan Immortal City not only possesses a third-grade spiritual vein but also offers Foundation Establishment second-grade spiritual vein abodes for outsiders.

In addition, within Ziyuan City, there are several second-grade alchemists who can undertake the task of refining Foundation Establishment pills.

Over the past hundred years, nearly every decade a rogue cultivator has succeeded in the Foundation Establishment in this Immortal City.

When Fang Xing arrived, he saw a mountain city nestled in a hollow, with its terrain undulating and mist enveloping all around.

"Judging by the size, it's just a larger town... calling it an Immortal City seems a bit of a stretch."

"Typically, a true Immortal City should at least have a Nascent Soul cultivator in residence, right?"

"But without a tiger in the mountains, the monkey reigns as king, I suppose."

Fang Xing descended from mid-air, wearing a conical hat to conceal his appearance, and proceeded with his cultivation clone alongside him.

"Nowadays, Zheng State is almost unified by the Myriad Beasts Sect... it doesn't seem like Ziyuan Immortal City's future looks too promising... If it proves unstable here, our only option may be to head to Qi State."

At the entrance of Ziyuan Immortal City, law enforcement cultivators donned in magical armor stood guard.

Upon seeing Fang Xing and his companion, one guard immediately declared, “A single spirit sand as entry fee per person!”

Another cultivator with a testing device eyed Fang Xing with disdain, “Even martial artists must pay!”

In their perspective, he seemed merely a Qi refinement cultivator accompanied by his martial artist servant.

While innate martial artists could wield power and influence in the mundane world, in the cultivation world, they were much less significant.

Tricked by Qi refinement cultivators into being servants was a common fate for them.

Fang Xing chose not to argue, knowing that in the cultivation realm, a cultivator's presence was far more effective than any martial artist's.

He followed the local customs and had his cultivation avatar pay the two spirit sands required for entry, only then stepping into the expansive Ziyuan Immortal City.

Compared to Qinglin Market, Ziyuan was considerably larger, with most passersby being cultivators and very few martial artists.

Fang Xing rented a dwelling first, choosing a modest yet adequate first-tier high-grade option.

In doing so, he gained a dwelling token, which allowed him to shelter up to three people, permitting them to reside in Ziyuan Immortal City until the lease expired.

Next, he wandered the city, first visiting bookstores to purchase various guides and materials concerning spiritual phenomena.

Afterwards, he visited pill shops to inquire about body-strengthening elixirs.

Being exceptional, Ziyuan Immortal City indeed provided elixirs suited for second-tier body cultivation.

Fang Xing bought a little of everything, planning to later use the ‘Myriad Transformation Cauldron’ to eliminate any pill toxins before testing them each.

…

At Blue Star University, in a dormitory, Fang Xing sat cross-legged with several jade bottles before him.

“Ziyuan Immortal City deserves its reputation as a haven for rogue cultivators; even second-tier body cultivation pills are available…”

“Among these, the ‘Tiger Demon's Body Refinement Pill’ is quite similar to the ‘Boiling Blood Solution’, while the other two are inferior…”

“But this last one…”

He picked up a jade bottle, from which trickled drops of thick emerald liquid.

“Bodhi Nectar… modeled by alchemists after the legendary Nine-Eyed Bodhi; though its effect pales in comparison to the true Nine-Eyed Bodhi...”

"However, it proves effective for cultivating the Vajra Bodhi Divine Strength..."

131. Chapter 131: Injured Again

“Thus have I heard...”

Fang Xing consumed a drop of Bodhi Dew, and his entire being seemed to enter a state of enlightenment and meditation.

In this state, his practice of the 'Vajra Bodhi Divine Strength' was several times more efficient than before!

Golden lines of the Dragon Elephant Art appeared around him, as if he were draped in a golden-threaded jade robe.

“Indeed, there's a strong connection between the Dragon Elephant Art and the Vajra Bodhi Divine Strength... Practicing both martial arts together truly assists significantly...”

An hour later, Fang Xing stood up, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and cast a glance at his status panel:

【Dragon Elephant Art: 359/400】

【Vajra Bodhi Divine Strength: 55/200】

“Once these two martial arts approaches near perfection, I can further comprehend the 'Universal Records of All Spirits'... According to Teacher Pan Xiong, when martial arts hit a bottleneck, understanding the Universal Records often results in miraculous breakthroughs...”

“It seems the indestructible Vajra Divine Power is not far off.”

Fang Xing felt a sense of relief and glanced again at the age displayed on his status panel: “20 years old already... Last year when I turned 19, Xia Long was with me for my birthday... Has he really been at the secret realm battlefield for a whole year?”

Even he had to admit, university was the easiest time for ordinary students to access top-tier resources.

Once the opportunity passed, after graduation, one would have to risk their life and might not even succeed in obtaining them.

Many items in the treasury, even someone as resourceful as Yin Huan truly covets.

"From the records of Immortal Realm artifacts bought, that Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiend energy... corresponds to unique cosmic qi here."

"Although one can form a Golden Core without this unique cosmic qi, integrating it during Golden Core formation can significantly strengthen the martial foundation!"

"In martial arts, foundation is paramount... The strength of the Golden Core also crucially affects the rotation numbers in the Vajra Stage!"

"Therefore, those Gang Sha energies must be collected as much as possible..."

"Apart from that, resort to top-tier healing methods, elixirs..."

At the moment Fang Xing was lost in thought, a communication came through.

"Is this Fang Xing? It's Lu Guangming!"

"Principal Lu?"

Fang Xing was surprised: "Aren't you on Starlet Eagle?"

"I've reached Blue Star on a temporary business trip, and there's something urgent..."

Lu Guangming gave a wry smile: "It's best if you come as well, to the 'Newly Established Third Hospital in the Central District'..."

A sense of foreboding welled up in Fang Xing: "I'm on my way."

...

At the Newly Established Third Hospital in the Central District.

Outside a treatment room.

Fang Xing and Lu Guangming stood side by side, peering through the glass at Xia Long, who was wearing an oxygen mask.

Or rather... half of Xia Long.

Currently, he was immersed in nutrient fluid, his damaged organs rapidly regenerating, and his limbs growing back...

Half an hour passed.

Xia Long opened his eyes, took the clothes handed to him by a nurse, and walked out of the treatment pod.

"Hmm?"

Fang Xing frowned, clearly noticing something different.

"In terms of spirit... It's still not fully healed?"

If the Xia Long who previously drank and feasted with him was a being of spiritual completion and vitality, then this Xia Long resembled his former state during training, exuding a sort of mental fatigue...

This was a very subtle impression.

“How should I put it... Fang Xing realizes that he’s not a match for Xia Long, who once celebrated his birthday with him. But the Xia Long of now, he surely can defeat!”

“It's not that he wasn't healed, it's that he got injured again...”

Lu Guangming let out a bitter laugh. “Xia Long has had bad luck. He harbors a knot in his heart and once again encountered the 'Eye of the Moon'. Without hesitation, he joined the battle, thinking it foolproof; yet, unexpectedly, this 'Eye of the Moon' was a mutant version—a 'Moon Emperor', an upper-rank kin... Even I would have to flee if I came across it...”

"Xia Long may have been unlucky, but his fate was favorable... he encountered emergency support from the Federation. Although severely injured, he was eventually saved. However, he was afflicted with the 'psychic fatigue' from the 'Moon Emperor'. Without a 'Source Sea-level' therapeutic chamber, he would have languished for many years...”

Fang Xing was at a loss for words.

Perhaps Xia Long is just fated to clash with the Moon God’s followers?

“A Source Sea-level therapeutic chamber?”

Of course, Fang Xing knew how rare such an opportunity was. Yet, having seen one in the treasury, he remarked, “Just five academic credits can grant one session of healing. I can exchange for one on your behalf...”

He possessed resources from another cultivation realm and didn't particularly value the treasury’s resources.

After all, once he mastered the ‘Dragon Elephant Invincible Divine Art’, he could dominate the duel rankings and even team up with Hu Yan Qiushui to easily complete student council tasks, ensuring no shortage of academic credits.

In gratitude, he reflected that it was Xia Long who taught him the ‘Dragon Elephant Technique’, and he shouldn’t be stingy.

Lu Guangming’s face revealed a sliver of emotion.

Though he was a Martial Arts Gold Core, obtaining a Source Sea-level recuperation opportunity was challenging.

However, students of Blue Star University had priority privileges.

“I refuse! University resources are for university students only. This is a privilege our human civilization grants you... even as an advance, betting that you will one day ascend to higher realms and contribute significantly to the Blue Star Federation!”

He gave a self-deprecating smile. “Perhaps... I am not meant for the Gold Core, but you are different. You can surely achieve it, and even the Diamond Realm wouldn't be beyond you... If because of me, the Federation loses a future Martial Sage or Martial God, I would be but a sinner of the Federation!”

Fang Xing: “Teacher Xia Long... you should have been teaching moral philosophy.”

“Haha...” Xia Long let out an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his head. “At worst, I'll just go back to teaching, slowly accumulate, and there will be other opportunities... Old Lu, you wouldn’t refuse me, right?”

Lu Guangming smiled faintly: “Of course, I’d welcome Teacher Xia Long back to the faculty...”

“No hurry for now, isn’t there another way?”

Fang Xing inquired.

“Some of the top pharmacists can also create healing potions... but the cost is even higher than a 'Source Sea-level' healing chamber... After all, it can be carried on one's person, essentially an extra life during battle...”

Lu Guangming shook his head, "Alas, I'm just a graduate from a third-rate university, and it was only after many years that I barely managed to condense a Martial Core. Here on Blue Star, I truly lack connections. Otherwise, I could have found a high-level healer, and there might still be a chance..."

"Connections? Blue Star University should have a decent network. Wait for me..."

Fang Xing stepped out of the treatment room and went to a secluded balcony, taking out his communicator.

After a moment of thought, he called the only pharmacist he knew: "Hello? Is this Li Wei?"

"What's up?" Li Wei answered, already feeling a ghostly pain in his cheek.

"It's like this, do you know any healer or pharmacist who can treat level V psychic pollution injuries?" Fang Xing asked.

"I..." Li Wei was about to say they weren't that close, but feeling his cheek, he thought better of provoking Fang Xing: "This kind of injury is quite severe, yet not lethal, truly troublesome... among the people I know, my teacher 'Ling Xu' can definitely treat it..."

"Is your teacher available?"

"Certainly not, his schedule is packed daily, appointments are booked twenty years ahead, and even for our classes, he barely carves out some time... He warned us about this the very first class: no butting in line..." Li Wei admitted openly.

"So, what's the point of saying that then?" Fang Xing frowned.

"There is still someone else... but I'm unsure if it will work... you might want to think this over." Li Wei reiterated.

"Who?"

Intrigued, Fang Xing continued, "It’s better than having nothing."

"He's a senior of mine, once extremely formidable... Teacher Ling Xu even said he had the potential to surpass him, but later he encountered the whispers of an Outer Deity during a Secret Realm battle... his current state, it's hard to say." Li Wei explained, "We met during a student council mission, he's incredibly talented, but sometimes a bit unreliable... it's your decision."

"Then... let's meet him first." Fang Xing hesitated.

"Alright, but my senior is in a unique location, we’ll likely have to go see him." Li Wei stated.

"That's fine."

After setting the time and place, Fang Xing returned to the treatment room. "Teacher Xia Long, I've scheduled a meeting with a doctor... We can only discuss the situation in person, and there's no guarantee of a cure."

"An experienced healer confident in treatment?" Lu Guangming's eyes lit up. "I didn’t expect you, Xing, to have such connections... Blue Star University truly is a top-tier institution."

Establishing ties with a high-level healer like this could be a lifesaver at critical moments, even for someone like Lu Guangming who couldn't help but envy such connections.

"They can’t guarantee a cure anyway. Regardless... let's meet them first. Teacher Xia Long, I'll come to pick you up tomorrow, is that alright?"

"No problem."

Xia Long wasn’t willing to bring harm to Fang Xing. If there was a chance for healing, he was ready to try.

...

The next day.

Early in the morning, Fang Xing left with Xia Long and headed to the location Li Wei had set.

They were surrounded by lush mountains and clear waters, a tranquil forest with birds softly chirping, creating a truly soothing environment.

In front of them lay a large hospital, where harmonious interactions between doctors, nurses, and patients could be seen from time to time.

"Green Hill Psychiatric Hospital?!"

Seeing the hospital's sign, Xia Long couldn't help but feel a bit emotional. "Back when we battled Outer Deities, the Federation's warriors suffered batches of post-traumatic stress and psychic pollution, urgently needing treatment. Consequently, numerous sanatoriums and psychiatric hospitals were built... This must be one of the oldest, and to be located on Blue Star, the doctors here must be highly skilled..."

He inexplicably felt confident about the doctor they were about to meet.

"Fang Xing."

At this moment, Li Wei arrived, carrying a basket of fruit in his hands.

Xia Long, feeling somewhat embarrassed, said, "I neglected to bring a gift; that was our oversight."

"It's alright. Senior Xu doesn't care about such things... I promised to visit him often last time."

Li Wei waved it off.

Fang Xing, however, keenly caught a different tone. "Visit? Is your senior a physician here?"

"Who told you he was a doctor?"

Li Wei replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "Just because someone stays at a psychiatric hospital doesn’t mean they’re a doctor. He's a psychiatric patient here!"

Xia Long: "…"

(End of Chapter)