Starry Sky Professional

【Age: 20】

【Occupation: Martial Artist】

【Fifth Realm: External View】

【Dragon-Tiger Stance: 100/800】

【Twelve Military Forms: 315/400】

【Ghost Blade: 356/400】

【Extreme Emotion Sword: 321/400】

【Dragon Elephant Technique: 1/800】

【Mighty Vajra Prana Power: 1/400】

【Chant of the Great Sun Tathagata: 50/200】

【Heavenly Mother's Twin Lotus Protector: 1/200】

【Dance of the Empty Steps: 157/200】

【Gate of the Heavens】

……

“This time, comprehending the Illustrations of All Spirits has been greatly beneficial...”

“But later, I became somewhat engrossed in the Scroll of the Tathagata Palm, so much so that I had to use the Chant of the Great Sun Tathagata... inadvertently increasing its proficiency by 30 points.”

In the dormitory.

Fang Xing sat cross-legged, examining his status panel, pondering the gains and losses.

Suddenly, his eyes narrowed.

He noticed that beneath the Chant of the Great Sun Tathagata, a new sub-section seemed to be forming, just like the ‘Heavenly Mother's Twin Lotus Protector’!

Vaguely, he received a piece of information, its name being ‘Divine Palm of the Great Sun Tathagata’!!

However, due to too little martial intent absorbed, it had not yet fully manifested.

The rune representing the ‘Divine Palm of the Great Sun Tathagata’ flickered briefly before settling into stillness.

“Damn it... I find that every time the ‘Chant of the Great Sun Tathagata’ gives me a surprise...”

Fang Xing was so frustrated he almost cursed aloud, unsure whether to be hopeful or dismissive.

However, after a moment, he calmed down.

“The Scroll of the Tathagata Palm is Blue Star University's martial arts secret... With my current mere External View strength, even if I could level up to master it, I do not have the power to wield it, like a pony trying to pull a cart... ultimately unsatisfying.”

“When I grow stronger in the future, the Illustrations of All Spirits will still be there. I can learn it any time... Why regret it?”

“Would I abandon my own path just for the sake of a supreme martial art?”

“Better to continue with what needs to be done...”

...

Time flows like water.

In the Purple Zither Immortal City.

Within a first-grade high-tier spiritual energy cave abode.

Fang Xing’s cultivator incarnation sat cross-legged, silently refining a medicinal pill.

Suddenly!

The spiritual energy within the cave swirled like mist, encircling him and being fully absorbed...

Crack!

A crisp sound echoed inside Fang Xing's body.

“I've reached the ninth level of Qi Refinement!”

Fang Xing stood up, feeling the significant increase in his mana within his dantian, a smile emerging on his face.

“I am truly a peerless genius...”

With a first-grade high-tier spiritual energy cave, numerous medicinal pills, his spiritual root talent, and a foundational technique, his cultivation progress was astonishingly rapid!

“The metallic attribute mana carries a sharpness, making breakthroughs slightly easier... Of course, my ability to jump directly from the peak of the eighth level to the ninth level of Qi Refinement is due to my talent.”

Generally, once a cultivator reaches the ninth level of Qi Refinement, they can begin preparing for Foundation Establishment.

Reaching the peak of Qi Refinement signifies excess mana accumulation, with no further bottlenecks.

If not fearing a high failure rate, one can forcibly channel mana at the ninth level of Qi Refinement to attempt Foundation Establishment.

For Fang Xing, this was especially so.

“I’m ninety percent certain of success in my Foundation Establishment, even without a Foundation Establishment Pill... The remaining ten percent risks include disruptions, technique flaws, or other anomalies...”

After all, those with Heavenly Spiritual Roots have minimal bottlenecks prior to Core Formation.

If one achieves consummate Foundation Establishment, they might succeed at Core Formation even without various rare resources.

“However, to be safe, I will still consume a Foundation Establishment Pill. While the slight boost to success rate is negligible, its main function is to protect a cultivator from severe injury during a failed Foundation Establishment attempt...”

In the cultivation realm of Zheng Country, Foundation Establishment Pills are considered divine treasures, opportunities of great path.

Apart from the three major sects regularly providing a limited amount to core disciples, acquiring other Foundation Establishment Pills is quite rare and unstable.

Family cultivations and minor sect cultivations in Zheng Country often rely on sheer determination or using alternative spiritual materials for Foundation Establishment.

“Every few years, Purple Zither Immortal City, the sanctuary for unaffiliated cultivators of Zheng Country, holds an auction for Foundation Establishment Pills... but considering its inconsistency, I lack the patience to wait for years?”

Fang Xing flicked his finger, sending a golden sword light that penetrated several inches into the stone wall.

This was a minor spell from the 'Transmute Gold Art' during the Qi Refinement stage, known as 'Gengjin Sword Qi'. After reaching the ninth level of Qi Refinement, Fang Xing had already mastered it. Now, golden sword lights danced between his fingers like golden snakes.

“The Immortal City Grand Auction usually holds a Foundation Establishment Pill auction every few years, but there is an auction for Foundation Establishment spiritual items every year...”

Foundation Establishment spiritual items also held a certain appeal to Fang Xing.

For example, the 'Vein Protection Pill', which could ensure survival even if one failed at Foundation Establishment, was something he definitely wouldn't want to miss if it became available.

Local cultivators liked to use various demonic energies to temper their bodies and mana... aiding in their Foundation Establishment.

For Fang Xing, this was a rare cosmic special essence!

“In the treasury, there's a special pill condensation method that allows the incorporation of cosmic special essences into the martial arts golden core during forging, enhancing the foundation of the golden core...”

“Of course, not just any essence can be used, it must be compatible...”

“The annual grand auction is not to be missed...”

“Lastly, to obtain Foundation Establishment Pills, I might only be able to resort to combined refining.”

In Purple Acacia Immortal City, there were tier-two alchemists capable of refining Foundation Establishment Pills.

Although Fang Xing trusted Su Ye more, it was clear that the latter could not return in the short term, so Fang Xing had to seek connections locally.

For a tier-two alchemist, refining Foundation Establishment Pills was a rare opportunity, and they would hardly refuse.

“If my alchemical skills weren't lacking, and my first attempt might very well fail, I wouldn't even have to ask for others’ help.”

Despite having the 'Myriad Transformation Cauldron' to assist him, Fang Xing's practice time had been too short, and he only had some confidence in producing tier-one high-grade pills. 'Some confidence' meant he could produce pills, even if they turned out to be inferior, and still salvage them through subsequent nurturing.

His true alchemical skill might only be around a tier-one mid-grade, far from the tier-two level needed for a Foundation Establishment Pill. If he attempted to open the cauldron, it would likely end in disaster with no chance of recovery.

“I have a tier-two demon core, the most critical main ingredient... Other auxiliary materials are surely stockpiled by small sects and families here, waiting for an opportunity. As long as I put the word out, someone will surely seek collaboration... and, I can choose first!”

In the case of a Foundation Establishment Pill, the tier-two demon core is the most precious, so according to alchemical customs, if there is only one genuine product, the cultivator contributing the highest value material gets to select first. Of course, they must also compensate the other collaborators with spirit stones.

To Fang Xing, even an inferior Foundation Establishment Pill didn't matter.

After all, with the Myriad Transformation Cauldron, he could neutralize the pill toxins.

“I might as well give it a try...”

Fang Xing had no fear of being deceived.

In this vast Purple Acacia Immortal City, the strongest was nonetheless the False Core Realman!

His true form was not only a master of Dragon Elephant Arts, with a physique comparable to a tier-two high-grade demon beast, but he also perfected the Great Vajra Prajna Divine Power, capable of unleashing eightfold combat strength!

In the cultivation world, even if there were eight late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, they might dare to jointly attack the False Core Realman.

Let alone that an eightfold increase in combat power is not as simple as adding up the strengths of eight cultivators; it is an exponential explosion in strength!

If the False Core Realman were careless, he might even be beaten to death!

'If they cheat me, I'll make a move myself and even profit more... If Master Ziyuan ends up being protective of them, I'll just beat her and then head off to another Immortal City...'

Fang Xing quietly applauded his own cleverness.

...

The next day, Fang Xing stepped out and prepared a gift as he planned to visit an alchemist.

"In the Ziyuan Immortal City, there are three tier-two alchemists capable of refining Foundation Establishment Pills, all quite renowned... They are Huoxuanzi, the Ancestor of the Zhou family, and the Drifting Duckweed Rogue... All three are Foundation Establishment cultivators and famous alchemists."

"Among them, the Drifting Duckweed Rogue is a rogue cultivator, Huoxuanzi is affiliated with the City Lord's Mansion, and the Ancestor of the Zhou family is the leader of the Foundation Establishment family, the Zhou family..."

Logically, Huoxuanzi would be the choice.

However, being affiliated with the City Lord's Mansion makes him hard to hire and temperamental.

The Drifting Duckweed Rogue, being a rogue cultivator, is rumored to be easygoing, but Fang Xing couldn't see much merit in him. After all, he has no family or business, no ties to bind him, and if he turned evil, there'd be no way to limit him.

The last choice is the Ancestor of the Zhou family, who has many weak points, given the prominence of his large family.

"So, I'll go with the Zhou family Ancestor..."

The Zhou family possesses a tier-two spiritual land, the 'Zi Qing Pool', as their family domain. However, the Zhou family Ancestor has a residence in Ziyuan Immortal City dedicated to various alchemical commissions.

"Such patriarchs of Foundation Establishment families are often the product of entire clans' efforts. After achieving Foundation Establishment, they must shoulder their clan's burdens. Should they perish, the Immortal Clan would decline... It's quite exhausting, and their cultivation progress usually stalls. The Zhou family Ancestor had great talent, but after reaching Foundation Establishment, no further breakthroughs were rumored..."

Fang Xing arrived at the Zhou residence and knocked on the door.

"Who might the guest be?"

A maid at the early Qi Refinement stage opened the door. Seeing Fang Xing, she wasn't surprised and asked routinely.

"My name is Fang. I'm here to request alchemy from the Zhou family Ancestor."

Fang Xing smiled lightly, his late Qi Refinement aura apparent, a notable figure even in Ziyuan Immortal City.

"Please leave a name card. Our Ancestor is currently working on other pills. Once you're scheduled, we will notify you following your card."

The maid seemed well-trained, responding systematically.

"Oh?"

Fang Xing chuckled, took out a gold-embossed card: "Inside is the pill I wish to refine and the prepared materials. Go inform your Ancestor."

"Yes!"

The maid immediately took the card, bowed, and left.

She entered the inner house, passed through a formation, and reached an underground fire chamber.

Here, the floor was laid with warm, crimson jade, and the surrounding temperature rose.

At the center of the fire chamber was a crimson pill furnace, and an old man, with white hair and beard but tight, smooth skin without a wrinkle, was calmly observing the furnace's flame.

“Xiner... what is it?”

The Zhou family's ancestor, holding a spirit fan, asked calmly.

“At the gate, there's a late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator seeking alchemy.” Zhou Xin quickly bowed and handed over a gilded name card.

“Late-stage Qi Refinement... well, notify him when this old man has time. This batch of 'Returning Breath Pills' is a tier two... you should observe closely. Among the Zhou family, only you might comprehend some of my alchemy skills.”

The Zhou family ancestor looked at Zhou Xin with a sigh.

Despite being separated by countless generations, this granddaughter had some alchemy talent, albeit not much.

Yet, among the short ones, she was the tallest; so, she had to be chosen.

The reason was simple. Disciples could be chosen based on excellent spiritual roots and remarkable comprehension.

But when a son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter had poor aptitude, they couldn't be tossed aside.

This was the disadvantage of a family of cultivators, unable to ensure every generation produced geniuses, whereas sects could select the best from a broad pool.

Thus, in this barren land, sects always occupied the mainstream, and cultivator families served only as supplements.

The Zhou family ancestor glanced again at the fire under the cauldron, then leisurely opened the gilded name card, his expression suddenly changing: “This... Xin'er, hurry to the gate and invite this esteemed guest in, make sure to entertain them well... Once I've finished this batch of Returning Breath Pills, I'll meet him immediately.”

“Yes!”

Seeing this, Zhou Xin felt a twinge, realizing an extraordinary guest had arrived.

‘I wonder... is it because of their impressive status? Or is it the value of the pill they wish to refine? If it's the latter... then it's...’

She seemed to think of something, her eyes glinting.

Outside, Fang Xing waited a moment longer before the earlier maid came out, respectfully bringing him to the guest hall and offering spiritual tea and pastries, to which he smiled slightly.

“The tea is nice... it has a unique flavor, and the pastries are alright.”

He sipped the tea and sampled the pastries, occasionally commenting.

Seeing this, Zhou Xin felt her earlier guess might be right; this young man's identity was likely uncommon.

After all, this was a Foundation Establishment's residence, and none of the ordinary Qi Refinement cultivators who visited were ever so relaxed.

Her demeanor was even softer as she softly spoke: “For the guest's information, this tea is tier two, 'Cloud Mist Mountain Tea,' from Cloud Mist Estate; only a few pounds are produced each year... Even my ancestor drinks just one or two pots occasionally. The 'Fish Paste Cake' is a Zhou family specialty, made from spiritual fish from our Azure Lake mixed with spiritual rice... Our Azure Lake is somewhat famous in Zheng Country, producing an 'Azure Carp,' a small dragon species. The fish king bears a trace of flood dragon blood, and every harvest is pre-ordered by the Beast Sect...”

Zhou Xin spoke with pride, but Fang Xing, hearing it, felt Zheng Country's cultivation world was indeed pitiful, with all the good resources divided by the three great sects.

For cultivators, time was the least valued commodity.

Fang Xing waited a day before seeing a portly old man with a childlike face and white hair enter the guest hall with a fan, smiling: “Old Zhou Yuantong, at your service!”

“Fang Xing, greetings to the senior.”

Fang Xing stood up and bowed slightly.

This attitude, neither servile nor overbearing, made Zhou Yuantong unsure. There seemed to be no Fang family cultivator clan in Zheng Country.

Within the grand halls of the three major sects, it seemed there wasn't any remarkable disciple by the surname of Fang...

He promptly sat down with a cheerful grin, choosing not to discuss alchemy at first. Instead, he engaged in casual conversation, aiming to delve into Fang Xing's background.

Fang Xing responded with a skillful evasion, weaving words that were as obscure as clouds enveloping mountains, leaving Zhou Yuantong frustrated and more confused than ever...

(End of Chapter)