Daoist Competition
Chapter 48 - 23 Dragon Commerce Star Tripod Jade Liquid Hua Pool

Chapter 48: Chapter 23 Dragon Commerce Star Tripod Jade Liquid Hua Pool

The Five Elements Divine Sand that Zhang Yan usually saw were measured by the pound, yet this person directly offered a thousand pounds. Was his hearing deceiving him?

In truth, every entry-level disciple of the Lower Court had the backing of imperial relatives or nobility. Though the Five Elements Divine Sand was rare, it was scattered all over the East Splendor Continent. As long as one was willing to mobilize manpower, gathering it wasn’t too difficult a task.

In the past, large sects and great families gathered Divine Sand by employing vast numbers of laborers under the command of mortal nobility and dignitaries.

Take Cao Ying, for example. Her father, a Duke with a fiefdom under his control, could mobilize hundreds of thousands of manpower with a single word. Although she lacked such tremendous influence—and most of the family’s major affairs were managed by her elder brothers—mobilizing tens of thousands was still within her power.

Seeing Zhang Yan remain silent for so long, Cao Ying mistook his lack of response as dissatisfaction. She bit her lip and added, "This year, the upper reaches of the Long River have frozen, making shipping difficult and the collection of Divine Sand rather cumbersome. Come next spring, I’m willing to dedicate another thousand pounds, making a total of two thousand pounds. What does Immortal Master Zhang think of this offer?"

Zhang Yan noticed her misunderstanding but didn’t bother to explain. He merely gave a faint response: "Alright."

Cao Ying let out a sigh of relief. Until now, she hadn’t had the opportunity to study Zhang Yan up close. But as she took a proper look, even with her worldly knowledge, she couldn’t help but privately give him a word of praise.

Zhang Yan’s appearance was striking, with a strong and dignified nose, lips pressed into a thin line, and square shoulders that enhanced his erect posture. Sitting there, his physique alone stood out as towering over most people. Moreover, since attaining Yuan Cheng Ruzhen, an ethereal Immortal aura faintly emanated from him, adding an otherworldly refinement to his already remarkable presence.

"Hmm, besides this, is there anything else?"

When Cao Ying saw Zhang Yan’s seemingly bottomless, profound gaze sweep toward her, she quickly lowered her head, her heart thumping wildly in her chest. She answered hurriedly, "If Immortal Master has any secular matters that need attending, feel free to command us."

Originally, she had brought fifty servants to present to Zhang Yan, but Zhao Yuan had warned her earlier that Zhang Yan seemed averse to keeping too many attendants. Since this was her first meeting with him, it wouldn’t do to come across as overly presumptuous. Now sensing Zhang Yan’s intention to dismiss her, she dared not linger. She exchanged a glance with Zhao Yuan, offered a respectful bow, and gracefully took her leave.

"Brother Zhao, why did this Princess Cao come seeking me?" As soon as Cao Ying departed, Zhang Yan turned back to Zhao Yuan, questioning him about the matter.

Zhao Yuan gave a wry smile and explained, "In recent years, Cao Ying has been harassed by a Lower Court disciple of the Beichen Sect, claiming he wishes to take her as a concubine and teach her Xuanmen Dao Techniques. Her brothers seem to support this idea, which is why she sought refuge with you. If Brother Zhang becomes her benefactor, that person would never dare trouble her again."

He dared not conceal the truth from Zhang Yan, knowing that sooner or later Zhang Yan would find out. It was better to disclose now than delay. Moreover, the Beichen Sect wasn’t considered a grand sect by any means. Compared to the Mingcang Sect, it was hardly even second rate. This situation posed no harm to Zhang Yan, only potential benefits.

In fact, Cao Ying’s choice to appoint Zhang Yan as her benefactor wasn’t solely because of this harassment. She also saw Zhang Yan’s limitless potential. Moreover, Zhang Yan, freshly admitted into the entry-level ranks, wasn’t from a Xuanmen Family and naturally wouldn’t have exorbitant demands.

Sure enough, upon hearing the name "Beichen Sect," Zhang Yan no longer pursued the matter and said, "Since Brother Zhao has taken care of this, I’ll accept."

Zhao Yuan was overjoyed, rising to bow toward Zhang Yan. "Then I must thank Senior Brother Zhang."

"No need for such courtesy, Brother Zhao."

The two continued exchanging a few more pleasantries before Zhao Yuan took his leave, clearly in high spirits as he departed.

From within the cauldron, the Snake Demon Luo Xiao popped its head out, wearing an expression as though everything had gone exactly as anticipated. "How does it feel? As an entry-level disciple of the Mingcang Sect, just one word from you can mobilize tens of thousands. When you enter the Upper Court, commanding the governors of cities and rulers of nations will be as simple as snapping your fingers. Such authority, such glory! Yet we of the Three Pools Demon Clan, even though we have millions of Water Clan spirits, remain trapped within a single region. Compared to your sects, we fall far, far behind."

Previously, Zhang Yan had only valued the status of being an entry-level disciple for its ability to aid him in advancing his cultivation. But seeing this now, he realized he had overlooked the many other benefits. He couldn’t help but nod thoughtfully. "Luo Daoist speaks the truth."

Luo Xiao chuckled mischievously and said, "Once you’ve secured those Divine Sands, you can trade with some of your fellow sect brothers from the Xuanmen Families for medicinal herbs..."

"Medicinal herbs?" Zhang Yan glanced at Luo Xiao with newfound interest and asked in a deep voice, "Luo Daoist, do you know how to refine pills?"

Luo Xiao, full of confidence, responded smugly, "Naturally. While I can’t craft high-grade elixirs, concocting healing and restorative pills is second nature to me."

"Since you’ve mentioned this, Luo Daoist, I assume the vessel you’ll use for pill refining is none other than my Bronze Cauldron, correct?"

Seeing through Luo Xiao’s intentions at a glance, Zhang Yan’s tone carried a trace of amusement. Yet Luo Xiao wasn’t the least bit embarrassed. "Of course. Your cauldron is a fine magic artifact, though it’s not merely made of bronze but was forged from the illustrious Dragon Commerce Star Sand. The crafting techniques used to refine it were so advanced that, had I not been steamed alive within it and perceived the changes in its Qi Mechanism, I’d likely never have discovered its true nature. Even the person who gifted it to you probably didn’t realize its origins. Tsk tsk, how fortunate for you! Using such a Treasure Tripod for mere cooking is an egregious waste. It’s meant for alchemy!"

Zhang Yan was thoroughly astonished. Dragon Commerce Star Sand?

This was something he had only ever heard of in myths and legends. Though he didn’t have a grasp on its precise value, he knew it was among the finest materials essential for artifact refining. How much of it must have been used to craft this enormous cauldron?

It was likely the handiwork of an Ancient Practitioner, given the sheer audacity of such an endeavor.

Luo Xiao cast a sidelong glance at Zhang Yan and added, "Don’t feel distressed. With me concocting healing pills and other elixirs for you, there will be countless benefits. The dan required for Opening Meridians won’t be in short supply either, as I’ll refine them all for you."

Observing Luo Xiao’s eagerness to assure him, Zhang Yan couldn’t help but chuckle. "I have no such concerns. This cauldron is currently of little use to me, so Luo Daoist is free to use it for now."

In Zhang Yan’s view, Luo Xiao’s knowledge and expertise were what held true value.

Reaching the stage of Opening Meridians was the most critical juncture in cultivation. It demanded extreme caution.

Lacking a Master’s guidance, Zhang Yan could only rely on the Broken Jade for his cultivation techniques. But regarding taboos, necessary items, and other nuances of the process, he was still inexperienced.

Though Luo Xiao wasn’t a human cultivator, it was a Xuan Guang Stage Snake Demon with vast experience. Guiding a mere low-level cultivator like Zhang Yan through this stage was well within its capability.

Seizing the opportunity, Zhang Yan asked question after question about his uncertainties. For reasons unbeknownst to him, Luo Xiao answered them all generously, leaving nothing out.

"For us Demons, cultivation naturally progresses to form through Transformation, making Opening Meridians unnecessary." Luo Xiao coiled its body around the cauldron’s handle, its head raised high as it spoke with fervor. "But for you humans, the quality of your meridian pulse—divided into the upper, middle, and lower grades—relies on the Meridian Opening Method and the Jade Liquid Pool used. If you’re seeking to open your meridians, you must locate an excellent Jade Liquid Pool. These Pools vary in six grades, and achieving a high-grade meridian pulse requires both a Superior Method and a first-grade Pool."

The Jade Liquid Pool, formed naturally over countless years in fertile caves, was a confluence of spirit milk birthed from Earth Cave Stone Fetus and Earth Vein Essence. Beyond nourishing the body and meridians, it greatly enhanced the cultivator’s True Essence. This step was of paramount importance for cultivators advancing at this stage.

However, Jade Liquid Pools were exceedingly rare in nature. Revelations indicated that the Stone Fetus core within the Pool was the critical component. Over centuries, Xuanmen Families painstakingly cultivated Stone Fetus to create artificial Jade Liquid Pools, underscoring their profound legacies.

For disciples taught through traditional mentorship, the Pools provided by their ancestors were their only option. Without such a resource, they’d have to petition Xuanmen Families for use of their Pools, inevitably becoming beholden to them.

Zhang Yan understood that the Lower Court likely housed Jade Liquid Pools, but his Master would never grant him access. He would need to figure out an alternative plan.

"Luo Daoist, given that demonkind doesn’t require Opening Meridians, are there Jade Liquid Pools within the Three Pools Territory?"

Luo Xiao grinned smugly. "Yes, but we Demons would much rather sell these to you humans for profit than use them ourselves. As such, they are all accounted for and owned. Taking one without permission? Impossible."

Zhang Yan shook his head. Purchasing a Pool from the Three Pools Demon Clan? Setting aside the nonexistent financial means, even if he had the resources, he wouldn’t live to enjoy the results.

At this moment, he recalled a rumor and tentatively asked, "I’ve heard that in ancient times, cultivators required no Jade Liquid Pools for Opening Meridians. Do you know why that is, Luo Daoist?"

"Oh? So you even know this. It seems your claim of having studied countless Daoist Records is not mere posturing," Luo Xiao remarked with slight astonishment, its serpentine eyes darting about. After a moment of thought, it sighed and confessed, "Back then, they used the Spiritual Liquid from Spirit Shells as a substitute for the Jade Liquid Pools. However, I doubt you’d be willing to pay the cost."

Zhang Yan immediately understood the implied difficulty. The issue wasn’t willingness—it was impossibility. Even owning an entire shell field wouldn’t suffice.

This was because even among a hundred Spirit Shells, one might not possess Spiritual Liquid. And even then, what amounted to a full jar of Spiritual Liquid would require billions of Spirit Shells. Such a staggering number was unimaginable. Not even the wealthiest sects could afford such extravagance, let alone him.

However, he truly didn’t believe all ancient practitioners relied on this method for Opening Meridians.

If such were the case, all Spirit Shells in the world would have been harvested to extinction by now. How could any remain until the present day? There had to be a different explanation. Clearly, Luo Xiao hadn’t spoken the whole truth.

Smiling faintly, Zhang Yan said nothing in response, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

Luo Xiao had anticipated a reaction of despair or frustration, but seeing Zhang Yan unmoved, it felt somewhat disappointed. Snorting in annoyance, it continued, "Fine, I’ll tell you the rest. Below any Spirit Shell field, descending a hundred fathoms, lies an empty cavern where the Shell King resides. If you can extract the True Dew stored there, even the poorest Opening Meridians method can yield high-grade meridian pulses!"

It cast a sly look at Zhang Yan and added, "I’ve heard this method is reserved for the Direct Lineage disciples of each sect’s Sect Leaders."

Zhang Yan nodded and said, "Luo Daoist shares this method with me; there must be something more you wish in return. Please, feel free to state your request."

Luo Xiao gazed intently into Zhang Yan’s eyes and spoke with gravity, "I can lead you there. All Spirit Shells in the field shall also be offered to you. However, once you’ve successfully opened your meridians, you must vow to dissolve the Essence Blood Oath binding me, restoring my freedom."