Chapter 385: Chapter 335: Board First, Pay Later

"Is it true, Great Aunt?"

Ge Luoying asked, as the news was too shocking for her to believe.

Before the Demon Calamity broke out, it was rare to hear about Chao Origin Stage cultivators dying suddenly in the Western Continent.

In just a decade or so, several Golden Core Stage cultivators had fallen, which was truly astounding.

Ge Ying affirmed:

"Of course, it’s true. This matter should have spread throughout the entire Western Continent.

The demon cultivators’ forces suffered severe damage, and I believe this is the dawn of stability in the Western Continent."

Although Demon Beasts still occupied areas thousands of miles away from the sects, and there were still risks of war, order was bound to slowly restore within the territories controlled by the Human Race.

"It’s indeed good news. For us, only stable order can bring rapid development."

Liu Yu said. After experiencing the Demon Calamity and Magic Disaster, both sects and loose cultivators saw a significant decline in the number of cultivators.

"Yes, internal stability is a great opportunity for recuperation."

Ge Ying nodded in deep agreement. She looked at her grandniece and asked:

"Did you inform your Master about the breakthrough?"

"Not yet, I’ll return to Yingyue Peak to personally tell my Master after chatting with you for a while."

Ji An asked:

"Does the ancestor know about your breakthrough?"

Liu Yu laughed:

"He already knows. Senior Brother Jia Yu informed the ancestor after we notified him.

The ancestor decided to summon us in three days to explain the cultivation at the Chao Origin Stage."

The ancestor no longer hopes to improve his cultivation and spends most of his time on sect affairs, so he can quickly find free time.

Ge Luoying smiled:

"By the way, Senior Brother Jia also asked us to let you know to spare some time to visit the Treasure Pavilion."

"Got it. I won’t be on duty at the Agricultural Hall tomorrow, so I’ll have time to go there."

Ji An nodded slightly, curious about what the other party wanted since they had met not long ago.

Ge Ying asked:

"How is the Agricultural Hall now? It has been over four years since you implemented your plan. Is there any significant result?"

She was quite concerned about the disciples’ tasks, as cultivating more high-tier Spirit Farmers would greatly benefit the sect.

The disciple was the first Chao Origin Stage Spirit Farmer in the Western Continent and had a promising future in reaching the Golden Core, possibly laying the foundation for achieving Nascent Soul Daoist Monarch for the sect.

"Currently, all newly assigned disciples have reached mid-stage Qi Refining, and some outstanding ones have reached late-stage Qi Refining.

I’m planning to give them another year to identify their most proficient magic techniques, then organize them into small groups."

Ji An paused and shared his plan:

"If my method proves significantly effective, I will apply to the sect to grant Spirit Farmer disciples three years of cultivation time in the future.

During this period, the Agricultural Hall will provide a certain amount of pills, and the disciples do not need to perform tasks. They only need to cultivate and practice magic techniques.

The pills are not provided for free but are instead converted into contribution points with a certain amount of interest, to be repaid over several years."

This is an extra benefit for Spirit Farmer disciples, allowing them to first gain the ability and skills to support themselves before repaying the sect’s cultivation.

It’s equivalent to getting on the bus first and buying the ticket later, which might bring unexpected benefits.

Liu Yu analyzed:

"With a sufficient supply of pills, many Qi Refining disciples will break through to the late-stage Qi Refining within three years.

Moreover, Spirit Farmer disciples have fewer opportunities to go outside, staying within the sect is quite safe.

This move by Junior Brother is truly clever!" 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

He quickly understood the benefits, realizing that although disciples would start serving the sect a few years later, they could create more value.

Ge Ying nodded with a smile, saying, "It’s said that in the major sects of the Central Continent, Qi Refining disciples with top-grade talent and above do not need to perform tasks, and tasks are only assigned after Foundation Establishment."

The group chatted pleasantly for a while, and Ge Luoying took her leave.

Liu Yu said:

"Once I open up the Fire Element Divine Mansion, I’ll become a major customer of yours, Junior Brother. Keep more Tier Two middle-grade Spiritual Peaches and Spiritual Apricots for me."

In the sect, Foundation Establishment Pills are already insufficient to meet the needs of the disciples, and the supply of Chao Origin Stage Pills is even more strained. He must plan ahead.

After opening up the Fire Mansion, it would be easier to refine spirit fruits and quickly improve his cultivation.

"No problem."

Ji An readily agreed and added:

"Senior Brother, now that you’ve broken through to the Chao Origin Stage, relying solely on sect task rewards for resources might not sustain your cultivation."

How many Chao Origin Stage demon beasts are there to hunt even if you go out for demon hunting?

Besides, who knows the exact situation within the demon beast regions?

If a Golden Core Stage Demon King remains behind, going demon hunting would be like a sheep entering a tiger’s den.

Ge Ying commented:

"Liu Yu, you really need to consider learning a cultivation technique skill."

After the Demon Calamity broke out, the demon beasts’ number also greatly decreased, making demon hunting an unstable income source.

The salary from sect duties would hardly sustain one’s cultivation.

Liu Yu waved his hand, saying:

"After enduring so much slaughter, it’s hard for me to settle down and refine my cultivation technique skills.

I’ll visit Hall Master Lin and consult about future cultivation paths."

Having become accustomed to fierce combat, few could turn back to learn skills unless they were injured or crippled.

He somewhat understood the training approach of Sword Cultivators; learning skills would only slow him down in slaying demons!

Ge Ying shook her head but didn’t continue persuading.

Ji An touched his chin and asked:

"The cultivation at the Chao Origin Stage requires numerous Tier Two Middle Grade resources. Where will you gather these resources, Senior Brother?"

Without resources, cultivators can only rely on themselves and use cultivation methods to improve their cultivation.

The speed of realm advancement is much slower without resources compared to those supported by resources.

Liu Yu smiled, unconcerned, and said:

"There will always be a way. Otherwise, how did Senior Brothers Lin Jiuxiao and Lin Qiubai advance their cultivation?

At worst, I will travel to seek opportunities. Not only me, but Senior Sister Ge also has similar plans."

In his view, where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Ji An raised his eyebrows slightly and said:

"The two of you plan to open the Heart Fire Mansion and the Pulmonary Golden Mansion. The sect can meet the needs for Qi Eating and cultivation improvement.

I suggest you wait until you’ve transitioned to the Second Transformation Realm before traveling. It’ll give you more assurance."

Liu Yu nodded:

"This is just our future plan. We have no intention to travel in the coming years."

...

Ji An bid farewell to his master and arrived at the Agricultural Hall.

Han Mountain stepped forward, bowed, and said:

"Greetings, Master."

"No need for formalities, come inside to talk."

The disciple stationed there clearly indicated there was an issue.

The two entered the main hall and sat down. Han Mountain laughed bashfully:

"Master, I’ve followed your advice and regularly practiced the Flame Fire Spell.

During last night’s practice, I felt the magic technique had reached a new realm.

Furthermore, during the cultivation of my method, I seem to comprehend more things."

The cultivation method he chose was the Crimson Fire and Red Cloud Skill, which focuses on the Path of Ding Fire. The Flame Fire Spell also emphasizes the Path of Ding Fire.

"You’re doing well. Your persistence in practicing the magic technique is commendable."

Ji An nodded, a smile on his face.

The disciple had perfected the Flame Fire Spell long ago, and entering a new realm meant reaching the pinnacle in practice.

Among his two disciples, the elder disciple Lin Lan was rather impulsive, unlike the steady and resilient second disciple.

In his opinion, possessing these qualities allows one to go further.

"The Spirit Medicine and Spirit Wood you’ve planted in your grotto mansion are mostly Fire Element Plants. That will greatly benefit you."

Even for Foundation Establishment Stage Disciples, cultivating Fire Element Plants can only rely on the Flame Fire Spell.

The sect’s Fire-element Elixirs are in short supply, partly because too many disciples choose Fire Element Techniques, and partly due to the slow growth rate of Spirit Plants.

"Thank you, Master, for your guidance. Today, there are some issues I need to consult with you..."

Han Mountain asked about the problems encountered during the cultivation of his method.

Ji An considered each concern and provided answers, even though he hadn’t cultivated the Crimson Fire and Red Cloud Skill. After all, he was a cultivator who had established the Fire Mansion.

Moreover, the disciple’s cultivation method is simplified from the Fire Mansion Chapter of the Five Elements Reincarnation Scripture, making guiding his cultivation more than sufficient.

...

In the evening, Ji An returned to Red Flame Peak and coincidentally saw Wei Songtao returning to the Cold Pool with Cyan Deer.

He joked:

"You’re quite clever, pulling off this trick of borrowing a chicken to lay eggs!"

He rented a few acres of Spirit Field outside Red Flame Peak, making a side profit.

Cyan Deer could perform the Jade Wood Transformation Skill and was coaxed into becoming labor.

Using Spirit Mulberry and Spirit Fruit from Red Flame Peak to curry favor with Youyou for his own gain.

Wei Songtao showed a naive smile and said:

"Master, by doing this, Youyou can also practice the magic technique."

"Yo-yo."

Cyan Deer made a void-like sound and ran to its owner, rubbing its long-antlered head against the owner’s hand.

Ji An petted the deer horns and chuckled:

"Silly thing, sold out and still counting money for the buyer."

"Master, you wrong me; Youyou is a Foundation Establishment Spirit Beast. If it senses any evil intent from me, how could it help me?"

Wei Songtao explained that Cyan Deer could sense human intentions, good or bad, exceptionally miraculous.

Patting the beast-tamed head, Ji An clouded his way to the Profound Yang Wood forest.

With the dual effect of Tier Two Spirit Field and Chao Origin Stage Technique, Tier Two Profound Yang Wood became common in Red Flame Peak.

"Ha!"

He exhaled forcefully and naturally inhaled, swallowing a warm stream of air into his mouth and down.

Golden flame patterns of Spiritual Qi manifested on the heart’s surface, fusion of wood-centric Ding Fire and Sun Bing Fire absorbed by the Divine Mansion core.

Waves of warmth surged from the heart, spreading throughout his body.

After Qi Eating twelve times, Ji An felt utterly refreshed.

No need to cast spells for Spirit Field tonight, he used Earth Escape Technique to return near the grotto mansion from underground.

Finding a secluded spot, he began practicing the Geng Metal Spirit-Slaying Sword.

Gold rays like thousands of swords firing in unison, sharp extinction aura tearing through the void, enveloped in a desolate silence of all things annihilation.

Due to prioritizing the enhancement of the Planting Technique, he only had this technique and Earth-to-Steel Technique as Chao Origin Stage Techniques for Magical Combat.

Earth-to-Steel leans more toward making tunnels and construction work or dealing with cultivators proficient in Earth Escape Technique.

In the future, the technique he could wield was only Geng Metal Spirit-Slaying Sword.

There were still many masteries in the Stone Turtle. In days to come, he planned to search the Inheritance Hall to see if he could exchange for Metal Element Defense Technique.