Chapter 187 - 171: Thousand Waters Spirit Transformation Escape, Zhou Family’s Favor
Chapter 187: Chapter 171: Thousand Waters Spirit Transformation Escape, Zhou Family’s Favor
For six months, it was as if he were immersed in an ocean of water. Both his Flesh Body and Spiritual Soul underwent a profound cleansing and metamorphosis. The miraculous effects of the Unsettled True Water far exceeded his expectations. Not only did he master the 3rd Layer of the *Thousand Waters Spirit Body*, but he also dramatically accelerated his cultivation of the *True Water Spirit Transformation Skill*. His Magical Power grew visibly purer and more potent. That single bottle of True Water had increased Lu Zhao’s store of Magical Power True Liquid by three full drops!
For the final three months, Lu Zhao suppressed the temptation to continue Refining another bottle of Unsettled True Water to cultivate even more Magical Power. He was well aware of the importance of a stable foundation, knowing that going too far was as bad as not going far enough. And so, he turned his attention to the *Thousand Waters Spirit Transformation Escape*, a Tunneling Secret Technique that came with the *True Water Spirit Transformation Skill*.
This Escape Technique was divided into three layers, corresponding to the Qi Cultivation, Foundation Establishment, and Golden Core Realms. Although the first layer was basic and only at the Qi Cultivation Level, it was already extraordinary. Once cultivated to Great Success, one could transform their body into a stream of water, achieving an astonishing Escape Speed.
Relying on his Foundation Establishment Cultivation, his profound foundation in the Water Element, and the aid of his *Thousand Waters Spirit Body*, Lu Zhao’s training progressed with twice the results for half the effort.
In just three short months, he had cultivated the first layer of this Escape Technique to the Great Success Realm. ’If I use this technique with my full power,’ he estimated, ’my speed will definitely surpass that of my Cyan Feather Crane Puppet.’
Having mastered the Escape Technique and feeling that his strength had been consolidated for the time being, Lu Zhao finally ended his seclusion—and this was why he had opened the doors to his cave residence.
The next day, a travel-worn Zhao Xiaoshu returned to the cave residence to report to Lu Zhao.
"Elder, everything has been taken care of," Zhao Xiaoshu said respectfully. "I personally delivered the Spirit Stones and Pills to Fellow Daoist Wenn. When he saw me and heard your instructions, he became extremely emotional. He said repeatedly, ’I, Wenn Quan, will engrave Elder Lu’s immense kindness upon my heart. From now on, I will follow the Elder’s lead in all things!’"
Lu Zhao nodded slightly. Wenn Quan’s reaction was just as he had expected.
"As for Fellow Daoist Fengg," Zhao Xiaoshu continued, "I gave him the Magical Artifact and relayed your message. After he accepted it, the smile on his face... was a little forced. He only said, ’I, Fengg, understand. My thanks for Junior Master Lu’s generous gift,’ and said nothing more."
Lu Zhao’s expression remained placid; he wasn’t the least bit surprised by this outcome. Fengg Dao had been hoping for something else, so it was inevitable that he would feel disappointed, perhaps even resentful. ’But what does that have to do with me?’ A single Middle-Grade Spiritual Artifact was more than enough to settle their shallow acquaintance.
"Finally, I delivered the Jade Scroll to the Artifact Hall and gave it to Elder Zhou Xianlu’s attendant disciple. Elder Zhou had the disciple relay a message that he will personally come to visit you in four days’ time," Zhao Xiaoshu concluded his report.
"Mm, I understand. You’ve done well. Go and rest," Lu Zhao said with a wave of his hand.
Zhao Xiaoshu bowed and withdrew.
In the Quiet Chamber, Lu Zhao sat cross-legged, his thoughts turning. ’Wenn Quan is tentatively won over, and things with Fengg Dao are settled. The Jade Scroll from Lady Li of the Black Market is still in my sleeve. Her intentions are unclear, so I’ll set it aside for now.’
The immediate matter to deal with was the impending visit from this senior brother from the Artifact Hall, Zhou Xianlu. The man was the Zhou Family’s representative within the Bixia Sect, and Lu Zhao had his own suspicions about the purpose of his visit.
「Four days later.」
Zhou Xianlu arrived as scheduled.
Having already received his instructions, Zhao Xiaoshu respectfully led the Foundation Establishment Cultivator from the Artifact Hall into the main hall of the cave residence. Lu Zhao was already waiting inside. Seeing Zhou Xianlu enter, he rose to greet him. "Brother Zhou, your presence brings light to my humble home. Forgive my failure to greet you at the entrance."
Zhou Xianlu laughed heartily at his words, appearing quite warm. "Junior Brother Lu, what are you saying! We are fellow disciples; there’s no need for such formalities. If anything, it is I who am being presumptuous by visiting and disturbing your quiet cultivation."
His gaze swept over Lu Zhao, a glint flashing in his eyes as he praised him, "It has been three years, Junior Brother, and your Cultivation has advanced even further. Congratulations on taking another step forward on your path!"
"You praise me too much, Brother Zhou. It was just a fortunate breakthrough," Lu Zhao replied humbly, guiding Zhou Xianlu to a seat. Zhao Xiaoshu served Spirit Tea, its fragrance wafting through the air. It was a high-quality Spirit Tea that Lu Zhao had found in the Storage Bag of an Elder from the Zheng Family, brimming with Spiritual Qi and possessing a crisp, clear taste.
The two exchanged a few pleasantries. After tasting the Spirit Tea, Zhou Xianlu set down his cup and got to the point. "Junior Brother Lu, I have come today for two reasons. First, to congratulate you on your successful Foundation Establishment and on formally becoming a pillar of our Bixia Sect."
"Second, I was entrusted by my family to inform you that the young Zhou Mo is doing well within the clan. He has not lacked for resources, so you need not worry."
Lu Zhao understood immediately upon hearing this. ’The Zhou Family is showing me goodwill by treating someone connected to me well.’ "I am grateful for the trouble taken by you and your esteemed family," Lu Zhao said, clasping his hands in thanks.
"You are too kind, Junior Brother," Zhou Xianlu said with a wave of his hand and a warm smile. "The family elders specifically instructed me to tell you that our Zhou Family and you, Junior Brother, share deep roots and a profound bond. Now that you are a Foundation Establishment Cultivator and have officially entered the Inner Sect, if you encounter any difficulties within the Sect or need assistance, you have only to ask. My Zhou Family has operated in the Bixia Sect for many years; we have a little bit of influence, and we will certainly do our utmost to mediate on your behalf."
These words were the Zhou Family’s official olive branch. Not only did his speech emphasize their "deep roots" and "profound bond," but it also highlighted the Zhou Family’s "power" within the Sect, implying their willingness to become Lu Zhao’s support system there.
Lu Zhao saw it as clear as day. ’The Zhou Family has taken a liking to my status as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator and my potential. They want to draw me in and bind me to them.’
His expression remained impassive, but his tone carried a hint of emotion. "Brother Zhou, you speak too highly of me. My achievements today are thanks in large part to the shelter and care your esteemed family provided back in the Zhou Family Marketplace. And now, after my Foundation Establishment, you and your family continue to treat me so generously. I, Lu Zhao, will engrave this kindness in my heart." His words both acknowledged their past "bond" and expressed gratitude for their current "generosity," but he did not commit to anything directly.
Zhou Xianlu detected the careful measure in Lu Zhao’s words. His smile didn’t waver as he went along with it. "Junior Brother, you are too serious. We are fellow disciples; it is our duty to watch out for and help one another." He then changed the subject as if suddenly remembering something. "By the way, now that you’ve reached Foundation Establishment, have you prepared a Tier Two Spiritual Artifact yet?"
Lu Zhao’s heart skipped a beat. ’Here comes the main act.’ He picked up the conversational thread, saying, "As a matter of fact, I haven’t. I’ve only just entered Foundation Establishment and am rather short on funds. I want to refine a suitable Magical Artifact for protection, but I still need a Tier Two Water Spirit Stone and Tier Two Spirit Water. They are difficult to exchange for at the Sect’s Merit Hall and hard to find in the Marketplace. I was just about to ask you for advice on where to look, Brother Zhou."
Hearing this, Zhou Xianlu’s face took on a look that said, ’Junior Brother, you’re in luck!’ This was followed by a deliberately "odd" smile. He slowly took another sip of tea before saying, "What you’re looking for isn’t so difficult to obtain. As for the Water Spirit Stone, the Sect’s Merit Hall has them, but they are indeed in short supply. You’d have to be lucky to exchange for one. However, I happen to know of another way..."
He lowered his voice slightly. "Two years from now, the Sect will hold an internal Trade Assembly exclusively for Foundation Establishment Companions. It’s quite high-level, not something your ordinary marketplace auction can compare to. Not only will Foundation Establishment Cultivators from the various halls and palaces attend, but representatives from some of the vassal families may also be present."
"A Spiritual Material like a Tier Two Water Spirit Stone is highly likely to appear at that Trade Assembly. Junior Brother, you just need to keep an eye out for the announcements from the Artifact Hall or the General Affairs Hall. You can participate with your Inner Sect Steward Token."
This was very useful information. Lu Zhao committed it to memory and clasped his hands. "Thank you for clearing my confusion, Brother Zhou."
"As for that Tier Two Spirit Water..." Zhou Xianlu drew out his words, the "odd" smile on his face deepening with a hint of mystery. "Junior Brother, be patient. This item... heheh. I happened to prepare a small gift for you today, which might just solve your pressing need."
As he spoke, he flipped his palm over, and a white Jade Bottle appeared in it. It looked ordinary, but it faintly radiated a chilling Cold Qi.
"This is just a small token from the family to congratulate you on your Foundation Establishment. You mustn’t refuse it." Zhou Xianlu gently pushed the Jade Bottle across the table to Lu Zhao.
Lu Zhao stared at the Jade Bottle, and understanding dawned on him instantly. ’The Zhou Family really did come prepared! This so-called "small gift" is probably the very Tier Two Spirit Water I desperately need!’
’This is no small gift. But I’m well aware that it’s not merely a congratulatory present. It’s a move by the Zhou Family to deepen our connection, a way to make me owe them a favor. Once I accept it, it will be difficult to refuse if the Zhou Family asks for something in the future.’
’However, Tier Two Spirit Water is crucial for me to refine my Magical Artifact. It’s right here for the taking, and it would be a real shame to refuse. Besides, the Zhou Family has shown nothing but goodwill so far, and they are indeed well-established within the Bixia Sect.’
In a flash, Lu Zhao made his decision. A perfectly measured look of "surprise" and "gratitude" appeared on his face. He accepted the Storage Bag with both hands and said solemnly, "For the profound kindness from you, Brother Zhou, and your esteemed family... I am unworthy, but I accept! This favor and kindness, I will surely remember!" He didn’t say anything like "I will repay you generously," but the word "remember" was enough to convey his attitude.
Seeing Lu Zhao accept the gift, Zhou Xianlu’s smile became even more sincere. "You are too serious, Junior Brother. It is a trivial gift, not even worth mentioning. I only hope that you can refine your Magical Artifact soon and that your path of cultivation will be prosperous!" Seeing his objective achieved, he chatted a bit more about recent events in the Sect and some interesting anecdotes from the Artifact Hall before rising to take his leave.
Lu Zhao personally escorted Zhou Xianlu to the entrance of his cave residence. After watching his red Escape Light disappear into the distance, he returned to the Quiet Chamber.
He took out the jade-white Storage Bag and sent his Divine Sense inside. The space within wasn’t large, and a Jade Bottle carved from Cold Jade floated silently in the center. A Talisman seal was affixed to the bottle, yet wisps of an incomparably pure Cold Qi—so cold it felt like it could freeze one’s Spiritual Soul—still seeped out. A thin layer of white frost had condensed on the bottle’s surface.
He peeled off the Talisman and uncorked the bottle. A biting, pure surge of Water Element Spiritual Power, as if containing the very Origin of arctic frost, billowed out. The temperature in the Quiet Chamber plummeted, and fine Ice Crystals instantly formed on the ground!
"It’s actually ’Ageless True Water’!" A sharp glint flashed in Lu Zhao’s eyes. This was a Tier Two Lower Grade Spirit Water! Not only did it contain immense Water Spirit Power, but it also possessed an extremely cold attribute, making it an Upper Grade Spiritual Material for refining a Tier Two Spiritual Artifact with Ice and Water Dual Attributes!
The weight of this "small gift" from the Zhou Family far exceeded his initial estimations. He now truly owed them a significant favor.
Lu Zhao carefully resealed the Jade Bottle and put it away with great care. Feeling the bone-chilling cold from within the bottle, a cold arc slowly formed on his lips.
’A favor... it’s troublesome, but with this, once I exchange for a Tier Two Water Spirit Stone in two years, my ’Tier Two Hundred Waters Magic Disc’ will be within reach.’
’Strength is the only true foundation. As for the Zhou Family... I’ll deal with that when the time comes.’ Lu Zhao temporarily pushed the matter from his mind.
Setting the matter aside, Lu Zhao took out the black Jade Scroll from his "Black Market Friend" and sent his Divine Sense into it.