Cultivating the Xishen Formula, The Difficulty of Meditation

After descending the mountain and passing through the gate of the Nanxi Sect, the group soon arrived at the marketplace. This marketplace was built against the mountain, not very large, with only a dozen or so shops, most of which were run by the Nanxi Sect. There were also some street vendors around the outskirts, mainly serving the scattered cultivators living nearby.

Following Elder Huang's directions, Du Chen and the others entered one of the Nanxi Sect's exclusive shops. After showing their identity jade tokens, a young servant at the door led them to the shop's manager.

The manager was a middle-aged cultivator at the ninth level of the Qi Refining stage, who introduced himself as Wang. After some polite greetings and tea, Cang Hai got straight to the point and handed Wang the list, which detailed the books and materials they needed.

Wang glanced over the list and noted that it included books and formulas on various topics such as alchemy, artifact forging, talisman making, formations, and mechanism arts. He couldn't help but smile to himself, thinking these young cultivators were perhaps aiming too high, though he didn't say it aloud. He handed the list to one of his disciples and instructed him to search the storeroom. He then said, "This is not a problem, but the mechanism arts have been lost for many years. It will be very difficult to find."

Cang Hai nodded, "We understand. Thank you for your help."

Wang continued, "Our sect's marketplace doesn't deal in a wide variety of goods. If you want something more complete, you'll have to go to Zhuque City. It's not far from here, and it only takes about the time for an incense stick to travel there by sword flight. It's the largest city in the southern region, and many cultivators pass through. The Xingfan Trading Guild also has a branch in Zhuque City."

At this moment, the disciple who had gone to the storeroom returned, holding a storage pouch. "We found only about half of what was on the list. The rest is unavailable."

Cang Hai took the pouch and looked inside. Most of the contents were formulas and materials suitable for Qi Refining cultivators, including some formulas for pills and weapons, as well as two books: Introduction to Formations and Comprehensive Talismans, which was an unexpected gain.

Du Chen leaned over to take a look. "Why are there no formulas for the Foundation Establishment stage?"

Wang replied, "We have all the pills and magic tools needed for the Foundation Establishment stage, but formulas are scarce."

Du Chen was confused. "Why is that?"

Wang smiled, "I'm sure you've rarely been to a marketplace like this. You see, among the seven major sects of the righteous path, the Santong Sect specializes in alchemy, and the Bailian Sect focuses on artifact forging. Seven or eight out of ten pills and magic tools in the market come from those two sects. Pills and magic tools are always in demand, but very few people are interested in learning alchemy and artifact forging."

Cang Hai nodded, "When you're just starting out, the success rate is low, and when you factor in the costs of failed materials, it's not really worth it."

Wang agreed, "Exactly. But there's another reason. Qi Refining cultivators, even though they've stepped into the door of cultivation, have a lifespan similar to that of ordinary humans—only about a hundred years. Even once they reach the Foundation Establishment stage, they only live for about two hundred years. If, like me, someone has poor aptitude, it's unlikely to even reach Foundation Establishment in a hundred years, and two hundred years might not be enough to form the Golden Core. With such limited time, who has the energy to learn such trivial matters?"

Cang Hai immediately understood Wang's implication. After a moment of thought, he smiled and said, "Thank you for the reminder. We are merely pursuing our interests and will not lose sight of the bigger picture."

Wang's face flushed slightly, and he stood up to bow. "I shouldn't have said so much. You, the young pillars of our sect, are obviously extraordinarily talented, reaching Foundation Establishment at such a young age. You'll surely achieve great things in the future. If you were to go down the wrong path, it would truly be a waste, which is why I dared to speak out. Please, do not take offense."

As the group was talking, a small bird suddenly flew in from outside the window, heading straight for Cang Hai. It hovered in mid-air before stopping, and spoke in human language, "The Sect Leader summons you, come to the main hall immediately." After speaking, it transformed into a paper crane and landed in Cang Hai's hand. The voice sounded like it belonged to Jian Ziyuan. The five of them found this quite amusing, and each of them took turns holding it and looking at it.

Manager Wang explained, "This is a sound transmission talisman paper. If you have talent, learning talismans isn't too difficult, and they are very practical. Brother Jian is particularly skilled in this area." He then stood up and said, "The Sect Leader has called, we mustn't delay. You should go at once."

Du Chen paid for their items, and the group quickly left the marketplace and made their way back up the mountain.

Upon entering the main hall, they saw an elderly man dressed in fine robes sitting in the main seat. Standing beside him were Jian Ziyuan and a young, pretty female cultivator. The elderly man appeared to be of unknown rank, but his cultivation was clearly above the Golden Core stage, likely the Sect Leader.

The five of them stepped forward and paid their respects. The Sect Leader smiled and waved his hand, saying, "No need for formalities." However, his gaze shifted to the Empress Wei that Xiao Yue was holding.

Everyone felt a little uneasy, thinking to themselves that the Sect Leader must have noticed something.

The Sect Leader continued to scrutinize the Empress Wei for a few more moments before asking Xiao Yue, "I heard this is your niece?" This was the identity they had agreed on for external purposes.

Xiao Yue lowered his head and responded, "Yes, that's correct. Her parents are both deceased, and there are no other relatives in her family, so she has to stay by my side."

The Sect Leader nodded and, with a beaming smile, said to Empress Wei, "Ah, such a beautiful child."

Jian Ziyuan cleared his throat twice, and the Sect Leader, still smiling, turned his attention back to the group. "You all are extraordinarily talented. Now that you've joined our sect, you will be core disciples. The sect will provide for you, and as long as you focus on your cultivation, the Golden Core stage will certainly be within reach."

The five of them understood that this was a speech from the new leadership, and each bowed their head to listen.

The Sect Leader continued with a few words of advice, then pointed to the two people standing next to him. "You already know Ziyuan. This is Lin Hanfang, my granddaughter. You all will be the pillars of our sect in the future, so it wouldn't hurt to be closer to each other." After saying this, he chuckled a couple of times, not elaborating further, and dismissed them.

The five of them left the hall, and just as they were walking outside, Lin Hanfang, holding a delicate whip, walked up to Cang Hai. Her gaze was bold as she sized him up from head to toe and asked in a sweet voice, "You are Cang Hai? You have a single Water Spirit Root, right?"

Cang Hai, feeling a little confused, adjusted his glasses and replied, "That's correct. May I ask what's the matter?"

Lin Hanfang seemed quite pleased with his appearance. As she ran her fingers over the whip handle, she glanced at him with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes and tilted her head. "I have both Metal and Wood Spirit Roots, and I'm at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. I heard from the Sect Leader's wife that our spirit roots are compatible, and we would be perfect for dual cultivation. Cultivating together would speed up our progress. What do you think?"

At this, Du Chen couldn't hold back his laughter and burst out laughing.

Cang Hai's face turned awkward. He hadn't expected to meet such a bold and open-minded girl in this other world, openly suggesting dual cultivation without hesitation. He wasn't sure if it was due to ignorance or an open attitude.

Jian Ziyuan sternly reprimanded, "Junior Sister Lin, such matters should not be spoken of by a young lady!"

"Why can't I speak about it? We are cultivators, and cultivation is only about our abilities. Should we, like ordinary people, still care about the difference between men and women?" Lin Hanfang retorted, not backing down in the least.

Cang Hai glanced at Sang Tian from the corner of his eye and noticed her slightly amused expression. He immediately realized that he was probably going to get an earful when they returned. Quickly, he pulled Sang Tian over and said, "Junior Sister, I understand your good intentions, but I already have someone in mind. It's this Junior Sister here."

Upon hearing this, Lin Hanfang's almond-shaped eyes widened as she scrutinized Sang Tian from head to toe. She then said, "She won't do. She's not as pretty as me, and can her spirit roots possibly be as compatible with yours as mine? I don't believe you can find anyone better suited for dual cultivation than me."

Sang Tian didn't get angry but smiled instead. Just as she was about to speak, Cang Hai quickly pulled her back. He stepped forward again and cupped his hands, saying, "I'm not seeking a partner for cultivation, only someone who shares my heart. Junior Sister Lin, please find someone else."

Lin Hanfang glared angrily at the two, her short whip snapping sharply and leaving a deep gouge in the ground. She lifted her head high and said, "I won't give up. Wait and see, I'll show you who's the most suitable for dual cultivation." With that, she turned and walked off.

Back at their residence, how Sang Tian would reprimand Cang Hai was anyone's guess. Du Chen couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. He'd never experienced the fortune of having two women vying for his attention. That night in his dream, he brought the matter up to Yu Shu.

Yu Shu, reclining in a lounge chair with a fan in hand, gazed at the moonlight. Hearing Du Chen's words, she chuckled softly and asked, "Do you wish for two women to pursue you?"

Du Chen grinned, "If it's someone like you, Senior Sister, then one would be enough."

Yu Shu narrowed her eyes, and after a long pause, her lips curved into a smile. "You've been pestering me all this time to learn sword control. Are you ready to be taught?"

Du Chen's eyes lit up with excitement, completely unaware that danger was looming.

________________________________________

Meanwhile, Qin Lang was dressed in a pristine moon-white robe, his hair tightly bound with a silk crown. His great sword was tucked into a storage pouch, and with his back straight and eyes fixed ahead, he walked along a wide marble path.

A fellow disciple approached from the opposite direction, and after a brief exchange of salutes, the disciple couldn't help but comment, "Qin Senior Brother, are you heading to meet the Sect Leader?"

Qin Lang smirked slightly and replied, "You'll know soon enough. It's Junior Brother Miao who tied my hair. Ugh, he tied it too tightly. Every time I speak, it pulls at my face."

The disciple stifled a laugh and said, "Senior Brother, I'd suggest a quick return."

Qin Lang didn't respond, merely nodding and continuing on his way.

Upon arriving at the main hall, Qin Lang greeted the two gatekeepers with a fist salute. The gatekeepers, struggling to suppress their laughter, lowered their heads and opened the doors for him.

"Brat! Hurry up and come in!" a sharp voice bellowed from within.

Qin Lang rolled his eyes as he crossed the threshold into the hall.

Seated on the main chair was Heng Hua, his face filled with anger. Without even acknowledging Qin Lang, he asked, "Didn't I order you to investigate the sealing matter and say it was urgent? Did I not tell you to report back immediately once it was discovered?"

Qin Lang bowed and remained on his knees, but after a long silence and no command to rise, he got up on his own. "Yes, I did say that."

Heng Hua squinted and, not wanting to argue further, continued scolding, "Then why did you dawdle on the way? You must have gone off drinking again!"

Qin Lang grinned, "Master, you truly are like a worm in my stomach..."

"Still trying to smooth-talk me!" Heng Hua snapped, slapping his palm. Qin Lang quickly jumped aside, covering his backside.

Qin Lang reported the details of his journey. After hearing it, Heng Hua fell silent for a moment before responding, "I understand. Don't speak of this to anyone."

"Master, rest assured," Qin Lang casually replied. He then brought up his chance meeting with Feng He Lou. "Unexpectedly, I met a junior who invited me for a drink. We seemed to hit it off, but unfortunately, time was tight, so we couldn't talk much."

Heng Hua furrowed his brows. "You're well-off. How did you end up letting a low-ranking cultivator buy you a drink?"

"Well..." Qin Lang awkwardly chuckled. "I had previously asked Xing Fan Trading Company to search for a lost manual on mechanized techniques. Just so happens, I found it, and Junior Brother Miao is quite interested in this subject, so I bought it for a high price..."

Heng Hua's voice turned cold. "Hmph, I don't see you showing this kind of filial piety to your old master. You've lingered in the later stages of the Golden Core for too long. This time, go into Xisheng Tower for closed-door cultivation. When you break through to Nascent Soul, then come out."

Qin Lang couldn't help but grimace. It seemed that Heng Hua had already made up his mind, so he had no choice but to bow and leave.