Chapter 308: Popularizing the Body Refining Art

"What?"

Inside the Spirit Realm Pavilion, Xia Zhen looked agitated: "You say the people of Danyuan Peak posted something at the main entrance of the Medical Bureau?"

Xia Zi wore an expression of disbelief: "They posted the first three chapters of a body-refining technique called the 'Qihuang Body Refining Art': Skin Refining, Flesh Refining, and Bone Refining, along with the corresponding medicinal bath formulas for tempering skin, flesh, and bones."

He had never seen any sect, school, or noble family casually release a cultivation technique to the public for free.

"By the way, Danyuan Peak also released news stating that they will soon sell spiritual herbs and materials for tempering skin, flesh, and bones, allowing any cultivators in need to purchase them at Danyuan Peak."

Upon hearing this, Meng Yuchuan was utterly speechless regarding Hua Changxi: "What exactly is Hua Changxi trying to do? Didn't the major incident at the Stargazing Tower last night give her enough spotlight?"

Xia Zhen ignored Meng Yuchuan's complaints, frowning as he looked at Meng Qingyao: "The Qihuang Body Refining Art..."

Meng Qingyao understood Xia Zhen's underlying meaning: "Hua Changxi's understanding of the Qihuang Hall runs deeper than we imagined; this 'Qihuang Body Refining Art' was absolutely obtained by her from within the Qihuang Hall."

After a moment of silence, Xia Zhen said: "Let's go; let's head to the entrance of the Medical Bureau and take a look."

As soon as the group exited the Spirit Realm Pavilion, they saw the Qihuang Hall opposite; leading with Prince Shou, followed by Shen Qianfan, a large group was also striding out quickly.

It appeared they were also heading to the Medical Bureau entrance to investigate the situation.

Restraining his thoughts, Xia Zhen smiled and greeted Prince Shou: "Prince Shou, shall we go together?"

Immediately, both groups proceeded together toward the entrance of the Medical Bureau.

Along the way, Xia Zi looked at Shen Qianfan: "One can tell just from the name that the 'Qihuang Body Refining Art' is related to the Qihuang Hall; Pavilion Master Shen, now that Hua Changxi has made the Qihuang Hall's body-refining technique public, I wonder, did she inform you beforehand?"

Shen Qianfan glanced at Xia Zi, clearly understanding that this person was attempting to sow discord, so he responded with silence.

Seeing this, Meng Yuchuan immediately picked up the conversation: "Heh, given Hua Changxi's nature of not putting anyone in her eyes, it would be strange if she gave advance notice."

"Since the establishment of the Spirit Realm Pavilion, she has never once set foot inside; the only time she sought out the Spirit Realm Pavilion, she merely sent an apprentice to handle it."

Speaking thus, Meng Yuchuan looked at Shen Qianfan: "It seems Hua Changxi holds the Qihuang Hall in similarly low regard."

Shen Qianfan smiled: "Actually, I can quite understand Hua Changxi."

Xia Zi and Meng Yuchuan both froze in surprise.

Shen Qianfan continued: "In terms of contributions to the Dan Sheng Hall, the position of Pavilion Master rightfully belongs to Hua Changxi; yet now I have become the Pavilion Master, so if she is unconvinced by me, I can truly understand that."

After speaking, Shen Qianfan saw the expressions of both Xia and Meng change simultaneously, and he instantly felt comforted.

Whether it was the Qihuang Hall or the Spirit Realm Pavilion, the reason he and Meng Qingyao could sit in the positions of Pavilion Masters was not because their own abilities were outstanding, but simply due to the maneuvering of power.

Was it not perfectly normal for those with true strength and ability to be unconvinced by them?

He was truly sick and tired of this opportunistic struggle for power and profit; he only wished to diligently study medical arts and the Dao of pills, so why was that so difficult?

Just thinking about having a Prince Shou to deal with at the Medical Bureau, and then returning home to find a Princess waiting for him to deal with as well, made him want to drop dead.

Clearly, he had become a cultivator, and his medical skills and pill refining were constantly improving, so why did his life feel even more stifling than before?

He truly envied Hua Changxi; she dared to go head-to-head with everyone!

The conversation between Shen Qianfan, Xia Zi, and Meng Yuchuan was also heard by Prince Shou, Xia Zhen, and Meng Qingyao, who were walking ahead; the expressions of all three fluctuated somewhat.

Seeing that Meng Qingyao's expression was off, Xia Zhen transmitted his voice: "Even in the most chaotic eras, people require a certain degree of order; Hua Changxi belongs to the destroyers of order, which is not a viable long-term path."

This time, Meng Qingyao was not convinced and retorted: "However, only by breaking the old order can a new order be rebuilt."

Xia Zhen shook his head: "Nine out of ten people who walk on the razor's edge will vanish into the dust; whether in action or cultivation, it is better to remain still than to move rashly."

"Qingyao, your original intention is most important; do not lose the goal your heart truly seeks to achieve due to external temptations and pressures."

"Hua Changxi... her path will not be very long; even if she can walk far, it will be fraught with thorns."

Soon, both groups arrived at the entrance of the Medical Bureau.

At this moment, the main entrance was surrounded by a crowd so dense that not even water could leak through.

Prince Shou's face was as grim as water; previously, the royal house had used its power and influence to pressure the Hua clan into handing over the 'Qihuang Body Refining Art' they controlled, but now that everyone could cultivate it, the royal house's advantage in this aspect had been weakened.

After reviewing the technique, Xia Zhen instructed Xia Zi: "Copy down the technique and send it back to the clan; let those in the clan without spiritual roots begin cultivating it as well."

Now that everyone could cultivate the Body Refining Art, those who did not refine their bodies would be left behind.

Qihuang Hall Number Ten.

Gu Jinfan also held a freshly copied version of the first three chapters of the 'Qihuang Body Refining Art', her expression complex.

Although limited by the acquisition of body-tempering spiritual medicines, not all ordinary people without spiritual roots would immediately begin body refinement, the free release of the body-refining technique could, to the maximum extent, provide an opportunity for cultivation to mortals who wished to refine their bodies.

In this life, the number of cultivators among the human race has increased; I wonder if this will allow us to turn the tide in the future wars between humans and demons, or against the invasion of cultivators from the outside world?

Heaven Department.

Huo Yunxiao handed the copied first three chapters of the 'Qihuang Body Refining Art' to Wei Zhenjie, also informing him that Hua Changxi had publicly released the body-refining technique and body-tempering formulas at the main entrance of the Medical Bureau.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhenjie said: "Hua Changxi is truly... surprising time and time again." Speaking thus, he ordered someone to summon Hua Dalang.

It was Hua Dalang's first time meeting Wei Zhenjie; his expression was a mix of excitement and apprehension: "This general pays his respects to the Minister."

Wei Zhenjie smiled and bade him sit; after inquiring briefly about his situation in the Demon-Suppressing Army, he steered the conversation toward the 'Qihuang Body Refining Art'.

Hua Dalang replied: "Minister, my family's Ninth Lady only provided up to the third chapter of the body-refining technique to the Qihuang Halls under our family's control." In other words, Hua Changxi truly possessed no subsequent chapters of the technique.

Wei Zhenjie smiled slightly: "It seems not everyone in your family cultivates the Qihuang Body Refining Art."

Hearing Wei Zhenjie ask this, Hua Dalang understood that he had certainly investigated the Hua family's situation beforehand, so he did not hide the truth: "Yes, several of my younger siblings and I cultivate a different body-refining technique."

"Please forgive me, Minister, but I cannot hand over this body-refining technique, as we all swore Heart Demon Oaths when we began cultivating it."

Huo Yunxiao asked in surprise: "Hua Changxi gave you the technique, yet also required you to swear a Heart Demon Oath?"

These words made Hua Dalang feel somewhat awkward, but he still nodded.

Wei Zhenjie laughed: "The techniques cultivated by each individual are confidential; this Minister understands. Could you tell me the name of that body-refining technique? Perhaps the Heaven Department also possesses a copy."

It was merely a name, so Hua Dalang did not conceal it: "The 'Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art'."

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhenjie's pupils trembled; he thought to himself that Hua Changxi's fortune was simply too good, no wonder she was so arrogantly confident.

The 'Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art'; he had seen relevant records of it in the library of the Central Sacred Land; it could be said to be the premier choice for body-refining techniques.

It was said that this technique was jointly created by the twelve ancient Demon Gods and served as the clan-treasure of the demon race.

Most importantly, the 'Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art' is suitable not only for demon cultivation but also for human cultivation.

Where did Hua Changxi obtain it?

Wei Zhenjie smiled at Hua Dalang: "Cultivating both the Dharma and the body; no wonder your strength ranks among the top of the Company Commanders. Continue to work hard in the future; the Demon-Suppressing Army needs generals like you."

Hua Dalang detected the intent to nurture him in Wei Zhenjie's words, his heart surging with excitement: "This general will certainly not fail in his mission."

Wei Zhenjie added: "Starting today, the entire Demon-Suppressing Army must begin cultivating the 'Qihuang Body-Refining Technique.' You will go to the Medicine Bureau's Danyuan Peak to purchase the required spirit herbs for body tempering."

Hua Dalang paused for a moment, not agreeing immediately.

Wei Zhenjie asked: "What is it? Is there a problem?"

Hua Dalang replied: "No, there is no problem."

Huo Yunxiao smiled: "Once you arrive at the Medicine Bureau, come find me at Qihuang Hall Number Three first. I will go with you then; I am already very familiar with Danyuan Peak."

With the Minister's direct disciple actively seeking friendship, Hua Dalang naturally would not refuse: "Then I shall trouble Hall Master Huo in the days to come."

Wei Zhenjie immediately wrote a procurement slip: "The Heaven Division pre-orders thirty thousand sets of body-tempering medicinal bath packs: ten thousand for tempering the skin, ten thousand for tempering the flesh, and ten thousand for tempering the bones."

Huo Yunxiao took the slip and pulled Hua Dalang away: "Your sister has published the Qihuang Body-Refining Technique; it won't be long before people start scrambling for body-tempering spirit herb packs. We must secure this order quickly."

By the time the two arrived at Danyuan Peak, they discovered that others had arrived even earlier than them.

Noble families, led by the Tang and Gu clans, were all placing pre-orders for body-tempering medicinal bath packs.

It was not just the noble families; many small factions had also sent people, and the staff of the Personnel Department were nearly overwhelmed trying to receive everyone.

Hua Dalang was greatly shocked: "Why are so many people seeking to purchase spirit herbs?"

Huo Yunxiao said: "This is nothing compared to what is coming. Only after the Body-Refining Technique becomes widespread will the peak purchasing period for body-tempering spirit herbs arrive. At that time, we might even see a situation where one pill is hard to come by."

"Now do you understand why Master, and all these people here, came to pre-order body-tempering medicinal packs so early?"

Speaking thus, Huo Yunxiao suddenly smiled and looked at Hua Dalang: "If your sister had stockpiled medicinal ingredients in advance, she might have taken this opportunity to earn a fortune."

Hua Dalang said: "...Ninth Lady lacks such far-sighted wisdom."

Huo Yunxiao glanced at Hua Dalang, beginning to understand why the Hua siblings were not close; this older brother actually knew Hua Changxi less than he, an outsider, did.

"Hua Changxi is not lacking in wit; she simply has little personal desire. Her purpose in publishing the Body-Refining Technique was never for profit."