Chapter 27 (1/2)
Elder Wu later too joined the disciples in the evening lessons. The three Elders together lectured the disciples with various theories and knowledge. The lessons continued until dawn, when Elder Song instructed two acolytes to distribute to everyone a thick booklet.
“These manuscripts contain theories on cultivation methods of the Body Refining Realm, some explanations and descriptions of elixirs, methods of magical formations and barriers, as well as some other basic skills and techniques. Memorize them well, young ones. There will be a written test for all of you seven days later.”
Everyone cradled their thick and heavy manuscripts, feeling sullen. Would they be able to memorize everything in seven days? Not to mention comprehending them.
Later on, Elder Song opened a pouch that an acolyte had brought to him and poured out some green-colored crystals which are in the size of a person’s thumb. He said, “These are Spirit Stones. You will receive three stones each month. On most occasions, you use them by absorbing the spiritual energies from these stones. But there are also other uses for them mentioned in the manuscript you hold.” As he spoke, he motioned an acolyte to distribute them.
The disciples received the stones. Some were excited, however, some remained indifferent. Elder Song then said, “Do not take these Spirit Stones lightly. Although they are just Rank One stones, they are integral in helping you rise into the Qi Refining Realm quickly. Take good care of them and don’t give them to others easily.”
Listening to this, the disciples fell into a cacophonous hubbub, talking and chattering with the precious stones they held tightly to. Prince Zhao fiddled with the stones in his palm and said, “How do we use this? Do we ingest them directly?”
Elder Song glared at him, saying, “Be my guest. But not here, please. I do not intend to be the one taking care of your funeral arrangements.”
Hearing this, Prince Zhao was so shocked that he nearly tossed them away as if they were poison.
In truth, the Spirit Stones were magical resources that came with finite supply even in the Three Pure Sect. They were treasures beyond any equal, and no one would ever trade them for gold, save for extraordinary magical treasures, Immortal’s Swords, or magical talismans.
Most people would amass more and more Spirit Stones to trade for magical treasures or Immortal’s Swords from Inner Disciples of the sect. Quarrels and fights because of Spirit Stones were hardly rare as they tend to take place at least a few times every month.
At sunset, the fresh recruits were returning to their dormitories when they were stopped by a few other older disciples.
“Junior Brothers and Sisters, we have an offer to make. We are willing to pay a good price for your Spirit Stones. I am willing to pay for 200 taels of silver for each Stone. Is anyone interested?”
“I am willing to pay 300 taels of silver a piece.”
“I am willing to pay 400 taels for each Stone.”
Some of the younger disciples began to stir. Despite their wealthy origins, the things and food sold at the mess halls here were terribly expensive. To some of them, the Spirit Stone looked useless other than its beauty and glittering flashes.
Prince Zhao sneered and said, “300 taels and 400 taels of silver? Are you dealing with beggars and tramps here? Come to me! 1000 taels of silver! That is my price! Sell all your Stones to me! I will buy as many as you have! There will be no limit!”
His loud cries irritated a good many older disciples. A dozen of them came over to him, seething with anger. He hurriedly showed his jade medallion, saying, “What do you want? I am a Prince of the State of Zhao! What are you doing?”
“A Prince? Not even the Emperor amounts to anything here!”
Xiao Chen took a step forward and spoke pensively, “That is enough. The Elder had ordered us to keep our Stones well.” He then turned to the three princes behind him and said, “Let’s go.”
Back at the courtyard of their dormitory, Lil Ruo had finished boiling water for him. She had even prepared a table full of delicious food. Xiao Chen said, “We would best save some money for the future. I know that these ingredients do not come cheap.” Before he had finished, he noticed something was different with Lil Ruo. The hairpin on her head was no more. As was the bracelet that she had normally worn. He sighed and said no more.
That night, he took out the three Spirit Stones. He channeled some Energies into one of the Stones. Immediately, the spiritual energies from the Stone flowed into his body and turned into an ordinary piece of gem.
“I-is… Is that it?”
The use of the stone felt dear to him. The spiritual powers of the Spirit Stones were helpful to him, but he could still use the Mystic Cyan Cultivation Method to absorb the Spiritual Qi from nature. It would be waste to even use another piece of the Stone. He then decided that he would continue enhancing his powers with the Mystic Cyan Cultivation Method until it became no use to him. The Spirit Stones would be accumulated and kept until then.
The next seven days passed quickly. The written test was nothing more than child’s play to him. Even the three Elders were amazed by the answers he had provided for the questions in the examination for some of which were unknown even to them.
He had but merely riffled through the pages of the thick manuscript for information on the Divine Vessel technique. It was then tossed to Lil Ruo who would once in a while read it in leisure. He then found out that Lingtai Mountain had a number of main peaks. The Dragon Peak is the first, followed by the Star-plucking Peak, the Moon-gazing Peak, the Oak Crane Peak, and the Shrouded Peak; all of which were resided by the other Elders.
But the biggest conundrum he now faced was that his Mystic Cyan Cultivation Method was once again useless. Having reached the bottleneck of Lv 1, the level of his cultivation would have risen if not for the fact that he still lacked that last ounce of energy.