Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi-Chapter 80: Clues to Top Level Techniques (Part 1)

Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Clues to Top Level Techniques (Part 1)

"Seeking Dao, seeking methods... Turns out cultivation methods are divided like this."

Zhang Yao appeared enlightened after hearing Old Qi’s explanation.

The "Thick Earth Spell" that he practiced was also a balanced cultivation technique, not focusing solely on seeking Dao or methods.

"As for the techniques you asked about, those requiring specific attribute Spirit Roots to cultivate are called top-tier techniques."

Old Qi spoke slowly:

"So-called top-tier techniques encompass both Dao seeking and method seeking; they are quick to cultivate and easy to break through, while possessing abundant magical power and formidable strength."

"Almost all top-tier techniques have extremely strict requirements for aptitude."

"For example, the Lingyang Sect’s signature technique ’Great Sun Golden Crow Secret Manual’ requires a Fire Attribute Celestial Spirit Root for cultivation; the Fuhai Sect’s ’Nine Seas and Myriad Rivers Scripture’ needs a Water Attribute Celestial Spirit Root."

"Then there’s the Dugu Family’s ’Ice Soul Celestial Fire Technique’, considered the lowest tier of top-tier techniques, but still needs dual attributes of Earth Spirit Root to cultivate."

He stroked his chin at this point, chuckling:

"Top-tier techniques are the divine skills all cultivators dream of, but those who meet the cultivation conditions are as rare as phoenix feathers."

"Even those major sects and noble families possessing top-tier techniques often keep them shelved for years, waiting to meet a suitable successor."

"I see..."

Zhang Yao slightly nodded, and showed a trace of curiosity:

"The ’Lingyang Sect’, ’Fuhai Sect’, and ’Dugu Family’ you mentioned, which cultivation realm’s forces are they? I’ve never heard of them."

"Of course you’ve never heard of them."

Old Qi revealed a slight look of pride, speaking slowly:

"These three are Golden Core powerhouses in the Da Li Cultivation Realm, dominant overlords of their region."

At this point, he showed an expression of longing:

"Our Wei Kingdom, along with nearby Cang Kingdom and Li Kingdom, are mere small ponds, while Da Li is the true flourishing land of cultivation, where fierce tigers and hidden dragons reside."

"Da Li..."

Zhang Yao’s expression shifted, and he asked:

"Judging by your demeanor, Old Qi, could it be you’ve visited Da Li?"

"Indeed."

Old Qi chuckled, placed a piece, and replied:

"Da Li is further north, near the Central Plains Core area; from Wei Kingdom, one must traverse tens of thousands of miles and cross seven desolate zones to reach it."

"In my youth, I did venture into Da Li, but unfortunately had bad luck; I encountered the Five Sects War, with battles raging across Da Li, which seemed too dangerous, leading me to return to Wei Kingdom with regret..."

He spoke with a particularly regretful expression on his face:

"Ten years ago, with the fall of ’Pingdu Sect’, the Five Sects War in Da Li finally concluded."

"Sadly, I am now old and unwilling to live a life constantly on edge, nor do I have the courage to venture into Da Li again."

Zhang Yao remained quiet, accompanying him in several moves before suddenly speaking:

"Have you ever heard of a top-tier technique suitable for Five Attribute Spirit Root?"

"Five Attribute Spirit Root?"

Old Qi was stunned upon hearing this, looked up in surprise:

"With such a poor Spirit Root, why bother with cultivation? Better to enjoy worldly prosperity early!"

"Moreover, top-tier techniques were created by predecessors with deep cultivation; what qualifications does a Five Attribute Spirit Root have?"

"..."

Zhang Yao was at a loss for words.

As Old Qi had said, the reason why top-tier techniques are both fast in cultivation and potent in power is largely because cultivators themselves are exceptional talents.

Since the Ancient Great Destruction, the Five Spirit Roots’ aptitude is worlds apart from Celestial Spirit Roots; why would anyone specifically create top-tier techniques for them?

"You’re not a Five Attribute Spirit Root, are you?"

Old Qi looked at his silence, revealing a hint of suspicion.

"Certainly not."

Zhang Yao waved his hand, saying:

"If I were a Five Attribute Spirit Root, it’d probably take me until my twilight years to reach Middle stage Qi Refining; how could I possibly come here as a Spirit Farmer."

"Only, a close friend’s descendant has Five Spirit Roots’ aptitude, and I’m considering if I can find them a better future..."

"I see."

Old Qi showed a relieved expression, casually said:

"Since you’re inquiring, let me guide you a bit."

"Head to ’Celestial Treasure Tower’ on Central Street; they have numerous top-tier techniques for sale, go ask around."

"Celestial Treasure Tower?"

Zhang Yao was taken aback, couldn’t help saying:

"Celestial Treasure Tower actually sells top-tier techniques?!"

This surprised him greatly.

Common knowledge suggests that techniques are foundational, and forces with top-tier techniques are supposed to keep them secret, right?

Yet, Celestial Treasure Tower openly sells top-tier techniques?

"Heh heh..."

Old Qi observed Zhang Yao’s expression and guessed his thoughts, laughing:

"I can tell you’re like I was back then, from a small place, lacking scope and vision."

"You think those major forces keep secrets? No, they not only don’t but actively promote and propagate their top-tier techniques."

"Granted, only the foundational section; the latter core part is guarded tightly..."

Zhang Yao hearing this, felt enlightened.

While top-tier techniques are rare, even rarer are the talented suitable for cultivation.

If a hidden genius chooses to cultivate an external top-tier technique, they will naturally seek its source to progress further.

Just by staying put, they can wait for talented cultivators to come to them.

"Such grand vision and tactics!"

Zhang Yao praised, and let his thoughts roam.

After several more games, Old Qi took his leave, and Zhang Yao continued studying Spirit Patterns, and practiced Qi Refining through meditation at night.

The next day.

After tending to the Spirit Field, Zhang Yao went to Celestial Treasure Tower in Central Street.

A green-clad attendant received him, showing him around the technique sales area, which broadened Zhang Yao’s horizons.

"Truly living up to its name."

Celestial Treasure Tower offered over a hundred techniques for sale, covering all attributes, with ten or more top-tier techniques alone.

The divine skills Old Qi introduced, such as "Great Sun Golden Crow Secret Manual" and "Nine Seas and Myriad Rivers Scripture," were also publicly for sale, priced at a thousand low-grade spirit stones each.

This price, while steep for most cultivators, is rather reasonable considering the value of top-tier techniques.

"Seems Celestial Treasure Tower likely has backing from the Da Li Cultivation Realm..."

Zhang Yao toured around, not finding a suitable top-tier technique for himself, and began inquiring from the attendant.

"A top-tier technique for Five Attribute Spirit Roots?"

That green-clad attendant paused, giving him an odd look.

"Sir, your requirements are truly peculiar; I fear even Celestial Treasure Tower can’t accommodate them..."

Zhang Yao sighed, slightly disappointed, and prepared to leave.

"Please wait, sir."

At that moment, a chubby steward unexpectedly called after Zhang Yao.

"Hmm?"

Zhang Yao turned to him, showing a hint of doubt.

"You may leave now."

Steward Pang waved off the green-clad attendant, sized Zhang Yao up, and asked cheerfully:

"Sir, are you perchance a Five Elements Spirit Root?"