Chapter Nineteenth: Sucking Up

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  Suddenly, Chen Ge became ruthless and knelt down on the spot. He took out a mid-grade Fire Cloud Sword from his storage waistband and said respectfully: "I report to the Ancestor, this Fire Cloud Sword was seized from that extremely evil thing in the Extreme Yin Cave, I hope the Ancestor will accept it." As he spoke, this guy also winked at Lei Dong.

  Lei Dong also immediately understood, and quickly took out the jade box containing the Lingzhi mushroom, his face showing some excitement and sincerity: "Old Ancestor, this is the Lingzhi that the three of us picked up, which was only half a step away from being mature for a hundred years. We don't dare to have any other hopes, we just hope that it can help you take another step closer to the path of Yuanying, as a token of our filial piety."

  Of course, other trivial things can't be taken out. Otherwise, it's not called filial piety, but insult.

  The three of them understood that although the Lingzhi and Huoyun Sword were valuable treasures in their eyes, to a powerful cultivator like Wan Gui Laozu, they were probably no different from a grass or tree by the roadside. They took out these treasures as an offering for two reasons: firstly, because these two items had been mentioned before, and whether or not Laozu liked them was one thing, but showing filial piety was another matter altogether. Secondly, even if Laozu really accepted these two items, given his identity and status, the three of them were still his juniors, and they had done something that made him very pleased, so how could they not show their appreciation? A single strand of hair from Laozu's body was thicker than their thighs.

  It's estimated that Wan Gui Lao Zu's mood is quite pleasant today, after all, these few kids have gotten rid of his old arch-nemesis Ji Yin Lao Gui's newly acquired disciple, and they did it cleanly and efficiently. It's only right that he's in a great mood, especially since these few kids are quite considerate, whether it's genuine or not, at least they know to show respect to their elder with good things.

  With a slight raise of his hand, the Huo Yun sword and the Lingzhi box slowly floated into the hands of Wan Gui Lao Zu. He saw him lightly stroking the sword and praised: "This sword is not bad, a mid-grade artifact." As he said this, he put it away out of thin air. Then, he opened the Lingzhi jade box, looked at it for two eyes, nodded and said: "This Lingzhi is just short of a few months of fire, but fortunately, there was no mistake in transplanting, which shows your caution and meticulousness."

  After a pause, Wan Gui Lao Zu finally put away the Lingzhi: "These two treasures, I have taken them all. The matter here will be handled fairly by me, you three can stay in the cave and cultivate peacefully for the next two years, go down!"

  The old ancestor of Wan Gui really accepted the thing, but didn't show any expression. The three people all had a feeling of stealing a chicken without losing rice. However, at this moment, no one dared to reveal half a point of dissatisfaction, and instead showed a pleased and comforting expression as if it was natural. They didn't dare stay long, bid farewell to the old ancestor, and let the ghost slave lead them out.

  From head to toe, Gui Nu never spoke with them again. After leaving the old ancestor's cave mansion, the three of them went to Chen Ge's residence together and finally relaxed completely after a series of events that had been happening until now. Although the three of them appeared very calm, only they could truly feel the danger that lay within. One by one, they collapsed onto their chairs, exhausted. However, between their expressions, there was a hint of relief mixed with regret. Especially when Wan Gui Lao Zu took their things and didn't show any sign of gratitude, directly waving his hand to let them leave.

  After resting for a while, Qi Qi went to hand in the nearly fatal team task. And Lei Dong's contribution value also changed from zero to ten points. The record of contribution value was extremely mysterious and was actually printed on the waistband of the disciple. As long as you are within the Yin Ye Sect, you can exchange it for anything you want with this waistband. Chen Ge also sold all sorts of things to Zhao Baiwan, and in the end, they gained eight pieces of Ling Stone and ten bottles of Xiao Pei Yuan Dan. After dividing them equally among the three people, Lei Dong got two pieces of Ling Stone and ten bottles of medicine. Because he spent one piece of jade on a box, Lei Dong's total assets were now forty-two pieces of Ling.

  Lei Dong also went to Tang Qian's place to exchange for a secret manual, and after selecting for half a day, he finally chose a manual called "Forging Spirit Manual" under Tang Qian's suggestion. The Forging Spirit Manual is not a particularly profound manual, but it is easy to understand and most suitable for cultivators in the Qi Refining stage to cultivate their mind, spirit, and consciousness. It can be considered an introductory manual for refining one's mind, spirit, and consciousness. However, even so, the jade slip that records the Forging Spirit Manual requires 30 contribution points to exchange.

  I don't have the energy to do tasks anymore. I gritted my teeth and reluctantly took out four spirit stones to donate to the sect, exchanging them for twenty contribution points. Only then was I barely able to exchange for the "Refining Divine Technique". The number of spirit stones also sharply decreased from forty-two to thirty-eight, making me feel a pang in my heart. However, the Refining Divine Technique was something that had to be exchanged. After all, I had personally experienced the power of the Ghost Soldier.

  According to estimates, if I were to bring two ghostly attendants with me now, my mental energy would just barely be sufficient. However, if I wanted to divide my attention to control a few more magical tools, it would be extremely strenuous. Therefore, I must increase the intensity of my mental energy. If I continue to cultivate according to the Xuan Yin Heart Sutra, my mental energy will indeed continue to grow. Nevertheless, as my realm grows, the strength of the ghostly attendants must also keep pace, otherwise, when I reach the tenth layer of the Refining Qi period, bringing only a first-level ghostly attendant would be useless. The stronger the ghostly attendants are, the more mental energy it takes to maintain their actions. Therefore, at that time, my mental energy will still be insufficient.

  For others who cultivate the Ghost Control Technique, it's enough to bring one or two. After all, spirits are hard to find and can be used 90% of the time. But Lei Dong was lucky enough to obtain the Soul-Devouring Tower, a treasured artifact that defies heaven. If he only brought one or two ghostly minions, wouldn't it be a waste?

  After some thought, Lei Dong decided to strengthen his mental and spiritual training, and to enhance his own mental power as much as possible. With each additional ghost guard of the same level as himself, their comprehensive combat strength would be greatly enhanced, which was an advantage that others did not possess. Thus, although the four spirit stones were expensive, Lei Dong felt they were worth it.

  After parting with Chen Ge, Lei Dong also settled down at home to practice Qigong and meditation, working hard to cultivate himself. In order to speed up his cultivation, he would take a small Peiyuan Dan every few days. When meditating, the Ling stone in his hand was also indispensable. As a result, his progress was not bad. In addition, he would set aside two hours every day to temper his mind and spirit with the Zhengu method.

  Just over a month later, Gui Nu suddenly visited. Lei Dong was both surprised and delighted to invite him in. It turned out that he had been ordered by Lao Zu to distribute rewards to the three of them. Lei Dong was overjoyed to receive a mid-grade artifact called Cloud-Ascending Boots and a letter containing over a hundred spirit stones. Although he didn't know what Chen Ge and the others received, it was clear that they wouldn't get less than him.

  Lei Dong now has some understanding of the value of this piece of equipment. A mid-grade piece of equipment, even if it's the lowest quality, is worth at least a hundred spirit stones. Mid-grade high-quality ones often cost several hundred. This pair of boots called Cloud-Step Boots, looking at its exquisite craftsmanship, visible to the naked eye are the fluctuating spiritual power ripples. What's even more peculiar is that no matter how big or small your feet are, once you put them on, they will automatically adapt, and wearing them feels extremely comfortable. Even without activating this piece of equipment, the whole person feels a bit light and airy. Obviously, even among mid-grade pieces of equipment, these Cloud-Step Boots are quite good.

  After Lei Dong made an excuse and sent away the ghost servant who tried to send out a letter with a Ling stone, the ghost servant immediately bid farewell. Lei Dong quickly contacted Chen Ge and Wei Hua through the door restriction system, and after confirming that they were also treated the same way as himself, one person got one mid-grade artifact and one hundred Ling stones each. Only then did Lei Dong's heart completely calm down, with some uncontrollable excitement. Indeed, pulling out a hair from Lao Zu's body was more difficult than getting their three brothers' legs thicker, which directly increased his wealth by tenfold.

  However, after waiting for the thunder to calm down and settle, my mind cleared up again. Although external objects are tempting, one's own cultivation realm is the most important thing. If I can become like Wan Gui Lao Zu in this life and cultivate to the Golden Elixir stage, then these middle-grade artifacts and spirit stones would be completely insignificant to me.

  He took a few deep breaths, calming himself down. He put away the Spirit Stone and Cloud-Stepping Boots, swallowed a Small Pill of Cultivation, and held in his hand a Spirit Stone that was slightly dimmer than before. Once again, he began his arduous cultivation, striving to break through to the second layer of the Qi Refining stage.

  ……