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Chapter 1360 Qi Refining Level! (Bonus Chapter, Requesting Monthly Tickets!)

Chapter 1360 Qi Refining Level 10! (Bonus Chapter, Requesting Monthly Tickets!)

Time flies. The clouds and mist in Tainan Valley gather and disperse, and the stalls in the square change batch after batch. In the blink of an eye, another two months have passed.

In the room of Yunlai Inn, Qin Hao sat cross-legged on the bed, surrounded by a faint golden magical power. As the last wisp of magical power merged into his dantian, he suddenly opened his eyes, a flash of golden light in his eyes, and the bottleneck of the ninth level of Qi Refining was broken!

"I've reached the tenth level of Qi Refining." Qin Hao felt a sense of relief as he sensed the increasingly solidified metallic elemental power within his dantian.

In the past two months, he squandered all the Yellow Dragon Pills and Golden Marrow Pills left by Han Li before he left. In addition, the spiritual energy in Tainan Valley was 30% richer than that in Shenshou Valley, and he finally broke through to the tenth level of Qi Refining.

Aside from cultivation, Qin Hao focused his main energy on talisman making. Ever since he first exchanged the Golden Marrow Pill for the "True Explanation of Elementary Talismans," and his AI analyzed the improvement method for metal-attribute talismans, he began mass-producing the improved "Diamond Talisman" and "Golden Arrow Talisman."

By optimizing the talisman patterns, the AI ​​increased the Vajra Talisman's defense by nearly 20%, enabling it to withstand three attacks from a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator; the Golden Arrow Talisman's penetration power was increased by 10%, enough to break through most low-level defensive spells.

As the Ascension Ceremony drew near, the number of cultivators in the valley increased, and Qin Hao's talismans became increasingly sought after.

A low-level spell talisman drawn by an ordinary talisman maker might sell for six to eight low-grade spirit stones at most, but his improved talismans could sell for ten stones each, and they would be snapped up as soon as they were put on the stall.

Cultivators are all shrewd. The reason they are willing to spend two more spirit stones is that the Ascension Conference is not only related to whether they can join a cultivation sect, but the process is also extremely brutal. In order to compete for a spot in the sect, every Ascension Conference is a bloodbath. Since life and death are at stake, they are naturally willing to spend money.

Moreover, cultivators in the Qi Refining stage have limited means. Talismans do not require much mana and do not occupy spiritual consciousness. They can often save lives in battles, and no one wants to save two spirit stones at this crucial moment.

Qin Hao seized the opportunity. Since it takes time to accumulate experience to advance from the tenth to the eleventh level of Qi Refining and it's impossible to break through in the short term, he might as well take this opportunity to make a fortune and buy some top-tier magic artifacts to enhance his strength.

That morning, he stood up and went to the square. As soon as he got to his feet, a group of cultivators surrounded him.

"Fellow Daoists, don't scramble!" Qin Hao cleared his throat and announced loudly, "Today, I, Zhang, have specially refined ten extra 'Vajra Talismans' and five extra 'Golden Arrow Talismans.' First come, first served, one per person!"

Before he could finish speaking, all the talismans in front of the stall were snatched up.

The cultivators who hadn't managed to grab any surrounded Qin Hao, their faces filled with anxiety: "Fellow Daoist Zhang, even these dozen or so aren't enough! I've been here for days, and I can't get any each time!"

"Yes, Fellow Daoist Zhang, refine more, the price is negotiable!" Qin Hao rolled his eyes, feigning anger: "Do you think refining talismans is so simple? I've cut my cultivation time in half every day and rushed to finish these. If you don't believe me, try it yourselves. A success rate of 10% is already pretty good. How can you make more so easily?"

Upon hearing this, everyone sighed in dismay.

An old man with white hair shook his head and said, "Alas, that's true. I also tried to refine talismans back then. I ruined hundreds of talisman papers and lost several spirit stones. I almost sold my family's magic weapon. In the end, I had to give up."

Another rogue cultivator chimed in, "That's right! Refining talismans isn't something we rogue cultivators do. Without thousands upon thousands of failures, the success rate isn't even enough to break even, let alone earn spirit stones. Fellow Daoist Zhang must have extraordinary talent in talismans to possess this skill."

Qin Hao listened to the crowd's discussion and chuckled inwardly—little did they know that with the AI ​​optimizing the talisman-making process in real time, his success rate could reach over 90%, and he wouldn't waste much material at all.

Just as Qin Hao turned to leave, he clearly felt that more than a dozen pairs of cold eyes were staring at his back in the crowd, obviously someone had taken him as a "fat sheep".

"Hmph, trying to take advantage of me? Let's see if you have the teeth to bite me." Qin Hao walked into a building with a sign that read "Qizhen Pavilion" without stopping.

Qizhen Pavilion is a famous shop in Tainan Valley, mainly selling magical artifacts and spiritual materials. The shopkeeper, Fatty Liang, is a cultivator at the twelfth level of Qi Refining. He is a smooth person and very good at doing business.

"A distinguished guest has arrived!" Fatty Liang recognized Qin Hao at a glance, his face beaming with smiles. "Qingling, quickly brew a pot of the finest 'Qi-Gathering Spirit Tea'! Fellow Daoist Zhang is a rare guest, so please don't neglect him!"

Qin Hao sat down at the table by the window and waved his hand: "Fellow Daoist Liang, please skip the formalities. I came here today to see if you have any good stuff—the Ascension Conference is coming soon, and I'd like to find a couple of top-tier magic artifacts for self-defense."

At first, Qin Hao didn't set up a stall directly. Instead, he sold the talismans to shops like Qizhen Pavilion. These shops would then resell them to cultivators for fifteen spirit stones each, making a profit of 100%.

Many shops wanted to poach him as their exclusive talisman maker, offering him a base salary of ten spirit stones per month plus a share of the talisman production revenue, but Qin Hao refused them all, citing that he was "devoted to cultivation and didn't have much time to make talismans."

Fatty Liang personally poured Qin Hao a full cup of spiritual tea, a shrewd glint in his eyes: "Knowing that Fellow Daoist Zhang has high standards and ordinary magic artifacts won't catch your eye, I've specially reserved three good items for you."

As he spoke, he clapped his hands, and a waiter dressed in green came over carrying a mahogany tray covered with a red cloth.

Fatty Liang lifted the red cloth, revealing three magical artifacts: the Golden Blade: the blade is only half a foot long, light gold in color, and is made by mixing the claws of the second-level demon beast "Golden-Eyed Beast" with "mysterious iron". The blade is engraved with fine golden patterns.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, please take a look. This Golden Blade can be used in the late stage of Qi Refining. After injecting mana, it can release a three-inch-long golden blade of energy with extremely strong penetrating power, which can easily pierce through ordinary high-grade defensive magic weapons."

Fatty Liang picked up the Golden Blade, infused it with a trace of magic power, and a golden light shone from the tip of the blade, yet its formidable attack power could still be felt.

Mystic Crystal Tortoise Shell: A palm-sized tortoise shell, deep black in color, with hexagonal patterns covering its surface. It is made from the carapace of the level-two demon beast "Mystic Iron Tortoise" and is also engraved with basic defensive array patterns.

"This Xuan Iron Tortoise Shell can be activated by injecting magic power, and its defensive capabilities are sufficient to withstand several attacks from top-tier magic weapons..."

Cloud Boots: Black boots with silver cloud patterns embroidered on the boot shaft. They are made of the hide of a level-two demon beast, the "Wind Spirit Fox," mixed with "silk," and the sole is inlaid with a small "wind attribute spirit stone."

"These Flowing Cloud Boots can increase movement speed by 30%, making them an essential choice for both chasing and escaping..."

Qin Hao's gaze fell on the Golden Blade and the Flowing Cloud Boots—the Golden Blade could enhance his attack, and the Flowing Cloud Boots could increase his speed, which could make up for his lack of attack power and escape speed.

"Fellow Daoist Liang, how much are these three magical artifacts?"

"Golden Blade: 350 low-grade spirit stones; Black Iron Tortoise Shell Talisman: 300; Flowing Cloud Boots: 250."

Fatty Liang smiled and quoted a price: "Fellow Daoist Zhang is a regular customer. If you want them all, I'll give you eight hundred low-grade spirit stones. How about that?"

"Too expensive." Qin Hao shook his head: "The Golden Blade is 300, and the Flowing Cloud Boots are 200. I'll take these two. That'll be 500 spirit stones in total."

Fatty Liang's smile froze, and he said with a bitter face, "Fellow Daoist Zhang, five hundred yuan is too little; it doesn't even cover the cost!"

“Fellow Daoist Liang, you’re not the only one selling magical artifacts in Tai Nan Valley.” Qin Hao stood up, making a move to leave: “If I go to another store, I might be able to get a better price.”

"No, no, no!" Fatty Liang quickly grabbed him, gritting his teeth and saying, "Fine, I give up! Five hundred it is, but next time Fellow Daoist Zhang has talismans, you have to sell them to my Treasure Pavilion first!"

Qin Hao nodded in agreement, took out five hundred low-grade spirit stones from his storage bag and handed them to Fatty Liang. He then took the Golden Blade and Flowing Cloud Boots—the Golden Blade was cool to the touch, and the Flowing Cloud Boots were light and soft, both of which suited his taste perfectly.

As soon as Qin Hao stepped out of the Qizhen Pavilion, he saw a familiar figure standing at the entrance of the market—wearing coarse clothes and with dark skin, it was Han Li!

Han Li had obviously seen him too, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes. He was about to run over here.

Qin Hao quickly channeled his magic power, sending his voice directly into Han Li's ears: "Junior Brother Han, the situation here is complicated. Someone is watching me. It's best if we pretend we don't know each other for now. Meet me in Room B of Yunlai Inn in half an hour."

Han Li stopped in his tracks, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. He quickly realized what was happening and subtly withdrew his gaze.

The young cultivator beside him asked curiously, "Brother Han, what's wrong?"

This young man was Wan Xiaoshan, a rogue cultivator whom Han Li met when he came to Tai Nan Valley. The two traveled together and could be considered as half companions.

"It's nothing." Han Li composed himself and smiled to cover up his surprise. "It's just that it's the first time I've seen such a bustling market, and I didn't react for a moment."

"I see!" Wan Xiaoshan suddenly realized, and said with a smile, "I was also stunned for a long time when I first went out."

As the two were talking, a middle-aged cultivator in a brocade robe beckoned to Wan Xiaoshan from not far away: "Xiaoshan, come here! Your family elders want to see you!"

Wan Xiaoshan responded, greeted Han Li, and hurriedly ran over.

Han Li breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried about not finding an excuse to act alone, and this was just perfect. He pretended to browse the stalls, walked around the square, and after confirming that no one was following him, he quickly walked towards the Yunlai Inn.

"Fellow Daoist, are you looking for a long-term or short-term rental?" the waiter behind the inn's counter asked with a smile.

"Where is Room B?" Han Li asked directly.

"It's the last room on the right upstairs!" the waiter pointed to the stairs.

"Thank you!"

After Han Li went upstairs, he did not immediately push open the door. Instead, he stood in the corridor and tried to use his divine sense to check if anyone was following him. However, he found that as soon as his divine sense was extended out of his body, it was blocked by an invisible force and could not spread at all.

"As expected of a gathering place for cultivators, even the inn is equipped with an array that can shield divine sense. Senior brother is really cautious."

Relieved, he gently knocked on the door of room B.

"Come in." Qin Hao's familiar voice came from inside the room.

Han Li pushed open the door and saw Qin Hao sitting at the table with spiritual tea on it. He excitedly called out, "Senior Brother!"

Qin Hao smiled at him and pointed to the chair opposite him: "Junior Brother Han, how have you been? Did your trip to the Mo residence go smoothly?"

"Although there were some twists and turns, it went relatively smoothly." Han Li sat down, a relaxed smile on his face: "What about you, Senior Brother? Have you settled your 'blood feud'?"

"The great revenge has been achieved."

After exchanging pleasantries, the two talked about their experiences over the past two months. Qin Hao did most of the talking—the rules of the market in Tai Nan Valley, the procedures of the Ascension Conference. Han Li listened with great interest, nodding from time to time, his eyes full of curiosity.

"I never knew the cultivation world had so many intricacies," Han Li exclaimed. "Senior brother, you're so knowledgeable. What are your plans for the future? Will you continue as a rogue cultivator, or will you look for an opportunity to join a sect?"

Qin Hao's expression turned serious as he looked at Han Li and said, "Junior Brother Han, if we want to take a further step on the path of cultivation, we must join a cultivation sect—unless we have a Heavenly Spiritual Root. Ordinary spiritual root cultivators must take Foundation Establishment Pills to establish their foundation!"

"Foundation Building Pill?" Han Li was taken aback.

"The Foundation Establishment Pill is the key pill for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage," Qin Hao explained. "When ordinary Qi Refining cultivators break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, the success rate is less than 10%. If they have the Foundation Establishment Pill to assist them, it can be increased to 30%. Moreover, the formula for the Foundation Establishment Pill is complicated and requires a variety of high-grade spiritual herbs, which are monopolized by the seven major sects. If we don't join a sect, even if we cultivate to the Great Perfection of the Qi Refining stage, we will only be trapped in the Qi Refining stage and eventually die when our lifespan is exhausted."

Upon hearing this, Han Li's face showed lingering fear: "Thanks to Senior Brother for finding out this information in advance! I thought that as long as I cultivated to the Great Perfection of Qi Refining, I could naturally establish my foundation. If no one had reminded me, I would probably have wasted ten years of my life."

There's no need for thanks between brothers.

Qin Hao took out a black storage bag from his pocket and handed it to Han Li: "By the way, Junior Brother Han, you're new here, so I've prepared some things for you."

He also taught Han Li in detail how to use the storage bag—by injecting a trace of magic power, he could open the bag and see what was inside.

Han Li opened the storage bag according to the instructions, and was instantly stunned when he looked inside—the bag was bulging with over a hundred low-grade spirit stones. He had browsed the stalls in the square and knew that one low-grade spirit stone could buy a lot of spiritual materials. Over a hundred spirit stones was a huge sum of money for a Qi Refining cultivator.

"Senior brother, this is too precious, I can't accept it!" Han Li hurriedly handed the storage bag back, his face full of gratitude and reluctance.

Qin Hao chuckled inwardly—investing in the future of Han Tianzun is worth it, no matter how many spirit stones it costs!

He didn't take the storage bag, but instead pretended to be displeased: "Junior Brother Han, it's only been two months since we last met, and you've already become distant with me? Back in Divine Hand Valley, you gave me so many pills, and I didn't refuse them. Now that I'm giving you this little bit of spirit stones, why won't you accept it?"

Han Li quickly said, "Senior brother, please don't misunderstand! I'm not being distant, it's just that this gift is too much for me to repay..."

"Between you and me, why talk about 'repayment'?" Qin Hao interrupted him, smiling as he said, "Besides, if one day I encounter difficulties and need Junior Brother Han's help, I'm sure you'll do your utmost, right?"

"Of course!" Han Li answered without hesitation, his eyes filled with determination: "As long as Senior Brother asks, even if it means going through fire and water, I will never refuse!"

Qin Hao smiled with satisfaction and pointed to a wooden box on the table: "Since that's the case, you can accept it. By the way, Junior Brother Han, you're new to the Immortal Cultivation Market, so you probably don't have a suitable magic weapon yet. I've also prepared one for you. See if it suits your needs."