Chapter 78: Cultivating Spiritual Fields (4/5)

However, working for the Earth Sect, the nobles and royals of the Great Li Dynasty naturally enjoyed their fair share of privileges. Though they lacked spiritual roots and could not cultivate immortality, the pleasures of the mundane world were often things even cultivators longed for.

“The Great Li Dynasty... Let’s head further northwest, find a hidden corner, set up a Spirit Gathering Array and a Concealment Array, then return to the Immortal Market.”

After carefully reviewing the relationship between the Great Li Dynasty and Qingyuan Immortal City in his mind, He Song sighed inwardly, then swiftly reached a decision.

The existence of the Great Li Dynasty granted He Song a deeper understanding of this world. Within the domain of a sect or aristocratic family, almost everything existed solely to serve that sect or family. There were no exceptions, even if appearances suggested otherwise. In truth, the underlying structure was always the same. Every detail was meticulously designed, supported by a complete and logical theoretical framework.

He also realized something else: the mundane world was hardly a safe haven. This place was the fresh blood supply for the Earth Sect. So long as one could conceal their identity and avoid detection, it was possible to enjoy many things here that the cultivation world could never offer. But if a cultivator stirred up trouble among mortals, it wouldn’t be long before another cultivator arrived, flying sword in hand, to sever their head, leaving behind only a silver ingot.

He Song paid no heed to the tavern boy’s call behind him as he departed Xian City. While drinking tea, he hadn’t overheard any useful information in the tavern. This shattered his suspicion that he was the protagonist. What kind of protagonist goes to a tavern for drinks and hears nothing useful? Not a word about secret treasures, sect wars, or vendettas on the martial paths. At the very least, in his situation, he should have heard about some remote, barren place perfectly suited for opening up spiritual fields.

But alas, aside from a few drunken patrons making a scene, he heard nothing. Helpless, He Song could only leave Xian City and continue tunneling northwest.

Thus, after traveling underground for several hours and advancing hundreds of miles, He Song passed by several mortal cities.

At last, deep within a stretch of continuous forests, he found a spot that satisfied him for opening spiritual fields.

It was a secluded valley, encircled by mountains and rarely visited by people. Mist shrouded the entire valley, lending it the air of a celestial realm. The terrain inside was flat, and a clear stream flowed nearby. Apart from the sparse spiritual energy, the scenery was superb—a truly picturesque landscape.

He Song emerged from underground, his head appearing above the surface. Seeing the scene, a look of satisfaction crossed his face.

“This place is perfect for opening spiritual fields!” With a gentle smile and a flash of spiritual light in his eyes, the entire valley’s scenery was laid bare before him.

He found no traces of fierce beasts, only signs of animals coming here to drink. There was no evidence of any cultivators residing here. Relieved, He Song dispelled his underground tunneling technique and fully emerged onto the ground.

The valley was lush with green grass. Yet He Song had no mood for admiring the view. No sooner had he appeared than two mid-grade Earth Talismans and nine array foundation stones materialized in his hands.

The Earth Talismans were for warding against sudden attacks. The nine foundation stones were for the Concealment Array. Holding the talismans ready to activate, He Song quickly formed a spell with his other hand.

Soon, the nine foundation stones transformed into streaks of light, each settling into its designated position. A faint glow flickered, signaling the completion of the Concealment Array.

Once He Song manipulated the array to encompass the entire valley, he finally relaxed and allowed himself to appreciate the scenery. Stowing away the two talismans, he swept his gaze around, feeling a surge of joy.

The view here was magnificent—verdant mountains, clear waters. The only drawback was the thin spiritual energy. But for him, that was a blessing; he needn’t worry about competing cultivators.

Yet the joy in He Song’s eyes quickly faded. He hadn’t come here for the scenery, but to open spiritual fields. No matter how beautiful the valley, he would transform it into spiritual farmland.

Shaking his head, He Song produced five array foundation stones and began setting up the first Spirit Gathering Array.

With a flash of light, the array was established. But soon He Song encountered a dilemma. The Spirit Gathering Array required a defined range to concentrate spiritual energy within its bounds. The larger the area, the more diluted the spiritual energy; the smaller the area, the denser the energy.

Setting the range at ten acres would yield a very different concentration than one acre.

Only then did He Song realize that the Spirit Gathering Arrays at the Immortal Market were nothing like the ones he could set up. They must have been of a much higher grade, perhaps several grades above his own. The difference was vast.

The arrays at the Immortal Market covered the entire market and its surrounding spiritual fields. Such an enormous area, yet the spiritual energy remained dense—surely only superior arrays could maintain such concentration.

He Song sighed inwardly and casually set his array to cover ten acres, then began inscribing new array foundations for additional Spirit Gathering Arrays.

It was not yet time. Only after ten days, when the array reached peak efficiency, could He Song calculate the optimal range for maximum benefit. Only then could he hope to transform barren land into rich spiritual fields within two years.

In the blink of an eye, ten days passed.

During those ten days, He Song used the spirit stones from his storage pouch to inscribe the foundations for four Spirit Gathering Arrays and one Concealment Array. Including losses, he spent over thirty spirit stones in total. Now, only thirty-five remained in his pouch.

These stones could no longer be spared. Both arrays required spirit stones to function, and what remained would last only a year. Next year, he would have to replace them to keep the arrays running.

Fortunately, after ten days had passed, He Song had finally determined the coverage of his Spirit Gathering Array.

(End of chapter)