Qiu Mingshan felt truly helpless at heart.
Originally, he had planned to give Gu Yuan an opportunity, to forge a good relationship.
After all, to him, this was beneficial with no cost.
Gu Yuan was, after all, introduced to the sect by a Golden Core Ascendant, and this connection, if made, would always be advantageous.
But unexpectedly, just recently, someone from the Lan Family suddenly visited, seeking a spot to select a Cave Mansion.
Because they had received reliable information that one of the Cave Mansions contained "Cyan Crane Spirit Water".
Cyan Crane Spirit Water is a rare Spiritual Object for breaking through from Qi Refining Fourth Layer to Qi Refining Fifth Layer, at the Spiritual Sense Pass.
In this world of cultivation, gaining wealth, companions, techniques, and land, wealth ranks first, and not without reason.
The better the resources, the stronger the start.
For instance, at the Spiritual Sense Pass of Qi Refining Fifth Layer, an ordinary cultivator would have their spiritual sense only reach about three feet upon breaking through, like an invisible eye, without much supernatural power otherwise.
But if aided by "Cyan Crane Spirit Water", the spiritual sense born would soar like a Cyan Crane, not only highly agile and able to move within a five-foot range, but also extremely fierce, capable of biting and pecking at spiritual senses of the same level.
With just this special spiritual sense, one could gain an edge in magical combat.
This is far better than "Celestial Silver Water", which only helps with a breakthrough to Qi Refining Fifth Layer.
Back in the day, when he himself broke through to Qi Refining Fifth Layer, he only obtained a dose of "Little Celestial Spirit Water", which merely expanded his spiritual sense by five feet, without any boost in magical combat.
But who would have thought, in such a small Qi Refining Cave Mansion, there would be such a treasure.
Where did it come from?
In response to Qiu Mingshan's inquiry, Lan Yunlu squinted slightly, lowered his head, and replied, "Senior Brother, the Tang Brothers have a deep bond, and their combined strength can surpass ordinary Qi Refining Fifth Layer, which is how they managed to break into a small Secret Realm at Qi Refining Fourth Layer and obtained this treasure."
"But because of obtaining this treasure, the three brothers were eager to take on tasks and earn Spirit Stones, hoping to soon reach the late Qi Refining Fourth Layer and break through to Qi Refining Fifth Layer to use this treasure."
"Fearing someone might covet this item and kill them to steal it, they didn't carry it with them, but unexpectedly, they met with an accident and all perished."
"Very few people know about this, and I only learned about it by chance recently, which is why I came to request your help, Senior Brother."
"As for the rumored 'Celestial Silver Water', it's just a smokescreen."
Qiu Mingshan suddenly realized, though he had his difficulties and declined: "Although Cyan Crane Spirit Water is precious, with your family's strength, you should be able to find it."
Although the Lan Family is quite powerful, compared to the bond with a Golden Core Ascendant, it falls short.
In his heart, he still leaned towards Gu Yuan.
But to avoid offending the Lan Family, he added, "How about this, I'll allow you to be the second chooser. Out of the three Cave Mansions, rely on your fortune, if the first doesn't choose it, then you select, how about that?"
Hearing this, Lan Tianlu shook his head with a bitter smile, "Senior Brother, if it were any other time, our family could just get me another Spirit Water. After all, Qi Refining Stage Spirit Water is rare but not unavailable with money. With some extra Spirit Stones, you can always find it."
"But something major is happening at the East Sea, as well as the Celestial Palace. I heard from my uncle that the Daoist School might initiate the struggle of the ten Daoists, and this is my opportunity, I can't wait any longer."
"Initiating the ten Daoists? Wouldn't that mean waging war in all directions?"
Qiu Mingshan was startled, clearly unaware of this news.
"Indeed, the era of great competition is upon us, I must quickly enhance my cultivation!"
"Please, Senior Brother, assist me!"
Lan Tianlu nodded heavily, inadvertently drawing closer to Qiu Mingshan and handing him a Storage Bag.
Qiu Mingshan did not take it but was curious, unable to resist releasing a spiritual sense to probe inside.
"Thirty Spirit Stones, a Qi Gathering Pill, and a small Vermilion Fruit!"
"The value of this Storage Bag already surpasses the Cyan Crane Spirit Water!"
Although Qiu Mingshan knew the Lan Family would offer something extraordinary, he was still stunned by the Storage Bag.
To know that an ordinary Qi Refining Fourth Layer disciple, not spending anything, diligently taking on tasks, could only earn about fifty Spirit Stones a year.
But in reality, no disciple earns without spending. Daily cultivation, buying Dharma Artifacts, pills, and studying Techniques are huge expenses.
For an ordinary cultivator, to save twenty Spirit Stones a year would be considered a lot.
And the value of this Storage Bag, if converted into Spirit Stones, is nearly two hundred.
Even in the Market, this would almost be enough to purchase a dose of Cyan Crane Spirit Water.
Previously, although he took care of Gu Yuan, the benefits offered were only a few dozen Spirit Stones.
Compared to the resources in the Storage Bag, the gap is huge.
So generally, an ordinary disciple with no background or family support cannot afford Spirit Water to break through.
With his Qi Refining Ninth Layer cultivation, he can only save about two hundred Spirit Stones a year.
This left him in deep conflict.
On one hand, there was the potential good faith from a Golden Core, on the other, the tangible "money."
It was truly a difficult decision.
Lan Tianlu seemingly saw his hesitation, asking, "Senior Brother, is there a difficulty? Feel free to speak up; perhaps our Lan Family can help?"
Lan Tianlu felt a bit anxious, thinking it would be easy, yet encountering such obstacles.
The item in the Cave Mansion he had long planned for, must be acquired.
For this, it's worth spending more.
Lan Tianlu, seemingly inadvertently, took out another Storage Bag.
Qiu Mingshan's gaze paused on the Storage Bag, just about to say something when a jade-colored Flood Dragon leaped into the air. Atop the Flood Dragon stood a tall, handsome young man.
Though the young man's cultivation wasn't high, he seemed extremely confident, and even facing Qi Refining Ninth Layer Qiu Mingshan, showed no fear, leisurely landing beside him.
"Senior Brother Qiu!"
The young man, naturally, was Gu Yuan.
That day, he rose early but did not set off immediately. Instead, he waited a while in the courtyard, practicing his demeanor several times before riding the Flood Dragon forth.
Demeanor, bearing, were key for him today to acquire the Cave Mansion.
With green hairpins holding up his hair, a divine appearance, a tall figure seemingly merging with the sky's light, and the green Daoist robe fitting him like a jade gentleman with a Daoist's transcendence, both handsome and cool, truly an indescribably good posture.
Moreover, he radiated self-confidence, seemingly internally strong, exuding a captivating charisma.
"Junior Brother Gu, you're here!"
"It's been a few days, and your demeanor has improved!"
Seeing Gu Yuan's appearance, Qiu Mingshan couldn't help but be dazed, swallowing back the words he was about to say to Lan Tianlu.
With this look, if not taken as a disciple, surely the Golden Core Ascendant would notice?
Recalling Elder Fox's background, Qiu Mingshan suddenly felt a disrespectful thought.