Cultivation of Immortality: Start by Improving Spiritual Root Qualifications

Chapter 1022 Law Affinity, The Theory of Dao Body!
The old man was not surprised by Zhou Xun's reaction; he had seen this kind of reaction far too often.

He stroked his long beard and slowly began to explain:
"Fellow Daoist, you may not know this, but the cave dwellings of my Thousand Star City are more than just cave dwellings!"

"Oh, what do you mean?" Zhou Xun asked curiously.

"Those who rent cave dwellings of the fifth rank or higher will also enjoy several benefits,"

"Firstly, one can participate in lectures by cultivators at the Void Refinement stage. This is only open to those who rent cave dwellings of the fifth rank or above. As a Nascent Soul cultivator, you should know how valuable this is!"

As he spoke, he waved his hand, and an image appeared in the air:
A cultivator at the Refinement stage sat upright on a cloud platform, while dozens of cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage listened cross-legged below. Daoist rhymes flowed and spiritual energy permeated the air.

Zhou Xun nodded upon hearing this.

Indeed, if a cultivator at the Void Refinement stage could preach, it would be an extremely rare opportunity for a rogue cultivator like him who has no foundation.

"Furthermore, every hundred years, the Immortal City holds a high-level exchange event for cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage and above. Each time, they offer rare and precious treasures of heaven and earth, such as those related to breaking through realms,"

"This exchange event is only open to those who rent cave dwellings and high-level cultivators within the Immortal City!"

"These are all hidden benefits that cannot be bought with spirit crystals from the outside world."

He paused and added:
"Not to mention, our cave dwelling can be overloaded and its spiritual energy increased in a short period of time,"

"For example, your fifth-grade superior cave dwelling can be temporarily upgraded to sixth-grade inferior for five days, which is enough to break through the barrier."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun suddenly realized what was happening.

It seems there are some extraordinary people in the Immortal City, making this fifth-tier cave dwelling not just a residence, but also a symbol of status and an admission ticket.

If that's the case, then four spirit crystals over a hundred years are indeed not expensive.

Seeing this, the old man knew he had persuaded the other party, and immediately took out a palm-sized round plate.

With a light tap of the finger, a shimmering light appeared on the disc, revealing a microcosm of the entire immortal city.

With another spell, dozens of points of light appeared on the disc, each representing a fifth-grade superior cave dwelling.

"These are all vacant fifth-grade high-quality cave dwellings within the Immortal City. Fellow Daoist, please take your time to choose!"

"I wonder if there is a cave dwelling with a private alchemy room?" Zhou Xun suddenly asked.

The old man was surprised to hear this, and looked up to examine Zhou Xun carefully:
"Fellow Daoist is actually an alchemist. May I ask his rank?"

"A mere fifth-grade mid-level item, nothing to brag about!" Zhou Xun said casually.

Upon hearing this, the old man's attitude immediately became much kinder, and he slightly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Oh dear, a mid-grade fifth-level alchemist is no mere title. I have been disrespectful!"

He sat down again, his tone noticeably warmer:
"According to the city lord's rules, those with fifth-tier skills can get a discount when renting a cave dwelling, while ordinary low-grade fifth-tier skills can get a 10% discount."

"The alchemy room benefits will be upgraded by one rank. Fellow Daoist is a mid-grade fifth-rank alchemist, comparable to an ordinary high-grade fifth-rank alchemist, and can enjoy a 30% discount!"

"Such a good thing?" Zhou Xun's heart stirred slightly.

Although he has a lot of spirit crystals, it would be great if he could save some.

It seems that the city lord at the time was a man of great vision. Thousand Star City's development to this day is well-deserved!
"In that case, please recommend a few suitable cave dwellings for me."

Upon hearing this, the old man perked up and tapped the disc several times with his fingers.

Three illusory figures rose from the disc, each revealing a detailed view of a cave dwelling.

"This 'Blazing Sun Cave' is located next to the volcano in the south of the city. It has extremely abundant fire spiritual energy and excellent quality earth fire, making it most suitable for alchemy and weapon crafting."

The illusory image shows a huge alchemy furnace inside the cave, with a roaring fire and red crystals embedded in the surrounding walls, radiating a scorching heat.

Zhou Xun frowned slightly. He preferred a peaceful and quiet environment for cultivation, and he did not like this kind of environment with excessive fire spiritual energy.

Seeing Zhou Xun's reaction, the old man then began to introduce the next one.
"The second 'Hundred Herbs Garden' is located at the node of the spiritual vein in the east of the city. The cave dwelling has its own fifty acres of medicinal fields with specially made spiritual soil, which is most suitable for cultivating spiritual herbs."

"As a fellow alchemist, you are indeed a perfect match!"

A lush medicinal garden appeared in the illusory image, where various rare and precious herbs grew, and spiritual energy swirled into mist.

Zhou Xun shook his head again. Fifty acres of medicinal fields—how long would it take to manage them? Besides, his key spiritual herbs had already been planted in the medicinal fields surrounding the island in the lake.

Those were the accumulations of the Lu family over tens of thousands of years; he really didn't care for this Hundred Herbs Garden.

Seeing this, the old man pointed his finger at the third illusory figure:

"This last place, 'Bibo Mansion,' is located on the shore of Mirror Lake in the north of the city. Inside the mansion is a sizable lake, pavilions, and waterside terraces, creating a tranquil environment."

"Although the alchemy room is not the largest, its advantage lies in the purity and tranquility of the spiritual energy."

In the illusory scene, one can see a pool of clear water rippling, with willows swaying along the shore and several exquisite pavilions dotting the landscape.

Although the alchemy room inside the cave was not large, it was arranged in an orderly manner, with a jade alchemy furnace standing quietly in the center.

Zhou Xun's eyes lit up; the environment of this cave dwelling was quite to his liking.

"Let's choose this place. Let's rent it for five hundred years!"

The old man nodded with a smile and took out a jade slip to record:

"Bibo Mansion, 500-year lease, original price 20 spirit crystals, 30% discount, total 14 spirit crystals."

Zhou Xun readily took out fourteen spirit crystals and neatly arranged them on the table.

After the old man finished counting, he took out a token engraved with water ripple patterns and solemnly handed it to Zhou Xun:
"This is the control token of the cave's restrictions. Fellow Daoist, you can recognize it as your master by injecting your divine sense into it."

"Oh, by the way, fellow Daoist, you've come at the perfect time. The Xuanming Ancestor will be giving a sermon in three years. You can enter by presenting this token."

"Thank you!" Zhou Xun accepted the token, bowed in thanks, and then got up to take his leave.

Soon, he arrived at Bibo Mansion.

Holding the token, he gently waved it at the barrier, and a wave-like portal of light slowly opened.

As he stepped inside, a rich spiritual energy rushed towards him. The pure water-based spiritual energy was refreshing and invigorating, causing every pore on his body to open up involuntarily.

Looking around, the first thing that catches the eye is a lake that is about seven or eight acres in size.

The pond ripples with emerald waves, and lotuses of various colors bloom in competition, shimmering in the sunlight.

The lotus leaves were as large as umbrellas, and the pond water was crystal clear.
Several koi carp can be seen swimming leisurely among them.

In the center of the lake, an exquisite white jade pavilion stands in the water, with flying eaves and brackets, and bronze wind chimes hanging under the eaves, making a crisp sound in the wind.

The pavilion is connected to the shore by an arched bridge.
Even more wonderfully, a small awning boat, about two zhang long, was moored under the bridge, gently swaying with the ripples.

A gentle breeze wafted by, brushing against my face.

Ripples spread across the water's surface, only to quickly subside, bringing a sense of tranquility.

"Not bad!"

Zhou Xun nodded repeatedly, a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

This cave dwelling is not only rich in spiritual energy, but also has an exceptionally elegant environment.

In between cultivation, one might brew a pot of spiritual tea, sit alone in a pavilion, and admire the lotus blossoms and the moon.
You can also go boating on the lake, picking lotus flowers and playing with fish, which is quite leisurely!
"It is indeed a good place to cultivate in seclusion." Zhou Xun smiled slightly, becoming more and more satisfied with this Bibo Mansion.

……

Zhou Xun waved his hand, and three beams of spiritual light appeared.

Two boys and a purple jade poisonous toad appeared by the lotus pond.

The older one, dressed in a blue robe, with delicate features, was Xiao Jia; the younger one, a boy in golden armor, with a tiger-like face, was Xiao Jin.

Only the Purple Jade Poison Toad retains its original toad appearance, its entire body as clear as jade, with purple spots adorning its back.

"Greetings, Master!" the three beasts greeted in unison, their voices echoing above the lotus pond.

Zhou Xun nodded slightly, his gaze first falling on the two boys:

"Xiao Jin, Xiao Jia, I will be going into seclusion to cultivate from now on. I will leave the cave dwelling to you two to manage."

"Yes, Master!" the two beasts bowed in response. "Furthermore, you must not slack off in your cultivation; you should strive to break through to the fifth rank as soon as possible," Zhou Xun said gently.

"Master, we will!" the two boys replied in unison, but a hint of shame flashed in their eyes.

As Zhou Xun's cultivation level continued to improve, they gradually fell behind their master.

Xiao Jia, in particular, was once a crucial combat force that Zhou Xun relied on, but now he can only do odd jobs managing the cave.

"We will definitely work hard to cultivate!" The two boys exchanged a glance, both seeing determination in each other's eyes.

"Well, once you all advance to the fifth rank, I will bestow upon each of you a spiritual treasure!" Zhou Xun said with a smile.
After the operation against the Lu family here, he is now rolling in money.
There are already double digits of low-grade spiritual treasures alone.

After they left, Zhou Xun's gaze fell on the Purple Jade Poison Toad.

Although the Purple Jade Poison Toad had recovered considerably, it was still not at its peak.
Back in its prime, it was at the peak of the fifth rank and had even comprehended the essence of poison, about to advance to the sixth rank. However, its cultivation level regressed because it followed its former master to the human realm.

With a wave of his hand, Zhou Xun sent a jade slip fluttering towards the Purple Jade Poison Toad.

"Master, what is this?" the Purple Jade Poison Toad asked in confusion, its voice clear and crisp like jade striking each other.

"These are all the spoils from this trip to the Lu family. Take a look and see which ones can help you recover your cultivation!" Zhou Xun said calmly.

"Does Master mean I can choose whatever I want?"

The Purple Jade Poison Toad raised its head in disbelief, its pair of crystal-clear toad eyes wide open.

“Not bad!” Zhou Xun nodded.

He had his own reasons.

The Purple Jade Poison Toad possesses unique talents and extraordinary abilities, giving it excellent means of assisting in combat.

Not to mention that venom, which would be fatal even to a cultivator of a higher level, is enough to become his trump card, so naturally he needs to cultivate it carefully.

The Purple Jade Poison Toad was overjoyed.

Even her former master, the Old Man of Ten Thousand Poisons, had never treated her this well.

It cautiously probed the jade slip with its divine sense, and found that it contained records of hundreds of rare and precious spiritual items.

Before long, the Purple Jade Poison Toad had made its selection and timidly announced the names of the thirteen spiritual objects.

These spiritual items are worth thousands of spirit crystals. The poisonous toad felt a little uneasy, wondering if its master would agree.

Zhou Xun waved his hand and took out all the spiritual items without hesitation.

In an instant, spiritual energy surged within the cultivation room.

There are "Ten Thousand Poison Mushrooms" that exude a sweet and fishy smell, "Netherworld Grass" that is completely black, and "Seven-Colored Poison Scales" that constantly change color.
"Cultivate diligently and advance to the sixth rank as soon as possible." Zhou Xun pushed the spiritual object in front of the Purple Jade Poison Toad.

The Purple Jade Poison Toad has already grasped the essence of the art, and its advancement to the sixth rank is a foregone conclusion.

With the help of these spiritual objects, I should be able to break through soon.

"Thank you, Master!"

The poisonous toad was deeply moved.

After arranging these matters, Zhou Xun moved and appeared in the cultivation room.

With a loud bang, the heavy stone door slowly closed, isolating the inside from the outside.

The meditation room was simply furnished, with only a futon placed in the center.

The surrounding walls were engraved with spirit-gathering formations, which were now emitting a faint spiritual light.

Zhou Xun sat down cross-legged, flipped his hand, and a fist-sized Thunder Essence appeared in his palm.

This Thunder Essence is entirely azure blue, with fine electric snakes flashing across its surface from time to time, emitting a "sizzling" sound.

The pure lightning spiritual energy emanated from it, giving Zhou Xun a sense of comfort.

This treasure was something he obtained from the Lu family's treasury; there were quite a few of them, perfect for his cultivation.
He formed hand seals and began to circulate the Purple Heaven Thunder Technique.

Purple lightning suddenly crackled around Zhou Xun's body, resonating with the Thunder Essence in his hand.

Pure lightning spiritual energy was drawn from the lightning essence, flowed through Zhou Xun's meridians, and finally merged into his dantian, where it was refined into pure spiritual power.

Cultivation knows no time.
For the rest of the time, Zhou Xun was completely immersed in the pleasure of improving his cultivation.

……

On the shore of the River of Oblivion, a tall tower stands proudly.

The tower is seven stories high and is made entirely of crystal-clear jade, which reflects seven colors of light under the sun.

The tower is decorated with carved beams and painted rafters, with upturned eaves and corners, and each level is engraved with different array runes.

A bronze bell hangs from the top of the tower, swaying gently in the wind and producing a clear, ringing sound.

Above the main entrance hangs a plaque with three gilded characters that read "Library," written in a vigorous and powerful style, subtly conveying a sense of Taoist charm.

This was precisely what Zhou Xun had obtained from the Lu family library on Xingyuan Island that day.

After collecting them, they were placed on the shore of the River of Oblivion.

Together with some previously acquired books and volumes, it became the library of the sacred Wangchuan Lake.

Only those with Zhou Xun's permission may enter the pagoda above the fifth floor.

At this moment, atop the tower,
A man dressed in a blue robe sat upright.

Holding an ancient jade slip in his hand, he immersed his consciousness in it, examining it carefully.

This person is Zhou Xun in his true form.

Since acquiring the rare books from the Lu family, he has been studying them diligently.

Unexpectedly, he reaped considerable rewards, finding quite a few useful classic texts.

For example, this one in my hand contains some ancient secrets.

It turns out that here, aptitude is not determined by spiritual roots as in the human realm, but rather by the understanding of the laws.

It should be noted that once one's cultivation reaches the Nascent Soul stage, a necessary condition for breaking through to the Void Refinement stage is to comprehend the first level of the Intent Realm.

Artistic conception is the primary manifestation and application of the principles.

To achieve the fusion of spiritual essence, one needs to reach the second level of spiritual realm; as for the Mahayana stage, one needs to reach the third level of spiritual realm.

Therefore, the description of qualifications is measured by the degree of affinity with the law.

For example, Zhou Xun's "innate human body" with a spiritual root of 100 points has a law affinity of 1.

At the same time, this is also the lower limit of the innate human race in ancient times, and the threshold of the legendary low-grade Dao body.

Even so, they are still considered to have the appearance of true immortals. In a single immortal realm, it is considered an immense blessing if only one such person appears every million years.

The term "lower-grade Dao Body" refers to a general category of bodies with an affinity for laws ranging from one to nineteen points.

Above that is the intermediate-grade Dao Body, with 20-39 points;
Superior Dao Body, 40-59 points;
Top-grade Dao Body, 60-79 points;
And the legendary innate Dao physique with a score of 80 or higher—such talent is probably only attainable by the legendary innate saints.

Upon seeing this, Zhou Xun was overjoyed.

He was able to rise from a mere Qi Refining cultivator to the Nascent Soul stage thanks to the "Spring Condensation Scripture".

Previously, his spiritual root had been raised to one hundred points, and he continued to refine spiritual herbs, but he was unable to improve it further.

Seeing this now, he had a guess in his mind.

Perhaps by continuing to absorb the essence of spiritual herbs, the affinity with this law will be increased!

If that's the case, then the value of the "Spring Condensation Classic" probably far exceeds his previous imagination.

This is not only a cultivation technique that can enhance spiritual roots, but also a top-level secret technique that can create an unparalleled Dao body!
Zhou Xun immediately thought of the several sixth-order spiritual herbs in the herb field.
"Let's give it a try!"

(End of this chapter)