Chapter 17: Chapter 15: Crowdfunding Cultivation Ji An quietly waited for Old Huang’s response. He wasn’t sure if he would be generous, but he was at least sixty to seventy percent confident. In his past life, he had plenty of dealings with others and felt he had some insight into human nature. Most people were willing to help someone with a promising future. Now that the persona of a magic genius was established, that’s the reason for the sixty to seventy percent confidence. However, because they hadn’t known each other long, he hadn’t had the chance to leave an impression of gratitude, which might make the other somewhat hesitant. At the end of the day, whether he lent the money depended on him; whether Ji An asked was his own matter. Old Huang wasn’t his main target. He planned to ask Zhao Mengyao, Zhang Yuanshan, and Chu River—his creditors—and subtly tell them that if they lent him more crystal stones, future rewards would not be lacking. Not just these few people—all cultivators who entered the sect from Cyan Pine Daoist School were his ’potential clients.’ If he couldn’t borrow enough spirit stones from Zhao Mengyao and the others, he would drop his pride and try everyone he knew. A spirit stone won’t do? Then how about fifty spirit crystals? If they’re still unwilling, one or two dozen spirit crystals would do; a magic genius is definitely worth it, right?! Without resources, it’s difficult to cultivate; the solution is to crowdfund cultivation! If he imagined himself in the same situation, and if he had ample crystal stones, he’d agree if a promising brother came to borrow spirit stones. After being rejected, lowering the request increases the chance of success; there’s data to back this up—after all, insurance agents don’t work for nothing in his past life. "With such ambition, how can your senior brother not help?" Old Huang’s eyes twitched rapidly, agreeing with a firm nod and sound words. After speaking, he produced a storage bag from his chest, carefully taking out a spirit stone, wiping it with his Daoist robe, and handing it over. "Your kindness, senior brother, will be remembered in my heart!" A great start! Conquering Old Huang first, Ji An happily rubbed the spirit stone, feeling gratified. "No rush to repay the spirit stone. This year is very important for you. Use the time when you don’t have to pay field rent to the sect to earn more crystal stones for success." Old Huang paused, then continued slowly: "Once this season’s spirit grain is harvested, if Brother Xiao’an needs more spirit stones, just say the word." With his support, his grandson Huang Feihu would surely enter the sect after the sect assessment in three years. His remaining days at the mountain gate are few, so leaving a favor for his grandson is excellent. Ji An clasped his hands in gratitude, "Thank you, senior brother, for your kindness." He roughly interpreted the underlying message: "I’ll give you three months. If you make progress, I’ll invest more!" He wasn’t sure if it was just being polite, but the naive junior, he, believed it. Old Huang is a Seventh-Layer Qi Refining disciple who gave up cultivation to focus on earning crystal stones, likely having considerable savings. He recalled that Old Huang mentioned his grandson just entered the Daoist School this year, and within half a year or so, shouldn’t need to buy the Meridian Opening Pill. If he shows greater potential, he’ll surely get a higher ’loan amount.’ Let’s see then! Old Huang chuckled and continued: "The pills refined by the sect are in high demand; without connections, it’s almost impossible to get them. If Brother Xiao’an wants to buy pills, you can find Senior Brother Wei Songnian at the Jade Water Marketplace. He’s usually there every afternoon unless something comes up. He has many connections and can often obtain genuine Yellow Bud Pills. If you want to quickly improve your cultivation, don’t opt for the cheap, inferior pills, as removing pill poison later takes considerable time..." An alchemist, when forming pills, always produces some that are substandard. These pills have low efficacy and high toxicity and are called inferior pills. Ji An had his own plans but was also warmed by Old Huang’s earnest advice, and thanked him again with clasped hands: "Thank you, senior brother, for the guidance." ... The sunset scattered like orderly fish scales, row upon row. Jade Water Lake’s gentle waves shimmered, all around was orange-red. Sky and water blended, captivating the eyes. Above the lake, talisman birds flitted back and forth, and talismans shaped like white clouds added to the ethereal scene. Occasionally, an immortal crane called out as disciples rode beasts, flying over. The crane flew swiftly, making nearby talisman birds wobble, inciting exclamations and hearty laughter. Ji An, with heavy steps and mouth agape, gasped for breath as he walked into a bustling marketplace. Finally, he made it... he found a corner, leaned against the wall, and whispered with a clenched fist: "When I have crystal stones, I must buy a talisman bird." After a brief rest, following Old Huang’s description, he found that smiling senior brother at a stall in the plaza. A large piece of brown beast hide was spread on the stone slab, displaying a variety of items, each with a small label marking its name and price. The handwriting was smooth yet neat, showing evident calligraphy skills. Talisman paper, talisman ink, pills, talisman artifacts, various herbs, and minerals—all neatly arranged despite the numerous items. "Junior Brother Ji, welcome!" Wei Songnian’s smile was as warm as a spring breeze. "Senior Brother actually remembers me," Ji An’s impression of him improved further. Wei Songnian remained silent, possessing a unique talent—an eidetic memory for faces. This talent didn’t aid cultivation but helped greatly in expanding his business network. "Feel free to browse or buy anything. If you have questions, just ask." Ji An straightforwardly said: "Senior Brother Huang referred me here to buy some Yellow Bud Pills." "Yellow Bud Pills are most suitable for early-stage Qi Refining disciples. Genuine grade costs 10 spirit crystals each, while flawed ones cost 5 each. Does Junior Brother want genuine or flawed ones?" Ji An nodded lightly and offered the spirit stone he had received that morning. He didn’t know the price of flawed ones but found the genuine price reasonable. Sect’s Yellow Bud Pills retail at 9 spirit crystals each—one spirit stone buys a bottle of 12 pills. "Two genuine, one flawed." "Alright," Wei Songnian skillfully wrapped them in white paper, smiling with eyes squinting, "Junior Brother seems well-off. Do you need anything else?" New disciples assigned as spirit farmers seldom could produce spirit stones, a potential customer indeed! "Senior Brother knows my situation, I can’t even afford a talisman bird; the spirit stones were borrowed from Senior Brother Huang." "Old Huang’s spirit stones aren’t easy to borrow," Wei Songnian slightly raised an eyebrow. He knew Old Huang well, and even for him, borrowing spirit stones took eloquence. Waiting for your question—it wouldn’t be as interesting if I boasted myself. Ji An lifted his chin slightly, showing a slight proud smile: "I asked Senior Brother Huang to guide me in performing the Small Cloud Rain Technique on the spirit field. Feeling inspired, my magic technique reached minor achievement." Early-stage Qi Refining, less than half a month into entry, minor achievement of the Small Cloud Rain Technique—it’s a Planting Dao Body, no doubt! Surprise flickered in Wei Songnian’s eyes, and he chuckled: "It’s getting late. I’ll pack up now, Junior Brother, join me for a drink." "Ah, how could I impose on Senior Brother’s hospitality."