Fangxian Heretical Path

Chapter 17: Nourishing Essence Pills All Have a Bright Future!
Spirit stones are the crystallization of the spiritual essence and energy of heaven and earth.

There are many types, including jade, minerals, and charcoal jade formed from the bones of ancient trees, which contains the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth is the source of immortality for cultivators to overcome tribulations and achieve longevity.

Fang Shu's body was currently depleted. Sensing the spiritual energy within the spirit stone, he couldn't help but feel a craving, hoping to consume it and repair his body.

He repeatedly stroked the spirit stone in his hand, and suddenly felt its weight.

His mind went blank for a moment, as if he had returned to the state he was in when he was listening to the weasel teach him about cultivation in the mass grave.

However, Fang Shu did not try to absorb the spiritual energy from the spirit stone. He suppressed his impulse, wrapped it again with cinnabar and yellow paper, and tied it tightly to prevent the spiritual energy from leaking out.

The second uncle watched this scene with a smile on his face, and gestured with his eyes as if to say, "Why don't you try absorbing a few strands of spiritual energy?"

Fang Shuchang exhaled a long breath and replied in a deep voice:

“Spirit stones are incredibly precious. My second uncle must have gone to great lengths to get them back.”

How could I possibly be greedy enough to ruin the quality of this item?

Upon hearing this, the second uncle's eyes flashed with a strange light, and he slapped Fang Shu's shoulder hard.

Then, the second uncle reached into his sleeve and took out a medicine bottle, which he then asked Fang Shu to open.

Instantly, a strong, uniquely fragrant aroma of medicinal herbs wafted from the bottle.

Upon hearing this, Fang Shu felt his blood and energy surge, and his body began to stir with a restless energy.

Immediately, the second uncle wrote down an explanation of the pill in his hand and how it differed from spirit stones.

It turns out that this elixir is called "Nourishing Essence Pill," which is made by refining the essence and blood of fierce beasts such as tigers and bears in Mount Lu, mixed with ginseng, deer meat, kidney essence grass, and other highly nourishing and drying ingredients.

One bottle is worth three hundred coins, which means that an ordinary person could only exchange a month's blood for one bottle, and one bottle contains only ten pills.

Taking these pills once every three days is barely enough to last a month.

Its medicinal effects include nourishing essence and blood, repairing deficiencies in the body, and helping to control qi and blood during cultivation in the dojo, thereby improving cultivation efficiency.

"Spiritual energy can improve cultivation efficiency when ingested, but its utilization rate is related to one's physical constitution."

We are all mortals, without spiritual roots. Cultivating using spiritual energy is not very worthwhile. It is far better to absorb the spiritual energy scattered in heaven and earth, or to gather the morning and evening glow, the moonlight at night, and so on..."

My second uncle was still writing furiously, introducing:

"As for elixirs, such as this Nourishing Essence Pill, their effects are fixed. Although digestion and absorption are related to one's physical constitution, the lower limit is quite high. It is the first choice of auxiliary material for our cultivation. It is indispensable for cultivation in the Taoist temple."

If you join the dojo, you should never miss any opportunity to obtain similar elixirs. I will also prepare what you need.”

After reading it, Fang Shu nodded seriously:

"got it."

Immediately, under the care of his second uncle, he took a sperm-nourishing pill to try it out.

After taking the medicine, he felt as if he had eaten a bowl of hot porridge on a winter's day, his whole body was warm, even his heels.

Subconsciously, Fang Shu began to use the Moon-Sealing Breathing Technique. The breath he inhaled and exhaled from his mouth and nose became scalding hot, and the medicinal effects of the pill inside his body quickly dissipated.

When he opened his eyes again, he felt refreshed and full of energy.

He silently chanted the Daoist incantation in his heart and discovered that his lifespan limit had been restored by one year, and the degree of lifespan reduction was also less!

"This medicine is excellent," Fang Shu said.

Seeing that he looked quite pleased with himself, his second uncle's smile widened, and he immediately wrote:

"The Nourishing Essence Pill is just a commonly used elixir in Taoist temples for practicing immortal arts, nothing special."

"In the future, my second uncle will definitely send you even better elixirs."

Fang Shu grinned as well.

The surprises weren't over yet. After taking out the pills, the second uncle suddenly pulled out a roll of gray fox fur from his sleeve, blew on it, and handed it back to Fang Shu.

This item is a fox fur magic artifact crafted by Fang Shu, and it has now been returned to its rightful owner.

This surprised Fang Shu. His second uncle hadn't sold the fox pelt; instead, he had bought a spirit stone as tuition and also acquired an extra bottle of pills.

Upon further inquiry, he learned that his second uncle had been staking out the "demon market" outside the market for three days and two nights.

He first sold the original tiger skin and the secret sword technique for mouth and belly to make money. Then he copied the brain-processing technique attached to the tiger skin and sold it as a leather-making skill. He sold several copies of it.

This minor leatherworking technique doesn't involve cryptic texts, which is why it's possible, but the price isn't high either.

Finally, the second uncle managed to catch a lucky black mine demon and exchange it for the spirit stone. With three or four hundred talisman coins left over, he returned to the market and bought some pills.

At this point in the introduction, the second uncle suddenly gave Fang Shu a few words of advice:
"Remember, you must not buy pills indiscriminately. It is best to buy them only from established shops in the market."

If you absolutely must purchase it from someone else, you must have it inspected before you can consume it.

"Yes, Second Uncle!"

Faced with his second uncle's many teachings, Fang Shu nodded repeatedly, feeling that having an elder in the family was like having a treasure!
That day, the two talked in detail until nightfall.

Only after being urged by his second uncle did he stop talking and go to bed.

Before lying down, the two of them took water and washed each other, so that they could go to the Taoist temple to learn magic the next day.

..............................

The next morning.

Fang Shu was dressed in a brand-new Taoist robe, with a wooden hairpin in his hair. Although the style was simple, it exuded a vibrant energy and a youthful charm.

His second uncle was also rubbing his hands together, even more excited than him. He took the lead in walking out of the paper house and then urged him on, just like a parent sending their child to school for the first time.

Both of them had already left when a teasing voice suddenly rang out from the side:

"Oh my! That's strange, Yu Lao Er, you've made a fortune after gambling?"

It's rare for her to get up this early, and she even seems to have washed up.

It was the wet nurse from next door, surnamed Dou. She had rolled up her sleeves, revealing her pale arms, and was carrying a chamber pot. As she spoke, she bent over and poured the contents into the ditch, emitting a pungent odor.

Upon hearing this, the uncle and nephew's gazes involuntarily fell on the wet nurse surnamed Dou, scrutinizing her from head to toe.

Second Uncle smiled without saying a word. Fang Shu was stunned for a moment, then cupped his hands in greeting.

After exchanging greetings, they didn't chat in detail and continued walking along the ditch deeper into the market town.

Just as Fang Shu was about to leave the paper mill, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye.

The man walked with his head down, his hands pressed on his lower abdomen, taking small steps.

Beside her was a heavily made-up woman who kept talking:

"Sister Su, let me tell you something, don't feel bad about it. Even though that family's son is about to die, he's not really dead yet, is he?"

Once you marry him and he dies, you won't have to serve him, and you can eat and drink at his house. What a blessing!

The heavily made-up woman continued, "Once that man dies, there'll only be an old hag in the house. Can't you handle that old hag? Just support him for a few more years, see him off when he dies, and you'll be able to settle down here in Guling Town!"
We're like sisters, so I won't hide it from you. Actually, that family just wants someone clean to take care of them in their final days. Be patient and behave well later..."

Seemingly noticing someone passing by, the heavily made-up woman subconsciously lowered her voice, as if afraid that this good news would be revealed.

Fang Shu took a closer look and discovered that the woman with her head down was none other than Su Qingao, who had disembarked from the same boat!

Looking at Su Qingao, whose face was flushed with shyness, he noticed that although she seemed nervous, she also had a strong sense of anticipation and longing for the future.

Fang Shu withdrew his gaze, his face also filled with anticipation, and strode towards the market.

very good!

Su Qingao did not go to a brothel but found a family to take care of, while Fang Shu wanted to become a disciple of a Taoist temple.
Both of them have bright futures!
(End of this chapter)