Xunuo suddenly had a flash of inspiration and silently recited the Object Manipulation Technique. With a flick of his finger, the flame in his hand transformed into a fireball about a foot in diameter, soaring into the air. With another surge of magic, the fireball began to roll and fly swiftly through the sky, almost to the point of being controlled at will, a stark contrast to the slow and cumbersome manipulation he had experienced earlier with the jade slip using the same technique.
Then Xunuo pointed at a large tree ten zhang away. The fireball responded immediately, wrapping around the tree in an instant. Moments later, the tree, which was as thick as a person's embrace, was reduced to nothing but a stump standing about a person’s height.
At that moment, Xunuo recalled that Dongfang Yunqing had mentioned he possessed a Fire Attribute Spiritual Root. It seemed that his ability to manipulate Fire Attribute spells so easily was closely related to his Spiritual Root.
This realization struck Xunuo. However, he could not fathom why manipulating the fireball with Object Manipulation Technique felt so effortless while controlling other objects remained exceedingly difficult. He would have to seek Dongfang Yunqing's guidance on this matter in the future.
Moreover, Dongfang Yunqing's earlier words had left Xunuo profoundly shocked and prompted him to reconsider the path he intended to take moving forward.
Although Dongfang Yunqing had said that Xunuo was young and had already cultivated the Basic Skill Method to the fifth layer, indicating a bright future ahead, Xunuo was acutely aware of the challenges posed by the Huayang Classic. The deeper one delved into it, the more arduous the cultivation became, and advancement slowed significantly.
From the time he began practicing Huayang Classic until he reached the fourth layer took him just over a year. However, it took him another year to progress from the fourth layer to the fifth. By this calculation, reaching the eleventh layer of Huayang Classic would mean he might not achieve it until he was well into old age.
Looking at Dongfang Yunqing, who was already in his sixties and had only managed to cultivate the Basic Skill Method to an unspecified layer, it seemed that if he could not break through in recent years, he would likely remain stuck at this level.
Xunuo unexpectedly obtained Dan Jue and learned about Alchemy. If he could refine Unity Pills that enhanced cultivation, there might still be hope for him to reach the Foundation Establishment Stage and achieve True Immortal status within his lifetime.
In the next moment, Xunuo thought of the Herb Garden at Wuhua Sect. If he wanted to refine Unity Pills, he first needed to advance further in Elixir Formula cultivation. His Divine Sense control needed to be more precise.
Another requirement was various herbs.
Although Wuhua Sect's Herb Garden did not yet have all the materials needed for refining Unity Pills, it was missing only a few more—just seven or eight types would suffice. It seemed he could not leave Wuhua Sect just yet.
Furthermore, practicing in Wuhua Sect's Herb Garden meant no one would disturb him, making it an excellent place for secluded cultivation. As for offending Heavenly Shadow Sect, it now seemed trivial; if they sought trouble again, he could simply burn them to ashes without needing to dig graves for their remains.
Xunuo pondered this matter thoroughly on the mountain and outlined his future path.
As for what Dongfang Yunqing mentioned about several Loose Cultivators nearby, Xunuo had no intention of provoking them. Not to mention that Evil Cultivator known as Black Wind Old Monster; even those who had some connections with Dongfang Yunqing were not worth his time.
After all, through his conversation with Dongfang Yunqing, Xunuo concluded that the cultivation world was far from benevolent. As a novice like himself might not possess anything others coveted, there was still a risk—if someone were in a bad mood and decided to eliminate him with a wave of their hand, there would be no one to cry out for help.
He silently rejoiced that he had encountered Dongfang Yunqing this time. Not only did he patiently explain some situations in the cultivation world but also provided significant benefits to Xunuo. Although Dongfang Yunqing had his own motives regarding Xunuo, it still resulted in mutual benefit—a stroke of good fortune indeed.
Xunuo pondered for a moment and decided that until he had the ability to protect himself, it was best not to reveal himself easily. There were still over three years until the Dome Mountain Golden Family Trading Conference. During this time, he aimed to make breakthroughs with the Huayang Classic and the Elixir Formula. Additionally, he needed to master the Object Manipulation Technique and the Fire Manipulation Technique to gain some self-defense capability.
However, attending the Dome Mountain Jin Family Trade Fair was essential for Xunuo. This opportunity would allow him to truly understand the cultivation world and clarify how he should proceed with his training. The subsequent four levels of the Huayang Classic could only be obtained at the Trade Fair.
After contemplating for a while longer, Xunuo noticed that night had fallen. He abandoned his original plan and determined to head towards Wuhua Mountain instead. This time, he did not delay on the journey and returned to Wuhua Mountain in just three days.
Once Xunuo quietly infiltrated the Herb Garden's Thatched Cottage, he found everything unchanged and finally felt at ease enough to rest for two days.
A few days later, Jing Lide heard reports from his subordinates that they had seen Xunuo practicing swordsmanship outside the Thatched Cottage. He hurried over to pay his respects to Xunuo. In the entire Wuhua Sect, only he knew that Xunuo had been outside of Wuhua Mountain.
During Xunuo's absence of over ten days, Jing Lide's heart was like a bottle of mixed flavors, overwhelmed by various emotions. He worried about whether Xunuo would return and how it might affect him. He also feared that if Xunuo returned asking for herbs, it would complicate matters. In his room, he would sometimes sigh deeply and at other times let out inexplicable cold laughs, appearing almost mad.
When Xunuo saw him arrive, he casually brought up the topic of herbs.
Jing Lide immediately took out more than ten wooden boxes from his robe and placed them on the table. "Shishu, all the herbs on your list are here except for the Centennial Polygonatum."
Xunuo opened the boxes one by one, inspecting the herbs before nodding in approval. He then looked at Jing Lide and asked, "Why are you so bold today? Aren't you afraid of being seen by others?"
Jing Lide replied with a mournful expression, "These century-old herbs cannot be hidden once moved; being cautious or bold makes little difference. I can only say that Master Lu has taken these on orders from the sect leader, which is why I can keep my subordinates quiet. If anyone else discovers this, we will have to ask Shishu to explain. If Master Lu plans to flee, I hope you will take me along."
Xunuo spat in disdain and said, "What nonsense are you talking? The Wuhua Sect has treated me well; how could I betray them? A few herbs are not a big deal; I know my limits and will ensure you are not implicated."
Jing Lide responded half-believingly.
Xunuo thought for a moment and added, "I am still looking for a few herbs that are not available in this Herb Garden. Could you see if someone can procure them?"
He then took out paper and ink, wrote down several names of herbs, and handed it to Jing Lide.
Jing Lide glanced at it and replied, "Since you just took over the Herb Garden not long ago, I'm not very familiar with these herbs either. It might be better to ask one of the alchemists in the pharmacy."
"Alright," Xunuo said as he followed Jing Lide out towards the pharmacy.
The pharmacy of Wuhua Sect was also located in Herb Valley; due to the precious land within Herb Valley, it was built on a slope. Upon entering the pharmacy, several disciples busy with alchemy came over to greet Xunuo.
Xunuo waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities."
Jing Lide was instructed to take out the paper and show it to a few experienced masters.
After examining the paper, the group exchanged glances. An elder with a notable presence clasped his hands and said, "These herbs are extremely difficult to cultivate and have very strict environmental requirements. Very few sects would grow such herbs; in fact, wild ones are more common than cultivated ones. Due to their rarity, these herbs are quite valuable, but there are very few prescriptions that can utilize them. May I ask what kind of medicine you intend to concoct that requires such obscure herbs?"
Xunuo did not answer directly but instead asked, "I need those that are aged; I wonder if they can be procured."
The elder replied, "Most of these herbs in the market are aged; those that are not are actually quite rare."
Xunuo nodded and said to Jing Lide, "You should submit this list to the Outer Hall for them to procure some."
Jing Lide smiled wryly and responded, "As you command."
Satisfied, Xunuo patted Jing Lide on the back, took a sturdy Alchemical Cauldron, and turned to leave.
Jing Lide helplessly called over someone nearby to send the list to the Outer Hall. He then returned to his residence, waiting for Xunuo to summon him for fire-starting and alchemy.
When Xunuo returned with the Alchemical Cauldron, he intended to start the fire immediately for alchemy. However, after some thought, he realized that with his mastery of Fire Manipulation Technique, he no longer needed to start a fire manually. Instead, it would be better to practice these two spells until he was proficient. Ideally, he wanted to refine the Elixir Formula to the fourth stage or at least reach the peak of the third stage before attempting to concoct Revival Powder. After all, the ingredients for Revival Powder were somewhat precious. If he failed in the concoction, it might take a long time to procure Centennial Polygonatum again.
Determined, Xunuo temporarily set aside Huayang Classic and focused his energy on refining the Elixir Formula.
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