As we walked out of the Jangamn Hall, I couldn't help but feel frustrated. Cultivation was turning out to be an expensive endeavour, and I had come to the hall hoping to purchase a formation that would enhance my defensive and offensive abilities to protect myself against potential attacks. However, I quickly realized that such formations were rare and incredibly costly.
The prices for even the few available formations were astronomical, and it seemed like everything related to cultivation - weapons, talismans, arrays, pills, herbs, and potions - was organized in a hierarchical order, with the first order being equivalent to a Qi refinement level and the ninth order being equivalent to an immortal level, and with each order, the price of the object grew astronomically, just now I bought a second-grade defensive formation, a first-order attack formation, and a second order concealment formation.
As I reviewed the formations I had just purchased, a defensive formation, an attack formation, and a concealment formation, I couldn't help but gulp at the cost.
15,000 middle-grade spirit stones were a significant amount, and I realized that cultivating and maintaining my strength would require a substantial investment of resources.
The realization that I would need to continuously spend spirit stones to keep the formations running was daunting. Another thousand low-grade spirit stones per week just to maintain them! If things went continued like this then my wealth would run out sooner or later, that decided things for me, I needed to find a way to generate a consistent income or acquire more resources to sustain my cultivation progress.
I decided to be more cautious with my spending and prioritize my resources wisely. I needed to be strategic in my cultivation path and make the most of the formations I had acquired. I also needed to find alternative ways to gather spirit stones, such as participating in missions or trading valuable items. I couldn't afford to be complacent or wasteful with my resources if I wanted to survive and thrive in this cultivation world.
I had underestimated the financial burden of cultivating and acquiring the necessary resources to progress in this world. It seemed like the cultivation world was not just about one's talent, but also about wealth and resources.
As I walked through the bustling streets, I couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and helplessness. How was I supposed to progress in this world and defend myself against powerful adversaries without access to the necessary resources? I needed to come up with a plan to overcome this challenge and find a way to acquire the resources I needed to advance in cultivation.
As I pondered the options for making money in this new world, I realized that my previous life skills and experiences didn't necessarily translate well here, there was no underworld here as there were no contrabands to smuggle, no drugs to peddle, no guns to run, no money to counterfeit so becoming crime boss was out, there was my old profession to consider but the in this world concept of thieving was same as banditry from middle ages that meant the punishment was just as hard so to be a thief you needed speed, strength, and stealth., and if you had enough strength, speed, and stealth to steal from the big clan and factions then you didn't need to steel for that loss would outweigh the gain since you making enemies out of everyone, and gaining nothing but some petty wealth in return, The concept of thieving or engaging in illegal activities seemed risky and unproductive, as the consequences were severe and the gains would likely be minimal.
I needed to come up with a different approach, one that aligned with the rules and norms of this cultivation world.
As I delved deeper into the possibilities of generating income in the Cultivation World, I realized that utilizing my knowledge and expertise could be a viable option. While offering services such as bodyguard or mercenary work could be physically demanding, it could also provide me with opportunities to showcase my combat abilities and earn a substantial income. However, If I took that particular route then I needed to be cautious about attracting the attention and ire of powerful clans or factions, as knowledge and skills were closely monitored and controlled in this world.
Additionally, I explored opportunities in trading and commerce. I could use my knowledge of business and start my own firm here in the Cultivation World. I bet many business concepts from my previous world would pioneer here well, but again I knew that starting a business in this world would come with its own challenges, such as navigating the complex power dynamics and regulations imposed by clans, guilds, and sects. I would need to establish connections, build relationships, and earn the trust of potential business partners and customers. However, with my determination and entrepreneurial mindset, I was willing to take calculated risks and put in the effort to establish a successful business venture.
In addition to providing me with a potential source of income, starting a business could also allow me to contribute to the cultivation community by creating job opportunities for others and improving the availability of valuable resources and services. It could also provide me with a means to acquire the resources and wealth necessary for my own cultivation progression, such as purchasing rare formations, weapons, talismans, or pills to enhance my own strength.
So the first step in doing so would need me to gain enough strength to protect myself and mine, I decided to enter secluded cultivation and to only come out when I had entered the Foundation establishment realm just When a clear plan formed in my mind I found myself standing in front of my mansion, I quickly entered ignoring the greetings of Wang Cheng and Chen Long, as I was in a hurry to set up the formations and begin my training. I had a clear plan in place to manage the consumption of spirit stones, and I was eager to enter the Foundation Establishment realm as quickly as possible.
I drew upon my knowledge of formations, acquired through books and the instruction from Jangman Hall, and began to lay out an intricate array of rune flags and inscription plates, and Qi crystals. Each placement was deliberate, as I carefully calculated the optimal positioning to maximize the defensive power of the formation.
As I worked, I could feel the surge of energy flowing through my fingertips, infused with my cultivation base. The formation took shape gradually, taking on a faint glow as it came to life. I adjusted and fine-tuned the arrangement, pouring my heart and soul into every detail.
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As the sun dipped below the horizon, I finished the last meticulous placement of flags within the formation as instructed. Stepping back to take in the sight, I couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. The defensive formation was now complete, a formidable barrier that would deter any intruders from entering my home.
But I wasn't done yet. I took out a metal disc, intricately inscribed with runes, which served as an on-off switch for the formation. With a surge of my cultivation energy, I activated the formation, and the air crackled with power. A thin layer of golden mist enveloped the entire mansion, forming a misty shield that shimmered with a protective aura.
With a sense of relief, I nodded in approval. My home was now fortified, and I could enter my secluded cultivation with peace of mind, knowing that my loved ones and I were well-protected. I turned my attention to the core of the formation, where the spirit stones were being consumed to sustain its power. To my surprise, unlike previous occasions where the spirit stones turned into normal stones, this time they disintegrated into dust, indicating the immense power of the formation.
As I reached into my storage ring, I retrieved one of the two second-order spirit trees that I had carefully procured. According to my research, this tree was equivalent to a first-order spirit vein, capable of powering the formation for years without the need for frequent spirit stone consumption. It was the perfect solution to save me the immense cost of maintaining the formation.
But just as I was about to plant the spirit tree at the core of the formation, a loud voice exploded in my mind like a thunderous blast.
"STOP! PLEASE, YOU CANNOT DO THIS!" The voice echoed through my brain, causing my blood vessels to burst and excruciating pain to shoot through my head. I crumpled to the ground, writhing in agony.
I clenched my head, trying to block out the overwhelming voice that seemed to penetrate my very being. I struggled to understand who or what was speaking to me, as I had never experienced anything like this before. The voice was urgent, pleading with me to halt my actions, but its origin remained a mystery.
Tears streamed down my face as I lay on the floor, overwhelmed by the pain and the voice that seemed to be tearing through my consciousness. Confusion and fear gripped me, and I hesitated, unsure of how to proceed
. Was this a warning?
A divine intervention?
I couldn't ignore it, but I also couldn't comprehend its meaning.
As the pain in my head gradually subsided, the voice faded, leaving me exhausted and bewildered. I struggled to catch my breath, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Questions swirled in my mind, and I realized that I couldn't proceed with my original plan just yet. I needed to investigate the source of the voice and understand its purpose before taking any further action.
With a deep breath, I slowly got to my feet, determined to find answers. I looked at the spirit tree in my hand,
Did this thing talk to me?
Did this mean tree was sentient?
Did it even have thoughts?
Could these trees even talk?
Or does it have a mind of its own?
Did it want me to stop?
Where was that sound coming from?
Is there a way to get rid of this sound?
A flurry of questions ran through my mind as I looked toward the now dormant Six feet super light golden tree, it looked more like a large aesthetically pleasing house plant than a spiritual plant, with long elegant branches reaching up to the sky, the whole structure looking beautiful and refined. It looked like a sculpture with the leaves gently swaying, As the roots of the mango tree continued to spread, I watched in amazement as they reached out further and further, like a hungry beast seeking nourishment. The soil sank and compacted around the roots, creating a web-like pattern that extended across the garden floor. The once bare ground was now covered with a thick layer of roots, forming a natural carpet that seemed to pulsate with life.
But the transformation didn't stop there. The tree began to grow rapidly, shooting up towards the sky with a vigor that was awe-inspiring. It branched out in all directions, forming a wide canopy of golden leaves that shimmered in the sunlight like precious metal. The leaves were unlike any I had ever seen, with a vibrant golden hue that cast a warm glow over the entire garden.
The tree looked similar to cherry blossom trees I had seen in my previous life The tree's branches were adorned with clusters of delicate flowers that resembled cherry blossoms, but instead of the usual soft pink hue, these flowers were a stunning golden color. Each petal shone like precious metal, catching the sunlight and reflecting it in a dazzling display of shimmering gold. The flowers bloomed in profusion, covering the tree in a breathtaking canopy of golden blossoms that swayed gently in the breeze, casting a warm golden glow over the surroundings.
The golden leaves of the tree were equally mesmerizing. They were large and heart-shaped, with a lustrous golden sheen that seemed to emit soft, golden light. The leaves rustled gently in the wind, creating a soothing melody that added to the enchanting ambiance of the tree, only this one was twice as tall as the ones I had seen in my previous life.
As the tree continued to grow, it also began to bear fruit. Golden mangoes hung from the branches like clusters of golden jewels, glistening in the sunlight and emitting a tantalizing aroma. The sight was mesmerizing, a surreal fusion of a mango tree and a cherry blossom tree, with golden leaves and golden fruit that seemed almost otherworldly.
I approached the tree, drawn by its ethereal beauty. As I reached out to touch the smooth bark, I felt a surge of energy coursing through my fingertips. The tree seemed to hum with vitality as if it was alive and pulsating with a mysterious power.
I stood in awe of the magnificent tree that now stood in the middle of my garden. It was a sight to behold, a rare and wondrous marvel of nature. The golden leaves and mangoes seemed to radiate with a divine aura, filling me with a sense of awe and wonder. It was a testament to the limitless possibilities of cultivation and the beauty that could be unlocked when nature and cultivation harmoniously intertwined. Through My spiritual sense, I Could see my household gather quietly at the outskirts of the garden watching the scene unfold.
Ignoring them I turned toward the spirit tree
"Senior" I greeted as I bowed down low to the tree as a sign of respect. "This little one is called Lin Yun, I beg senior's forgiveness for this junior's...................................."
My speech was cut in short as another loud explosion shook my mind,
"I AM NO PUNNY SECON ORDR TREE YOU IGNORANT BLETHERING IDIOT!" A furious voice boomed through my skull. I let out a scream as my ears rang painfully. I scrambled away from the tree as something continued to roar with fury inside my head.
"YOU PRODIGAL WASTE OF BREATH!, I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!, I CAN'T TORATLE ANY MORE OF YOUR WASTEFUL BEHAVIOUR!, COME SEE AT ONCE IN YOUR SEA OF CONSCIOUS!, AT ONCE YOU HEAR ME AT ONCE!"
My head pounded with every word. My body trembled uncontrollably as my head throbbed painfully against my skull. The world seemed to spin around me, spinning in a blur as I fell back onto the grass."Uuuhh," My eyes fluttered open as a stream of nausea overtook me. My vision blurred as I closed my eyes, attempting to ease some of the discomfort plaguing my mind.
"Please calm down senior! Please, please calm down! We're sorry for whatever we've done, we won't do it again! Please calm down, I beg you" I stammered
"COME NOW!, AT ONCE!"
bloody hell what now?
What on earth was going on now?!