Chapter 217 – Choosing a Cultivation Method (2/2)

However, it was labelled as incomplete at the end, but even though it was incomplete, it could still be practised until mid Foundation Establishment. This cultivation method was not longer just a method for practising qi, which was why it was so expansive. No, it was a steal at this price.

Li Qingshan thought, If I practise the Spirit Turtle’s Method of Sea Suppression as a daemon and the Arts of the Boundless Ocean as a human, it’ll be a perfect combination!

“Uncle, what do you think about practising the Arts of the Boundless Ocean?”

“The Arts of the Boundless Ocean was originally a core cultivation method of the Ocean sect. Upon reaching the ninth layer, it can condense an Ocean pearl within your body, which is akin to the golden cores of daoism and the śarīras of buddhism…”

Li Qingshan’s eyes shone even brighter. People who made it past the second heavenly tribulation were basically great masters in this world. Perhaps they could not run wild, but they could at least run around freely. He never thought he would come across a cultivation method like that in a tiny bookstore like this one. This kind of luck was like buying a divine artifact from a stall, or finding a divine beast by the side of the road.

“However, I wouldn’t recommend you to practise this cultivation method.”

Li Qingshan was surprised. “Why?” Even though it was incomplete, he could find ways to assemble the whole cultivation method. Once he reached Foundation Establishment, he would definitely become even stronger with his daemon cultivation. He refused to believe he could not get his hands on the second half of this cultivation method, whether he had to steal secretly or openly rob.

The old man seemed to read Li Qingshan’s thoughts. He sighed. “The Ocean sect was annihilated from the cultivation world a millennium ago. Otherwise, why would I be bold enough to sell the secret manual of another sect?”

“Annihilated? Why was it destroyed?”

“Instead of saying that it was destroyed, you might as well say that they failed to recruit suitable disciples, and their legacy was broken. The person who sold me this half of the cultivation method was a descendant of the sect. Even he did not have the talent to practise this cultivation method, nor did he know where the other half of it was. I’ve specially investigated this over the years, but I’ve found nothing. Otherwise, this book would be worth more than ten times its current price.”

Li Qingshan immediately became disappointed. Even the old man who specially sold books said that, then wouldn’t it be like trying to find a needle in a haystack if he tried searching for it? However, he was still hopeful. “Perhaps I can try with this incomplete cultivation method first. When I reach Foundation Establishment, I can just switch to another cultivation method.” The power of the cultivation method truly interested him.

At his moment, a middle-aged man in vermillion robes with rosy cheeks among the Qi Practitioners said, “Sir, you may not know, but even if we ignore how difficult it is to reach Foundation Establishment, stronger cultivation methods result in more unique true qi. When that really happens, it’ll be difficult for you to switch to other cultivation methods.”

Li Qingshan was no fool. He immediately understood what he was trying to say. They were all water, whether it was water from the ocean or water from the clouds, but just like how a tree had many branches, the further up they were, the further they were from each other. Trying to leap from a branch to another would become more and more difficult as a result. It was just like how it was all Profound Yin true qi, but if the grannies of the Sect of Clouds and Rain wanted to learn corpse refining techniques, they would basically be asking for trouble.

“Thank you for your reminder. May I ask for your esteemed name?”

The rosy-cheeked man said, “I wouldn’t say my name is esteemed in any way. You should pick your cultivation method first. I just want to invite you to some alcohol later. I hope you can accept my offer.”

Li Qingshan nodded. The old man said the same, “Exactly, and the more profound a cultivation method is, the greater the need you have for the guidance of a senior. You don’t seem to be someone who lacks spiritual stones. I have a recommendation.” The old man took the catalogue from Li Qingshan’s hands and chose a cultivation method for him.

Li Qingshan looked at it and could not help but smile bitterly. It was actually still the Gui Water Method of Condensing Qi, but at a closer glance, it was actually priced at ninety-five spiritual stones, more than three times the price of the regular Gui Water Method of Condensing Qi. It was labelled with “Complete with Comprehensions”. He could not help but raise his head and look at the old man.

The old man said, “The Gui Water Method of Condensing Qi has been improved and modified by countless people. It’s basically the orthodox cultivation method. Not only is it easy to practise, but the Gui Water true qi it produces is the most balanced and mild too. If you can cultivate this to a high level, you can basically switch to any high level water cultivation method with that as a foundation.”

“And, you’re an independent cultivator, so you don’t have the guidance of a master, so that’s like a natural disadvantage. This Gui Water Method of Condensing Qi is recorded with the cultivation experiences and understandings of many cultivators. It’ll definitely be of great help to you.”

Li Qingshan nodded. As it turned out, not only was it a cultivation method, but it also included notes for cultivation. Walking down a beaten path was obviously much easier than finding your own. It was also much safer. And, the old man considered very far into the future too. If Li Qingshan could reach the highest level of this cultivation method, he would not be restricted to this tiny store anymore. There was a chance for him to come across even more high level cultivation methods.

“Though, this price is just a little too high.”

The rosy-cheeked man agreed, “Yeah. Who would ever buy a cultivation method so expensive?” Even if he and his companions poured their funds together, they could not gather so many spiritual stones.

The old man smiled. “Knowledge is priceless, right? And, the cultivation method comes with seven additional water elemented techniques compared to the regular Gui Water Method of Condensing Qi. They’re extremely useful, whether it be for gathering herbs or fighting against others.”