Stronger from Earth

Chapter 227 - 226: Repaying Kindness with Gratitude

Hefang Mountain is eight to nine times higher than Black and White Mountain, with scenery far surpassing it. The Spirit Plant Immortal Beasts make this spiritually rich region look full of immortal aura.

Old Chen is the housekeeper of Hefang Mountain; the housekeeper of Black and White Mountain is his descendant. It was precisely because of this connection that he was fortunate enough to meet Wang Xuan.

"Seventh Young Master, the Mountain Lord is waiting for you at the peak," Old Chen said with a smile. He Fang has no descendants, nor is there a main wife on the mountain, so He Fang has always regarded his disciples as his children.

Wang Xuan nodded: "Understood."

He stepped up the mountain and saw He Fang looking down at the other mountains from the peak. The mountain wind howled, with an air of aloofness that comes with great heights.

"Qi, what brings you to seek me?" He Fang stood on the mountain, his Heart Spirit moving with the rhythm of the entire planet, borrowing part of the Mother Star’s power to temper his Physique and Primordial Spirit, enhancing his Cultivation Level.

If he were to face the Demon King on the Mother Star, killing a middle-rank Demon King would be easy for him, and Fang Shan would also not be a match for him.

In his perception, Earth is alive, a massive lifeform accumulating power to evolve. Even though he could only borrow a minuscule part of that power, akin to a drop in the ocean, he had reached such a formidable level of strength.

Unfortunately, even the vast ocean has its constraints, unable to move freely and wield its power like humans.

In Wang Xuan’s eyes, He Fang at this moment was as weighty as a planet, as profound as the deep ocean, his Cultivation Level immeasurable, thousands upon thousands of times stronger than his own.

"The sect has shown me great kindness, and I, Wang Xuan, have no way to repay it. I once obtained a Divine Technique and wish to offer it to the sect."

He took out a piece of jade bearing the "Nine-Breath Qi-Intake" Divine Power and handed it to his master, He Fang. This Divine Power was quite extraordinary, capable of fully restoring injuries and reviving within several breaths of time.

If used in battle, it’s akin to having a second or third life, illustrating its preciousness.

Most importantly, it can be used at the Earth Immortal Realm, and True Immortals can also derive significant benefits, with broad applicability. As long as it’s promoted at Immortal Martial Mountain, it could essentially boost the overall strength of Immortal Martial Mountain.

He Fang accepted it and instantly memorized the Divine Technique, understanding many of its mysteries within several breaths and mastering its usage in no more than ten breaths.

Activating the Nine-Breath Qi-Intake Divine Power, immense amounts of world essence gathered, pouring into He Fang’s body. Instantly, he realized the efficacy of this Divine Power.

"This will greatly benefit Immortal Martial Mountain, far surpassing the value of ten sets of True Immortal-level Cultivation Techniques. The heart you showed in offering it is commendable."

A smile adorned He Fang’s face, his demeanor amiable.

Immortal Martial Mountain has put in countless efforts to nurture disciples, with expectations that they will one day grow to uphold Immortal Martial Mountain and take on the responsibility of protecting the Mother Star.

However, most disciples who have not yet grown up are mainly in a stage of giving in to their desires, both psychologically and in practical action.

Disciples of the third generation, like Wang Xuan, who understand the importance of giving back to the sect, are quite rare indeed.

Wang Xuan spoke with sincerity: "To give a peach and receive a plum in return has been a time-honored principle of kindness. The sect has already given me more than enough.

Whether it’s Cultivation Techniques, resources, or the blessings and status conferred upon me, the protection given is what has allowed me to progress far. It is only right to give back.

Without the sect, there is no safety under the fallen nest; I could not possibly stand alone, and thus I wish for the sect to grow stronger."

In fact, this stems from Wang Xuan’s recognition of the Mountain Gate. Immortal Martial Mountain indeed made him feel the care of home, hence his willingness to offer up this Divine Power.

Even though this Divine Power is powerful, in offering it, he suffered no loss; his fellow disciples can use it, and he can too, use the Nine-Breath Qi-Intake.

And those who learn this Divine Power among his fellow disciples will not become his enemies; rather, the sect’s strengthening will bring him considerable benefits.

"To have such thoughts shows your genuine recognition of the sect, which deeply gratifies me as your master.

The Nine-Breath Qi-Intake is quite effective. I will pass it to the Sect Leader, to be handled by your Senior Guardian Hong Xuanji. I expect it will soon be popularized among the True Immortals.

As your master, I will strive for some rewards for you, and the rewards should be quite generous, something I believe you will be satisfied with."

Clear rewards and penalties are fundamental to the Mountain Gate’s stability and persistent growth. Otherwise, there would be discord.

Wang Xuan raised an eyebrow: "There are rewards too?"

"Indeed, and not a few. I reckon you might even be granted a Life Planet, one not under the Federation’s jurisdiction," He Fang said with a smile.

Wang Xuan was genuinely surprised; he had not harbored any hopes when offering this thing, yet the outcome surprised him—a Divine Power in exchange for a Life Planet seemed, by all means, a gain.

Leaving Hefang Mountain, Wang Xuan went to the main peak, intending to search for a Cultivation Technique in the Library Pavilion that would effectively nurture the Nine-Orifice Exquisite Stone.

The Library Pavilion was filled with books like stars in the sky, with countless layers reaching high; every important book on the Mother Star could be found here, showcasing a profound cultural foundation.

Many disciples and elders who love reading were tucked away here year after year. For them, learning was also a means of growing wisdom and nurturing the Spirit.

Some had stayed here for decades to centuries, with books to read and time to spare, focused on cultivation, and quite a few with profound Cultivation Levels. Everyone has their path, and the Mountain Gate never forces anyone.

Besides those books that gather human civilization, another level of space in the Library Pavilion also stores numerous cultivation tomes of Immortal Martial Mountain, most of which are left by ancestors after their collection.

Some could be freely viewed, while others necessitated corresponding meritorious service or a considerable investment of cultivation resources to access.

Layer upon layer, the entire population of Immortal Martial Mountain does not exceed 100,000, of which more than 90% are servants. The remaining half are the elders’ children, with less than a thousand being True Disciples of Immortal Martial Mountain.

In the Library Pavilion, over a hundred people either stood or sat, reading books. It was especially quiet here, a suitable environment for reading, with some inexplicable Array enhancing mental focus and learning efficiency.

An elder was tidying up the Library Pavilion, with misplaced books returning to their original positions with a wave of his hand.

Wang Xuan inquired as he approached: "Senior, I wish to find a Cultivation Technique that can quickly nurture a treasure to make it mine. What should I seek?"

The elder glanced at him, his voice slow and deep: "Artifact Refining or Dharma Gates for cultivating a second Primordial Spirit would be effective."

He waved his hand, half of his arm disappearing, seemingly searching in some other space, before pulling out several pieces of jade after a while.

"Choose for yourself."

Wang Xuan looked for a while, grasping the effects and differences of these techniques from the brief introductions, finally settling on one called "External Incarnation."

After leaving a heap of Spirit Crystals, only then did he copy and take away the technique, expensive as it was, it was negligible compared to the technique’s value.

Over more than two months, he spent a tremendous amount of effort nurturing the Nine-Orifice Exquisite Stone, but progress was indeed slow. Moreover, he had no experience in Condensing Clones, making "External Incarnation" particularly valuable to him.

Returning to Black and White Mountain, he contemplated various Cultivation Techniques, Heart Spirit Demon Scripture, Mixed Element Martial Scripture, Primordial Spirit Sword Embryo, Divine Elephant Golden Bell Shield, etc. His Spiritual Cultivation Level required significant mental effort to comprehend these.

Not knowing how to cultivate, he couldn’t use the accelerator, which was the "Time Spirit." The Time Spirit could only accelerate his Cultivation Techniques, but if he didn’t thoroughly understand a technique, he couldn’t cultivate it.

Though Time Spirit could save him time, ultimately, he still needed to exert his own effort.

The next day, Wang Xuan was summoned by Hong Xuanji. He understood it was because of the "Nine-Breath Qi-Intake"; the value of the Divine Technique was undeniable. He was just unsure of what reward the sect would give him.

Wang Xuan was quite looking forward to it.