Volume 1, Chapter 23 The Dragonstar Sand Cauldron and Flower Jade Essence Spring

Zhang Yan had only seen a small amount of Five Elements Divine Sands, usually a pound. This time 1000 pounds were being sent to him. He almost didnt believe it, was what he heard really true?

Actually, each Lower Courts outer disciple had an imperial family member as a follower. The Five Elements Divine Sand may perhaps be rare, but it was actually scattered all over the Great Eastern Continent. As long as one was able to gather manpower, collecting the sand was not too difficult.

In the past, when the great sects were greatly in need of this Divine Sand, they also relied on the mortal worlds powerful and wealthy figures to gather a large number of civilian labors to collect it.

For examplePrincess Cao Ying. Her father was a Duke who ruled over quite a large territory. With only one word, he could summon several hundreds of thousands of people. And although her influence and power were not too big due to having a few brothers in her household, she was still able to mobilize tens of thousands of people for any task.

When she saw that Zhang Yan was still silent for a long time, she thought that he was not satisfied with the offerings. She braced herself, continuing to explain, This year is very cold, and the upstream of the rivers has completely froze up. Making it very difficult to travel by boat. Thus, collecting the Divine Sand is very difficult. When the next spring comes, I will also present an additional thousand pounds, totaling to two thousand pounds of Divine Sand. How is Immortal Master Zhangs thought?

Zhang Yan realized that she misunderstood him. He didnt say anything as he only lightly replied, Its alright.

Cao Ying sighed. She didnt take the time to look at Zhang Yans appearance before. But this time, when she was looking at him, she couldnt help but praise him secretly.

Zhang Yans appearance was very attractive, a hanging tall nose, smooth and pursed-up lips, with wide and broad shoulders. Even when he was sitting, she could see that his height was higher than that of an ordinary persons. In addition, after he had successfully gained the True Primordial Qi, there was a faint celestial beings aura emitted from him due to the increase of his qi and spiritual force.

Well, aside from that, what else is there?

Seeing that Zhang Yans eyes carried a profound and bottomless pressure, Cao Ying hurriedly lowered her head as her heart was thumping crazily. She anxiously replied, If Immortal Master has any trivial matters to manage, His Excellency may exhort me and the others.

Originally, she also brought along fifty servants to give to Zhang Yan. However, Zhao Yuan previously reminded her that Zhang Yan didnt like to have any servants. Moreover, this was only her first meeting with Zhang Yan and she was afraid to leave a very bad impression. Thus, she cannot mention about it rashly. Also, it seemed that Zhang had sent a faint intention to see the visitors out, making her not dare to stay longer. After she looked at Zhao Yuans eyes, she respectfully saluted and withdrew.

Senior Brother Zhao, whats this Princess Caos true intention in looking for me? After Cao Ying left, Zhang Yan turned to Zhao Yuan to inquire the reasons.

Zhao Yuan wryly smiled, In the recent years, an outer disciple from the North Star Sect had been nagging Cao Ying, declaring that he must take her as a concubine, and saying that he would teach her Dao cultivation in exchange. Her several brothers also agreed to his request because they were seeking for a patron to protect them. If Fellow Daoist Zhang is willing to accept her as a follower, this person wouldnt dare to pester her again.

Zhao Yuan didnt have the courage to deceive Zhang Yan about the whole story. Besides, Zhang Yan would also find out about these matters sooner or later. Thus, telling him earlier would be better than later. Moreover, the North Star Sect was not a big sect; it was considered as a second-class sect, which could not be compared to the Blue Ocean Sect. So, he presumed that this matter wouldnt bring any disadvantageous impacts to Zhang Yan.

In fact, Cao Yings true intention in visiting the peak where Zhang Yan lived was not only to become his follower. She was also particularly optimistic about Zhang Yans bright future. On the other hand, Zhang Yan had just become an outer disciple and was not from an ancient family, of which, did not have a big appetite.

When Zhang Yan heard the name of the North Star Sect, he no longer asked, Since Senior Brother Zhao has personally come, Ill handle this matter.

Zhao Yuan was overjoyed. He got up and cupped his hands, Many thanks, Fellow Brother.

Senior Brother Zhao, you dont need to be this courteous, its only a small matter.

They had small talks for a short while before Zhao Yuan finally stood and left with a bright and joyful expression.

The Demon Serpent, Luo Xiao, poked its head from the cauldron, proudly saying, Isnt it like what I have said? You are the Blue Ocean Sects outer disciple, once you speak a word, you can gather tens of thousands of people to work for you. When you enter the Upper Court, even the countrys rulers would also heed your command, whatever it is. Having this kind of power and influence is very wonderful, isnt it? Unfortunately, even though my Three Lakes demon race has tens of millions of water demons, it cannot even be compared to your Great Sect.

Zhang Yan previously regarded the importance of an outer disciples status as to only being able to aid him improve his cultivation. However, it seemed that he actually ignored the other aspects. He nodded, Its like what you said, Fellow Daoist Luo.

Luo Xiao smiled, Wait for these Divine Sands to be delivered first. You then can exchange these goods with some medicinal herbs from some ancient families juniors

Medicinal herbs? Zhang Yan quickly looked back at Luo Xiao as he spoke in astonishment, Fellow Daoist Luo, you can refine pills?

Luo Xiao proudly replied, Of course! Although I cannot refine superior grade concocted pills, but refining some restorative pills is very easy. As long as the ingredients and the equipment are available.

Since Fellow Daoist Luo says so, could it be that the refining tool to refine the pill presumably is my bronze cauldron?

Seeing that Zhang Yan could see through its thought, Luo Xiao didnt flinch or got embarrassed, Yes, your big cauldron can also be considered as a best-quality Daoist tool. However, this cauldron was not made from bronze but refined from Dragonstar Sand. However, the method used by the cultivator who crafted this cauldron is quite excellent. Had I not been steamed by you last time, I wouldnt have realized this cauldrons effect to transform spiritual qi. I think that the person who gifted you this cauldron doesnt know about this cauldrons true origin. Pah! You really acquired it cheaply! Using such a precious cauldron only for cooking food is truly the most stupid way to bring out its true usefulness. This cauldrons best use is for refining pills.

Zhang Yan was truly surprised, Dragonstar Sand?

This was one of the things that could only be heard from rumors. Although he didnt know about its true value, he also knew the materials needed by a refiner to craft a top-grade tool such as this big cauldron. How much Dragonstar Sands would it take to craft it?

Could it be that ancient cultivator had such a godly ability?

Luo Xiao glanced at Zhang Yan, You dont need to be that surprised, I can refine some restorative pills, moreover, it would also give you many benefits. You will need many concocted pills, and I can help you refine some.

Seeing that Luo Xiao seemed to be afraid that he would refuse, it pleaded and made haste to promise benefits to him made Zhang Yang quite amused, This one certainly has no such intention, I dont have any use for this cauldron for the time being. If Fellow Daoist really needs it, you can use it first.

In his opinion, it would be more useful to Luo Xiao than to him.

Opening his meridians was one of the most essentials steps, so he had to be extremely cautious.

But he didnt have a master to direct him. Although he could rely on the broken jade to familiarize himself with the cultivation law. However, he also realized that he still couldnt figure out some profound words and the necessary things he would need in the process.

Although Luo Xiao was not a human cultivator, it was a Profound Light Demon Serpent cultivator; it had quite a deep bank of knowledge. Of which, was qualified enough to direct a junior cultivator like him, who had yet to open his meridians.

Zhang Yan took the opportunity to ask many things that puzzled him again and again. It was unknown why Luo Xiao didnt refuse to answer all Zhang Yans question and even answered in great detail.

For my demon races cultivation, after we can transform our body, we would naturally learn more advanced laws, plus we dont need to open our meridians. Luo Xiaos replied from the cauldron. Its body was still in the cauldron and only stretched out its serpents head, But I also know that human cultivators meridians class could be ranked in the top three. This is related to the sects method to open the meridians and Flower Jade Essence Spring. Had you succeeded in opening your meridians, you must quickly search for a place that has the best quality Flower Jade Essence Spring. But this Flower Spring is also divided into six ranks. Only with a superior cultivation technique and the best quality Flower Spring could you achieve the best meridian grade.

A Flower Jade Essence Spring was a spring that was naturally formed inside a cave which was located in an earth vein and was constantly nurtured with thick spiritual qi essence. The fusion between spiritual qi essence and the earth veins essence would then form this spring, which could be used to nourish the meridians inside the human body through qi circulation and strengthening ones primordial qi. Of which, was the most important step for cultivators.

With such rare conditions, its only natural that there would only be a few Flower Springs in this world. However, the earth essence was the most pivotal of things. So, ancient families members usually used several hundred or even over thousands of year old earth essences to make this Flower Jade Essence Spring. From this aspect only, one could realize the ancient families power and deepness.

However, most direct disciples who took the path of apprenticeship under a certain master could only rely on their masters or elders to find a Flower Jade Essence Spring. If not, they could only borrow the ancient families Flower Jade Essence Spring, forcing them to become their servants.

Zhang Yan knew that the Lower Court must also have this Flower Jade Essence Spring. However, those grandmasters would never allow him to use it. So, he must try to find another solution.

Since Fellow Daoist Luo says that the Demon race doesnt need to open their meridians, then, could it be that there are earth veins in the Three Lakes territory that have a Flower Spring?

Luo Xiao grinned, Yes, there is. However, only my Demon race could get to it. Do you think that they would curry a favor and sell it to you, a human cultivator? Besides, it should be under the protection of its owner. Even if you want to take it, it would simply be impossible.

Zhang Yan shook his head. Going on a journey to the Three Lakes Demons territory only to buy a Flower Spring? Not only did he have no financial resources, even if he had the money, he would be dead first before he could use it.

At this time, he suddenly remembered something, I heard that in ancient times, cultivators didnt need the Flower Spring to open their meridians. Does Fellow Daoist Luo know the reason?

Gee, you even know about this. It seems that you were not boasting when you said that you have read most of the Dao books, Luo Xiao was slightly surprised as its eyes turned wide. Shaking its head, it sighed, The method is by using Spirit Shellfish Liquid instead of a Flower Jade Essence Spring. But, Im afraid that Fellow Daoist Zhang would never give up to obtain that field, would you?

Zhang Yan clearly understood what Luo Xiao meant about the question, that he wouldnt give up to practice this problematic cultivation method. Even if he had a Shellfish Field, it was also impossible for him to give it up.

Its because amongst hundreds of Spirit Shellfish, there was possibly only one that contained Spirit Shellfish liquid, of which, was equal to a drop of Flower Jade Essence. He roughly calculated that to fill up a jar of liquid, it would take at least three or four hundred million Spirit Shellfish. This was simply an astronomical figure, which, for even the richest sect, could never withstand such a loss, let alone him.

However, he really didnt believe that ancient cultivators opened their meridians with this method.

With such a method, perhaps all the Shellfish Fields in the world would have long been emptied. How wouldnt it have been extinct by now? Therefore, there must be some other method and Luo Xiao certainly didnt tell him the whole truth.

At that moment, he let out a faint smile and didnt show any disturbed expression.

Luo Xiao had been eagerly waiting to see Zhang Yans depressed look. When it saw that Zhang Yan didnt even get disturbed by its words, it felt bored. It then grunted, Pah, okay I will tell you. Listen well. The place where the Spirit Shellfish grows, there should be a hole about 300 meters deep where the Shellfish King resides. Of which constantly draws and absorbs spiritual qi essence. Even if one only learns a mediocre method to open his meridians, he would still be able to have a top ranked meridian.

Luo Xiao glanced at Zhang Yan, adding, I heard that this was the normal method that had always been used by various sects direct disciples.

Zhang Yan nodded, Fellow Daoist Luo told this Zhang Yan everything about this method. You surely has no other intention, but also hoped for me to get well informed.

Luo Xiao stared at Zhang Yans eyes, and deeply said, I can take you to that place, and I could even give you all the Spirit Shellfish. But you must take an oath, that once after you have succeeded in opening your meridians, you must release me from this Soulblood Contract and give my freedom back.