12dz Chapter 71 The Golden Elixir Lineage – Tongming Mountain!
Chapter 71 The Golden Elixir Lineage – Tongming Mountain!
Chapter 71 The Golden Elixir Lineage – Tongming Mountain!
The melodious sound of a zither drifted from the waterside pavilion.
In the simply decorated waterside pavilion, a pair of slender hands are constantly plucking the strings of a zither.
The person playing the zither was none other than Luo Qingyi.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from the corridor outside.
"Knock knock knock".
A knock sounded on the door, and the piano music stopped.
The middle-aged female cultivator from the Luo family walked in directly from the outside, holding a jade slip that emitted a faint light in her hand.
She quickly came up behind Luo Qingyi and whispered.
"Miss, I've retrieved the video footage you were looking for."
With the infusion of spiritual energy, the jade slip was instantly activated.
A light screen was projected into the void in front of them, showing the scene of Zhao Cheng'an fighting in the Demon-Slaying Tower trial.
According to the rules of the Taoist temple, although these assessment materials are kept on file, they are absolutely not allowed to be circulated outside.
However, the Luo family is an affiliated family of the first-class Daoist sect, Haiyue Palace, so they naturally have some advantages, which is why they can use Haiyue Palace's name to get things.
When the scene showed that Zhao Cheng'an was cruelly killed by Ru He using the vine Yan Chi Yan Kuang, the originally gentle atmosphere in the room suddenly became somewhat awkward.
It took the middle-aged female cultivator quite a while to raise her hand and wipe the cold sweat from her forehead.
"So that's how it's done. I have to say, this young man's methods are truly amazing; he's a real genius."
""
Luo Qingyi's expression remained normal; she even changed her angle to carefully observe the scene of the vines moving in and out of the monster's body.
The middle-aged female cultivator asked with some confusion.
"Miss, what do you want with these things? Do you intend to represent Haiyue Palace to invite him to join us?"
Luo Qingyi shook her head: "Although Haiyue Palace is also a first-class lineage, we are inclined towards sound cultivation, and its path is not suitable for us. Going there would just be a waste of our time."
Luo Qingyi paused for a moment before stating her purpose.
"I plan to invest in the combat spirit plant he creates in the name of the family, purchase its patent, and help him expand the market."
The middle-aged female cultivator's eyes lit up.
"That's a good idea. It can attract talent without seeming too mercenary. True friendship is like water, pure and simple; this kind of cooperation is the most stable."
Moreover, the middle-aged female cultivator also realized the astonishing practical value of that vine.
Aside from its excellent offensive and defensive capabilities, its most important feature is its ability to modify the environment and set traps. If prepared, several cultivators carrying these vines can even hunt down powerful monsters of higher levels.
This product has no obvious weaknesses and its advantages are prominent, so it will definitely be very popular in the market.
The middle-aged female cultivator inquired.
"Miss, how do you plan to structure this collaboration?"
Luo Qingyi thought for a moment, then stretched out one hand and spread her five fingers apart.
The middle-aged female cultivator was somewhat surprised, "Five thousand spirit stones!?"
Luo Qingyi nodded.
"Five thousand spirit stones will be the price for a one-time buyout of the patent. Subsequent sales revenue will be split 30/70, and the promotion will utilize the Luo family's channels."
The middle-aged female cultivator hesitated, "Isn't this price too generous? Our family will suffer losses in the early stages."
Luo Qingyi did not deny it.
"In the short term, that's true. But in the long term, if Zhao Cheng'an becomes famous in the East China Sea, then this vine, as his first officially released combat spirit plant, will have a different meaning, and its price will rise accordingly."
"The key question is whether you believe Zhao Cheng'an is a genius worth investing in."
Luo Qingyi then continued to pluck the strings.
The clear sound of the zither rang out, and she threw the question back to the middle-aged female cultivator.
The middle-aged female cultivator stood still, and finally nodded through gritted teeth.
"Alright, I trust Miss's judgment."
A smile appeared on Luo Qingyi's lips, then vanished. She said calmly, "I understand. I'll find an opportunity to talk to him in person later."
Zhao Cheng'an is a restless person.
Although he had already submitted his initiation letter, Shen Yanshan still needed to discuss some follow-up matters with the Dao Court, so the group needed to stay in the Floating Scale Cave for a while longer.
Zhao Cheng'an was quite pleased with this.
On one hand, the spiritual energy within the grotto is extremely rich; cultivating here for one day is equivalent to cultivating for ten days in the Seven Kingdoms. On the other hand, the Floating Scale Grotto is very prosperous, with all sorts of rare and precious treasures appearing one after another, which is perfect for broadening one's horizons.
That day, Zhao Chengan, Chen Heng, and others went to a bookstore.
The room was filled with a dazzling array of books, some of which were even spoils of war seized from the demonic cultivators of the Hunyuan Cave.
The Hunyuan Cave has eight branches, among which the Chaotic God branch is the most troublesome.
This lineage can use special methods to corrupt an opponent's magical artifacts and forcibly seize them. Furthermore, this corruption can spread through the connection between true spirits to the cultivator, causing them to suffer a qi deviation and a fate worse than death.
In the early stages of the war, this method caused extremely heavy casualties to the Daoist cultivators. It was only with the subsequent upgrade of defensive measures that they gradually adapted to it.
Zhao Cheng'an saw "The Secret of Unlocking Magical Artifacts," "How to Make Someone Else's Flying Sword Obey," and "The Chaotic Divination Manual" on the bookshelf.
I was very curious about the contents and was about to reach out and take a look.
However, before his hand could even touch it, the book was taken away by another slender hand.
"This one, this one, and this one too."
"Besides these three books, pack up all the other books on the shelf and take them with you."
The moonlight rippled in the air like waves, and Luo Qingyi's voice came from beside her.
The shopkeeper wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, walked over quickly, and said respectfully.
"Young lady, this will probably cost quite a bit of money."
"I know."
Luo Qingyi took out a golden spirit stone card and handed it over.
The shopkeeper's eyes widened immediately, and he quickly agreed.
Zhao Cheng'an smiled and greeted Luo Qingyi.
"Miss Luo, what a coincidence."
Luo Qingyi turned around and stated her purpose directly.
"Young Master Zhao, I am here on behalf of the Luo family to propose a collaboration. I have seen footage of your competition through some channels and hope to purchase the patent rights to that spiritual plant. We are willing to pay a deposit in advance as a token of our sincerity."
As she spoke, Luo Qingyi spread her hands and held up five fingers.
Seeing this, Xiang Yunyuan instinctively asked, "Five hundred spirit stones?"
In his view, this was already a very remarkable number.
However, Luo Qingyi shook her head.
"Five thousand spirit stones."
"hiss!"
A collective gasp suddenly came from the side.
Xiang Yunyuan's eyes widened. Although he knew Zhao Chengan was good at making money, he didn't expect it to be this much.
Zhao Chengan was also somewhat surprised, but he quickly realized that the other party was trying to make friends with him.
He smiled and agreed, "Since Miss Luo is so sincere, I will accept this cooperation."
The two continued to discuss some details.
Zhao Cheng'an needs some time to improve and breed the Zhelong Vine, which may take several months. He will contact the Xuan Bird of Feixing Pavilion at that time.
Luo Qingyi nodded slightly, indicating that there was no problem.
Before leaving, she handed over the books she had just bought as a gift to Zhao Cheng'an.
Zhao Cheng'an and the others stayed in the Floating Scale Cave for a few more days, using the spirit stones they obtained from Luo Qingyi to buy some gifts.
Shen Yanshan finally finished his work, and the group boarded a fairy boat and left the cave.
As the celestial boat sped up, the scenery above the cave gradually blurred, until only a reddish-brown line remained at the edge of the sky.
Meanwhile, within the Floating Scale Cave Heaven, the great battle among various sects vying for talent has only just begun.
The Hall of Ten Thousand Immortals, where the Daoist court issues the Inheritance Certificates, is now bustling with activity.
Several leaders of different sects were gathered together, chatting and laughing.
"Old Li, how many promising talents has your Myriad Laws Sect managed to recruit this time?"
"Haha, not bad, you've taken in a few disciples with decent practical skills. But your Heavenly Craft Pavilion has had a great harvest this time."
-
'
"The one we recruited isn't ranked very high overall, but he's very talented in actual combat. With some training, he can become a valuable asset."
At that moment, the door to the main hall was suddenly pushed open.
Lin Tan, her face beaming with joy, rushed in from outside.
He went straight to a window and eagerly asked the nun in charge of reception.
"Hello, has Zhao Cheng'an's 'Immortal Appointment' from the Seven Kingdoms region been submitted yet?"
The female cultivator in charge of reception checked the records on the jade slip in front of her and said, "Yes, senior, it has indeed been submitted."
""
Lin Tan was overjoyed and immediately showed his identification.
"I am Lin Tan from Qingmu Daoyuan, and I am requesting to bring his Immortal Inheritance Certificate back to the sect."
However, the female cultivator looked troubled.
"I'm sorry, senior, his Inheritance Certificate has already been taken away. Just now, less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea."
"What!?"
Upon hearing this news, Lin Tan, despite his honest appearance, couldn't help but feel furious. It felt as if the cabbage he had painstakingly watched over and was almost ripe had been stolen right under his nose.
"Who did this?!"
Lin Tan slammed his hand on the counter, angrily demanding, "Is it those guys from the Pill Cauldron Sect? Or the Jade Capital Academy? Or perhaps those bald old scholars from the Myriad Laws Academy? They're simply not taking our Green Wood Academy seriously!"
The female cultivator opened her mouth as if to explain, "Senior, actually it's—"
However, before she could finish speaking, Lin Tan interrupted her sharply.
"Alright, just tell me quickly, which direction did they go? I should be able to catch up if I go now."
Zhao Cheng'an was a talent personally selected by his master, Qingyan Zhenren. If he messed this up, he would definitely be in deep trouble when he returned.
Seeing Lin Tan's angry expression, the female cultivator dared not say anything more and could only point a finger toward the end of the corridor.
Lin Tan snorted coldly and chased after him aggressively.
He crossed the wide hall in front of him, and just as he turned the corner of the corridor, he saw three cultivators dressed in Taoist robes walking side by side towards the outside in the passage ahead.
Walking in the middle was a short female cultivator.
She was wearing an oversized purple robe, the hem of which dragged on the ground, making her look somewhat comical.
"Hey you shorty! Stop right there!"
Lin Tan didn't care about anything else and shouted loudly.
Hearing the shouts behind her, the short female cultivator stopped in her tracks.
She turned around somewhat blankly, revealing a delicate face that looked completely harmless, even a little childish.
She pointed a finger at her nose and blinked.
"Were you just calling me?"
"good!"
Lin Tan waved his sleeve and strode forward to question him.
"I am Lin Tan of Qingmu Dao Academy. I ask you, do you possess Zhao Cheng'an's Immortal Ascension Token from the Seven Kingdoms region?"
The short woman nodded crisply and decisively.
"It's in my hands."
She waved the invitation in her hand, which shimmered with a faint golden light, a look of interest on her face.
The two tall male cultivators standing beside her also crossed their arms and looked at Lin Tan with a strange expression that was neither a smile nor a frown.
Lin Tan's face was tense, and her tone was stern.
"Fellow Daoist, Zhao Cheng'an is a promising talent that our Qingmu Dao Academy painstakingly selected and had already contacted beforehand. For you to take his invitation away without even a word seems rather improper, doesn't it?"
As she spoke, Lin Tan took a step forward.
As he straightened his back, the spiritual energy within his body instantly began to circulate.
A hazy cloud of gas emanated from his body and quickly condensed into three large characters above his head: Ming Wenshi.
Title revealed!
The noise in the hall instantly subsided, and many cultivators who had come to handle business were attracted by the conflict. One after another, curious or gossipy eyes focused on the scene.
However, to Lin Tan's utter surprise,
The title of "Mingwenshi," which he was so proud of and which had always been invincible in the past and which automatically made people look up to him, had no deterrent effect on the other party at this moment.
The short female cultivator curled her lip and let out a sneer.
"I thought it was someone else."
With a forced smile, she spoke slowly and deliberately, her clear voice echoing throughout the hall: "So you're just a—lowly, nobody!"
"you!"
Lin Tan was furious and was about to reprimand the other party for being rude.
But then, as if he had seen something unbelievable and terrifying, his whole body trembled violently, and his eyes widened like copper bells.
As soon as the words fell,
The short female cultivator, who had just been as harmless as a little white rabbit, suddenly took a step forward.
boom!
As she took that step, the faint aura emanating from her body surged wildly.
The wide, purple Taoist robe fluttered in the wind like a banner, its surface covered with countless intricate runes that outlined eight large, golden characters:
The Way does not reject anyone; reason can be verified.
"The Golden Elixir Lineage—Tongming Mountain!"
A collective gasp of surprise erupted from the surrounding cultivators.
However, this is only the beginning.
The short woman, her face expressionless, took her second step forward.
A thick, dim yellow halo suddenly rose from her body, manifesting above her head a bright, domineering title that exuded a heavy, majestic aura like a towering mountain:
[Chief Qi Cultivator of Tongming Mountain]
Next comes the third step.
The second title suddenly appeared in the void, radiating golden light:
[Lingxu Cup Rune Combat Tournament Champion]
Take the fourth step.
The third title transformed into a blue Dharma eye, radiating a cold light that saw through illusion:
[Third-Rank Taoist Priest]
Take the fifth step.
The fourth title transformed into a three-legged, two-eared crimson alchemy furnace, accompanied by a rich medicinal fragrance:
[First-Tier Formal Alchemist]
When she took her sixth step.
A purple starlight seemed to fall from the sky, transforming into the final, dazzling title:
[Top 100 Prodigies on the Qiankun Ranking]
This means that she is one of the top 100 Qi Refining geniuses in the entire East China Sea, and her name has been permanently recorded by the Dao Court, bringing her good fortune.
The female cultivator took a total of six steps forward.
Five terrifying titles bloomed above her head, radiating an immense and suffocating pressure.
In an instant, the entire hall fell into a deathly silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Whether it's the chief disciple of the Golden Core Dao lineage, a prodigy on the Hundred Heroes List, or a first-level formal alchemist, each of these titles carries immense weight, making the surrounding air seem to solidify.
However, at this moment, Lin Tan had no energy left to think about the terrifying implications behind these titles.
His mind went blank, and cold sweat poured down his face like rain.
Now, only one utterly absurd question remains in his mind.
That is————
Why did the female cultivator who seemed only 1.5 meters tall just now appear so magnificent and unattainable in my sight?
After a long while...
Lin Tancai finally understood the reason behind the problem.
turn out to be----
I was already kneeling on the ground, completely sprawled out!
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