Considering the days, father should be emerging from secluded cultivation now. Having not heard father’s voice for two years, Lu Zhiwei felt a bit nostalgic.
"I was just about to tell you about this matter."
Lu Yuanshan was in a good mood: "Father actually emerged from secluded cultivation a few days ago; you can go and pay him a visit later."
Without any delay, Lu Zhiwei immediately headed to the cave mansion at the back mountain, chatted with Lu Ping for a bit, mostly talking about the recent secluded cultivation topics.
Lu Yuanshan was also present.
Upon learning that Lu Zhiwei had refined her Lifebound Flying Sword, the Taiyi Celestial Ruins Sword, Lu Ping secretly rejoiced.
"Father, I actually have another matter to discuss with you during this visit."
After Lu Zhiwei finished chatting with Lu Ping, Lu Yuanshan revealed the purpose of this visit.
"Currently, the sect has overcome the economic crisis and has some surplus spirit stones in hand. Over the next few years, I hope to find a way to purchase one or two Foundation Establishment Pills for the sect to cultivate a Foundation Establishment Cultivator."
With the sect’s economic revival, Lu Yuanshan is now eager for the sect to cultivate a Foundation Establishment Cultivator within the remaining years of the Sect Establishment Order’s protection period to guard the Cyan Mountain Sect’s estate.
Otherwise, after the hundred-year protection period is over and the Cyan Mountain Sect no longer has the Dubhe Institute’s protection, the various resources managed by the sect might end up being surrendered to others.
"Since you’ve mentioned this matter, it’s timely for me to tell you something."
Upon finishing his sentence, Lu Ping initiated communication, summoning Lu Changfeng over.
Once Lu Changfeng arrived at the cave mansion, only then did Lu Ping reveal his plans.
"Regarding cultivating the Foundation Establishment Cultivator, I actually have a good opportunity here."
In just a moment, the three siblings of Lu Yuanshan were informed of Lu Ping’s plan.
Lu Ping told the three of them about the Black Water Profound Snake hidden in Hidden Nether Mountain, as well as a Celestial Cyan Divine Wood.
Now that the sect’s strength has greatly increased, it is capable of completing this hidden mission.
Since the sect wants to cultivate a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, why not directly acquire the Celestial Cyan Divine Wood?
A lot of preparation has been made for this endeavor.
"In the coming days, you all prepare well. The Black Water Profound Snake needs to be removed, and the Celestial Cyan Divine Wood must be secured in one go."
"Whether the sect can soon have a Foundation Establishment Cultivator hinges on this battle."
Upon learning of this hidden mission, Lu Yuanshan and the others were excited, exchanging glances full of joy.
They naturally knew what an exceptional Heavenly and Earthly Treasure the Celestial Cyan Divine Wood is.
Originally, it was merely a discussion with father about the future direction plan for the sect, but unexpectedly, father directly offered such an opportunity.
"Father, earlier before you entered secluded cultivation, you told us to diligently cultivate and enhance our strength, and pointed out that a significant task awaited us in the future..."
Lu Yuanshan recalled Lu Ping’s advice before entering secluded cultivation and asked, "Is all of this preparation aimed at dealing with the Ninth-Layer Qi Cultivation Black Water Profound Snake?"
Lu Ping nodded: "This battle is extremely important for the sect; it cannot afford any mistakes, hence pushing you to cultivate diligently."
Lu Ping shifted his gaze towards Lu Zhiwei and communicated.
"This battle at Hidden Nether Mountain also requires leading a group of disciples along. The Cyan Jade Bamboo cultivated in the sect is quite good; in the coming days, choose some Cyan Jade Bamboo to refine Cyan Bamboo Swords, strengthen the disciple’s equipment, and accompany you to Hidden Nether Mountain."
"Prepare as many Qi Recovery Pills and Blood Replenishing Pills — those that restore qi blood and magical power — as possible, and bring all of them along."
"Using the Shenxiao Decree, the magical power consumption will be very significant, so let’s be prepared for a tough battle to avoid unforeseen problems."
"Let’s set the departure date to ten days from now. In ten days, you’ll have enough time to prepare and refine the Cyan Bamboo Sword."
"Only the three of you need to know about this matter; keep it confidential during this period, and under no circumstances let it leak, preventing outsiders from getting ahead."
After instructing, there wasn’t anything else to advise, so Lu Ping opened the system warehouse and materialized the Water Element Shield and the Taihe Cave Heaven Heart Method.
First speaking of the Water Element Shield, this is a Tier One High-Grade Defensive Spiritual Artifact that can transform into a highly flexible defensive water shield, able to dissipate powerful attacks, including those from magical artifacts like flying swords.
The reward source is the hidden mission for clearing the Water Ghost Group in Yu Yang Town.
"Yuanshan, I bestow you this Water Element Shield."
Being his eldest son, without a defensive spiritual artifact on him, Lu Ping was a bit worried.
"Additionally, this Taihe Cave Heaven Heart Method can enhance your magical power significantly upon cultivation, displaying remarkable power when casting magic, suitable for cultivators with Five Elements Attributes."
"Besides, cultivators with rare attributes like ice, wind, and lightning will experience diminished effects when cultivating it. Whether you choose to pass it down or store it in the Library Pavilion is entirely up to you."
After imparting this, Lu Ping concluded his talk.
"That’s all, go and get busy."
Afterwards, Lu Yuanshan and his siblings bid farewell, each attending to their own tasks, preparing for the departure to Hidden Nether Mountain.
That afternoon, Lu Zhiwei visited the Medicinal Garden first, picking three stalks of Cyan Jade Bamboo, preparing for secluded refining of the Cyan Bamboo Sword.
While Lu Zhiwei and others were busy, Lu Ping also didn’t idle.
Upon checking the reputation points, Lu Ping brought up the system mall, planning to do something more for the sect.
In the mall, the items Lu Ping wanted to exchange totaled three.
[One-star - Diligent and Studious], [Two-star Cloud Water Green Waves], [Two-star Spiritual Vein Upgrade].
To exchange these three items, it would cost a total of 420 reputation points.
Why enter secluded cultivation?
Wasn’t it precisely to obtain these three items?
There’s nothing to hesitate about.
"Exchange Diligent and Studious, Cloud Water Green Waves, Spiritual Vein Upgrade!"
Upon issuing the command, 420 reputation points were deducted, and the three items were immediately exchanged.
First is [One-star - Diligent and Studious], having spent 20 reputation points for the exchange, Lu Ping briefly contemplated and chose the recipient.
Applying the effect to She Qingqing, continuing to push her deeper into the Alchemy Dao, Lu Ping then activated [Two-star Spiritual Vein Upgrade].
This was the most expensive exchange item, costing a total of 300 reputation points.
Yet, the value-to-cost ratio was incredibly high.
Even if it were 1000 reputation points, as long as it could elevate the Cyan Lotus Mountain Spiritual Vein from Tier Two Lower Grade to Tier Two Middle Grade, Lu Ping would exchange it without hesitation.
The effect of this item was triggered.
A dialogue box appeared before him.
[Commencing grade elevation for the Cyan Lotus Mountain Spiritual Vein... Expected to complete optimization and upgrade within a year, Spiritual Vein Level elevation to Tier Two Middle Grade].
The process of upgrading the Spiritual Vein is not instantaneous, requiring a year of elevation time.
A year it is; the sooner it is used, the sooner it is upgraded.
The last item [Two-star Cloud Water Green Waves], Lu Ping awaits Lu Zhiwei to emerge from secluded refining of the Cyan Bamboo Sword.
As Lu Zhiwei’s direct disciple, it’s most suitable for her to impart the cultivation technique to Li Weimiao.
Lu Ping figured he wouldn’t directly use communication with Li Weimiao for imparting the technique.
Having completed the necessary exchanges, the remaining reputation now stands at 544 points.
After contemplating, there are still some more places these points can be utilized.
"With nothing in the mall I wish to exchange, this calls for four more refreshes."