Auxiliary Cultivation of Two Techniques: Lead-Mercury Blood-Treasure Artifact-Seeding Secret Method

Although his emotions had stirred, Fang Shu's expression remained unchanged. He continued attending the feast, chatting and laughing as he ate with Li Hou'er and the others. Only afterward did he leave the Paper Workshop and return to the Daoist hall.

After all, he could not be said to harbor jealousy toward Li Hou'er. He had merely witnessed such a fine stroke of fortune, and envy was unavoidable.

Especially when he saw Uncle Li next door beaming with delight, his heart filled with the comfort of old age, Fang Shu could not help thinking of his second uncle, Yu Le.

His own second uncle was still enduring bitter hardship in the mines.

Upon returning to the Daoist hall, Fang Shu felt even more driven, and his desire to enter the Dao and refine essence grew stronger still.

Through the Dao Register, he sorted through his recent cultivation progress, while a thought gradually took shape in his heart.

Thus, on this day—

After many days' absence, Hall Master Du appeared before everyone again, inspecting the disciples.

Fang Shu stopped practicing and proactively stepped forward to offer his respects.

"Greetings, Master. This disciple has some questions regarding cultivation that I would like to ask you."

Hall Master Du's expression was calm. She glanced at him and nodded indifferently.

She did not ask what Fang Shu's question was. Instead, she gestured for him to follow, leading him into a quiet room beside the cultivation hall.

Hall Master Du settled unhurriedly into a grand chair and glanced at the teacup on the tea table.

Fang Shu understood at once and hurriedly brewed and poured the tea.

She blew on the tea, satisfaction showing on her face, before saying, "You have been in the hall for three or four months and have practiced diligently enough. What is your question? Speak."

Fang Shu organized his words, then said gravely:

"This disciple's innate constitution and aptitude are limited. Though I have trained bitterly of late, taken pills, and applied insect blood, my cultivation efficiency has never been able to improve further.

"May I ask whether Master has any method that could further increase this disciple's cultivation efficiency, so that I may enter the Dao sooner?"

Hall Master Du smiled without warmth, staring straight at Fang Shu as she gave a light laugh.

"That is easy enough. The market has medicines like Marrow-Extracting Powder to improve cultivation efficiency, and pills like the Power-Enhancing Pill that can greatly increase qi and blood in one go. Just choose one of the two and buy it."

Fang Shu knew about things like Marrow-Extracting Powder and the Power-Enhancing Pill.

Judging by the former's name alone, one could tell it was no good. It improved cultivation efficiency by squeezing out the body's potential, even at the price of an irreversible loss of lifespan. It was more vicious than tiger-and-wolf medicine.

Moreover, when taking it, the user's bones would ache unbearably throughout the body. Once taken, it was highly likely to become addictive. It hurt if one took it, and it hurt if one did not. Even if it helped one pass the First Tribulation, one would never be able to break through the Second Tribulation for the rest of one's life.

As for the Power-Enhancing Pill, it was slightly better than Marrow-Extracting Powder and more expensive, but it too was tiger-and-wolf medicine. It relied entirely on external medicinal effects to grant the user a massive one-time increase in qi and blood.

If one were an immortal cultivator who had already refined essence, the qi and blood within their body would have formed its own cycle, allowing them to dissolve the foreign qi and blood from the Power-Enhancing Pill and leave behind fewer hidden dangers.

But those who had not entered the Dao had no foundation. Taking a Power-Enhancing Pill early was tantamount to ruining one's own prospects. Even if it did not stop one at the Second Tribulation, it would stop one at the Third Tribulation or the qi-refining threshold, leaving one unable to refine qi for life.

Fang Shu had been extremely cautious even about tainting his primal essence and primal yang, fearing damage to his potential. How could he possibly touch either of those medicines?

He immediately shook his head and asked, "Master, is there any other method that does not harm the body, endanger life, or damage one's potential?"

Hall Master Du sipped her tea and said with the air of an old sage, "There is. But this kind of consultation is not covered by the hall's tuition."

The old woman raised one finger.

Fang Shu was not surprised. Before coming to consult her, he had done some homework and inquired into her preferences.

Thus, he promptly took out a string of talisman coins from his robes and presented it to her with both hands.

Such specialized consultations at the Solitary Gu Hall generally cost one thousand coins each.

Seeing the talisman coins, she tapped the tea table, signaling Fang Shu to set them down.

Then the old woman gave a soft cough.

"If you want to improve your cultivation efficiency, why not practice a few more techniques?"

"What?" Fang Shu raised his eyes and stared at her in surprise.

Hall Master Du explained, "The reason your cultivation efficiency has stagnated is nothing more than that your body can no longer absorb more medicinal effects, nor can it endure more daily tempering, more toxins, and so forth.

"To solve this, either change your cultivation method for one more suited to you and faster, or find a cultivation method capable of altering your innate constitution."

She paused. "Aside from cultivation methods, you can also practice corresponding spells. They can increase how much medicinal effect your body absorbs and how much poison it can tolerate.

"For instance, if you cultivate a spell that tempers the skin and flesh, the amount of insect blood you can use each day will naturally rise, improving your daily cultivation results."

As Fang Shu listened, understanding slowly dawned on him.

Hall Master Du continued explaining, "Generally speaking, for a bitter cultivator like you, I would advise learning several spells. That would grant you some power to protect yourself, strengthen your body, and make it easier to earn money.

"But I must also remind you: cultivating spells before entering the Dao can instead delay your cultivation. Spells not only require comprehension, but also the refinement of magical artifacts. That consumes mental energy and qi and blood.

"In the short term, fussing around with all that is not as good as properly comprehending a single cultivation method."

Fang Shu nodded at these words.

When refining the Long-Tongue Sword, he had already experienced this firsthand. He had also decided that before entering the Dao, he would not refine any more spell artifacts.

His gaze bright, Fang Shu continued waiting for Hall Master Du's remaining advice.

Looking at him, the old woman said calmly, "It seems you do not wish to choose the path of practicing more spells. Then you can only start with cultivation methods.

"The Insect Method of this hall is already among the fastest in the market. It can even be advanced with insect blood, and some Daoist halls regard it as a method of grasping for quick success and instant gain. Given your status, there is nothing better for you to switch to.

"In that case, you can only find a way to cultivate another method alongside it. And I advise that this method should not seek speed, but stability. It would be best if it could promote changes to your innate constitution. One fast and one slow, complementing each other."

Hall Master Du added, "Also remember this: you may cultivate several spells. But cultivation methods must not be practiced in excess. Two is already the limit for ordinary people.

"And cultivating methods concurrently is not a matter of one plus one equaling two. If it can add twenty percent efficiency, that is already a fairly good pairing.

"If you cultivate too many, too mixed together, not only will it drain your mental energy and possibly leave you accomplished in none, the methods may clash with one another and damage your body."

This time, Fang Shu understood completely, and a trace of joy rose in his heart.

With the Dao Register at his side, he could comprehend and analyze secret texts day and night. He did not fear the difficulty of a cultivation method in the slightest. It only needed to suit him.

Thus, his eyes gleamed as he cupped his hands and asked, "Please teach me, Master. What kind of cultivation method can be paired with this hall's Insect Method and help this disciple alter his innate constitution?

"This disciple does not fear hardship or exhaustion, nor does he fear whether the method is difficult or easy!"

Upon hearing this, a trace of surprise finally appeared in Hall Master Du's eyes, but she did not answer immediately.

Just as Fang Shu thought the old woman was about to ask for more talisman coins, she unexpectedly pulled a sheet of paper from her sleeve and flicked it toward him.

Sipping her tea, she said, "This is my calling card. You may take it to consult other Daoist halls. As for methods that can be paired with this hall's Insect Method, you may ask Yu'er yourself.

"However, I see that you have learned the Long-Tongue Sword and have some connection with Scorched-Tail Hall. I suggest you take a closer look at the cultivation methods in Scorched-Tail Hall. They may be easier for you to begin with."

The moment Fang Shu heard the words "Scorched-Tail Hall," surprise appeared on his face.

He had not expected Hall Master Du to tell him to seek cultivation methods from other Daoist halls—specifically Scorched-Tail Hall, which had rejected him—rather than simply bringing out several methods for him to purchase.

And would Scorched-Tail Hall truly sell cultivation methods to outsiders?

Hall Master Du seemed to see through his doubts and said blandly, "It is not that I am brushing you off. The cultivation methods of Scorched-Tail Hall truly are better than this hall's at altering one's innate constitution. When that old man Ling left his sect, he brought quite a number of such methods with him.

"What you can seek, however, will not be Scorched-Tail Hall's exclusive or improved methods. They are merely the original methods passed down from the immortal sect, and they are not cheap.

"Oh, and disciples of Scorched-Tail Hall occasionally come to me to seek immortal cultivation methods as well, so they can compare and verify them in their comprehension."

Fang Shu's doubts immediately vanished at those words.

He silently thought, Daoist halls can actually lend cultivation methods to one another? Even if they are not exclusive methods, that is still quite unusual.

After considering it, he realized that the rumors in town were likely true: the Daoist halls in the town had in fact been established to select talent for the immortal sects.

Otherwise, without orders from the immortal sects, why would the town's Daoist halls behave this way? Each would surely treasure its own broom and refuse to lend it out.

After all, as far as he knew, the spells and medicines in the major Daoist halls had never been opened to those outside the halls.

Take the Ant Spirit Paste of the Solitary Gu Hall, for example.

Hall Master Du allowed only disciples of the hall to use it themselves. They were forbidden from selling it or lending it to family members. If caught, their spells would certainly be confiscated and their immortal cultivation crippled!

Next, Fang Shu asked a few more questions concerning the details of seeking immortal cultivation methods from other Daoist halls.

It turned out that borrowing methods from other Daoist halls was not only expensive, but one could only borrow the original texts. One also had to comprehend them independently, learning from lifeless manuals. There would be no Ant Master to aid one's studies as there had been when Fang Shu was first taught the Insect Method.

Having understood all this, Fang Shu cupped his hands, intending to take his leave.

But at that moment, Hall Master Du suddenly stopped him and pulled another sheet of paper from her sleeve.

She said indifferently, "Do not say this old woman is too stingy, charging you a thousand coins just to ask a question.

"Since you fear neither hardship nor difficulty, I also have a gu-refining recipe here. If you have nothing to do in your spare time, you may study it alongside your other cultivation.

"Once you finish comprehending one recipe, if you can refine it successfully, bring the gu insect back here and exchange it with this old woman for another recipe."

Fang Shu respectfully accepted the gu recipe.

He glanced at it and discovered that it described a refining method for something called the Sleepy Insect. Once refined, this gu insect seemed capable of assisting people in sleep and helping them sleep more sweetly.

At once, Fang Shu felt a little better.

The thousand coins had not merely bought him an answer. At least he had also received a gu recipe, which counted as half a spell.

After giving him the gu recipe, Hall Master Du served tea to signal that he should leave, no longer sparing Fang Shu another glance.

However, after Fang Shu departed—

The old woman narrowed her eyes slightly and muttered slowly, "His innate constitution is not high, but his comprehension is not bad. In only three or four months, he was able to thoroughly cultivate this old woman's Insect Method?"

As she pondered it, she sighed. "What a pity. This old woman already has Qin Bao'er. The Queen Bee Emperor Nectar brewed by the hall's Bee Master is limited, and it can only all be supplied to Bao'er, to help alter her innate constitution as much as possible.

"Otherwise, this old woman would have liked to spare some for that boy and test the waters."

Fang Shu did not know that, apart from cultivation methods and spells, the Solitary Gu Hall possessed a precious medicine capable of directly altering one's innate constitution.

But such medicine would never be sold outside the hall, nor would people even be allowed to know of its existence. It was one of the true foundations upon which a Daoist hall stood and survived.

Very soon—

After leaving Hall Master Du, Fang Shu found Senior Sister Yu'er in the Daoist hall.

As always, Senior Sister Yu'er was kind and answered every question. She even took the initiative to help him analyze the advantages and disadvantages of auxiliary cultivation methods.

After their discussion, Fang Shu settled on his plan and determined exactly what kind of auxiliary immortal cultivation method he should seek.

However, he did not rush to obtain it. Instead, he found Li Hou'er and asked him a few questions, then specifically went out into the market to inquire about auxiliary cultivation methods.

Not until the following morning—

Fang Shu, carrying ten thousand talisman coins that weighed heavily against him, arrived once more before the gates of Scorched-Tail Hall.

The moment he entered, the shouts of Scorched-Tail Hall disciples reached his ears. This Daoist hall seemed to have more disciples, and their vigor and spirit seemed somewhat better than those of the Solitary Gu Hall.

For an instant, a thought drifted through Fang Shu's mind: if he had joined Scorched-Tail Hall back then, what would his situation be like now?

But he suppressed that stray thought and did not dwell on it. He cupped his hands toward the female Daoist with the whisk who emerged from Scorched-Tail Hall.

The one receiving Fang Shu this time was still Xiao Lili.

At first sight, she found Fang Shu somewhat familiar. Once she recognized him, she thought he had come again to seek apprenticeship. Organizing her words, she intended to pretend not to recognize him and directly persuade him to leave.

"This young brother, our hall has no plans to accept disciples recently, so please—"

But Fang Shu wore a polite smile.

"My fellow Daoist, I have not come to apprentice myself or learn arts. I have come to request a viewing of your hall's immortal cultivation methods."

Neither servile nor overbearing, he handed the calling card in his hand to the female Daoist with the whisk from Scorched-Tail Hall.

Xiao Lili's expression immediately became awkward. Feeling herself flush again, she forced herself to appear composed as she accepted Fang Shu's calling card and discovered that it belonged to the Hall Master of the nearby Solitary Gu Hall.

"In that case, I shall report this for you. Please wait, fellow Daoist." Xiao Lili tucked away the calling card, took the talisman coins, and hurried into the hall.

Fang Shu withdrew his gaze.

His posture was relaxed. Unlike last time, when he had stood foolishly outside the hall doing nothing, he walked directly to the entrance of the cultivation hall, leaned against a pillar, and closed his eyes to rest.

While Fang Shu waited, more and more Scorched-Tail Hall disciples emerged from the hall.

Because of Fang Shu's unfamiliar attire, many disciples gave him an extra look. One of them wore a strange expression.

After thinking for a moment, the man decided to greet Fang Shu and directly reached out to pat him on the shoulder.

Yet before he could get close, Fang Shu opened his eyes and stared at him with vigilance on his face.

That reaction caused the man's hand to stop.

Only then did Yin Xiaojian realize that such an action toward a cultivator was not only abrupt, but extremely rude.

But Yin Xiaojian did not apologize. Instead, displeasure flashed through his eyes, as though Fang Shu had made him lose face.

With a careless cupping of his hands, he said, "Fang Shu, what a coincidence. Have you come to the Daoist hall to seek apprenticeship?"

Fang Shu recognized the newcomer as well. He was the Toad youth who had been aboard the same ship and spent a night of pleasure with Toad Granny aboard it.

He smiled and cupped his hands. "Greetings, Brother Yin."

After the two exchanged pleasantries, a Scorched-Tail Hall disciple called out to Yin Xiaojian. Yin Xiaojian puffed out his belly and answered in a booming voice, "Coming!"

Before leaving, he patted his skinny chest and said, "The Daoist hall has no intention of accepting disciples this year, so do not waste your efforts waiting here. When they really do accept disciples, I will definitely tell you beforehand!"

Having said this, he never even asked Fang Shu where he lived before skipping away.

Once he had gone some distance, however, Yin Xiaojian sneered.

"Hmph! You want to enter the hall? A toad lusting after swan meat."

Yin Xiaojian had long known that his own spot in the Daoist hall had happened to be taken one step ahead of Fang Shu. It could be said that he had snatched it from Fang Shu's hands.

This made him immediately look down on Fang Shu with the contempt of a winner gazing upon a loser.

Fang Shu narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched the man leave, displeasure rising in his heart as well. He always felt that fellow was trying to establish a sense of importance through him.

But Fang Shu did not care much about him. He continued to half-close his eyes and rest.

Meanwhile—

Xiao Lili took the calling card to find her father, Xiao Hu, the hall's steward, and told him about Fang Shu.

Steward Xiao Hu had long since forgotten every last detail about Fang Shu and his uncle.

Without much thought, he nodded directly, accepted Hall Master Du's calling card, turned into the storeroom, retrieved the original text of the immortal cultivation method Fang Shu sought, and registered it in the records.

Only after the registration was complete did Xiao Lili mention Fang Shu's identity.

Steward Xiao Hu raised a brow. "Eh! So he is that poor boy from Yu the Second's family."

He looked at the documents that had already been registered and cataloged, then at the talisman coins beside them. His eyes rolled again, as though he were plotting something.

Xiao Lili snatched the original immortal manual from him and rolled her eyes, warning him:

"They're disciples of the Solitary Gu Hall now. Put away those filthy thoughts of yours. Be careful not to damage the relationship between our two halls!"

Having been scolded by his daughter, Steward Xiao Hu was not angry in the slightest, nor did he take her words to heart.

He muttered:

"It's only been a few months, and he's already come to our hall seeking a cultivation method. It seems the Solitary Gu Hall's methods probably don't suit that boy.

"I told him long ago to come to our hall first and work as a menial. He wouldn't listen to this old man—now he's suffering for it."

Holding the original immortal manual in her arms, Xiao Lili looked somewhat puzzled. From her assessment, Fang Shu's vital blood was abundant now, quite different from before. He did not look like someone who had wasted away in the Solitary Gu Hall.

But she did not think much of it. Turning around, she quickly walked outside, returned to the entrance of the main hall, and readily handed the original manual in her hand to Fang Shu.

Fang Shu accepted the immortal cultivation method. Seeing that nothing had gone wrong in the process of requesting it, he quietly let out half a sigh of relief.

He immediately clasped his hands and said:

"Thank you, fellow Daoist. I will certainly return it in half a month."

Xiao Lili swayed her whisk and said with a smile:

"Just call me Xiao Lili. The relationship between our two halls has always been fairly good, so there is no need to be so polite. You can return it in a month.

"Come to think of it, I once went to your Solitary Gu Hall to request a cultivation method myself. I was on quite good terms with that girl Yu'er from your hall, too."

Hearing this, Fang Shu was slightly surprised. He nodded and voluntarily told her his name.

Although the distance between them had narrowed somewhat, Fang Shu still opened the original immortal manual right in front of her and carefully inspected it, page by page.

This action made Xiao Lili's expression stiffen slightly.

After pondering it carefully and finding nothing amiss, Fang Shu finally relaxed and let out a complete sigh of relief.

Before Scorched-Tail Hall, eight large gilded characters were stamped upon the original cultivation method in his hand:

<Lead-Mercury Blood-Treasure Artifact-Seeding Secret Method>!