Heavy Water

Seeing the effect of the Ningxi Pearl, Zhou Er was overjoyed. With this pearl, he could speed up his spell learning.

It saved at least 30% of the time.

"Thank you, Sister Fan."

Zhou Er once again experienced the joy of living off a woman.

Being a son-in-law, apart from losing face, Zhou Er had not found any other disadvantages for the time being.

"We are family, no need to be so polite."

Gu Fan said generously.

Towards Zhou Er, she was never stingy.

After a period of intimacy, Zhou Er quietly went to an empty room and equipped the Ningxi Pearl to his equipment slot.

[Name: Zhou Er]
[Cultivation: Qi Refining Tenth Layer (27.19%)]
[Equipment Slot (3/3): Calm-spirit Cushion, Ningxi Pearl, Storage Bag.]
[Unsolidified Attributes: Mind Stabilization, Mystic Water Insight (White), Void Breaking (White).]
[Solidified Attributes: Size Manipulation, Defensive Guard...]

The Size Manipulation attribute of the Ruyi Ring had already been solidified when Zhou Er's cultivation reached the Qi Refining Tenth Layer.

[Mind Stabilization: Stabilizes the soul, spiritual sense strength increases by 10%.]
[Solidification Condition: Meditate and cultivate for one thousand hours. (821/1000)]

However, the Mind Stabilization attribute still needed more than a month to be solidified.

Next, if he wanted to equip other items, he could only temporarily remove the Storage Bag.

Although the Blink within ten meters had a miraculous effect, it could only be used once a day, so there was no need to keep it equipped all the time.

Currently, his main task was to focus on practicing the Water Mirror Technique.

After all, this was a Tier 2 spell, basically only used by Foundation Establishment cultivators, and it consumed a huge amount of mana.

Zhou Er had studied it. With his current total spiritual energy, he should be barely able to cast a Tier 2 spell once.

After all, he had the Mana Abundance attribute, which increased his mana limit by 30%, not much worse than a cultivator at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining.

It was just that the Water Mirror Technique was more complex than Zhou Er had imagined, and he had not made any breakthroughs in a short period.

Fortunately, he was currently living on Fanhua Island, in Gu Fan's Cave Mansion. He didn't need to pay rent, nor was he in a hurry to earn Spirit Stones.

He could temporarily set aside the time he spent making Talismans each day to study the Water Mirror Technique.

Gu Fan wouldn't disturb him, only regretting that she couldn't find him a teacher.

The Gu Family had no shortage of Foundation Establishment Experts who cultivated with water as their base, but they were all quite busy and couldn't possibly come to the island to teach someone.

"Brother Er, why don't I spend more Spirit Stones to hire an expert who understands the Water Mirror Technique to teach you?"

Gu Fan saw that Zhou Er was engrossed in the Water Mirror Technique but was troubled daily by its complexity, so she thought of this.

"No need, Sister Fan. I already have a direction now and make progress every day."

Zhou Er shook his head. Asking a Foundation Establishment Expert to teach him Spells would not only cost Spirit Stones but also incur a debt of gratitude.

Although the Water Mirror Technique was difficult, for Zhou Er, who had mastered many Spells, it wasn't entirely without clues.

The book left by Mother Gu contained detailed tutorials, which Zhou Er could use as a reference to learn slowly.

However, the technique was one thing, and actually casting it was another matter entirely.

Fortunately, Zhou Er possessed the Mystic Water Insight Attribute, which increased his Comprehension for water-attribute Spells by thirty percent. Although it took time each day, he could still see his own progress.

This feeling of daily improvement made Zhou Er very engrossed.

"Alright!"

Seeing Zhou Er refuse, Gu Fan didn't insist.

She also became more diligent in her own cultivation.

In the blink of an eye, more than three months passed.

In the Peach Garden on Fanhua Island, the peach trees were now laden with fruit.

Beneath a tree, Bai Zhuozhuo saw that Zhou Er had finished constructing the Spell and asked, "Son-in-law, are you ready?"

"Sister Bai, I'm ready."

Zhou Er created a water mirror in front of him, nodded, and said.

Bai Zhuozhuo immediately swung her sword towards the water mirror. The sword energy struck the water mirror in front of Zhou Er, causing ripples before being absorbed.

The next moment, an identical sword energy was reflected in the water mirror, though its power was significantly weaker.

But Bai Zhuozhuo was still very shocked to see this.

It only took him over three months to master a Tier 2 spell. Zhou Er's talent was truly astonishing.

No wonder he could become a Talisman Master at such a young age. His comprehension was indeed extraordinary.

"Congratulations, Son-in-law, for mastering the Water Mirror Technique."

Bai Zhuozhuo put away her magic sword and cupped her hands.

"I'm still far from it."

Zhou Er shook his head. The effect of the Water Mirror Technique still left him somewhat unsatisfied.

Not only was the casting time long and the magic power consumption high, but with Zhou Er's magic power, he could only cast it once. Moreover, the current power of the reflected spell was less than a tenth of the original spell.

Of course, his proficiency was not high now. Once his proficiency increased later, these shortcomings could be overcome slowly.

"Here, Brother Er, Sister Bai, eat peaches."

Gu Fan picked some spirit peaches and handed them to the two.

The three sat in the peach forest and ate peaches.

"Miss Fan, now that the Son-in-law can handle things on his own, I can rest assured. I plan to try for a Foundation Establishment Pill and will be leaving Fanhua Island for half a year. During this half-year, Miss Fan will have to rely on the Son-in-law for protection."

Bai Zhuozhuo said after finishing her spirit peach.

Now that she was at Qi Refining Perfection, she needed to consider the matter of Foundation Establishment.

"Sister Bai, we can wait for the auction in Bashui Immortal City. Perhaps there will be a Foundation Establishment Pill. You don't need to take such a big risk."

Gu Fan knew that Bai Zhuozhuo intended to go to the Yunmeng Marsh Secret Realm in Chu State to obtain heavenly treasures in exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill.

The Yunmeng Marsh Secret Realm was a secret realm within Chu State, accessible only to Qi Refining Cultivators. The secret realm was controlled by the three major families of Chu State and opened once every ten years.

Anyone from Chu State had a chance to enter and search for treasures, but they had to hand over half of their earnings upon exiting.

Theoretically, everyone was from Chu State, and they could cooperate within the secret realm, collect resources together, and leave together.

However, the secret realm was isolated from the outside world, and no one could spy on what happened inside.

Moreover, the resources opened in the secret realm each time were limited. When searching for resources inside, who could be faster than snatching them?

Therefore, each time the secret realm opened, a considerable number of people would mysteriously die, accounting for one-third of the number of people entering the secret realm.

As for those who survived, apart from the people from the three major sects, the earnings of others were also very limited, and they could basically not collect any useful resources.

No one could pursue what happened within the secret realm; they could only consider themselves unlucky.

Bai Zhuozhuo's trip to the secret realm was essentially a gamble.

However, with her cultivation, the probability of success in gambling is quite high.

"Miss Fan, auctions aren't held all the time. I'm already twenty-eight and can't delay any longer. Besides, my master had connections with some Foundation Establishment Experts from Yunmeng Sect before. If I go to the secret realm with Yunmeng Sect disciples this time, it might not be that dangerous."

Bai Zhuozhuo said.

"Then Sister Bai, be careful. If it's really not possible, just give up all your gains. It's good enough if you can come back."

Gu Fan nodded. She knew the competition for the Foundation Establishment Pill was fierce.

Without taking risks, it's hard to obtain.

Bai Zhuozhuo was only one Foundation Establishment Pill away from attempting Foundation Establishment. She couldn't stop her.

"Don't worry! Miss Fan, perhaps this time I go to the Yunmeng Marsh Secret Realm, I can bring back more rare treasures. Then I can exchange for more Foundation Establishment Pills, and we'll both have a share."

Bai Zhuozhuo said with a smile. She was still thinking about Gu Fan's Foundation Establishment.

"Sister Bai, I'm only at Qi Refining Seventh Layer now, so I'm not in a hurry."

Gu Fan said.

"Sister Bai, I also plan to cultivate to Qi Refining Perfection before considering Foundation Establishment. I'm not in a hurry for that Foundation Establishment Pill."

Zhou Er also said.

"It's fine, it's good to prepare early."

Bai Zhuozhuo shook her head.

The more Foundation Establishment Pills, the better, of course. After all, one Foundation Establishment Pill doesn't guarantee successful Foundation Establishment.

After the three stayed in the Peach Garden for a while, they returned to their Cave Mansion to cultivate.

The next day, Zhou Er and Gu Fan saw Bai Zhuozhuo off.

Gu Fan took out some of her father's belongings and handed them to Bai Zhuozhuo, saying:

"These were gifts my father received from several honored elders of Yunmeng Sect during his lifetime. With these, those Foundation Establishment Experts should be able to take better care of you, Sister Bai."

"Thank you, Miss. After I leave, you and Son-in-law shouldn't leave the island casually. If you encounter danger, hide in the Cave Mansion and wait for my return."

Bai Zhuozhuo said seriously.

"Mhm! Sister Bai, you don't need to worry. I still have Brother Er with me."

Gu Fan also nodded. She knew what to do.

As for Zhou Er, he estimated that he wouldn't be able to leave the island easily after this. Anyway, he still needed to research the Water Mirror Technique and the Profound Water Cage, and he had no intention of leaving Fanhua Island.

After seeing Bai Zhuozhuo off, Zhou Er and Gu Fan returned to the cave mansion together.

"Sister Fan, I still have some doubts about the Foundation Establishment Pill."

Zhou Er said on the way.

"I heard Uncle Jiu say before that the family has three Foundation Establishment Pill quotas every year. With Sister Bai's strength, can't she get one?"

Zhou Er asked.

Bai Zhuozhuo was the strongest Qi Refining cultivator he had ever seen, stronger than the late-stage Qi Refining disciples he saw at the Xiayun Sect. Even among the Gu Family's Qi Refining cultivators, she should be ranked in the top three.

"Sister Bai is not part of our Gu Family. I hired her to protect Fanhua Island."

Gu Fan explained.

"Sister Bai is my master's disciple, but she doesn't have much connection with the family. Moreover, although the Gu Family has three Foundation Establishment Pill quotas every year, two of them are taken early by others, leaving only the last one for others to compete for."

"Only one?"

Zhou Er was a little shocked.

"Yes! Outstanding direct descendants can get many Foundation Establishment Pills at once until they break through to Foundation Establishment. This already occupies many Foundation Establishment Pill slots. In the following years, the number of Foundation Establishment Pill slots will decrease. On average, other clan members need to fight for that one Foundation Establishment Pill every year."

Gu Fan nodded and said.

In addition to this, there were many Foundation Establishment Experts who would also use their power to reserve Foundation Establishment Pills for their direct descendants early.

If Gu Fan's parents were still alive, she could also have secured a Foundation Establishment Pill slot early.

Unfortunately, after her parents died, that Foundation Establishment Pill slot was quietly taken away.

After that, Zhou Er asked Gu Fan some more questions about the Foundation Establishment Pill.

The remaining Foundation Establishment Pill slot for the Gu Family would be placed in the annual Family Grand Competition.

Anyone in the Gu Family under the age of thirty could participate in the Gu Family's Family Grand Competition.

Even an outsider son-in-law like Zhou Er, or a female cultivator who married into the Gu Family, could participate.

The winner of the Family Grand Competition would receive that Foundation Establishment Pill.

Now, although Zhou Er's cultivation had reached Qi Refining Tenth Layer, it was far from perfection.

Even by the end of the year, he would at most reach Qi Refining Eleventh Layer, which was still far from Qi Refining Perfection.

Although he had many attributes, if he were to fight desperately, he could still give it a try.

However, this would inevitably expose his trump cards to the Gu Family elders, which was not a wise move.

Therefore, Zhou Er decided to temporarily give up participating in this year's Gu Family Grand Competition. It wouldn't be too late to participate next year when he was more confident.

This year, he would first accumulate strength and improve everything he could.

After that, he just needed to practice the Water Mirror Technique step by step, and then practice the Heavy Water Cage.

After Bai Zhuozhuo left, Zhou Er felt that Fanhua Island was becoming somewhat restless.

The islanders seemed a bit unruly.

After all, Gu Fan's aura was much weaker than Bai Zhuozhuo's.

However, they were still part of the Gu Family, with the family backing them. The islanders on the island were also subordinates of Gu Fan's parents before.

Although a bit lax, these islanders were still working on Fanhua Island at their original pace and were relatively obedient.

Zhou Er did not participate in the operation of Fanhua Island, so he was not very familiar with it and did not interfere much. He just had a vague sense that something was not right.

As for what exactly was not right, Zhou Er couldn't quite say.

In the blink of an eye, more than two months passed.

Zhou Er had completely mastered the Water Mirror Technique, and he had refined a teacup's worth of heavy water for the Heavy Water Cage.

For the Heavy Water Cage's heavy water to be useful, at least one cubic meter of heavy water was needed.

Heavy water was several times heavier than ordinary water. The heavy water Zhou Er refined was twice as heavy as ordinary water.

Based on the current rate at which Zhou Er refined heavy water, he would need two thousand tons of heavy water.

This was naturally far from enough. It could only be said that this matter required slow accumulation, and Zhou Er also needed a storage artifact to store the heavy water.

[Mystic Water Insight (White): Comprehension of water-attribute spells increased by 30%.]

[Solidification Condition: Master five water-attribute spells. (3/5)]

The Mystic Water Insight attribute was solidified, and he was still short two spells.

Once the Heavy Water Cage was successfully practiced, he would only need one more. Zhou Er would need to look at the spells left by his mother-in-law and find one that could be learned quickly, preferably a first-tier spell.

Soon, Zhou Er found the first-tier spell Rainmaking.

This was a spell that gathered clouds and brought down rain. It could be used to water spiritual plants, but its range was not very large.

However, the Rainmaking Technique's advantage was that it was relatively simple to learn and required less learning time.

Of course, this did not mean that the Rainmaking Technique was useless.

If not fighting, the Rainmaking spell has more uses than other offensive spells.

After all, during droughts, Rainmaking can bring a little vitality to spiritual plants.

With the spell chosen, Zhou Er just needs to practice it step by step. This attribute no longer needs further consideration.

On the contrary, the Cicada Concealment attribute from the Golden Cicada Slough has always been Zhou Er's biggest headache.

The Golden Cicada Slough was a relic of Gu Fan's father. Even though they had been married for a hundred days, he still didn't know how to bring up the matter.

No matter how he said it, it would seem very wrong, and Gu Fan would definitely be angry with him.

However, Zhou Er recalled that Gu Fan didn't go to offer incense every day, nor did she specifically observe the cicada slough.

As long as he could make a similar item to replace it, he could take it away without a sound.

Once the Cicada Concealment attribute was solidified, he could quietly put the Golden Cicada Slough back.

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