Between the inner and outer areas, a chasm stretched across. Looking down, one could only see dense blackness, and the sound of rushing wind entered the ears. The two banks were connected by a net woven from iron chains, with openings in between that were quite large, about the width and length of two people.
Without some skill, one could not even cross this chasm. For Meng Han and Zhao Chun, however, it was not a difficult matter. The former, with his Foundation Establishment cultivation base, leaped into the air and crossed the fissure in a single bound, reaching the other side!
Zhao Chun's movement technique was also among the best for a Qi Refining disciple. With a light tap of her toes, she used the overlapping chains for leverage and landed on the opposite bank in just a few breaths. Whispers of surprise arose from the others.
Seeing she was only at the sixth layer of Qi Refining, her lightness technique was no worse than their own, who were late-stage cultivators. She must be a genius disciple from some sect, out gaining experience with her sect elders.
This single chasm blocked many who wished to enter the inner layer, which in turn gave rise to another way of making money. Those with superior movement techniques could carry people across, just for a small fee. Rogue cultivators who specialized in this waited by the chasm, waiting for business to come to them.
Zhao Chun could not help but sigh in admiration; truly, one could make a living anywhere. Compared to the outer layer of the Flaring Wind Sect, the buildings in the inner layer were grander and more imposing. The radiance upon them had not faded in thousands of years; they must be masterpieces of artifact forging.
Within the inner layer, there were several spiritual herb gardens. To the east of the central great hall was the Grand Medicine Garden. Past the great hall, the various minor medicine gardens were the private properties of previous generation elders and great cultivators, and most contained rare spiritual medicines.
"The private properties of those great cultivators were long ago divided cleanly by the Nine Sects. Even if some medicinal seeds were left behind, they were either not old enough or had already been completely snatched up by Foundation Establishment cultivators. It would not be our turn."
The Foundation Establishment cultivators Meng Han spoke of were naturally not those like him who had just built their spiritual foundation, but rather experts who had been in this realm for decades, had cultivated to the late stage, or were even half a step from Core Formation.
Thinking of this, the two headed towards the Grand Medicine Garden, to compete for an opportunity against late-stage Qi Refining and newly-promoted Foundation Establishment cultivators. The inner layer's herb garden of the Flaring Wind Sect was located within a water-region pocket realm.
The moment they entered the garden, they felt their minds clear and their senses sharpen, as the gentle fragrance of plants and trees slowly entered their noses. Their bodies instantly felt cool and moist, a sign of abundant spiritual qi. Cultivating here had many benefits.
Such herb gardens were mostly built at the source of a main or branch spirit vein. Nurtured by the spiritual qi, the growth of spiritual herbs was accelerated, and their medicinal properties were even stronger. It was clear that spiritual qi was the foundation of the Grand Medicine Garden.
Cultivators were not allowed to cultivate here, for fear of seizing the spiritual qi meant for nurturing the herbs and ruining the opportunities of many other cultivators. Although it was called the Grand Medicine Garden, this place was much less wild than the mountainous landscape of the outer layer. The mountains, rivers, and streams were clearly man-made, appearing somewhat miniature.
The entire herb garden did not cover a large area, yet the plants were lush and green, presenting a thriving scene. The garden had been untended for a long time, and the plants grew in a tangled mess. The two had to push aside the chaotic branches with their hands to move forward.
Spiritual herbs were rare and precious, so they did not dare to cut them down recklessly. It was said that a cultivator once caused trouble in the garden and damaged the medicinal plants. He was captured by the people of the Nine Sects, but what punishment he received afterward was unknown.
Meng Han was an Earth attribute cultivator, and Zhao Chun needed to find wood qi. Earth and wood attributes were major categories for spiritual herbs, and before they were even halfway through the garden, they had already harvested quite a lot. Fighting was forbidden in the herb garden.
Cultivators all relied on their own abilities on a first-come, first-served basis. This was advantageous for Zhao Chun. Although she could not compete with Foundation Establishment cultivators, she was not afraid of ordinary Qi Refining practitioners.
With a few leaps, she snatched several spiritual herbs rich in wood qi, and even a Scarlet-Crowned Sunflower. It was a fire-attribute herb, its petals like blazing flames, swaying in the wind. Looking at its stem, it too was dyed a dazzling crimson.
It was actually a supreme-grade Mortal Rank spiritual herb, over three hundred years old! After she obtained this flower, many late-stage Qi Refining cultivators, and even some Foundation Establishment cultivators, fixed their gazes on her. Fortunately, Meng Han was by her side.
He let out a soft, cold snort, making the others swallow their anger while cursing inwardly. Exploring deeper into the herb garden, they obtained many more spiritual herbs. Meng Han had come along casually, but on their way back, he happened to see a cluster of Yellow-Rank Jadevine Climbing Grass.
It perfectly matched his attribute, and Meng Han picked it before two Foundation Establishment cultivators could. The two men had somewhat similar faces and should be brothers. They had thought the spiritual herb was within their grasp, but it was snatched away by someone else.
They were extremely displeased and quietly followed Meng Han and Zhao Chun out of the garden, intending to attack and rob them. Meng Han had long since detected the two sneaking behind them. Just as they exited the herb garden, he turned around and boldly met their attack!
The rogue cultivator struck Meng Han's physical body three times but failed to break through his external defense, leaving him standing firmly in place without budging in the slightest. When Meng Han threw a punch, he sent one of them flying back several meters, blood streaming from his mouth and nose.
The other one knew he had kicked an iron plate, so he hurriedly grabbed his brother, crushed a talisman, and quickly fled.
"Senior Brother has great skill!"
Zhao Chun praised. From Meng Han's relaxed state, it was clear that even if several more rogue cultivators like that came, they would probably be no match for him. Meng Han let out a light laugh and replied, "There are also gaps between Foundation Establishment cultivators.
After Junior Sister reaches Foundation Establishment, you will know that these sectless rogue cultivators really cannot compare to sect cultivators."
"Oh?"
Zhao Chun asked doubtfully, "Is it a difference in foundation?" On the previous trip to Ji City, Meng Han had also fought with rogue cultivators. At that time, his opponent had exhausted all his spells, which were few to begin with, and was defeated by Meng Han.
However, the battle just now was not due to spells, so she figured it must be a difference in their foundations. Meng Han nodded in appreciation and said with a smile, "Indeed." He then explained in detail, "Whenever sect disciples reach the late stage of Qi Refining, they will go out to gain experience.
One reason is to solidify their foundation, and the second is to search for spiritual objects in preparation for building their spiritual foundation. The various sects have long-standing legacies, with many records of the functions and locations of spiritual objects for disciples to consult and choose from.
If they still cannot find one after a long time out, there are also spiritual objects in the sect's treasury that can be borrowed. They just need to accept more sect affairs after reaching Foundation Establishment as repayment."
"Sectless rogue cultivators have no one to guide them. Often, when they break through to the late stage of Qi Refining, they rush to build their foundation, ignoring the dissipation of spiritual qi and the instability of their foundation. Moreover, they do not know much about spiritual objects. If they are lucky enough to obtain one, they do not care whether it is suitable or what its quality is. Therefore, the spiritual foundation they build is of limited help to them, and the gap between them and sect disciples becomes even more significant."
Meng Han repeatedly emphasized that the spiritual foundation a cultivator builds must be suitable for them, otherwise there would be no hope of reaching Core Formation. This gave Zhao Chun a new level of understanding. This was really because Li Su had failed in her duties as a master.
Many matters still had to be explained to her by Meng Han, this senior brother from another sect. Afterward, she heard him say that it was not always like this among rogue cultivators. For example, within the rogue cultivator cities of the Eastern Region, cultivators formed master-disciple factions and had their own legacies.
Although they could not be compared to the orthodox sects, they were much better off than the low-level rogue cultivators who drifted through the world like rootless duckweed. The two walked and talked, when suddenly they heard a heaven-shaking roar from ahead, and the ground beneath their feet began to tremble.
Looking towards the source of the sound, the mountain behind the main hall was shaking, and huge rocks were sent flying. A great flash of golden light emanated from within, attracting a crowd of cultivators to fly over!
Logically speaking, when a treasure appears, there should be a golden light first, followed by colorful mist and clouds, hence the saying 'a treasure is born amidst radiant clouds'. But the current sign only had scattered light without a trace of clouds, which was truly a strange phenomenon. Zhao Chun understood this principle.
Her brows knitted together, wondering what change had occurred there. Due to their cultivation bases, if a truly great opportunity had appeared, she and Meng Han would not be able to compete with others. But to give up and turn back because of this felt like a pity in her heart.
As the saying goes, fortune is found in danger. Zhao Chun's heart settled slightly. She looked at Meng Han and saw a look of longing in his eyes as well, so she invited, "Senior Brother, do you wish to go and investigate?"
How could Meng Han not understand? His expression turned serious as he said, "There are bound to be many experts there. I might not be able to protect you completely.
Junior Sister must be careful to protect yourself..."
"How can we cultivators entrust our lives to others? If we are to go, we should look after ourselves and not seek to be a burden to anyone!"
Meng Han grasped her shoulder, said, "Then let's go," and leaped forward, carrying her with one hand. With a big guy like Senior Brother Meng, he could probably lift Zhao Chun up like a little chick, but that would not be very cool.
(End of this chapter)