When it comes to cultivating immortality, it naturally starts with upgrading the herb garden.

After Zhang left, the six people left behind looked at each other, somewhat at a loss.

Seeing this, Aunt Jiang said, "Why don't you introduce yourself first?"

The group nodded in agreement.

"My name is Luo Feng, and I am at the sixth level of Qi Refining."

"My name is Wang Sandou, and I am at the sixth level of Qi Refining."

"Wang Jiu, Qi Refining Level 6."

"Xie Qingshang, Qi Refining Level 6."

The cultivation levels of the group were the same as those of Song Chen, all at the sixth level of Qi Refining.

"Qian Zhanwang, Qi Refining Level 6."

After Song Chen, there was another person who hadn't been introduced, and everyone naturally turned their attention to that person.

Song Chen glanced at it, and his expression stiffened.

He recognized this person; it was none other than Zhang Jiu.

No wonder I haven't seen him around Huanbei; it turns out he's come all the way to Fenghe Island.

For a moment, a surge of joy welled up in Song Chen's heart, but that joy quickly disappeared.

Zhang Jiu looked pale and sullen. Under the gazes of the others, he slowly said, "Jiang Jiu, Qi Refining Level 6."

After saying that, Zhang Jiu lowered his head again, not looking at anyone.

After the self-introductions, everyone fell silent.

Aunt Jiang continued, "Let's get our things first!"

She picked up a token and a bracelet, and began to introduce them one by one:

"This is the Zhang family's identity token. It allows you to pass through the great formation. You can collect resources every month with this token. Remember to bind it to your master with your blood."

"This is your room number in South Alley. You've already paid the rent for four years."

The group took the items, each with a smile on their face and hope in their eyes.

For them, this is the hope for a breakthrough, this is the future.

Song Chen shook his head inwardly.

Having resources alone is not enough. If the problem of not being able to retain spiritual energy is not solved, let alone a pseudo-spiritual root, even a single spiritual root will find it impossible to break through to the late stage of Qi Refining.

of course.

Except for Heavenly Spiritual Roots and Different Spiritual Roots.

The former absorbs spiritual energy at an unimaginable speed and amplifies the meridians, making breakthroughs absolutely easy.

The latter has all sorts of strange methods at its disposal, and it can always break through.

"Number 121, South Lane".

Song Chen glanced at the room number on the bracelet and silently memorized it.

"Here are this month's 100 spirit stones and Qi Gathering Pills. Come and take them!"

In front of Aunt Jiang was a pile of spirit stones, and on top of it was a round pill that exuded a rich spiritual aura.

Luo Feng and the others stared wide-eyed.

This is the Qi Gathering Pill that I used to be reluctant to buy!

The group immediately lined up, quickly took the resources, and ran out of the Zhang family mansion without saying a word.

In the blink of an eye, the crowd dispersed, leaving only Song Chen and Zhang Jiu behind.

Zhang Jiu glanced at Song Chen, then turned to ask, "What kind of missions can I take on during the mid-stage of Qi Refining?"

"There are many options, it's up to you to choose, but I don't recommend choosing the One Finger Island mission."

"Things are not peaceful. The Xu family has produced several mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators, and several of our people have already died because of that mine."

Song Chen remained silent, listening quietly.

Zhang Jiu was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "...Let's go with the mission on One Finger Island. We need the one with the highest contribution points."

Aunt Jiang's eyes flickered, and she stared intently at Zhang Jiu for a long while before finally saying, "Okay."

She took out a mission token and pushed the spirit stones and pills on the table forward.

Zhang Jiu took the items, boarded the flying boat, and left.

Song Chen stepped forward, took the things, and was about to leave when Aunt Jiang called him back.

Aunt Jiang regained her composure and took out a redemption booklet, placing it in front of Song Chen, saying, "It's all in there."

Song Chen opened it and started reading.

Contribution points have strong purchasing power; one point can be exchanged for ten spirit stones. Moreover, many items in the exchange book cannot be bought outside. The exchange ratio is usually around one to twelve.

"Ten thousand points, a top-grade auxiliary spell for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Jiang asked, "You've taken a liking to it?"

Song Chen nodded.

He is currently in the mid-stage of Qi Refining, and he will be able to break through to the late stage in at most half a year. The late stage is not far from Foundation Establishment, so he can plan ahead.

"I can help you, but on one condition."

"What?"

Song Chen's sharp gaze fell on Aunt Jiang's face.

Aunt Jiang remained calm and got straight to the point: "You will take on the mission to One Finger Island and go help Jiang Jiu."

Song Chen narrowed his eyes and then realized that Aunt Jiang and Zhang Jiu's facial features were somewhat similar.

Biological mother?

"The Xu family sent out their strongest cultivator, who is only at the mid-stage? Does he possess high-grade spells and high-grade magic weapons?"

Song Chen asked a series of questions.

Aunt Jiang smiled and replied, "Currently, those who come are all outsiders, and they may not know high-grade spells. As for high-grade magic artifacts, those are extremely valuable."

"How many contribution points are needed for the task? What is the objective? How long does it last?"

"Three hundred contribution points, kill three cultivators from the Xu family on One Finger Island, within one month, and the top-grade spell will be yours."

Song Chen stroked his chin, standing still like a statue.

Not surprisingly.

Should I continue farming and slowly improve my cultivation, or accelerate my Foundation Establishment process ahead of time?

This is a big deal and deserves careful consideration.

Aunt Jiang didn't put any pressure on me, but continued, "We can draw up a contract. You can make reasonable requests. I still have some standing in the Zhang family."

"The essence and blood of a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator."

Although Aunt Jiang was puzzled, she still said for Zhang Jiu's sake, "You want it? Sure!"

"Ten thousand taels, give me a purchase channel."

Aunt Jiang was slightly taken aback, but quickly recovered and said, "Okay, but you can negotiate the price yourself."

"When?"

Aunt Jiang said blankly, "If it's urgent, we can do it now."

"Let's go, buy the essence blood, and forge a contract. I'll take this mission."

Song Chen slammed his hand on the table and said.

".....Okay, follow me."

Aunt Jiang walked out of the room and gestured for Song Chen to follow. "If possible, I would like to ask you for another favor."

Upon hearing this, Song Chen frowned slightly.

The deal's done, and now you want to offer hindsight advice?

Seeing Song Chen's expression, Aunt Jiang quickly explained, "It's not what you think. Could you please not do this openly?"

Song Chen was confused: "Secretly? Behind Zhang...Jiang Jiu's back?"

Aunt Jiang's tone softened, and her posture became very humble: "Is that alright?"

"What's the reason?" Song Chen asked in return.

Aunt Jiang gave an awkward smile: "He's quite concerned about saving face."

Song Chen nodded, which was considered an agreement. Aunt Jiang breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that he had expressed his opinion.

The two arrived at the side gate of the mansion, pushed it open, but instead of the main hall, they entered a dimly lit and empty room. There was a gate on the ground, which was obviously a passage leading underground.

Aunt Jiang skillfully opened the gate and went down, with Song Chen following closely behind.

It was very dark at first, but after walking a few steps, there was a lot of noise.

The sound came from behind a huge door, flanked by two tall pillars with faint dragon patterns.

There were two guards under the pillar, who bowed to Aunt Jiang.

Aunt Jiang nodded slightly and gave each of them a spirit stone as an entrance fee.

Then, the two pushed open the door to make way.

Aunt Jiang handed Song Chen a black half-face mask: "Here, put it on."

Song Chen took it, put it on, and stepped through the door.

Behind the door lies an underground city, where countless vendors gather. There are no hawkers, and everyone wears a mask.

There are dedicated personnel managing both sides of the road, whose cultivation level is at least mid-stage Qi Refining, with occasional late-stage Qi Refining cultivators appearing as well.

Song Chen looked around and asked, "The black market?"

Aunt Jiang's lips curled up: "You could say that, but to be more precise, it's the Zhang family's market."

"This place is much more bustling than Zhongxiang Alley during the day. Zhongxiang Alley only has the main street where you can sell things, but here anyone can."

As she said this, an air of arrogance appeared on Aunt Jiang's face.

The two continued walking towards the center of the market without stopping.

Along the way, Song Chen saw many good things. Even the roadside stalls had all kinds of precious items, not to mention high-grade magic weapons, high-grade talismans, and high-grade spells, which were practically everywhere.

"arrive."

This is an inconspicuous little shop, but you can smell a terrifying stench of blood right at the entrance.

Song Chen's gaze sharpened as he focused on the shop, bracing himself for any unforeseen circumstances.