After being jilted by the saintess at the beginning, why is she crying?

Lin Fengmian sat cross-legged and closed his eyes to look inward.

After yesterday's "in-depth training" with Nangong Li,

In addition to the practical training and pressure release from the previous life-or-death arena,

His spiritual energy had become much more solid and abundant, but he did not break through directly.

The higher one's cultivation level, the more profound the accumulation required for a breakthrough.

Especially for someone with five spiritual roots like him, the spiritual energy he needs far exceeds that of others of the same level.

Lin Fengmian was prepared for this.

"No rush. With sufficient resources, a breakthrough will naturally follow."

He took out the compensation Chu Qingyi had given him yesterday from his storage bag.

Dozens of jade bottles were filled with various spirit-enhancing pills suitable for Qi Refining stage cultivators.

For ordinary Qi Refining cultivators, these pills are enough to support all their needs from the mid-stage of Qi Refining to the pre-Foundation Establishment stage, and there might even be some left over.

But for Lin Fengmian, who possesses five spiritual roots, it might only be barely enough.

"Luckily, I have it."

Lin Fengmian's mind stirred, and the jade pendant around his neck flashed with a faint light.

His mind had already sunk into that mysterious "Frozen Cave Heaven".

White mist swirled, and spiritual energy surged like a tide.

He sat down cross-legged, took out the pills, and began to consume and refine them, bottle after bottle.

Within the jade pendant, a rich spiritual energy...

The medicinal power is absorbed efficiently, impurities are quickly eliminated, and the cultivation speed is astonishingly fast.

Time quietly slipped away within the cave.

When Lin Fengmian finished refining the last bottle of pills

His aura suddenly surged, and a spiritual pressure several times stronger than before suddenly swept out!

Qi Refining Level 10.

Its foundation is far more solid than others of the same level.

He even felt that at this moment,

Based solely on the quality of his spiritual energy and the strength of his physical body, he is already comparable to an ordinary cultivator at the Great Perfection of Qi Refining!

"It's time to go out and prepare some other things."

With another thought, he returned to the side chamber of the cave.

Only one day has passed for the outside world.

After checking the storage bag, I realized that I hadn't used the 100,000 spirit stones that Chu Qingyi had compensated me.

"I should go and buy some household items," Lin Fengmian muttered to himself.

As a sword cultivator, one naturally needs an unparalleled sword!

Last time I fought Li Cheng, that cheap flying sword I found at the last minute almost caused a disaster.

This time, we have to get a decent one.

Moreover, cultivating the five spiritual roots is extremely costly, and one cannot rely on women for support indefinitely.

We need to find a way to open up new sources of income and develop a side hustle.

Making talismans requires relatively little investment, is easy to learn, and the finished products can be used personally or sold.

It can also enhance his immediate combat power, which is perfect for him right now.

They could just pack up and go.

Lin Fengmian changed into a clean blue robe, left Qingyue Peak, and flew towards Liuyun Immortal City, the largest immortal city affiliated with the Hehuan Sect.

Flowing Cloud Immortal City is located three hundred miles outside the gate of the Hehuan Sect. Built in reliance on the sect, it is a grand city.

It's not only a trading place frequently visited by disciples of the Hehuan Sect,

It also attracted many independent cultivators and small cultivation families from the surrounding area.

Lin Fengmian walked toward the "Wanbao Pavilion", a rather large establishment in the city.

Wanbaoge is a magnificent five-story building with flying eaves and bracket sets, exuding an extraordinary grandeur.

As soon as Lin Fengmian stepped into the lobby on the first floor, a young maid in a light green dress with a polite smile greeted him and bowed slightly.

"Welcome to Wanbaoge, senior. What would you like to see? I can make an introduction for you."

The maid's cultivation level was around the fourth level of Qi Refining, but she had good taste.

It was clear that Lin Fengmian possessed a calm and composed demeanor, unlike ordinary rogue cultivators, despite only being at the Qi Refining stage.

Lin Fengmian pondered for a moment, then said directly:

"I'd like to see a flying sword, preferably of the spirit weapon grade."

A hint of surprise flashed in the maid's eyes. Spiritual weapon-level flying swords are usually only purchased and used by Foundation Establishment cultivators. This Qi Refining senior actually asked for a spiritual weapon.

They seem to be quite wealthy, or perhaps have powerful backers.

Her smile widened, and her tone became even more respectful.

"Senior, please follow me to the private room on the second floor. The shopkeeper will personally introduce you to the spiritual artifact-level treasure."

Lin Fengmian nodded and followed the maid up the carved wooden stairs to a quiet and elegant little room on the second floor.

A maid gently knocked on the door, and a hoarse yet powerful voice came from inside: "Come in."

Upon entering, the room was simply furnished.

An elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in a gray robe, was sitting behind the table.

He was holding an ancient book, but he put it down when someone came in.

"Manager Liu, this senior wants to purchase a flying sword of the spirit weapon level."

The maidservant respectfully reported.

The old man, referred to as Manager Liu, had eyes that swept over Lin Fengmian like lightning.

He stood up, cupped his hands in greeting to Lin Fengmian, and smiled:

"I am Liu Xuantong, the humble manager of this branch. I am honored by your presence, fellow Daoist. Please have a seat."

Lin Fengmian returned the greeting and sat down at the lower end of the table.

After serving the spiritual tea, the maid quietly withdrew and closed the door behind her.

"I heard that you wish to purchase a flying sword, and it must be of the spirit weapon grade?" Liu Xuantong stroked his beard and asked.

"Indeed, I wonder if your esteemed establishment has anything suitable?" Lin Fengmian asked directly.

"Hehe, while Wanbaoge may not claim to have everything, we do have a few decent spirit swords."

Liu Xuantong smiled confidently and waved his sleeve.

Three streaks of light flew out from his sleeves and hovered above the tea table.

On the left is a sword that gleams with gold and has a long, narrow blade.

In the middle are two swords, one long and one short, one wide and one narrow.

What's on the right can hardly be called a flying sword; it's more like a bunch of throwing knives.

Liu Xuantong pointed to the crimson flying sword on the left and introduced it:

"This sword is called the 'Little Heavenly Gang Sword', a mid-grade spiritual weapon."

It was the sword used by a Golden Core sword cultivator a hundred years ago in his early years. Its power was considerable.

The true master later acquired a better magical artifact, and this sword thus came into circulation, changing hands several times before being acquired by this pavilion. Price... 80,000 spirit stones.

He then pointed to the two swords in the middle:

"This is the 'Azure Dragon Mother and Child Swords,' a low-grade spiritual weapon. The mother sword is primarily for offense, while the child sword is unpredictable. The two are linked by their energy and can respond to each other. Furthermore, the child sword can be recalled at will within a hundred feet, making it extremely difficult to defend against. Price: 55,000 spirit stones."

Finally, there was the set of throwing knives: "'Golden Light Meridian Blades,' twelve in total, a complete set of low-grade spiritual weapons..."

Before the introduction was even finished...

"I'll take this 'Little Heavenly Gang Sword'. Could you give me a discount?"

Lin Fengmian made a decision.

A hint of admiration flashed in Liu Xuantong's eyes:

"Fellow Daoist has discerning eyes. This Lesser Heavenly Gang Sword is indeed the most powerful of the three, and its material is sturdy with stable restrictions, making it suitable for use up to the Golden Core stage without becoming outdated."

Lin Fengmian also knew that this price was considered normal.

But every little bit saved counts.

After some haggling, I finally bought the flying sword for 75,000 spirit stones.

Liu Xuantong spoke up.

"Please wait a moment, fellow Daoist. The restrictions on the flying sword will be lifted shortly, and it will then be delivered to you."

Lin Fengmian nodded.

Instead of leaving immediately, he asked again:

"Manager Liu, does your shop sell any high-quality talisman-making materials? We need some talisman paper, spirit ink, and talisman brushes."

Liu Xuantong was taken aback, then laughed.

"Fellow Daoist is also proficient in the art of talismans? Truly a promising young man. Our establishment naturally possesses them, and in all varieties. May I ask what level you require?"

"For beginners, let's start with first-tier talisman materials. You'll need a good talisman brush that will last a long time. For talisman paper and spirit ink... you'll need fifty sets each of first-tier material, plus ten sets of second-tier material as backup."

Lin Fengmian had already made plans.

In the art of talismans, the first tier corresponds to the Qi Refining stage, and the second tier corresponds to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Although he was a beginner, the jade pendant's space helped him improve his comprehension.

Confident that I could learn the basics very quickly, I prepared some Tier 2 materials in advance, just in case.

"No problem." Liu Xuantong quickly ordered someone to bring the necessary items.

In addition, Lin Fengmian spent another five hundred spirit stones to buy a jade slip containing the "Complete Guide to Basic Talismans".

It contains the drawing methods and tips for thirty-six common talismans, ranging from low-grade first rank to high-grade second rank.

"A total of 24,500 spirit stones. Since this is your first time patronizing us, please waive the change and just give us 24,000 spirit stones."

Liu Xuantong's abacus clicked away, and his old face beamed with a smile as bright as a chrysanthemum.

Lin Fengmian readily paid the bill.

At this point, about 1,000 of the 100,000 spirit stones given by Chu Qingyi remained.

He carefully stored away the talisman-making materials and jade slips, and bought some seeds of spiritual plants to plant back home.

With the newly purchased items in hand, he realized he was now completely out of spirit stones.

Lin Fengmian went downstairs, ready to grab the flying sword and leave.

"Fengmian...Brother, is that you?"

A weak voice came from inside.

Lin Fengmian looked up in surprise.