Such is the fickleness of life.
He could only live in the middle section of the mountainside.
After feeling emotional, Feng Xuan strolled leisurely.
The further he ascended, the density of Spiritual Qi began to increase significantly, and everywhere he passed, there were Spirit Fields full of precious Spirit Grass, along with spacious Hua Mansions. But surrounding them were Middle-grade Arrays, guarded by either Middle Stage of Body Refining Stone Puppets or First-rank Medium Spirit Beasts.
Continuing upward, the density of Spiritual Qi and the scenery were completely different. Those passing by were either Tier Five and Six Qi Cultivation Stewards from the Twelve Departments or Elderâs Direct Disciples, geniuses who achieved Tier Two and Three Qi Cultivation before their twenties.
Moments later, Wen Jiu followed Feng Xuan to the place closest to the mountaintop, where the richness of Spiritual Qi was indeed rare.
In this area, there were very few cultivators residing, and they had to go a fair distance before seeing a Hua Mansion.
Passing by a Hua Mansion guarded by a Tier One High-Grade Defense Array and a First-rank Medium Spirit Beast, Feng Xuan quickly said, "In the upper section of the mountainside, there are only thirty-seven cultivators, either highly ranked officials in the Twelve Departments or Direct Disciples of the four Great Elders. This Hua Mansion belongs to Li Mu, the Vice Hall Master."
Wen Jiu glanced at the Spirit Field within the Array, and the massive First-rank Medium Spirit Beast immediately stared back at him.
Just one glance.
Sent waves through Wen Jiuâs heart.
Strong.
Very strong!
No wonder itâs a Spirit Beast raised by Elder Ye Chenâs Direct Disciple, its aura wasnât inferior to any Side Peak Masters.
Before Wen Jiu could retract his gaze, Feng Xuan continued, "In the upper sections of the mountainside, wherever there isnât an Array covering, you can choose it as your future cultivation residence... Do you want to keep looking, or settle next to Li Mu, the Vice Hall Master?"
"Elder Feng, Iâll keep looking."
Wen Jiu discreetly changed his address, although he had already become a Direct Disciple of Elder Ye, whose status wasnât weaker than Feng Xuanâs, respect must still be given.
Upon hearing this address, Feng Xuan didnât show it on his face, but was very pleased internally.
"Alright, then you keep looking, I wonât do anything today but accompany you." Being called âElder Fengâ made him feel content.
Even if it wasnât Li Muâs orders, accompanying Wen Jiu all day would be no problem.
"Thank you, Elder Feng." Wen Jiu expressed his gratitude, then began to look around, finally deciding on a secluded area.
Quiet.
Simultaneously, it would prevent interruptions.
After wandering around, Wen Jiu settled by a bamboo grove near a clear pool, the scenery was nice, but mainly it allowed direct views of the Ten Thousand Demon Abyss, since there was no Array concealment, he could somewhat feel the Yin Evil Qi drifting from the abyss, a sip or two into the belly was truly exhilarating.
"Elder Feng, this is it."
Wen Jiu spoke.
Feng Xuan nodded, "You will stay in the Good House at the mountain foot these days, tomorrow morning Iâll arrange for someone to discuss the setup plan with you. Meanwhile, Iâll invite a Top-grade Spirit Array Master from the Inspection Hall to set up a top-tier Tier One Middle Grade Array for you. It will be equipped with defense, isolation, and attack capabilities."
"Thank you, Elder Feng."
Wen Jiu clasped his hands in salute.
Then hurriedly asked, "Elder Feng, does the Array cost Spirit Stones?"
Feng Xuan laughed, "No charge."
"Thank you, Elder Feng!"
Wen Jiu was delighted.
A top-tier Tier One Middle Grade Array isnât cheap.
Seven to eight hundred Low-grade Spirit Stones are necessary.
A whole set.
At least two thousand Low-grade Spirit Stones.
Deadman Peak truly is luxurious.
Feng Xuan smiled, not saying much more.
...
Returning to the foot of the mountain.
Wen Jiuâs appearance immediately stirred quite a commotion, after all, Wen Jiu was the quickest to be accepted as a Direct Disciple by an Elder.
Though he was a Heterodox Cultivator.
But what of it?
Chen Daoqing also came upon hearing.
"Brother!"
Chen Daoqing excitedly squeezed through the crowd.
Wen Jiu gave Chen Daoqing a once-over and saw that he was already dressed in the attire of a Main Peak Disciple from the Demon-slaying Department.
"Nice." Wen Jiu complimented.
Chen Daoqing gratefully said, "I owe it all to you helping me in the Black Spirit Tower, otherwise, I wouldnât be where I am today."
"It was just a small favor." Wen Jiu wasnât being overly modest, as Chen Daoqingâs achievements today were indeed due to his own efforts.
Some people, even with a bit of help, could only pass the third layer, and would still fall at the fourth.
But Chen Daoqing was different.
With his strength, and a little bit of help, he advanced a long way.
Thatâs why Wen Jiu didnât think his contribution was the reason for the success.
"Brother, letâs grab a drink later? Our Feixian Peak has five people joining the Twelve Departments this time, though Du Feng is still uncertain, heâs very likely to join... But I donât want to drink with him." Chen Daoqing still couldnât help but feel displeased at the mention of Du Feng, even mixed with some disgust.
Wen Jiu nodded, not declining, as he wanted to taste the difference between Main Peak and Side Peak cuisine.
However, when gathering in the evening, besides Chen Daoqing, the attitude of the others towards him had completely changed.
The four all showed great respect.
Though Wen Jiu still considered them friends, they dared not, creating a sense of distance instead.
To this.
Wen Jiu wasnât surprised.
Since they werenât particularly close to begin with.
So, Wen Jiu didnât say much, had a few drinks, tried the Main Peak cuisine, and went home, leaving Chen Daoqing to enjoy drinking with them until after midnight, only then did Wen Jiu hear Chen Daoqing and the others returning.
The five were quite happy.
Due to joining the Twelve Departments.
Though they couldnât move to the mountainside yet given their cultivation level, they could live closer to the mountainside, greatly accelerating their cultivation speed.
...
After midnight.
Wen Jiu didnât continue Corpse Nourishing, but prepared to look at the Heterodox Techniques recorded in the Three Evil Walking Corpses Record.