NOVEL WEB Chapter 63: Massive Expenses
Daoist He was truly enigmatic.
Not only did his cultivation level improve quickly, but his supply of spirit stones seemed endless.
To break through from the fourth level of Qi Refinement Realm to the fifth in three years was already impressive. Yet, after this breakthrough, he could still decisively spend such a large number of spirit stones on purchasing techniques.
Could He Song have a powerful backer?
Or was he involved in shady dealings like murder and looting?
Various possibilities flashed through Ping’er’s mind, but with no concrete evidence, she was left grasping at straws. Helpless, she gathered several mid-tier spells and returned to He Song.
“Daoist He, here is the Manipulate Object Technique and other mid-tier spells you requested. Take your time to review them,” Ping’er said, placing the tray in front of He Song while watching him closely, as if hoping to discern some information from his expression.
But He Song’s face remained calm and impassive, offering her no clues.
He casually picked up a few pamphlets from the tray and soon focused on two specific spells.
The first one:
Manipulate Object Technique
This spell allowed one to control items using internal spiritual energy. Whether for attack, defense, or even daily tasks, its utility was unparalleled.
Once He Song acquired an artifact in the future, this spell would enable him to wield it for offensive purposes, making it a staple skill for Qi Refinement Realm cultivators.
The second spell was an offensive one:
Stone-Splitting Finger
This spell concentrated spiritual energy into the fingertips, which could then be unleashed in a devastating burst. Its killing power was formidable.
Compared to the Spirit Arrow Technique He Song had previously mastered, the Stone-Splitting Finger boasted greater damage and faster activation speed.
When unleashed, this unique spiritual energy could travel up to ten zhang (approximately 33 meters). With He Song’s current fifth-level Qi Refinement Realm cultivation, it could easily shatter several low-tier Thick Earth Talismans.
As for mid-tier Thick Earth Talismans, their formidable defensive strength required two consecutive strikes to break through.
However, as He Song’s cultivation level increased and his familiarity with Stone-Splitting Finger grew, both its power and range would naturally improve.
Now that He Song had the Earth Burrowing Technique for quick escapes, he decided it was time to address his lack of offensive spells.
Once He Song fully mastered the Earth Burrowing Technique and Stone-Splitting Finger, his combat abilities would significantly improve.
For offense, he had a Stone-Splitting Finger.
For escapes, he had Earth Burrowing Technique.
For defense, he relied on mid-grade Thick Earth Talismans.
At the Qi Refinement Realm, unless one possessed a defensive artifact, no defensive spell could rival the effectiveness of Thick Earth Talismans.
These talismans, crafted exclusively by the Vast Earth Sect, were highly sought after even within territories dominated by other Golden Core sects.
Whether wandering cultivators, family disciples, or sect members, nearly all Qi Refinement Realm cultivators carried a few Thick Earth Talismans as life-saving tools.
Naturally, He Song was no exception.
“Daoist Ping’er, I’ll take the Manipulate Object Technique and the Stone-Splitting Finger. Here are 150 spirit stones,” He Song said after making his decision.
Pointing to the jade slips corresponding to the two spells, he waved his hand over the table, and 150 spirit stones appeared.
mid-tier spells were priced at 50 spirit stones each, but offensive spells were double the cost.
Thus, the Stone-Splitting Finger, priced at 100 spirit stones, and the Manipulate Object Technique, at 50 spirit stones, totaled 150 spirit stones.
Once Ping’er nodded and collected the spirit stones, He Song placed the jade slips against his forehead.
Moments later, all the knowledge of the Manipulate Object Technique and Stone-Splitting Finger was imprinted in his mind. In the future, he could recall and practice them at will.
With his business concluded, He Song saw no reason to linger in the Spirit Techniques Pavilion. After a brief exchange with Ping’er, he bid her farewell and left.
Outside the Spirit Techniques Pavilion, He Song glanced at the handful of spirit stones remaining in his storage bag and sighed deeply.
Three years.
In three years, He Song had earned 90 spirit stones annually, accumulating a total of 270 spirit stones.
Even after scrimping and saving—and with some leftover stones from before—he had managed to save up over 200 spirit stones.
Yet today, in a single visit, he had spent more than half his savings on three spells.
“There aren’t enough spirit stones to spend.” He Song muttered, turning to look back at the towering Spirit Techniques Pavilion.
Over the years, every time he visited this place, his wealth took a significant hit:
The first visit: With over 30 spirit stones, he purchased three basic spells, spending 30 stones.
The second visit: With over 100 spirit stones, he bought an Introduction to Formations Book for 100 stones.
The third visit: With over 30 spirit stones, he acquired two basic spells for 20 stones.
The fourth visit: This time, with over 200 spirit stones, he spent 250 stones on three spells.
It seemed like the Spirit Techniques Pavilion existed solely to empty his wallet.
Although his income had increased over time, so had his expenditures.
Fortunately, He Song’s plans to establish a spirit farmland would soon improve his situation. Once his spirit farmland was operational, his income would rise significantly.
With this thought, He Song cast one last glance at the Spirit Techniques Pavilion before heading home.
Back at his residence, He Song activated the Maze Formation and began practicing spells within the concentrated spiritual energy of the Spirit Gathering Formation.
After some deliberation, he decided to start with the Manipulate Object Technique.
Previously, Ping’er had mentioned that this spell was extremely versatile.
Whether for combat, escapes, or daily tasks, it was immensely useful.
Spending the next month diligently practicing, He Song eventually reached a level of proficiency where he could perform the spell with ease and without diminishing its power.
At this point, his understanding of the Manipulate Object Technique deepened significantly.