Rising from Small Cloud Rain Technique

Without materials, even the most skilled Artifact Refiner cannot start crafting.

The Demon Calamity is on the verge of a full outbreak, and without a Spiritual Artifact for protection, he feels very uneasy.

The breeze blew gently, and Ji An said softly:

"The cultivators from Central Continent supporting us have not yet arrived. I anticipate that if a Merchant Cloud Ship is coming, it will arrive with those cultivators."

He remembered Ye Changqing’s words, that middle continent cultivators are not entirely trustworthy.

"After refining a Spiritual Artifact, it still needs time to nurture. I’m really anxious now."

Du Huaiyuan said annoyedly, nurturing a Spiritual Artifact to increase its spiritual essence takes time and Water Element Essence, and he doesn’t have much time left with the Demon Calamity liable to erupt any moment.

"Senior Brother, do you have a top-grade defensive magical artifact on hand?"

"I do have a Water Spirit Bead of not-so-great quality, but I’d like to give it to Yu Han for protection."

As Du Huaiyuan spoke, he looked at the female cultivator beside him with eyes as tender as water, causing a blush to rise on her face.

Ji An looked at the two exchanging glances, speechless for a moment — am I just here to nurture your future wife!

"Senior Brother, may I have a word with you?"

He pulled the other into the living room, waved his hand to close the door, and said in a deep voice:

"Senior Brother, have you decided to hold the dual cultivation ceremony with Yu Han?"

If you have made up your mind, then quickly take her away; don’t come around sprinkling dog food for me for no reason!

"Yes, I have," Du Huaiyuan replied somewhat embarrassed, feeling a bit caught red-handed in the act of stealing affection.

Receiving a definite answer, Ji An nodded:

"Senior Brother, you can take Yu Han back to the grotto mansion now. Isn’t it wonderful to hold the dual cultivation celebration once she advances to Foundation Establishment?"

"Is it appropriate?"

Secretly delighted, Du Huaiyuan’s voice carried a hint of laughter.

"It’s perfectly appropriate."

Du Huaiyuan leaned closer, speaking softly:

"Yu Han mentioned that she borrowed two thousand spirit stones from Junior Brother to purchase Foundation Establishment Pills. Is that true?"

"Yes, is Senior Brother planning to...?"

"Yes, I’ll return those spirit stones, deducting them from our Spirit Wine profits."

...

After lunch, Xia Yuhuan gracefully bowed:

"Thanks to the care of Junior Martial Uncle, Yu Han will always remember it in her heart!"

Du Huaiyuan took the female cultivator’s hand, leaped onto the flying ship together:

"Junior Brother, farewell!"

As the flying ship departed, Ji An turned his head and said:

"Yu Lian, it’ll be hard on you.

Your remuneration will be doubled from now on.

In two more years, you’ll get the Foundation Establishment Pill, make sure to find your successor quickly."

Xia Yu Lian bowed her head slightly:

"I already have a candidate in mind, but they seem unsuitable for the position, so I’m searching for a more suitable disciple."

Ji An nodded slightly, then instructed:

"Huang Xuan, increase the strength of the Mountain Protection Array by one level, and keep it activated at all times. The spirit stones will be drawn from the Secret Vault."

Doing so would consume more Spirit Stones, but recalling Senior Brother Liu’s worried expression a few days ago, this seemed the more reassuring option.

"As you command!"

...

The next day in the afternoon, Ji An rode the Golden Feathered Eagle away from Red Flame Peak, heading northeast.

The speed of this tamed beast is not much slower than a flying shuttle, and staying around Red Flame Peak every day has been quite stifling.

By the Cold Pool, a glint of disappointment flashed in the eyes of the grey-feathered sand goose as it jumped dispiritedly into the water to fish.

The Golden Feathered Eagle’s crest feathers stood up, letting out a joyful scream as it flew against the wind.

After about half an hour, its speed began to decrease.

Ji An switched to the flying shuttle, taking the tamed beast with him.

Another hour later, the flying shuttle landed near the Diligence Hall of Lingxiao Mountain.

The Sect’s Spirit Ship hovered over the hall, as disciples used the Object Control Technique to transport storage bags and various supplies onto the Spirit Ship, with Ye Changqing overseeing the scene.

After a while, the Spirit Ship swiftly departed.

Ji An flew over to Senior Brother Ye’s side and asked:

"Is the Spirit Ship heading to Mingfeng Mountain Immortal City?"

A trace of tiredness flashed between Ye Changqing’s eyebrows as he replied through transmission:

"Yes, resources at the front line are depleting quickly, and nearly half of the Bloodthirsty Vine defense line outside the Immortal City has been destroyed.

I think once the Bloodthirsty Vines are completely cleared by the Demon Beasts, it’ll be the time for the war to fully erupt."

He coughed and said:

"Junior Brother, let’s talk inside. What brings you to the Diligence Hall today?"

Ji An patted his storage bag:

"I’ve come to turn in some pills and exchange them for some herbs."

The two of them landed on the ground and stepped into the hall’s loft.

"Pills are scarce goods, handing them over now can earn more Contribution Points.

What are you turning in this time? The Flaming Sun Pills you crafted yourself?"

Ye Changqing remembered how this Junior Brother had directly exchanged genuine grade pills for materials and then lost contact, making him think there might have been issues with his elixir refining.

"Yes, a total of 432 Flaming Sun Pills, including 22 high-quality pills, in exchange for Contribution Points, without needing to accept any alchemy tasks.

This time, besides handing in Flaming Sun Pills, I also want to use genuine Cyan Lotus Pills to exchange for related medicinal materials."

Taking out numerous jade bottles from the storage bag, Ji An explained:

"The red jade bottles contain Flaming Sun Pills, and the light cyan jade bottles contain 260 Cyan Lotus Pills."

Ye Changqing was surprised:

"Has your alchemy progressed to the point where you can attempt to refine Cyan Lotus Pills?"

"Of course, I never do anything without confidence."

"Truly impressive, to be able to attempt refining mid-stage Foundation Establishment pills in just two or three years of alchemy!"

Ye Changqing began verifying the pills, and after about an hour, he finally finished the examination.

"Some of the Cyan Lotus Pills were crafted by Senior Sister Ge Ying, am I right?"

"Yes, Senior Brother’s insight is accurate, some were indeed refined by my master."

Ji An wasn’t surprised by this judgment, knowing his counterpart’s keen eye.

"Although my eyes grow gradually dim, my discernment remains sharp.

Genuine Flaming Sun Pills can be exchanged for 650 Contribution Points, and high-quality pills for 800 Contribution Points."