Cultivation of Immortality: Start by Improving Spiritual Root Qualifications

Chapter 954 Great Harvest, Breakthrough to Mid-stage Nascent Soul!

Zhou Xun bid farewell to Chiyang Tianjun and the others, and following the guidance of the jade talisman left by Jiulei Tianjun, he transformed into a light purple streak of light and flew towards the northwest of Tian Shu City.

About an incense stick's time later, a towering, dark purple mountain came into view.

Tiny arcs of electricity occasionally leap and move across the surface of the mountain.

Looking from afar, one could feel an overwhelming, thunderous pressure bearing down on them.

It is none other than the renowned fifth-grade superior spiritual vein within Tian Shu City—Nine Thunder Peak!

A protective light barrier is set up at the foot of this mountain, making it impossible for ordinary cultivators to approach.

Zhou Xun had just pressed the escape light button when
Then an old man dressed in a purple brocade robe, with white hair and beard, and a gaunt face, appeared from within the light screen.

This person exudes a profound aura; he is actually a peak Nascent Soul cultivator!

Upon seeing Zhou Xun, he immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and spoke in a loud yet respectful tone:

"Is the visitor Senior Thunder Prison Heavenly King? This junior, Qin Yongzhen, has been waiting here for a long time on the orders of my ancestor, the Nine Thunder Heavenly King."

Zhou Xun nodded slightly: "It is indeed I, Wang. Thank you for waiting for me."

Qin Yongzhen smiled:
"Senior, you are too kind. My ancestor is waiting for me at the 'Thunder-Attracting Pavilion' on the summit. Please follow me."

As he spoke, he took out a token, waved it at the light screen, opened a portal, and stepped aside to lead Zhou Xun inside.

As soon as Zhou Xun stepped into the Nine Thunder Peak area, he immediately felt a tightness all over his body.
A dense aura of lightning-attribute spiritual energy rushed towards him. If he hadn't cultivated lightning techniques and undergone tempering by heavenly lightning, he probably would have felt extremely uncomfortable.

Looking around, the mountain path was not lined with ordinary grass and trees, but with patches of strange trees.

The trunks of these trees are a deep purple, resembling carvings of purple jade.
The branches and leaves, however, were a translucent silvery-white, with leaf shapes resembling lightning bolts and a faint shimmer of lightning flowing across their surfaces.
It occasionally makes a slight "crackling" sound.

"Thunder Jade Purple Tree!"

Zhou Xun exclaimed in surprise, "This tree is just like the banyan tree in my previous life; there's actually only one tree in the entire forest!"

It is an extremely rare type of lightning-attribute spirit wood, and its value is extremely high.
To be able to find such spiritual roots of heaven and earth, this person is truly extraordinary, worthy of being a veteran peak Nascent Soul cultivator!
Guided by Qin Yongzhen, Zhou Xun walked up the winding mountain path.

Besides the Thunder Jade Purple Tree, other unique spiritual plants also grow sporadically along the mountain road.

It was truly amazing at every step!

Before long, the two reached the summit.

The summit, with its flat terrain, has been developed into an exquisite garden.

In the center stands a pavilion constructed of purple spirit wood, with the three large characters "Yin Lei Ting" (Lightning-Attracting Pavilion) inscribed on its plaque.

The pavilion is surrounded by a mysterious array that has softened the most refined and violent lightning spiritual energy at the peak, allowing it to gather inside the pavilion.

Inside the pavilion, an old man in black robes stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the distant sea of ​​clouds. He was none other than the Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord.

Sensing Zhou Xun's arrival, he slowly turned around.

"Wang Lin greets Lord Nine Thunders." Zhou Xun dared not be negligent and stepped forward to bow respectfully.

"Fellow Daoist Wang has arrived, please have a seat."

Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord waved his hand, a faint smile appearing on his face, indicating that there was no need for further formalities.
A set of antique purple clay teapots and utensils, with natural thunder patterns and an inner radiance, was already laid out on the stone table, clearly an extraordinary piece.

"My Nine Thunder Peak has nothing of value except for the abundant thunder spirit energy, which has given rise to a small amount of coarse tea that is still palatable. Young friend, you may wish to try it."

As Jiu Lei Tianjun spoke, he personally began to prepare the food.

The tea leaves he took out made Zhou Xun's eyelids twitch.

This tea has a purplish-gold color and is shaped like a miniature lightning bolt. The leaves are naturally engraved with fine silver lightning patterns.
Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord condensed an extremely pure wisp of purple lightning at his fingertips and struck it into the purple clay teapot.
The water already prepared in the pot was not ordinary spring water, but "Thunder Spirit Spring Water," which was crystal clear and contained pure thunder spirit power.

The lightning struck the spiritual liquid, instantly igniting it. The inside of the pot was immediately crackling with electricity.
The tea leaves unfurled in the lightning, as if they had come alive, and the lightning patterns on the leaves lit up one by one, releasing an indescribable mellow fragrance.

The whole process was like performing a small-scale thunder magic ritual.

A moment later, the lightning subsided, and the tea in the pot turned a deep purplish-gold color, with tiny sparks of electricity dancing on the surface.

As the tea is poured into the cup, its aroma becomes even more concentrated and lingers.

"Young friend, please." Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord held the pot and poured a full cup for Zhou Xun.

Zhou Xun picked up the teacup and felt a slight numbness in his hand, as a strange energy spread along his arm.

He took a small sip, and the tea immediately transformed into a warm torrent that flowed into his stomach.

Immediately afterwards, a powerful and pure lightning spiritual force exploded out and spread into every part of his body!
"Excellent tea!" Zhou Xun couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"The thunder spirit power contained in this tea is extremely pure. Long-term consumption will probably be as beneficial to one's cultivation as taking top-grade pills!"

Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord smiled slightly and said frankly, "This tea is made from the tender buds at the very top of the fifth-grade 'Thunder Jade Purple Tree' mother tree on my peak. It is absolutely unique in the outside world."

There was a hint of pride in his words.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun was filled with admiration. After hesitating for a moment, he finally spoke:

"Your Majesty, this tree is extraordinary. I wonder... I wonder if I might be so bold as to ask for a sapling or a branch?"

Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord glanced at Zhou Xun, pondered for a moment, and said:

"It is certainly possible, but cultivating seedlings or branches of this tree is extremely difficult, with a success rate of less than one in ten thousand."

"However, Fellow Daoist Wang has extraordinary luck; perhaps he can succeed!"

Zhou Xun was overjoyed. With the Spring Condensation Scripture in hand, and the essence of spiritual plants used for cultivation, there was no reason why it wouldn't succeed. So he thanked him:
"Thank you for your generous gift, Heavenly Emperor! I, Wang, am deeply grateful!"

After sitting down again, Zhou Xun explained the true purpose of his visit:

"The Heavenly Lord previously mentioned a batch of fifth-tier lightning-attribute spiritual items, but I wonder..."

Upon hearing this, the Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord laughed heartily and casually waved his sleeve.

In an instant, the stone table in the pavilion shone brightly, lightning surged, and five or six treasures of different shapes, each radiating astonishing lightning energy, appeared in front of Zhou Xun!

There were fist-sized, dazzling lightning crystals that constantly emitted purple arcs of electricity, and lightning-struck wooden cores that were charred black but contained destructive lightning power.

A silvery metal resembling liquid lightning, known as Thundersilver.

In addition, there is also a fifth-grade superior-quality Lightning Grass...

These spiritual items are at least of the fifth-grade low quality, and the Lightning Flash Grass and the largest piece of Dazzling Lightning Crystal have even reached the fifth-grade high quality level!

Its value is so great that it would make any Nascent Soul cultivator green with envy.

Zhou Xun was mesmerized by what he saw.

With these spiritual items, the time it takes for his natal spirit pool to advance to a spirit treasure will be greatly shortened.
He suppressed his excitement and asked:

"Your Majesty, these... these spiritual items are far too precious. What should we exchange them for? Pills, spirit crystals, or something else? We will do as Your Majesty commands."

However, the Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord shook his head and said something surprising: "These things are just taking up space here, so I'll give them to you today, young friend."

Zhou Xun was taken aback by what he heard, almost thinking he had misheard.

These treasures are worth enough to exchange for several powerful treasures, yet the other party just gives them away like that?
He immediately composed himself, his expression turning serious, and resolutely shook his head in refusal:

“I am deeply grateful for the Emperor’s kindness! But I dare not accept such a generous gift! It is an ancient saying that one should not accept a reward without merit.”

He knew the karmic cycle in the cultivation world, and that free gifts often meant greater costs.

Seeing Zhou Xun's reaction, Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord's eyes flashed with regret. He sighed, his expression slightly forlorn.

"Young friend, you speak frankly, so I will speak plainly as well."

"I have lived a long and foolish life. Although my cultivation has reached the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, the path to enlightenment is difficult, and the threshold of the Void Refinement stage is like an insurmountable chasm... My lifespan is almost over."

He paused and continued:

"Although my Qin family can be considered a major family in Tian Shu City, the younger generation has been declining, and no one has been able to break through to the Nascent Soul stage so far."

“If I were to pass away, the Qin family would be in danger of collapse. I see that you are already a Nascent Soul cultivator at such a young age, and even a fifth-order alchemy master. Your future is limitless.”

"Therefore... I would like to invite you to serve as a guest elder of my Qin family for ten thousand years, during which time you will protect the Qin family's lineage and ensure its survival."

"These spiritual items can be considered as an advance payment. The Qin family will offer additional tributes in the future, and will also send one fifth-tier spiritual item every thousand years. What do you think, young friend?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun frowned slightly and fell into deep thought.

These conditions are incredibly generous.
But, the promise of being a guest minister for ten thousand years is too heavy.

This means that for a long time to come, he will need to be bound to the Qin family, protecting them from harm, which will inevitably consume a lot of his energy.
He might even get involved in unnecessary conflicts, which is inconsistent with his original intention of pursuing the Great Way and being carefree.

Keep in mind that he has only been cultivating for a little over three hundred years.

After a long silence, he slowly shook his head, his tone sincere yet firm:

“Your Majesty, please forgive me for not being able to agree. I am devoted to the Dao and cannot make such a promise.”

Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord seemed to have anticipated this answer, and his face showed little disappointment, only a deeper sigh.

He hesitated for a moment, then settled for second best:
"Since you are unwilling to be bound by these conditions, I will change my terms. These spiritual items will be exchanged for your promise to help me in the future."

"If one day my Qin family faces the danger of extermination,"

"And since you, young friend, have the ability to resolve this without endangering your own life or cultivation path, please lend a helping hand and assist my Qin family in overcoming this crisis. Would that be alright?"

This condition is undoubtedly much more lenient, promising only one transaction, and with preconditions.

Zhou Xun carefully weighed the options. These lightning-attribute spiritual objects were crucial to him, and a limited commitment was necessary, within a controllable range.

He nodded:
"If that's all there is to it, and provided it doesn't endanger my life or my path in cultivation, I can agree."

"Okay! It's a deal!"

A smile finally appeared on the face of the Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord.

"However, to the outside world, I will announce that you have agreed to serve as a guest elder of the Qin family. Perhaps by using your name, we can deter some villains."

"To buy more time for my Qin family, young friend, you only need to acquiesce and there is no need to actually fulfill the duties of a guest elder."

Zhou Xun understood that this was the other party's strategy, using his newly promoted Nascent Soul status to their advantage.
On the contrary, this relationship might make it easier for him to act in Tian Shu City, so he agreed:

"can."

Seeing that the matter was settled, the Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord was in high spirits.

Zhou Xun then took out a specially made jade talisman from his storage ring and handed it over: "Heavenly Lord, this is a jade talisman specially made by this junior, containing a wisp of my spiritual power."

"If the Qin family ever needs my help in the future, I can crush this talisman. No matter how far away I am, I will sense it and come as soon as possible."

Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord solemnly accepted the jade talisman, carefully put it away, and a relieved smile appeared on his face:
"Thank you very much, young friend! In that case, I can rest assured. Please keep these lightning-attribute spiritual items safe."

As he spoke, he pushed the rare and precious spiritual items on the table toward Zhou Xun.

Zhou Xun no longer hesitated and took the treasures into his possession.

After bidding farewell to the Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord, Zhou Xun returned directly to his cave dwelling in Tian Shu City.

He immediately and impatiently took out the Thunder Jade Purple Paulownia Tree.

This tree is about three feet tall, with a trunk like purple jade and branches and leaves that are silvery-white like lightning.
It was originally radiant with spiritual light and surrounded by thunderous energy when it was at Nine Thunder Peak.

However, once it left that rich environment of lightning spirits, it withered away rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye!
The silvery-white leaves began to curl, lose their luster, and even turn yellowish at the edges.

The purple hue on the main stem had also faded considerably, and the swirling, tiny electric arcs had become extremely weak.

It seemed as if it would be completely extinguished at any moment. The immense life force and lightning power were rapidly dissipating!
Zhou Xun dared not delay. He flashed and arrived at the corner of the Spirit Garden, which was the most spiritually rich area in the cave.

He had already reserved a spot here.

With fingers drawn like a sword, he swiftly carved a deep pit in the ground, carefully placed the roots of the endangered spirit tree into it, and then covered it with spirit soil.

However, simply planting them does not seem to immediately reverse their decline.

Zhou Xun could clearly sense that the ordinary spiritual energy in the soil was simply insufficient to meet its needs, and its vitality was rapidly fading away.

"It seems we have no choice but to use the 'Spring Condensation Scripture'!"

Zhou Xun's gaze sharpened, and without hesitation, he took out a fourth-grade low-level spiritual herb called "Earth Vein Spirit Mushroom".

He rapidly formed hand seals while chanting a profound incantation: "The way of Heaven is to take from the excess and give to the deficiency..."

A mysterious and profound power enveloped the earth vein spirit mushroom, rapidly extracting and refining its essence.
It transformed into a fist-sized, rich, vibrant emerald-green sphere of light.
Zhou Xun carefully guided this mass of life essence, slowly injecting it into the roots of the newly planted Thunder Jade Purple Tree.

The miracle happened!
The moment the essence of the elixir was absorbed, Lei Yu Zitong, who had been listless, suddenly shuddered!
It burst forth with a dazzling purple-silver light, and the curled, withered leaves unfurled at an astonishing speed, becoming crystal clear again, shimmering with silver light!

The spirit tree, which was on the verge of death, came back to life!

Seeing this, Zhou Xun felt reassured.
He then took out a fist-sized, fourth-grade high-quality "Thunder Essence Stone".
It was buried deep in the soil around the roots of the *Pterocarya stenoptera*.

The continuous lightning power provided by the Thunder Stone will better simulate its familiar growth environment.

Only then was this precious *Tetracentron sinense* successfully transplanted.

"In the future, we only need to use the essence of the spiritual medicine extracted from the 'Spring Condensation Scripture' every now and then to replenish its source and help it grow."

Zhou Xun was making plans in his mind.

Having properly dealt with the matter of the spirit tree, Zhou Xun had no more worries in his heart.

He turned and entered the cultivation room, activating all protective barriers.
Then, with a wave of his hand, he took out the "Mysterious Spirit Golden Pill" and prepared to break through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm!

(End of this chapter)