NCCnovel Chapter 156: Enlightenment of Magic [4k words]
Chapter 156: Enlightenment of Magic [4k words]
Chapter 156: Comprehending Spells [4k Characters]
Li Lan discovered that
within the Cultivation Technique manual for the "Azure Thunder Qi Absorption Art,"
there were actually some yellow scraps of paper interspersed,
on which some crookedly written text was recorded.
Li Lan observed for a long time
before he finally recognized that
what was described on the paper was actually a Spell named "Palm Thunder."
Of course,
the mere discovery of an unusable lightning-attribute Spell
was not enough to make Li Lan so emotional.
What truly concerned him was that
this "Palm Thunder" Spell was actually comprehended by Dou *Shixiong* from the Cultivation Technique.
A Spell, as it were,
is essentially a clever application of internal magical power.
There are typically two most common sources for all Spells.
One is when a powerful Cultivator creates their own Cultivation Technique,
they also create complementary Spells that go with it.
The other is when a talented Junior,
while learning a high-grade Cultivation Technique, by chance,
comprehends the Spell most suitable for that Cultivation Technique from it.
Dou *Shixiong* was clearly the latter case.
He meticulously recorded his insights and experiences at the time, along with the "Palm Thunder" chapter, onto the scraps of paper,
so that he could review them later, constantly improving and refining his understanding.
After reading it, Li Lan felt as if a new door had opened for him.
He had always thought that
Cultivation Techniques were merely auxiliary tools for Cultivators to expand their meridians, to teach Cultivators how to perceive Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, and to circulate their vital energy.
He had never imagined that
Spells could also be comprehended from Cultivation Techniques.
Now it seemed that Dou *Shixiong*'s Aptitude was indeed extraordinary, as he could independently comprehend Spells from Cultivation Techniques.
After a brief moment of emotion,
Li Lan quickly had a new question.
Since the other party could comprehend Spells,
could he not do the same?
Of course,
on the surface,
Li Lan's pseudo-Spiritual Root Aptitude was no match for Dou *Shixiong*'s single Spiritual Root.
But he also possessed a talent that Dou *Shixiong* could not compare to.
["Azure Thunder Qi Absorption Art" incomplete page: Completing the Foundation Establishment Stage chapter requires 25 years of Lifespan.]
[Completing the Golden Core Stage chapter requires a Lifespan of...]
[The Qi Refining Stage chapter has been perfected. Continuing to consume three years of Lifespan to complete the Qi Refining Stage chapter will allow comprehension of the "Palm Thunder" and
"Awakening Thunder Guidance Style" Spells!]
[Current remaining Lifespan: 50 years]
A look of joy flashed in Li Lan's eyes.
Indeed,
if something could be achieved by talent,
there was no reason he couldn't achieve it.
It turned out that he could also comprehend suitable Spells by completing Cultivation Techniques.
Why had he never discovered this before?
Li Lan pondered for a while,
and came up with what he felt was a reasonable answer.
On one hand,
it might be because the Cultivation Technique's grade was not high enough, which prevented him from comprehending Spells from it.
On the other hand,
perhaps some Cultivation Techniques were special,
and at the Qi Refinement Stage, there were no suitable Spells associated with them,
requiring cultivation to a higher Realm before they could be comprehended.
The "Mixed Origin Five Elements True Art" he cultivated was clearly among them.
That was why Li Lan had always been unaware that
Spells could also be comprehended from some Cultivation Techniques.
Perhaps after this Cultivation Technique was completed to the Foundation Establishment Stage,
he could comprehend one or two sets of Spells from it, just like the "Azure Thunder Qi Absorption Art"?
Li Lan knew that
the Cultivation Technique he was currently cultivating was of a higher grade than the "Azure Thunder Qi Absorption Art."
Since the latter could comprehend配套 Spells,
then his certainly could as well.
The reason he was so confident was simple.
Completing the Foundation Establishment Stage chapter of the "Azure Thunder Qi Absorption Art" only required 25 years of Lifespan.
Whereas completing the Foundation Establishment Stage of his "Mixed Origin Five Elements True Art" required 30 years.
Judging solely from the Lifespan consumed,
the Cultivation Technique he cultivated was slightly superior to the former.
Therefore, what the "Azure Thunder Qi Absorption Art" could achieve,
the "Mixed Origin Five Elements True Art" had no reason not to be able to achieve.
In fact, verifying this now was quite simple.
Li Lan only needed to immediately consume Lifespan
and complete the Foundation Establishment Stage chapter of the "Mixed Origin Five Elements True Art."
But upon seeing the 30 years of Lifespan,
he hesitated slightly,
and ultimately did not do so.
Li Lan shook his head,
and dispelled the distracting thoughts from his mind.
Who cared if he comprehended a matching Spell?
What if this Cultivation Technique never had a matching Spell from beginning to end?
Cultivating the "Mixed Origin Five Elements True Art" could provide multi-attribute magical power,
giving him an almost complete advantage when fighting others.
For this alone,
Li Lan was already quite satisfied with this Cultivation Technique.
After understanding everything,
he no longer dwelled on the matter of comprehending Spells from Cultivation Techniques.
Li Lan casually flipped through the "Azure Thunder Qi Absorption Art,"
and discovered another special feature within it.
This Cultivation Technique, when cultivated, actually had special environmental requirements.
Just as wood-attribute Cultivators relied more on forests and earth-attribute Cultivators relied more on the earth,
this lightning Spiritual Root Cultivator,
only in environments with thunder and lightning weather,
could achieve double the effect when cultivating, Breaking Through, and fighting.
Perhaps,
it was precisely because he hadn't encountered extreme weather with thunderclouds for a long time
that Dou *Shixiong* had always been uncertain about Breaking Through,
and thus kept those three Foundation Establishment Pills until now?
Li Lan thought about it,
and felt that this was not impossible.
This gave him some inspiration.
Perhaps he too should seek out environments beneficial to him when Breaking Through,
to increase his chances of successful advancement.
To satisfy this point,
Li Lan naturally had an advantage over Dou *Shixiong*, who had a lightning Spiritual Root, and even most Cultivators who cultivated single-attribute Cultivation Techniques.
As a Cultivator who cultivated all four attributes of metal, wood, fire, and earth,
he only needed to find a Spiritual Vein environment that possessed at least one of them.
Of course, the more attributes present, the greater the help it could provide for Cultivation.
Pondering these matters along the way,
Li Lan soon arrived at Jiuhua County City.
No matter when,
this place was always bustling with activity.
After queuing up to verify his identity and paying the Spirit Stone for entry,
Li Lan entered.
The county city was teeming with people.
The usually wide streets
now seemed exceptionally crowded.
It only got like this when major events occurred,
such as the Three Great Sects' annual Dust Washing Ceremony, or auctions organized by various Business Associations.
The reason for the large number of people this time was clearly the latter.
Upon closer observation, one could notice that
most of the Cultivators on the streets were heading towards the west of the city in unison.
Listening closely, one could also hear that
almost eight out of ten people were discussing this matter.
"Hey, this is truly rare, isn't it? That Qian Business Association is actually willing to auction off such a rare Cultivation resource as the Foundation Establishment Pill?
Could it be that all the new generation of their Family disciples have advanced to Early-stage Foundation Establishment and no longer need this pill?"
"Heh heh, how could that be?
As far as I know, the Qian Business Association originally intended to buy this pill with a hefty sum,
but the backer refused.
Now, the Families outside are fighting so fiercely over Spiritual Veins, and it looks like their Junior disciples are about to face a shortage in their Realm.
Now is precisely the time when such special Cultivation resources are needed.
How many Spirit Stones can they get by selling it exclusively to the Business Association?
Naturally, auctioning it off yields higher benefits."
"So that's how it is. It seems I am truly fortunate to have encountered such a good thing just as I reached Qi Refining Great Perfection. It truly is a blessing from the Ancestral Master!
This pill is a must-have for me, Fellow Daoists, please do not contend with me for it."
"Heh heh, don't get too happy too soon.
Although the Qian Business Association agreed to auction this pill, they never said they would completely give up on it."
"Fellow Daoist means? Even if we acquire the Foundation Establishment Pill through normal channels, the Qian Business Association won't give it to us?"
"That's not necessarily the case. The Qian Business Association has been developing in the Jiuhua County area for many years, so they wouldn't ruin their reputation for a mere few Foundation Establishment Pills.
In my opinion, the Qian Business Association should also secretly send their Family disciples to participate in this auction."
"Ah? The Qian Business Association has such a rich foundation. If they really enter the auction, what business would ordinary Loose Cultivators like us have there?
In that case, wouldn't we Loose Cultivators only be able to watch the show and not get involved with this pill?"
"Heh, even if the Qian Business Association doesn't interfere, do you really naively believe you can win the Foundation Establishment Pill?
Which of the other Sects and Families doesn't lack this item?
Can you, a mere Loose Cultivator, compete with them for Cultivation resources?"
Li Lan listened to various rumors
while following the crowd towards the west of the city.
This auction was held at the Fengyue Brothel in the west of Jiuhua County City.
This building was a well-known pleasure house in the city.
Before even getting close, Li Lan saw the magnificent and grand building.
The exterior of the brothel was intricately carved and painted, with flying eaves and upturned corners, every detail exuding luxury.
The building had seven floors, with thick and straight vermilion bamboo,
on which exquisite talismans were carved.
At the highest point of the Fengyue Brothel,
a female Cultivator dressed in a light pink dancing veil, holding a delicate soft sword,
lightly tapped her toes, moving gracefully in a lotus-like step, dancing amidst the flying eaves and upturned corners.
When he borrowed Spiritual Sand from Miao Chenfeng back then,
Li Lan had visited this place often and naturally knew that the female Cultivator was the famous sword-dancing Ming Ji of the Fengyue Brothel.
Recalling his first arrival in Jiuhua County City,
Miao Chenfeng had even wanted to invite him to admire this Ming Ji's sword dance together.
Now, thinking of the other party's unknown whereabouts,
Li Lan felt a sense of things having changed and people being different.
Upon nearing,
all the entrances of the Fengyue Brothel were wide open, welcoming guests from all directions.
People came and went in an endless stream, like a flowing river.
Cultivators of almost every Realm were present: Qi Refining Stage, Middle Stage, Late Stage, and so on.
Everyone's thoughts were surprisingly consistent.
Regardless of whether they could return with treasures in the end,
at least this rare spectacle was not to be missed.
Seeing this situation, Li Lan
did not follow the crowd into the building.
He lightly tapped his feet and leaped onto the flying eaves of the second floor.
Before he could enter, a figure blocked Li Lan's path.
The person was dressed in the attire of the Qian Business Association, a Qian Family disciple responsible for maintaining order.
He cupped his hands and said very politely:
"Only Cultivators of the Lingqi Middle Stage and VIPs of the Qian Business Association are allowed on the second floor of the Fengyue Brothel.
Senior, your Realm meets the conditions. Have you registered your identity in the first-floor hall?
If not—"
Before that Disciple could finish speaking,
Li Lan patted his Storage Pouch and flashed the token Qian Zibin had given him in front of the other party.
The former's attitude became even more respectful.
"Junior is merely performing his duties, please do not blame him, Senior.
Are you familiar with the Fengyue Brothel, Senior? Do you need Junior to lead the way and introduce it in detail?"
Li Lan thought for a moment and then asked:
"Where is Qian Zibin, Fellow Daoist, from your Family now?"
"So Senior knows Uncle Zibin. He is currently on the third floor of the Fengyue Brothel. Junior's cultivation is not sufficient, so it's inconvenient to accompany Senior there.
Junior will go and call a qualified Family Uncle to lead the way for Senior."
Li Lan knew the rules here.
The first floor of the Fengyue Brothel had no restrictions, the second floor only allowed Cultivators of Lingqi Middle Stage and above to enter,
and the third floor only received Cultivators of Cultivation Base of Qi Refining Late Stage, and so on.
Except for special circumstances,
the disciples of the Family themselves were also not allowed to break the rules.
He waved his hand, stopping the other party's good intentions.
"Never mind, I'll go find him myself. You go about your business."
Li Lan tapped his toes and floated up to the third floor.
After revealing his identity, he flashed inside.
This floor only admitted Cultivators of Cultivation Base of Qi Refining Late Stage and above,
and compared to the second floor,
the number of people was only more, not less.
This was also easy to understand.
The main event of this auction was the Foundation Establishment Pill,
and this Medicinal Pill was most helpful to Cultivators of Cultivation Base of Qi Refining Late Stage,
so naturally, the Cultivators on this third floor were the most numerous.
Li Lan estimated that
the fourth floor, which only Cultivators of Early-stage Foundation Establishment could enter, probably had very few people.
The Fengyue Brothel was quite large.
Excluding private rooms,
the third-floor hall alone could accommodate several hundred people.
As soon as Li Lan stepped inside,
a warm voice suddenly rang out.
"Oh my, Senior Brother Jiang Chuan has arrived?
Why didn't you inform Junior Brother in advance?
I would have gone out of the city to welcome you.
Come, come, Senior Brother, please come in!"
The door of private room D-66 opened with a creak,
and Qian Zibin stepped out with a warm smile.
He naturally didn't know about Li Lan's arrival,
it must have been the Qian Family Disciple downstairs who alerted him with a sound transmission talisman.
Li Lan smiled slightly:
"I heard that only Cultivators of Cultivation Base of Qi Refining Late Stage can enter the third floor of this Fengyue Brothel.
As a Disciple of the Qian Business Association, why are you knowingly breaking the rules?"
At this time,
Qian Zibin's cultivation was still at the Lingqi Middle Stage Realm.
He chuckled, unconcerned:
"Please don't blame me, Senior Brother Jiang Chuan.
Junior Brother is not intentionally breaking the rules; it's truly due to special circumstances that I had no choice but to do so.
Senior Brother, you know me.
Although my cultivation Realm is not high, the people I associate with are all powerful Cultivators like Senior Brother Jiang Chuan, with profound cultivation and extraordinary strength.
Well, they all heard about this auction and are giving Junior Brother Face by coming to support it.
Junior Brother is afraid that the younger generation of the Family might be clumsy and neglect these Senior Brothers,
so I specially applied to the Family to be transferred here to serve everyone.
Senior Brother Jiang Chuan, you've come at a good time.
The auction hasn't started yet, and the other Senior Brothers are currently conducting private transactions in the private room.
If Senior Brother sees any Cultivation resources you like, you can certainly trade for them.
Senior Brother, please rest assured,
with Junior Brother here, the price certainly won't be higher than the market price.
If Senior Brother is satisfied with the transaction,
you can just reward Junior Brother with a few Spirit Stones afterwards."
Li Lan automatically filtered out the other party's flowery words,
and grasped the most crucial content.
Private transactions before the auction began?
Those who could come here were at least Cultivators of Cultivation Base of Qi Refining Late Stage and above,
and perhaps even those at Qi Refining Great Perfection.
Trading with them might indeed yield some useful good things.
Therefore, Li Lan immediately became interested.