Druid Fairy

Chapter 78 Blissful Illusion, Hunting Trip to the Spirit Mountain

Li Pingcan, however, did not have the arrogance that comes with the rapid progress brought about by the saying "Once I swallow a golden pill, my fate is in my own hands, not in the heavens."

The Dao Spirit Pill works silently and gradually, tempering the soul step by step. As time goes by, he gradually feels the subtle differences.

In other words, it has a lasting effect!
In just half an hour, the increase in mental strength made it easier to use highly energy-consuming skills such as [Water Manipulation] and [Earth Shaping] than before.

"Based on the current absorption rate of the pills, once fully absorbed, it will likely increase the 'blue energy' cap by about five levels!"

This raises the "upper limit," equivalent to a miraculous medicine in novels that refines aptitude and cleanses the marrow.

Li Pingcan felt that he could now fight two Left Protectors, and once he fully absorbed the Dao Spirit Pill, he might even be able to do three things at once.

He glanced at the Azure Dragon brothers, whose bodies were rippled slightly. He gently swept his fish tail, but the ripples bounced back, as if it were some kind of restriction.

It seems that they will be protected by the Dragon Palace during their training at the Questioning Platform.

Seeing that the blue dragon's pain gradually subsided and its clarity returned, they knew that the other was about to awaken.

"Ugh, another failure!"

The Azure Dragon opened its eyes, its face filled with disappointment.

The first level of its "Questioning the Heart" illusion is filled with countless itchy bumps, which is really unbearable!

"Brother, you failed too?"

"It's impossible to break through the Mind-Questioning Illusion in such a short time," the Azure Dragon reassured him. "It's alright. Even if you fail for the first time, you'll get a consolation prize. I got a Spirit-Pointing Pill back then."

Several years ago, the clueless Green Snake accidentally obtained a dragon's skin and horns. While being chased, she narrowly escaped death and used the power of the dragon to reach the Dragon Palace. With the body of a precious beast, she was awakened to her intelligence and thus opened up a new world.

The price for gaining the power of the dragon is a body covered in bumps.

"There was no failure, but by sheer luck, I obtained a Dao Spirit Pill."

Li Pingcan made no secret of what he had obtained; if it weren't for the Azure Dragon, he wouldn't have been able to reach the Dragon Palace. The Azure Dragon was a loyal snake, true to its word, and he had already digested the elixir.

"My goodness! Heavens! Dao Spirit Pill!"

The Azure Dragon stared with its golden snake eyes, its tone filled with undisguised envy. It circled around Li Pingcan and said, "The 'Dao' generation pills are the best rewards here. With them, Tiandeng can advance to the second level."

Its best achievement was only "Earthly Level," never reaching the Heavenly Level. This little grass goldfish, its Dao heart is so firm? It truly makes the snake jealous!
"Let's try the second level quickly!" the Azure Dragon exclaimed excitedly. "I'll protect you!"

Li Pingcan sensed Qingjiao's sincerity.

His gaze turned fiery as he looked towards the Dragon Palace.

If you can obtain such a precious medicine on the first level, what about the second and third levels?
While chatting with the Azure Dragon, he absorbed most of the Dao Spirit Pill. Time to try the second level!
"The second level, the Illusionary Music Stage."

The scene of the Dragon Palace dissipated like smoke, permeating Li Pingcan's entire life, and depicting all sorts of blissful scenes of the greatest happiness in the world.

He gained fame at a young age, shocking the Great Yu.

He was accomplished in both literary and martial arts, and passed the imperial examination with flying colors.

Beautiful women abound, and revelry continues every night.

He wielded immense power and ruled as regent.

Family tradition, generation after generation as emperors.

The path to immortality is smooth and easy; whether you're a chosen one of heaven, a darling of the heavens, a fairy, a goddess, or a demon, you can conquer them all.

Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Soul... Finally, one grasps the Great Dao and becomes eternally indestructible!

Hehe, hehehehe!

In the Phantom Stage, Lee Pyeongchan wore a foolishly happy smile.

The Azure Dragon slapped its tail to cover its face, lamenting, "It's over, brother, you've fallen!"

"This is so awesome!"

Li Pingcan woke up with a silly grin on his face, savoring the dream he had just had. After a moment, he suddenly remembered that he was experiencing an illusion, and his expression changed.

You're using this to test veteran cadres?
Which veteran cadre could withstand such a test!

"The second level is too difficult. It completely arouses people's most primal and craving desires."

Lee Pyeongchan considered himself to be a person with relatively low material desires, but he didn't expect that he couldn't withstand the test either.

It's not that we lack willpower, it's just that the illusion was too wonderful!

Fortunately, everything experienced in the illusion will feel like a dream upon waking, like watching a movie, and you won't actually experience hundreds of years.

Otherwise, with such a huge gap between the illusion and reality, one might really have their Dao heart collapse!
"Brother, don't be sad. There are no limits to the illusion. You can keep trying."

Qingjiao really wanted to say that at least you are in the "realm of bliss," while I am still suffering in the "realm of suffering"!
Li Pingcan, unaware of Qingjiao's envy, jealousy, and hatred, wholeheartedly agreed.

Since I failed once, I can only keep trying and hone my resolve!
Just then, a "consolation prize" appeared in his hand.

This time it wasn't a pill, but a golden talisman.

[Amulet for warding off evil (metal): Absorbs negative energy and impurities clinging to the space or person; causes some damage to powerful evil spirits that approach; and is immune to low-level evil spirits.]

The Azure Dragon exclaimed in surprise, "This is a wonderful treasure! If you encounter evil spirits like water monkeys, it can ensure your safety."

The Dayu River area is vast and rich in resources, but it also has many dangerous places. For example, there is a perilous spot where many upside-down corpses float on the water, which is extremely eerie.

If you accidentally encounter it, you may be haunted, your personality will change drastically, and you will become neither human nor ghost, ruining your life.

Li Pingcan recalled that Fang Lin, the head镖师 (bodyguard), had said something similar before, and gladly accepted it.

Evil spirits are hard to deal with, but having a talisman is like having an extra layer of protection.

Today was very fruitful, but after the excitement, fatigue set in.

With this kind of mental state, trying the "Phantom Stage" again would most likely be fruitless and a waste of time.

Li Pingcan decided to go home to rest and temper his will, and then try again with Qingjiao in a few days.

Anyway, the Dragon Palace can't grow legs and run away.

A snake and a fish returned to the rift valley via the undercurrent.

The rift valley was scorching hot. In the dark depths, clusters of bright red clumps stung the eyes, while the fairy-tale-like white mist was actually high-temperature water vapor.

If it weren't for the fact that the fish and shrimp that manage to cross the high tide to reach this place are all extraordinary, they would have turned into plates of cooked food when they passed through the rift valley.

Li Pingcan had a sudden thought: Could there be fire elemental energy at the bottom of this rift valley?

But the scorching heat was unbearable; even the top floor was unbearably hot, and he didn't want to turn into a grilled fish.

"Once my fire control skill and resistance are maxed out, I'll be able to explore the bottom of this rift valley."

Such unusual places may very well harbor unusual spirits.

Water and fire are merciless; water can suffocate, while fire is a violent form of physical destruction.

Compared to water, scorching flames are more terrifying.

"Qingjiao, how will I find you after the tide goes out?" Li Pingcan asked. Once the tide in the Qingjiang River ends, the passage of the undercurrent will be closed.

“That’s easy.” The Azure Dragon plucked a dragon scale from a hidden spot on the dragon skin. “Just hold this dragon scale and call my name.”

"Okay, thanks, brother."

As dawn approached, Li Pingcan was about to head home when he saw Qingjiao blush and ask, "Brother, could you let me have some more fun?"

A whip of thorns?

This is a simple matter.

Since the Azure Serpent had helped him so much, Li Pingcan certainly wouldn't be stingy. Countless algae transformed into thorns, which danced wildly around the Azure Serpent!

The azure dragon was enveloped within, its eyes rolling back, its mouth gaping open, drool dripping from its mouth. It displayed an expression of utter ecstasy and blissful ecstasy.

Looking at this silly snake, Li Pingcan covered his face with his fins, unable to bear to look!

It's just a tickle, bro, why are you acting like you're on drugs!
…………

As the morning mist filled the air, a bird suddenly broke through the clouds, darted through the dim light, and landed back at the Li family's house.

Seeing the untouched letters on the table, Li Pingcan directly controlled the candle flame, burning them to ashes.

If I can't get home in time, this letter will ease my parents' worries.

Everything is going well now, so it's best to burn the letter.

In the time that followed, Li Pingcan's life remained fulfilling, even busy.

Because of the failure of "Phantasy Stage", he examined his own inner desires.

The "Questioning Platform" is a painful illusion, but the difference between the two lives is huge. In this life, he has received unprecedented family affection, so he can distinguish between illusion and reality and thus quickly wake up.

Unlike other places, the "Phantom Music Stage" is filled with countless desires in life, truly a place of ultimate bliss.

"The reason for longing is because it is not satisfied, but human desires are endless and can never be truly satisfied."

To pass the Illusionary Music Stage, he doesn't need to suppress his desires, but rather to learn to delay gratification.

Li Pingcan underwent special training to delay satisfying various desires, starting with small things around him, such as a delicious meal or a victory. He would calm his mind before doing anything, so as to achieve a state of mental clarity.

Time flies, and another autumn has arrived. Li Pingfu has firmly established himself in Pantao Town. His nine-year-old apprentice, Sun Zheng, has shown remarkable talent, bringing another wave of prestige to the Li Family Martial Arts School, which is now becoming the number one martial arts school in town.

"Brother Pingfu." Li Yuan hurriedly entered the martial arts hall's quiet room with an invitation in hand, and looked at Li Pingfu sitting quietly on the ground.

In just one year, the once ferocious beast became harmless, its aura concealed, and it was impossible to discern the power of a Divine Fiend Realm expert.

However, the more this happened, the more respectful Li Yuan became, which showed that Pingfu had reached the point where he could freely control his internal energy.

In recent years, he has also diligently cultivated martial arts. With Li Fang's reluctant financial support, he bought a Qi and Blood Pill and successfully advanced to the Qi and Blood Realm.

The price he paid was marrying a woman at the beginning of the year, and now his wife is pregnant.

Even with such hard work and the aid of elixirs, it was still difficult to catch up with Li Pingfu!
"what's up?"

Li Pingfu didn't consider himself a big shot and treated his brothers the same as always.

"The Yunshui County Martial Alliance sent an invitation, saying that the new county magistrate is in high spirits and is organizing folk masters to compete with military officials in the autumn hunt to see which side can hunt more precious beasts in the Ling Mountain."

The term "spiritual mountain" is not the name of a single mountain, but rather a collective term for mountain ranges with relatively abundant spiritual energy.

These places, blessed with outstanding people and auspicious energy, have long been the private property of immortals, and ordinary people are not allowed to enter.

Natural mountain ranges such as Peach Blossom Mountain and Taichang Mountain are not bound by rules and regulations, but they also do not contain any powerful treasures. Ordinary herbs and medicinal plants are already considered "treasures," and precious plants and beasts are hard to find.

Of course, there are also dangerous places with no restrictions on entry and exit, such as the Dayu River, but for martial artists and immortals, it may be a road of no return.

"This may not be a good thing." Li Pingfu accepted the invitation and pondered for a moment.

A new broom sweeps clean, and the new immortal's generosity in allowing hunting on Mount Ling might be a means of purging the local military officer group.

It's best not to get involved in these complicated matters.

The Martial Alliance invited me, but going might not bring me any favors; refusing would certainly offend them.

“Reply to the letter and say that the Li Family Martial Arts School will participate.”

Life is like rowing against the current; if you don't move forward, you fall behind.

It's simply a matter of weighing the pros and cons and making the most advantageous choices in the present moment.

Li Pingfu then instructed Li Yuan, "Ask the other three martial arts school owners if they have been invited. If so, send them invitations in advance."

Given the unclear situation of the hunting in Ling Mountain, forming alliances among acquaintances to advance and retreat together is a good option.

Just as Li Yuan was about to respond, a loud commotion suddenly came from outside the martial arts school, mixed with women's shouts.

"Li Pingfu, Li Pingfu, come out here!"

Li Yuan frowned. This young lady of the Vermilion Bird Martial Arts School, Lin Fengwu's daughter Lin Xiaowu, is here to pester Brother Pingfu again.
He looked at Li Pingfu, who also looked helpless. Li Pingfu waved his hand and said, "Go ahead and do your work. I'll handle this myself."

Step out of the quiet room.

A woman dressed in a red, tight-fitting outfit glared fiercely at the people from the Li Family Martial Arts School. She raised her chin high, like a proud swan, whipping her whip wildly, leaving deep white marks on the floor tiles, and arrogantly declared:
"Li Pingfu, if you don't come out, I'm going to smash up your martial arts school!"

This is a tactic that Lin Xiaowu often uses.

Hehe, I'm not afraid of not being able to exploit your weaknesses!

She swung the whip with great skill, crackling it repeatedly. Just as it was about to strike a martial arts disciple, a hand reached out as if reaching through the clouds and grasped the sharp whip directly.

Li Pingfu's dark, close-fitting clothes fluttered slightly in the wind, his expression calm. "What urgent matter does Miss Lin have to discuss?"

Lin Xiaowu tugged at the whip, but couldn't budge it. Her almond-shaped eyes widened, and her ears turned bright red as she said:
"I want to go with you to the county government's autumn hunt. If you refuse, I'll tear down the Qilin stone sculpture in front of your martial arts school!"

"This is not a decision that Mr. Li can make."

Li Pingfu released his grip, nearly causing Lin Xiaowu, who had been exerting all her strength, to fall backward. He said calmly, "I'm sorry, I can't fulfill Miss Lin's wish. You can dismantle the stone carving."

He stood there quietly, watching to see if Lin Xiaowu had the ability to dismantle the stone carving.

"You! You bullied me, I'm going to tell my mother!"

Lin Xiaowu was so angry that she stomped her feet, wanting to whip her to vent her anger, but Li Pingfu grabbed her again. Feeling humiliated, she covered her face and ran out of the martial arts school crying.

The martial arts school disciples were left looking at each other in bewilderment.

Xie Xiaodao teased, "Brother, your emotional debts are terrifying! How did you get into this mess?"

Anyone who gets a crush on Lin Xiaowu is doomed. Although she's good-looking, her personality is terrible. She'll crack a whip at the drop of a hat. Who can stand that?

Compared to her, even the shrew in the house seems gentle and lovable!

The martial arts school disciples were still shaken by the experience and wholeheartedly agreed.

Li Pingfu was helpless. He was focused on martial arts and had no interest in women. He just had bad luck with women.

…………

Apricot Blossom Tavern.

The four martial arts school masters of Pantao Town gathered together to exchange information.

"Hey!"

Shen Xiaotian took a sip of wine, but still couldn't hide his melancholy. "My brother who works in Yunshui County revealed the inside story: the new magistrate wants to purge the military officers that local tycoons have placed in the county, which is why this autumn hunt is taking place."

Will the powerful families in the county simply surrender?
If the new magistrate is a powerful dragon, then the families of Yunshui County are local tyrants!

Since they are engaged in open and covert struggles, bloodshed and violence are inevitable.

When gods fight, mortals suffer!
Li Pingfu said, "Yunshui County has more than ten towns, and it will be a mixed bag of people. We need to form an alliance, help each other, advance and retreat together, and keep a low profile to ensure a safe retreat."

Lei Zhenshan expressed his agreement.

His White Tiger Martial Arts School is just a branch. It will inevitably have to join forces with the White Tiger Headquarters in Yunshui County. But who would complain about having too many allies?

In the past year or two, Li Pingfu, this young man, has steadily dominated the three martial arts schools. At first, they were resentful, but as time went on, they got used to it and it became alright.

Now that we are facing a life-or-death situation, we can't wait for Li Pingfu to become even more formidable.

I have no objection to an alliance.

Lin Fengwu glanced at Li Pingfu and said meaningfully, "Martial arts school masters participating in the autumn hunt can bring two attendants. I plan to bring Xiaowu. My daughter is also a Qi and Blood Realm martial artist with a bright future, but she is too sentimental."

Li Pingfu frowned slightly but remained silent, pondering who to take with him on the autumn hunt.

Although there may be risks, being able to hunt treasure beasts and share some of their flesh and blood is a remarkable opportunity.

…………

Li family.

Li Pingfu told his family about the autumn hunt.

"The newly appointed magistrate of Yunshui County is a cultivator in the mid-stage of Qi Refining, specializing in formations; he is a formation master."

"In Yunshui County, there are the Zhao, Wang, and Zhou families. Among them, the Zhao family is the most at odds with the county magistrate. The Zhao family also has a cultivator in the mid-stage of Qi Refining from a sect, so they are very confident."

"The autumn hunt is a game where each family uses its own methods. Regardless of who wins or loses, those who die are mostly civilian martial artists and the divine and evil martial officers trained by their families. It won't damage their foundation."

When one reaches the level of a county magistrate or a high-ranking official, the struggle for power becomes more respectable.

Even the respected martial arts school owner in town was nothing more than a pawn in the struggle for fame and fortune.

"Who are you planning to take on the autumn hunt? Li Yuan or..." Li Rongzhou asked, actually looking at Li Pingcan.

Li Pingcan thought for a moment, "Big brother, do you know who the other martial arts school owners are with?"

"Master Lin brought his daughter, Master Lei brought his son, and Brother Shen brought his brothers..."

Li Pingfu quickly realized that in the eyes of the martial arts school master, the autumn hunt was more of an opportunity than a danger, and it would be against all reason not to bring his own people along.

There are risks in everything, and the fact that the alliance can still be formed during the Autumn Hunt is already considered safe.

"Second brother is studying, and father is guarding the house. I'll go instead."

Lee Pyeongchan made his decision.

He just has a low profile; he's not invisible. If he were to hide himself, it would only lead to more speculation.

As long as you don't use active skills like talismans in front of the new magistrate, passive skills like animal conversation and nature's bounty can also be helpful.

Even cultivators in the late stage of Qi Refining are far from being able to project their divine sense, and their perception may not even be as strong as one's own.

Moreover, after two years of accumulation, and with the help of various powerful medicines obtained from Qingjiang Dingbao, his martial arts realm has reached the peak of Qi and Blood, and he can step into the Divine Fiend Realm at any time.

…………

late at night.

"I need to find a way to break through to the Divine Fiend Realm."

While his sons were outstanding and excellent, which made him proud, Li Rongzhou also felt unprecedented pressure. He looked at the distant starry sky and took a deep breath.

In the bright future, the help he can provide will become less and less, gradually turning from a pillar of strength into a burden.

Even so, every little bit of strength gained is a contribution, like eating grass and producing milk to nourish the family's growth.

(End of this chapter)