Improvement (Seeking Follow-ups)

"Time flies so fast. Another month has passed in the blink of an eye. I've heard that some powerful cultivators can spend hundreds or even thousands of years in seclusion. Truly, cultivation knows no time!"

Wu Tao sighed, opening his personal status to check his progress over the past month.

[Name: Wu Tao]

[Lifespan: 26/85] (Note: I forgot to add two years of lifespan when I broke through the third level earlier. It has now been changed from 83 to 85.)

[Realm: Third Level of Qi Refining]

[Cultivation Technique: Three Yang Technique: Qi Refining Chapter (Third Layer): 38%]

[Spells: Fireball Technique - Beginner (95%), Cleaning Spell - Beginner (80%)]

[Divine Abilities: None]

[Primary Profession: Artifact Refiner]: Mastered Restrictions: First-Order Level 1 Cooling Restriction, First-Order Level 2 Wind-Speed Restriction, First-Order Level 1 Dust-Repelling Restriction, First-Order Level 1 Rain-Repelling Restriction, First-Order Level 3 Small Spirit Light Shield Restriction, First-Order Level 4 Spirit-Absorbing Restriction, First-Order Level 4 Solidification Restriction, First-Rank Level 5 Spirit Wandering Restriction (38%)

[Secondary Profession - Body Cultivator: Dragon Spear Body Tempering Art: Tendon Refining (40%), Dragon Spear - Fire Sweep (Proficient) (48%), Dragon Spear - Wind and Thunder (Proficient) (50%)]

This past month, including the previous ten days, adds up to about 40 days.

As Tendon Refining broke through to 40% progress, the Three Yang Technique's absorption of Spiritual Power also accelerated. It could now increase progress by twelve points each month, resulting in another advancement.

In 40 days, he had gained sixteen points of progress.

If things continued like this, in another four months, he would be able to break through to the Fourth Level of Qi Refining.

This was cause for celebration.

Because he had spent this past month practicing engraving the First-Order Level 4 Solidification Restriction, the practice speed for the First-Rank Level 5 Spirit Wandering Restriction had inevitably slowed down. The Dragon Spear techniques, Fire Sweep and Wind and Thunder, had also each improved by over 30%, reaching 48% and 50% respectively.

When he came to the Inner City, he had prepared enough Qi Condensation Pills for half a year's worth of cultivation and enough Medicinal Baths for three months. Since only forty days had passed, there was no rush to purchase more.

This past month, he had visited the shops opened by the Artifact Refining Hall for Loose Cultivator Artifact Refiners. He found that the prices there were indeed much more favorable than those outside, but they were not at pre-war prices.

The prices were naturally affected by the conflict between these two factions.

For example, a bottle of Qi Condensation Pills cost thirty Low-Grade Spirit Stones before the war. After the war began, it sold for over sixty in the West Outer City. Wu Tao had been quick to buy them then, but could only get them for forty-eight a bottle.

However, in the Artifact Refining Hall's shops, as long as they presented their Recruitment Contract with the Artifact Refining Hall, they could enjoy discounts. A bottle of Qi Condensation Pills only cost forty Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

Compared to post-war prices, it was indeed a discount, and a significant one at that.

Closing his personal status, Wu Tao went out and headed to the Artifact Refining Room. Today marked the one-month period he had agreed upon with Chen Shan. It had been a month, and he had actually been able to fully engrave the Solidification Restriction ten days ago.

However, he hadn't told Chen Shan and had waited until the agreed-upon time.

"The tallest tree in the forest will be destroyed by the wind."

Wu Tao understood this much.

"Senior Chen."

Arriving at the artifact refining room, Wu Tao greeted Chen Shan. Chen Shan waved him back to his refining station, stating he was about to begin smelting and extracting Black Essence Iron. He also quietly told Wu Tao to come to his residence after work.

A day passed quickly.

After finishing work, Wu Tao followed Chen Shan to his residence.

Upon arriving, Chen Shan got straight to the point, asking, "Li Mo, have you finished engraving the First-Rank Level 4 Solidification Restriction?"

Wu Tao replied, "I have not failed you. I exhausted all my efforts last night and finally completed the engraving."

Chen Shan waved his hand and produced a Formation Practice Board from his storage bag, saying, "Words are not proof. As artifact refiners, we must prove ourselves with our skills."

Wu Tao picked up the Formation Practice Board, took a deep breath, and adjusted himself to his optimal state. He then channeled his spiritual power, transforming it into a brush, and began engraving the Solidification Restriction on the board.

Chen Shan watched from the side.

He saw Wu Tao's spiritual power was stable, and his engraving of the restriction runes was smooth and unhesitating. In a short time, a complete First-Rank Level 4 Solidification Restriction appeared on the board. It flashed with light before the radiance receded, leaving behind a faint Spiritual Charm.

"Good, good!" Chen Shan was greatly pleased and looked very satisfied. This Li Mo's artifact refining talent was even better than he had imagined. Throughout the entire engraving process, his Essence, Qi, and Spirit were steady, and his control over each stroke of spiritual power was precise.

Wu Tao exhaled a long breath, feigning relief, and handed the board over, saying, "Please, Senior Chen, inspect it."

Chen Shan took it and channeled his spiritual power into the board. It instantly flowed through the Solidification Restriction. "The overall flow is smooth, and the spiritual power circulates uniformly. Li Mo, you have performed much better than I expected."

Wu Tao displayed a humble expression. "Senior Chen, you flatter me."

"Ah... Li Mo, I know you are a discreet person, but there are limits to discretion. To put it bluntly, your skill is only noteworthy among Loose Cultivators. Compared to artifact refiners from established sects like Five Spring Mountain, there is no comparison. Therefore, you shouldn't think this is drawing unnecessary attention." Chen Shan said.

Wu Tao quickly replied, "Senior Chen is absolutely right. This junior has learned his lesson."

Chen Shan smiled. "Let's talk about business first. Tomorrow, I will be transferred to another artifact refining room to take charge. My idea is to bring you along. That artifact refining room needs artifact refiners who understand Solidification Restrictions. Upon going there, your monthly treatment will be increased by three Mid-Grade Spirit Stones."

So, this was the so-called opportunity... Three Mid-Grade Spirit Stones. It was fine, an increase of three was still excellent. Wu Tao thought for a moment and then expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Senior Chen, for your support."

Chen Shan said, "Alright, you can go back now."

The next day.

Wu Tao followed Chen Shan to an artifact refining room in another area. After familiarizing himself with the refining procedures, he discovered that he only needed to engrave Solidification Restrictions on standardized Black Essence Iron plates every day.

Wu Tao did not know the purpose of these Black Essence Iron plates for the time being.

However, as he became more familiar with Chen Shan, Wu Tao also realized that Chen Shan was an excellent person who genuinely cared for him. Wu Tao changed his attitude and treated Chen Shan with the same respect he would show an elder.

It was also Chen Shan who revealed to him that these Black Essence Iron plates were actually used for a type of Flying Magic Tool, a weapon used by Five Spring Mountain in their campaigns.

First-Order Level 4 Solidification Restriction?

Warfare?

Wu Tao was very confused, but he thought that Five Spring Mountain must have more advanced artifact refining secrets. Perhaps this Black Essence Iron plate was just a part of that artifact, which was not impossible.

Time passed slowly.

The battles between the two factions outside did not affect the artifact refiners.

Staying firmly in the rear and cultivating with peace of mind was the life Wu Tao wanted.

In the blink of an eye, three and a half months had passed.

These three months were difficult for the loose cultivators in the West Outer City. Loose cultivators died every day, and beautiful female cultivators were robbed every day. In times of chaos, female cultivators also became a form of resource.

In fact, in the Cultivation World, among the four words Wealth, Companions, Dharma, and Land, female cultivators were indeed a type of cultivation resource, a way to continue the lineage of cultivators.

Female cultivators among loose cultivators also wanted to become Dao Companions with disciples from major sects like Five Spring Mountain, but disciples from Five Spring Mountain looked down on them, thinking that loose cultivators had poor talent and their offspring would also be inferior.

It was not uncommon among loose cultivators for those who were arrogant and overestimated themselves to look down on male cultivators of the same status.

Wu Tao also wanted to possess Wealth, Companions, Dharma, and Land, but he felt it was difficult, though there was still hope.

After three and a half months, Wu Tao's overall strength had greatly improved. He opened his Personal Status.

[Name: Wu Tao]

[Lifespan: 26/85]

[Realm: Third Level of Qi Refining]

[Cultivation Technique: Three Yang Technique: Qi Refining Chapter (Third Level): 98%]

[Spells: Fireball Technique (Beginner): 95%, Cleaning Spell (Beginner): 90%]

[Divine Ability: None]

[Primary Profession: Artifact Refiner]: Mastered Restrictions: First-Order Level 1 Cooling Restriction, First-Order Level 2 Wind-Speed Restriction, First-Order Level 1 Dust-Repelling Restriction, First-Order Level 1 Rain-Repelling Restriction, First-Order Level 3 Small Spirit Light Shield Restriction, First-Order Level 4 Spirit-Absorbing Restriction, First-Order Level 4 Solidification Restriction, First-Order Level 5 Spirit Wandering Restriction

[Secondary Profession · Body Cultivator: Dragon Spear Body Tempering Art: Bone Refining (5%), Dragon Spear · Fire Sweep Expert (20%), Dragon Spear · Wind and Thunder Expert (20%)]

Looking at the lines of information, Wu Tao couldn't help but show a happy expression.

"Three and a half months have passed, and the external warfare hasn't affected me. I can cultivate with peace of mind. I have enough Qi Condensation Pills, and I'm only 2% away from breaking through to the Fourth Level of Qi Refining."

"The Tendon Refining stage is also complete, and I've now entered the Bone Refining stage. However, the Bone Refining stage is more difficult than the Flesh Refining and Tendon Refining stages. The medicinal herbs required have increased in age and dosage. With my current wealth, I can only slow down the progress."

"I've also engraved the Spirit Wandering Restriction. However, in this environment, I don't have an Artifact Refining Room to refine it. Although I have enough spiritual materials to buy Spirit Stones... Right, Senior Chen's residence has a separate Artifact Refining Room. I'll borrow it after I break through to the Fourth Level of Qi Refining to refine the Spirit Wandering Boots."

"Dragon Spear Technique's Fire Sweep and Wind and Thunder have reached the expert level, greatly increasing their power."

"I think I'm ready."

Thanks to Superdaddy for the 100 Origin Coin reward. Please continue reading. If the readership isn't enough this week, there won't be an app recommendation. We'll see about putting it on shelves next Friday. No pressure.