Xiao Chen smiled faintly at this and ignored them. He focused on refining his Quintessence.
More and more pearl-like purple liquid appeared in the ninety-nine drops of transparent Quintessence. Xiao Chen's Quintessence was much denser than before.
After another twenty days, Xiao Chen decided to go out. This time, he had to. This was the first time the new disciples were collecting their stipends.
It would be a waste not to take the ten thousand Superior Grade Spirit Stones and ten Inferior Grade Spirit Gathering Pearls.
Zhuo Yushi had been waiting outside the door for a long time. In the past month, whenever Zhuo Yushi had nothing to do, he would look for Xiao Chen to chat for a long time. They had become much more familiar with each other.
"Let's go. Brother Xiao, I already asked around and found out where we can collect our stipends." Zhuo Yushi appeared very excited. Although the Spirit Stones were going to be used for rent, the ten Spirit Gathering Pearls were extremely valuable.
However, those ten Spirit Gathering Pearls were extremely valuable. If they were exchanged for Superior Grade Spirit Stones, one Inferior Grade Spirit Gathering Pearl would be worth five thousand Superior Grade Spirit Stones.
However, as long as one was not in a rush to use Spirit Stones, no one would be foolish enough to use Spirit Gathering Pearls to exchange.
After leaving the residential area, Zhuo Yushi led the way with great familiarity. They passed through a few bustling streets and corridors before arriving at a palace gate.
There were many inner sect disciples here to collect their stipends; there was a long line.
Xiao Chen finally saw a few of them. These inner sect disciples were mostly late-stage Inferior Grade Martial Monarchs.
However, they were different from Zhuo Yushi. These inner sect disciples had very withdrawn auras and extremely dense Quintessence.
They were all late-stage Inferior Grade Martial Monarchs. If Zhuo Yushi fought with them, he would not be able to last more than ten moves.
If Xiao Chen guessed right, these people should have consumed a Quintessence Gathering Pill and cultivated back to peak Inferior Grade Martial Monarch.
Aside from this, Xiao Chen also discovered something else. Some people received more stipends, while others received less stipends.
The inner sect disciple who collected the most received one hundred thousand Superior Grade Spirit Stones and fifty Inferior Grade Spirit Gathering Pearls in one go.
Xiao Chen asked Zhuo Yushi, who was behind him, "What's going on with those people?"
Zhuo Yushi explained, "Those are the inner disciples who are ranked higher on this month's Contribution Ranking. They completed many missions for the sect and received additional rewards."
"By the way, speaking of this, we have to accept a mission this month. If we don't accept it, we'll be expelled from the inner sect."
The Haotian Province was vast, and there were countless cities within the province. There were many merchant guilds, clans, and city lord residences. When they encountered problems that they couldn't resolve, they would request for help from the Haotian Sect.
The Haotian Sect was also happy to accept the mission. Firstly, it could maintain the stability of the prefecture, and secondly, it could train the disciples of the sect.
There were also some missions that were issued by the direct disciples, elders, and deacons of the sect. They encountered some matters that they couldn't find the time to resolve.
They would also issue it as a mission and hand it over to the disciples of the sect to complete it. They only needed to pay a small amount of compensation.
Zhuo Yushi said, "Not only can you obtain mission rewards by completing missions, but you can also obtain Contribution Points and additional rewards when you receive your stipend. It can be considered the greatest source of wealth for inner sect disciples."
"However, the rewards and Contribution Points of missions are linked to the risks involved. There are often rumors of disciples never returning after they accepted a mission."
As they spoke, it was soon the turn of the two to receive their stipend. The process was very simple. They just needed to hand over their inner sect disciple identity medallions and let the other party verify it.
Zhuo Yushi did not have a rich family background. When he received the ten Spirit Gathering Pearls, he had an excited expression on his face. He held up the Spirit Gathering Pearls and said, "This is great! I finally have the money to buy the Quintessence Gathering Pill."
Xiao Chen felt it was strange. He asked, "Why are you exchanging for Spirit Gathering Pearls for no reason?"
Inner sect disciples could use a tenth of their Rank 1 Spirit Origin to cultivate. Under such conditions, the effects of Superior Grade Spirit Stones on cultivation were much weaker.
They could only be used when one went out. Normally, they could only be used as currency. They were not as valuable as they were in the lower realm.
However, Spirit Gathering Pearls were different. Not only could they help in breaking through, but they were also faster than using Spirit Origin to cultivate. Of course, the prerequisite was that one had sufficient Spirit Gathering Pearls.
Zhuo Yushi smiled bitterly and said, "I don't want to, either. However, I should be able to advance to peak Inferior Grade Martial Monarch before the end of the month. I will need to use the Quintessence Gathering Pill."
Xiao Chen felt relieved. He had obtained two hundred thousand Superior Grade Spirit Stones by killing several veteran Martial Monarchs in the lower realm.
Not everyone was like Xiao Chen, daring to look down on those veteran Martial Monarchs in the lower realm after advancing to Martial Monarch.
"Let's go. Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go buy the Quintessence Gathering Pill. I will be entering closed-door cultivation after this," Zhuo Yushi said.
The floating city in the sky was the inner city of the Haotian Sect. Inner sect disciples had a chance to go there once a month.
Rumor had it that there was a Peak Rank 4 Spirit Origin in the inner city. Not only did it cause the inner city to be covered in a spiritual fog all year round, but it also produced a large number of Superior Grade Spirit Stones every year.
Even if one did not use the Spirit Origin to cultivate in the city, the effects would be much better than the rooms of the inner sect disciples.
After the two passed through the dense fog made of Spiritual Energy, they registered themselves at the city gates and successfully entered the inner city.
Compared to the bustling Haotian City below, the atmosphere in the inner city was much calmer. The people on the streets rarely spoke loudly.
Occasionally, one would see many strong disciples with unfathomable cultivations. No one dared to underestimate them.
Zhuo Yushi had been to the inner city once last month. He was familiar with the places that sold Medicinal Pills in the city. Soon, he led Xiao Chen to a herb store.
When the store owner saw that there was business, he immediately greeted them warmly. He smiled and asked, "Two little brothers, what Medicinal Pills would you like to buy?"
Zhuo Yushi said impatiently, "Give me an Inferior Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill. I will use Spirit Gathering Pearls to buy it. Is that possible?"
"Yes, yes, of course." A smile bloomed on the store owner's face. This was already a big deal in the first place. Furthermore, he could use Spirit Gathering Pearls to buy it.
"Wait a moment." Xiao Chen stopped the store owner. "I will pay for his Quintessence Gathering Pill. Also, give me a Superior Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill."
Zhuo Yushi exclaimed in shock, "Brother Xiao Chen!"
"Don't look at me like that. I lent you the Spirit Stones first. You have to return them," Xiao Chen said with a faint smile.
Zhuo Yushi felt very excited. A Spirit Gathering Pearl was much more valuable than a Superior Grade Spirit Stone. Furthermore, it was a very precious item. It was not something that could be obtained just because one wanted it.
If not for the fact that Xiao Chen needed a Quintessence Gathering Pill to advance to peak Inferior Grade Martial Monarch, he would not exchange for a Spirit Gathering Pearl.
"Thank you, Xiao Chen. I will not say anything else. You are my friend for sure." Xie Xiwen patted Xiao Chen's shoulder heavily.
After handing over the Spirit Stones, Xiao Chen compared the two Quintessence Gathering Pills. He discovered that there was no difference between the two except that the Superior Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill had a deeper luster.
The store owner smiled and explained, "Ha ha! Little Brother, there is not much difference between a Superior Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill and an Inferior Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill. However, if you cultivate an Earth Grade Cultivation Technique, the effects of an Inferior Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill will be greatly reduced.
"Under normal circumstances, a Medial Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill is sufficient for most people. If you want to exchange now, you can."
Xiao Chen carefully put away the Superior Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill and said, "There's no need. I just want the Superior Grade Quintessence Gathering Pill."
Xiao Chen was not in a rush to leave the store. He asked about natural treasures and Medicinal Pills that could assist in cultivating the Firmament Body Tempering Art.
"This is the Blood Refinement Pill. It is worth four hundred thousand Superior Grade Spirit Stones. It can be used to refine a cultivator's blood. It has excellent effects when used to supplement a Body Tempering Cultivation Technique.
"This is the Spirit Freezing Pill. It can reduce the pain when cultivating a Body Tempering Cultivation Technique. It is worth one hundred thousand Superior Grade Spirit Stones.
"This is the Yellow Spirit Flower. It is a rare natural treasure that can penetrate deep into the marrow. It is worth five hundred thousand Superior Grade Spirit Stones."
The cultivation of a Body Tempering Cultivator required a large number of natural treasures. When the store owner saw Xiao Chen asking about these Medicinal Pills, he immediately introduced them with a fervent expression. It seemed like countless Spirit Stones moved in his eyes.
There were many good things. Xiao Chen felt envious. However, he was too shy and could only watch. Under the disappointed gaze of the store owner, the two left the store and rushed back.
One hour later, the two finished paying the rent for the month. Just as they were about to return to their rooms and enter closed-door cultivation, a group of uninvited guests blocked their way.
"Hehe! I have been waiting for the two of you for a long time. You are finally back."
The skinny man in front, who had injured Gong Yangyu, led a group of people and blocked the two.
Zhuo Yushi's expression changed slightly. He said in a low voice, "That person is Gui Wu, one of the leaders of the two new factions in the inner sect. He is probably not here with good intentions."
It turned out that this person's name was Gui Wu. After not seeing him for a month, this person's cultivation had not changed. However, his Quintessence was several times denser than before.
Compared to the experienced inner sect disciples that Xiao Chen had seen, Gui Wu was no weaker. In fact, he was even stronger.
Xiao Chen looked at the other party and said calmly, "If you have something to say, just say it. Don't block the way."
Gui Wu smiled coldly and said, "In that case, I'll say it. Each of you, hand over five Spirit Gathering Pearls."
Right after Gui Wu spoke, the six people around him immediately released their auras and locked down on the two.
Although these people's cultivations were not as high as Gui Wu's, their Quintessence was still very dense. They had probably consumed the Quintessence Gathering Pill before. Their strength could not be underestimated.
Xiao Chen remained silent. He only quickly evaluated the strength of both sides in his heart. Gui Wu had consumed the Quintessence Gathering Pill and cultivated back to peak Inferior Grade Martial Monarch.
Of the ninety-nine drops of liquid Quintessence, Xiao Chen had refined only sixty-six of them. He had not consumed the Quintessence Gathering Pill yet.
In terms of Quintessence purity, Gui Wu was currently stronger than Xiao Chen. As for Martial Techniques and combat techniques, Xiao Chen did not fear Gui Wu.
If they fought Gui Wu now, Xiao Chen should have at least a fifty percent chance of victory. This was not a high chance. Furthermore, the other party clearly came prepared.
Adding in the group of people around Gui Wu, if they attacked together, Xiao Chen and Zhuo Yushi would not have much of a chance.
Perhaps Xiao Chen and Zhuo Yushi could retreat easily. However, they would not be able to avoid the harassment of these people, which would affect their cultivation.
Zhuo Yushi felt furious in his heart. However, when he saw the other party's strength, he felt helpless. If Gui Wu did not hand over the Spirit Gathering Pearls, it would be hard to avoid physical pain. In the future, Gui Wu would continue to seek trouble.
Gui Wu laughed loudly and received the five Inferior Grade Spirit Gathering Pearls from Zhuo Yushi. Then, he looked at Xiao Chen and asked, "What about you?"
Xiao Chen flicked his finger, and the five Spirit Gathering Pearls flew in an arc towards Gui Wu.
Gui Wu stretched out his hand and easily caught the five Spirit Gathering Pearls. He was somewhat surprised. He had not expected Xiao Chen to agree so easily.
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