Taking the Spirit Dew Again (2)

---- Jade Toad cave abode

The stone walls are imbued with the lingering fragrance of herbs that has lasted for centuries, while four Spirit Stone lamps cast a dim, calming glow in a corner of the cave.

Kang Dabao assumed the carefree single-leg pose, with his left leg bent and his right knee slightly drooping. His left hand pinched the Taiyi finger and pressed the Fengfu acupoint, while his right hand held up as if holding a dew-collecting plate. He landed on the newly acquired Second Tier Mirage Cloud Dream Seat, his face solemn, his eyes closed and mouth shut.

Before long, a wisp of green smoke rose from the fontanelle and slowly condensed into the shape of a celestial bird.

Gradually, the white smoke from the incense burner on the low table beside Sect Leader Kang Da mingled together, the blue and white colors intertwined, and the immortal bird's eyes seemed to open, its wondrous appearance beyond description.

This is Kang Dabao's third year of seclusion, and compared to his previous cultivation, he has made considerable progress.

A significant portion of this success can be attributed to the newly acquired Second Tier Mirage Cloud Dream Seat and the Eight Sufferings Chan Heart Incense gifted by Jiang Qing.

The former was presented by the Yang Household brothers, who had just settled in Cold Crow Mountain. It required a Second Tier weapon master to spend several years collecting and solidifying the illusory mist captured when a mirage dissipated. It had the effect of overcoming illusions and awakening one's true nature. It was a rare item and also gave the generous Yang Household brothers a good start to their life in Cold Crow Mountain.

The Eight Sufferings Chan Heart Incense is even rarer. Just from the name, it is said to have the effect of calming the mind, clearing the mind, and understanding the truth. According to the most Chongming Sect matriarch of the Chongming Sect, even a piece the size of a finger joint in the incense burner of the Sect Leader Kang Da is the share that a distant branch of the Kuang Household can only receive every twenty years.

So where did Jiang Qing obtain his Foundation Establishment from? It's not hard to guess.

As a strange syllable echoed in the Jade Toad cave abode, Kang Dabao withdrew his hand seals and opened his eyes. He exhaled a breath of turbid air, and his pupils, which were originally black and white, had turned into a brilliant golden color.

After a few more breaths, the golden light in his eyes gradually faded, but a wisp of spiritual energy remained in his eyes for a long time.

"It should only take another three to five years for my Delusion-Breaking Golden Eyes to reach perfection," Kang Dabao said with a hint of pride. After speaking in a low voice, he pinched his fingers into a sword shape and pointed at an insect nest a hundred paces away.

The buzzing sound of the insects filled the quiet cave abode, but Sect Leader Kang Da didn't find it unpleasant. Instead, he smiled as he looked at the silvery cloud of insects.

"Not bad, it has finally recovered to the scale it was three years ago. However, relying solely on the Moon-Reflecting Stone Slab and the Rotten Apricot Coral is far from enough to achieve this."

As Kang Dabao read this, a handful of stones fell into his hand.

The stone is decorated with star patterns, and even though it has been gnawed by countless Lion Insect for so many years, it is still the same size as the one that Sect Leader Kang Da obtained from the Mountain Barbarians relics.

"If we use it like this, I wonder how many generations it can be passed down in my Kang Household."

Kang Dabao chuckled softly, and with a flick of his finger, the swarm of insects slowly returned to its nest. During this time, the Sect Leader Kang Da thought to himself, "I need to practice the 'Full Moon Visualization Method' more diligently; otherwise, in a few years, when the number of insects increases again, I fear I will find it difficult to control them all."

In fact, how could an ordinary Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivator possess such a powerful Divine Sense as Kang Dabao?

Don't be fooled by the fact that he has only mastered this technique to a "rough level." Without the assistance of this top-tier, Zhou Grade Supreme-Grade refining technique, how could Sect Leader Kang Da be so formidable in battle?

Leaving aside the Lion Insect swarm that is enough to leave anyone speechless, even the top-grade Spirit Artifact, the Slaughter and Extermination, would be difficult for Kang Dabao to wield so Ruyi.

"If I were to refine this technique to a minor level when I Foundation Establishment Peak, I might be able to rival the Divine Sense False Core cultivator, and be able to unleash seventy percent of the power of a low-grade Law Treasure, just like those Pill Masters."

Compared to the Full Moon Visualization Method and the Delusion-Breaking Golden Eyes, the Primordial Ancient Body, while arguably one of the top Body Refining Cultivation Method in Cloud Horn Prefecture, is hardly the most powerful method employed by Sect Leader Kang Da.

Even the half-baked "The Military Strategy Taught by the Halberd-Holder of the Wood Palace Star Lord" is still superior to the Primordial Ancient Body, a mid-grade Zhou Grade Middle-Grade Cultivation Method, thanks to Slaughter and Extermination.

Ordinary cultivators lament the difficulty of obtaining true techniques, but even though Sect Leader Kang Da has almost used up all three jade pendants, he still can't keep up with the cultivation.

This is a blessing that 99% of cultivators in the world would find hard to come by. Even the current Daoist of the Two Instruments Sect would find it difficult to possess several complete Zhou Grade Cultivation Method like him.

Kang Dabao, who was deeply immersed in the wonderful artistic conception created by the Eight Sufferings Chan Heart Incense, should not have woken up at this time. However, today marks the third year of his seclusion here, and something he has been looking forward to for a long time has finally arrived.

Sect Leader Kang Da picked up the Primordial Gourd that had been hanging at his waist and examined it. Thirty-six years had passed since he first took the Spirit Dew in the 420th year of the Qianfeng Emperor's reign.

Looking at this gourd, which Kang Dabao had imagined to be incredibly valuable, it was still the same as before: black glaze, red base, silver-plated stopper, and a copper-colored mouth. It was by no means beautiful.

Even the gourd stopper seemed somewhat damaged; judging by appearance alone, it was no match for the equally mysterious and unpredictable Black Bone, who already possessed Immortal Seal Script.

However, one should not judge things by appearances alone. Even if the spiritual dew in this gourd becomes ineffective again, just the Azure Smoke of Creation that saved Sect Leader Kang Da's life is still the most extraordinary top-tier treasure.

Kang Dabao stroked the gourd with great affection for a while, his short, stubby fingers landing on it, his movements even gentler than when he caressed Fei Shuhe's delicate, snow-white skin.

"Tsk, back in those mortal eateries, why did I only know how to steal things? I should have put every pot, pan, table, and chair into my Storage Bag. If I had done that, I don't know how happy I would be now."

These distracting thoughts were utterly useless. Kang Dabao sighed again, and as soon as a spiritual light appeared in his eyes, his thoughts were immediately pulled back.

With a flick of his finger, the Primordial Gourd flew out of his hand and hovered three inches in front of Sect Leader Kang Da's knees.

The silver light on the gourd stopper was diluted a little, and as soon as it floated into the air, a clear, refreshing dew slowly oozed from the gourd's mouth.

As usual, he received a full bowl. Sect Leader Kang Da remained silent with a serious expression, hoping that this time he wouldn't end up empty-handed like Yuan Jin had last time.

After a moment of trepidation, he picked up the large bowl, tilted his head back, and gulped it down.

The moment the spiritual dew entered the mouth, it was as if a vast expanse of spring water had overflowed the cracked riverbed. The hidden injuries from the previous fierce battles were instantly cleansed away in the shimmering blue light.

"It still feels the same! In other words, this spiritual dew is still useful to me!"

Just as he was about to exclaim in surprise, as the spiritual dew flowed through his meridians, the jade-colored lotus platform in his Dantian gradually became excited, shimmering with spiritual light and exuding unparalleled purity.

Drops of spiritual dew swiftly swept across the jade lotus platform, transforming into countless stars, which then traveled along Kang Dabao's meridians, gradually forming a celestial map.

After this, a feeling of pleasure far more intense than the previous two times suddenly arose within Sect Leader Kang Da, almost causing him to groan out loud.

But the good times didn't last long. Suddenly, the comfortable feeling was gone in an instant, and a burning pain exploded in his pupils. Kang Dabao felt as if a thousand silver needles were stirring in his eye sockets.

Fortunately, this situation did not last long. The celestial chart in his meridians emitted a fluorescent glow, which made Sect Leader Kang Da feel as if he had encountered a warm spring when the pain was at its most intense. The burning pain in his eyes was instantly swept away.

He didn't know how much time had passed, until the clothes of the Sect Leader Kang Da were soaked with blood and tears, before he carefully opened his eyes.

But in that instant of opening his eyes, he discovered that his small eyes were completely different from before.

"My Delusion-Breaking Golden Eyes seem to have reached perfection."

---- Wild Fox Mountain

With a "crack," the gleaming black spirit hoe struck a stone in the spirit field, easily shattering it into powder.

Zhou Yixiu expressionlessly cleared away the rubble, scattering a handful of Moon Fern Grass soaked in spiritual liquid. He made hand seals for a while until the seeds showed signs of life, then finally let out a long sigh, put his hands on his hips, and cursed, "So tiring!"

Seeing this Mo Ku immediately stopped what he was doing and hurried over to help Zhou Yixiu, "Elder, please rest a while. You just sit and direct the work. These rough and tidy tasks will be done by your disciples."

"Go away, go away! You're all so clumsy, how can I possibly let you off the hook?! If you delay Senior Brother's cultivation, I can't bear the responsibility." Zhou Yixiu looked disgusted, and seeing Mo Ku beside her could only smile awkwardly, she scolded again:

"You brat, don't you know how to be serious? It's one thing to have no talent in cultivation, but you're also stuck at the same level as Master Jia. You're not even close to seventy years old, and you can't even reach the Qi Refining Seventh Layer. At least you can advance Master Jia to the First-Tier Middle-Grade."

Even if I don't get a steward's title, at least I'd have a reason to plead with you in front of my senior brother, the sect leader. If I don't strive harder now, do I really want to end up like Du Qing, stripped of my outer disciple status and forced to start my own business in Cold Crow Mountain?!

Mo Ku's face showed even more shame, and he lowered his head and said softly, "The elder is right. This disciple is just a blockhead and has indeed failed the elder's teachings."

"Letting me down is nothing, just don't let yourself down." Zhou Yixiu knew that Mo Ku's background meant he had already achieved a great deal, so after a light sigh, he dropped his previous tone of disappointment and asked kindly, "How many more days until your Senior Brother Kang returns?"

After thinking for a while Mo Ku said, "According to what Senior Brother Kang said when he returned to the sect, he should be back in three to five days."

"Hmm," Zhou Yixiu did some calculations with his fingers, then nodded and said, "At least you have some sense of proportion; there's still enough time, and you won't be too late."

Hearing the resentment in the old man's voice, Mo Ku naturally wanted to do something to smooth things over for Kang Rongquan:

"Elder Zhou is well aware that the rule that 'an elder must be present during the annual Nurturing Qilin Hall Grand Lecture' was first established by Elder Pei. As his eldest disciple, Senior Brother Kang should naturally take the lead and set a good example."

"Why should you speak?!" Zhou Yixiu snorted, her bull-like eyes widening like copper bells, her tone still tinged with displeasure.

"Do you think I'd willingly give up my post at Jia-Chou Military Stronghold to come here and work alongside you clumsy lads? I know what you're saying, but if it delays the farming season, prevents us from planting enough Moon Fern, and thus hinders our sect leader's cultivation, where will I put my old face?"

"The elder is right. This disciple will go and tell my fellow disciples to be diligent and conscientious, and they will certainly not ruin any important matters concerning the sect!"

Mo Ku an excuse to slip away from the old cultivator, and then he saw a long procession of beast-drawn carriages coming from the front.

Leading the procession of beast-drawn carriages was a sword-wielding cultivator dressed in brocade robes, with a horrifying scar running across his face. The cultivator exuded a heavy Sha Qi, so intense that Mo Ku could barely open his eyes.

"Junior Brother Ming has arrived?" Mo Ku smiled and greeted him with a cupped-hand salute.

"Oh, it's Senior Brother Mo," Ming Zhe nodded in return. He was on a mission this time, so he didn't have time for pleasantries with Mo Ku and asked directly, "Is Fourth Uncle here? My master sent me to deliver some things to him."

"It's just ahead, Junior Brother, be careful what you say. The Elder just lost his temper; he might explode at any moment." After Mo Ku finished speaking, a hint of lingering fear appeared on his face.

Ming Zhe smiled slightly, and the horrific scars on his face twisted like a giant centipede for a moment. Fortunately, he seemed to realize this quickly, and soon regained his composure, thanking him, "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Brother Mo."

After speaking, Ming Zhe told the caravan to rest for a moment, then approached Zhou Yixiu and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Uncle-Master."

"Hmm, Junior Nephew Ming, did you just come from Jia-Chou Military Stronghold? Is there anything unusual at the camp?"

"Uncle-Master's methods of cultivation are truly remarkable. Over the years, I have traveled to various counties in Cloud Horn, and there are few places as prosperous as our Chongming Sect Jia-Chou Military Stronghold. However, since Uncle-Master has been away from the stronghold for the past ten days, the stronghold has lost its leader. My master is also being disturbed to the point of exhaustion and is complaining all day long."

"I will write to my third senior brother later. Once Rongquan returns from his sermon within the sect, I will turn back." Zhou Yixiu smiled faintly for a moment before asking, "Does my third senior brother have any instructions?"

"No, not at all," Ming Zhe shook his head again. "It's just that the other day, a Second Tier venomous python suddenly appeared around Jia-Chou Military Stronghold and started harming people. After my master heard the news, he spent half a day finding it and killing it."

He heard from a Rogue Cultivator in the town that the gallbladder of a poisonous python was a superior tonic for replenishing vital energy, so he sent his nephew along with his uncle to deliver it.

"Thank you very much, Senior Brother," Zhou Yixiu said without hesitation, and just as she accepted the gift, Ming Zhe took out another item. "This is Senior Brother Duan and Senior Sister Zhou sent through their junior brother, for your enjoyment, Uncle."

Zhou Yixiu showed no joy, only saying, "This wine is too weak; even women don't like it, yet they brought it for me."

Ming Zhe laughed upon hearing this, "This is Second-Tier Lower-Grade spiritual wine. Drinking it can soothe all the meridians. It's much better than the strong liquor that Guest Elder Cai usually brings as tribute to you, Fourth Uncle."

Zhou Yixiu shook her head, not arguing with him, and asked again, "Has Senior Brother Sect Leader emerged from seclusion?"

"I don't know about that," Ming Zhe shook his head, then said, "I have another matter to report to my master. Senior Brother Duan visited me before, expressing his wish to have Ping An become my disciple. I have already informed our master, and he has given his approval."

"Oh, that's a good thing." Zhou Yixiu knew that his grandson Duan Ping'an, like his parents, only had the aptitude of Four Spirit Roots. Although this was already considered a blessing for an ordinary family, it was hard to say what his future Dao Path would be like.

Ming Zhe, however, is the most likely disciple of the Chongming Sect to establish Dao Foundation after Kang Rongquan. Zhou Yixiu would not be dissatisfied that Duan Ping'an was able to become Ming Zhe's disciple and learn some of the self-defense skills passed down by Jiang Qing.

After chatting for a while, Ming Zhe was about to leave. He still had business to do and couldn't stay too long. Unexpectedly, as soon as he returned to the caravan, he saw several talismans flashing with light as they approached.

Ming Zhe and Mo Ku each took a talisman, and Zhou Yixiu, leaning on his spirit hoe, curiously came to take a look. However, the moment his old eyes touched the talisman, he was quite startled:

"That Original Response Temple protect the monastery is coming back?!"