Chapter 113: The Perfect Attainment of the Ultimate Wooden Body!

After a day of travel, the majestic and towering Canghai Immortal City once again came into Qin Ming’s view after more than half a year.

This time, Qin Ming’s visit to Canghai Immortal City also served as an opportunity to bring two Lingxi Rice Flower Spirit Fish to Gu Qingzhao.

In the cultivation world, social etiquette must be clearly managed.

After all, every time they visited, the other party always brought something and helped him quite a bit.

If he relied solely on himself, gathering so many spiritual materials to refine Foundation Establishment Pills would be an endless task.

Upon arriving near the main gate, Qin Ming obediently queued to enter the Immortal City.

After showing his identification card, he passed through winding streets and headed straight to the Mirror Snow Pavilion in the inner city.

Gu Qingzhao and Shopkeeper Liao had been waiting for quite some time.

They had long heard news of Lingxi Rice reappearing in the Lingxi Archipelago.

Gu Qingzhao stepped forward gracefully with a faint smile. “Congratulations, Daoist Qin, on soon becoming a second-rank mid-grade Spiritual Botanist.”

“And for bringing Lingxi Rice back into the cultivation world.”

Qin Ming was currently in the limelight, and the Mirror Snow Pavilion took this chance to build up their prestige.

His influence within Canghai Immortal City was about to rise to a new level.

Because the Lingxi Rice in Qin Ming’s possession had not yet been circulated, independent cultivators all knew it would most likely be sold through the Mirror Snow Pavilion.

“Congratulations, Daoist Qin, congratulations!” Shopkeeper Liao also offered his compliments nearby.

Qin Ming smiled casually and replied modestly, “I’ve been somewhat fortunate, your praise is too kind.”

Afterwards, Gu Qingzhao led Qin Ming into a refined chamber on the seventh floor.

They first talked at length about recent events.

“Oh, Daoist Qin, the three Rejuvenation Pills you entrusted for auction last time sold for twenty thousand spirit stones each.”

“After deducting thirty thousand spirit stones for gathering spiritual materials on your behalf, I had Aunt Long deliver the remainder to you. You should have received it by now?” Gu Qingzhao asked, sipping her tea.

Qin Ming nodded, “Thank you, Daoist Gu, I have received it.”

Gu Qingzhao herself had probably taken one of those Rejuvenation Pills, as her beauty now radiated even more celestial aura.

After a brief pause, noticing the expectant look in her eyes, Qin Ming knew it was time to discuss business.

He took out two hundred catties of Lingxi Rice and placed it in front of Gu Qingzhao.

“As an honorary guest of Mirror Snow Pavilion, enjoying generous treatment, I ought to contribute accordingly.”

“Please handle the sale and disposal of this Lingxi Rice, Daoist Gu.”

Gu Qingzhao and Shopkeeper Liao both stared fixedly at the icy crystal jade-colored Lingxi Rice.

It was their first time seeing the legendary and highly renowned Lingxi Spirit Rice.

For a moment, they were utterly captivated.

After a long while, Gu Qingzhao regained her composure and spoke with reverence, “I didn’t expect Daoist Qin’s mastery of Spiritual Botany to have reached such a level. In terms of Spiritual Botany alone, I doubt anyone in Canghai Immortal City can compare.”

Qin Ming smiled at her words.

He then handed over some gathered Spirit-Calming Tea and Purple Gold Bamboo to Gu Qingzhao for auction.

Both were rare treasures: the tea enhanced magical power and spiritual perception, and the bamboo was used to forge top-tier magical instruments.

Such items as final highlights in Mirror Snow Pavilion’s auction would surely attract great acclaim.

He then took the two Rice Flower Spirit Fish from his spirit beast pouch and handed them to Gu Qingzhao.

“These are spirit fish I cultivated on the island. The taste is quite good. I bring you two to try.”

“Thank you, Daoist Qin, for your kindness,” Gu Qingzhao’s eyes brightened, a smile lifting her lips as she accepted the fish.

The two spirit fish, still lively and wriggling inside the spirit beast pouch, weighed about five to six catties each.

The transaction concluded.

Three days later, Qin Ming received notice to prepare for the Arbor Illusion Trial at the Spiritual Botanist Guild in Canghai Immortal City.

Upon arriving at the guild, more than ten lower second-rank Spiritual Botanists were already waiting to enter the Wood Array.

Seeing Qin Ming approach, they greeted him warmly.

“Greetings, Daoist Qin!”

“Daoist Qin is truly our example to follow!”

“Daoist Qin’s reintroduction of Lingxi Rice has lifted our spirits as Spiritual Botanists.”

“Those scornful Pill Masters now have no choice but to acknowledge us.”

“Daoist Qin, will you take on disciples?”

...

Qin Ming’s achievements had already made his reputation widespread.

These Spiritual Botanists eagerly hoped to glean some exclusive techniques for cultivating Lingxi Rice from his words.

Soon, the Wood Array was activated.

No one spoke further; they all swiftly entered the Arbor Illusion.

Upon entering, Qin Ming found the trial content similar to what he had faced before at Lingyu Sect.

However, the mid-grade second-rank trial was significantly more difficult.

He still chose the highest difficulty—Grade A Illusion.

After several hours, Spiritual Botanists emerged in small groups, some with joyous expressions, others looking numb and dejected.

The last to exit was Qin Ming. His face was as calm as a still pond, revealing no emotion.

Yet inwardly, he was immensely excited—he had completed the Grade A Illusion Trial.

He had again obtained seven strands of the “Ten Thousand Trees’ Maternal Qi.”

With this, he could soon cultivate the Supreme Wood Body, preparing for Foundation Establishment.

The Spiritual Botanist identification card on Qin Ming’s chest, now infused with the Wood Array’s power, displayed two plants on the reverse side.

This signified his official promotion to a mid-grade second-rank Spiritual Botanist—a rare profession in Canghai Immortal City.

...

Meanwhile, at Mirror Snow Pavilion, Gu Qingzhao picked up the two Rice Flower Spirit Fish and casually handed one to Shopkeeper Liao with a light instruction:

“Make me a spirit fish soup from one of these and bring it up when ready.”

She had assumed the fish Qin Ming gave her were ordinary, so she hadn’t taken it too seriously.

But not wanting to disappoint his kindness, Gu Qingzhao planned to sample one.

“Understood! Please rest a moment, Pavilion Master. I will prepare it and bring it to you shortly,” Shopkeeper Liao bowed and went downstairs with the fish.

An incense stick’s time later, Shopkeeper Liao returned with a small covered pot of spirit fish soup, his expression strange as he carefully presented it before Gu Qingzhao.

“Pavilion Master, the soup is ready, but—”

“But what?” Gu Qingzhao stood, her brows knitting tightly as she noticed his peculiar look and stared at him in confusion.

“Pavilion Master, you’ll know when you see for yourself.”

Liao lightly lifted the lid.

Immediately, an intensely rich spiritual freshness wafted out, tantalizing her taste buds.

Before her eyes was a small pot of spirit fish soup emanating astonishing spiritual resonance.

Even from afar, one could sense the soup’s abundant spiritual energy.

“This—”

Even Gu Qingzhao, usually composed, showed rare astonishment.

She lifted the spoon and took a gentle sip.

The next moment, her eyes widened in disbelief.

This Rice Flower Spirit Fish Soup rivaled the legendary “Great Azure Dragon Soup,” capable of directly enhancing her cultivation in the Foundation Establishment stage!

Quickly, she dismissed Shopkeeper Liao.

Gu Qingzhao drank the soup without waste and immediately entered a state of cultivation.

An hour later, she could feel significant improvement in her magical power, with a faint sense of an impending breakthrough.

After calming herself, she hurriedly had Liao return and carefully raise the other spirit fish.

...

After completing the Arbor Illusion Trial, Qin Ming returned to Mirror Snow Pavilion.

Upon seeing him, Gu Qingzhao immediately invited him to a refined chamber for a chat.

Her beautiful eyes flickered as she smiled warmly.

“Daoist Qin, I have tasted the Rice Flower Spirit Fish you sent.”

“I never expected such a precious gift—I feel almost undeserving.”

Qin Ming smiled slightly. “I’m glad you like it, Daoist Gu.”

“These Lingxi Rice Flower Spirit Fish are rare indeed; I don’t cultivate many.”

Gu Qingzhao suddenly realized, “No wonder the effect of increasing magical power is so remarkable—they are bred from Lingxi Rice paddies.”

“If Daoist Qin ever has surplus spirit fish, I would be willing to pay a high price.”

Qin Ming smiled, “Daoist Gu, you flatter me. If you wish to try them again, you are welcome to visit Moonwatch Island anytime.”

He was quite proud; after all, these Lingxi Rice Flower Spirit Fish were unique to his island.

During their conversation, an unexpected event occurred.

Shen Yuanxiong, who had once sold him defective jade agate Ganoderma mushrooms, appeared seeking him out.

A Foundation Establishment great cultivator, he pleaded with Qin Ming to sell him some Lingxi Rice.

Qin Ming, remembering that Shen had sold him those mushrooms, sold him five catties of Lingxi Rice.

Besides, from Shen Yuanxiong, Qin Ming learned their recent joint effort to refine Foundation Establishment Pills had failed.

The experienced Pill Master Sun had an unexpected mishap and caused the furnace to explode on the spot.

They wasted two full batches of Foundation Establishment pill materials.

Shen Yuanxiong was deeply pained and regretted not trusting Qin Ming sooner and entrusting him with a batch of jade agate Ganoderma.

After all,

Qin Ming, at such a young age, had advanced to a mid-grade second-rank Spiritual Botanist, mastering two second-rank disciplines.

This alone demonstrated his extraordinary skill and talent.

But now, it was too late to change anything.

...

Next, having accomplished his main goal, Qin Ming prepared to return to cultivation.

After bidding farewell to Gu Qingzhao, he returned to Moonwatch Island.

During his absence, all was well on the island.

The Mystic Water Crocodile played in Moonwatch Lake, with Wu Jiang following behind, feeding it demon beast meat.

After spending several days together, Wu Jiang no longer showed the earlier fear.

As soon as Qin Ming approached the lake, the Mystic Water Crocodile sensed his return and joyfully ran to him, shaking its head and tail.

In those few days, it had grown noticeably larger.

Indeed, a mutated earthly-grade bloodline.

Its appearance was no longer as adorable as before; a fierce aura began to emerge.

Qin Ming patted its head and let it go find food in the lake.

He then instructed Wu Jiang, “Daoist Wu, I will enter seclusion from today.”

“Please continue to watch over the island.”

“Do not let anyone disturb me.”

Wu Jiang quickly replied, “Rest assured, Daoist Qin. I will take care of everything.”

Qin Ming nodded and returned to his cave dwelling to prepare.

He approached his Life Vine, his destined spiritual plant.

“Today is the day!”

Qin Ming raised his hand and directly poured all seven strands of the “Ten Thousand Trees’ Maternal Qi” into the Life Vine.

Suddenly, the Life Vine began to grow wildly, purple runes flashing along its vines.

Having absorbed all seven strands of the Maternal Qi, the entire plant doubled in height again.

It reached thirty zhang tall, its black vines stretching to block the sky.

Were it not for his concealment skills, such a towering ancient tree would be visible from afar.

Rustle, rustle, rustle!

As the Life Vine ceased growing, streams of plant essence flowed from it toward Qin Ming.

Like a green river crossing the night sky, connecting to him.

Qin Ming activated the Ancient Tree Longevity Technique, a blue ethereal shadow appearing behind him, mirroring his every move.

Gradually,

Along with the continuous influx of plant essence, the blue shadow behind him grew larger.

It expanded to eight zhang before stopping.

Then,

The blue shadow made a different gesture from Qin Ming.

It formed a strange magical seal.

The illusory figure suddenly became crystal clear, identical to Qin Ming in every detail.

Hum—

Qin Ming seemed to transform into an ancient tree that had weathered countless years, a vast power of time swirling around him.

Suddenly!

The enormous blue shadow behind him condensed into a blue rune and merged into the center of Qin Ming’s brow.

Like a blue rune mark, it was imprinted on his brow.

Boom!

In that moment, countless insights into wood and plant essence surged unbidden into Qin Ming’s mind.

It was like a sudden enlightenment, indescribable in words.

His dantian and qi sea began autonomously absorbing external spiritual energy, flowing without hindrance.

“Supreme Wood Body perfected!”

Qin Ming slowly opened his eyes; two cyan beams several inches long shone within them, then gradually faded.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

He could clearly feel that the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, transformed by his spiritual roots, had increased by a great margin.

This feeling was incomparable.

Though still possessing pseudo-spiritual roots of four elements, with his acquired postnatal spiritual body, his aptitude now rivaled that of cultivators with superior spiritual roots.

Next,

Everything was ready—only the final push remained.

Qin Ming prepared to strike while the iron was hot, immediately beginning to refine Foundation Establishment Pills to break through Foundation Establishment!