Chapter 3, My spiritual root is as large as a radish

Indeed, the Ascension Powder, which the old master Wang treasures like a precious gem, is none other than the Six Harmonies Powder. Once consumed, the Six Harmonies spiritual root is obtained, allowing one to bid farewell to the path of cultivation forever—except for the likes of the Seven Stars Sect, a mere imitation. No reputable orthodox sect would ever accept the Six Harmonies spiritual root for entry, not even as a laborer

The decline of the Lingjian Sect in recent years is not surprising. Although it ranks among the five major sects, its actual influence is likely inferior to that of the second-tier sects, such as the Wanxiang Sect and the Liuyun Sect. If it were not for the increasing rarity of sects that are currently opening their doors, the Lingjian Sect's Ascension Conference would not enjoy such popularity.

Moreover, the Lingjian Sect is a rare ancient sect in today's cultivation world. As the name suggests, it adheres to ancient methods of cultivation. The explanation of these ancient methods is quite complex, but to put it simply, artificial spiritual roots are out of the question

Since it is a misunderstanding, there is no need to promote the five thousand taels of Daughter's Red in hand...! ... Tsk, it would be better to sell it to that Hai Yunfan downstairs, whose face is shrouded in a deep and gloomy demeanor; if it can be exploited, why not exploit it!

The proprietress turned to leave, but she heard the conversation inside the room continuing.

That is the renowned Liuhe Linggen.

Young master, do you have a spiritual root?

However, among the talented youths gathered in Lingxi Town, more than half possess artificial spiritual roots. This is because the Lingjian Sect clearly stated during the conference: those under twelve years of age, who have not practiced, are exempt from other conditions. Therefore, many are speculating whether the Lingjian Sect, after being stubborn for a thousand years, has finally come to its senses

Young master, may I ask what type of spiritual root you possess

Thus, there emerged the Seven-Patterned Spiritual Root, the Eight-Treasure Spiritual Root, the Nine-Form Spiritual Root, and the Ten-Directional Spiritual Root, with effects becoming increasingly powerful, to the point of rivaling the naturally occurring dual-attribute composite spiritual roots—second only to the Heavenly Spiritual Root, the Earthly Spiritual Root, and a few rare spiritual roots, earning the title of supreme. With these advancements, artificial spiritual roots finally established a foothold in the realm of cultivation, gradually spreading and ultimately transforming the entire cultivation world. The Six Harmonies Ancestor thus gained everlasting fame, being renowned alongside the former Emperor of the Immortal Qin who unified the Nine Provinces and the Great Ancestor of De Victory who led the Immortal-Demon War, becoming the only 'True Immortal' in the cultivation world who did not ascend.

Unfortunately, the Six Harmonies Spiritual Root is inferior to the Five Elements Spiritual Root, which is already considered a pseudo-spiritual root. Even if one practices basic techniques with a Five Elements Spiritual Root, there is at least a hope of establishing a foundation after fifty years of cultivation. However, even after a hundred years of hard practice, those with a Six Harmonies Spiritual Root often find themselves struggling at the eighth or ninth level of Qi Refinement, frequently being mockingly referred to as "trial version spiritual roots," "castrated version spiritual roots," or "Akarin spiritual roots"

Then, a thousand years passed, and artificial spiritual roots had become the most ordinary of objects in the cultivation world. Among ten cultivators, eight or nine possessed artificial spiritual roots. Golden Core and Nascent Soul levels of cultivation were not uncommon, and even in the Transformation stage, many had managed to cultivate to that level over the past thousand years

However, until the old man finished his drink, wiped his mouth, and prepared to leave, no one present found any inspiration. Hai Yunfan's face was as heavy as water, Wen Bao looked completely bewildered, and a few individuals displayed expressions of contemplation, attempting to take advantage of the situation.

At that time, the Six Harmonies Patriarch possessed peak cultivation at the level of integration, being only a step away from the Great Vehicle stage. In the realm of immortality, the Great Vehicle stage offers a lifespan that is nearly infinite, with one foot already in the door of immortality. However, the Six Harmonies Daoist, until his death and the extinguishing of his path, never took that step. He devoted the last one hundred years of his life entirely to the creation of artificial spiritual roots

The proprietress pondered for a moment: "That makes sense; going up like this would be without justification, and we shouldn't let others think it's an unwarranted disturbance... How about this, I will go up and promote the daughter of Hong instead."

Wang Lu snorted, dismissing it with disdain

However, it is not to say that the practice of cultivation has become commonplace. The leadership of the Shengjing Immortal Sect has been transforming the cultivation world with artificial spiritual roots for over a thousand years. Yet, the cost of high-quality spiritual roots remains astronomical. Artificial spiritual roots merely address the issue of whether mortals can cultivate; convenience is another matter entirely. Of course, after a millennium of development, the production cost of artificial spiritual roots has significantly decreased compared to the initial stages, but it has not dropped to the point where one can secure a promising future for merely several hundred thousand taels of silver. This price is only attainable for the Six Harmonies spiritual root.

The so-called Six Harmonies Spiritual Root was an invention by the founder of the Shengjing Immortal Sect, Master Liuhe, in his later years, a millennium ago. By using a unique mental method combined with heavenly and earthly treasures to refine it into a powder, continuous consumption for forty-five days allows even ordinary people to possess a spiritual root for cultivation, breaking the ironclad rule that cultivators are one in ten thousand.

Of course, it is the heavenly root

Staring at the nine tattered copper coins, the proprietress did not kick the old man out. Instead, she collected the coins and promptly brought out two bowls of wine and a plate of fennel beans. The prices were so distressing that Wen Bao, who had spent one thousand taels of silver to buy a jar of wine, felt a deep sense of anguish.

However, the Lingjian Sect's persistence has become not a commendable tale but rather a curious and even laughable one in today's cultivation world, for there is a clear principle at play: when quality is insufficient, quantity must compensate! Even if the strength of artificially created spiritual roots is slightly inferior at the same level, a tenfold quantity can make up for all quality deficiencies. The cultivation world operates on a survival of the fittest principle; the power of artificially created spiritual roots is evident. If others utilize them while you do not, it is tantamount to self-destruction. Within the sect, it is possible to distinguish between organic and inorganic cultivators through institutional means, but to completely reject artificially created spiritual roots? That is a fundamentalist approach.

The proprietress, however, remained indifferent: "Alright, I understand. Move the items to the back kitchen and settle the bill at the end of the month." After saying this, she waved her hand to dismiss them, and this businesswoman's amiable demeanor was truly touching.

... ...

When did I ever say that I am a mortal

The proprietress scoffed disdainfully, "I have many rooms available here." She then frowned, "No, I must go take a look..."

Indeed, there is only one path for mortals to cultivate immortality, but when did I ever claim to be a mortal

When the proprietress stepped outside, she had already heard the conversation from the upper room. Her furrowed brows relaxed, and she smiled self-deprecatingly.

This type of artificial spiritual root has shattered the long-standing common knowledge that has persisted for thousands of years, causing a tremendous sensation. However, the spiritual root itself ultimately cannot stand on its own merit. Even if the cultivation world can gain thousands of newcomers as a result, what use is it to admit a group of useless individuals who cannot even establish a foundation? Even servants are lacking in efficiency. Thus, after the initial excitement, people soon set this matter aside.

However, Wang Lu did not believe that such a good thing existed. If the Lingjian Sect truly had enlightenment, why would they need to hold a conference to select disciples? They could simply find a few individuals with decent temperament and intelligence, and with a single miraculous elixir, a new generation of sect stars would rise one after another

It seems that everything is just a misunderstanding; that formidable individual who broke the Twelve Linked Tasks would hardly fall for a Bacon Spirit, and it is rather amusing that one would be so alarmed by it

Indeed, the Lingjian Sect does not accept artificially created spiritual roots, even the legendary Twelve-Story Tower spiritual root, which is said to be comparable to the composite spiritual root and on par with the earth spiritual root, is not accepted. Sect members must be naturally born with pure spiritual roots, possessing the opportunities granted by heaven and earth, referred to as organic cultivators.

The diners in the lobby exchanged glances, yet none dared to act rashly and pursue.

Meanwhile, in the inn's lobby, the princelings from all corners of the world yielded to the proprietress's tyranny, finally enjoying a rare moment of peace. However, at that moment, a creaking ox cart came to a stop outside. The old man driving the cart entered the inn, a smile on his face: "Proprietress, here is the firewood you requested"

The proprietress shot him a glare, her fierce gaze sending shivers down the spines of many onlookers in the hall. However, the old man smiled as if basking in the spring breeze, and then placed nine coins on the counter.

With a slight pause in her steps, the proprietress's curiosity was piqued

However, Liuhe himself did not let go; Liuhe's spiritual roots are merely the beginning. What lies behind is an immense opportunity, which others cannot perceive. As the inventor, Master Liuhe is fully aware of this.

However, the old man walked up to the counter without a care: "Madam boss, warm up two bowls of wine and a plate of fennel beans."

Ah? Who is it

Heavenly Spirit Root

The old man and the landlady were clearly acquaintances. The old man sipped his drink and chatted about everyday matters, mostly trivialities from the town. Although the landlady appeared somewhat displeased, she still listened quietly. Meanwhile, the attentive individuals in the lobby, having experienced Wang Lu's accommodation voucher incident, perked up their ears, trying to uncover new clues

The reason is quite simple: artificial spiritual roots are ultimately flawed, and when compared to natural spiritual roots at the same level, they are somewhat inferior. In today's Jiuzhou Continent, there are many experts with artificial spiritual roots, but top-tier experts are rare. Therefore, many high-level sects have some reservations about this.

The proprietress glanced at him and said: "A certain esteemed guest who has taken up residence."

Suddenly turning around, the old man behind him also looked surprised. In the next moment, the old man gazed deeply ahead, his murky eyes revealing a glimmer of starlight, and then he chuckled: "Indeed, the talent is quite remarkable, but... the heavenly spiritual root?"

Wang Zhong was completely taken aback, inhaling the rich aroma of bacon in the room, feeling utterly foolish.

Having spoken, the proprietress extended her delicate fingers and steadily lifted the enormous wine jar, ascending the stairs with purpose. The old man stood in a daze for a moment before following behind her

"Hmm, which house are you referring to?"

Immortals and mortals follow different paths, this is an ancient saying that has been passed down for thousands of years in the Nine Provinces. Mortals without a connection to the immortals can only gaze up at the immortal way. However, the practice of mortals cultivating immortality is a phenomenon that has only emerged in the past thousand years. The breakthrough that transcended the divide between immortals and mortals was a miracle established a thousand years ago by a figure from the immortal realm.

The old man was taken aback: "So serious? ... ... Surely not?"

A slight tremor of the hand nearly caused the wine jar to fall on the foot

Moreover

Young master, do you... do you have a spiritual root

He thought that was a large white radish

Eh?

As the old man turned to leave, he suddenly twitched his nose and looked up at the second floor: "This smell... whose mischievous child is this? They really dare to eat anything!"

The bookkeeper Wang Zhong is not a fool; upon hearing the young master's words to this extent, no matter how unbelievable it may be, he should understand...

If a wine vat half a person's height were to smash onto someone's face, it would definitely be fatal

The proprietress also frowned and sniffed: "Bacon spirit? How strange, why is it him?"

... ...