Chapter 520: Chapter 30: Rising Straight to Qingyun
The top thirty in each Flying Crane Dao Discussion represent the absolute talents of the entire Ten Thousand Merchants Domain, even the eastern Great Marsh Cultivation Realm.
Their future Core Formation is almost certain.
Moreover, over sixty percent have the hope of reaching middle or upper True Core.
However, eighty percent of them eventually move to the central region, seeking a more favorable cultivation environment and superior Tao inheritance.
Among them, there’s even the possibility of a Nascent Soul True Monarch being born in the top three.
Similarly, almost all of them bear the Spirit Contracts of various Commerce Associations.
To reach this stage, besides their own talent, immense spiritual resources are also indispensable, and only by signing cultivation spirit contracts would the association exert effort to cultivate them.
Even Yao Rui signed a cultivation spirit contract back then, which is why she received superior magic techniques and abundant spiritual resources from the Si Shui Commerce Association in the subsequent four years.
Li Ji’an, however, is an exception among them.
He was discovered by the Jinhua Commerce Association after he already possessed such strength, so he merely signed a Spirit Contract for entering the semifinals and the corresponding rewards, without a cultivation Spirit Contract from the Jinhua Commerce Association.
It seemed more like a transaction.
However, compared to other Immortal Seedlings who signed Spirit Contracts, his rewards for entering the semifinals were significantly less.
For example, people like Yao Rui and Wang Hu, despite receiving only ten thousand Spirit Stones for entering the semifinals, still gained a top hundred Core Formation Spirit Treasure.
Such value naturally exceeds the one hundred thousand Spirit Stones reward that Li Ji’an received.
"Qingyun, though we’ve known each other for some time, you’re aware of my character, so I won’t continue the pretense. Your value is evident, and we at the Jinhua Commerce Association wish to invest heavily in you. This is the spirit contract the association decided upon, you may take a look." On the evening of the list announcement, Wu Yishan arrived with the spirit contract, displaying earnest sincerity.
"Thank you for the compliment, President." Li Ji’an cupped his hands in respect and took the spirit contract to examine it.
Although he had never considered signing a Spirit Contract with the Jinhua Commerce Association, to avoid additional constraints, upon seeing the contract, he couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of disappointment.
The Spirit Contract offered to him was, surprisingly, similar to that of Wang Hu’s superior spirit contract.
The spirit contract stipulated that Li Ji’an would thereafter reside permanently at the Jinhua Commerce Association, focusing mainly on cultivation. Apart from regular trials, he wouldn’t need to handle commerce association tasks.
The association would strive to provide him with Core Formation Spirit Treasures and spiritual resources post-Core Formation.
Projected not less than a rank fifty Core Formation Spirit Treasure, and a purification spirit treasure to enhance Core Formation quality.
If a hundred years later, he stops at early True Core, he will need to serve the association diligently for thirty years.
If a hundred years later, he stops at mid-stage True Core, he will need to serve the association diligently for twenty years.
If he can advance to late-stage Core Formation Ascendant, he will need to perform three tasks for the association.
...
Admittedly, for an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator, the investment is exceedingly generous, especially with a rank fifty Core Formation Spirit Treasure.
Moreover, compared to sects in the Celestial Cyan Domain nurturing true inheritors, the restrictions are less.
But for Li Ji’an, who already possesses three Core Formation spiritual resources, with one being the unparalleled Seven-Colored Jade Tree Core Formation Spirit Treasure, it’s not worthwhile.
What’s more, he also has an Upper Grade Condensing Crystal Pill crafted in his previous life for this life, totaling four Core Formation Spirit Treasures, making it unnecessary to sign a long-term Spirit Contract for one more ordinary Spirit Treasure.
If it were the top-tier purification spirit treasures like Qiuli Water or Celestial Pure Water, it might be worth considering.
"Thank you, President Wu, for the compliment. Although Liu recognizes the association’s sincerity, due to deep-seated grievances, I am destined not to cultivate peacefully within the association and will not fulfill your expectations." Li Ji’an calmly declined.
Wu Yishan slightly narrowed his eyes, somewhat surprised by this result.
Based on his understanding of the Celestial Cyan Domain and surrounding areas, even the sect’s true inheritors might not guarantee a rank hundred Core Formation Spirit Treasure.
Moreover, Liu Qingyun is likely from the Celestial Cyan Domain. Recently, news came from that area stating Yellow Heaven Domain and Boundless Domain completely triumphed, and sects within have been defeated. Even if sects ultimately surrender, it is unlikely to offer decent Core Formation Spirit Treasures to these fleeing disciples.
Now, he has achieved Foundation Establishment Perfection, and soon faces the critical juncture of Core Formation.
Initially thought the spirit contract was sufficient to move him.
"Is Qingyun dissatisfied with this spirit contract? If so, we can discuss it. In our Ten Thousand Merchants Domain, almost everything is negotiable." Wu Yishan probed again.
However, the Jinhua Commerce Association already has the evaluation for Li Ji’an; the investment plan of a superior spirit contract is the top offer since the association’s mid-stage Core Formation Tributor sensed Li Ji’an’s magical power depth and determined his innate Spirit Root hadn’t reached Earth Level.
Although he showed notable battle prowess this time, with solid and refined magical power worthy of recognition, Core Formation involves not just magical power and heart nature, but also Spirit Root.
The higher the innate Spirit Root, the less extra support needed.
His Upper Grade Spirit Root requires at least a rank hundred Core Formation Spirit Root for hope to achieve True Core, and hoping for middle level True Pill or upper True Pill would probably require rank thirty Core Formation Spirit Treasures or at least two spiritual resources for hope.
Thus, investing in two Celestial Spirit Root seedlings might be more successful.
"The President misunderstands. Liu indeed recognizes your sincerity." Li Ji’an affirmed.
Wu Yishan nodded quietly, looking at Li Ji’an with regret: "A good seedling, unfortunately constrained by the sect."
"In that case, I understand, but remember, Qingyun, that my Jinhua Commerce Association’s doors are always open to you." Wu Yishan replied.