SWNOVELXO Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Bixian Spiritual Tea
Drinking tea to enhance cultivation—just a few cups a day would result in an extra boost to one's progress.
Even if the gains were minimal, over time, they would accumulate into a significant amount of cultivation growth.
This realization prompted He Song to ask about the tea.
"This tea is precious," Ping'er replied with a faint smile, her gaze softening as she looked at He Song. "Even the overseers rarely get a chance to drink it. It's reserved exclusively for honored guests, served as a small pot in the Honored Guest Hall. Today, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a cup, all thanks to you, fellow Daoist."
Had the tea not been so rare and He Song so generously offered her a cup earlier, Ping'er might not have so readily believed that his earlier behavior was unintentional.
Now that he had asked, she didn't hold back any details.
After a brief pause, Ping'er continued, "This tea is called Bixian Spiritual Tea. It's harvested from Bixian Spiritual Tea Trees grown in the Spirit Herb Garden of the Vast Earth Sect. In the immortal market, it's sold at the price of ten spirit stones per liang (a traditional weight unit)."
". . ."
"Thank you, fellow Daoist. I'll take my leave now." With his goal accomplished, He Song had no intention of lingering further.
After cupping his hands slightly toward Ping'er, he turned and left the Spirit Techniques Pavilion.
What?
Bixian Spiritual Tea?
Never heard of it.
Don't know it.
Never seen it.
Can't afford it!
Feeling a bit wistful, He Song walked quickly, as if chased by a ferocious beast.
He needed to get home immediately and begin studying the Introduction to Formation Techniques imprinted in his memory.
Anything was better than lingering here and enduring Ping'er's soft, amused laughter.
As He Song's figure disappeared into the distance, Ping'er burst into laughter, covering her face with her hands as she chuckled uncontrollably.
She wasn't mocking He Song's lack of means; rather, she found him amusing.
Any cultivator would immediately grasp the rarity of a tea that could enhance cultivation.
Yet He Song had casually asked about it without a second thought.
Then, upon hearing the price, he turned and left without the slightest hesitation or regret.
Moreover, He Song had been in the immortal market for five years.
Despite his cultivation still being at the third level of Qi Refinement, he had managed to save up 100 spirit stones.
He could even afford to spend that amount on an introductory volume of cultivation arts.
His easy going manner when offering her a cup of tea earlier had further deepened Ping'er's impression of him.
"If I see him again, I must take the opportunity to befriend him," she murmured.
With that, Ping'er's figure disappeared into the Honored Guest Hall as she resumed attending to other cultivators.
Today, He Song had fled too quickly.
Though she had intended to strike up a friendship, her duties had prevented her from leaving. She could only hope for another chance.
Back home, He Song sat cross-legged.
The memories of the Introduction to Formation Techniques flooded his mind as he began his study.
What is the art of Formations?
Large Formations could encompass heaven and earth, unleashing infinite power to reduce all to dust.
Smaller Formations could be formed with spirit stones, channeling spiritual energy to influence the vitality of a region.
But those were matters for the future.
As a beginner, He Song needed to first grasp the basics of Formation techniques.
How to carve Formation patterns onto spirit stones.
How to employ the special techniques for setting up an Formation.
How to observe the flow of spiritual energy in nature.
How to actually construct a Formation.
These were the things he needed to figure out right now.
Fortunately, the Introduction to Formation Techniques contained detailed and comprehensive information.
As He Song studied, insights began to form rapidly in his mind, one after another.
With a spirit stone in hand, He Song quickly began practicing what he had learned from his newly imprinted knowledge.
In the blink of an eye, a full day and night passed.
The next morning, He Song emerged from his room in deep thought. He headed to the spiritual farmlands under his care and began casting the Spirit Rain Technique.
After half an hour, he paused mid-step, changed direction, and made his way toward the Spirit Builder Pavilion.
Today was the monthly gathering he had arranged with Wei Fan and Meng Guan.
On the first day of every month, the three of them would meet in the Spirit Builder Pavilion to chat over tea and share news from their respective circles.
Most of the information He Song acquired about the broader world came from these gatherings.
As he walked, He Song continued to review and deepen his understanding of Formation techniques.
After a full day and night of study, he had begun to develop his own insights into the farmland. However, whether his theories were correct would require further testing.
Eventually, He Song arrived at the Spirit Builder Pavilion.
Ascending to the second floor, he saw two figures seated on meditation cushions at a table—an older man and a younger one.
"Daoist He, you're late today. Spent the night at Phoenix Perch Pavilion, perhaps?" teased Meng Guan, the elder, with a playful glint in his eye.
Phoenix Perch Pavilion was an establishment run by the Pure Yin Sect, a Golden Core sect, and it was famed as a place of indulgence.
In short, a brothel for cultivators.
The women cultivators there were all stunning beauties, and some practiced dual-cultivation techniques that could even boost one's cultivation through shared practice.
It was one of the few places in Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market notorious for draining cultivators' fortunes.
"With Daoist He's means, you must've chosen one of their best, someone who could boost your cultivation, right? Ah, congratulations on your cultivation breakthrough! Truly worthy of celebration." Wei Fan, the younger man, chimed in, a sly smile on his face.
Although he knew He Song wouldn't squander his spirit stones at such places, their close friendship made these jests harmless fun.
Moreover, Wei Fan had just used Spirit Eye Technique and noticed that He Song had indeed broken through to the third level of Qi Refinement.
Thus, he seized the opportunity to poke a little fun.
The breakthrough from the second to the third level of Qi Refinement was not something that could be hidden from others.
Not that He Song intended to keep it secret.
As the playful jabs from his two friends filled the air, He Song didn't immediately respond. Instead, he sat down in his usual spot and let out a long sigh.
"Sigh..."
The sound reverberated through the room, silencing it instantly.
The other two froze mid-laugh, exchanging startled glances.
In their five years of friendship, He Song had never behaved like this—quietly sitting down and then sighing deeply.
Never. Not once.
What on earth could have happened to make He Song act so uncharacteristically today?
Wei Fan nudged Meng Guan with a look that said, You ask him.
Meng Guan stroked his beard thoughtfully but accidentally yanked out a few strands, wincing in pain.
Despite his reluctance, under Wei Fan's persistent urging, Meng Guan finally spoke up.
"Daoist He, has something happened?" he asked gently, placing a cup of tea next to He Song.
His tone was so cautious, it was as if he were afraid of startling He Song, this newly advanced Qi Refinement cultivator.
Wei Fan, observing from the side, couldn't help but slap his forehead in exasperation.
Though he thought Meng Guan's careful approach was a bit over the top, Wei Fan kept his eyes fixed on He Song.
If someone had dared to bully their younger friend, Wei Fan, a late-stage Qi Refinement cultivator, would have to step in.
After knowing each other for so long, Wei Fan wouldn't hesitate to stand up for He Song.
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