Resources and a meeting

That day, Jiang Yi had just finished a round of cultivation.

Without potent supplements like copper juice and Iron Pellets, his progress at the fourth level of Qi Refining immediately slowed.

Compared with his earlier leaps and bounds, he was now practically crawling like a tortoise. Every sliver of improvement could only be accumulated drop by drop through patient, grinding effort.

He finally understood why most outer sect Mortal Laborers struggled to persist in cultivation.

Months of bitter cultivation without even an inch of visible progress truly wore away resolve and left one discouraged.

Following the Heavenly Book's guidance, Jiang Yi sat cross-legged in the snowy forest and slowly exhaled a breath of white vapor.

"Whoosh-"

His breath shot out like an arrow, actually piercing the thick tree bark with a crisp crack.

Through organ tempering and viscera refining, his primordial essence had grown robust, already showing the beginnings of the might to "turn an exhalation into thunder."

If an ordinary person took this head-on, even their skull would likely be shattered to pulp.

"I was already eighteen percent of the way there before. I haven't dared slack off these past days, yet I've only reached twenty percent. Relying on bitter cultivation alone really is difficult!"

Heat surged between Jiang Yi's mouth and nose. Fine strands of fire-natured radiance turned into clusters of bright flames, illuminating his seven apertures.

With a flicker of thought, he could shoot out several scorching threads of fire, greatly increasing his fighting strength.

Even if a whole bunch of Zhang Sans and Dong Sis came at him now, they might not be his match!

"Fortunately, my pace in spell refinement hasn't fallen behind. The Fire-Control Art has reached intermediate mastery and is approaching great mastery."

Jiang Yi was thoroughly satisfied.

According to the Dao Lineage's classifications, spells had three stages of mastery.

Once any Daoist technique reached great mastery, its power would soar.

"If I concentrate on refining it for a few more years, perhaps I could even surpass Grandpa."

Jiang Yi wondered to himself whether his true talent actually lay in "spell refinement."

His thoughts wandered. Even a ninth-grade Qi Refining Daoist technique passed down by Crimson Flame Peak's outer sect was this extraordinary.

No wonder the Qi Refining Clans scattered as thick as hairs on an ox across Northern Mang Ridge competed to send their direct descendants into Dharma Lineages bearing the names of "sects" and "Sect-tier".

"A Dharma Lineage cultivator, even a mere outer sect Mortal Laborer, could lord it over an entire township with slightly deeper cultivation and a single Daoist technique in hand."

These local clans had struggled so hard to rise in the world and spread their branches.

They were probably all hoping to pour several generations' blood and sweat into nurturing one promising talent!

As the saying went, "When one person attains the Dao, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven."

It was particularly apt under the Dao Lineage that governed the Four Cardinal Continents.

"Better take a look at the Heavenly Book-the fortuitous encounters I've waited two bitter days for..."

Jiang Yi set aside his wandering thoughts, his eyes flickering.

The sheet of golden paper had already trembled several times, revealing densely packed, tadpole-like characters.

[The deduction results are as follows]

[Example one: There is a black snake egg in the Inner Peaks' Cave of Myriad Beasts. You may devise a way to swallow and refine it...]

[Example two: A Blood-Draining Vine King has grown in the Inner Peaks' Heart-Seizing Forest. You may harvest its rootstock...]

[Example three: The Inner Peaks' Soulfall Gorge...]

Jiang Yi examined them closely and discovered that these fortuitous encounters all pointed toward the Inner Peaks, concentrated in several "holdings" under the Qianji Sect's jurisdiction.

Places like the Cave of Myriad Beasts, Heart-Seizing Forest, and Soulfall Gorge were all important "Resource Grounds" for the Market Ward, providing the principal raw materials for the sect's core products.

For example, large numbers of ferocious exotic beasts were raised in the Cave of Myriad Beasts. Inner Peaks disciples had to enter each month to hunt them, taking their bones and cutting off their flesh;

Heart-Seizing Forest, meanwhile, was filled with buried corpses, accumulating Yin Baleful Qi specifically to cultivate Blood-Draining Vines and Ghost-Faced Wood, which were harvested regularly to make enchanted robes.

He had learned all this "inside information" while chatting with Yang Xun yesterday.

"According to Grandpa, a Dharma Lineage's foundation lies in its 'holdings.'

"It's precisely because the Qianji Sect possesses resource sites like the Cave of Myriad Beasts and Heart-Seizing Forest that it can establish outer peaks and operate Market Wards."

Jiang Yi pondered this.

The workshops on the Outer Sect's Four Peaks could also operate only because these resources supported them.

"So the first step for outer sect Mortal Laborers to turn their lives around is to climb into one of the supplementary places in the Inner Peaks. Only by entering the Inner Peaks can they obtain cultivation resources more conveniently.

"Aside from cultivating spirit fields and managing Market Wards, the Qi Refining Clans below the mountain probably don't have many ways to make a living. That's why they can only live at the mercy of Dharma Lineages, attaching themselves to great sects and schools."

Jiang Yi gradually realized roughly how the Dao Lineage's governance and its investiture of Dharma Lineages worked.

He also understood why the [Outer Dao] was regarded as vermin.

"Every scrap of resources in the Jambudvipa Vast Land has probably been gathered into the hands of the exalted immortal lords at the very top of the Dao Lineage.

"Only the many Dharma Lineages beneath the Dao Lineage possess the qualifications to 'engage in production.'"

Jiang Yi drew in a cold breath, a measure of relief rising in his heart.

Thank goodness he wasn't a rogue cultivator!

However miserable it was to toil like an ox or horse as a Mortal Laborer, at least he was part of the Orthodox Lineage's relations of production.

If he became a rogue cultivator, he would be the equivalent of an "unregistered resident" or a "criminal."

He could be killed on the spot at any time!

"I'll note down these Inner Peaks encounters for now, in case I need them."

Jiang Yi steadied himself and, with a thought, canceled the karma.

As the tadpole-like characters dispersed like mist and smoke, the golden sheet's radiance instantly dimmed.

A short while later, once the Heavenly Book recovered, he posed another question.

[Supplicating the Heavenly Book, show me what gains I might obtain by visiting the Inner Peaks today!]

[Matter investigated: Personal gains]

[Deduction time: One hour]

Jiang Yi closed his eyes again, circulating his True Qi throughout his body.

Before long, the sun hung high overhead, illuminating the vast snowy forest.

A little warmth fell upon his shoulders. Jiang Yi opened his eyes, glittering golden light reflected in them.

Seven or eight breaths later, he seemed to finish digesting it and said with a smile:

"Not bad. There are indeed gains to be had. This trip to the Inner Peaks will be worthwhile.

"I can also finalize my cooperation with Senior Brother Wang of Soul-Nourishing Peak and exchange it for some Talisman Money as soon as possible, to prepare the ritual and construct the Water Pool and Fire Marsh."

Jiang Yi rose to his full height, brushed the powdery snow from his Daoist robe, and strode calmly out of the snowy forest.

He left behind a line of shallow footprints stretching straight into the distance.

Two hours later, Wavelooking Peak.

Jiang Yi leaped down from the Flying Crane and landed steadily on Bluestone Square.

Several gray-robed menial workers were sweeping snow, and he once again saw that hale and hearty old Daoist.

"Greetings, Senior." Jiang Yi saluted him.

"You certainly visit often." The old Daoist chuckled, evidently still remembering him.

"People have been coming and going through the Inner Peaks in an endless stream lately. Who knows how many will make it in when spring comes next year?"

His words carried some of the wistfulness of one who had been through it himself.

Jiang Yi merely smiled shyly.

Perhaps because Jiang Yi had given him something before, the old Daoist offered a casual pointer:

"Young fellow, if your cultivation is decent, you might ask around and see whether you can find a connection with the senior brothers and sisters of the Inner Peaks. Take on posted assignments for them, and you can earn some cultivation supplies.

"Cultivating in the outer sect is far from easy. Sometimes, if you don't advance, you'll even fall behind."

There was a measure of goodwill in this advice.

Jiang Yi's eyelids twitched, as though the words "posted assignments" surprised him.

With effortless discretion, he slipped a bright red piece of Talisman Money to the old Daoist.

"Sorry for the trouble, Senior. Please enlighten me."

This lad really knows how things work!

The old Daoist smiled approvingly and patiently explained in detail:

"Inner Peaks disciples must accept assignments from the sect every month-as many as seven or eight, or as few as three to five. Just like you Mortal Laborers reporting for work, they can't refuse.

"There's a red board in Qigong Court specifically for checking how many duties they've performed. But Inner Peaks disciples aren't always free. Occasionally, they reach a critical juncture in cultivation, or are caught up in miscellaneous affairs and can't get away, so they have someone else handle the assignments for them."

That sounds somewhat familiar.

Like outsourcing tasks?

"Don't underestimate it. The Cave of Myriad Beasts and Heart-Seizing Forest are important sect grounds. Anyone who isn't an Inner Peaks disciple isn't allowed inside at all.

"The resources obtained there are worth a considerable amount, whether you use them yourself or sell them on.

"Quite a few direct descendants of local clans in the outer sect have attached themselves to a senior brother or sister, helping manage their affairs, and earned substantial fortunes in just a few years."

The old Daoist spoke with a cheerful chuckle, a hint of envy seemingly in his voice.

"Thank you, Senior."

Jiang Yi bowed again. Yang Xun had never mentioned taking posted assignments in the Inner Peaks to him.

He considered it carefully, realization appearing in his eyes.

Yang Xun's own son seemed to have died in the Cave of Myriad Beasts.

Only then had Jiang Yi gained the chance to "slip into the opening"!

Whether out of affection or reason, that Grandpa would never wish for Jiang Yi to take risks, running errands and braving danger for Inner Peaks disciples.

"With the Heavenly Book in hand, I might as well go looking for fortuitous encounters when I have time another day."

Jiang Yi pondered. After this period of diligent practice, he had already come to understand one principle.

In a Demonic Path Lineage, the more one relied on bitter cultivation, the harder it was to rise.

Especially for those of humble origins, whose starting point was already low.

If they wanted to catch up with the direct descendants of local clans and the noble scions of Dao Clans,

They had to "hitch a ride on fortuitous encounters," "stumble into opportunities," and "meet powerful benefactors"!

"As the saying goes, hide your fangs and sheathe your claws, enduring like a fierce tiger lying upon a desolate hill..."

Taking his leave of the old Daoist, Jiang Yi arrived at Qigong Court.

The middle-aged Daoist guarding the entrance today was not dozing. Seeing his outer sect Daoist robe, he waved lazily. "Go register your name over there."

Jiang Yi quietly walked aside, picked up a brush, and registered.

Just then, several more people arrived outside the courtyard.

"Junior Brother Wang! Senior Brother Lu!"

The middle-aged Daoist abruptly rose, suddenly full of life. "Oh! Senior Brother Xiao, how did you find time to come today?"

He greeted them one by one, bending lower and lower at the waist.

Jiang Yi found it strange. The gatekeeper at Qigong Court effectively held an "established security department post." Why would he need to show outer sect Mortal Laborers any courtesy?

After finishing his registration, he turned around to look.

Well!

All familiar faces!

"Junior Brother Jiang..."

Wang Heng looked pleasantly surprised and hurried forward.

"What a coincidence!"

He excitedly addressed the "Senior Brother Xiao" whom the middle-aged Daoist treated with the greatest respect:

"This is Junior Brother Jiang Yi of Crimson Flame Peak, whom I've kept mentioning to you lately! Fourth level of Qi Refining, exceptional talent, and particularly insightful and knowledgeable when it comes to cultivation."

"Oh, anyone you admire so much, Junior Brother Wang, must certainly be no mediocrity."

The young man addressed as "Senior Brother Xiao" had sword-like brows, starry eyes, and a high nose bridge. He cut a truly imposing figure.

Even standing there, he seemed wreathed in an intangible current of air, giving the impression of a deep, still pool and a towering mountain.

Fifth level of Qi Refining?

Jiang Yi's gaze contracted slightly, and he cupped his hands in greeting:

"Greetings, Senior Brother Xiao."

Xiao Tongquan's tone was mild, but his smile was warm:

"Don't be so distant, Junior Brother Jiang. You've come this far from a life as insignificant as a blade of grass. I admire you from the bottom of my heart.

"Demonic Path Lineages value talent above all. When supplementary places in the Inner Peaks become available, there will certainly be one for you."

He then looked toward Qigong Court's middle-aged Daoist and said gravely:

"Junior Brother Jiang is a close and trusted friend of mine, Xiao Tongquan. Don't trouble him with registering every time from now on."

The middle-aged Daoist hastily agreed:

"Understood, understood! I'll remember!"

The look he gave Jiang Yi was now entirely different.

This lad dresses so ordinarily, yet he's managed to attach himself to Senior Brother Xiao Tongquan!

As they spoke, two more people entered Qigong Court.

Li Ruohan approached gracefully, poised and at ease:

"What a fine day it is, with all you senior brothers here! Allow me to introduce Luo Tong from Crimson Flame Peak's Forging Room... Junior Brother Luo, hurry and greet the senior brothers!"

Luo Tong puffed out his chest and greeted them one after another, then froze slightly upon reaching Jiang Yi.

Senior Brother Jiang? Could this be one of my sister's worshippers at her feet?

He doesn't look like a toad trying to feast on swan meat!