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    Starry Sky Professional Directory 135

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    Chapter 135: The Mahābhote-like Palm (Dedicated to zzyzzx123, our盟主!)

    August 5, 2024

    Chapter 135: The Mahābhote-like Palm (Dedicated to zzyzzx123, our盟主!)

    【Name: Fang Xing】
    【Age: 20】
    【Profession: Martial Artist】
    【Fifth Realm: External Manifestation (50/400)】
    【Dragon Tiger Stake: 100/800 (Grandmaster)】
    【Twelve Styles of Military Boxing: 315/400 (Master)】
    【Ghost God Blade: 356/400 (Master)】
    【Exquisite Emotion Sword: 321/400 (Master)】
    【Dragon Elephant Skill: 1/800 (Grandmaster)】
    【Mahāvajra-Prajñā Divine Power: 1/400 (Master)】
    【Mahābhote-like Chant: 50/200 (Proficient)】
    【Heavenly Mother’s Virtue and Wisdom Twin Dharma Protectors: 1/200 (Proficient)】
    【Void Walking Step: 157/200 (Proficient)】
    【Gate of All Heavens (Charging…)】

    “This time, the insights gained from the Myriad Spirits Scripture were significant…”
    “But later, I became somewhat immersed in the Mahābhote-like Palm Scripture, resulting in the unintentional use of the Mahābhote-like Chant… and accidentally increasing my proficiency by 30 points.”

    In the dormitory.

    Fang Xing sat cross-legged, examining his attribute panel, pondering his gains and losses.

    Suddenly, his eyes narrowed.

    Below the Mahābhote-like Chant, he saw a sub-menu seemingly generating, just like the ‘Heavenly Mother’s Virtue and Wisdom Twin Dharma Protectors’!

    Vaguely, he received a piece of information; its name was ‘Mahābhote-like Palm’!!

    However, due to the insufficient absorption of martial intent realms, it hadn’t been fully developed.

    The runes representing the ‘Mahābhote-like Palm’ flickered for a moment before finally subsiding.

    “Damn it… I’ve found that every time I use the ‘Mahābhote-like Chant,’ it brings me a little surprise…”

    Fang Xing was so angry he almost swore, unsure whether he should be excited or apprehensive.

    After a short while, however, he calmed down.

    “The Mahābhote-like Palm Scripture is a supreme martial art of Blue Star University’s Martial Dao department… With my current measly External Manifestation strength, even if I could learn it beyond my level, I wouldn’t have the strength to use it; it would be like a small horse pulling a large cart… ultimately not ideal.”

    “When my strength grows stronger in the future, the Myriad Spirits Scripture will still be there, and I can learn it whenever I want… What is there to regret?”

    “Would I abandon my own path for a mere supreme martial art?”

    “I should just continue doing what I’m doing…”

    Time flowed like water.

    Purple Iris Immortal City.

    In a first-grade superior spirit energy subworld.

    Fang Xing’s cultivator avatar sat cross-legged, silently refining pills.

    Suddenly!

    The spirit energy in the cave, like mist, swirled around him, then was completely absorbed…

    Crack!

    A crisp sound came from within Fang Xing’s body.

    “Qi Refinement Ninth Layer, achieved!”

    Fang Xing stood up, feeling the significantly increased spiritual power in his dantian, a smile appearing on his face.

    “I truly am a peerless genius…”

    With a first-grade superior spirit energy subworld and numerous pills, coupled with his spiritual root talent and the possession of a Golden Core cultivation technique, his cultivation progressed incredibly fast!

    “The golden attribute spiritual power inherently possesses a sharp energy, making breakthroughs easier… Of course, the reason I could directly advance to the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer after reaching the peak of the Qi Refinement Eighth Layer was still due to my talent.”

    Generally speaking, cultivators who reach the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer can begin preparing for Foundation Establishment.

    Because the peak of Qi Refinement is actually the peak of the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer; it’s only about spiritual power accumulation, with no bottlenecks.

    And if they’re not afraid of a high failure rate, they can forcibly mobilize spiritual power at the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer and attempt Foundation Establishment.

    This applies even more so to Fang Xing.

    “Even without Foundation Establishment pills, I have a 90% chance of success in Foundation Establishment… The remaining 10% is due to intentional interruption, flaws in the technique, spontaneous combustion, or other special circumstances…”

    After all, Heaven-grade spiritual roots have few bottlenecks before Golden Core formation.

    If one cultivates to the peak of Foundation Establishment, even without various Golden Core spirit treasures, there is still a chance of Golden Core formation.

    “However, for safety’s sake, I should still take a Foundation Establishment pill. The slight increase in the probability of success is negligible; the main thing is its effect in protecting cultivators from severe injuries during failed Foundation Establishment…”

    For the independent cultivators in Zhengguo’s cultivation world, Foundation Establishment pills are supreme treasures and opportunities for the Dao.

    Except for the three major sects that can regularly provide a small number of Foundation Establishment pills to their true disciples, the sources of other Foundation Establishment pills are quite scarce and unstable.

    The Foundation Establishment of Zhengguo’s families and small sects often relies on desperate attempts or the use of Foundation Establishment spirit treasures.

    “Purple Iris Immortal City, as Zhengguo’s sanctuary for independent cultivators, holds a Foundation Establishment pill auction every few years… Unfortunately, it’s unreliable, and I don’t have the patience to wait for years?”

    Fang Xing flicked his finger, and a golden sword light shot out, penetrating the stone wall several inches.

    This was a minor spell from the ‘Transformation into Gold’ technique in the Qi Refinement stage, named ‘庚金剑气’ (Gengjin Sword Qi). After reaching the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer, Gengjin Sword Qi had long since reached its peak. Now, there were streaks of golden sword light between his fingers, like golden snakes slithering.

    “The Immortal City’s grand auction usually features a Foundation Establishment pill auction once every few years; otherwise, there’s a Foundation Establishment spirit treasure auction every year…”

    Foundation Establishment spirit treasures also held some appeal for Fang Xing.

    For example, a ‘Protective Meridian Pill’ that could guarantee survival in case of failed Foundation Establishment; if it existed, he certainly wouldn’t miss it.

    In addition, local cultivators liked to use various evil energies to hone their physiques and spiritual power… to assist in Foundation Establishment.

    For Fang Xing, this was a rare opportunity to absorb unique cosmic energies!

    “The treasure vault contains a special Condensation Pill method that can refine unique cosmic energies into the martial Golden Core during its creation, strengthening the Golden Core’s foundation…”

    “Of course, not any energy will do; it must be compatible…”

    “I can’t miss the annual grand auction…”

    “Finally, to obtain a Foundation Establishment pill, I’ll probably have to find someone to collaborate with.”

    Within Purple Iris Immortal City, there were second-rank pill masters capable of refining Foundation Establishment pills.

    Although Fang Xing trusted Su Ye more, the other party wouldn’t be back in the short term, so he had to seek help locally.

    Refining Foundation Establishment pills was a rare opportunity for second-rank pill masters, so they wouldn’t likely refuse.

    “If my pill refinement skills weren’t so poor, with a high chance of failure on the first try, it wouldn’t even come to asking others for help.”

    Although aided by the ‘Myriad Transformations Cauldron,’ Fang Xing hadn’t practiced long enough. Currently, he only had some confidence in refining first-grade superior pills—the so-called ‘confidence’ meant that he could ensure pill formation, even if the pills were inferior, as he could use subsequent refinement to remedy them.

    His true pill refinement level was likely around first-grade mid-rank, still far from a second-rank Foundation Establishment pill. If he attempted it, he would certainly ruin it and not even have a chance to salvage it.

    “But to find someone to refine it, I need to gather all the materials for a Foundation Establishment pill.”

    “I have a second-rank demon core, which is the most important main ingredient… The other auxiliary materials will certainly be accumulated by the smaller sects and families here, waiting for opportunities. As long as I spread the word, someone will seek cooperation… and I can choose first!”

    For a Foundation Establishment pill’s materials, the second-rank demon core is the most precious. Therefore, according to pill refinement rules, if only one genuine core exists, the cultivator contributing the most valuable materials has the right to choose first… Of course, they also need to compensate the other collaborators with spirit stones.

    In fact, inferior Foundation Establishment pills were acceptable to Fang Xing.

    After all, the Myriad Transformations Cauldron could neutralize the pill poison.

    “I can give it a try…”

    Fang Xing wasn’t afraid of others trying to swindle him.

    In this vast Purple Iris Immortal City, the strongest was the False Golden Core expert!

    His main body was not only a Grandmaster of the Dragon Elephant Skill, with a physique comparable to a second-rank superior demon beast, but he had also cultivated the Mahāvajra-Prajñā Divine Power to the Master level, capable of unleashing eight times his combat power!

    In the cultivation world, eight Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivators might dare to besiege a False Golden Core expert.

    Moreover, an eight-fold increase in combat power wasn’t simply the sum of eight cultivators; it was an exponential increase in strength!

    A False Golden Core expert might accidentally be beaten to death!

    ‘If they try to cheat me, I’ll let my main body make a move; I can earn even more… If Purple Iris True Immortal protects them, I’ll kill her and go to other Immortal Cities…’

    Fang Xing silently gave himself a thumbs-up for his cleverness.

    The next day.

    Fang Xing went out, prepared a gift, and set out to find a pill master.

    “In Purple Iris Immortal City, there are three second-rank pill masters capable of refining Foundation Establishment pills, with similar reputations… They are Huo Xuanzi, Zhou Family Ancestor, and Floating Weed Recluse… All three are Foundation Establishment cultivators, renowned pill masters.”

    “Of these, Floating Weed Recluse is an independent cultivator, Huo Xuanzi is affiliated with the City Lord’s Mansion, and Zhou Family Ancestor is the head of the Foundation Establishment Zhou Family…”

    Logically, he should choose Huo Xuanzi.

    But this person belonged to the City Lord’s Mansion, had a powerful backer, was the hardest to please, and had the worst temper.

    Floating Weed Recluse was an independent cultivator, rumored to be easygoing, but Fang Xing didn’t think much of him; after all, without family or property, he had no attachments, and therefore no weaknesses, so he could act freely.

    The last one was the Zhou Family Ancestor, who had many weaknesses, as he had a huge family to uphold.

    “Therefore, I should choose Zhou Family Ancestor…”

    The Zhou Family possessed a second-rank spirit land, ‘Purple Green Pond,’ as their ancestral land. However, the Zhou Family Ancestor also had a residence in Purple Iris Immortal City, specifically for accepting various pill refinement tasks.

    “This type of Foundation Establishment family ancestor is usually supported by the entire family. After achieving Foundation Establishment, they have to shoulder the burden of the family. If they die, the family will decline… It’s quite tiring, and their cultivation often stagnates. Zhou Family Ancestor originally had good talent, but after breaking through to Foundation Establishment, there have been no reports of him breaking through to higher realms…”

    Before arriving at the Zhou Family mansion, Fang Xing knocked on the door.

    “May I ask who is visiting?”

    A Qi Refinement initial-stage maidservant opened the door and, seeing Fang Xing, asked routinely.

    “My surname is Fang, and I’ve come to ask Zhou Family Ancestor to refine pills.”

    Fang Xing smiled, his Qi Refinement late-stage cultivation undisguised, making him a notable figure even in Purple Iris Immortal City.

    “Please leave your name card; our ancestor is currently refining other pills. When there is an opening, someone will notify you according to the name cards.”

    The maidservant seemed specially trained and answered very procedurally.

    “Oh?”

    Fang Xing chuckled, producing a gold-leaf name card: “This contains the pills I need refined and the prepared ingredients. Go inform your ancestor.”

    “Yes!”

    The maidservant immediately took the name card and bowed, leaving.

    She entered the inner house, passed through a formation, and arrived at a geothermic room.

    The floor was paved with a type of crimson warm jade, and the temperature was rising.

    In the center of the room was a crimson alchemy furnace. A white-haired, plump, and tightly-skinned old man with no wrinkles was calmly observing the furnace’s heat.

    “Xin’er… what is it?”

    Zhou Family Ancestor held a spirit artifact fan and asked calmly.

    “There’s a Qi Refinement late-stage cultivator outside requesting pill refinement.” Zhou Xin quickly bowed and handed over the gold-leaf name card.

    “Qi Refinement late-stage… Forget it, when the ancestor is free, notify him… This batch of ‘Returning Breath Pills’ are second-rank… you should watch carefully; in the Zhou family, only you can grasp a fraction of the ancestor’s pill refinement techniques.”

    Zhou Family Ancestor looked at Zhou Xin, sighing inwardly.

    In truth, this great-granddaughter (or further removed descendant), while having some pill refinement talent, didn’t have much.

    But out of all the short ones, you had to pick the tallest; she was the only option.

    The reason was simple: apprentices could be selected based on superior spiritual roots and exceptional insight.

    But sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters with poor aptitude could not be abandoned.

    This was the drawback of cultivator families: they couldn’t guarantee that every generation would be geniuses, while sects could freely choose the best from a vast pool.

    Therefore, in this barren land, sects always held the dominant position, while cultivator families were merely supplementary.

    Zhou Family Ancestor glanced at the furnace’s heat, then casually opened the gold-leaf name card. His expression suddenly changed: “This… Xin’er, quickly go to the door and invite this esteemed guest. Make sure to treat him well… Once I’ve finished this batch of Returning Breath Pills, I’ll immediately go see him.”

    “Yes!”

    Seeing this, Zhou Xin felt a stirring in her heart, knowing that this was an extraordinary customer.

    ‘I wonder… is it an incredible identity? Or are the pills to be refined precious? If it’s the latter… then it must be…’

    Seeming to think of something, Zhou Xin’s eyes flickered.

    Outside, Fang Xing waited for a while before the maidservant reappeared, respectfully escorting him to the living room and offering spirit tea and pastries, causing a slight smile to play on his lips.

    “This tea is excellent… with a unique flavor, and these pastries are quite good.”

    He ate and drank leisurely, occasionally commenting.

    Zhou Xin, observing this, felt that the first possibility was more likely; this young master’s identity was not ordinary.

    After all, this was a Foundation Establishment mansion. When ordinary Qi Refinement cultivators came, they would be nervous.

    Her expression became gentler, and she softly said: “Esteemed guest, this tea is a second-rank ‘Cloud Mist Mountain Tea,’ produced by Cloud Mist Mountain Estate. There are only a few pounds produced annually… My ancestor only drinks a cup or two occasionally. This ‘Fish Fillet Paste’ is a Zhou Family specialty, made by mixing the spiritual fish from the Purple Green Pond with Spirit Rice… Our Purple Green Pond is somewhat famous in Zhengguo. It produces a ‘Purple Green Carp,’ a type of small dragon, with the fish king having a trace of dragon bloodline. Every batch is pre-ordered by the Myriad Beasts Sect…”

    Zhou Xin spoke with pride. In Fang Xing’s ears, however, it sounded like the Zhengguo cultivation world was truly pitiful; the good things were all divided up by the three major sects.

    For cultivators, time is the least valuable thing.

    Fang Xing waited a day before seeing a crane-haired, plump old man enter the living room with a fan in hand, smiling: “Old man Zhou Yuantong, I greet the esteemed guest!”

    “Fang Xing, I greet senior.”

    Fang Xing rose and performed a slight bow.

    This neither subservient nor arrogant posture left Zhou Yuantong uncertain. There seemed to be no Fang family in Zhengguo.

    Among the three major sects, there didn’t seem to be any outstanding Fang-surname true disciples…

    He immediately sat down, smiling, and instead of discussing pill refinement, began chatting, wanting to probe Fang Xing’s background.

    Fang Xing’s evasive answers made it difficult for Zhou Yuantong to ascertain his identity, leaving the elder somewhat frustrated…

    (End of Chapter)

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