Bab 8: Chapter 7: Soul Searching Technique (Thanks to the Crownless Lord of Bones!)
Spring was warming, and the rivers and streams thawed from ice.
Small spots of greenery began to dot Qiongbi Peak, and Spiritual Field Courtyard No. 77 was gradually covered in lush greenery once again.
"The plan for the year lies with spring; we can't slack off, Old Lu!"
In the early morning, Ning Daoran, now dressed in a short tunic, appeared exceptionally capable, as vigorous as a country youth first setting out.
He decided to repair and renovate the cottage; though only he and Big Stupid Deer lived there, the pursuit of quality of life had always been his dream. After all, the ultimate goal of cultivation and longevity was to live longer and enjoy more.
The application for renovation had been approved half a month earlier. The Elder of the Outer Sect had stated that as long as the scope of the Small Cloud Mist Array wasn't breached, he could refurbish it at will with timber and stones taken from Qiongbi Peak.
Immediately, Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer energetically got to work.
Big Stupid Deer made numerous trips from halfway up the mountain to transport sturdy raw materials, while Ning Daoran borrowed tools like saws and chisels, rolling up his sleeves and tirelessly turning logs into planks.
It took ten whole days just for laying the foundation.
The reason the foundation alone took so long was because it was a foundation that extended twenty zhang down!
Ning Daoran was by nature cautious, convinced that just living on the surface was definitely not safe and that danger could strike at any moment.
Thus, he decided to secretly construct underground rooms like a bedroom, planting room, storage room, Spirit Worm Room, exercise room, Alchemy Room, and numerous large rooms spread underground like a complex network!
Then, he started on the part above ground. There wasn't much to say; it was a two-story building that, though not too large, was also spacious and comfortable!
In the courtyard, a third of the Spirit Rice was close to maturity. The spring breeze, chilling to the bone, blew and the sight of the rice waves tumbling was intoxicating.
At this point, Ning Daoran realized there was another urgent matter to deal with.
He had run out of Spirit Rice seeds and was still less than half a year away from the next scheduled distribution.
Although it was true that one could buy seeds at the Contribution Hall in exchange for Flower Spiritual Stones, that would draw unnecessary attention.
Spirit farmers of the Spirit Field Department had already collected their seeds in the middle of the previous year, ten jin per household. There was no reason they should run out.
Having no alternative, he decided to descend to the legendary Yellow Dragon Square to make a purchase.
"Old Lu, fancy a trip down the mountain? It's been a while since we went out after moving up here." Ning Daoran asked with a smile.
"Aoo~~~"
Big Stupid Deer immediately perked up, its tail wagging so furiously it almost seemed to leave afterimages. It too wanted to go down the mountain to broaden its horizons, as it had nearly grown moldy staying in the Sect.
"Let's set off!"
Ning Daoran made up his mind and immediately took out two hundred jin of Spirit Rice from the storage room for Big Stupid Deer to carry.
Based on market prices, Spirit Rice was one Low Grade Spirit Stone per ten jin, but the price of seeds was two Spirit Stones per jin, which was exceptionally expensive.
After changing into the clothes of a commoner, Ning Daoran went down the mountain with Big Stupid Deer, maintaining a low profile. As expected, they didn't encounter anyone.
Through woodlands where birds chirped and flowers fragranced the air.
The Mountain Gate was about fifty li from Yellow Dragon Square, so they needed to hasten their pace. Ning Daoran led Big Stupid Deer swiftly forward!
By midday, they arrived at Yellow Dragon Square.
"Damn!"
Staring at the vast swath of shops and looming temples in the workshop, Ning Daoran was astonished. Here, its bustling nature even surpassed that of Chaotic Sect, especially in terms of human vitality, it was indeed much more popular!
On the mountain, fellow disciples mostly spent their time in seclusion for cultivation; the mountain did not have this kind of bustle.
"Aoo!"
Big Stupid Deer too opened its large eyes wide, gazing at the crowded workshop in amazement, thoroughly gaining an experience.
Ning Daoran stood in front of a store called Liuxi Square. It was neither the largest nor the smallest, perfectly ordinary and easy to overlook – it was the one!
The owner was a man with a small mustache, with just Third Level of Qi Refining in his cultivation. Upon seeing a customer, his face immediately lit up with a smile, "Fellow Daoist, what service do you require?"
"Do you buy Spirit Rice here?"
"We buy, buy, of course, we buy."
"Great."
Ning Daoran unloaded two hundred jin of Spirit Rice, and the owner quickly summoned a clerk to weigh it.
"Owner, do you have any Spirit Rice seeds for sale?"
"Of course, we do."
The owner said with a smile, "How many jin of Spirit Rice seeds does Fellow Daoist need?"
"I'll trade in all the Spirit Stones I get for these Spirit Rice for seeds."
"Understood."
Very soon, the owner handed a weighty bag of seeds to Ning Daoran.
After carefully inspecting and confirming that each Spirit Rice seed possessed vigorous vitality, Ning Daoran immediately turned with Big Stupid Deer and left.
Not long after Ning Daoran left the shop.
A figure emerged from the back hall of Liuxi Square, an old man in a grey robe, emanating the aura of Sixth Level of Qi Refining, holding in his hand a rod used for divination. A glint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes as he watched Ning Daoran and Big Stupid Deer leave.
"Are you really going to make a move?"
The owner of Liuxi Square frowned, "Have you gone mad? That kid could sell two hundred jin of Spirit Rice in one go, who's to say he isn't from some noble family? Have you considered the potential consequences?"
"Hmph!"
The old man scoffed, "Which scion of a noble family would personally sell Spirit Rice, huh?"
"What if he's a disciple of Chaotic Sect?"
"So what if he is?"
The old man raised his brows slightly, a fierce light flickered in his eyes, but when he looked at the owner of Liuxi Square, his gaze turned a bit warmer.
"Just an insignificant Qi Refining Second Layer; if he dies, he dies. How could Chaotic Sect be affected? My cultivation hasn't advanced an inch in many years. If I take a risk, maybe there's still a chance to make it to Late-stage Qi Refining..."
His eyes betrayed a greedy ferocity, "It would be even better if he's an Outer Disciple of Chaotic Sect. He must have magical artifacts given by his sect, and how could I miss such an opportunity?"
The owner of Liuxi Square sighed, "If you must go, then just go, but don't get me involved. From now on, there is no connection between us."
Old Lu snorted lightly and dashed out the door.
...
In the wilderness, birds sang amidst the fragrance of flowers.
Ning Daoran returned to the Sect with Big Stupid Deer, and although the path they took was a mountain trail, it was quiet and scarcely populated.
Soon after, he felt extremely uneasy, as if he was being watched, while Big Stupid Deer seemed completely oblivious, happily trotting along and occasionally bending down to nibble on tender grass by the roadside.
"Old Lu!"
Ning Daoran whispered in a low voice, "I think we are being followed. Follow my lead."
In an instant, his gaze became sharp.
"Ao~~~"
Big Stupid Deer's demeanor changed abruptly, its forehead bulged with seven or eight intersecting green veins—could someone really be targeting it and its Big Brother?!
"Hehe… Fellow Daoist is quite vigilant!"
Just then, a figure emerged from within the woods.
Ning Daoran turned around and looked calmly in that direction.
An old cultivator emerged slowly from the dense forest, his palm open towards the sky, with a green small sword hanging in midair.
"Poor Daoist advises you, do not attempt to run or resist. Against a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator with a first-tier middle-grade magical artifact, you, a mere early stage Qi Refiner, stand no chance."
"Humph, are you suggesting I surrender without a fight?"
"Of course not surrendering."
The old cultivator's eyes twinkled with ruthlessness as he smiled, "You are a disciple of the Chaotic Sect, and having seen my true face, do you think you will have a chance to leave alive?"
"Understood."
Since the other party had the intention to kill, it was time for him to die.
Ning Daoran reached behind him and took the Azure Dragon Spear, wrapped in cloth, off Big Stupid Deer's back and with a pat, Big Stupid Deer burrowed underground, allowing Ning Daoran to focus without distractions.
The shadows of trees swayed in the woods, and the cold wind blew.
"Whoosh!"
Ning Daoran's eyelids twitched, his eyes filled with cold intent, and the corner of his mouth revealed a smile as he suddenly vanished into a blur from his original spot!
"So fast!"
Old Lu's heart skipped a beat as he sensed trouble, realizing that the aura Ning Daoran erupted with was not of early stage but indeed that of a true mid-stage cultivation!
"Seeking death?!"
Old Lu retreated while injecting his mana into the magical artifact, the small sword in his palm. Immediately, the small sword turned into a streak of green brilliance, shooting through the air at a frightening speed!
A flash of green light appeared, and Ning Daoran skillfully dodged, his clothes at his neck silently split open—even the sharpness of the magical artifact managed to slightly break his spirit mastery barrier and skin!
"What?!"
Old Lu was shocked. His small sword was a first-tier middle-grade magical artifact—how had it not cut through the boy's neck?!
Amidst the roaring wind, Ning Daoran thrust the heavy spearhead of the Azure Dragon Spear down fiercely!
His mind as clear as a mirror, knowing he had no experience in spell-fighting, and that relying on magical artifacts to engage in combat would only be asking for trouble, he targeted only Old Lu, to kill him first and talk later!
Old Lu's face fell with fright as a talisman slipped out of his sleeve, turning into a golden light to envelop his figure.
"Bang!"
A loud crash echoed as the Azure Dragon Spear hammered down on top of Old Lu's head, causing the golden light emerging from the talisman to twist violently!
Under the enhancement of the Perfect Body Tempering Technique, Ning Daoran's strength was extraordinary, and as Old Lu staggered, Ning Daoran followed with a kick to his abdomen.
Behind him, the green small sword emitted a piercing shriek and landed on his shoulder, still only causing a superficial wound. The combination of the Perfect Body Tempering Technique and the five points in defense talent made his flesh as tough as rock!
"Ao~~~"
In the blink of an eye, Big Stupid Deer burst from underground with a loud call and harshly rammed into Old Lu's back.
Ning Daoran leaped up and thrust down with the spear towards Old Lu's head.
"Finished!"
Old Lu was stricken with horror, desperately guiding the green small sword to assist him, but only to hear a "crack" as the small sword shattered into powder under the forceful blow of the Azure Dragon Spear!
The spear continued its descent as the golden light dissipated, and the talisman burst into flames, turning to ash.
"You!"
Old Lu watched as the spear descended from the sky, feeling a chill run down his spine!
"Fellow Daoist, stop! I am willing to…"
Before he could finish, the spear came down, shattering the skull and splattering brain matter, leaving no chance for Old Lu to finish his words.
...
"Thud thud thud thud~~~"
His heart felt as if it was about to leap out, and in that moment, Ning Daoran almost thought he would be killed by that green small sword. Although this was only his second fight, he was still panicked.
Forget it, first, clean up the evidence.
His search of the corpse became more fluid, but alas, the old Daoist was too poor, not even having a storage bag on him. Presumably, he knew robbery cultivation was dangerous and thus did not carry his belongings with him.
In the end, he found only a dozen or so low-grade spirit stones and a sheepskin scroll of a cultivation technique wrapped in several layers of cloth.
"Eh?"
Ning Daoran held the technique scroll, surprised as the Grass and Wood Holy Spirit System automatically recorded the technique.
[Soul Searching Technique, Dark Rank Lower (Uninitialized)]
A Dark Rank technique?
Ning Daoran was taken aback, this being his first encounter with a Dark Rank technique, so he checked Refining Time, having over three thousand years left, and immediately began to cultivate!
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone