Chapter 245 - 174: Breakthrough, Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation, Conflict Emerges

Chapter 245: Chapter 174: Breakthrough, Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation, Conflict Emerges

"I’m an Inner Sect Disciple of the Earth Fire Hall. Help me exchange these Magical Artifacts for Contribution Points." Zhao Zuo emptied over twenty Magical Artifacts from his Storage Bag and handed over his Identity Token.

For some time now, Zhao Zuo had been periodically turning in twenty Lower Grade Magical Artifacts for Contribution Points, rapidly accumulating them since there were many things he wanted to buy.

"One moment, please."

After a few minutes, Zhao Zuo’s Contribution Points had increased by 270, bringing his total to 2,400.

"Look up the price of the Bright Soul Pill for me," Zhao Zuo said.

"Three hundred Contribution Points each, and Inner Sect Disciples are limited to ten per year."

"I’ll take six." Zhao Zuo had mentally calculated what he needed for his Magical Treasures and arrived at a precise number.

"One moment, please."

He had now gathered enough Soul Cleansing Water and planned to attempt the method recorded in the Golden Fire Refining World Scripture for refining a Lifebound Magical Artifact ahead of schedule. After all, this Refinement process would forge an incredibly strong bond between a Cultivator and their Magical Artifact.

This would not only allow him to nourish the artifact and increase its power, but it would also link it to his very life and soul. Even an expert several Great Realms higher than the owner couldn’t instantly seize and perform Refinement on the Magical Artifact. And even if they did manage to take it, they could never wield it with the same ease as its true master.

In other words, the Refinement of a Lifebound Magical Artifact was a lifelong bond.

About three minutes later, the green-robed young woman returned to the counter, holding two porcelain vials.

"There are three Bright Soul Pills in each vial. Also, sir, I should remind you that while a Bright Soul Pill temporarily increases the strength of your Soul and improves the success rate of Magical Artifact Refining, using them consecutively can strain your Soul. I recommend taking no more than one per day."

"Alright, I understand. Thank you." Zhao Zuo took the porcelain vials, placed them in his Storage Bag, and turned to leave the Ministry of Affairs Hall. But just as he stepped outside... he suddenly sensed someone following him. What’s more, the person wasn’t even trying to conceal their presence.

He glanced back and saw a burly, unfamiliar man approaching him.

"Fellow Daoist, please wait."

Zhao Zuo paused. ’A few unpleasant scenarios flashed through his mind, but then he remembered he was in the Inner Sect’s territory. Surely no one would dare attack him in broad daylight.’ Reassured, he stopped walking.

"May I ask why you’ve stopped me, Senior Brother?" Zhao Zuo asked.

The two exchanged names. The man introduced himself as Meng Tianhua, but Zhao Zuo, sensing his ill intent, gave a fake name in return.

The man was burly and imposing, with an intimidating presence. He wore a gray-black, round-collared Taoist Robe with a cloud pattern, through which the powerful lines of his muscles were faintly visible. His features were rugged and strong, and he carried a hint of restrained Evil Qi. On his feet were a pair of Beast Hide boots embroidered with a gold-thread pattern.

"Haha, Junior Brother, I’d like to invite you to join the Inner Sect mutual aid organization I’m a part of," Meng Tianhua said, his tone friendly. His eyes, however, betrayed a hidden greed and malice.

"A mutual aid organization? What sort of arrangement is it, and what’s the price of joining?"

Zhao Zuo didn’t refuse immediately. He could sense the man’s ill will, but he first wanted to understand why he had been approached, so he asked out of curiosity.

"For example, members who have reached Qi Cultivation Perfection can borrow resources from others in the organization to purchase a Foundation Establishment Pill." Meng Tianhua took half a step forward, his massive frame blocking the sun and casting an oppressive shadow.

Zhao Zuo nodded, remaining perfectly calm. He was unintimidated by Meng Tianhua’s advance and listened patiently for what came next.

"If they succeed in their breakthrough, the person who borrowed the resources must repay their debt at one-and-a-half times its value. The leader is responsible for supervising this repayment."

Zhao Zuo heard this and understood the basic premise of the organization. Members pooled resources to help each other acquire a Foundation Establishment Pill quickly when it was time to break through to Foundation Establishment, avoiding any delays.

"Are there any other conditions?" ’I’ve already decided to refuse,’ Zhao Zuo thought, ’but I might as well learn a bit more about this organization first.’

"One more thing. You just have to pay a hundred Spirit Stones a month to receive the leader’s protection."

’This is just a protection racket,’ Zhao Zuo thought. ’The only difference is that instead of extorting common folk, they’re extorting their own rank-and-file members.’ A hundred Spirit Stones a month wasn’t much for an Inner Sect Disciple, but it added up to a significant amount over the course of a year.

’And pooling resources for a Foundation Establishment Pill doesn’t seem very reliable, either. If the person fails their breakthrough, it’s all for nothing—like trying to carry water in a bamboo basket.’

Having made up his mind, Zhao Zuo stated firmly.

"I’m still a long way from Qi Cultivation Perfection, and I barely have enough resources for my own Cultivation as it is. I really don’t have any extra Spirit Stones for an entry fee."

"The path of Cultivation is perilous, like walking on thin ice. With an expert’s protection, while I can’t promise a completely smooth and open path, you’ll at least avoid a great deal of trouble." Meng Tianhua spoke earnestly, his attitude sincere, as if he were an elder looking out for Zhao Zuo’s best interests.

"The offer is tempting, but I’m truly short on funds." Zhao Zuo shook his head, remaining unmoved. ’This so-called mutual aid organization is clearly a scam.’

"Do you know why this organization was founded?" Meng Tianhua asked, his tone turning cold and clearly displeased.

"I do not."

"The Seventh True Inheritance, Lord Chu, understands that Loose Cultivators like us, who joined the Moyun Sect mid-journey, have no backing or connections within the sect. We’re often bullied and have our resources stolen by other disciples. That’s why he established this mutual aid organization. I’d advise you to know what’s good for you." Meng Tianhua’s tone grew stern, and an Evil Qi began to emanate from his body as he attempted to intimidate Zhao Zuo into submission.