Fellow Daoist Entrusts His Child: Immortality Begins with Nurturing a Demoness

Chapter 23 Flying Cloud Workshop, Master Luo is a big idiot!
Feiyunfang is one of the more than two hundred immortal workshops under the jurisdiction of Luoshen Pavilion, and is directly managed by Qinghe Sect.

The market town covers an area of ​​hundreds of miles and is circular in shape, divided into three rings: inner, middle and outer. The inner ring is where the disciples and relatives of the Qinghe Sect live, and it has the most concentrated spiritual energy.

The middle ring is for late-stage Qi Refining cultivators and ordinary family disciples to cultivate, while the outermost layer is where a poor soul like Luo Fanchen can finally find a place to stay.

"Master Luo, the spiritual energy here is extremely thin. Would cultivators really cultivate here?"

The stench lingered around her nose, and Ling Moxue pouted slightly, looking at the muddy ground with disgust.

Even those with superior spiritual roots cannot absorb any spiritual power here.

"There was originally a first-grade high-quality spiritual vein beneath this place. The Qinghe Sect built the Flying Cloud Pavilion at the source. The spiritual energy within a hundred miles was all taken away by the second-grade Spirit Gathering Array, which naturally turned it into wasteland."

"How domineering! Won't the other cultivators resist?"

Luo Fanchen smiled upon hearing this, gently patted Mo Xue's head, and said helplessly, "Rogue cultivators are helpless and scattered, how can they resist a sect?"

“Anyone who dares to resist has had their entire clan wiped out.”

Luo Fanchen shook his head slightly, unusually earnestly instructing, "In the future, if you encounter cultivators from the Qinghe Sect, you must be tolerant."

"I'll listen to Master Luo."

Ling Moxue lowered her eyes, her delicate hand unconsciously gripping the sword hilt, seemingly lost in thought.

Luo Fanchen reached out and enveloped the girl's small hand at the right moment. His brows furrowed slightly, and his expression became more serious than before.

Mo Xue hung her head, waiting for a reprimand, but then heard Luo Fanchen say, "Tolerance is based on your own safety."

“We can’t afford to offend the Qinghe Sect, but if they go too far, we might as well draw our swords.”

"Remember, your own life is the most important. We are just independent cultivators. If things don't go well, we can always run away. The Qinghe Sect is powerful and they can't find us in the vast Qingyuan Domain."

After saying that, Luo Fanchen gently pinched Mo Xue's bitter face and comforted her softly, "I will only stand by your side."

The girl was in an unfamiliar environment, and the cultivators nearby were far stronger than her, so she naturally lacked a sense of security. That's when he needed to guide her in time.

"I will only stand on Master Luo's side."

Mo Xue slowly released the sword hilt, her small hand taking Luo Fanchen's fingertips in hers. Her pretty face was calm, and the subtle distance between them had vanished without a trace.

Mo Xue soon witnessed the extraordinary status of the Qinghe Sect.

Outside the market, amidst the bustling traffic, two disciples of the Qinghe Sect, dressed in cloud-and-ink dragon robes, lazily sipped spiritual tea.

The two men stood with their arms crossed and their eyes looking down at each other. Although they were only outer disciples with a cultivation level of only the third level of Qi Refining, they could still order four mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators around to check passersby and collect tolls.

"Two spirit stones."

Luo Fanchen wore a bamboo hat, and with Qiu Yun's help, the soul banner transformed into the shape of an umbrella, which did not attract the attention of the two disciples.

The two disciples glanced at it, lost interest after seeing the low-grade magic weapon, and turned to look at Ling Moxue, clicking their tongues in disdain before demanding an exorbitant price.

Ling Moxue already had some understanding of spirit stones. Her face darkened, but Luo Fanchen simply patted the back of her hand, smiled, and handed her a spirit stone. He also secretly slipped a spirit dust into his sleeve and shook it into the hands of the two disciples.

“Brother Dao, these are my family members. They are returning to Feiyunfang this time. I would appreciate your help.”

The disciple weighed the spirit dust in his palm, a smile appearing on his rigid expression, and his tone softened.

"Since you are a member of my Flying Cloud Pavilion, there is nothing wrong with it."

"Fellow Daoist, please come in. Kunnu, there's no need to search this fellow Daoist's sister."

"Thank you, Brother Dao."

"Of course, we may meet again in the future."

The two disciples had kind expressions and ordered the several mid-stage Qi Refining servants not to get close.

They could tell at a glance that Luo Fanchen was extraordinary. Although he was only at the fourth level of Qi Refining, his true essence was pure and harmonious, far surpassing that of ordinary rogue cultivators.

According to the rules of Feiyunfang, one spirit stone can obtain an entry token, which is valid for one year and allows the holder to bring three family members.

Of course, whether or not to acknowledge them as family members is their small prerogative.

“These spirit stones are so easy to earn.”

Luo Fanchen clicked his tongue, feeling both heartache and envy.

The Qinghe Sect was merely an appendage of the Daoist sect, but in the eyes of independent cultivators, it was already a behemoth, and even two mere outer disciples could amass a fortune.

Don't underestimate a mere spirit dust. With so many cultivators coming and going from Flying Cloud Pavilion every day, even if you only take one percent, you still earn more than ten spirit stones a day, which is more than an average rogue cultivator could accumulate in ten years.

"Master Luo, once I join the Luo Shen Pavilion, I will definitely rectify the Qinghe Sect and avenge you."

Ling Moxue snorted softly, took the initiative to wrap her arms around Luo Fanchen's, and became even more obsessed with her cultivation.

The two stepped through the giant blue stone archway and officially entered the protective array, getting a glimpse of the entire Flying Cloud Pavilion.

"Is this just a market town?"

Ling Moxue's face was blank, her almond eyes sparkling, and she felt that even the air was sweeter.

Even at the outermost layer, with the support of the spirit-gathering array and the spiritual veins, the concentration of spiritual energy is nearly a hundred times that of the mortal realm.

The girl experienced tinnitus but her vision cleared, and she took several deep breaths.

Luo Fanchen wasn't much better off. He had cultivated diligently for twenty years, but only entered Feiyunfang a few times to exchange for the necessary supplies for cultivation.

The mansion he resided in was merely one of the insignificant loopholes in the spiritual vein of Feiyunfang.

Occasionally, a trace of spiritual energy will emanate from this place, slightly stronger than that of the mortal world, but far inferior to that of the marketplace.

"Little glutton, we'll be staying here for a long time to come."

Luo Fanchen lightly tapped Mo Xue's nose with his index finger, and the girl sobbed as she covered her nose, looking rather embarrassed.

Will her naive and unsophisticated manner embarrass Master Luo?
The market town stretches along the mountainside, with pavilions and towers connecting the upper streets. Three main streets intersect and extend, complete with alchemy workshops, pharmacies, and craft workshops.

Along the side paths, rogue cultivators hawked their wares, their shouts deafening. Mo Xue stopped several times to look at the strange and unusual trinkets, but upon seeing the prices, she frowned and quickly pulled Luo Fanchen away.

Most of the people along the way were ordinary people, with very few independent cultivators, and the scattered vendors sold only low-quality, inferior goods.

"Master Luo, why are there more cultivators than ordinary people here?"

Ling Moxue blinked her almond-shaped eyes. She was quick-witted and observed along the way, but she didn't see many cultivators.

"Heh, a batch just left, and new rogue cultivators have moved in. It will take some time."

Luo Fanchen's words carried a hint of sarcasm. During the last trip to the secret realm, all the rogue cultivators with even a little ambition and strength perished there.

The number of cultivators in Feiyunfang has decreased by two-thirds, leaving the area empty. The entry fee for Feiyunfang has only been reduced to one spirit stone, which can be considered an indirect benefit.

"Leave? Were they expelled?"

"That's it."

Luo Fanchen was in a bad mood, as several of his friends had also perished in the secret realm.

He lightly pressed down on his straw hat, and led Mo Xue away from the main street, heading straight for the outermost corner.

The girls along the way were so attracted by the sweet honey that they swallowed their saliva and couldn't move.

Mo Xue's almond-shaped eyes sparkled, and her nose twitched slightly as she inhaled the fragrant and sweet aroma.

Her gaze shifted between the fragrant candy and the only spirit dust in her hand. Then, remembering how hard it was for Master Luo to earn spirit stones, she finally ignored the vendor's shouts, clutched the spirit dust tightly, and hurried away as if fleeing.

After taking a few steps, Mo Xue became conflicted again. She had never smelled such sweet pastries before. Disappointed, she lowered her head and followed behind Luo Fanchen.

"Little glutton, you can't even walk anymore?"

Luo Fanchen's teasing voice came from behind her. Ling Moxue was slightly taken aback, and half a piece of candy was stuffed into her lips.

Spirit Crisp is made by cooking with the fat of demon beasts and adding a small amount of first-grade low-grade spirit honey. Its advantage lies in its large quantity; one spirit dust can buy three catties.

Female cultivators would occasionally grit their teeth and buy a few pieces to satisfy their cravings. Luo Fanchen would never be so extravagant, but since Mo Xue was stepping into the cultivation world for the first time, he had to leave her with a good impression. No matter how difficult things became later, at least the initial memory would be sweet.

Since he had already spent all of it, he simply bought a whole pound, giving most of it to Mo Xue and leaving a small portion for Qiu Yun to taste.

Here, try it while it's hot.

Luo Fanchen ruffled Mo Xue's little head haphazardly, and the girl held Ling Su in her hands, her pupils dilating slightly.

She swallowed hard, carefully broke off a small piece, and placed it in her lips with a pilgrimage-like gesture. Her face, which had been wrinkled from nervousness, immediately relaxed, and her satisfaction and joy were palpable.

She covered her lips with her delicate hand, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling, but she couldn't bear to eat any more. Instead, she set aside a piece and offered it to Luo Fanchen's lips.

"Master Luo, this is so sweet!" "At my age, I don't like sweets."

Luo Fanchen shook his head slightly. How could he not like sweets? He was simply short of money.

As soon as he opened his mouth to refuse, Mo Xue quickly stuffed a small piece of candy into his mouth, and very naturally stuck out her tongue to lightly lick the remaining sweetness on her fingertips.

The girl's eyes crinkled into crescents as she playfully asked, "Isn't it sweet, Master Luo?"

It has a wonderfully fragrant aroma, a sweet taste that fills the mouth, and a soft texture that melts on the lips without needing to press with the tongue.

"Mmm, so sweet."

Luo Fanchen's eyes were filled with satisfaction; the girl's smile at this moment was far sweeter than the candy.

Is this the sense of accomplishment that comes from cultivating something? Interesting.
Mo Xue chuckled sweetly, licked the crumbs off her palm, carefully put away the remaining candy, and her steps became lighter.

"If you like it, I'll buy it for you every time your cultivation improves."

"Hmph! Master Luo is such an idiot."

Mo Xue's cheeks puffed out slightly, and her lips murmured silently.

She has been diligently cultivating these past few days, and her cultivation has already made great progress. However, Master Luo's attention is focused on Qiu Yun, neglecting her.

It wasn't about vying for favor; she also wanted to be like Qiu Yun, confiding in and acting coquettishly towards Master Luo.

The two continued on their way, and the surrounding scenery gradually changed from bustling to desolate. After walking for a long time, Luo Fanchen arrived at a shantytown.

A few sour, sweaty stains lingered around the tip of my nose. This was the residential area for the relatives of wandering cultivators, located on the edge of the market, at the end of the underground spiritual vein. The spiritual energy here was 30% less than in other places, but it was cheaper.

Luo Fanchen found a child dressed in tattered hemp clothes, threw him a few silver coins, and went straight into the rented house courtyard.

The courtyard was noisy. The empty mansions were listed on wooden plaques and hung on the table. Luo Fanchen glanced over them and gasped.

"Two spirit stones?"

Most residences require two spirit stones to rent each year. Including the entry fee, the cost of living alone is as high as three spirit stones.

He tightened his grip on the storage bag in his arms; he still had twelve spirit stones and sixty-eight spirit sands left.

He frowned, looked through the wooden signs, and finally found a mansion in a corner. The location was acceptable, and it only cost one spirit stone.

"What's the story behind this mansion?"

Luo Fanchen did not immediately remove the sign. He cautiously asked the boy beside him, not believing that there was such a thing as a free lunch.

The boy was thin and frail, and his hemp clothes were faded from washing.

He glanced at Ling Moxue out of the corner of his eye and saw that the girl's skin was moist and radiant, clearly protected by true energy, and his eyes were filled with envy.

"Reporting to the Immortal Master, the spirit-gathering array in this residence was damaged. Although it was later repaired, the spiritual energy is disordered, and breathing it out is quite mentally taxing."

After saying that, the skinny boy lowered his voice and said timidly, "In addition, it is said that this house is next to a bad neighbor. Please consider this carefully, Master."

Luo Fanchen nodded slightly, and without much hesitation, reached out and took the wooden plaque.

The disordered spiritual energy was not a bad thing for him; on the contrary, he could use the spirit-gathering array on the soul banner to draw more spiritual energy for the two of them to breathe in and out.

“A wretched neighbor, huh. What kind of formidable creature could a monk living in a shantytown possibly be?”

Luo Fanchen shook his head slightly, paid the deposit and received the house deed, and headed to the mansion under the boy's guidance.

The location was surprisingly good, situated on the edge of a shantytown. Inside, there were blue brick paving, three main rooms, and a quiet courtyard. Two small spiritual fields could be cultivated in the back, where some spiritual grains and low-grade medicinal herbs could be planted.

"good."

Luo Fanchen was quite satisfied. He called the boy over and threw out another silver ingot, then rolled up his sleeves and began to work on it.

The boy looked surprised. This immortal master was actually doing it himself?
He silently lowered his head, his eyes filled with envy and inferiority as he looked at Ling Moxue. After a long while, he forced a smile and handed over a wooden plaque.

“My name is Little Drill Wind, and I’m well-informed about everything in the shantytown.”

"If you and your partner ever need to inquire about anything in the future, you can come to the end of the street to find me. I'll always be there."

"We are not Daoist partners!"

Ling Moxue's pretty face was indifferent, her almond-shaped eyes wary, and she only stammered an explanation after hearing the word "Daoist Partner".

She turned her face away angrily, and under Xiao Zuanfeng's trembling gaze, she took the wooden plaque with his address and name on it. After the boy fled as if his life depended on it, a faint blush inexplicably appeared on her cheeks.

"Has Master Luo ever had a Daoist partner?"

As night deepened, with Qiuyun's help, the mansion was quickly transformed.

After checking all the places and confirming that no one had set any marks or hidden tricks, Luo Fanchen then commanded the Soul Banner to take root in the center of the courtyard.

He made hand seals and chanted, with Qiu Yun assisting him from the side. In an instant, the yin wind hummed and transformed into a willow tree, with the spirit-gathering array patterns inside glowing. Chaotic spiritual energy poured into the mansion from all directions.

"Its spiritual power is 20% greater than that of an ordinary mansion, making it comparable to a mansion outside a shantytown."

Luo Fanchen was quite satisfied. The scattered soul power collected by the Soul Banner, along with the more than ten cougars, was enough to keep the Spirit Gathering Array running for more than a month.

"I got a great deal."

Luo Fanchen was in a good mood. With the Soul Banner, he could save at least five spirit stones every year. In addition, the Soul Banner also served as a warning.

He can receive a signal if any outsider breaks in, instantly shutting down the spirit-gathering array, making him extremely difficult to detect.

The Soul Banner itself also has a concealing effect, so even a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator would find it difficult to discern its secrets unless they stood in front of it and observed it closely.

After dinner, Qiuyun returned to the Soul Return Banner early to refine the large amount of soul power within it.

Luo Fanchen then opened his storage bag and assessed the resources at his disposal.

Eleven spirit stones, a low-grade magic sword, demonic snake scales and claws, and a large amount of demonic wealth left behind by Ling Youdao.

The Qi Gathering Pill and Meridian Opening Pill should be kept for future cultivation needs, and the Healing Pill and Breath-Consolidating Pill should also be kept for unforeseen circumstances.

"If all of them are sold, I can get fifteen spirit stones."

Luo Fanchen murmured, "Aside from what's needed to refine the Soul Banner, the remaining magical treasures are scattered and can only be stored in the black market. Selling them all would take a lot of time."

"A drop in the ocean"

Luo Fanchen sighed softly. All things considered, he could gather twenty-five spirit stones in a short period of time.

Although it was a considerable sum of money, it was merely a drop in the ocean compared to the superior methods suitable for Mo Xue.

"At least one hundred and twenty spirit stones are needed."

Luo Fanchen rubbed his forehead, his head throbbing with pain. He gripped the low-grade magic sword tightly, then slowly released it.

With the Soul Banner, he has no use for this sword at all. If he were to sell it in the market, he could get ten spirit stones.

However, he preferred to leave it to Mo Xue, as the young girl possessed natural swordsmanship and her swordsmanship was improving rapidly; sooner or later, she would need a magic sword.

"And sword techniques as well."

Luo Fanchen chuckled self-deprecatingly. He was going to spend all 120 coins anyway, so what difference would it make if he didn't spend this spirit sword?

No wonder geniuses only emerge from sects and aristocratic families; such terrifying consumption, like a money-devouring beast, is truly something no individual can afford.

Later, Luo Fanchen spent some time studying the Shaoyang Wood Transformation Technique.

He has recently begun to grasp the basics of cultivation techniques and supernatural abilities. He will likely be able to comprehend the methods of supernatural abilities once he has cultivated his techniques to the third level.

Before that, earning spirit stones should be the primary goal.

Luo Fanchen gathered his supplies, put the storage bag back close to his body, and after cultivating for two hours, he felt exhausted and fell asleep fully clothed.

"Squeak."

Half an hour later, Luo Fanchen was awakened from his drowsy state by a soft thud on the threshold.

Under the moonlight, a figure shrank its head and timidly crawled into Luo Fanchen's bed.

He knew it was Qiuyun without even hearing it, so he didn't bother to open his eyes. This little glutton should have been full long ago, so why was she sneaking into his bed?
"Qiuyun, stop fooling around, Moxue just fell asleep."

"Master Luo, don't you recognize me?"

After fidgeting and squirming in bed for a long time, a little head poked out angrily. Mo Xue's lips were pouting, and her almond-shaped eyes were deep and unsettling.

　If you have any comments, please post them. If I see any problems, I'll definitely make changes. Also, please keep reading! Keeping reading is especially important for a new book!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)