Chapter 228 | After My Side Profession Hit Max Level, I Transmigrated

Life traveling aboard the cloud boat was extremely peaceful. Shi Yu cultivated inside her room, accumulating spiritual Qi and making daily progress, though she encountered a few minor difficulties in her comprehension of her technique.

After stepping into the Foundation Establishment Realm, the 《Yin-Yang Fate-Tapping Record》 revealed its second layer. Compared to the simple and accessible first layer, this one contained far more obscure and profound concepts, leaving her with a persistent sense that she was missing the key to its mastery.

The second layer required converting the spiritual Qi within her body into Yin and Yang Qi. Once all the spiritual Qi throughout her body was successfully converted, it would circulate endlessly in a cycle of continuous regeneration.

However, converting the two forms of Qi was no easy task.

The Yang Qi was simple enough; she converted it with ease. After all, Shi Yu's spiritual meridian was of the Fire element, which held the strongest blazing Yang power among the Five Elements. Furthermore, following the technique's instructions, she cultivated facing the sun during twilight, the scorching noon, and dusk, absorbing the three types of Yang Fire Qi—First Light, Noon Blaze, and Ember Glow. Coupled with the assistance of the two Heavenly Fires within her, the conversion of Yang Qi flowed naturally like water into a canal.

The conversion of Yin Qi, however, proved troublesome. When Shi Yu absorbed Yin Qi at midnight when the moonlight was at its peak to convert her spiritual power, she always felt the Yin Qi was insufficient, disrupting the balance and circulation between Yin and Yang.

With only half of the conversion successful, the Yin and Yang Qi inside her body contended against and neutralized each other. Far from circulating endlessly in self-regeneration, her spiritual Qi was trapped in a constant state of self-consumption, forcing her to frequently take pills to replenish it.

Not only that, but it caused Shi Yu quite a bit of distress. The chaotic spiritual energy dashed wildly inside her body, making her feel alternately hot and cold. This sensation radiated from deep within her with no way to relieve it, leaving her thoroughly uncomfortable.

“It seems relying solely on the power of moonlight won't be enough to complete the conversion. I'll need to find external assistance.”

Unable to achieve it for now, she was not discouraged. Temporarily skipping the conversion of Yin and Yang Qi, she simply focused on her breathing exercises and cultivated normally.

...

Two months passed in the blink of an eye. The cloud boat traveled at full speed the entire way without a single mishap, arriving at Hundred Flowers City several days earlier than anticipated.

The four disembarked from the cloud boat outside the city gates. Even before stepping inside, a refreshing fragrance reached them from afar, uplifting their spirits.

Gemstones of various colors were embedded across the city walls, forming designs of a hundred blooming flowers that glittered magnificently in the sunlight. Above the gates hung a massive plaque inscribed with the three elegant words: "Hundred Flowers City," framed by carvings of lush, blooming clusters. Countless hanging branches adorned with spiritual flowers cascaded down from the walls, swaying in the gentle breeze to create an exquisite sight.

Standing on either side of the gate were two women in colorful robes, holding long swords and greeting the four with gentle smiles. They were disciples of the Hundred Flowers Sect.

The residents inside were either disciples of the Hundred Flowers Sect or mortals under their protection. Rumor had it that female disciples made up the vast majority of the Hundred Flowers Sect, and looking at the city now, that certainly held true—seven or eight out of ten people passing by on the streets were women.

The climate here was mild, feeling like eternal spring where flowers never withered. Large clusters of fresh blooms adorned both sides of the streets, houses, and shops. A single glance revealed a city vibrant with color, where even the locals wore light, brightly colored garments that complemented the surrounding flora.

By contrast, the four of them looked remarkably drab in their attire, clearly marking them as outsiders.

As the four walked through the city gate, the two Hundred Flowers Sect disciples didn't interrogate them. However, their eyes sparkled as they repeatedly glanced at Qingzhou and Mo Tong. Had it not been for their official duties, they would have likely approached to strike up a conversation long ago.

Young Ji Yu, with his handsome features, also received a fair share of attention. A few of the bolder passing female cultivators even reached out to pinch his cheeks, turning his face bright red.

Shi Yu enjoyed the spectacle, her eyes curved with amusement, prompting Ji Yu to complain softly to her, “Big Sister, stop laughing! My face is bright red from all the pinching!”

Ji Yu's puffed-up expression resembled an inflated pufferfish. Shi Yu couldn't resist her own itch, stepping forward to give his cheeks two gentle pinches, finding them surprisingly soft to the touch. “If you ask me, your face is red from blushing because you're thin-skinned.”

Ji Yu rolled his eyes, though the tips of his ears flushed an even deeper shade of crimson.

As for Qingzhou and Mo Tong, their handsome looks were far too eye-catching. Passing female cultivators kept turning to stare as they walked down the street. While Shi Yu didn't mind the attention, the two exchanged a glance with her before pulling out veiled hats to conceal their faces.

The female cultivators instantly looked disappointed.

“...” Sensing a few resentful glances drifting toward her, Shi Yu felt a chill run down her spine, feeling a bit awkward.

As for Shi Yu herself, her face had become quite famous throughout Changyuan Prefecture because of the Alchemy Exchange Grand Competition, but outside of Changyuan Prefecture, few recognized her.

Hundred Flowers City was a considerable distance from Changyuan Prefecture, and since much time had passed since the end of the competition, no one recognized her along the way—which was naturally ideal.

Spending two months traveling on the cloud boat had left them somewhat weary. With the sun setting and the hour growing late, Shi Yu said, “Let's find an inn to rest for now. Tomorrow, we can inquire about the Phantom Spectral-Jade Butterfly.”

The three agreed, and Shi Yu led them to a nearby inn.

The inn was quite expensive to stay at, but its interior environment was refined and rich in spiritual Qi—clearly outfitted with a Spirit-Gathering Array. Additionally, the food was delicious and the service attentive, making it well worth the price.

The next day.

Early in the morning, after everyone woke up, they followed Shi Yu's advice and changed into clothes with bright colors matching the local fashion. This way, they blended into the crowd without standing out so glaringly.

After asking the inn waiter for directions, they stepped out and headed straight toward the largest trading firm in the city, the Hundred Flowers Firm.

Along the way, they passed numerous shops of various sizes selling spiritual flowers, spiritual herbs, spiritual butterflies, and spiritual bees. However, Shi Yu didn't linger, heading directly for the Hundred Flowers Firm.

This firm was established by the Hundred Flowers Sect. Whatever was sold in the outside shops could be found here, along with items unavailable elsewhere, boasting the most comprehensive selection of goods. Furthermore, a major firm like this enjoyed a solid reputation; while there might not be much room for price negotiations, the quality was guaranteed to be excellent.

If time permitted, Shi Yu wouldn't have minded browsing the smaller shops to search for what she needed and enjoy the thrill of treasure hunting. But right now, completing their journey was the priority, so she couldn't afford to waste time.

Entering the Hundred Flowers Firm, Shi Yu walked up to a display shelf, looking at small jade vials the size of a fingertip containing phosphor powder. She asked the waiting clerk, “Do you sell wing phosphor powder from the Phantom Spectral-Jade Butterfly?”

The clerk quietly sized Shi Yu up and said with a smile, “We certainly do. However, the Phantom Spectral-Jade Butterfly is a rare creature. Even within the Hundred Flowers Sect, there are only thirty pairs of adult spirit butterflies. The phosphor powder produced is always in high demand and short supply, so the price...”

Shi Yu asked, “How much?”

Seeing that her expression remained calm, the clerk leaned in slightly and whispered, “One vial costs one hundred medium-grade spirit stones.”

So expensive? Shi Yu clicked her tongue inwardly.

However, she possessed a fairly substantial fortune now. Before leaving, her special auction at the Xie Clan Auction House had netted her hundreds of thousands of low-grade spirit stones, which converted into several thousand medium-grade spirit stones.

The phosphor powder was stored in tiny jade vials that held very little; a single vial could at most make five or six Flying Star Dragon-Wandering Talismans. After thinking it over, Shi Yu said, “I'll take twenty vials.”

Hearing her ask for twenty vials in one breath, the clerk froze in astonishment, letting out a wry smile after a long moment. “This...”

“Is there a problem?” Shi Yu raised an eyebrow. “Two thousand medium-grade spirit stones, correct?”

Seeing her reach for her spirit stones and realizing she wasn't joking but genuinely intended to buy, the clerk hastily stopped her with an apologetic smile. “You truly possess grand generosity, honored customer.”