Wei Zhong's newly rented spirit ground was once again an island, this one named Cloudglow Island. Strictly speaking, it was a peninsula bordering Cloudstream, a tributary of the Luo River, and classified as a Second-Tier High-Grade spirit ground.
Despite being called a "stream," Cloudstream was actually a wide river fed by a spirit vein of unknown grade beneath its waters. This vein nourished the surrounding spirit grounds, varying in size and elevation.
Cloudglow Island was one such spirit ground. Situated close to Cloudstream, it was perpetually bathed in water mist and often shrouded in white clouds. The island earned its name from the crimson sunset hues that frequently painted the sky between the clouds and the land.
Although Cloudglow Island possessed a higher-grade spirit vein than Black Lake Island, its smaller size prevented large-scale cultivation of spirit rice or Spirit Medicine, thus reducing the need for extensive maintenance. Wei Zhong recruited three individuals from Market City to manage his spirit island: Hu Zongfu, Zou Ruiyuan, and Tang Yanhong.
Hu Zongfu was an elderly man with a grizzled beard and a Fifth-Layer Qi Refining cultivation base. His decades of experience as a Spirit Farmer made him highly skilled in nurturing Spirit Fields. Wei Zhong entrusted him with full responsibility for the island's spirit fields, as he had no intention of relying on their produce for sustenance.
It's worth noting that Hu Zongfu possessed a unique constitution known as the Plant Physique.
While technically a type of Spirit Body, it ranked among the lowest, barely enhancing his Wood Spirit Root aptitude and unable to elevate his low-grade Wood Spirit Root to mid-grade.
Its only saving grace was that this physique made him an exceptional Spirit Farmer, allowing him to wield wood-based techniques essential for spirit farming with unparalleled dexterity.
"From now on, you'll manage the Spirit Fields on Cloudglow Island," Wei Zhong instructed. "Plan the crops yourself, and if you need additional manpower, recruit them directly, registering them with Linghua later." He gestured to Xie Linghua, who stood beside him.
He then turned to Zou Ruiyuan, an eighth-layer Qi Refining cultivator skilled in combat. Years ago, he had been ambushed by Robber Cultivators and suffered lasting injuries, forcing him to abandon the perilous life of a Loose Cultivator, where survival was a daily gamble. Instead, he now guarded the residences of Foundation Establishment Seniors.
The final member of the team was Tang Yanhong, a slightly older female cultivator also at the eighth layer of Qi Refining. Wei Zhong assigned her to assist Xie Linghua in managing the mundane affairs of the Spirit Island.
"You two will operate similarly," Wei Zhong said. "If you need more people, recruit them yourselves." He turned to Xie Linghua, taking her small hand. "I'm afraid you'll have to work even harder now."
A smile bloomed on her face. "It's my duty to relieve Master's burdens."
Xie Linghua was astute. Even when Wei Zhong changed his name from Chu Zhong to Wei Zhong, she never questioned him out of curiosity.
In contrast, Ling Ziwei was rather mischievous—yes, mischievous. As if they had become close friends in just a few days, she relentlessly pestered Wei Zhong about his name change ever since he reverted to his given name.
Unable to withstand her persistence, Wei Zhong finally explained that he had changed his identity for security reasons.
Through their conversations, Wei Zhong also learned a great deal about her.
She hailed from the Ling Clan, where the highest cultivation base had traditionally been at the Qi Refining stage. However, fate had blessed them with two prodigies: her elder brother, Ling Hua, and her younger sister, Ling Mengwei.
Ling Hua possessed a High-Grade Earth Spiritual Root, while Ling Mengwei wielded a High-Grade Metal Spirit Root.
After years of diligent cultivation, both had reached the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment realm. Ling Hua was even on the verge of breaking through to Core Formation within the next few years, an achievement that would elevate the Ling Clan from a mere Foundation Establishment Family to a prominent aristocratic clan in Luochuan Prefecture.
Wei Zhong had spent his early years among loose cultivators, forging numerous friendships and building extensive connections. Among them was Sikong Changming, a Mid-Stage Core Formation cultivator. The two addressed each other as sworn brothers, which explained why Sikong Changming referred to Ling Ziwei as "Sister Ling of the Ling Clan."
"Immortal Maiden Ling, I apologize for any inconvenience these past few days," Wei Zhong said with a courteous smile. "Cloudglow Island is still recovering from recent events, making it unsuitable to host you. Once I've managed to restore it, I would be honored to invite you back."
Ling Ziwei sighed. "Fellow Daoist Wei, you speak wisely. After several days at sea, I must be weary. I'll take my leave now. Until we meet again."
With that, she gently took Xie Linghua's hands from Wei Zhong's grasp and whispered something in her ear, causing Xie Linghua's cheeks to flush crimson. Over the past few days, Ling Ziwei and Xie Linghua had grown quite close, often referring to each other as sisters.
Ling Ziwei waved goodbye to Wei Zhong and departed.
Wei Zhong watched her go helplessly. Once she was out of sight and his subordinates were dismissed, he turned to Xie Linghua. "What did Immortal Maiden Ling ask you just now?"
Xie Linghua reluctantly answered, following Wei Zhong's gaze. "Sister Ling asked if Master has married in recent years, or if he has a Daoist partner."
Hmph!
Wei Zhong had grown accustomed to Ling Ziwei's whimsical nature and couldn't help but chuckle.
"So, how did you respond?"
"Naturally, I told her the truth," Xie Linghua said, clutching Wei Zhong's sleeve. "Master, Sister Ling is sincere. Shouldn't you consider accepting her feelings?"
Wei Zhong shook his head. "It's just a young girl's infatuation. How could genuine feelings develop in just a few days? The novelty will wear off soon enough."
Ling Ziwei herself had mentioned that she was relatively young, barely over a hundred years old, making her one of the youngest Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators—nearly a century younger than Wei Zhong himself. He still viewed her as an immature child.
"By the way, Master, should we find some maids to attend to your daily needs?"
Wei Zhong flicked Xie Linghua's forehead with his finger. "One or two to serve tea and wine will suffice. Just make sure they have clean backgrounds."
With that, Wei Zhong deployed the Azure Lotus Array of Azure Waters he had brought with him, forming a protective barrier around the island. Nodding in satisfaction, he returned to his cultivation chamber.
Having finally escaped the perilous Wild Plains Prefecture and arrived in Luochuan Prefecture, it was time to focus wholeheartedly on cultivation.
In addition to cultivation, Wei Zhong also sought out rare resources. Ling Ziwei had mentioned upon his arrival that Luochuan Prefecture boasted numerous large Secret Realms, its abundant resources far surpassing those of smaller, long-depleted realms like the Clear River Secret Realm.
He hoped to find extraordinary treasures suitable for nurturing his Spirit Body.
...
Eight years passed.
Xie Linghua knocked on the door of the Cultivation Chamber.
"Enter," Wei Zhong said.
Xie Linghua stepped lightly inside. "Master, here is the list of alchemy requests for this month, along with the collected medicinal herbs."
Wei Zhong took the list, glanced over it, and said, "From now on, decline all requests for First-Tier pills. They're a waste of time."
"Understood, Master. Also, Sister Ling has invited you to watch the Luo River tide with her at the end of the month. Will you accept?"
Wei Zhong rubbed his temples, a headache brewing. Since arriving on Cloudglow Island, he had repaid Ling Ziwei's initial kindness in guiding him here through various means, then focused entirely on cultivation, gradually reducing their interactions.
Yet Ling Ziwei's "disturbances" persisted. She would occasionally visit the island for drinks with Wei Zhong or take Xie Linghua on outings, acting nothing like a dedicated Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator rigorously training.
Now, she was inviting him to witness the Luo River's tidal bore.
Years ago, Wei Zhong, driven by curiosity, had taken Xie Linghua to witness the annual spectacle at the confluence of the Luo River and its tributaries.
During this event, the Luo River would unleash a surging tidal wave, reaching heights of over thirty zhang. Countless spirit fish and spiritual treasures would be swept up in the tumultuous waters.
The sight was particularly mesmerizing at night, as the radiant spiritual light illuminated the river.
However, to Wei Zhong, as a soul transmigrated from another world, the spectacle held little allure. He'd seen glowing things before; this was merely a larger version.
One viewing was enough to dispel his interest.
"I won't go," he told Xie Linghua. "Just tell her Master is at a critical juncture in his cultivation and has no time."
Xie Linghua smiled wryly. "Master always uses that excuse to brush off Sister Ling."
This time, however, Wei Zhong wasn't feigning.
After Xie Linghua departed, he gathered his Spirit Medicines and slipped into his Grotto-Heaven.
He drank some spirit wine, sat cross-legged, and circulated his Cultivation Technique. Within fifteen minutes, the invisible barrier within his body shattered effortlessly.
Wei Zhong's gaze sharpened, and a layer of shimmering light appeared in his eyes.
Name: Wei Zhong
Cultivation Base: Foundation Establishment, Fifth Layer (1%)
Cultivation Techniques:
Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual: Grandmaster (63%)
Body Nourishing Art: Grandmaster (36%)
Lifespan: 175/275
Second-Tier Alchemy Technique (Water): Proficient (4%)
Wei Zhong had successfully broken through from the fourth to the fifth layer of Foundation Establishment, a process that had taken precisely eleven years.
The prolonged duration left Wei Zhong dispirited. The limitations of his innate aptitude were proving too severe. Despite having ample resources, his assimilation rate remained frustratingly slow.
Each subsequent layer in the Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment required a decade to conquer, and Wei Zhong dreaded to imagine the challenges awaiting him in the even more arduous Late-Stage.
In the eight years since arriving in Luochuan Prefecture, Wei Zhong had completely shed his former identity as Chu Zhong, the Loose Cultivator from Wild Plains Prefecture. Even his brewing skills were now known only to Xie Linghua.
Now, Wei Zhong was a resident Loose Cultivator on Cloudglow Island, a Second-Tier Alchemist renowned throughout the market for accepting various alchemy commissions from other Loose Cultivators. He had even successfully refined the notoriously difficult Foundation Establishment Pill several times, earning himself the title of Alchemy Grandmaster.
Of course, Wei Zhong cared little for such fleeting fame and superficial accolades. Only he knew the sacrifices he had made in recent years to cultivate this carefully crafted public persona.
Alchemy proficiency didn't come naturally; it demanded relentless practice. As a result, Wei Zhong's greatest expense in recent years had been the materials consumed during alchemy. Even the resources spent on cultivation paled in comparison.
Wei Zhong felt a pang of heartache when he recalled his limited aptitude. He knew he would inevitably need various breakthrough pills in the future.
These pills were exceedingly rare, with scarce reserves even in the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild's Contribution Point repository. The moment they appeared, they were immediately snapped up by others.
He retrieved his Guest Elder Token. The "9" Contribution Points displayed earlier had now increased to "42."
Just days prior, Wei Zhong had accumulated over three thousand Contribution Points, but he had exchanged them for a Spirit Body Forging Method:
Heavy Water Spirit Body
This was the Spirit Body technique Wei Zhong had acquired.
A Water-attribute Spirit Body, its name reflected its defining characteristic: "Heavy."
Its possessors naturally wielded spiritual energy distinct from ordinary practitioners, exuding a profound, weighty power remarkably similar to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual.
Beyond this, the Heavy Water Spirit Body granted various incredible abilities, including enhanced affinity for Water-attribute spiritual energy and exceptional suitability for Body Refinement.
Wei Zhong chose this Spirit Body not only because it harmonized with his cultivation technique but also because it was relatively easy to master. Unlike most Spirit Body methods that required rare and exotic treasures he had never even heard of, this technique offered a simpler path to mastery.
The spiritual treasures were clearly tiered, ranging from ten jun to a hundred, a thousand, and even tens of thousands of jun. The value of the required spiritual treasures increased accordingly.
Wei Zhong dismissed the ten-jun level outright, considering it equivalent to a low-grade, unranked Spirit Root that offered him no real benefit.
I'll start with the hundred-jun level, he thought, which provides the enhancement of a low-grade Spirit Root. Two low-grade Water Spirit Roots should at least offer some improvement.
The primary spiritual treasure he needed was the Hundred Spirits Water Stone. Despite its name, it wasn't a stone at all but a special spiritual material formed under immense pressure, found in major rivers that contained spirit veins.
It seems the Luo River produces them, and a significant number surface during the annual tidal surges.
"This year's tide festival might be worth attending," he mused.
After cultivating briefly to stabilize his cultivation base, Wei Zhong emerged from his Grotto-Heaven and summoned Xie Linghua.
"Accept Immortal Maiden Ling's invitation to the tide festival," he instructed.
Xie Linghua looked slightly puzzled but nodded. "Very well. I'll inform Sister Ling immediately."
With his instructions given, Wei Zhong returned to his Grotto-Heaven. Entering his wine cellar, he uncorked a jar of spirit wine, inhaled its fragrant aroma, and frowned.
"Another failure?"
Wei Zhong had dedicated the past eight years to researching spirit wine, with a particular focus on "Warm Human Tears," a brew designed to nurture spiritual sense. Despite numerous attempts to refine it, he had yet to achieve success. While he had developed a slightly more potent enhanced version, its poor cost-effectiveness meant it was still more practical to purchase Soul Nourishing Pills from Market City.
Storing the spirit wine, Wei Zhong acknowledged its limited utility but reasoned that something was better than nothing. Since it had been crafted with spirit stones, he couldn't afford to simply discard it.
After tidying up his research, Wei Zhong resumed his cultivation, remaining in seclusion until the end of the month.
Outside the Cultivation Chamber, Xie Linghua had been waiting for quite some time, accompanied by Ling Ziwei, who was dressed in purple robes.
Wei Zhong greeted them with clasped hands, "Fellow Daoist Ling, it's been a while."
Ling Ziwei pursed her lips. "Fellow Daoist Wei must be incredibly busy. This humble one has been trying to invite you for ages without success."
"Haha, indeed, I've been immersed in cultivation," Wei Zhong replied, subtly suppressing a portion of his aura.
Ling Ziwei's eyes widened in surprise. "Fellow Daoist, have you successfully advanced to the Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment?"
Xie Linghua, standing beside her, wore a radiant smile.
"Indeed," Wei Zhong replied with a smile, "after decades of cultivation, I've finally reached this stage."
"Fellow Daoist, cultivate for a few more decades, and Late-Stage Foundation Establishment won't be far off," Ling Ziwei teased.
A hint of disappointment flickered across Wei Zhong's face. "I can't compare to the Immortal Maiden's innate talent. It's been a struggle for this Daoist to reach this point. Late-Stage Foundation Establishment? Who knows when that might be."
Noticing Wei Zhong's despondency, Ling Ziwei realized she had spoken out of turn. Having befriended Wei Zhong and Xie Linghua, she knew his innate talent was average. Achieving Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment at his age was already commendable.
"Let's not dwell on this. The Luo River tide will rise soon. We need to hurry to the formation," Ling Ziwei said, changing the subject.
"Agreed," Wei Zhong replied, whistling. A Nine-Colored Bird descended from a branch. As it landed, it rapidly expanded, eventually stretching over three meters long.
Wei Zhong gazed at the slightly larger Nine-Colored with surprise. Since it had advanced to the Second-Tier, he hadn't given it any special attention. Yet after eight years, it had grown so much, though its aura remained at the early Second-Tier stage.
Seeing Nine-Colored reminded Wei Zhong of Big Gold.
Ever since the two scale-covered spiritual herbs showed signs of bearing fruit, Big Gold had been vigilantly guarding the Grotto-Heaven, waiting for a reaction, but nothing had happened after so long.
Wei Zhong had inquired about these herbs at the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, but found no information. It seemed these symbiotic spirit herbs were of significant origin, and Big Gold himself likely possessed an extraordinary bloodline.
"Master!"
Xie Linghua and Ling Ziwei were already perched on Nine-Colored's back, waving at the dazed Wei Zhong.
He stepped onto the bird's back. Nine-Colored let out a melodious cry and spiraled into the sky.
"Linghua, has Nine-Colored gained a little weight lately?"
Ling Ziwei immediately rolled her eyes at him.
Xie Linghua giggled. "Master, Sister Ling has been feeding Nine-Colored so many treats these past few years. That's why it's grown a bit bigger."
"Oh?"
Wei Zhong found this peculiar. How is my own bird being raised by someone else?
"Hmph, any other Foundation Establishment cultivator with such a spirit beast would cherish it dearly. Why are you so indifferent, Fellow Daoist Wei?"
As she spoke, Ling Ziwei leaned forward and stroked Nine-Colored's feathers.
"Nine-Colored's fur is still the most comfortable to touch," Ling Ziwei mused.
A twitch flickered at the corner of Wei Zhong's mouth. Perhaps some people were simply naturally defenseless against such fluffy creatures.
After a brief chat, Wei Zhong and his companions arrived at their destination: the source of Cloudstream, a renowned tributary of the Luo River.
This spot offered an excellent vantage point for observing the tidal surges. By the time Wei Zhong arrived, the area was already teeming with cultivators. Some rode on Flying Boats, magic tools shaped like ships, while others flew atop spirit beasts.
Among these spirit beasts, Nine-Colored stood out as a unique anomaly, its multicolored plumage drawing countless gazes.
"It's Immortal Maiden Ling and Master Wei!"
The arrival of Wei Zhong and his group immediately attracted attention. Ling Ziwei, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator renowned for her mastery of the Formation Dao and her striking beauty, was widely admired in the region.
Wei Zhong, on the other hand, had only recently risen to prominence as a Grandmaster Alchemist.
Fellow Daoists greeted them from all sides, and Wei Zhong responded to each with impeccable courtesy, leaving no protocol unmet.
Looking down at the river, Wei Zhong saw the waves already beginning to churn. Layer upon layer of whitecaps piled up, gradually building into a massive surge.
As dusk approached, the river's surface was painted with streaks of crimson sunset.
Wei Zhong casually retrieved a table and chairs, setting out spirit food and wine. He invited the two women to join him, seeking to pass the time pleasantly.
"Immortal Maiden Ling, I'd be grateful if you could protect Linghua later," Wei Zhong said.
"No problem, Fellow Daoist Wei. Are you planning to join the treasure scramble?" Ling Ziwei asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Precisely," Wei Zhong replied.
The "treasure scramble" Ling Ziwei mentioned was a special event that occurred annually during the high tide. At that time, massive waves would scour the riverbed, unearthing hidden treasures.
These treasures varied widely, but most were rare and difficult to obtain under normal circumstances. Among them was the Hundred Spirits Water Stone that Wei Zhong sought.
The treasures tossed up by the tide often sparked fierce competition among cultivators, hence the name "treasure scramble."
"Fellow Daoist Alchemist," Ling Ziwei remarked, "given your wealth, I'm surprised you're still interested in these treasures washed up by the tide."
Wei Zhong replied honestly, "I simply need some Hundred Spirits Water Stones."
"Ah, that explains it. While their uses are limited, they're quite rare. Collecting them from the market would be difficult. Aside from a few noble clans with hidden reserves, this tidal surge is likely your only chance to obtain them in quantity," Ling Ziwei said with understanding.
"Clan reserves?" Wei Zhong asked eagerly. "Immortal Maiden Ling, might your clan happen to have any? This Daoist would be willing to pay a premium for them."
Who knows if I'll manage to gather enough during this tide? Securing them through other channels would be ideal.
Ling Ziwei scratched her head awkwardly. "Haha, I don't pay much attention to my clan's affairs. Once this tide-watching event concludes, I'll return immediately to inquire on your behalf."
"Many thanks, Immortal Maiden Ling," Wei Zhong said solemnly, clasping his hands in a formal bow.
"It's coming! It's coming!"
Excited cries erupted from the crowd. Wei Zhong glanced down and saw a massive wave surging toward them from the distance. As it advanced, successive waves crashed against the front, propelling the cresting wave higher and higher.
The sun had completely set, leaving only a sliver of moonlight to illuminate the scene. Within the tidal wave, various spiritual treasures emitted brilliant, starlike glows.
Wei Zhong nodded to the two women, stepped into the air, and vanished into the wave using his escape technique.
Watching Wei Zhong's departure, Ling Ziwei remarked in admiration, "I wonder what Fellow Daoist Wei's escape technique is called. Its speed and ability to conceal his presence are truly astonishing. Such a technique would be invaluable for exploring Secret Realms. It's a pity Fellow Daoist Wei is so cautious and rarely takes risks."
Xie Linghua, Wei Zhong's personal maid, nodded in deep agreement. Having served him closely, she knew well his prudent nature.
Unbeknownst to the two women, Wei Zhong had already traversed most of the Secret Realms in Luochuan Prefecture over the past few years using an alternate identity. They simply remained unaware.
With light steps, Wei Zhong raced along the riverbank, rapidly closing the distance to the towering tidal wave.
Sensing the surging Water-attribute spiritual energy in the air, Wei Zhong's expression grew serious. The spiritual energy was violently turbulent, severely disrupting the surrounding flow.
Wei Zhong watched several cultivators piloting their Flying Swords erratically, narrowly avoiding plunging into the Cloudstream. Falling into the stream at such a time would not spare them simply because they were cultivators.
The raging spiritual energy swept through the stream's waters. Once caught in its grip, cultivators would struggle to cast spiritual techniques, left to drift helplessly amidst the tumultuous waves.
They risked being dragged into treacherous undercurrents, meeting the same fate as drowning mortals at the bottom of the Cloudstream.
Over the past century, countless overconfident cultivators had perished in this manner, including some at the Foundation Establishment stage.
Wei Zhong stepped onto the Cloudstream. He felt a slight wobble at first, but quickly regained his balance.
His Grandmaster-level Cloud Soaring Technique lived up to expectations; navigating the turbulent waters should pose no problem.
The spiritual energy fluctuations were minimal along the shores, yielding few treasures and marking the territory of Qi Refining cultivators.
To obtain rare items like the Hundred Spirits Water Stone, one had to venture deeper into the Cloudstream's heart.