Chapter Ninety-Eight: This Comes at a Different Price

Longevity is something that nearly all cultivators in the immortal cultivation world strive for.

An eternal legend, boundless lifespan.

Yet even the most extraordinary geniuses rarely can guarantee they possess enough lifespan to break through their limitations, transcend their current realms, and successfully advance through Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, or even the higher Nascent Soul stages.

Therefore, many gifted cultivators choose to practice “Qi Refining” cultivation methods, aiming to reach the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refinement in the shortest possible time. They then focus all their efforts on Foundation Establishment, becoming powerful Foundation Establishment cultivators at a young age.

This is why, in the cultivation world, there are many young prodigies who establish their foundation in their teens or early twenties and become genuine powerful cultivators.

To these elite figures, Foundation Establishment marks the true beginning of cultivation; only then do they start to use the authentic sect techniques, practice the highest-level inheritances, rapidly enhance their strength, and make their names known throughout the immortal realm.

On the other hand,

the “Skill Method” is the path chosen by ordinary cultivators.

They need to cultivate spells, learn various artisan skills of cultivation, and earn a large amount of spirit stones to obtain sufficient resources to survive in this immortal world. Only then might they catch up to those prodigies and break through to Foundation Establishment before turning sixty...

“Qi Refining cultivation methods? That’s not something we need to worry about.

The resources required for such cultivation are vast—countless rare heavenly materials and treasures are needed to feed these geniuses so they can break through to the peak of the ninth layer of Qi Refinement within three to ten years.

Unless your sect elders are willing to invest large amounts of spirit stones in your training, you might as well give up on that hope.

Even the Bai family in Fengming Wharf City, gathering the strength of their entire clan, might not be able to support a single prodigy of this caliber.

As for the Skill Method,

most cultivators practice these kinds of techniques.

But even within the Skill Method, there are differences.

Some top cultivators have combined Qi Refining and Skill Methods to create techniques that balance both.

That’s why some techniques allow faster cultivation, while others progress relatively slower.

For example, Xiaoyue previously practiced the Water Spirit Technique, one of the most basic Skill Methods. Now she has switched to our Shuiyun Sect’s foundational technique, the Shuiyun Technique, which balances both Skill and Qi Refining methods.

Not only does it cultivate spells of the corresponding attribute with considerable power, but its cultivation speed is also far superior to what she had before.”

Shen Xinyue said this with a trace of satisfaction on her face.

“Senior Shen, is there a suitable technique for someone with my Five Elements spiritual root for cultivation adjustment?” Zhou Changwang immediately asked.

“What technique were you practicing before?”

“The Five Elements Technique!”

“This technique, like the Water Spirit Technique Xiaoyue practiced, is a basic method.

It takes a long time to cultivate, and the efficiency of spirit energy conversion is quite slow.

Considering you reached the fourth layer of Qi Refinement, you must have put in considerable effort.”

Shen Xinyue first acknowledged Zhou Changwang’s diligence, then continued:

“To be honest, cultivators with Five Elements spiritual roots are the majority in the cultivation world, but very few can reach Foundation Establishment using them.

The only ones I’ve heard of are Ye Qinglong, the Five-Communing Daoist who established Foundation a century ago, and Zhao Zhiheng, the Five Elements Hermit who did so seventy years ago.

As for those who reached the Golden Core stage, there’s only Yang Guang, the Guangyuan Elder famed three centuries ago.

Their cultivation methods were indeed not ordinary Five Elements techniques, but advanced methods combining Qi Refining and Skill Methods.

For instance, the Five-Communing Daoist practiced the Five Elements Primordial Unity Technique, which unites all five elements, imbuing spells with the power of the Five Elements, making them extremely powerful.

The Five Elements Hermit practiced the Five Elements True Thunder Technique, said to have been obtained in a secret realm. It harnesses the Five Elements’ power and converts it to lightning force. When using lightning spells or lightning-class artifacts, the power is further amplified.

As for Guangyuan Elder, his technique was self-created and called the Guangyuan Heart Technique. Unfortunately, he was a cultivator from the Heavenly River Domain, far away from us, so I’ve only heard of him but don’t know the specifics of his technique.”

After this explanation, Shen Xinyue sipped her Immortal’s Drunkenness wine and continued:

“These techniques would suit you well.

But acquiring them isn’t easy.

If you truly want them, I can use Shuiyun Pavilion to help you inquire.

Of course, if you’re impatient, you can ask around various shops, especially Liufang Pavilion. That merchant’s strength is quite formidable.

It’s backed by six major cultivation families, each having Golden Core-level experts guarding it.

Its foundation isn’t necessarily weaker than some sects.”

“Alright, I thank you in advance, senior.

I’ll also do some inquiries myself.

But I wonder, if I want to purchase such techniques, what price are we talking about?”

Zhou Changwang cupped his hands in thanks but hesitated slightly before asking.

“For just the Qi Refining part, it should be cheaper—several thousand lower-grade spirit stones would suffice.

If it includes the Foundation Establishment section... at least tens of thousands.

So the best approach is to join a sect.

Because once you’re in, there are dedicated masters teaching cultivation; exchanging techniques becomes simpler.

You can simply post a bounty-seeking notice, and many disciples will help find it.

Some techniques are even recorded within the sect; you only need to contribute points and redeem them without much hassle.”

Shen Xinyue explained briefly, then fell silent.

Zhou Changwang did not press further.

After all, Shen’s status and strength were high; answering his questions was already due to their prior dealings with Xiaoyue.

Further pestering would only annoy her.

The banquet had just ended, and Shen took the opportunity to excuse herself.

She knew Zhou and Xiaoyue probably had more to discuss, so after a brief reminder, she left.

“What did you think of Senior Shen’s suggestion just now?

Don’t you really want to join the Shuiyun Sect together?”

Xiaoyue looked at Zhou Changwang and couldn’t help but ask immediately.

“Of course I want to.

As Senior Shen said, joining a sect brings many benefits.

Even as an outer disciple, you get access to many profound techniques and can seek guidance from elder masters on numerous doubts.

But the key is, it’s not easy to get in.

You know my Five Elements spiritual root; hardly any sect would accept someone like me.

And the requirement to be a first-tier mid-grade spirit plant master isn’t easy either...”

Zhou Changwang said this thoughtfully.

He indeed felt he should try the spirit plant hall’s assessment.

Previously, he couldn’t meet the requirements because he couldn’t cultivate spirit plants satisfactory to the examiners.

Now, having perfected the Induction Technique, mastered the Spirit Rain spell, and possessing the Metal Finger for pest control, he thought passing the spirit plant hall’s test should be easier.

“Senior Shen is very kind, and her advice is truly worth considering.”

Xiaoyue naturally hoped Zhou Changwang would join her to participate in the sect entrance test in half a year, so she urged him repeatedly.

“I know.”

Zhou Changwang nodded.

Then he recalled what he saw earlier that morning and said:

“By the way, this morning I met your sister Lu Weier.

The person walking with her was our former neighbor Fang Shitong—the senior in the bandit cultivator brothers you mentioned.”

“What?”

Xiaoyue was startled, her face showing shock as she stood up and asked:

“How do they know each other?”

“From what I gathered, after you moved out, Fang Shitong moved in.

He’s now probably Lu Weier’s neighbor.”

Zhou Changwang replied.

He had wanted to warn Lu Weier about Fang Shitong but didn’t, as he wasn’t close to her and Fang was nearby.

Telling Xiaoyue was meant to remind her since she was close to Lu Weier and could persuade her better.

Though Lu Weier was somewhat self-interested, she did care about Xiaoyue, otherwise Zhou wouldn’t bother.

With that, Xiaoyue had no more to say, and after informing Zhou, hurried off.

Zhou Changwang also didn’t linger at the Immortal’s Pavilion.

He went out, found a servant to settle the bill.

“As expected of Immortal’s Pavilion.

The three of us cost more than two hundred seventy lower-grade spirit stones.”

Standing outside, Zhou felt the extravagance and knew such places weren’t for him, then strode away.

Naturally, he didn’t return directly to his courtyard.

He had just learned a lot from Shen Xinyue, especially about cultivation methods.

Qi Refining and Skill Methods.

He couldn’t afford to consider Qi Refining methods, meant only for sect super geniuses.

Ordinary cultivators, even if they got the technique, couldn’t practice it or afford the resources.

The massive resources would drain a medium cultivation family.

His target was Skill Methods that balance cultivation.

“Five Elements spiritual roots are rare among those who attain the Dao.

Senior Shen only knows three, and that’s only because those cultivators broke through Foundation Establishment.

But in the current age, there must be more advanced Five Elements techniques.

I need to inquire more.”

Zhou first went to Bai’s Merchant Shop.

After asking around, the best Five Elements technique he found was called the “True Five Elements Manual.”

Although it speeds cultivation by thirty percent over the basic Five Elements Technique, it was of little use to him.

His perfected Five Elements Technique was already ten times more effective than the True Five Elements Manual.

He didn’t want to waste time switching to the True Five Elements Manual and cultivating it to perfection again.

That would be a net loss.

He needed high-level techniques like the Five Elements Primordial Unity and True Five Elements Thunder Techniques practiced by the Five-Communing Daoist and the Five Elements Hermit, which could help him reach the ninth layer of Qi Refinement before sixty.

In other words, even at the basic level, their cultivation speed must be at least ten times his current one.

Next, he inquired at Liufang Pavilion, Tianyuan Residence...

One shop after another.

His heart sank little by little.

Fengming Wharf City had no shortage of ordinary techniques.

But more profound techniques were treated as family legacies and never given out.

If they were, the prices were astronomical.

If it were techniques for other spiritual roots, maybe spending big could buy them.

But for Five Elements spiritual roots,

many cultivators lose heart upon discovering their root type; they lack ambition and merely want to master a few artisan skills to build a family lineage, hoping future generations produce a few talented ones.

Generation after generation, they slowly grow into cultivation families like the Bai or Chen clans.

Thus, Five Elements attribute techniques are relatively scarce, and advanced ones even rarer.

“I just hope Senior Shen can get some news.”

Walking the streets, Zhou felt helpless.

Since he had perfected the Five Elements Technique, his cultivation speed was already quite fast, comparable to triple-element roots.

Otherwise, with his previous slow progress, he might have given up hope like many others—accepting fate and becoming a beast of burden praying for descendants.

“Wait, maybe they have some news?”

Suddenly remembering, Zhou went straight to the Freelance Cultivator Market.

Every group had its own networks; brokers surely had their information channels — perhaps they could get some leads.

First, he found “Brother Xiu,” Tuoba Xiu.

“I definitely don’t have advanced Five Elements techniques.

But I can help you ask around, post a bounty.

If there’s news, I’ll notify you immediately.”

Brother Xiu said after a moment’s silence.

“Where do you usually post bounties?”

Zhou asked.

“At the guardrail by the market entrance, there are purchase requests posted.

You can post your own there.

Also, I have some information channels.

If you offer a good price, someone will care and send news.

As for actually getting the technique... just do your best.”

Brother Xiu smiled.

“How much for posting a bounty?”

Zhou knew it wouldn’t be easy but held onto hope.

“One hundred lower-grade spirit stones per bounty.

Ninety go to the informant, ten to me.”

Tuoba replied.

“Alright.

But the news must be valid, with specific technique location.

Also, if someone has the technique, I’m willing to pay a high price.”

After a moment’s thought, Zhou gave the hundred lower-grade spirit stones.

Leaving Brother Xiu’s stall, Zhou quickly approached another person.

She looked like an ordinary peasant woman, carrying a vegetable basket, easily mistaken for an auntie by younger folks.

Yet her Daoist name was “Falling Sunset Fairy.”

Like Brother Xiu, she was a broker.

“Five Elements techniques?

In ancient times, there was a ‘Five Paths to Heaven Technique,’ said to be a path directly to immortality.

Unfortunately, it requires very high aptitude—a congenital Five Elements spiritual root.

You might not know, but congenital Five Elements roots are those perfectly pure roots, comparable to heavenly spiritual roots, combining all five single-element roots.

Such a genius hasn’t appeared for nearly a thousand years.

So although many sects may have ‘Five Paths to Heaven Technique’ scrolls, they’re useless.

Other techniques compatible with Five Elements roots evolved from it, but most are created by advanced cultivators based on their understanding of Five Elements spiritual energy, each with unique traits.”

She paused, then said:

“I certainly don’t have ready-made advanced Five Elements techniques.

But I do have news of a possible advanced or even top-tier Five Elements technique.

Are you interested?”

“Of course.”

Zhou nodded eagerly.

“For five lower-grade spirit stones.”

Falling Sunset Fairy said.

Hearing this, Zhou frowned.

So cheap—could the news be reliable?

Still, he handed over five spirit stones.

“Three thousand li west of Fengming Wharf City is Tianya Mountain.

There’s a ruined site of the ancient sect Tianling Sect’s branch, the Five Elements Hall.

It’s said someone obtained a top-tier Five Elements technique inheritance there.”

Falling Sunset Fairy smiled.

“You mean I should venture into the Five Elements Hall ruins?”

Zhou was stunned, suppressing anger.

This was difficult.

Three thousand li would take over half a year to reach.

Besides, any treasure ruins attract countless cultivators; danger is everywhere.

He was only at the fourth layer of Qi Refinement—very weak.

“Of course not.

Someone obtained the top-tier technique there—you can negotiate with them to see if they want to sell.

Top Five Elements techniques are valuable, but not everyone can afford to pay big.

Usually, sects buy them to keep as family legacies for future generations.”

Falling Sunset Fairy said lightly.

“That might work.

But it’s so far away.

How can I contact them?”

Zhou nodded and asked.

“Through me, of course.

If you want, I’ll help contact them.”

She was confident.

Skeptical, Zhou asked:

“What about price? How long for news? How do you contact them?”

“Don’t worry about how I contact.

I, Falling Sunset Fairy, have been here twenty years.

Check my reputation; I never bluff.

If you confirm, I’ll ask.

If they refuse to sell, there’s nothing I can do.

Coincidentally, the person with the inheritance is acquainted with one of my elders.

With my elder’s help, it’s possible to acquire it.

As for price, no need yet.

Just leave a fee for information delivery first.

Once there’s definite news, we can negotiate.”

She spoke generously.

“How much is the information fee? How long to get news?”

Zhou’s instincts warned him.

This sounded like scams he’d encountered in a past life—hooks to lure you into endless spending, then vanish when funds run low.

Besides, the coincidence of her elder knowing the top-tier technique owner seemed too convenient.

Yet this was the only lead he’d found for advanced Five Elements techniques after long searching.

Even if a trap, he’d proceed cautiously.

“About a month.

The distance is far; information transmission takes time.

Come back in a month.

If there’s news, I’ll have it then.

The information fee is my labor compensation, not much—one hundred lower-grade spirit stones.”

Falling Sunset Fairy said.

“Alright! I’ll trust you this time!”

Zhou handed over the hundred spirit stones.

After paying two brokers, spending two hundred spirit stones with no results, he felt helpless.

But cautious, he continued to investigate ‘Brother Xiu’ Tuoba Xiu and Falling Sunset Fairy.

Brother Xiu was a native of Fengming Wharf City; his father was an official at the Beast Taming Workshop, and his mother was an inner disciple of the Qingyuan Sect, currently a ninth-layer Qi Refinement cultivator.

With this background, his information was reliable, and his brokerage was thriving.

As for Falling Sunset Fairy,

Zhou’s expression grew uncertain.

Her identity was more mysterious.

She had appeared twenty years ago in Fengming Wharf City and built her brokerage business.

Her reputation, as she said, was good, and her information was often accurate.

Yet the last broker whispered in a low voice:

“Falling Sunset Fairy is quite influential.

She’s suspected to be a member of the Greenleaf Alliance and also runs a business involving hired assassinations.”

“Greenleaf Alliance?

What kind of organization is that?”

Zhou’s heart stirred.

He suddenly recalled a token he found months ago when erasing the spiritual imprint from the storage bag of Zhang Fenghua, the man who killed his father.

The token bore the words “Greenleaf Order.”

He had hidden it carefully at the edge of the city and hadn’t dared to linger near it.

“Want to know about the Greenleaf Alliance?

That’ll cost extra!”

The broker smiled at Zhou.

“How much?”

Zhou, used to being gouged, asked instinctively.

“Twenty lower-grade spirit stones.”

The broker quickly said.

“Forget it, I’m not that curious.”

Zhou immediately waved his hands.

Though curious, it wasn’t related to him.

He didn’t want to waste spirit stones.

Spirit stones were hard-earned; spending here and there would soon leave him empty.

If he got news of those Five Elements techniques, he’d need to save stones to buy them, so no frivolous spending.

...

Thanks to the reader “Foreign Friend” for the 1500 coin reward, much appreciated!

(End of chapter)