Chapter 114: The Wood-Attribute Dharma Body Reaches Completion!

After a day of travel.

After more than half a year, the towering and magnificent Yunze Xiancheng once again appeared in Qin Ming's line of sight.

On this trip to Yunze Xiancheng, Qin Ming also brought two Spirit-Perching Rice-Flower Spirit Fish for Gu Qingzhao along the way.

The social intricacies of the Immortal Realm still needed to be handled properly.

After all, every time she came, she also brought gifts.

She had also helped him quite a bit.

If he had relied solely on himself to gather and refine so many spiritual materials for Foundation Establishment Pills, he wouldn't know how many years it would take to collect them all.

After landing near the main gate, Qin Ming honestly queued up to wait for entry into the Xiancheng.

After displaying his identity token to enter the city.

He crossed the winding streets and headed straight for the Mirror Jing Xue Ge in the inner city.

Gu Qingzhao and Shopkeeper Liao had been waiting for a long time.

After all, they had long known the news that Spirit-Perching Rice had reappeared in the Spirit-Perching Islands.

Gu Qingzhao stepped forward gracefully, a faint smile appearing on her face. "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Qin, on soon becoming a second-tier middle-grade Spirit Planter."

"And for making Spirit-Perching Rice appear in the Immortal Realm once again."

Qin Ming was currently in the limelight, and the Mirror Jing Xue Ge had seized the opportunity to build up some momentum.

Its influence within Yunze Xiancheng would once again rise to a higher level.

Since the Spirit-Perching Rice in Qin Ming's hands had not yet been circulated, the rogue cultivators all knew it would most likely be sold through the Mirror Jing Xue Ge's channels.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Qin, congratulations, congratulations!" Shopkeeper Liao also chimed in from the side with flattery and well-wishes.

Qin Ming smiled freely and replied modestly, "Just a bit of good luck; you overpraise me."

Afterwards.

Gu Qingzhao welcomed Qin Ming into an elegant room on the seventh floor.

The two first talked for a long time about recent events.

"By the way, the three Youth-Preserving Pills you entrusted for auction last time were sold at a price of twenty thousand spirit stones each."

"After deducting the thirty thousand spirit stones for gathering spiritual materials for you, I had Aunt Long transfer the remainder to you; you should have received it, correct?" Gu Qingzhao asked, taking a sip of tea.

Qin Ming nodded. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Gu; I have already received it."

Gu Qingzhao must have also consumed that Youth-Preserving Pill, as her stunning beauty now possessed even more immortal aura.

After a little while longer.

Qin Ming looked at her eyes, which held a hint of anticipation.

He knew it was time to discuss serious matters, so he immediately took out two hundred jin of Spirit-Perching Rice and placed it before Gu Qingzhao.

"Since I hold the position of Honorary Qin Keqing of the Mirror Jing Xue Ge and enjoy generous treatment, I should also do my part."

"I entrust this Spirit-Perching Rice to you, Fellow Daoist Gu, to handle and sell on my behalf."

Gu Qingzhao and Shopkeeper Liao gazed at the ice-crystal jade-colored Spirit-Perching Rice, unable to tear their eyes away.

This was also their first time seeing the legendary, highly renowned Spirit-Perching Spirit Rice.

For a moment, they were actually mesmerized.

After a long while.

Only then did Gu Qingzhao and the others come to their senses, speaking with great admiration: "We never expected that Fellow Daoist Qin's attainments in spirit planting had reached such a realm; speaking solely of the path of spirit planting, I fear that even within Yunze Immortal City, no one can compare with Fellow Daoist Qin."

Hearing this, Qin Ming couldn't help but smile.

Afterwards, he also handed over a portion of Spirit-Gathering Shen Shen Cha and Purple-Gold Bamboo to Gu Qingzhao for auction on his behalf.

One was a second-tier spirit tea capable of enhancing magic power and divine sense.

The other was spirit bamboo used for refining top-grade magical artifacts.

Both were items one could encounter only by chance and could not be sought after.

With such items as the finale auction at the Mirror Jing Xue Ge's auction house, its reputation would surely soar.

He immediately took those two Rice-Flower Spirit Fish from his spirit beast bag and handed them to Gu Qingzhao, saying, "These are spirit fish I cultivated on the island; they taste quite good. I brought two for you, Fellow Daoist Gu, to sample."

"Then I thank you for your kind intention, Fellow Daoist Qin." Gu Qingzhao's beautiful eyes lit up, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth as she accepted the spirit fish from Qin Ming's hands.

These two spirit fish, kept inside the spirit beast bag, were still lively and jumping about.

Each weighed approximately five or six jin.

Afterwards.

The transaction between the two parties concluded.

Three days later.

Qin Ming received notice to prepare for the plant illusion realm trial assessment at the Spirit Planter Guild in Yunze Xiancheng.

When he arrived at the Spirit Planter Guild.

There were already more than ten second-tier low-grade Spirit Planters waiting to enter the wood formation.

Upon seeing Qin Ming approach, they all greeted him and sought to build rapport.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Qin!"

"Fellow Daoist Qin is truly a role model for us!"

"Fellow Daoist Qin has made Spirit-Perching Rice reappear in the world, allowing us Spirit Planters to hold our heads high once again."

"Those stinky alchemists now have no choice but to admit defeat."

"Fellow Daoist Qin, will you accept disciples?"

"..."

Nowadays, Qin Ming's magnificent feat had already made his name famous far and wide.

These spirit-plant masters were eager to pick up one or two exclusive techniques for cultivating spiritual energy Rice from Qin Ming's every word.

Not long after, the wooden array was activated.

The crowd said no more, and one after another flashed into the plant illusion realm.

After he entered the wooden array.

He discovered that the content was actually almost the same as the trial assessment he had taken last time at Lingyu Gate.

Only, the second-grade mid-grade trial illusion realm was considerably more difficult.

Qin Ming still chose the highest-difficulty Grade-A illusion realm.

Several hours later.

Spirit-plant masters trickled out of the illusion realm in twos and threes.

Some wore delighted expressions, others looked blank and dejected.

The last to emerge was Qin Ming; his face was like an ancient well without ripples, revealing neither joy nor anger.

But inwardly, he was immensely excited—he had completed the Grade-A illusion realm trial.

And once again obtained seven wisps of 'Ten Thousand Wood Mother Qi.'

With this thing, he could soon cultivate the Supreme Wood Dharma Body, preparing for Foundation Establishment.

Qin Ming's spirit-plant master identity token was also blessed by the wooden array; the spirit-plant on the back of the token had become two stalks.

Signifying that Qin Ming had officially advanced to a second-grade mid-grade spirit-plant master.

Within Cang Hai Xiancheng, this too was a rare profession.

……

On the other side.

In the Mirror Jing Xue Ge.

Gu Qingzhao picked up two stalks of Rice-Flower Spirit Fish, casually handed them to Shopkeeper Liao, and said coolly, "Take one and make me a bowl of spirit fish soup. When it's done, bring it up."

She assumed the spirit fish Qin Ming had given her were ordinary ones, so she didn't take it to heart.

However, not wanting to disappoint his kind intentions, Gu Qingzhao planned to lightly taste one as well.

"Yes! Gu Gezhu, please rest a moment. I'll have it ready and brought to you right away." Shopkeeper Liao bowed in assent, then took the fish and went downstairs.

One incense stick's time later.

Shopkeeper Liao's expression was odd as he carefully carried a small covered basin of spirit fish soup up to Gu Qingzhao. "Gu Gezhu, the fish soup is ready, it's just—"

"Just what?" Gu Qingzhao rose, her brows knitting. Seeing the strange look on Shopkeeper Liao's face, she regarded him with some puzzlement.

"Gu Gezhu, you'll know once you see for yourself."

Shopkeeper Liao then gently lifted the lid.

Instantly, an overwhelmingly rich spirit-fresh aroma rushed to her face, stirring her taste buds.

A small basin of fish soup radiating astonishing spirit resonance appeared before Gu Qingzhao's eyes. Even from a distance one could feel the dense spiritual Qi contained within the soup.

"This—"

Even Gu Qingzhao, usually calm and composed, now rarely showed a look of astonishment.

She then picked up the soup ladle and gently scooped a spoonful into her mouth.

The next instant, her eyes went wide, an expression of disbelief on her face.

This Rice-Flower Spirit Fish soup was comparable to the legendary 'Great Green Dragon Soup'—it could actually directly increase her Foundation Establishment stage cultivation! She then hurriedly dismissed Shopkeeper Liao.

Gu Qingzhao drank the fish soup without wasting a drop and immediately entered a state of cultivation.

One hour later, she could feel that the magic power within her body had advanced considerably, with a faint sense of an imminent breakthrough.

After Gu Qingzhao calmed her emotions, she hurriedly had Shopkeeper Liao come in and properly penned up the other spirit fish for keeping.

……

After Qin Ming finished the plant illusion realm trial, he returned to the Mirror Jing Xue Ge.

The moment Gu Qingzhao saw Qin Ming, she immediately invited him up to a private room for a chat.

Her beautiful eyes swept about, a smile on her face, and she said in a gentle voice, "Daoist Friend Qin's Rice-Flower Spirit Fish—I have already tasted them."

"I never expected them to be such a precious gift. I... feel rather undeserving."

Qin Ming smiled faintly. "As long as Daoist Friend Gu likes them, that's enough."

"These spiritual energy Rice Rice-Flower Spirit Fish—I don't have too many raised at present. They are quite a rare item."

Gu Qingzhao suddenly understood. "No wonder the effect of enhancing magic power is so good—they were actually cultivated in the spiritual energy Rice paddies."

"If Daoist Friend Qin has any extra spirit fish in the future, I can purchase them at a high price."

Daoist Friend Qin smiled. "Daoist Friend Gu jests. If you want to eat them, you can come to Wangyue Island anytime."

He was rather proud; needless to say, these spiritual energy Rice-Flower Spirit Fish existed only at his place.

During their conversation.

Something else happened that took Qin Ming by surprise.

Namely, Shen Yuanxiong, who had once sold him a defective Jade Marrow Mushroom, had also caught wind of it and come calling.

A dignified Foundation Establishment grand cultivator.

He pleaded with Qin Ming in every way to sell him some spiritual energy Rice.

Considering that the other party had once sold him the Jade Marrow Mushroom, Qin Ming sold him five catties of spiritual energy Rice.

Besides that.

He also learned from Shen Yuanxiong that their joint attempt to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill last time had actually failed.

When the experienced Alchemist Sun was refining the pill, he performed poorly and the furnace exploded on the spot.

A full two sets of Foundation Establishment Pill spiritual materials had been wasted for nothing.

Shen Yuan's heart ached at the loss, and now he was endlessly regretful — if only he had trusted Qin Ming and handed him a Jade Marrow Mushroom.

After all.

Qin Ming, at such a young age, had advanced to a second-grade mid-tier Spirit Gu Zhishi, with dual second-grade ranks across a hundred cultivation arts at his side.

It was enough to demonstrate that his skill was extraordinary, that he had an exceptional edge.

But now, it was too late to say anything.

……

Next.

Qin Ming had also achieved the main purpose of this trip, and it was time to return and cultivate.

After he took his leave of Gu Qingzhao.

He returned to Moonwatch Isle.

During the few days he was away, everything on the isle was fine.

The Xuan Shui Crocodile was frolicking in Moonwatch Lake, with Wu Jiang following behind, tossing demon beast meat to it.

It seemed that after a few days of one person and one beast keeping company, Wu Jiang no longer had that earlier fear.

The moment Qin Ming approached the lakeside, the Xuan Shui Crocodile sensed his return and ran toward him happily, shaking its head and swaying its body in front of him.

After just a few days apart, this fellow had grown a bit bigger again.

Worthy of a mutated earth-grade bloodline.

On the outside, it no longer looked quite as cute as at the very beginning — its fierce, baleful appearance was beginning to show its edge.

Qin Ming patted its head and told it to go find something to eat in the lake on its own.

Afterward, he gave Wu Jiang some instructions as well.

"Fellow Daoist Wu, I am going to enter closed-door cultivation for a period starting today."

"You just keep helping me watch over the isle."

"Don't let anyone disturb me."

Wu Jiang hurriedly replied upon hearing this: "Fellow Daoist Qin, rest assured — everything is under my watch."

Only then did Qin Ming nod, return to his cave abode, and make some preparations.

He came before his natal spirit plant, the Longevity Vine.

"Today is the day!"

Qin Ming raised his hand with a beckoning gesture, directly throwing all seven strands of 'Ten Thousand Wood Mother Qi' toward the Longevity Vine.

In an instant.

The Longevity Vine began to grow wildly, purple runes flickering along its vines.

After absorbing all seven strands of Ten Thousand Wood Mother Qi, the entire natal spirit plant grew another full doubling in height.

It reached a height of thirty zhang, its black vines blotting out the sky.

If not for its concealment ability, a giant tree this massive would be visible from a great distance away.

Whoosh whoosh whoosh! As the natal spirit plant stopped growing, streams of vegetation essence flowed from the Longevity Vine into Qin Ming.

Like a green river of stars spanning the night sky, linking together with Qin Ming.

Qin Ming activated the《Ancient Wood Longevity Art》, and the cyan phantom behind him appeared, mirroring his movements exactly.

Gradually.

As the vegetation essence flowed ceaselessly into Qin Ming's body.

The cyan phantom behind him grew larger once more.

It kept growing until it reached eight zhang in size before stopping.

At this moment.

The cyan phantom made a movement different from Qin Ming's.

He was seen forming a strange hand seal.

The illusory figure instantly became exceedingly clear, identical to Qin Ming.

Hum~ Qin Ming's entire being seemed to transform into an ancient tree that had weathered countless ages, a vast power of time circulating unsteadily around him.

Suddenly!

The enormous cyan phantom behind him abruptly transformed into a cyan rune and sank into Qin Ming's brow.

Like a cyan rune mark, branded onto his brow.

Boom! In the unseen depths, countless wood-attribute insights spontaneously surged up within Qin Ming's mind.

Just like a moment of enlightenment — inexpressible.

His dantian's qi sea began autonomously absorbing the spiritual energy of the outside world, flowing without obstruction.

"Supreme Wood Dharma Body, Great Completion!"

Qin Ming slowly opened his eyes; two streaks of cyan light several inches long appeared in his gaze, then gradually receded.

A faint, composed smile appeared on his face.

Qin Ming could clearly feel that the conversion efficiency of the world's spiritual energy through his spirit root had improved by an entire great margin.

This feeling was utterly incomparable to before.

Although he still possessed a four-element pseudo spirit root, with an acquired spirit body, his current aptitude could already rival that of a cultivator with an upper-grade spirit root.

Next.

Everything was ready — only the east wind was missing.

Qin Ming prepared to strike while the iron was hot, immediately beginning to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill and charge toward Foundation Establishment! (End of this chapter)