Chapter Twenty-Six: The Hardships of the Wandering Cultivator

He made a living by hunting monsters in partnership with others, so he had accumulated some savings. This time, having succeeded in breaking through, his joy was beyond words. Therefore, he did not hesitate to invite his good friend to the Osmanthus Pavilion for a splendid meal.

The Osmanthus Pavilion.

It was, without a doubt, the most expensive restaurant in Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market.

The dishes served there were exceptional: the rice was spirit rice, the vegetables were spiritual herbs, the meat was monster beast flesh. Each ingredient was carefully selected, using only the most delicious parts for cooking.

Most importantly, a single meal here could provide enough spiritual energy from the dishes to rival several days of arduous cultivation.

One could increase their cultivation simply by eating.

With such value, the cost was naturally astronomical. Even for two people, a meal would cost no less than several spirit stones—this was for ordinary dishes, not rare delicacies. If the party was larger or the dishes more exquisite, dozens or even hundreds of spirit stones could easily be spent.

Such terrifying expenses elevated the Osmanthus Pavilion to a lofty status within Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market.

Ordinary itinerant cultivators rarely visited, unless for significant occasions.

Those who could dine freely at the Osmanthus Pavilion were mostly scions of noble families or disciples of sects.

Such people.

The difference between them and itinerant cultivators was like a chasm.

"Then we shall not leave until we're drunk." Hearing Lin Cong's invitation, He Song had not the slightest intention of refusing, and agreed at once.

Lin Cong's invitation to the Osmanthus Pavilion was his own decision—not something He Song had pressured him into.

The host insisted on going.

Naturally, he would follow.

There was no need for pretense or false modesty; it would only make him appear affected, which was undesirable.

As friends, such affectation was unnecessary.

Seeing He Song accept, Lin Cong nodded with satisfaction, set down his teacup, and promptly took He Song outside.

It was midday, the prime hour for a meal.

Soon.

After weaving through the bustling streets, the two arrived together at the renowned Osmanthus Pavilion within Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market.

As soon as they entered, a figure dressed as a waiter approached, his voice rising beside them.

"Please come in, Immortal Masters. Would you prefer the first floor or upstairs?"

"The second floor, the view's better," Lin Cong replied casually.

"Very well, please take your seats."

On the second floor of the Osmanthus Pavilion.

He Song and Lin Cong sat beside a window. With a slight turn of the head, one could see the sights of the street outside—a superb vantage point.

Gazing into the distance, they could even see the towering mountains far away, wisps of mist threading among the peaks, making them appear to reach up into the clouds.

The waiter had already left, and Lin Cong had ordered the dishes.

At this moment, the two were chatting idly.

"Do you know why it took me so long to break through this time?" Lin Cong asked, lowering his head, his tone somewhat subdued as they waited for their food.

"I don't know—was it difficult to break through the bottleneck?" He Song pondered for a moment, then offered a casual guess.

"Not really. I used to hear other itinerant cultivators complain about how hard it is for us, but I never paid much attention. After experiencing it myself, however, I suddenly understand." Lin Cong shook his head, breaking off halfway, and sighed.

But he soon continued.

"For more than half a month this past month, I was preparing to break through the bottleneck. But when the moment came, I discovered that, with my Four Spiritual Roots aptitude, breaking through was actually not difficult at all."

He gave a wry smile, unable to put his feelings into words.

To reach the middle stage of Qi Refining, he had prepared extensively, gathering information about what was needed for a breakthrough.

Yet, when he finally acquired everything and began, he realized those items were utterly useless to him.

With his Four Spiritual Roots, breaking through from early to middle Qi Refining was truly easy.

Fortunately, he succeeded.

But he had wasted spirit stones on those useless things.

Though they proved unnecessary, his cultivation advanced as he wished.

That was why he could now speak of it lightly, as a joke to He Song.

Had he failed, things would have turned out quite differently.

After all this, Lin Cong truly understood the hardships faced by itinerant cultivators.

Itinerant cultivators.

Most of their information came from hearsay, and who could guarantee its truth?

As he had experienced himself.

Had he not lived through it, he would not have believed it.

And throughout their cultivation journey, itinerant cultivators face countless challenges.

For instance, how to break through bottlenecks, how to cultivate techniques, how to practice spells, how to choose magical tools—everything must be discovered on their own.

Compared to sect disciples or noble scions, it was truly difficult for itinerant cultivators to progress.

Such was the drawback of lacking knowledge and guidance from elders.

"Four Spiritual Roots, and breaking through to mid-stage Qi Refining isn't difficult?" He Song was stunned, murmured to himself, and his eyes suddenly brightened.

He, too, had Four Spiritual Roots!

According to Lin Cong's explanation, when he himself tried to break through to the fourth layer of Qi Refining, it should not be too difficult.

Thinking of this, He Song looked at Lin Cong with a newfound delight.

He had always thought that Lin Cong's successful breakthrough to mid-stage Qi Refining would be helpful for his own future attempt.

But he did not expect—

After Lin Cong's personal experience, he would bring such news.

This meant that when his time came, he would not have to repeat Lin Cong's missteps.

In the world of cultivation.

Everyone knew the utmost importance of Wealth, Companions, Methods, and Places.

Wealth refers to cultivation resources.

Companions are those with whom one discusses the Dao—partners, mentors, or friends.

Methods are techniques, spells, and the myriad arts of cultivation.

Places are venues with abundant spiritual energy.

He Song had always believed in the importance of these four, but after hearing what Lin Cong said, he finally realized just how crucial they were.

If he had not known Lin Cong, he would never have learned this news.

If he remained ignorant, he would probably repeat Lin Cong's mistakes when breaking through.

If Lin Cong were not close enough to tell him the truth, he would not know any of this.

Counting it up, He Song owed Lin Cong for this favor.

To share such knowledge showed Lin Cong was indeed a trustworthy friend!

"Thank you for telling me, friend. When I break through to mid-stage Qi Refining, I will certainly invite you here for a meal!"

Faced with this favor, He Song did not hesitate to make a promise.

Spending a few spirit stones was nothing.

Repaying Lin Cong in kind—that was what He Song wished to do.