Chapter 10, First Layer of the Mortal Realm

Luo Huan could not help but complain: "This dilapidated sect is too stingy; 8 points can hardly be exchanged for anything."

Chongshan was taken aback as Wangqing Daoist furrowed his brows and walked into the ruined alchemy chamber, which had been reduced to rubble. He pinched a bit of powder between his fingers and brought it to his nose for a sniff, his expression changing immediately: "What materials did you use to refine the Nine Qi Pill?"

Sun Li counted and found that this formation has exactly 36 engraved lines of formation. Although Sun Li's cultivation has greatly increased, it is estimated that it will still be an exceedingly painful process.

Sun Li held the jade token and exchanged it for the item mentioned by Luo Huan. As he was leaving, the disciples of Canglan Hall found it somewhat strange; the seed of the black jade herb had been an unexpected find by a disciple several years ago during a mission. Even the master alchemist of the sect, Daoist Wang Qing, had been unable to cultivate it to sprout. What use could this young man have for it?

Chongshan understood the master's temperament and did not dare to speak further. He bowed three times with a loud thud, sorrowfully turning to leave.

The Daoist Wangqing usually relied on seven-leafed polygonum that could last for twenty to thirty years. The century-old seven-leafed polygonum was thus wasted, causing Wangqing Daoist to feel as if his heart was bleeding. His previously recovering complexion darkened again, and he glared fiercely at his disciple, saying: "Why aren't you leaving quickly!"

Sun Li, with an indomitable spirit and unparalleled perseverance

The text on the light curtain indicates the points that have been exchanged for various items

Wu Yao, feeling impatient, said: "Luo Huan, stop complaining so much and think carefully about what you really want to change"

Sun Li followed the instructions to close the door properly and secured it with the latch

On this day, there are numerous famous mountains and rivers, as well as deep forests and old woods, where various spiritual herbs abound. However, the issue is that simply entering a dense forest does not guarantee the discovery of a single spiritual herb. Even if there are spiritual herbs growing in this forest, what are the odds that one would find them just by walking in

Uncertain how long it had been, the radiance of the Spirit Gathering Array beneath Sun Lishen grew increasingly dim, and the surrounding celestial energy became more and more sparse. Finally, the light of the array flickered once and then completely extinguished. A flame of spiritual fire ignited beneath him, instantly incinerating the formation, leaving the ground charred black, with not a trace of the array to be found.

Within the room, a faint aura emanated, as if an invisible hand had swept across the entire space, causing the doors and windows to tremble slightly, only settling down after a while

Sun Li is the tenth disciple among all the disciples of this generation to enter the Mortal Realm, but the hardships he endured are not something that other disciples can compare to

Upon learning that the Youxi rewards could be exchanged for items on hetushucomcom, Luo Huan urged Sun Li to hurry and see what could be exchanged.

Chongshan was taken aback: "A hundred years... how is this possible!"

A voice of anger rang out as the Daoist Wangqing, dressed in a plain robe, emerged with his hands behind his back, his face darkened with fury. He was in the critical moment of alchemy, and this explosion had caused him to lose his composure, resulting in the destruction of a furnace of precious elixirs, which understandably put him in a foul mood

Luo Huandao: "You won't go wrong by listening to me, let's go with this one."

Why are you rambling so much? The principle is paramount! Just hurry up and say what to choose! Wu Yao seized the opportunity to scold him.

With resources in hand, future examinations will pose no problem; these ten points can certainly be regained

He couldn't help but think to himself, this Chongzhong is not without merit; these ten pieces of seven-leafed polygonum are quite good, considered to be of high quality among common medicinal materials

He was feeling joyful, yet he did not expect that the alchemical fire in the furnace showed no signs of abating. Normally, after introducing high-quality medicinal materials, the fire would quickly subside, but this time the flames only grew stronger. The entire furnace instantly turned a bright red. Chongshan, realizing he could not control it, became flustered. He cast several spells, but the furnace showed no signs of cooling down; instead, the fire blazed even more fiercely. Terrified, Chongshan fled without hesitation, abandoning the furnace.

As the last trace of the Zhou Tian star energy sank into the Yintang acupoint, this point had already emitted a brilliance as dazzling as the stars, and this acupoint had been completely deified

The Luo Huan Gathering Spirit Formation is unparalleled in the world

In the light curtain, a line of text caught Sun Li's eye, and Luo Huan was overjoyed: "This is it!"

The spirit sustains itself, yet the consumption is immense

Sun Li returned to his room, and Luo Huan spoke with a serious tone: "Sun Li, make sure to close the door properly"

Chongshan's face flushed with embarrassment as he timidly said: "Nine, nine Qi Dan ... ... "

When the mountain gate was opened, each disciple was given a jade token, which was crafted by the senior elders. It contains the sealed essence of the disciple holding the token, making it impossible to replicate. This jade token also records the points awarded for outstanding performance.

The lofty mountains are a sign of exceptional quality in the raw materials

Luo Huan pondered for a moment in his heart before saying to Sun Li: "I have a method that can accelerate your cultivation progress, but it will consume a considerable amount of spirit stones"

He has been contemplating whether to summon Chongzhong to inquire thoroughly about the source of the seven-leafed polygonum multiflorum, which has a history of a hundred years, and whether there are any other...

What is going on

After taking a break, under Luo Huan's guidance, the five elemental spirit stones and spirit jade were embedded into the nodes of the formation. Then, calming his mind and harboring a hint of anticipation, he sat cross-legged in the center of the formation

The cosmic energy of the stars was increasingly gathering, and the speed at which it surged into Sun Li's body was also accelerating. At this moment, Sun Li was compelled to focus entirely, dedicating himself to the cultivation of his techniques.

Sun Li's seven merit reward points will soon be redeemable, without having to wait for the completion of the entrance examination.

Herbs like He Shou Wu typically take six months to mature, but within the earthenware jars of Su Bao Mountain, they can mature in just one month

The Taoist Wangqing asked with a grim expression: "Where did the Seven Sons of Fo-Tou come from? Did you secretly steal the treasures from my medicine vault?"

The lowest grade spirit stones and spirit jade also require one point each. With Sun Li's limited resources, exchanging for eight pieces would deplete them entirely

Sun Li has also heard of the Gathering Spirit Formation, but according to the legends on Su Bao Mountain, the effects of this formation are not particularly significant; it merely makes the surrounding spiritual energy slightly denser. The true speed of cultivation still depends on the practitioner themselves

The formation gradually began to glow, and Sun Li operated his cultivation technique, clearly sensing that the star power within the formation was becoming increasingly dense. At first, it felt like a gentle breeze brushing in, but later it was as if threads were sliding across his skin. Eventually, it transformed into a thick porridge, immersing Sun Li completely within it.

Upon entering the first layer, he was one step closer to remaining in the third layer of the mortal realm at Su Bao Mountain

In terms of qualifications, he was already significantly behind, and in terms of resources, he was far inferior to the top nine disciples. He only managed to exchange the seven merit points he earned through his own efforts for seven spirit stones. Apart from this, there was no external assistance.

Luo Huan expressed some helplessness: "This is the only spirit gathering array you have been able to depict so far. If it succeeds, your cultivation speed within it will increase significantly"

The crimson flames blazed brightly as Chongshan added various ingredients in succession. Finally, the ten pieces of seven-leafed polygonatum were added, causing a loud explosion as flames shot out from the gaps in the furnace.

Sun Li opened his eyes, and as he spoke, a faint silver starlight burst forth. From this moment on, he officially transcended the realm of the mundane and entered the realm of mortals

... ...

With a thunderous shout from Luo Huan, Sun Li quickly calmed his mind and focused his spirit, fully channeling the technique of "Heaven of a Lifetime in the Mortal Realm." Soon, he began to express his gratitude towards Luo Huan, for shortly after Luo Huan's reminder, the incredibly dense star power from the surrounding spiritual gathering array suddenly began to surge wildly into his body through every pore.

The seven-leafed polygonum, aged a hundred years, is undoubtedly a precious medicinal material that is rare and hard to come by. Even the esteemed Daoist Wang Qing has only encountered it twice up to now

Boom

Master, please forgive me, grant me another chance, I beg you..." Chongshan cried bitterly, repeatedly bowing his head. If he were to be expelled, he would never have another opportunity to rise again at Subao Mountain. The difference between a direct disciple and an ordinary inner disciple is immense, one is born to the heavens while the other is from the earth.

On the long road, a small crack of opportunity finally opened for him

The Seed Chongzhong will issue, Sun Li does not understand why it is a waste to use such a precious reward point to exchange for a seed

Last time, that jar merely supplemented six lines of the formation, leaving him utterly exhausted. This time, he must engrave a complete formation, making the task even more arduous

A loud explosion occurred, the alchemical furnace exploded, and Chongshan had already run out, yet he was still blown away over ten zhang by the shockwave of the explosion, crashing heavily to the ground

In fact, for newly initiated disciples, a single spirit stone can last for half a year. Even for inner disciples, eight spirit stones represent a considerable fortune. Many disciples toil for an entire year on tasks and may not earn that much. However, in the eyes of someone like Luo Huan, eight spirit stones of the lowest grade are truly pitiful and unworthy of attention

Sun Li himself lacks confidence in whether he can persevere. However, there is a strong conviction in his heart: I absolutely cannot give up now! Just hold on a little longer, and success will be within reach!

"Shut up! If you don't get lost, I will strike you dead with a single palm!" Thinking of the precious materials that had just been wasted, the Daoist Wangqing felt a pang of anguish in his heart, and his anger intensified.

He suddenly understood: "A hundred years' worth, no wonder, no wonder the disciple caused the furnace to explode. It turns out, it turns out those seven-leafed plants are not of ordinary quality; they are of a hundred-year quality. Chongzhong has deceived me!"

However, the records within the jade tablet cannot be falsified. Although he was filled with confusion, he casually pointed to the light screen on the wall: "You can see for yourself. Just call me once you have made your choice"

Alright

Sun Li, without needing anyone to remind him, is well aware of the pros and cons. He grits his teeth and focuses solely on the operation of his cultivation method. Although the speed at which the cosmic star energy integrates into the Yintang acupoint is somewhat slow, it is continuously being transported out from the meridians.

Chongshan did not understand why the master asked such a question, but still answered honestly.

"Fart!" The Wandering Daoist shouted angrily: "The Seven Tests for Entry? New disciples? When you entered the sect back then, could you cultivate a hundred-year-old Seven Sons of Fleeceflower?"

The cosmic energy continued to surge into Sun Li's body, and he was already handling it with ease and grace

At this moment, if one cannot persevere, all the meridians in the body will shatter, and there will be no hope of cultivation in this lifetime

If it were to be said, he also broke through to the Mortal Realm within a month, it is likely that no one in the entire Subao Mountain, or even the entire cultivation world, would dare to believe it

... ...

You will understand when you carve the Gathering Spirit Array as I instructed you

The expression of the delusional Taoist improved somewhat, as he secretly speculated that perhaps Chongzhong had sought the Seven Son Tuber for a hundred years in order to please him, yet did not dare to say it outright. What a pity, it was wasted on a foolish apprentice.

Luo Huan employed an unknown means to project an image into Sun Li's mind. Sun Li furrowed his brow: "Is this... a formation?"

Luo Huandao: "Exchange one piece of each elemental spirit stone, and additionally, exchange two pieces of lower-grade spirit jade... Hmm, there is still one point left, let me think..."

Concentrate your mind and exert all your energy in your practice

Luo Huan understood his thoughts and replied irritably: "Don't compare the spirit gathering formation of your dilapidated sect with mine! I really don't know what has happened to the current cultivation world; a formation with such terrible effects can actually still be called a spirit gathering formation?"

Sun Li was taken aback; the effect of this Spirit Gathering Array was truly astonishing

The place to redeem rewards is the "Canglan Hall" inside the door. The disciple responsible for the rewards is already an inner sect disciple, possessing some skill in the art of divination. At a glance, he could tell that Sun Li's aptitude was average and his cultivation level was not high. The eight points for the outstanding reward within the jade token represent the third place in an examination! In his view, Sun Li did not seem like someone who could achieve third place.

Wang Qing was furious and kicked him down: "Waste! You have been cultivating with me for several decades, yet you still managed to blow up the most basic Jiuqi Pill! Get out of my sight immediately. I cannot afford to have a disciple and a book like you. I cannot bear such disgrace!"

After so many repetitions, Sun Li was exhausted and finally completed the simplest gathering spirit formation as described by Luo Huan

Chongshan was taken aback and knelt down with a thud: "Disciple would never dare! These ten pieces of seven-leafed polygonum multiflorum were sent by Brother Chongzhong. He said they are the products of this year's new disciples who passed the seven tests upon entering. Originally, he intended to present them as a tribute to you, Master, but the disciple believes that such ordinary seven-leafed polygonum multiflorum, while it can be considered of high quality, is certainly not worthy of your esteemed eye. Therefore, the disciples have taken the liberty to appropriate them..." He originally intended to pay tribute to you, Master, but the disciple believes that such ordinary seven-leafed polygonum multiflorum, while it can be considered of high quality, is certainly not worthy of your esteemed eye. Therefore, the disciples have taken the liberty to appropriate them...

Sun Li took a deep breath, preparing himself mentally

With a thud, Chongshan knelt on the ground: "Master! Disciple, the disciple is incompetent..."

Thus, a century-old spiritual herb placed before one would prompt even a cultivator of Wang Qing's caliber to tear off their facade and compete for it. If it were a millennium-old herb, it would not be surprising if it led to loss of life.

The True Interpretation of the Galaxy is the best in the world

After taking just two steps, the Taoist Wangqing suddenly twitched his nose and said, "Wait!"

In the mortal realm, one reigns supreme for a lifetime

Suddenly, so much Zhou Tian star energy surged in, and Sun Li's meridians nearly could not withstand it. He could only frantically operate his cultivation method to first absorb the incoming Zhou Tian star energy into the Yintang acupoint at the center of his forehead, thereby spiritualizing the acupoint.

Originally, Sun Li was penalized ten points by Chong Ba, which was to be deducted. However, Luo Huan unhesitatingly chose to defer the deduction and first exchange for the necessary resources

There are magical treasures, elixirs, spirit beasts, raw materials, and so on, and the prices naturally vary from high to low

In simple terms, this kind of merit reward, or the task points of inner disciples, is essentially akin to the silver and copper coins found in the market; it is used to purchase items from the sect

The body supports itself, enduring immense pain

Luo Huan has many ideas, but currently the resources at hand are too limited to implement them.

This? Sun Li was also somewhat hesitant, as that item required a precious point, but it was merely a seed of ink jade grass

Following Luo Huan's guidance, Sun Li began to carve the formation. Indeed, as he had suspected, after drawing just three lines of the formation, Sun Li was exhausted and collapsed onto the ground. After resting for a moment, he started to meditate and circulate the "Heaven of a Mortal Life" technique. Once he had restored his strength, he resumed the carving.

The delusional Daoist naturally understood at a glance: "Is the furnace exploding? What elixir are you refining?"

Sun Li felt an unbearable pain, as if his limbs and every part of his body were about to burst.