Immortal Cage - Chapter 18: Quiet Night Reading of Poison Formulas
Song Danqing looked at Yu Lie holding the "Five Poison Refining Organ Guiding Technique" in his hands and spoke, "Friend Yu, are you truly choosing this one?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Lie's intentionally conflicted expression became more apparent on his face. He sighed and cupped his hands towards Song Danqing, saying, "I'll go with this one. I trouble Brother Song to extract the true method for me."
With a bronze wine cup in hand, the Poison Formulas Guiding Technique was the perfect choice for Yu Lie! After flipping through many, he found this guiding technique in his hand to be the most powerful, capable of cultivating a unique constitution in the end, comparable to techniques like absorbing sun essence and refining thunder and fire.
Moreover, the "Five Poison Refining Organ Guiding Technique" carried great risks, but its corresponding cultivation speed was also much faster!
Yu Lie had been lurking for a long time. He now had only half a month left to catch up with others. If delayed, after thirty-one days, his situation would become even more difficult, and he might not be able to leave Heishui Town.
Seeing Yu Lie's determination, Song Danqing said no more. He nodded towards Yu Lie, then turned and disappeared behind a row of bookshelves.
Yu Lie was momentarily surprised, but soon after, he heard a voice behind him. Turning around, he saw Song Danqing standing there with a thick candle in his hand, bowing towards him.
Song Danqing offered the candle, saying, "This candle is the carrier of the 'Five Poison Refining Organ Guiding Technique.' When you return, bathe and burn the candle, inhale the fragrance, and you will naturally comprehend its wonders."
Yu Lie was amazed by this. Song Danqing explained, "The techniques on the third floor are all top-notch, and to prevent disciples from having ill intentions, they are not recorded in written form but are introduced through scented candles. This makes it easier for you to remember without the hassle of recitation..."
He added, "This candle contains only the first layer of the technique. Once Friend Yu completes the next transformation and registers at the Daoist Institute, you can come back to the tower at any time to obtain the second layer."
Upon hearing this, Yu Lie gratefully accepted the candle from Song Danqing, saying, "Thank you, Brother Song!"
Seeing Yu Lie's joy, Song Danqing paused and said, "It seems I am older than you. As a convenience to you, consider it a congratulatory gesture for your promotion. As long as the candle is unused, you can come to me, and I will exchange the technique for you once."
"But remember, it must be done in person by you," Song Danqing said with a smile.
Yu Lie was momentarily surprised by this. Techniques in the library were usually not exchangeable once taken. He understood that Song Danqing was concerned he might regret his choice later.
Yu Lie composed himself, holding the scented candle, and bowed to Song Danqing, saying firmly, "I remember." Signifying his understanding of Song Danqing's goodwill.
Song Danqing's smile widened, and the two of them chatted for a while, almost becoming friends.
As it was time to leave, Yu Lie pondered and took out the last symbol coin from his sleeve, asking, "Brother Song, I still have one symbol coin from the Daoist Institute. Can I exchange it for another technique, or can I visit the fourth floor to broaden my knowledge?"
The fourth floor housed techniques for eighth-grade Daoists. Uncertain, Yu Lie decided to ask first to avoid accidentally offending someone or facing unknown dangers.
Looking at Yu Lie with surprise, Song Danqing shook his head and explained that the fourth coin could not be used to access the fourth floor or exchange for another guiding technique. However, besides guiding techniques, the first, second, and third floors also offered other methods such as martial arts, weapons, beast taming, cultivation, rituals, alchemy, and more. Yu Lie could choose another one from these as an additional reward for being an outstanding disciple of Heishui Observatory.
Although this answer disappointed Yu Lie, he quickly felt content. One guiding technique was sufficient, and it was better to have an extra combat move or a book related to cultivation than just visiting the fourth floor for knowledge.
Following Song Danqing's recommendation, Yu Lie chose a book called "Mr. Witch Ghost's Poisonous Elixir Formulas." This book covered various poisons, antidotes, and toxic substances in the realm of Daoist disciples, totaling 108 poisons, 365 antidotes, and 1,080 toxic substances—far superior to common herbal books in circulation!
Moreover, the book was compiled by a senior from the observatory, featuring many poisons and substances from the surroundings of Heishui Town and the Blackwater River, which were particularly suitable for Yu Lie, even marking some locations.
Different from the simple scented candle, Yu Lie received a thick, large-headed candle this time, the size of a human head and as solid as a fist. Holding it in his hands, feeling its weight, he couldn't help but show a strong sense of joy.
With such a valuable book, despite its unremarkable name and simple inscription of "Poison Formulas, Heishui Observatory Second Refinement," Yu Lie might have missed it if not for Song Danqing's detailed introduction.
Possessing this book not only assisted him in cultivating poison techniques but also helped him excel in the alchemy room!
This visit to the library left Yu Lie feeling exceptionally satisfied. He sincerely thanked Song Danqing, and the two of them continued chatting on the third floor.
Time passed quickly, and after only half a cup of tea's worth of conversation, the library's structure creaked, reminding them that closing time was approaching, and Yu Lie had to leave.
With the symbol coins paving the way, the intermediary led Yu Lie through the shanty and brick areas, guiding him in circles like a little ghost. The nighttime houses were filled with chaotic sounds of laughter, cries, and chatter, making the atmosphere lively.
With the intermediary's guidance, Yu Lie quickly settled on a house and moved in. However, as he sat in the room and quieted down, he felt it was too desolate and empty. Slapping his head, he grabbed some items and went out to buy miscellaneous goods.
It was late into the night when Yu Lie returned to his rented house. Having purchased utensils, bedding, candles, and even bringing back an uneaten black mynah from the market, he felt a sense of contentment as he watched the lively atmosphere in the house.
This was the first time Yu Lie had stayed in such a spacious and quiet room since leaving his hometown in Qian County. Though the house was not large or sturdy, and he had only rented it for ten days or half a month, Yu Lie felt an unusual sense of security.
Watching the mynah eat eagerly, Yu Lie tapped its head and taught, "This is your home!" Then, he spread out the book and began reading the poison formulas, their figures illuminated by the candlelight.