Chapter 144

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Protagonist:

Xu Zhangqing

"What?"

"Senior Brother, you've achieved Foundation Establishment?"

"When did this happen!"

At this moment, Han Su felt his head buzzing.

It had only been a few days since they last met, yet the other person had actually achieved Foundation Establishment.

Moreover, he hadn't been stuck at Qi Condensation Perfection; the breakthrough had gone very smoothly.

Truly, comparing people can drive one to death, comparing goods can drive one to throw them away.

Xu Zhangqing asked back: "Haven't you heard?"

Han Su shook his head, looking completely bewildered: "Where would I have heard about it?"

Xu Zhangqing chuckled: "I broke through at Earth Pulse Thirty-Eighth Layer."

Han Su was stunned, then thought carefully, finally realizing: "I remember now. When we first arrived there, someone was indeed discussing it, saying a Wood Spiritual Root had successfully achieved Foundation Establishment. I never expected it was you, Senior Brother!"

Xu Zhangqing nodded slightly: "Indeed, it was me."

Han Su said somewhat at a loss: "This... I... I didn't prepare a gift either."

Xu Zhangqing didn't care much, waving his hand: "If you can break through your realm, that is the greatest gift you could give me."

Upon hearing this, Han Su's eyes welled with hot tears, moved to the point of choking up.

This time, if it weren't for Senior Brother Xu's timely reminder, I wouldn't have been able to break through.

Although yellow qi emerging from the spiritual vein is something that happens once in a while,

not every time does it collapse the spirit stone vein and release attribute-less spiritual energy.

To some extent, this is a unique opportunity and fortuitous encounter for those with an Earth Spiritual Root.

Unfortunately, Han Su only grasped the attribute-less spiritual energy this time and didn't bear a trace of yellow qi.

Otherwise, he could have used this opportunity to become a Core Disciple and cultivate more profound arts.

At this moment, Han Su noticed an extra mu of spirit field on the left side, and couldn't help but regret: "Right, when a spirit farmer breaks through to Foundation Establishment Early Stage, they will gain an additional mu of Second Grade Spirit Field. I actually missed the earth loosening!"

Seeing the other's guilty expression, Xu Zhangqing comforted him: "Missed is missed, it's not a big deal. In the early stage of reclaiming land, a disciple with an Earth Spiritual Root infuses earth qi while loosening the soil."

Regarding this, Han Su still felt uneasy in his heart: "But I must do something for you, right?"

Xu Zhangqing pondered: "Like this. To store things, I plan to make a basement. If you have energy to spare, go ahead and do it."

Han Su's eyes lit up: "Alright, leave it to me."

After reaching Qi Condensation Perfection, his control over earth spiritual power became even more refined.

Therefore, whether loosening soil, building houses, or digging a basement, he could handle it all.

Next, the two began planning the depth and scope of the basement.

Actually, Xu Zhangqing had already decided long ago, so the layout was done quickly.

Right at the kitchen's location, open an entrance to the basement.

This way, everything used for brewing wine could be placed inside.

Boom~

Boom boom~

As the ground kept shaking, the basement formed bit by bit.

Wangwang and the Pearl Chicken, who were lying in their nest, heard the noise and were scared into running out immediately, not daring to stay near the wooden house, and in a flash came to the spirit field ridge.

Seeing Wangwang, still frightened out of his wits, and the Pearl Chicken, still frightened out of her wits, Xu Zhangqing had a mischievous smile, looking like he was gloating over their misfortune.

Time quickly came to noon.

Thanks to Han Su's efforts, the basement had taken initial shape.

From the kitchen floor to the bottom of the basement, the height was about three meters, and overall it was a 7m×7m square space, enough to store things.

While Han Su rested, Xu Zhangqing began making lunch.

Considering that disciples with Earth Spiritual Roots eat a lot, he specially steamed a large pot of Top-grade Spirit Rice.

As for the dishes, they were all home-style dishes.

One plate of Top Grade Chili Pepper stir-fried Spirit Beast Meat.

One basin of Top Grade Winter Melon stewed Pork Rib Soup.

Plus one plate of Top Grade Chili Pepper stir-fried Pearl Chicken Eggs.

Han Su was eating Xu Zhangqing's cooking for the first time, and looked forward to it very much.

Although he hadn't eaten yet, just looking at it whetted his appetite.

Top Grade Chili Pepper stir-fried Spirit Beast Meat: overall glossy and red, with a pungent aroma hitting the nose.

Top Grade Winter Melon Pork Rib Soup: clear soup color, translucent melon flesh, tender and falling-off-the-bone ribs.

Top Grade Chili Pepper stir-fried Pearl Chicken Eggs: fluffy egg yolks, bright red chili peppers.

After putting down the bowls and chopsticks, Xu Zhangqing called out: "Let's eat."

Han Su didn't move his chopsticks right away, but waited until Xu Zhangqing picked up a piece of slightly charred spirit beast meat and put it into his bowl before he started.

He liked eating meat, so he chose the stir-fried spirit beast meat, picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. After chewing a few times, he immediately stared wide-eyed.

Although the spirit beast meat was slightly crisp on the outside, the inside was firm and springy. The spicy flavor had a strong kick, and after a few bites he started going "si ha si ha".

At this moment, Xu Zhangqing said: "Han Shidi, I suddenly remembered."

Han Su scooped a spoonful of sparerib soup to cool the spice, then asked: "What?"

Xu Zhangqing continued: "I heard someone say that if one is stuck at the Qi Condensation Perfection stage, one needs a Foundation Establishment Pill to break through."

Only now did he remember that Hua Lao and Zhang Su had both said so before.

However, Foundation Establishment Pills are extremely rare and expensive, and ordinary disciples find them hard to buy.

Moreover, different attributes require different Foundation Establishment Pills.

For example, an Earth Spiritual Root requires adding the rare 【Earth Surge Lotus】 of the Spiritual Vein as the main ingredient in the Foundation Establishment Pill.

If I remember correctly, one plant costs eighty Middle-grade Spirit Stones.

Of course, that was the old price.

As the 【Formal Disciple Grand Competition】 draws near, prices of all sorts of things are skyrocketing.

Xu Zhangqing put down his bowl and chopsticks, took out the Spirit Light Mirror Li Sancai had given him, and infused Wood Spirit Power into it.

Soon, prices of various Lingti appeared.

Seeing this, Han Su likewise put down his bowl and chopsticks, and curiously leaned forward.

Xu Zhangqing quickly found 【Earth Surge Lotus】 and immediately checked today's transaction price.

When they saw that one flower required one hundred Middle-grade Spirit Stones, both were stunned.

Just one Earth Surge Lotus costs so many spirit stones; one can imagine how expensive Foundation Establishment Pills are.

However, this Spirit Light Mirror can only check Lingti prices; pills and such cannot be queried.

It originally had that function, but it was canceled after the Alchemists of the 【Dan Yao Alliance】 collectively protested.

Han Su gaped: "One hundred Middle-grade Spirit Stones—I'd have to mine for at least five years to save up, unless I loosen earth for others without sleep or rest, which would be faster."

Xu Zhangqing thought for a moment, put away the Spirit Light Mirror, then took out Bai Ling'er's Communication Talisman.

As Wood Spirit Power was infused into it, the call connected soon.

"Hello?"

"I am Xu Zhangqing!"

"It's just noon—are you inviting me to lunch?"

"Not looking for you—is your sister there?"

"Uh… what do you want with my sister?"

"I have something to ask her."

"Fine."

One could tell Bai Ling'er was a bit disappointed.

But she didn't throw a tantrum; instead, she obediently handed the Communication Talisman to her sister.

"Xu Zhangqing is looking for me?" Bai Zhu'er was greatly surprised.

Her first reaction was that the other party had messed up and failed Yu Caiqing's test.

Otherwise, why would they actively seek her out at this time?

Most likely they were seeking help in this regard.

After confirming the person had changed, Xu Zhangqing got straight to the point without pleasantries: "What is the current price of one Foundation Establishment Pill for Earth Spiritual Roots with Earth Surge Lotus as the main ingredient?"

Upon hearing it had nothing to do with Senior Sister Yu, Bai Zhu'er sighed in relief, then retorted in a displeased tone: "You've already reached Foundation Establishment, why ask this, and for an Earth Spiritual Root-exclusive pill at that?"

Xu Zhangqing glanced at the apprehensive Han Su beside him and replied: "I'm asking for a friend."

Bai Zhu'er thought for a moment and said: "In the current pill market, Foundation Establishment Pills for Water, Wood, and Fire Spiritual Roots are relatively cheap, available for about two hundred Middle-grade Spirit Stones, while Metal and Earth Spiritual Roots are relatively expensive, requiring at least three hundred Middle-grade Spirit Stones!!!"