Immortality Start with Farming - chapter 816 (Patreon)

Chapter 816: Sword Heart Clarity

Just then.

The Confucian cultivator surnamed Fang from the Vast Righteous Pavilion took out an item and flicked it forward. It landed before Master Yuanjue as he asked:

“I wonder whether this sixth-tier mid-grade Heart-Righteousness Demon-Suppressing Talisman can be exchanged for the item in your possession, Master?”

Master Yuanjue accepted the wooden box and opened it. Inside lay a translucent bamboo slip, within which swirled a mass of Confucian righteous qi.

“The primary material used to craft this talisman came from bamboo slips that the sages of our sect recited from for a thousand years. It contains an exceptionally powerful force of moral enlightenment. The true words inscribed upon it were all personally written by great Confucian scholars.

“It is of immense help in suppressing heart demons during the Void Refinement stage.”

Seeing that Master Yuanjue had not immediately agreed to the exchange, the Confucian cultivator surnamed Fang promptly explained.

Master Yuanjue pondered for a long while before closing the box and saying:

“Since it was crafted by a great scholar of your sect, it is not unacceptable. However, a single talisman alone is insufficient to exchange for the item in this old monk’s possession.

“At the very least, two are required. Otherwise, Fellow Daoist Fang may add something else as a sweetener.”

Hearing this, the cultivator surnamed Fang fell into deep thought. Though he greatly desired that patch of yin soil, the conditions exceeded what he was willing to pay.

Thus, he directly declined Master Yuanjue’s additional demands.

Seeing that the timing was about right, Qin Ming calmly took out an item from his storage pouch and flicked it toward Master Yuanjue.

“I am also quite interested in the yin soil in your possession, Master. Would this item suffice as an exchange?”

Master Yuanjue smiled kindly and accepted the jade box.

The old monsters present all remained indifferent.

None of them believed that this wandering Void Refinement cultivator from the Kunlun Domain could produce anything particularly valuable.

After all, even the treasures offered by the major sects had failed to impress Master Yuanjue.

But then—

Master Yuanjue gently removed the seal on the jade box and opened it.

A milky-white mist immediately blossomed forth.

Afterward, an extremely dense aura of Void Spirit Qi drifted out.

Inside lay more than a dozen grains of sixth-tier spirit rice overflowing with spiritual energy.

“This is...”

Even someone as experienced as Master Yuanjue had never seen such extraordinary high-tier spirit rice before.

Qin Ming calmly explained:

“This spirit rice is called Taiyi Void Origin Rice. It is a sixth-tier top-grade spirit rice. It is greatly beneficial for increasing cultivation during the middle and late stages of Void Refinement and also helps refine one’s Void Essence.”

The moment those words were spoken, not only Master Yuanjue but all the old monsters present were shocked.

“What? This is the Taiyi Void Origin Rice that has already vanished from the cultivation world?”

“I have heard of it before. Even in ancient times, it was exceedingly rare and belonged exclusively to a certain mighty expert. It was famous for containing a trace of Void Spirit Qi.”

As the crowd marveled in astonishment, a blue-robed Daoist with a wine-red nose from the Wuji Dao Palace spoke up, apparently recognizing the spirit rice.

His tone revealed considerable interest as well.

Seeing his reaction, the cultivator surnamed Fang immediately frowned and asked:

“Old Daoist Lu, are you sure?”

Daoist Lu from the Wuji Dao Palace revealed a look of disdain.

“You can see the sixth-tier spirit rice right in front of you. Could spirit rice carrying Dao spiritual resonance of this level possibly be fake?”

Master Yuanjue was overjoyed. He immediately handed the wooden box containing the Extremely Baleful Yin Soil to Qin Ming.

“Deal!”

“This old monk heard from Junior Brother Kongzhi that Fellow Daoist Li is a sixth-tier Spirit Plant Diviner and is also proficient in the Six Extremes Alchemy Dao. May I boldly ask whether this Taiyi Void Origin Rice was cultivated by you?”

At that question, everyone else became curious as well.

They were all extremely tempted by a sixth-tier top-grade spirit rice capable of increasing the cultivation of Void Refinement cultivators.

Some were already considering bringing out hidden treasures to exchange with Qin Ming.

Qin Ming did not conceal the truth and nodded.

“I did indeed cultivate this spirit rice myself. By a fortunate coincidence, I obtained a few spirit seeds and spent several hundred years cultivating them. As such, I have very little left.”

Hearing this, the Void Refinement old monsters present were greatly disappointed.

They had not expected Master Yuanjue to snatch up such spirit rice immediately.

Meanwhile, Lord Zichen and Master Kongzhi were even more shocked.

Taiyi Void Origin Rice was an exceptionally rare sixth-tier top-grade spirit rice, and Qin Ming had successfully restored its cultivation.

Did that not mean that Fellow Daoist Li of Little Turtle Peak had already reached the level of a sixth-tier top-grade spirit planter?

At that thought, the two exchanged glances, both secretly astonished.

“Fellow Daoist Li’s attainments in spirit plant cultivation are truly at the pinnacle. It has been a very long time since a sixth-tier top-grade spirit planter appeared in Celestial Star City,” Lord Zichen transmitted privately.

The other old monsters also began reevaluating this mid-stage Void Refinement wandering cultivator.

After the exchange was completed, the treasure exhibition continued.

One dazzling treasure after another appeared, demonstrating just how deep the foundations of these old monsters were compared to ordinary Void Refinement cultivators.

Not only the cultivators from the three major sects, but everyone else also became highly interested in Qin Ming’s sixth-tier spirit rice.

Many wished to exchange for it, but Qin Ming politely declined them all.

“Fellow Daoist Li, is there anything you need? This old Daoist can do his best to satisfy your requirements. I only ask for some Taiyi Void Origin Rice.”

Old Daoist Lu from the Wuji Dao Palace suddenly transmitted privately to Qin Ming.

In truth, he was not the only one. Several of the old monsters present had already sent private transmissions hoping to trade for the spirit rice, but Qin Ming had refused them all.

However, Old Daoist Lu was an elder of the Wuji Dao Palace, one of the three great sects of the Tianfan Domain. Perhaps he possessed something Qin Ming actually needed.

After a moment’s thought, Qin Ming replied:

“Does Fellow Daoist Lu happen to possess a sixth-tier Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower? If so, I still have a few grains of spirit rice remaining, and an exchange might be possible.”

Hearing this, Old Daoist Lu immediately fell into thought.

He was clearly surprised that Qin Ming sought the Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower.

After a long while, he finally responded:

“Could it be that Fellow Daoist Li wishes to refine the Nine-Revolutions Dao-Comprehension Pill?”

“Exactly.”

After receiving confirmation, Old Daoist Lu looked at Qin Ming with a highly complicated expression.

He had not expected a wandering cultivator to possess the courage to attempt refining such an extremely difficult sixth-tier mid-grade divine pill.

Even in a Body Integration-level sect such as the Wuji Dao Palace, the number capable of refining it could be counted on one hand.

Not only were the ingredients for the Nine-Revolutions Dao-Comprehension Pill extraordinarily difficult to obtain, but its refinement difficulty was also said to rank among the highest of all sixth-tier pills.

“This poor Daoist does indeed possess a sixth-tier top-grade Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower. However, its medicinal potency is somewhat lacking. It is still over a thousand years short of becoming the nine-leaf treasure flower needed for refining the Nine-Revolutions Dao-Comprehension Pill. At present, it has only grown seven leaves.

“I wonder whether Fellow Daoist Li would find it acceptable?”

Qin Ming had not actually expected to find any clue regarding the Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower here. He had merely been trying his luck.

Yet upon hearing that Old Daoist Lu truly possessed one, he immediately sat up straighter.

“In that case, I can make the exchange with Fellow Daoist Lu. After the gathering ends, let us meet privately. There are too many eyes here, and I’m sure Fellow Daoist Lu understands.”

Old Daoist Lu was delighted.

He had not expected Qin Ming to accept an Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower that lacked sufficient age.

After some thought, he concluded that with Qin Ming’s extraordinary spirit plant expertise, he likely possessed a special method to compensate for its insufficient medicinal potency.

He himself had obtained the flower through a sect mission exchange.

Resources like the Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower only existed within powers such as the three major factions.

As one of the two primary ingredients of the Nine-Revolutions Dao-Comprehension Pill, it was virtually impossible for it to circulate outside.

The major sects had completely monopolized it.

That was why Baili Hui and Mo Lingwei had searched for so long without uncovering even a single clue about it.

Old Daoist Lu originally had no intention of trading the flower.

But under the temptation of sixth-tier top-grade Taiyi Void Origin Rice, he could no longer care about such concerns.

The two quickly settled the details of the transaction.

Soon afterward, the gathering of Void Refinement cultivators drew to a close.

Every participant had gained something.

After the exchange meeting ended, the cultivators continued discussing matters of cultivation.

Just as everyone was chatting enthusiastically, Qin Shujian suddenly rose and walked before Master Yuanjue.

He cupped his hands and spoke a single sentence that left everyone present astonished.

“I have heard that Master Yuanjue of Mount Sumeru possesses peerless sword arts and has comprehended and created the unique Dao of the Wisdom Sword. My heart has long been itching for a challenge. Would you be willing to exchange pointers with me?”

The crowd immediately cursed inwardly.

Another sword fanatic.

Whenever these sword cultivators encountered anything related to swords, they became completely obsessed.

To openly propose a duel in such a setting was truly outrageous.

Master Yuanjue was also taken aback.

Setting down his teacup, he gave a bitter smile.

“This old monk primarily cultivates the Zen path. Sword Dao is merely a secondary pursuit. How could I compare with the renowned Fellow Daoist Qin of Jade Void Palace?

“I know my own limits, so I concede. There is no need to compete.”

However—

Even after hearing Master Yuanjue voluntarily admit defeat, Qin Shujian refused to let the matter go.

He insisted on having a match before relinquishing the obsession in his heart.

Unable to refuse any longer, Master Yuanjue sighed helplessly.

“Since Fellow Daoist Qin is so persistent, very well. In my opinion, there is no need to seek another venue. Let us compare swords right here.

“One move shall determine victory and defeat. What do you think?”

“Agreed.”

Qin Shujian nodded calmly.

The other Void Refinement old monsters looked at one another.

Still, no one objected to watching an entertaining spectacle.

Some even began placing wagers on the spot.

Lord Zichen approached Qin Ming with a smile.

“Fellow Daoist Li, in your opinion, whose swordsmanship is superior?”

After brief consideration, Qin Ming replied:

“Since Fellow Daoist Qin of Jade Void Palace is known as the number one swordsman below the Body Integration realm, he will most likely win.”

“In that case, I’ll wager on Master Yuanjue’s victory. Let us bet a jug of your Moon-Inviting Skybrew. What do you say?”

Qin Ming froze.

He immediately thought:

So this was your plan all along!

He promptly replied:

“Very well. But if Fellow Daoist Zichen guesses wrong, I’ll require two mid-grade Immortal Jade.”

Upon hearing that, Lord Zichen nearly lost his composure, but ultimately agreed.

Master Kongzhi, hearing that Qin Ming’s spirit wine was at stake, immediately joined the wager as well.

A short while later, Master Yuanjue raised a hand and erected a protective barrier within the hall.

Then he gestured toward Qin Shujian.

“Fellow Daoist Qin, please.”

The duel between the two sword masters began at once.

At their level of sword cultivation, there was no need for earth-shattering techniques.

They could freely restrict the power of their divine abilities within a limited area.

A single hall was more than sufficient.

Buzz—

A clear and ethereal sword cry suddenly rang throughout the hall.

Yet the sound could be heard while the sword itself remained unseen.

Qin Shujian’s gaze was sharp.

Clearly, he had already unleashed a sword art and launched an attack toward Master Yuanjue.

The strange sight astonished all the Void Refinement cultivators present.

Master Yuanjue simply clasped his hands together and closed his eyes while chanting scriptures.

As his chanting continued, a sacred golden wheel of Buddhist radiance appeared behind him.

“From emptiness arises great enlightenment, Like a bubble emerging upon the sea.

Countless worlds of leaking dust, All arise dependent upon the void.”

...

Swish!

The next instant, sword intent erupted from Qin Shujian’s brow.

The space surrounding Master Yuanjue was suddenly torn apart by countless terrifying spatial rifts.

Yet Master Yuanjue paid no attention, continuing his recitation as though nothing had happened.

When the final syllable left his lips—

Boom!

All the golden Buddhist light behind him flew outward, transforming into hundreds of millions of Ocean of Enlightenment Sword Rays.

Like towering waves surging across a boundless sea, every wave was composed entirely of sword light.

They crashed toward Qin Shujian’s invisible sword intent.

Several sounds of sword threads slicing through the air echoed.

When all the dust settled—

A single strand of Master Yuanjue’s white eyebrow slowly drifted downward.

The outcome had been decided within only a few breaths.

Clearly, Qin Shujian’s Sword Dao was slightly superior, winning him the match.

“Heh. Fellow Daoist Zichen, Master Kongzhi, I shall gladly accept those Immortal Jade.”

Qin Ming immediately turned and smiled at the pair.

Their mouths twitched.

They had not expected Qin Shujian truly to defeat the eminent Buddhist monk in swordsmanship.

Still, a bet was a bet.

With great reluctance, both took out their Immortal Jade and handed them over to Qin Ming.

Master Kongzhi could not help asking:

“Fellow Daoist Li, how did you know Fellow Daoist Qin would win?”

“I was merely guessing. Pure luck.”

Qin Ming casually made up an excuse.

In reality, Qin Ming himself cultivated the Soulbane Sword.

To some extent, he could sense the strength of the sword intent carried by dedicated sword cultivators.

The moment he saw the two of them, he had already sensed that Qin Shujian’s sword intent was somewhat stronger than Master Yuanjue’s.

Thus, even before they fought, he could roughly judge who was stronger.

Moreover, the Sword Heart Clarity that Qin Shujian had comprehended was truly formidable.

Qin Ming’s powerful Divine Sense had clearly perceived that, with a mere movement of thought, an invisible spirit sword could materialize from nothingness.

He had already reached the realm of “man and sword as one, the heart reflecting all things.”

Even before the duel began, Qin Shujian had already discovered the flaw within Master Yuanjue’s Ocean of Enlightenment Wisdom Sword.

As for such a sword art born from sudden enlightenment, it was not something others could learn.

After witnessing it, however, Qin Ming intended to privately exchange insights with him later.

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