Chapter Twenty-Seven: Recruiting Rogue Cultivators?

He treated me as a true friend, even sharing with me the secret of breaking through to a new stage of cultivation—such a private matter. If I were still fretting over a few spirit stones after this, it would truly be unbecoming.

With these thoughts, He Song glanced at Lin Cong, a trace of emotion flickering in his eyes. After years spent together, and thanks to Lin Cong’s deliberate efforts to befriend him, the two had finally become close companions. Now, Lin Cong was willing to reveal the secrets of advancing to the mid-stage of Qi Refinement, which meant that at the very least, at this moment, Lin Cong harbored no ill intent toward him.

He Song believed that as long as he maintained this relationship and treated Lin Cong with continued sincerity, Lin Cong would never do him any harm or treat him unfairly.

As these thoughts flitted through his mind, a sudden inspiration struck He Song—he wanted to reciprocate this favor.

“By the way, Fellow Lin, have you ever visited the Hall of Spiritual Techniques?” Memories of his own early days in the world of cultivation surfaced—how he had spent days poring over miscellaneous books in that very hall. He Song asked the question directly.

In the Hall of Spiritual Techniques at Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market, not only were cultivation methods and spells sold, but there was also an extensive collection of miscellaneous books available for reading. These books covered everything—basic knowledge of the cultivation world, introductions to the various arts of cultivation, as well as the domains and influence of major sects. All were included. However, for itinerant cultivators, reading them cost one spirit stone per day.

Back then, He Song had been an internal member of the Immortal Market, so he could read for free, saving several spirit stones in the process. While these books could not compare with the collections of great clans or the guidance of senior cultivators, for those without a sect, they were an invaluable resource.

If Lin Cong had never browsed these books, He Song would recommend it, as they provided crucial foundational knowledge. At the very least, it would make Lin Cong less susceptible to scams in the future.

He Song couldn’t help but laugh inwardly, recalling how Lin Cong had spent so much on so-called aids for breaking through to the next stage of cultivation. If He Song were about to make such a breakthrough, he would definitely consult his friends first before making any purchases. Meng Guan and Wei Fan—both at the mid or late stages of Qi Refinement—were intimately familiar with the bottleneck faced when advancing from early to mid-stage. Now, with Lin Cong offering firsthand lessons, He Song was certain he would not make the same mistakes when his own time came.

“The Hall of Spiritual Techniques? I’ve bought a few spells there before, but they’re too expensive. I rarely go now. If I need new spells, I usually buy them in the market stalls—they’re much cheaper,” Lin Cong replied thoughtfully.

He then smiled, as if recalling something. “Are you thinking of buying new spells at the Hall, He Song? I’d advise you to shop at the stalls instead—the spells are far more affordable there.”

Faced with Lin Cong’s advice, He Song’s expression remained calm, though inwardly he felt a touch of helplessness. Indeed, itinerant cultivators always put price above all else. Of course, if He Song himself were truly an itinerant cultivator, he would do the same.

But he was not a true rogue cultivator in the strictest sense. He was a cultivator of the Immortal Market, and, having transmigrated here from an era of information explosion, he knew the value of knowledge. While he could not compare to the disciples of great sects or clans, he was still far better off than most unattached cultivators.

Knowledge, in this world of cultivation, came at a price. Cultivation methods demanded spirit stones. Spells demanded spirit stones. Even the arts and crafts of cultivation required spirit stones. Even the miscellaneous books in the Hall of Spiritual Techniques cost spirit stones.

Judging by Lin Cong’s current mindset, He Song suspected that even if he told him about the wealth of knowledge in the Hall’s books—that for just one spirit stone a day, he could quickly learn the basics of the cultivation world—Lin Cong would likely still refuse, unwilling to spend the money.

After a moment’s thought, He Song shook his head. Whether or not he said anything was his own business. Whether Lin Cong chose to go was entirely up to him. Some things, one need only do with a clear conscience. Whether or not Lin Cong benefited would depend on his own fate. He Song was not a nursemaid; he couldn’t spoon-feed Lin Cong every step of the way.

“No, not exactly. But the Hall of Spiritual Techniques has all sorts of miscellaneous books. Reading them can quickly give you a solid understanding of the cultivation world. If you have the time, you should take a look. It only costs one spirit stone a day, and you could finish them all in a few days and gain a basic grasp of this world.”

He spoke honestly, though he had little hope that Lin Cong would actually go. Still, having said it, He Song had no intention of retracting his words. He had done his part; what happened next was anyone’s guess.

With that, He Song glanced around and saw a waiter approaching with their dishes.

“Thank you for the advice, my friend. But for now, let’s enjoy our meal. I’ll think about the Hall of Spiritual Techniques tomorrow!” Lin Cong, catching sight of the waiter as well, was instantly distracted by the prospect of food.

Seeing this, He Song said no more, setting down his tea and waiting for the meal to be served.

Soon enough, a table of exquisite dishes was laid out before them. Wisps of spiritual energy emanated from the food, and just inhaling their aroma brought a delightful rush of energy into the body. The spiritual potency infused in such fine dishes was not to be underestimated.

At the same time, two bowls of spiritual rice were set on the table. Spiritual ingredients, spiritual rice, and beast meat—these made up the costly feast before their eyes.

In the world of cultivation, anything without spiritual energy was worthless. Yet if something contained spiritual energy—even an ordinary stone—it became a spirit stone.

With the meal served, He Song and Lin Cong began to eat heartily. Amidst their idle conversation, they caught wind of some rumors from neighboring tables.

Not far from Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market lay the Chiling Gold Mine, which had started recruiting itinerant cultivators ten days ago. Now, recruitment notices for laborers at the Chiling Gold Mine covered every wall in the Immortal Market. Even in several other markets closer to the mine, similar notices were posted.

With the tempting offer of thirty spirit stones per month, itinerant cultivators from several markets were flocking to the mine’s location. However, not everyone could be recruited. A minimum cultivation of the third layer of Qi Refinement was required; those at the first or second layer were excluded for being too weak. Only those at the third layer or higher had a chance to enter the Chiling Gold Mine. Of course, the higher the cultivation, the better—the third layer, mid-stage, or even late-stage of Qi Refinement—any of these would do.

It was also said that several Foundation Establishment cultivators were stationed at the mine, making it as impregnable as a fortress. With such a powerful lineup and the lure of thirty spirit stones a month, countless itinerant cultivators were eager to join.