Wei Zhong stepped onto the spiritual energy and advanced toward the center of the Luo River, surrounded by numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators.
These fellow Daoists had all come to compete for spiritual treasures. Some rode on magic tools, others on spirit beasts, while still others, like Wei Zhong, relied on their exceptional escape techniques.
The Luo River churned with turbulent waves, layer upon layer of towering crests rising and falling in succession, tossing spiritual treasures into the air.
Wei Zhong approached a massive wave, already sensing the surging spiritual energy radiating from its crest.
Suddenly, he spotted a red light flashing beneath the surface—a rare spiritual treasure.
The cultivators surged forward, but a sharp cry pierced the air. A bird darted through the crowd, snatched the glowing object in its beak, and spiraled upward to land on the shoulder of a yellow-robed Daoist with a stubbled face.
"Haha! This treasure was destined to be mine, Old Daoist's!"
"It's Daoist Qingze!"
The assembled cultivators recognized him instantly and wisely refrained from contesting his claim, instead scattering in pursuit of other spiritual lights.
Wei Zhong's expression grew serious. The bird's explosive speed had nearly caught him off guard; its burst of power surpassed even his own.
Wei Zhong watched as the palm-sized, gray-feathered bird landed on Daoist Qingze's shoulder, depositing a string of red coral—likely a Second-Tier spiritual treasure.
As Wei Zhong observed, Daoist Qingze noticed him and turned his head slightly. Wei Zhong offered a brief bow and moved on, seeking other treasures.
This Second-Tier coral wasn't his target, so there was no need to provoke a conflict. Moreover, Wei Zhong had heard that Daoist Qingze was remarkably powerful, keeping a large number of spirit beasts, including a particularly troublesome Second-Tier Spirit Insect that could give even Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators a headache.
Hopefully, he won't bother me, Wei Zhong thought.
He headed toward a wave of azure spiritual light, plucking a shimmering, finger-sized stone from the crest.
Though called a stone, it more closely resembled colored glass from his previous life, radiating a soft, luminous blue glow under the moonlight—a captivatingly beautiful sight.
This was exactly what Wei Zhong needed: a Hundred Spirits Water Stone.
One down, many more to go.
The number of spiritual treasures required for Spirit Body forging varied greatly depending on individual differences. Wei Zhong didn't know exactly how many he would need, but based on past experience, a hundred was a minimum.
Boom!
Another massive wave surged forth, spewing out a wealth of spiritual treasures. Wei Zhong stepped lightly forward, pursuing them, having glimpsed several spiritual lights resembling Hundred Spirits Water Stones among the treasures.
"Mine!"
"It's mine!"
...
As he advanced, he frequently heard cultivators squabbling over spiritual treasures. Some disputes were minor, quickly forgotten as new treasures erupted from the waves. But others, encountering rare treasures, engaged in heated arguments that escalated into outright combat in this perilous place.
"Junior Brother Qingze, why not let me have this Exquisite Jade Heart?"
"Hmph, whoever grabs it first gets to keep it."
Wei Zhong glanced over to see a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator locked in a fierce contest with Daoist Qingze. Their mana intertwined as a jade-colored Spirit Fruit hovered in the air between them.
This appears to be the primary Spirit Medicine for refining a Breakthrough Pill. A Second-Tier Breakthrough Pill made from it can help cultivators break through the bottleneck between Mid-Stage and Late-Stage Foundation Establishment. No wonder they're fighting so fiercely.
Daoist Qingze, being at the Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment, desperately needed this fruit to refine a pill to advance his cultivation. His opponent, Daoist Zhu Shen, was a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator and a Second-Tier Pill Master.
Zhu Shen's reputation was far inferior to Wei Zhong's.
Among alchemists, it was an unspoken rule to accept commissions in exchange for spirit stones or a portion of the refined medicinal pills.
Zhu Shen, however, operated differently. Cultivators who commissioned him not only had to pay the standard alchemy fee but also suffered from his embezzlement of spirit pills.
Helpless to retaliate, they knew the specifics of the refining process remained secret; only the Pill Refiner knew the exact number of pills produced. Whether they truthfully reported the yield depended entirely on the alchemist's integrity. Zhu Shen was notorious for manipulating this ambiguity.
Moreover, he was petty and vindictive, frequently using his Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation base to bully other Second-Tier Pill Refiners. In short, he had one of the worst reputations among the Pill Refiners in the region.
Wei Zhong, on the other hand, lived a secluded life and used alternate identities when venturing out, so he rarely crossed paths with Zhu Shen.
Just as the two were about to clash over the Spirit Fruit, a massive wave surged ashore.
Zhu Shen's expression shifted, but Daoist Qingze beamed with delight. With a flick of his sleeve, he unleashed a dark cloud.
Upon closer inspection, it wasn't a cloud at all—but a swarm of countless black Spirit Insects.
Unwilling to let the insects get close, Zhu Shen abandoned the Spirit Fruit and fled.
Daoist Qingze snatched the Spirit Fruit just as a tidal wave crashed before him. Seeing him release a Second-Tier Spirit Turtle to block the oncoming wave, Wei Zhong seized the opportunity to retreat swiftly. A blue light erupted from the turtle's shell before it was engulfed by the surging water.
Amidst the chaos, Wei Zhong had already gathered over a dozen Hundred Spirits Water Stones from the vicinity. Stepping on the turbulent spiritual energy, he soared into the sky.
When the tidal wave subsided, a turtle shell the size of a washbasin floated to the surface—Daoist Qingze's Spirit Turtle. Remarkably, the turtle emerged unscathed from the assault, a testament to the legendary resilience of the Spirit Turtle clan, the most thick-skinned of all aquatic demon beasts. Though its aura had weakened slightly and its size had shrunk noticeably, Daoist Qingze flew to its side and retrieved it.
Another spiritual treasure eruption occurred nearby, drawing Wei Zhong's attention. This time, the area shimmered with even more dazzling spiritual lights, including a Third-Tier Spirit Object. The sight instantly ignited the cultivators' fervor, with skilled practitioners racing toward the coveted Third-Tier treasure.
Yet Wei Zhong's gaze was drawn to an unusual spiritual light.
Could this be... a Thousand Spirit Water Stone?
This was precisely the spiritual treasure he needed to cultivate his Heavy Water Spirit Body beyond the Hundred-Jun level, reaching the Thousand-Jun tier.
In an instant, Wei Zhong unleashed the full power of his Cloud Soaring Technique, leaving a phantom trail as he streaked past the other cultivators. He snatched the Thousand Spirit Water Stone in one swift motion, then casually pocketed an unidentified Third-Tier Spirit Fruit nearby.
His astonishing speed startled his companions, who hastily increased their distance from him. Who knew what underhanded tactics Wei Zhong might employ in this scramble for resources?
Seeing that the other Third-Tier Spirit Objects had already been claimed and that there wasn't another Thousand Spirit Water Stone to be found, Wei Zhong refocused his attention on the Hundred Spirits Water Stone.
Just then, a figure approached him closely. "Fellow Daoist," Zhu Shen said, "would you be willing to sell me that Third-Tier Spirit Fruit?"
Wei Zhong frowned slightly, cupped his fist in a polite gesture, and replied, "This Spirit Fruit is of great use to me. Forgive me, but I cannot part with it."
He then transformed into a wisp of cloud and surged toward another area where spiritual treasures were erupting.
Zhu Shen's expression flickered briefly before he began tailing Wei Zhong, vying for various spiritual treasures while subtly disrupting Wei Zhong's efforts to secure the Hundred Spirits Water Stone.
Wei Zhong halted and glared coldly at Zhu Shen, but the man simply feigned ignorance. Noticing Wei Zhong's gaze, he turned and offered a disarming smile.
So, he's deliberately trying to annoy me, trying to undermine a fellow Second-Tier Pill Master? Wei Zhong thought.
"You'd better know your place, or else..."
Wei Zhong turned and fled, but Zhu Shen clung to him like a persistent burr.
With a thunderous roar, another wave crashed down, sweeping up several spiritual treasures, including a Third-Tier Spirit Object.
Zhu Shen instantly abandoned Wei Zhong, lunging toward the Third-Tier Spirit Object.
Too bad there's no Thousand Spirit Water Stone, Wei Zhong thought, a hint of regret in his heart. He then focused his attention on the gushing Hundred Spirits Water Stone.
Fortunately, the item had limited uses, and few cultivators vied for it. Relying on his advanced escape technique, Wei Zhong easily secured the treasure.
Meanwhile, Zhu Shen was embroiled in a fierce struggle with another cultivator over the Third-Tier Spirit Object.
An idea sparked in Wei Zhong's mind. He concealed himself behind a massive wave, fully activating his invisibility and breath concealment techniques.
Conjuring a water orb in his palm, he waited for the wave to engulf Zhu Shen and his opponent. Then, unleashing the Flying Throwing Technique, he hurled the water projectile through the surging water to strike Zhu Shen.
The wave wasn't particularly ferocious. Zhu Shen had intended to block it with his massive shield, a plan shared by the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator he was battling.
But as the wave crashed down, its overwhelming force made Zhu Shen's expression twist in shock. He was forced to channel all his spiritual energy into resisting the onslaught.
His opponent, momentarily surprised, seized the opportunity to snatch the Third-Tier Spirit Object.
Seeing his spiritual treasure snatched away, Zhu Shen glared angrily at the receding wave, but no one was visible.
Could I have imagined it? he wondered.
Skeptical, Zhu Shen resumed his pursuit of other spiritual treasures. But after several failed attempts, he became convinced someone was targeting him.
Who is it? Who could it be?! Zhu Shen roared silently in his heart. He whirled around to face Wei Zhong, but Wei Zhong was meticulously collecting Hundred Spirits Water Stones. Zhu Shen shifted his gaze to Daoist Qingze.
With a flick of his sleeve, he strode toward Daoist Qingze.
"Zhu Shen, you dare steal my things?" Daoist Qingze roared, summoning a Water Snake Monster Beast as thick as an adult's waist.
Wei Zhong never expected his subtle retaliation to drive Zhu Shen into such a corner that he would directly confront Daoist Qingze.
Does he look down on me, thinking a mere Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator like me couldn't scheme against him covertly? Wei Zhong mused.
Then he understood. Wei Zhong was renowned for his alchemy, so others likely underestimated his other skills. In contrast, Daoist Qingze excelled at taming spirit beasts and combat techniques, making it highly probable he could use a specialized demon beast to sabotage Zhu Shen.
Fortunately, after a brief standoff, both men backed down.
No one would willingly miss such a golden opportunity to acquire spiritual treasures.
Seeing that Zhu Shen was no longer harassing him, Wei Zhong abandoned his plans to target him and focused entirely on collecting Hundred Spirits Water Stones.
Unbeknownst to Wei Zhong, his decision to drop his covert schemes against Zhu Shen only solidified the latter's belief that Daoist Qingze had secretly intervened earlier. Thus, Daoist Qingze became the scapegoat for the incident.
The tidal surge lasted for half an hour before finally subsiding. During this time, Wei Zhong collected over eighty Hundred Spirits Water Stones. After everyone had returned laden with treasures, he purchased over twenty additional stones from other cultivators, bringing his total to one hundred and eight.
I wonder if this will be enough for my purposes, Wei Zhong mused.
As Wei Zhong stepped back onto Nine-Colored's back, Ling Ziwei immediately exclaimed in admiration, "Fellow Daoist Wei, your movements are so graceful and elusive! Your techniques are unparalleled, even among Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators."
"Immortal Maiden Ling, you flatter me," Wei Zhong replied.
"The Tide-Watching Ritual has concluded. Let us depart now."
Just then, Zhu Shen approached. "Fellow Daoist Wei, about that Spirit Fruit from earlier?"
Wei Zhong waved his hand dismissively. "I have other uses for it. I regret that I cannot part with it."
Wei Zhong immediately commanded Nine-Colored to take flight, leaving Zhu Shen standing alone with a livid expression.
"Haha, Fellow Daoist Wei seems to have quite the history with that one," Ling Ziwei remarked, amused.
"Hmph, that petty man holds grudges," Wei Zhong retorted. "He tried to snatch the Spirit Fruit from my hand during the treasure hunt, and when I refused, he nursed a grudge, repeatedly interfering with my attempts to retrieve the Hundred Spirits Water Stones. Why should I show him any courtesy?"
"Exactly! Fellow Daoist Wei, that's precisely the dignity befitting a Foundation Establishment cultivator."
During this surge, only a handful of Third-Tier Spirit Objects surfaced. I managed to obtain a Third-Tier Spirit Fruit, as did Daoist Qingze. The rest were claimed by various Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Zhu Shen, despite being a Second-Tier Pill Master at the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment realm, suffered the misfortune of failing to acquire even a single Third-Tier Spirit Object.
While my interference certainly played a role, Zhu Shen's poor reputation was equally to blame. Whenever he coveted something valuable, it inevitably sparked competition from his fellow cultivators.
"Immortal Maiden Ling," Wei Zhong said solemnly to Ling Ziwei, "regarding the Hundred Spirits Water Stones I mentioned earlier, I humbly request that you keep it in mind. I will certainly repay your kindness in due time."
Seeing Wei Zhong's earnest demeanor, Ling Ziwei realized the gravity of the matter for him. "Fellow Daoist Wei, rest assured that I will personally attend to this upon returning to the Ling Clan."
"Additionally, Immortal Maiden Ling, if you come across any information regarding Thousand Spirit Water Stones or even Ten Thousand Spirit Water Stones, please let me know. The Ling Clan will be handsomely compensated," Wei Zhong added.
While Ling Ziwei could independently decide on matters involving Hundred Spirits Water Stones, obtaining the higher-tier Thousand Spirit Water Stones or Ten Thousand Spirit Water Stones would likely require alerting the entire Ling Clan. Even as the clan's most powerful cultivator, she would need the approval of the Clan Elder Council.
"No problem," Ling Ziwei replied. "But might I ask why you require such spiritual treasures? If it's not too personal, could you share some details?" She paused, then added, "Of course, if it involves confidential matters, there's no need to divulge anything."
Wei Zhong lowered his head in contemplation for a moment before deciding to confide in Ling Ziwei. "Immortal Maiden Ling... I implore you not to reveal this to anyone else, not even Fellow Daoist Ling Hua."
"Understood, Fellow Daoist Wei," Ling Ziwei said, visibly pleased by Wei Zhong's candor. "You wouldn't entrust me with such a secret unless you truly trusted me, and I'm well aware of the gravity of this matter." She patted her chest reassuringly.
Wei Zhong knew that despite her vivacious nature, Ling Ziwei wasn't a naive child, having reached the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment realm. He was confident she could keep a secret.
"However, Fellow Daoist Wei, if you wish to progress further on your cultivation journey, you should really consider acquiring a Heavy Water Spirit Body capable of withstanding a thousand or even ten thousand jun of force. The Hundred-Jun version is simply inadequate..."
"Alas," Wei Zhong sighed. "I understand the logic perfectly well, but such spiritual treasures are exceedingly rare, leaving me with no choice. Without transforming my spirit body, I fear I'll never even break through to the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment."
...
The Nine-Colored's flight speed was astonishing. By the time their conversation ended, they had already returned to Cloudglow Island. Ling Ziwei departed on her Flying Sword.
After instructing Xie Linghua, Wei Zhong entered his Grotto-Heaven.
Now, all that remained was to await news from Ling Ziwei and begin the preparations for the Heavy Water Spirit Body Transformation.
While waiting for Ling Ziwei's return, Wei Zhong needed to complete his outstanding alchemy commissions. The Spirit Body Transformation could take an unpredictable amount of time, but the deadlines for these commissions were within a month. He couldn't afford to tarnish the reputation he had painstakingly built.
Ling Ziwei didn't keep Wei Zhong waiting long. Just three days later, she returned with over a hundred Hundred Spirits Water Stones, including three rare Thousand Spirit Water Stones.
"Immortal Maiden Ling, what's this?" Wei Zhong asked in surprise.
Ling Ziwei grinned proudly. "Hehe, I got these from my elder brother. There are a few more in the clan's treasury. I'll find a way to get them for you later."
Wei Zhong had never expected her to go to such lengths. He bowed deeply in gratitude. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Ling."
Ling Ziwei's cheeks flushed slightly, and she waved her hands awkwardly, flustered. "Fellow Daoist Wei, there's no need for such formality. I did this willingly," she stammered, realizing her words sounded a bit odd. "Anyway, please don't stand on ceremony. You should focus on your closed-door cultivation now. I'll stay on the island for a few more days to spend time with Linghua. You won't kick me out, will you?"
Wei Zhong understood that she intended to protect him while he underwent his seclusion.
"Of course not!"
Wei Zhong handed Xie Linghua all the medicinal pills he had refined in recent days, instructing her to accept no further alchemy commissions until he emerged from his seclusion. With a final nod to the two women, he retreated into his Grotto-Heaven.
Watching Wei Zhong's departing figure, Xie Linghua's face betrayed a hint of worry. Ling Ziwei, standing beside her, gently took her hand and whispered reassuringly, "Don't fret. Fellow Daoist Wei is always meticulous. He must have made thorough preparations for this undertaking." Xie Linghua nodded slowly.
Inside the Grotto-Heaven, Wei Zhong spread all two hundred-plus Hundred Spirits Water Stones across the floor, while four Thousand Spirit Water Stones lay atop a nearby table. If the initial supply proved insufficient, he would use the higher-grade stones as well, though it would be wasteful. Ultimately, securing the Heavy Water Spirit Body justified any sacrifice.
Wei Zhong then retrieved a massive cauldron—a Magic Cauldron he had purchased from the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild specifically for the Heavy Water Spirit Body transformation process.
This Spirit Body transformation involved refining the essence of the Hundred Spirits Water Stones and infusing it into his physical body, akin to forging an artifact or refining a pill. This process would fundamentally alter his innate constitution.
According to the jade slip's instructions, this transformation would inflict inhuman agony. Practitioners of this technique needed unwavering resolve, maintaining unbroken focus until the entire process was complete. Stopping midway would not only waste all the spiritual treasures but also irreparably damage their Dharma Body.
Naturally, the jade slip also described several Spirit Medicines to alleviate the excruciating pain, and Wei Zhong had already prepared them meticulously.
He leaped into the cauldron, and the surrounding Hundred Spirits Water Stones rose into the air along with him.
"Immortal Maiden Ling," Daoist Qingze said helplessly to Ling Ziwei, who stood within the Azure Lotus Array of Azure Waters, "do you know when Fellow Daoist Wei will emerge from his seclusion?"
Ling Ziwei replied from behind the barrier, "Fellow Daoist Wei is in seclusion. How would I know when he'll emerge? Besides, we're not acquainted. Stop addressing me so formally as 'Immortal Maiden Ling.'"
Daoist Qingze sighed inwardly. If you don't know, why keep me locked outside the formation like an enemy?
While Ling Ziwei remained as impulsive as ever, Xie Linghua's temperament had mellowed considerably. "Senior Qingze," she said politely, "if you have urgent business with Master, please inform me now. I will relay your message the moment he emerges from seclusion."
Seeing no other option, Daoist Qingze reluctantly explained, "I require Fellow Daoist Wei to refine a complex Medicinal Pill for me. When he emerges, I would be grateful if Immortal Maiden Ling could inform him of my request."
Humbled by his need, Daoist Qingze lowered himself greatly, even addressing Xie Linghua, a junior, as "Immortal Maiden."
"Very well," Xie Linghua replied. "I will certainly inform Master when he emerges."
Having received this assurance, Daoist Qingze offered a slight bow and transformed into a streak of azure light, departing Cloudglow Island.
Meanwhile, inside the Grotto-Heaven, Wei Zhong remained completely oblivious to the outside world, currently writhing in agony within the cauldron.
All the Hundred Spirits Water Stones had transformed into a pool of azure Spirit Liquid, in which Wei Zhong was fully submerged.
The concentrated Spirit Liquid corroded his body like acid, confirming the jade slip's warning that this Spirit Body Transformation process would be excruciatingly painful.
Wei Zhong surfaced, swallowed a crimson Spirit Pill, and immediately felt a surge of warmth spread through his body, creating a counterforce against the Spirit Liquid.
This brief respite allowed him to catch his breath.
Only three days have passed, and the transformation is barely one-tenth complete. It seems it will take at least a month. Unfortunately, I've already consumed half of my Medicinal Pills.
I must endure the pain for now, saving the remaining pills for critical moments.
Centering his mind and calming his spirit, Wei Zhong emptied his thoughts and unconsciously began circulating the Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual.
Suddenly, the azure Spirit Liquid began flowing into his body as easily as ordinary spiritual energy.
Realizing what was happening, Wei Zhong stared in astonishment at his hands and torso.
"What... could it be that the Spring and Autumn Water Refinement Manual also has the effect of absorbing Spirit Liquid to transform the Spirit Body?"
He circulated the cultivation technique again, and sure enough, as the manual's energy flowed, the Spirit Liquid continued to be absorbed, steadily accelerating the progress of his Spirit Body refinement.
Wei Zhong was overjoyed and immediately began circulating his Cultivation Technique at full speed. His body absorbed the Spirit Liquid like a sponge.
"The absorption speed is faster, and there's barely any pain."
He simply leaped out of the Great Cauldron, immersing only his hands in the Spirit Liquid before closing his eyes and focusing intently on circulating his Cultivation Technique.
Half a month passed, and only a thin layer of Spirit Liquid remained in the cauldron.
Wei Zhong sat cross-legged beside the Magic Cauldron with his eyes closed, carefully sensing the changes occurring within his body.
"The speed at which I absorb spiritual energy has increased by roughly thirty percent. It's not a huge amount, but the efficiency of absorbing spiritual treasures has improved far more significantly."
"This means I'll make greater progress with the same resources than before."
"My affinity for spiritual energy has also increased, especially for water-attribute spiritual energy."
At Wei Zhong's mental command, a layer of black water-attribute spiritual energy instantly materialized around his body.
"The casting speed of the Blackwater Spirit Garment is faster, and its power has also slightly increased. The changes brought about by the Heavy Water Spirit Body are truly transformative."
"It's not just about accelerating my cultivation speed; it's also a significant boost to my combat prowess. This means I now possess far greater self-preservation capabilities than before."
In the pursuit of cultivation, safety remains paramount. Wei Zhong had always prioritized his security above all else.
"Now that my Spirit Body is complete, I must emerge from seclusion and properly thank Ling Ziwei," Wei Zhong thought, glancing at the dwindling Spirit Liquid in the cauldron. "Without her help, the Hundred Spirits Water Stones I'd collected wouldn't have been enough."