Chapter 65
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Chapter 65: Fengbo Garden
Golden Pool Pills assisted cultivators at the Qi Sea’s peak in advancing to the Golden Pool realm, while Purple Palace Pills helped Golden Pool peak experts break into the Purple Palace. Both served as precious realm-ascension aids.
For cultivators lacking sufficient talent or insight, permanent stagnation at advancement thresholds often occurred. These spirit pills offered perfect solutions despite their sole drawback – permanently sealing future progression. Yet countless still desperately sought them, for the added lifespan alone made any sacrifice worthwhile.
Advancing to Golden Pool granted three hundred extra years of life, while reaching Purple Palace bestowed five hundred more. To gain centuries of longevity, cultivators would gladly bankrupt themselves!
These pills proved notoriously difficult to produce. Scarce materials combined with exacting alchemist requirements rendered them market rarities. Their immense value and scarcity created exorbitant prices and instant sellouts whenever available.
Fang Lie nodded approvingly. "I’ll procure the herbs later."
"No need." The Baibao Zhai shopkeeper produced a Sumeru Bag. "These herbs lack proper aging. Ordinary alchemists would fail, but you…" He trailed off meaningfully.
"Thoughtful indeed." Fang Lie chuckled. "Return in ten days."
"Excellent!" The shopkeeper bowed excitedly before departing, escorted out by Mao Mao.
Alone, Fang Lie examined the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams Dao Robe. Ice Second Brother leaned closer, eyes gleaming. "Big Brother, rumor says the Huang Family crafts these for elite disciples. Embedded with their Shield Expert techniques, it’s like having half a shieldmaster guarding you. They never sell these – yours might be the sole external specimen!"
"Impressive investment from the Huangs." Fang Lie channeled magic into the garment. The fabric rippled across his form, coalescing into resplendent robes featuring a glowing Bagua symbol with swirling Five Elements at its center.
Testing its power, five elemental shields materialized – golden Metal, earthen Yellow, crimson Fire, jade Wood, and azure Water. Limited by Fang Lie’s current cultivation, their defense capped at first-rank top-grade. Yet within them pulsed the Shield Expert’s four secrets: Block, Parry, Absorb, Reflect.
Block countered swift first-rank assaults, even deflecting some second-rank strikes. Parry conserved energy while redirecting higher-tier attacks. Absorb and Reflect turned weaker offenses against their source – perfect for ambushing opponents.
This adaptable treasure scaled with its wearer’s power, its defenses multiplying when Fang Lie activated his Explosion Qi Technique. The robe seemed custom-made for him!
After extensive testing, Fang Lie recalled the shields. "This boosts my Outer Sect Competition odds by half. Now for offensive treasures – though supreme-grade ones only surface at auctions. Luck must guide us."
"Your luck already defies heavens!" Ice Second Brother grumbled. "Mo Ancestor’s heir, undying nature, Great Pill Master status – what more could you want?"
Fang Lie laughed. "True enough. Third Brother, Mao Mao – assist me. Others, disperse." He led Fang Huo and Mao Mao to the Pill Room.
Fengbo Garden, Mo Sect’s scenic retreat, typically hosted social gatherings. Baibao Zhai selected this venue for their spirit pill auction.
Of course, as Cultivators, they wouldn’t use something as crude as an "auction." The actual event was called the Treasure Appraisal Gathering. Golden invitations had been dispatched to all major family clans and renowned experts.
On the day of the gathering, Fang Lie arrived at the serene Fengbo Garden with his four younger siblings from Ice and Fire Poison Dragon.
Willows swayed gently by the mist-covered lakeshore, where crystal-clear waters held blooming lotus flowers—a breathtaking scene.
The thirty-zhang tall Fengbo Tower stood by the lake, its aged green bamboo structure reinforced by Dao magic to maintain rustic elegance.
The auction would take place on the top floor, while lower levels hosted chatting experts.
When Fang Lie’s group entered, hundreds of conversing Cultivators fell silent. The air thickened with tension.
One-third glared at them with bloodshot eyes, radiating murderous intent—those bearing blood feuds against Fang Lie, restrained only by fear of his ruthless reputation.
Another third watched curiously, mixing admiration, envy, and indifference. Their minor grudges—like juniors being beaten—seemed trivial now.
Fang Lie’s new status as a Great Pill Master made him rare even in the Mo Sect. Though none wished to provoke him, pride prevented overt flattery.
The final third eyed him eagerly, desperate to reconnect. Small clans craving high-grade spirit pills hesitated, fearing retaliation from the powerful Zhou Family. They settled for ingratiating smiles.
Fang Lie ignored them all, leading Ice, Fire, Poison, and Dragon upstairs.
The top floor held hundreds—mostly Purple Palace Masters and Nascent Soul True Immortals. Even Qi Sea level attendees were only privileged heirs. Yet Fang Lie’s entirely Qi Sea level group strutted to the central front row.
Gasps arose. Seating reflected strict hierarchy, with prestige dictating position and entourage size. The Zhou Family representative sat off-center with three attendants.
By placing Fang Lie’s group at the prime spot, Baibao Zhai declared his status surpassed even Nascent Soul True Immortals.
Murmurs erupted:
"Did Baibao Zhai err? Why’s that Qi Sea brat above us?"
"He’s a Great Pill Master—nearly equal to Wind Tribulation Immortals! Here, he reigns supreme."
"Rubbish! Fang Family alchemy always fails. Those pills must be from Cycle of Fire relics!"
"The inspector Great Pill Master confirmed residual furnace heat. Those pills are freshly made."
"Impossible! Twenty-year-old Great Pill Master? They’re supposed to be centuries old!"
"Rumors say he inherited Mo Ancestor’s alchemy through Cycle of Fire."
"Mo Ancestor knew alchemy?"
"Ancient texts say ‘Pills, talismans, formations, devices—Mo Ancestor mastered all!’ Our sect only inherited three skills. Fang Lie’s sudden prowess proves he got the lost alchemy inheritance."
"If true, he’s Mo Ancestor’s true heir—equal to the Clan Leader himself!"
