Chapter 1457: 1457: Taiqing Extends Goodwill
Sun Rongxun hesitated a bit upon hearing Xia Nichang's request, "I'm quite good at killing, but comforting people… not so much."
"Let's put it this way," Xia Nichang explained, "We won't tell Rongxun that there might be an opportunity for creating a core here. Whether they can seize this opportunity when they come here depends on your hints."
"Understood," Sun Rongxun nodded decisively, "It's not necessary to hint perfectly; it's best if they figure it out themselves."
"Exactly, that's what I mean," the head acknowledged this statement.
She also expressed sincerely, "Those who enter Rongxun Hall are all prepared to die for the sect. As the head, I should give them a last opportunity. Whether they can seize it or if it would lead to psychological imbalance… that's your task, Hongxiu."
Sun Rongxun considered for a moment and nodded slightly, "I will do my best."
"Not just do your best, but achieve it," Xia Nichang spoke sternly, "The Rongxun Drum is allowed for your temporary use, you must live up to this kindness."
Sun Rongxun pondered for a while before slowly replying, "If that's the necessary mindset, things might not go well with Mountain Master Feng."
Upon hearing this, Xia Nichang was initially taken aback and then laughed, sighing afterward, "Alas, I hope you can successfully form your core. There aren't many like you who understand… Alright, I'll give you free rein."
The head of the sect coughed lightly, "Hongxiu, Xia Taishang was just testing you earlier, and since you insist, we are relieved."
The next day, the Crimson Pheonix disciples began packing their belongings. Many disciples who previously participated in the work also prepared to leave, though some stayed to watch over the Crimson Pheonix Courtyard.
Two of the four True persons planned to return, leaving only Master Xiaomeng and Qu Jianlei.
They originally intended to set off early the next day, but unexpectedly, two large flying boats from the Taiqing also arrived that night.
This time, quite a few people from Taiqing came. Apart from those testing the hidden Fierce Wind Gold, other disciples from different peaks also came—such as from Zixia Peak.
Among the disciples of Zixia Peak, many used the Taiqing Purple Qi for cultivation, which enabled rapid progress. However, if one gets greedy over time, they will carry the aura of Taiqing Purple Qi, which must be corrected from time to time. Excessive correction, however, can lead to accumulated disadvantages.
This situation caused Master Sumiao some difficulty. Zixia Peak couldn't give up using Taiqing Purple Qi for cultivation, as it would not live up to the name "Zixia." Yet, despite repeatedly warning the disciples not to be greedy, some couldn't control their eagerness to advance.
This is genuinely unsolvable, as what cultivator doesn't want to strive upward? Initially, Sumiao emphasized this, but later grew weary of it—after all, you can find the resources for corrections yourselves; I won't expend the effort.
Over time, however, accumulated disadvantages would affect the foundation, and this couldn't be ignored.
Zixia Peak had some methods for adjusting these disadvantages, but there were always cases that were too severe to manage. It's not that the level of expertise is lacking; for instance, two people among the arrival were wounded while hunting fierce beasts, resulting in foundational damage due to accumulated disadvantages.
In any case, consulting Feng Jun for a deduction would be no harm, and if an effective method for handling these disadvantages could be devised, it would be even better.
The people from the Crimson Pheonix were indeed planning to leave when they saw such a lively scene. The head of the sect conferred with Xia Nichang, "We've overlooked some of Feng Jun's abilities; perhaps… we should help him obtain a few Earth Pulse Codices?"
"Let's take it slow," Xia Nichang shook her head, "We've already been quite proactive; we shouldn't get too far ahead of the others, or if others find out that our Rongxun is pursuing core formation, it would be troublesome."
The head of the sect thought for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, after returning, find someone to guide the earth veins here, to create a cultivation environment for the courtyard, and also help Mountain Master Feng organize the earth veins."
The Earth Vein Technique of the Crimson Pheonix is not as refined as that of the Taiqing, but it is significantly stronger than that of the Qinggang. Taking on the task of guiding earth veins and creating a Golden Core Cave Mansion, for instance, is well within their capabilities.
The Crimson Pheonix made these arrangements, and upon the arrival of the Taiqing people, they also brought along a book on earth veins—"Analysis of Earth Pulse Spirits."
Feng Jun took and read it, finding the book truly worthwhile. It discussed not overly complex topics, mainly focusing on how to gather earth veins and stimulate spiritual energy in barren regions.
Strictly speaking, this book was also an introductory-level Earth Pulse Codex. The important thing, however, was that although the book was straightforward and didn't cover many topics, it was highly practical.
Using the methods in the book, the drawn-out earth veins could establish a permanent High-Rank Spirit Gathering Array.
For an ordinary secular clan, this book could serve as a treasured heirloom, more than enough to establish a clan proficient in Earth Vein Traction—they could make a living out of it.
The only downside was that the Earth Vein Traction Formations detailed were only two, capable of drawing earth veins sufficient for an initial Spirit Gathering Array. To further enhance the earth veins, one would need to find more advanced traction formations.
Of course, if Feng Jun's cultivation level reached the Golden Core Stage, he could achieve this with his own power without the need for formations.
In short, this codex was highly practical, with low theoretical requirements, lacking in tools and therefore having a low upper limit.
If you don't call Master Xiaosong cunning, indeed he offered Taiqing's Earth Vein Technique, but it's a less orthodox and intricate one.
However, even so, it's quite impressive. Similar Earth Vein Codices can be found in the two peaks and one valley, but if Feng Jun wants to acquire them, he basically has to resort to exterminating and confiscating them, buying them is not an option.
The Qinggang Sect also possesses similar Earth Vein Codices, but Liang Chao did not bring them over. He assumed that Feng Jun valued theoretical works more, and since such practical-oriented codices seemed "low-level," he hadn't considered it—partly because he was unwilling to part with them.
Meanwhile, Master Yuanming from the Taiqing Sect knew Feng Jun's Earth Vein proficiency very well and believed that this book would satisfy him without revealing Taiqing's heritage, making it the perfect choice.
Feng Jun also thought the same way; although the book's level was somewhat low, it was just right for the Earth Realm.
So he even took out a Destiny Stone to thank Master Xiaosong for sending the book—any previous bickering was all history by now.
Feng Jun helped the Taiqing disciples with their simulations; it took eight days in total—mostly waiting for Tiantong to deliver various cultivation techniques.
This time, Taiqing brought quite a few cultivation techniques, but not many fundamental ones. After all, they were there to assist with fixes for the disciples, not for the cultivation seedlings' initial choices.
During this period, Master Yuanming didn't idle either; he utilized that book's Earth Pulse Spirits Method to forcefully enhance Feng Jun's Earth Vein—demonstrating goodwill while also showcasing a demonstration.
Eight days later, Taiqing's group departed, even Master Xiaosong left, leaving only Master Sumiao behind.
On that day, the Big Boss could no longer hold back, "Feng Jun, it's been well over three months, do you not want the Heavenly Fragrance Fruit?"
Feng Jun found it somewhat laughable, "Senior, you didn't mention this when Xia Nichang was around, and now you think of it?"
"Wasn't I scared then?" The Big Boss didn't care about his dignity, "Now the conditions are right, shouldn't you hurry and advance to the next stage or something?"
"The Taiqing disciples are still adjusting the Earth Vein," Feng Jun didn't want his time to be fragmented; he wanted to watch the Earth Vein enhancement process, hoping that by combining it with the codex in hand, he could make Earth Vein modifications the next time he returned to Earth.
Master Yuanming had already left. He set the Earth Vein Traction plan and presided over the traction ceremony, leaving the rest as a matter of time-consuming work. Earth Vein traction can't be completed in a day or two—if it were, that would be called an Earth Dragon Turning Over.
The ones Taiqing left in charge of fine-tuning the Earth Vein were two Outdust Realm cultivators and four Qi-Refining disciples. These six were quite indifferent to Feng Jun, as if he owed them a substantial debt.
Feng Jun asked them several questions but seldom received answers. One practitioner with the surname Wu even coldly stated, "Why ask so much? As long as you can use it, it's fine."
Feng Jun couldn't help but complain to Kong Ziyi, to which Practitioner Kong replied, "Don't mind them. When these people go out to assist with Earth Vein traction, they're very arrogant. Sometimes even my reputation doesn't work… They claim it's to protect Taiqing's Earth Vein heritage."
Feng Jun felt this might not be the correct answer—could those disciples be so oblivious when it's something personally overseen by Master Yuanming, the Master of Tianyao Peak? It was likely Yuanming's meddling behind the scenes to prevent him from learning.
Nevertheless, people with skill naturally hold the top hand, and thus he couldn't lash out even if he wanted to—with skills, they are indeed that formidable. As their circles didn't intersect anyway, there was no need to forcibly integrate.
He could only hold grudges silently, taking note of all six people in his little notebook—let's see you forever not seek my help with deductions.
Precisely for this reason, he decided to spend every day there observing: If you're not teaching, I'll learn on my own!
Nevertheless, those six didn't dare to chase him away nor prevent him from watching.
After another two days, seven or eight people from Crimson Phoenix also arrived, specifically for the Courtyard's Earth Vein traction. Upon seeing Taiqing disciples working on traction for Feng Jun's part, they remarked, "We initially planned to assist Mountain Master Feng with traction, but it seems we're not needed."
Feng Jun generously stated, "No hurry to start your work; first, take a look at Taiqing Sect's methods."
Certainly, the Crimson Phoenix disciples wished to observe as well, causing Practitioner Wu to truly become dissatisfied this time, "Ascendant Feng, outsiders are not allowed to watch Taiqing's secret techniques."
"This is my territory, and I produced the Spirit Stones for enhancing the Earth Vein. I decide who gets to watch," Feng Jun felt he didn't need to be polite to this guy, "If watching once enables mastery, then it's hardly a secret technique, is it?"
Practitioner Wu's face turned rather unpleasant. If any other client dared to do such a thing, he would have left the job outright.
But recalling Master Yuanming's instructions, he ultimately suppressed his anger, albeit his face was as black as a soot-covered pot.
Conversely, Feng Jun was delighted: the angrier you are, the more pleased I am. I love seeing you in the "hate me but can't take me down" state.
(Updated to summon the monthly ticket.)