Eighth Layer of Qi Refining

"So Brother Kang and Younger Brother Jiang are here too! What a coincidence!" A middle-aged cultivator with a sinister appearance said with a grin.

"Oh, it's Brother Qi in person. We brothers haven't paid our respects to Master Qi for quite some years, and we wonder if he is in good health."

Kang Dabao recognized him at a glance as Qi Duoluo, Master Qi's second son.

Over the years, his cultivation level has not improved and he is still hovering in the Middle Qi Refinement. However, his Movement Method robe is shimmering with light and is obviously not an ordinary item, which shows that Qi Duoluo is wealthy and not like an ordinary cultivator.

Having a weapon refiner father and Foundation Establishment stepmother makes all the difference, Sect Leader Kang Da secretly envied.

"Thank you for your concern, Brother Laodao. My father is in good health and is currently visiting friends at the Stone Mountain Sect in Pu Prefecture with my mother. That's why my mother entrusted me with the task of attending Senior Tie Xishui's Foundation Establishment Ceremony. I never expected to see Brother Kang and Younger Brother Jiang here. It's truly a pleasant surprise," Qi Duoluo replied with a smile.

Kang Dabao thought to himself that this fellow was indeed worthy of being Master Qi's only offspring with Spirit Root. He could be seen to be just like his father, a sycophantic and treacherous villain.

Back then, Master Qi relied on this skill to get along with various female cultivators and achieve his current status.

When he and Yuan Jin visited him before, Qi Duoluo appeared to be very hospitable, but in reality, it was because of the Spirit Stone that Kang Dabao and his group were carrying.

Now that Sect Leader Kang Da has become the Fei Household's son-in-law, the Pingrong County, and the Double Brightness Trade Market Commandant, he's much more enthusiastic than before, even without sending Qi Duoluo spirit Spirit Stone. He shows no signs of being a Foundation Establishment offspring.

Kang Dabao was somewhat displeased with this, but he couldn't show it on his face, so he could only exchange a few perfunctory words with Qi Duoluo.

Even the usually shrewd and worldly-wise Kang Dabao was like this, so Jiang Qing was even less willing to talk to Qi Duoluo.

After being woken up by Sect Leader Kang Da and managing to say hello, Jiang Qing closed his eyes again to meditate, ignoring Qi Duoluo's attempts to win him over.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment, but fortunately, the Foundation Establishment Ceremony at Tie Xishui soon began, which helped Kang Dabao out of the predicament.

After bidding farewell to Qi Duoluo, they each took their seats. Tie Xishui appeared in the sky riding a three-legged winged horse, accompanied by twelve First Tier white cranes on each side.

As soon as Tie Xishui landed on the lotus throne on the high platform, the thirty-six strongmen around him immediately began to beat drums and sing, and the forty-eight maidens immediately began to dance gracefully, making the small platform very lively.

After three more bronze bells rang, the dozen or so Foundation Establishment sitting in front of the Sect Leader Kang Da performed a level bow. Tie Xishui on the platform, with a solemn expression, first performed a level bow in return, and then a deep bow to express his gratitude for the congratulations from his fellow cultivators.

After paying their respects to the Tie Xishui, the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator their seats.

Six more bells rang, and Kang Dabao and his group of Qi Refinement cultivators stood up and bowed in gratitude for their senior's preaching.

After nodding, Tie Xishui reached out and took a palm leaf scripture from the mane of the flying horse beside him, and began to recount it in detail.

Although Tie Xishui only chanted softly on the stage, everyone in the audience felt as if his words were still ringing in their ears. Before long, the entire venue was filled with Tie Xishui's chanting, like a clear spring, soothing the soul.

Sect Leader Kang Da immediately lowered his voice and held his breath, sometimes frowning and sometimes slightly raising the corners of his mouth.

He didn't understand most of it, but he remembered every word Tie Xishui said, hoping to take it home and study it carefully.

Most of the Qi Refinement cultivators in the arena were in the same situation as Kang Dabao, except for a few people like Jiang Qing who kept their brows relaxed and looked completely absorbed.

Once Tie Xishui finished speaking, Foundation Establishment True Cultivator began to ask questions one after another.

The former often only needs a few words to make the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator asked the question suddenly realize the truth, which shows that his attainment in this scripture is so profound that even ordinary Foundation Establishment who have accumulated years of experience cannot compare to him.

This part of the questions was much more profound than the previous part of Tie Xishui's sermon, and even Jiang Qing, who was sitting next to Sect Leader Kang Da, frowned from time to time.

This led Jiang Qing to start memorizing the content like Kang Dabao, so that he could study it carefully after returning to the sect.

After the Foundation Establishment True Cultivator finished their debate, it was time for the Qi Refinement cultivators to ask questions. However, Sect Leader Kang Da, having spent two lifetimes as a slow learner, was naturally unable to participate in such matters.

Seeing Tie Xishui's gaze sweep over him from the stage, Kang Dabao immediately shrank back, hiding his hands in his sleeves, and began to stroke Little Qi's uneven carapace.

Jiang Qing, who was also swept away by Tie Xishui, was not as cowardly as his useless senior brother. He immediately picked out a few unclear questions and asked them generously.

Appreciation shone in Tie Xishui's eyes as he answered each question in a clear and concise manner, making even the usually sullen Sect Leader Kang Da understand quite a bit and begin to ponder.

With Jiang Qing making a good start, the cultivators present also became more active. Those who asked insightful questions were answered earnestly by Tie Xishui.

As for those who asked superficial questions, Tie Xishui simply shook his head and sighed, then glanced at the next cultivator who asked a question.

This made Sect Leader Kang Da secretly rejoice, thankfully he hadn't stood up and made a fool of himself.

He has almost memorized the entire meaning of this scripture. Even if there are any parts he doesn't understand, he can go back to the sect and gather a few fellow disciples around Jiang Qing to "discuss" them. There's no need to make a fool of himself here.

The sermon at Tie Xishui didn't end until late afternoon. The cultivators bowed and thanked him before being led by the Tie Household cultivators to the evening banquet.

Sect Leader Kang Da could deduce from the dishes served at the banquet that evening that the Tie Household had indeed become much wealthier in recent years.

The single pot of spirit wine on each person's table was quite expensive; it was no ordinary item.

The spiritual energy contained within is so potent that even a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator like Kang Dabao, at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer, would experience some benefit after drinking it, making it comparable to the effects of ordinary inferior pills.

Qi Duoluo deliberately sat next to Kang and Jiang, warmly pulling them together, putting his arm around their shoulders, and toasting them for quite a while. He was having a good time, which made Kang Dabao, who was just trying to enjoy his wine, quite unhappy.

Sect Leader Kang Da then racked his brains to come up with a not-too-clumsy excuse and hurriedly left with Jiang Qing.

The two were about to go find Tie Xishan to say hello when a cultivator with a shiny bald head stopped them from speaking.

"Fellow Daoist Kang, it's been a long time. Your cultivation has improved a lot." Tie Xishui smiled warmly. Judging from his appearance, he seemed even more approachable than he had been before Foundation Establishment a few years ago.

"Greetings, senior!" Kang Dabao dared not be negligent and bowed with Jiang Qing.

"If you have the time, fellow Daoist, would you mind having a chat with me, Tie Xishui?!" Tie Xishui didn't hesitate to accept the greeting, remaining polite in his words. But how could Sect Leader Kang Da refuse? He immediately nodded in agreement.

The two left Jiang Qing behind and went into a quiet room.

Tie Xishui gently flicked his sleeve, and the teapot in front of the two of them lifted itself up, filling the two green-glazed crane teacups on the table. The aroma of tea immediately filled the entire quiet room, pleasing to the eye and soothing to the soul.

"This is a famous tea from Capital Circuit that Lord Bo bestowed upon me after I defeated Ge Yangfeng last time. It's called 'Fine Dew' (Fine Dew). Fellow Daoist Kang, please have a taste."

After Tie Xishui, the bald man, completed his Foundation Establishment, he no longer resembled his previous rough and unrefined self. Now, he even exuded a refined and scholarly air, which Kang Dabao found quite unsettling.

"This junior is fortunate to have you today, and I thank you very much, senior." Sect Leader Kang Da was not worried that Tie Xishui would harm him. There were countless ways for Foundation Establishment True Cultivator to deal with a Qi Refining Qi Refinement like him, and there was no need for such a small scene.

This "Fine Dew" truly lives up to its reputation as a famous tea from Capital Circuit, bestowed upon it by Kuang Liuting.

Sect Leader Kang Da took only a small sip, and felt the tea flow through his lips, teeth, throat, and tongue, its delicate fragrance filling his mouth. A sense of clarity rushed to his head, as if many unclear problems from the previous training session had suddenly become clear.

"This Tie Xishui is so generous, could it be that they have some ulterior motive, trying to make a quick buck at me?"

While Kang Dabao was overjoyed, he sensed something was amiss. Not to mention his distant relationship with Tie Xishui, even Tie Xishan, with whom he had a decent relationship, would never be willing to offer him such high-grade spiritual tea.

Even though he kept repeating to himself, "Something's definitely fishy,"...

Sect Leader Kang Da still expressed his gratitude, saying, "This junior is foolish; to drink such a high-grade spiritual tea would be like a cow chewing a peony—a terrible waste. I am deeply grateful for your kindness, senior."

Tie Xishui laughed upon hearing this and said generously, "It's no trouble. You have a large family, so if you like, you can take some back with you." At this point, Tie Xishui paused, "However, there is one thing I hope you can help me with."

Sect Leader Kang Da immediately said, "If there is anything I can do to help you, senior, I will certainly do my utmost." After saying that, he secretly began to complain.

"Why are all these Foundation Establishment True Cultivator coming to me for business?! Has this Daoist become the most sought-after person in the state court?"

"I've heard that you are acquainted with Buse Daoist Buse of the State Court. I have a letter here that I would like you to pass on," Tie Xishui said, pulling out a letter sealed with a restriction.

"Hmph, after I return, I will go to pay my Buse to Senior Bose. However, my relationship with Buse Bose is not very close, so if I am unable to meet him and fail to fulfill my promise, please forgive me."

Sect Leader Kang Da said this, he was Buse trying to shirk responsibility. Apart from the fact that Buse had given him a gift once before, he really didn't have any other relationship with her.

"It's alright, just go and deliver it. This Three Dew Azure Cloud Pill is something I've been saving up. I didn't expect the Foundation Establishment process to happen faster than I anticipated, so I don't need it anymore. It's just what you need, fellow Daoist, so I'll take this as my reward."

Tie Xishui then took out a cyan jade bottle, flicked it with his finger, and it landed in Kang Dabao's palm.

Without waiting for a response from Sect Leader Kang Da, he added, "There are still guests outside, and I shouldn't linger too long, so I'll take my leave now. Fellow Daoist Kang, please make yourself at home."

After Tie Xishui had been gone for a long time, Sect Leader Kang Da finally suppressed his doubts and picked up the jade bottle containing the Three Dew Azure Cloud Pill to examine it.

Upon opening the bottle, a wisp of elixir fragrance wafted out. Kang Dabao didn't even need to get close to sniff it carefully for a while before a look of intoxication instantly appeared on his face, demonstrating just how rich and lingering the fragrance was.

The Three Dew Azure Cloud Pill is not a common pill found in ordinary markets. Just one pill can enable cultivators below the Qi Refinement Ninth Layer to break through a minor realm.

More importantly, as long as a cultivator consumes a qualified elixir, there will be almost no residual elixir toxins, which will have virtually no impact on their future cultivation.

This characteristic is extremely valuable among the combined pills used by cultivators in the Late Qi Refinement, as it can greatly reduce their cultivation time and increase their chances of Foundation Establishment.

As a result, the Three Dew Azure Cloud Pill was rarely seen in the markets of Cloud Horn Prefecture. Even in the two great immortal cities of Xuanwei City and Han City, only one or two large shops occasionally sold it.

Even so, once they appear in the world, they are often bought by the sons of wealthy families. Ordinary cultivators don't even have the chance to ask about the price, let alone buy them.

Tie Xishui is merely a newly established Foundation Establishment. Even if he doesn't need such a precious pill, he should pass it on to his younger relatives for cultivation, or keep it to exchange for resources with other cultivators of the same level.

How could they be so generous? They would give such a generous reward just for Kang Dabao to deliver a letter!

The Sect Leader Kang Da was somewhat confused, so he simply put the small table in front of him, along with the tea, teapot, teacups, and snacks on it, into his Storage Bag.

Still full of confusion, he bid farewell to Tie Xishan, where he had been invited to stay, and returned to Double Brightness Trade Market.

With the market newly opened, even though there weren't many cultivators nearby, many forces from Cloud Horn Prefecture, due to their connections with the prefectural government, had to come and show their support, making it a very busy time.

Deng Baichuan and Feng En were busy all day long, while Yuan Jin also diligently led the officers of the Thief-Catching Office on patrols.

Even those Bandit Cultivators, bandit, or Evil Cultivator have brains. Unless instructed or given some benefits, few would dare to cause trouble for the state government at this time.

Therefore, Yuan Jin didn't have much to do, while Ye Zhengwen, who had just arrived, was even more idle.

Although he held the title of chief accountant, Deng Baichuan still didn't want him to get involved in matters big or small.

All he could do was stay with Zhou Xinran and Jin Shilun, the two younger ones, in the Chongming Small Pavilion, helping to buy and sell elixirs and magical Law Artifact, and occasionally taking on a few transactions involving spiritual mirrors. The accountant's salary was quite easy to earn.

Sect Leader Kang Da had just returned from the Foundation Establishment Ceremony in Tie Xishui. He had originally planned to go straight back to the sect and take some pills to try and break through.

But thinking that it would be a pity to forget all the Daoist scriptures he had just heard, he first pulled Jiang Qing back to the market.

He didn't even have time to see Huo Ying right now. He found a time to gather all the disciples of Double Brightness Trade Market and had Jiang Qing personally tell them what he had learned and thought.

Chongming Sect left everyone present completely bewildered.

The Sect Leader Kang Da thought to himself that this Little Sanzi truly deserves to be called the only one in the Chongming Sect who has ever shown any promise, and he is indeed quite extraordinary.

Left with no other choice, he first explained the rudimentary meanings of the scriptures that he had understood, and then asked Jiang Qing about the points he had doubts about before relaying them to the disciples. Only then did the disciples understand about 70-80% of the meaning.

They talked for five or six hours. Although Kang Dabao was exhausted and covered in sweat, he was quite pleased to see that everyone present looked like they had gained a lot.

After the small Daoist gathering ended, Kang Dabao, as the city magistrate, immediately abandoned a pile of urgent matters, closed the door of his meditation room, and began another attempt at seclusion.

After fasting and bathing, Sect Leader Kang Da, dressed in a single garment, closed his eyes and regulated his breathing, channeling his spiritual energy through his Dantian and meridians throughout his body, undergoing continuous Lesser Celestial Circuit.

After adjusting his state to its best, Kang Dabao opened his mouth and inhaled, swallowing a cyan pill the size of a soybean.

A delicate, fragrant aroma seeped into the mouth, permeating the flesh and bone marrow, causing saliva to flow and the pills to dissolve.

A stream of indigo-colored liquid instantly transformed into a rich Spiritual Qi within Kang Dabao's body, nourishing and strengthening his previously parched meridians.

A wisp of white steam rose from the top of Sect Leader Kang Da, and black residue gradually emerged from his pores. His expression slowly relaxed, and then a sudden explosion was heard in the quiet room.

A wisp of foul air shot out from Kang Dabao's mouth, shattering the jade floor in front of him into pieces.

After the sound subsided, a glint appeared in the eyes of the Sect Leader Kang Da. At the same time, he felt an abundance of spiritual energy throughout his body, and the circulation of his spiritual energy was more comfortable than ever before.

The Spiritual Qi derived from cultivating the "Azure Wood Treasured Light Guide" began to nourish the meridians that had been damaged during his previous breakthrough, making Kang Dabao feel extremely comfortable.

This day was the 22nd day of the seventh month of the 427th year of the Qianfeng Great Wei Immortal Dynasty Western Xia Dynasty. The Sect Leader Kang Da was 39 years old and at the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining. It was safe to say that he was on the verge of Foundation Establishment.

Today I'm recommending a Lineage cultivation novel; the reviews in the comments section are quite good.

[The Qingling Immortal Clan: Starting with the bestowal of treasures and the transmission of techniques in the Immortal Abode. Lineage cultivation, sect wars, and the struggle for the Immortal Dynasty. Daily updates. Welcome to read and appreciate!]

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