CHAPTER 39: CHAPTER 39: SECOND LAYER

Blood Essence, it actually appeared in such a manner.

Ji Yuan’s first reaction was that this truly was the Cultivation World... With a casual gesture, he summoned the Blood Essence towards himself.

A half liang of Blood Essence, about the size of a ping-pong ball, still felt a bit warm in his hand.

This thing, even if not refined into an Elixir, just swallowing it in its pure form would likely have outstanding healing effects.

If taken to sell, this half liang of Blood Essence would be worth 10 Spirit Stones. Ji Yuan indeed intended to sell it, but not now; he planned to gather more before going, to avoid frequent trips and attracting attention.

After inspecting it for a while, he took out a Jade Box and stored it away.

He looked at the panel; the Spirit Effect and upgrade conditions of the Level 3 [Pigsty] were already revealed.

[Pigsty: LV3]

[Spirit Effect: Produces 1 liang of Lubricating Jade Fat monthly, after slaughtering a Spirit Dolphin, its heart will definitely yield a "Quenching Acupoint Pearl"]

[Upgrade Conditions: Mid-grade Spirit Stones ×50, Earth Core Lava ×5 jin, produce Qi Blood Pill (not achieved)]

Lubricating Jade Fat??

Ji Yuan had never seen it, but he had heard people mention it at the Hundred Treasures Tower; it’s a treasure used to repair cracks in Magical Artifacts and even Magical Treasures!

If a Magical Treasure was damaged due to Magical Combat, either one nourishes it with Spiritual Power over time, or seeks an Artifact Refiner for repair.

Nourishing on one’s own is slow, seeking an Artifact Refiner is troublesome, and it often costs many Spirit Stones.

Many times, the cost of repairs would be enough to buy a new Magical Treasure.

But Lubricating Jade Fat perfectly solves these two problems, the only flaw being its limited production; only 1 liang per month and 1 jin after ten months.

The second Spirit Effect is the "Quenching Acupoint Pearl", something Ji Yuan had never heard of.

But considering the effects of Level 1 and Level 2 [Pigsty], coupled with the name, it likely still pertains to Body Refinement?

Even if not, it should be a good thing for nourishing acupoints.

Overall, the effect of the Level 3 [Pigsty] is excellent; it’s just that the upgrade conditions are a bit challenging. Not to mention the Spirit Stones and Earth Core Lava required, just producing the Qi Blood Pill... It seems besides being a Talisman Master, he’ll also have to take on the side profession of an Alchemist.

That’s fine too; it’ll prepare him in advance for refining the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Ji Yuan was filled with fantasies, stood up and stretched, then turned to look at the Red-crowned Chicken that had mostly recovered.

Hmm... In a few days, he’ll collect some Cock’s Crown Blood again.

Having experienced its wonders, Ji Yuan naturally wouldn’t miss it.

He then went to wash up and change into clean clothes. That night, he rarely didn’t cultivate; instead, he abandoned the 20% Spiritual Qi bonus and just lay down on his small bed.

While brewing sleepiness, Ji Yuan was also reviewing the life-and-death battle he just went through.

Overall, it still boils down to one sentence: in Magical Combat, it’s all about resources and methods!

The White Water Flying Sword to withstand the Yin Ghost Banner, the Water Drop Finger to eliminate the Yin Ghost, Cock’s Crown Blood to break through arrays, the Water Escape Talisman for escape, the Demon Suppression Talisman to subdue the Ghost Island Master.

Plus the final deadly pin.

With so many methods, lacking even one might have meant Ji Yuan becoming a Drowned Ghost in the Cloud Rain Marsh.

If there are any shortcomings, it’s the lack of offensive methods. Just a single "Water Drop Finger" is hard to sustain a Magical Combat for Qi Cultivation mid-stage.

So after selling the profits at the Hundred Treasures Tower tomorrow, he still needs to buy the second layer of "Water Drop Finger" and see if there are any other suitable techniques.

As he pondered, Ji Yuan slowly fell asleep.

...

At the same time.

Huaiyin Square, on the waters outside Black Mist Island, two Dharma Ship Flying Boats were docked.

A man and a woman stood on the Flying Boat.

If Ji Yuan were here, he would recognize the woman standing on the Flying Boat as the peach-eye Female Cultivator he saw last time in Shop No.18.

"The Black Mist... has dispersed."

The Female Cultivator looked at the renowned Black Mist Island ahead, somewhat surprised, and said.

"Hmm, that old ghost is dead."

Yao Jingfeng, dressed in a dark long robe, crossed his hands over his chest, a slight smile in his eyes. "That kid from Zengtou City, isn’t he only at the fifth layer of Qi Cultivation?"

Du Wanyi turned to look at him, "You’re saying it was he who killed the old ghost?"

"Yes."

Yao Jingfeng nodded, without explaining how he knew.

Since he said it, Du Wanyi believed it.

"Who would have thought the Ghost Island Master with his array would die at the hands of an unknown kid."

"Rest assured, someone with such skills won’t remain obscure for long. We’ll likely hear his name soon enough."

Yao Jingfeng sighed, "Not to mention the world, even in our small Cloud Rain Marsh, talents are as numerous as the carp crossing the river."

Du Wanyi deeply agreed, "At the mid-stage of Qi Cultivation with such strength, it seems certain he’ll reach the later stage. Shall we invite him in advance?"

"There’s no rush for that. Let’s wait until he’s at the later stage. Besides, he’s from Zengtou City; intruding hastily might incur Blind Qin’s displeasure."

"Then waiting is fine too..."

After Du Wanyi spoke, she turned to look at Yao Jingfeng, "Next year, you should be able to join the Water Dragon Sect, right? Has Senior Brother Huang arranged it for you?"

Regarding this, Yao Jingfeng rarely exhibited a smile. "Rest assured, we’re all from Cloud Rain Marsh, so we’ll look out for each other."

"That’s for the best."

Du Wanyi nodded gently.

...

The next morning, Ji Yuan, up early, collected today’s Spirit Egg, and along with the Blood Essence worth 10 Spirit Stones, he sailed to Zengtou City.

He first sold the Cold-blooded Bass he caught halfway at the Fish Cage, earning a small harvest of 18 Spirit Stones.

Only then did he head to the Hundred Treasures Tower, with today’s items, only the Hundred Treasures Tower could handle them.

He first came to the Magical Artifact area, under the watchful eyes of the Water Dragon Sect cultivator on duty, and took out the Dharma Ship obtained from Wei Caishan.

"20 Spirit Stones." The on-duty cultivator glanced casually.

Ji Yuan then produced the White Boat he wiped the imprint from, which made the on-duty cultivator take it more seriously. After a quick appraisal, he gave a price, "27 Spirit Stones."

Though both are Low Grade Dharma Ships, Ji Yuan’s White Boat was worth 7 more Spirit Stones.

"Deal."

Just as the on-duty cultivator was about to pay him the Spirit Stones, Ji Yuan took out the Ghost Island Master’s damaged Magic Robe, along with the Skull Token he used for protection.

"Hmm?"

The emergence of these two items clearly indicated a case of killing and plundering.

So the on-duty cultivator glanced at Ji Yuan with a bit more seriousness, especially after seeing Ji Yuan’s youthful appearance, he said with interest, "You’re quite ruthless."

"Work hard, and you’ll have a chance to become our Junior Brother."

"Thank you for the compliment." Ji Yuan bowed modestly, neither humble nor arrogant.

"A total of 76 Spirit Stones to be sold?" the on-duty cultivator asked with an amused look.

"Sell."

Ji Yuan had no doubts about the price. After finishing with the transactions, he originally planned to get rid of the unnecessary Elixirs, but thought better of it, thinking they might come in handy someday.

Finally, he arrived at the Magic Technique Area, where the duty officer was still the same elderly white-haired cultivator from last time.

"What do you need?"

Ji Yuan stepped forward with a slight smile, "Excuse me, senior, do you have the second layer of ’Water Drop Finger’?"

The white-haired cultivator was momentarily perplexed. In his over a decade at the Hundred Treasures Tower, he had never encountered anyone asking for a second layer of "Water Drop Finger". After a moment of thought, he straightened up, scrutinized Ji Yuan seriously, and after a while, he clapped his hands and laughed:

"So it’s you, kid!"