Chapter 27: Recruiting Rogue Cultivators
Lin Cong regarded He Song as a close friend, even sharing the secrets of his breakthrough.
If He Song were still concerned about a few spirit stones, it would truly be inappropriate.
As He Song thought this, his gaze toward Lin Cong carried a hint of emotion.
After several years of companionship, and with Lin Cong's active efforts to befriend him, the two had finally become close friends.
Now, the fact that Lin Cong had shared the details of his breakthrough to the mid-stage of Qi Refining showed that, at least for now, Lin Cong harbored no ill intentions toward He Song.
He Song believed that as long as he maintained their relationship and continued to treat Lin Cong with sincerity, Lin Cong would naturally not treat him poorly.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, He Song had a sudden inspiration—a way to repay Lin Cong's kindness.
"By the way, Fellow Daoist Lin, have you ever been to the Spirit Technique Pavilion?" He Song asked, recalling the days he had spent reading miscellaneous books there when he first entered the world of cultivation.
In the Spirit Technique Pavilion of the Zhushan Immortal Market, besides selling cultivation techniques and spells, there were also a large number of miscellaneous books available for reading.
These books covered a wide range of topics, from basic knowledge of the cultivation world to introductions to various cultivation arts, as well as the territories of major sects in the cultivation world.
However, if rogue cultivators wanted to read them, they had to pay one spirit stone per day.
Back then, since He Song was an internal member of the Immortal Market, he didn't have to pay to read the books, saving him a few spirit stones.
Although these miscellaneous books couldn't compare to the collections of sects and families, nor to the guidance of elders, they were still invaluable to rogue cultivators.
If Lin Cong hadn't read them, He Song would recommend that he take a look. This would give him a better understanding of the basics of cultivation and at least make him less likely to be deceived in the future.
Thinking of how Lin Cong had scrambled to buy so-called breakthrough aids to reach the mid-stage of Qi Refining, He Song couldn't help but feel amused.
If He Song were about to break through, he would definitely consult his friends before making any purchases.
Meng Guan and Wei Fan, both mid-stage and even late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, were all too familiar with the bottleneck between the early and mid-stages of Qi Refining.
Now, with Lin Cong here to share his firsthand experience, He Song would certainly not repeat the same mistakes when he broke through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining.
"The Spirit Technique Pavilion? I've been there before to buy some spells, but they were too expensive. After that, I rarely went back. If I need to learn a new spell, I usually buy it from the market area—it's much cheaper," Lin Cong replied thoughtfully.
But then, as if remembering something, a smile appeared on his face, and he added, "Fellow Daoist He, are you planning to buy spells from the Spirit Technique Pavilion? I'd advise you to buy them from the market area instead. The spells sold there are much cheaper than those in the Spirit Technique Pavilion."
Facing Lin Cong's advice, He Song remained calm on the surface, but inwardly, he felt somewhat helpless.
Indeed, rogue cultivators were rogue cultivators—they always prioritized price.
Of course, if He Song were truly a rogue cultivator, he would do the same.
However, He Song wasn't a rogue cultivator in the strictest sense. He was an Immortal Market cultivator and also a transmigrator from an era of information explosion. He knew the importance of knowledge.
Thus, although he couldn't compare to sect disciples or family members, he was still better off than true rogue cultivators.
In the cultivation world, knowledge came at a cost.
Cultivation techniques required spirit stones.
Spells required spirit stones.
Even the various arts of cultivation required spirit stones.
Even the miscellaneous books in the Spirit Technique Pavilion required spirit stones.
Given Lin Cong's current mindset, He Song felt that even if he told him about the miscellaneous books in the Spirit Technique Pavilion—how spending one spirit stone a day could quickly familiarize him with the basics of the cultivation world—Lin Cong would likely decline due to the cost.
After some thought, He Song shook his head.
Whether he told Lin Cong was up to him.
Whether Lin Cong went was up to Lin Cong.
Some things, as long as he did them, he could be at peace with himself.
As for whether it would help Lin Cong, that would depend on his own fortune.
He Song wasn't a nanny—he couldn't force-feed him knowledge.
"Not exactly. But in the Spirit Technique Pavilion, there are various miscellaneous books. Reading them can quickly familiarize you with the cultivation world. If you have the time, you might want to check them out. It only costs one spirit stone a day, and in a few days, you can finish them and gain a basic understanding of the cultivation world," He Song explained honestly.
However, in his heart, He Song didn't hold much hope that Lin Cong would actually go.
But since he had already spoken, He Song didn't think of taking back his words.
He had done his part by being honest.
What happened next was anyone's guess.
With this in mind, He Song glanced around and noticed the waiter approaching with their dishes.
"Thank you for the advice, Fellow Daoist. Today, let's drink until we drop. As for the Spirit Technique Pavilion, we can talk about that tomorrow!" Lin Cong also saw the waiter and immediately set aside other thoughts, eagerly anticipating the meal.
Seeing this, He Song said nothing more and put down his teacup, waiting for the food to be served.
Soon, a table of exquisite dishes was laid out before He Song and Lin Cong.
Threads of spiritual energy wafted from the dishes, and just a whiff was enough to feel the refreshing sensation of spiritual energy entering the body.
The spiritual energy contained in these finely crafted dishes was not to be underestimated.
At the same time, two bowls of spirit rice were also placed on the table.
Spirit ingredients, spirit rice, and demon beast meat—these made up the expensive spiritual feast before them.
In the cultivation world, anything that didn't contain spiritual energy was worthless.
But if it contained spiritual energy, even an ordinary stone could become a spirit stone!
As the food was served, He Song and Lin Cong quickly began to eat heartily.
However, as they ate and chatted idly, they overheard some rumors from other tables.
The Chiling Gold Mine, not far from the Zhushan Immortal Market, had begun recruiting rogue cultivators ten days ago.
Now, notices recruiting rogue cultivators to mine at the Chiling Gold Mine had been posted throughout the entire Zhushan Immortal Market.
In addition to the Zhushan Immortal Market, similar notices had also been posted in several other Immortal Markets near the Chiling Gold Mine.
Lured by the high monthly reward of thirty spirit stones, rogue cultivators from several Immortal Markets were flocking to the Chiling Gold Mine.
However, the Chiling Gold Mine wasn't accepting just anyone.
The minimum cultivation requirement was the third level of Qi Refining.
Cultivators at the first and second levels of Qi Refining were completely excluded due to their low cultivation.
Only those who had reached the third level of Qi Refining had a chance to enter the Chiling Gold Mine.
Of course, the higher the cultivation level, the better.
Third level of Qi Refining.
Mid-stage Qi Refining.
Late-stage Qi Refining.
As long as one's cultivation met the requirements, they could enter.
Moreover, it was said that several Foundation Establishment cultivators were stationed at the Chiling Gold Mine, making it as solid as a fortress.
With such a formidable lineup and the monthly reward of thirty spirit stones, countless rogue cultivators were eager to join.
(End of Chapter)