Eternal Immortal Dynasty: Starting as a Petty Official

Chapter 157 Late Stage of Qi Refining, The Time Has Arrived (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Before we knew it, several months had passed in the blink of an eye.

Before we knew it, it was already the end of the year.

For several months, Zhao Xian personally led the local people to inspect Wohu Township, Shahe Township and Yulin Township. He is now stationed in Shalin Township with his troops.

Perhaps because Zhao Xian was already famous, no bandit attacks had occurred in Rongtai County for several months.

Several more attacks by monsters occurred, but Zhao Zheng led his team to quell them.

Nowadays, besides his unwavering daily cultivation, Zhao Xian spends his days teaching martial arts to the Daoist people of the Demon Hunting Team.

Excluding Zhao Hong, Huang Zhong, and the other three teenagers, there are now more than ten second-rate martial artists among the Daoist people in the Demon Hunting Team.

The rest of the Daoist practitioners are also considered quite skilled among third-rate martial artists!

Within the county, Foundation Establishment cultivators are extremely rare, and the chances of encountering one are few and far between.

As for Qi Refining cultivators below the Foundation Establishment stage, let alone first-rate martial artists, even second- or third-rate martial artists pose a strong threat!

With a powerful bow and sharp blade at your side, you can easily break through the protective spells of a Qi Refining cultivator.

Night had fallen, the cold wind howled, and snowflakes, like goose feathers, drifted down to the ground.

The village of Salim was also completely silent.

A burly figure sat upright on the bed, his palms facing the sky, his eyes slightly closed, his breath barely perceptible, and his expression quite solemn and dignified.

"Snap!"

Suddenly, a soft sound came from the cultivator's body, and then the cultivator opened his eyes abruptly, his eyes shining with a crimson light like a star!

At the same time, a golden light screen appeared before the cultivator's eyes.

Owner of the cauldron: Zhao Xian

[Fortune: Light Red]

[Spiritual Root: Fire Root (丙中火)]

[Cultivation Level: Qi Refining Stage 7]

[Lucky Golden Pearl: 0]

【技艺】：烈阳真法（精通：120/10000）、穿云射术（精通：3167/10000）、松鹤养元拳（大成：5011/100000）、追风斩灵刀（大成：2020/100000）

"call!"

Letting out a long sigh, Zhao Xian looked at the golden light screen in front of him and couldn't help but smile slightly.

After months of arduous training, all ten Qi Luck Golden Pearls were used up, and he finally gained the cultivation level of the seventh level of Qi Refining.

From this day forward, I can finally call myself a practitioner!

If it were a world where immortals and mortals were separated, a cultivator like myself, who could cast spells and wield magical artifacts, could naturally call myself an immortal master in front of mortals!

Upon this thought, Zhao Xian's mind stirred slightly, and a wisp of fire ignited at his fingertips. The fire flickered, and a scorching heat permeated the surroundings, yet his fingertips did not feel any heat at all.

"go!"

With a soft shout, the flame suddenly swelled several times in size, growing to the size of a fist, and flew straight forward.

After flying about two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters) away, the fireball began to shake violently, as if it were about to explode.

"receive!"

With another soft shout, the fireball flew towards Zhao Xian again, hovering above his fingertip, slowly shrinking to the size of a flame.

At the same time, two messages came to mind.

"Fireball skill proficiency +1!"

"Fireball (Proficiency: 1/1000)!"

"They skipped the beginner level and went straight to the proficient level!"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Xian also showed a hint of surprise.

After pondering for a few moments, Zhao Xian understood why!

Perhaps it was because he had cultivated the minor fire-burning technique to perfection.

"In the future, I will need to find another fire control technique to cultivate. If I can cultivate fire control to a perfect level, the power of my fire-based magic will be several times stronger!"

With a sigh, Zhao Xian continued to look down along the golden light curtain.

After months of arduous training, he successfully transformed the "Six Yang Technique" into the "Blazing Sun True Method," a low-grade Xuan-level technique!

The magical power cultivated using a Xuan-rank technique is several times stronger than that cultivated using a Huang-rank technique!

Now that he has reached the seventh level of Qi Refining, he has sixty-four strands of mana in his dantian. Just now, when he used the fireball technique, he had already consumed one strand of mana.

If it were the magical power he had cultivated using the Six Yang Technique, it would take at least three strands of energy to be depleted.

And this is merely the most insignificant difference between high-level and low-level cultivation techniques!

After all, the benefits of advanced cultivation techniques are not limited to just this!

Judging from Zhao Xian's own perception, the power of that fireball spell was such that a typical second-rate martial artist could only withstand one fireball spell at most!

However, there is one thing: a skilled level of fireball is still slightly insufficient for use in actual combat!

Just by making hand seals to mobilize magical power, it takes several breaths, and within those few breaths, the martial artist would probably have already pounced on them!

No wonder those late-stage Qi Refining cultivators use talismans the most when they fight!

Now that I have entered the late stage of Qi Refining, I can buy some talisman paper and learn how to make talismans.

With the help of a cheat code, I'm sure my own method of making talismans will also be successful!

Although his archery skills have now fallen from the mastery level to the proficiency level, his own strength has not diminished.

This "Shooting Techniques Through the Clouds" was a gift from a prominent family in Yulin Township when Zhao Xian was stationed there. It is said that the gift was obtained from Taizhou.

As is well known, the cultivation world in Taizhou is dominated by martial arts cultivators, while immortal cultivators are quite rare.

Qingzhou and Nanzhou are mainly inhabited by immortal cultivators, while the desolate state west of Yunling is quite a mixed bag, with both immortal and martial arts lineages.

The precious sword Hanxue in Zhao Hong's hand was purchased by the Xu family from a merchant in Taizhou.

Zhao Xian also wanted to come and play with it for a few days, and it was really good!

It can certainly be called a mid-grade weapon!

The crowing of a rooster interrupted Zhao Xian's thoughts. Zhao Xian looked up at the window, then pulled the quilt over himself.

What good is a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator? They still need to eat and sleep!

Perhaps once you reach the Foundation Establishment stage, you can cultivate day and night without rest!

The next morning, as dawn broke.

"Squeak~"

Pushing open the door, Zhao Xian slowly walked out of the house and stood in the courtyard.

"suck!"

Taking a deep breath, the cool air penetrated his internal organs, making Zhao Xian more alert!

"call!"

After a few breaths, Zhao Xian let out a long sigh and began to get into a fighting stance, practicing his fist techniques.

As the sun rose in the east, casting golden rays across the sky, Zhao Hong and his three companions slowly emerged from the house, yawning repeatedly.

Seeing that Zhao Xian had already started, the four of them also stood in their respective corners and began their morning exercises.

After an unknown amount of time, the five people in the courtyard were all emitting wisps of heat, which caused the courtyard to be shrouded in mist.

"Come, let's see if your swordsmanship has improved these past few days?"

Suddenly, Zhao Xian drew a semi-circle with his ring-pommel sword, pointing it at Zhao Hong and his group of four in the distance, and smiled calmly.

Without hesitation, the four men drew their knives and charged!

Huang Zhong came with the strongest momentum and was already in front of Zhao Xian in the blink of an eye!

"Ding!"

With a soft clashing sound, the two swords clashed together, scattering sparks!

Feeling the tingling and numbness coming from the tiger's mouth, Zhao Xian couldn't help but be slightly startled!

This kid's getting stronger and stronger!

If we were to say who has made the fastest progress in cultivation over the past few months, in Zhao Xian's opinion, it should be this kid Huang Zhong!

In just a few months, with ample resources, Huang Zhongjing had already begun to prepare to practice the Tendon-Refining Secret Technique in order to push his cultivation to the level of Tendon-Refining Perfection!

Meanwhile, Zhao Hong and his two companions were still training their muscles!

"At this kid's cultivation speed, if it weren't for my cheat-like abilities, I might have been surpassed by him!"

With a sigh, Zhao Xian felt even more strongly that taking Huang Zhong under his wing was the best decision he had ever made!

Perhaps in just a few months, this kid will become the first first-rate martial artist under my command!

Currently, Xu Dejing is still the closest to being a first-class martial artist under his command, but Huang Zhong is now gaining momentum and may be about to overtake him!

Apart from the Tiger Strength Bone Tempering Pill, all the other martial arts cultivation elixirs in his possession had long been used up.

"Looks like it's time to buy some Leopard Embryo Tendon-Changing Pills for Huang Zhong, Zhao Hong, and the others!"

"But I've been cultivating for a while now, so I probably don't have many spirit stones left!"

"We need to ask Zhao Hong again!"

"Whoosh!"

A flash of cold light disappeared in an instant, and Zhao Xian gently pushed the knife out, hitting the hilt of Huang Zhong's knife squarely!

Clang!

With a soft sound, the ring-pommel sword in Huang Zhong's hand flew out!

Seeing this, Huang Zhong could only pout and withdraw from the battle.

Before long, the ring-pommel swords in Zhao Hong's and the others' hands flew out, thus ending their morning practice.

"Master~"

Outside the courtyard, Mu Chun had been waiting for quite some time!

Seeing that Zhao Xian and the others had finished, he immediately came in carrying a bamboo basket!

"Chun-ge'er, what's for breakfast today?"

Upon seeing Mu Chun arrive, Zhao Bing immediately stepped forward and smilingly accepted the bamboo basket.

"Still spirit rice porridge!"

Mu Chun didn't stand on ceremony and handed the bamboo basket to Zhao Bing, replying with a smile.

"Ah! We've been eating this for a month already!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Bing immediately complained.

"You're tired of the spirit rice porridge; it seems you'll need to eat more millet!"

Upon hearing Zhao Bing's complaint, Zhao Xian immediately raised an eyebrow and made a joke.

"Hehe! Then let's have some spirit rice porridge!"

With a laugh, Zhao Bing grabbed the bamboo basket and ran towards the hall.

Before long, the group finished their meal, put the bowls and chopsticks back into the bamboo basket, and headed out of the village house.

As for the bowls and chopsticks, the servants in the house will clean them up themselves.

"People from the clan have come today, bringing some things. Ah Hong, Ah Duan, the four of you stay here at the village house. Mu Chun and I will go and inspect the village!"

"knew!"

Zhao Hong responded and prepared his mount. Zhao Xian took the reins, mounted the horse, and led Mu Chun to meet up with his elder brother Zhao Zheng and the others!

After seeing Zhao Xian and the other two off, Zhao Hong and the other three returned to their respective residences.

Around noon, the two oxcarts slowly arrived outside the village of Salim.

Upon hearing the servant's report, Zhao Hong and his three companions immediately hurried out of the village house.

"Father, what brings you here!"

Upon seeing the person who had arrived, Zhao Bingli exclaimed with delight.

"Greetings, Uncle!"

"Greetings, Fifth Uncle!"

Zhao Hong and the others stepped forward to pay their respects. The visitors were Zhao Li and Zhao Zhong, the village chief of Yangping Village.

"Send some things to Ah Xian!"

Zhao Li patted the straw on the oxcart and then said with a smile.

"Where's Ah Xian?"

Zhao Zhong nodded to the group and casually asked a question.

"He's off inspecting the villages!"

Zhao Hong replied respectfully.

"In that case, everyone come and lend a hand. Let's move these things inside, and Ah Xian can check them himself when he gets back!"

Zhao Zhong nodded, then looked at Zhao Li and the others, and said with a smile.

The group readily agreed and began working together to move the items from the oxcart.

"What's tied up inside? It's so heavy!"

Zhao Hong took the bundle, hoisted it onto his shoulder, and swayed slightly. He immediately asked in confusion!

"Take a look for yourself!"

Zhao Li said without looking up, his hands busy as he grabbed another bundle and put it on his shoulder.

"Rip!"

Zhao Hong parted the straw, glanced at it, and immediately a look of shock appeared on his face!

These straw bundles were actually made of leather armor!

"The last time we hunted that boar dragon, Ah Xian had it skinned, and along with some other monster hides he'd collected, he took it home and tanned it for a few months to make these things!"

"And that set of iron armor we got during the last raid on the bandits, we should also have it repaired by the blacksmith!"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Li immediately spoke in a low voice.

"With these things, Ah Xian's demon-hunting team is finally doing quite well!"

Zhao Zhong, who was standing to the side, also chimed in.

As for whether these things will arouse suspicion in others, there is no need to worry about that!

After unloading the goods from the two oxcarts, Zhao Li and Zhao Zhong rested for a while before driving the oxcarts back to Wohu Township!

With Zhao Xiankai's message in their hands, the two of them could choose any pavilion to stay in after nightfall without any worries.

After seeing Zhao Li and his companion off, as the sun began to set, Zhao Xian led his entourage back to Shalin Village.

With so many people, it was impossible for them to stay in the village houses. They set up camp outside the village houses, where they had campfires for warmth and tents for shelter, which helped them withstand the biting cold wind!

At this time, Zhao Xian's servants also prepared porridge and rice for the people of Dao to enjoy.

"Brother, find a dozen or so men to help Ah Hong move the things out of the yard!"

Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Hong and the others who were waiting outside the cottage, then immediately looked at Zhao Zheng and gave instructions.

Zhao Zheng then selected a group of people to meet with Zhao Hong.

A moment later, dozens of sets of leather armor appeared before the eyes of the Daoist people in the camp!

As Zhao Xian had expected, the eyes of these Daoist followers were burning with desire as they looked at the armor in front of them, wishing they could rush over and take it all!

"Exactly forty sets, no more, no less!"

"Elder brother, you should distribute them!"

Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Zheng with a smile and said, then pointed to the wooden box at his feet, "This set is yours, elder brother!"

"First squad leader, step forward and take up your armor!"

Zhao Zhengsu shouted, and Zhao Ji, who was in the ranks, immediately led his men out of the formation.

As instructed by Zhao Xian, the squad leader and the sergeant could receive leather armor made by the pig dragon, while the rest could only receive other leather armor!

These leather armors are all of the two-deck style, and are very convenient to wear.

Before long, the people of the First Shidao were dressed in full armor, looking quite like regular soldiers!

Following the second...

Only after the four Shidao people had finished dressing did Zhao Zhengfang, with Zhao Ji's help, put on the suit of armor.

At this time, Zhao Xian's demon-hunting team had undergone a complete transformation and was completely renewed!

"Hmm! Not bad, not bad!"

Zhao Xian was quite satisfied with this scene.

Zhao Xian's gaze fell on the bald heads of Zhao Ji and the others, and he realized that they were missing helmets!

Helmets are part of armor, and although Zhao Xian is a military officer, he dares not manufacture armor on his own!

"However, helmets cannot be made, but straw hats can be used instead!"

After a few breaths of thought, Zhao Xian also came up with a substitute.

"Now that you are in armor, you will be able to patrol the villages diligently in the future. I will also advise the magistrate to include you in the county army!"

"At that time, I can earn at least another 150 coins per month!"

"We thank you, Sergeant!"

"I am willing to die for Sergeant!"

Upon hearing Zhao Xian's words, Zhao Zheng, Zhao Ji, Zhao Zong, and the others immediately raised their arms and shouted loudly!

The other Taoist practitioners did the same!

The shouts echoed throughout the surrounding area, attracting the attention of the officials in the village.

"The Daoist followers under Lord Zhao's command are surprisingly skilled and capable!"

Meanwhile, Song Ming, Cao Quan, Liu Ping, and several other military officers watched this scene with astonishment on their faces.

"Ah Sheng, you haven't hunted demons with these Taoist priests. When they hunt demons, they are already quite disciplined and obey orders without question!"

Cao Quan looked at Liu Sheng and Xu Dejing, who both looked surprised, and immediately showed a hint of reminiscence on his face, praising them.

"Alright, everyone, you can all leave now!"

Zhao Xian waved his hand, signaling the Daoists to stop, and then said with a smile.

These Daoist people have been under Zhao Xianmo's rule for a long time. Their food and clothing are provided by the various villages, but they also have to receive a monthly stipend!

The rule set by Zhao Xian was that ordinary Taoists would receive 200 coins per month, squad leaders would receive 250 coins per month, and platoon leaders would receive 300 coins per month.

Zhao Zheng is the team leader, and his monthly salary is six hundred talismans!

However, if a Daoist is a second-rate martial artist but does not hold the position of squad leader or platoon leader, they should still receive the talisman money as if they were a squad leader.

All told, this one item alone costs Zhao Xian about 10,000 coins every month!

That's equivalent to about eighty low-grade spirit stones!

That's almost a mid-grade spirit stone!

If it weren't for the fact that the wealthy families in each village were quite adept at social etiquette, Zhao Xian would have already spent all his savings!

There was no other way; Zhao Xian didn't want to accept all offers, but the county wouldn't pay for the talisman, so he had no choice.

In addition, Zhao Xian also held a banquet for his followers every five days!

Of course, it wasn't exactly a grand banquet, but it still required two shi of wine and a hundred jin of meat!

That's quite a sum of money!

"Raising an army is no easy task!"

With a sigh, Zhao Xian looked at Zhao Hong beside him and leaned closer to ask him a few questions in a low voice.

Zhao Hong's answer also caused Zhao Xian a pang of pain. Most of the rewards he had received from hunting demons and slaying thieves had already been spent, and now he only had a few hundred low-grade spirit stones left!

"Brother, if there's no more income, you won't even be able to pay the demon-hunting team's monthly salary!"

Zhao Hong, fearing that Zhao Xian might not understand the meaning behind it, leaned closer to Zhao Xian and whispered in his ear.

"There's always a way out!"

"At worst, elder brother can swallow his pride and visit a few wealthy families!"

Having said that, Zhao Xian spurred his horse forward!

Zhao Hong could only smile bitterly. Although he managed the money, he only spent it and never brought it in!

Scratching his head, Zhao Hong also had no idea what to do!

This scene, however, fell into Song Ming's eyes!

As night fell, after discussing matters with Song Ming, Zhao Zheng, and others, Zhao Xian prepared to let everyone go back to rest.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Bing, who was guarding outside the courtyard gate, rushed in!

"What's the matter that you're so panicked!"

Upon seeing Zhao Bing's reaction, Zhao Xian immediately frowned and asked in a solemn voice.

"Attendant Chen, Zhang Wen has urgent business to discuss!"

Zhao Bing immediately replied in a hurried voice.

"Quickly, please invite Mr. Zhang in!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian's expression immediately turned serious, and he spoke.

Before long, a figure followed Zhao Bing into the hall!

"Zhang Wen greets Lord Bingcao!"

"Chen Jun sent me to deliver a message to you, sir!"

Seeing that all of Zhao Xian's officials were present, Zhang Wen respectfully bowed and presented a letter with both hands!

Mu Chun, who was standing behind Zhao Xian, immediately stepped forward, took the secret letter, and presented it to Zhao Xian.

"The time has come for the Wu family!"

"Come to Crouching Tiger Village immediately!"

After reading the secret letter, Zhao Xian handed it to Song Ming, who sat to the left.

Song Ming took the secret letter, glanced at it, and then looked at Zhao Xian, saying solemnly, "I will guard Shalin Township for you, sir!"

"Cao Quan, Xu Dejing, come with me to Wohu Township immediately!"

Zhao Xian nodded slightly, then looked down at Cao Quan and the other man, and gave them instructions.

"I will obey Lord Zhao's command!"

The two of them stood up at the same time, bowed, and agreed!

A moment later, the four riders left the country house and sped off to the west of it!

"Hiss!"

The reins were pulled tight, and the horse immediately raised its head and neighed several times before finally coming to a stop!

"Walk!"

He dismounted and immediately walked briskly towards the Wohu Village.

Chen Yuancheng was also well prepared; Wang Cong had been waiting for a long time outside the gate of the country house!

"Zhao Jun, Chen Jun are waiting in the backyard!"

Wang Cong said something, then took the reins, nodded to Cao Quan and the other man, and then led the horses of the group into the country house with Zhang Wen.

Before long, everyone had arrived in the main hall in the backyard.

Upon seeing Zhao Xian bring Cao Quan and Xu Dejing, Chen Yuancheng and Xu Dekun showed no unusual reaction!

The more families involved in such matters, the better!

"A few days ago, guests noticed strangers coming and going from the Wu family home. Those people were then housed in a secluded courtyard by the Wu family!"

"They feasted on wine and meat every day, and although those men were well-dressed, their behavior was extremely rude; they even openly laid hands on the Wu family's maids!"

"However, the Wu family guards that side courtyard very strictly. Although my guest has been with the Wu family for over a few months, he has not yet gained their trust and cannot get close!"

"Until yesterday, Wu De went to that side courtyard and stayed there for most of the day before leaving!"

"And when he left, he couldn't suppress the smile on his face!"

At this point, Xu Dekun revealed a cold smile, paused, and continued, "My guest was quite clever; he used some talisman money to curry favor with a rather favored maid in the Wu family!"

"That maid also served in the side courtyard!"

"The maid said that someone once let slip the word 'Mangshan'!"

"Mangshan?!"

Zhao Xian and the others were slightly taken aback, not knowing where they were!

"The Mangshan bandits!"

"Located deep within the Cloud Ridge, its leaders are rumored to all be Foundation Establishment cultivators!"

Seeing the puzzled looks on everyone's faces, Chen Yuancheng immediately began to explain.

"Then what use are these Mangshan bandits if they're not even within Rongtai County?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Quan also uttered a question.

"The Mangshan bandits have attacked disciples of the Yunlan Sect and are listed on the Yunlan Sect's wanted list!"

Chen Yuancheng immediately spoke up to explain.

"An elder in my family had a past conflict with the Mangshan bandits, so we have information about them!"

Everyone nodded in agreement. The Chen family was a powerful and established family with a history spanning hundreds of years!

"If we were to make a case about this bandit from Mangshan..."

After pondering for a few moments, Zhao Xian looked at Chen Yuancheng and asked in a low voice.

"Exterminating the Wu family shouldn't be a problem!"

Chen Yuancheng did some quick calculations with his fingers and then nodded.

Only then did Cao Quan and Xu Dejing understand what Zhao Xian and the others wanted to do!