Unfortunately.

He had made little progress in improving the four magic techniques of the Demon Planting Technique.

Although Li Chang’an’s comprehension was good, it ultimately couldn’t compare to that of Mo Qingkuang from ten thousand years ago. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have had to painstakingly search for various Cultivation Techniques and Magic—he could have simply created them himself.

’My comprehension is still lacking. If only I could get my hands on a Treasure that enhances it.’

He thought to himself.

...

「A few days later.」

Mu Caiwei paid a sudden visit.

She had come to Changqing Mountain to fulfill her previous promise, bringing Li Chang’an three drops of Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid.

"You truly keep your word, Daoist Mu!"

A wide smile spread across Li Chang’an’s face as he accepted the three drops of Spirit Liquid.

Just then.

The Eternal Green Vine once again sent out a wave of longing.

Li Chang’an mentally soothed it.

’With an outsider present, I can’t expose the existence of the Evergreen Vine.’

He took out a pot of Spirit Tea and sat down with Mu Caiwei, drinking and discussing the Dao. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

"Daoist Mu, I’ve heard that the Mu Family possesses a Heaven and Earth Spirit Root?"

"That’s right!"

Mu Caiwei nodded lightly.

Had it been anyone else, she would have denied it, but Li Chang’an was different.

Li Chang’an asked, "What does that Heaven and Earth Spirit Root look like?"

"It has nine leaves and is shaped like a sword lily. Each leaf can release Sword Qi, no different from a human Sword Cultivator."

"To think such a strange Spirit Plant exists."

A look of surprise crossed Li Chang’an’s face.

’From the sound of it.’

’The Mu Family’s Heaven and Earth Spirit Root is even more powerful than my Evergreen Vine.’

But Mu Caiwei added, "That Heaven and Earth Spirit Root’s foundation is damaged. It has long been withered and is so fragile that even a Qi Refining Cultivator could destroy it."

"Daoist Mu, is the Mu Family willing to sell that Heaven and Earth Spirit Root?"

"No."

An odd feeling stirred in Mu Caiwei as she glanced at Li Chang’an.

’She couldn’t shake the feeling that Li Chang’an had a collector’s impulse and wanted to buy absolutely everything.’

"Our ancestor once said that if that Heaven and Earth Spirit Root could be restored to its normal state, its power would be no less than that of a Golden Core Cultivator—more than enough to protect the Mu Family. That’s why it cannot be sold."

"I see."

Li Chang’an understood.

A Heaven and Earth Spirit Root, provided it could grow normally, would indeed become astonishingly powerful.

The Eternal Green Vine he had seen in his dream of returning to ancient times could rival even a Divinity Transformation Cultivator.

His own Evergreen Vine, however, was still a long way from that.

Right now, this Evergreen Vine’s combat strength was only comparable to the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment.

For the moment, Li Chang’an set the topic aside and brought up the Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid again.

"Daoist Mu, could you help me acquire some more Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid?"

"Daoist Li, these three drops of Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid are the absolute most I can get. It’s impossible for me to obtain more."

Mu Caiwei shook her head slightly.

Li Chang’an immediately pointed out that with so many Mu Clan Members, there was bound to be someone willing to sell Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid secretly.

He hoped Mu Caiwei could help him contact some of her clansmen, offering cultivation resources in return.

"What do you say, Daoist Mu?"

"This..."

Mu Caiwei hesitated.

It was, after all, a violation of her clan’s rules, and she couldn’t decide what to do.

After a long moment, she said reluctantly, "Daoist Li, I can ask around for you, but I can’t promise anything."

"Thank you, Daoist Mu!"

A smile touched Li Chang’an’s face. ’Whether it succeeds or not doesn’t matter. As long as I can use Mu Caiwei to slowly make inroads with the Mu Family, it’s a win.’

’Although he had signed a trade-related Spirit Contract with the Mu Family, an official deal like that would never include Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid.’

’I’ll have to operate from the shadows.’

Not long after.

Mu Caiwei departed.

Li Chang’an fed the three drops of Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid to the Evergreen Vine.

The Evergreen Vine quickly grew a new Spirit Vine, and in return, sent a wisp of Spirit Charm back to him.

Additionally, another Spirit Vine was now nearly halfway grown.

The Evergreen Vine pulsed with longing, craving more Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid.

"Easy there, little fellow. We’ll take it slow."

Li Chang’an chuckled, then turned and returned to his cave residence to continue his cultivation.

...

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, nearly half a month had passed.

That night.

Li Chang’an sat cross-legged, circulating his Cultivation Technique to accumulate Magical Power while pondering ways to improve the Blood Seed Technique.

When Midnight arrived, a golden light appeared as usual.

[Divination has been refreshed]

[Today’s Divination: Auspicious]

[Mu Clan member "Mu Siyue" will offer three drops of Cyan Profound Spirit Liquid as payment to hire you. Your task is to enter the Ghost Vine Forest within the Ancient Wood Secret Realm and retrieve her parents’ belongings. You will accept the offer, successfully complete the task, and unexpectedly obtain a "Three-orifice Bodhi Seed" that can temporarily enhance one’s comprehension.]

’Temporarily enhance comprehension?’

Li Chang’an’s interest was piqued. He stopped his train of thought and reread the divination’s contents.

Soon, a look of delight appeared in his eyes.

He had long heard of the Three-orifice Bodhi Seed mentioned in the divination, but he had never seen one before.

Enlightenment Treasures like this were exceedingly rare.

Whenever one appeared.

Even Golden Core Masters would fight to the death over it!

In the history of the Southern Domain Cultivation Immortality Realm, several great wars between Golden Core cultivators had erupted over these very Enlightenment Treasures.

’This Bodhi Seed is coming at the perfect time!’

A smile spread across Li Chang’an’s face. Improving his comprehension was exactly what he needed.

However.

’I’ll need to be cautious about the Ghost Vine Forest mentioned in the divination.’

That forest was overrun with an eerie Spirit Plant known as the Ghost Vine. These plants would actively attack any Cultivators or Demon Beasts that entered the Ghost Vine Forest, and they could secrete an incredibly terrifying venom.

’Perfect. This is a chance to use the Refining Shadow Invisible Technique.’

...

「The next day at sunrise.」

Mu Caiwei returned to Changqing Mountain for another visit.

This time.

She did not come alone.

Beside her was a woman in a green dress with delicate features.

Li Chang’an knew at once. ’This must be the Mu Siyue mentioned in the divination.’

And just as he expected.

He heard Mu Caiwei make the introduction: "Daoist Li, this is my cousin, Siyue."

"Siyue, this is Daoist Li Chang’an."

With that simple introduction, the two were now acquainted.