Immortality Start with Farming - chapter 817 (Patreon)

Chapter 817: Witheredheart Demonfall Grass

Inside the loft’s main hall.

“Hahaha! This old monk has lost.” Master Yuanjue rose to his feet and clasped his hands toward Qin Shujian.

He seemed to take victory and defeat in stride, not minding the outcome in the slightest.

He had not even displayed his strongest Buddhist divine abilities, only his attainments in the sword path. If they truly fought seriously, the outcome would still be uncertain.

Qin Shujian likewise withdrew his aura, returning to his refined and approachable demeanor. He cupped his hands and said,

“Master Yuanjue has been gracious. Your Wisdom Sword divine ability is the most remarkable sword art I have seen in my life. You must have only recently mastered it, correct?”

“If we had both reached the same level of Sword Heart Clarity, at most we would have ended in a draw.”

Master Yuanjue slowly shook his head.

“A loss is a loss. Fellow Daoist Qin’s Sword Heart Clarity can actually glimpse the future for a brief moment and strike directly at weaknesses. This old monk has no grounds for complaint.”

His words shocked everyone present even more.

The path of the sword cultivator truly was sharp and formidable.

Most of them had heard of the sword cultivator from Jade Void Palace, but none had expected him to be so terrifyingly powerful.

After all, Master Yuanjue ranked among the foremost experts of Mount Sumeru.

Moreover, as one of the three great powers of the Heavenly Brahma Domain, Mount Sumeru was significantly stronger overall than Jade Void Palace, even though both were sects with Soul Integration cultivators.

That alone showed Qin Shujian’s extraordinary accomplishments in the sword path, allowing him to surpass Master Yuanjue.

No one had expected that besides exchanging treasures, they would also witness such a duel of swordsmanship.

Everyone was thoroughly entertained and still wanted more.

Afterward, following a period of discussing the Dao and exchanging insights, the gathering of Void Refinement cultivators was about to come to an end.

Yet at that moment, the old Daoist Lu from the Wuji Dao Palace suddenly stood and said:

“Fellow Daoists, please wait a moment. This poor Daoist has an immense opportunity to share with everyone. Would you care to stay and hear it?”

An immense opportunity?

Could such a good thing really exist?

Everyone stopped and turned to see what the old fellow had to say.

Qin Ming could not help curling his lip.

Whenever he heard the words “immense opportunity” now, his head started to ache. More often than not, it turned out to be some enormous pitfall.

“Fellow Daoist Lu, if it truly is such a great opportunity, would you really be willing to share it with us? Wouldn’t it be better to keep it for yourself?” asked the Confucian cultivator surnamed Fang from the Vast Righteous Pavilion.

He clearly did not believe in free lunches falling from the sky.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Old Daoist Lu covered his mouth and coughed lightly.

“Ahem! This matter is rather difficult. This old man alone cannot accomplish it.”

“The opportunity I speak of is the sixth-tier supreme spirit herb known as the Witheredheart Demonfall Grass, a treasure that can help sever the ‘False Self.’”

“What?! That special spirit herb? Fellow Daoist Lu, you aren’t joking, are you?”

Several old monsters present recognized the herb and exclaimed in shock.

The others exchanged puzzled looks, clearly unfamiliar with it.

As a sixth-tier high-grade spirit planter, Qin Ming naturally knew the herb well. Even he could not hide a trace of emotion.

Beside him, Qin Shujian humbly asked:

“Fellow Daoist Li, your attainments in spirit plants are profound. May I ask what exactly this Witheredheart Demonfall Grass is?”

Master Kongzhi and several others also gathered around.

As a Void Refinement Great Perfection cultivator, Lord Zichen already seemed to know the herb’s function, but he still wanted to hear Qin Ming’s opinion.

Qin Ming explained:

“The name Witheredheart Demonfall Grass sounds like some kind of poisonous weed, but in truth it is a sixth-tier supreme immortal herb. Its greatest effect is helping one sever the ‘False Self.’”

“Cultivation beyond the middle stage of Void Refinement involves further advancement in the process of making the primordial spirit intangible. As one merges with the void to comprehend the Great Dao, inner demons begin to arise.”

“As one progresses toward Void Refinement Perfection, those inner demons gradually take on substance and slowly give birth to another ‘self.’”

“This is the most critical test of character before advancing from the Void Refinement realm into the Soul Integration realm.”

“If one cannot sever the False Self, the primordial spirit cannot fully become intangible, nor can it enter the perfectly harmonious state of ultimate emptiness.”

“Instead, the False Self will occupy one’s Dao Heart, causing one to fall into stubborn emptiness, endless self-doubt, and an unbreakable mental prison. One may even lose sight of the meaning of cultivation itself, leaving one’s cultivation unable to advance further.”

“This is the greatest inner demon of Void Refinement cultivators. It goes far beyond ordinary desires.”

“Of course, the Witheredheart Demonfall Grass is exceedingly rare. It is said to grow only in chaotic border regions where the power of the world is extremely weak, and it is guarded by powerful Void Beasts.”

“These ferocious creatures roaming the void prefer living in groups. Even the weakest among them possess strength equivalent to at least the middle stage of the sixth tier.”

“Therefore, this opportunity is by no means easy to obtain.”

“Of course, the method of severing the False Self is not limited to this herb alone. The alternatives are simply even more difficult.”

After hearing Qin Ming’s explanation, the dozen or so old monsters present finally understood.

Such cultivation secrets would only fully reveal themselves upon reaching the Void Refinement Perfection stage.

The False Self did not form overnight. Rather, it gradually developed as Void Refinement cultivators advanced deeper in their cultivation and their primordial spirits became increasingly intangible. It would only fully manifest and erupt upon reaching Void Refinement Perfection.

Ordinarily, cultivators themselves could not detect it.

If this demonic obstacle was not removed, the Dao Heart could never become truly clear, and cultivation would come to a halt.

Among those present, only Lord Zichen and one or two members of Soul Integration sects knew these hidden details.

After all, cultivators capable of surviving three Void Refinement heavenly tribulations and reaching Void Refinement Great Perfection were exceedingly rare.

Qin Ming had learned these matters from Old Devil Qingyang.

Old Daoist Lu stroked his beard and smiled. With Li Qianjie, an authoritative spirit planter, explaining things for him, he had been spared a great deal of effort.

“Well then? Are any of you interested in joining me on a trip to the Demon Domain to seize this opportunity?”

“There is strength in numbers, after all. And there is more than one stalk of the immortal herb. I can guarantee that nearly everyone can obtain one or two.”

At first, everyone had been deeply tempted by such a Void Refinement opportunity.

But once they heard that groups of mid-sixth-tier Void Beasts were guarding it, hesitation immediately appeared on their faces.

Such creatures were far more ferocious than ordinary demon beasts and inspired fear even in Void Refinement cultivators.

Most of those present were only in the middle stage of Void Refinement. The late stage and Great Perfection still seemed impossibly distant.

As a result, only five or six of the stronger old monsters remained interested.

Seeing this, Old Daoist Lu’s face immediately fell.

These cultivators were simply too cautious.

Faced with such an opportunity, they remained completely unmoved.

Apparently they did not want to take even the slightest risk.

Why cultivate immortality at all? Why pursue the Great Dao?

They might as well go home and raise pigs.

Although Old Daoist Lu grumbled inwardly, he naturally did not voice those thoughts.

That place truly was extremely dangerous. He could not handle it alone.

That was why he needed to recruit fellow cultivators.

At that moment, one of the remaining five or six cultivators asked:

“Fellow Daoist Lu, where exactly is this Witheredheart Demonfall Grass located? Could you tell us a little more?”

Hearing this, Old Daoist Lu’s expression became somewhat awkward, though he still answered honestly:

“This opportunity does not lie within human territory, but within the Demon Clan’s Spirit Domain.”

“What? Inside demon territory? Then I must decline. No matter how great the opportunity, one must survive to enjoy it.”

The remaining cultivators immediately withdrew several more people from consideration.

Only Lord Zichen, Qin Shujian, and the cultivator surnamed Fang from Vast Righteous Pavilion remained, making four people in total.

After some thought, Qin Ming and Master Kongzhi also abandoned the idea and chose not to join.

“Fellow Daoists, hear me out before making your final decision. I have heard that not long ago, the upper echelons of humanity agreed to sign a peace accord and cooperate against the insect disaster.”

“Therefore, entering the Demon Domain as humans will soon become far more feasible. It may even be the only chance of our lives.”

“Once the insect disaster is resolved, conflict between the two races may erupt again. If that happens, opportunities like this will no longer exist.”

“If you doubt me, ask Commander Zichen of Starfall City.”

Old Daoist Lu carefully explained the advantages and disadvantages.

“Commander Zichen, is this true?” someone asked.

Lord Zichen nodded without hesitation.

After that, another two or three cultivators joined their group.

Once the discussion concluded, everyone dispersed.

“Commander, Master Kongzhi, I still have some matters to attend to and will return later,” Qin Ming said.

The two nodded without asking questions.

After all, it was Qin Ming’s private business. They assumed someone had taken an interest in his spirit rice and wanted to conduct a private transaction.

“Very well. The Lesser Mount Sumeru Dharma Assembly begins in a few days. Fellow Daoist Li, be sure not to miss it.”

“Oh, and could you reserve a few grains of your spirit rice for us? We can exchange something for them.”

Master Kongzhi spoke with a cheerful smile before departing.

Qin Ming immediately agreed.

Afterward, he left the estate and followed the city’s main roads through several twists and turns until he arrived at a restaurant and entered a private room upstairs.

Upon entering, he found Old Daoist Lu already waiting.

Because the transaction involved the Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower, Old Daoist Lu dared not let anyone discover it lest complications arise.

Thus, only the two of them occupied the room.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Old Daoist Lu got straight to the point. With a flick of his sleeve, he produced an antique wooden box and handed it over with a smile.

“Fellow Daoist Li, this is the Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower you wanted. Please inspect it.”

Qin Ming nodded and opened the box.

Inside lay a translucent crimson spirit plant wrapped in orange mist. Dao resonance flowed through every vein and leaf.

At the top bloomed a seven-petaled treasure flower shaped like a flame.

The plant had been preserved exceptionally well.

As for the missing thousand years or so of medicinal potency, he only needed to take it back and Accelerate Growth before using it for alchemy.

At last, he had gathered both primary ingredients for refining the Nine-Revolutions Dao-Comprehension Pill: the Purifying World Lotus Seedss and the Heart-Enlightening Treasure Flower.

He closed the box and stored it away.

Then he produced a jade case containing six grains of Taiyi Void Origin Rice.

The Void Spirit Qi within was sufficient for Old Daoist Lu to cultivate with several times and improve his cultivation.

“Haha! Fellow Daoist Li is truly straightforward.”

After putting the rice away, Old Daoist Lu looked refreshed and invigorated.

With the support of sixth-tier high-grade spirit rice, his strength might improve further. When they headed to the Demon Clan’s Spirit Domain, their chances of obtaining that great opportunity would increase considerably.

The exchange concluded.

Yet Old Daoist Lu still refused to give up and asked:

“Is Fellow Daoist Li truly unmoved by the Witheredheart Demonfall Grass? With your alchemy attainments, you should know that this immortal herb can also be used to refine other rare sixth-tier pills.”

“Our lineup this time is quite powerful. Even if we encounter Void Beasts, we should be able to retreat safely.”

“Would you like to reconsider?”

“I only recently broke through to the middle stage of Void Refinement. While the opportunity is certainly tempting, I must decline your kindness, Fellow Daoist Lu,” Qin Ming replied politely.

Seeing that Qin Ming had no interest, Old Daoist Lu stopped pressing.

After chatting a while longer, the two left the restaurant.

However, when Qin Ming descended to the main hall, he unexpectedly ran into two old acquaintances.

Even he was greatly surprised.

“Well, well! Fellow Daoist Li!”

“What brings you to the Heavenly Brahma Domain as well?”

“Senior Li!”

The newcomers were none other than Qin Ming’s old comrades—the Profound Tortoise Divine Lord and Venerable Hanya.

Following the Profound Tortoise Divine Lord around and enjoying the benefits, Venerable Hanya’s cultivation had advanced considerably as well.

The two on the opposite side were equally stunned to encounter Qin Ming here.

“It has been a long time, fellow Daoists. Who would have thought we would meet here? What a coincidence.”

Qin Ming cupped his hands in greeting.

“Fellow Daoist Li, are you also here for the Lesser Mount Sumeru Dharma Assembly?”

“Indeed. I came because of its reputation.”

Seeing that Qin Ming had met old acquaintances, Old Daoist Lu found it inappropriate to stay and immediately cupped his hands.

“Since Fellow Daoist Li has matters to attend to, this old man will take his leave.”

Qin Ming nodded.

“Then I shall not see you off.”

“Easy enough, easy enough. If Fellow Daoist Li obtains more sixth-tier spirit rice in the future, be sure to inform me. The Wuji Dao Palace has quite a few treasures of its own.”

After saying that, Old Daoist Lu departed under the gaze of the others.

Once he had gone, Venerable Hanya stared at Qin Ming in disbelief.

“Senior Li, your cultivation... you’ve broken through to the middle stage of Void Refinement!”

Qin Ming smiled faintly.

“That’s right.”

“Fellow Daoist Hanya has had remarkable fortune as well. To be favored by Fellow Daoist Gu and advance so quickly in cultivation.”

“Not at all. I merely help Senior Gu with a bit of business. He brought me along this time to broaden my horizons and gave me the chance to attend the Lesser Mount Sumeru Dharma Assembly. I never expected to run into Senior Li here,” Venerable Hanya hurriedly explained.

The three old acquaintances then returned upstairs, ordered food and wine, and reminisced.

Through their conversation, Qin Ming learned that the Profound Tortoise Divine Lord had also been invited to attend the assembly.

As cups were raised and exchanged, the topic suddenly shifted to Yin Lingzi.

“By the way, Fellow Daoist Li, did Fellow Daoist Yin truly perish?”

“Based on what I know of him, he probably faked his death, didn’t he?”

“Others may not understand his methods, but I witnessed them personally. Even the Linglong Immortal Estate Secret Realm failed to keep him.”

“How could a mere insect valley cause his death?”

Hearing this, Qin Ming nearly spat out the spirit wine he had just swallowed.

He had not expected the Profound Tortoise Divine Lord to be so utterly convinced that Yin Lingzi was still alive.

All he could say was:

“Uh... Fellow Daoist Yin really does seem to have died. I heard that even the natal primordial spirit lamp he left in the Tianhe Sect has gone out. He couldn’t be more dead.”

Even after hearing that, the Profound Tortoise Divine Lord still looked unconvinced.

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