Chapter 84 - 83: Cultivation Technique Foundation, Insect Swarm Aberration Sequence

Chapter 84: Chapter 83: Cultivation Technique Foundation, Insect Swarm Aberration Sequence

Looking at the numerous Cultivation Techniques on the display stand, Qin Hu walked to a nearby shelf and picked up a summary booklet of a Cultivation Technique.

*Blood-Drinking Breaking Saber*, a Gamma-level Low Grade Technique. Its momentum was tragic and fierce, advancing without retreat. It highly compressed Blood Evil Qi into a single point on the blade. When struck out, the blood-colored blade glow was as thin as a red thread and indestructible, specifically designed to break through various kinds of Protective Gang Qi and solid defenses.

Inside was a detailed introduction to the Sword Skill, including its creator, a Border Army General, and the specifics of the Sword Skill. However, it lacked the specific Cultivation method. Qin Hu did not mind; who would be stupid enough to display their Cultivation method out in the open?

As he inspected it, Qin Hu flicked his wrist, and a small snake quietly slipped out from his cuff. It was no more than a foot long and pitch-black all over. Its eyes also looked toward the Cultivation Technique in his hands.

This small snake was another life-saving item given to him by Yu, serving as one of the mediums to communicate with him. He did not know how Yu did it, but his son could communicate with him through this snake. Halfway through the Tower Ship’s journey, it was through this snake that he was informed a Thunder Roc had arrived in the sky above them.

Now that he was examining Cultivation Techniques, he naturally summoned it out. Putting down the *Blood-Drinking Breaking Saber*, Qin Hu looked at another Gamma-level Low Grade Body Technique, the *Flowing Cloud Step*. After looking at it for a while, he felt tempted but could only reluctantly put it down.

"In this transaction, I received nine thousand eight hundred taels of gold, which converts to less than one hundred thousand taels of silver. The number of Cultivation Techniques I can purchase is limited, so I cannot choose casually," he thought. "The core of the Qin Family Sword Skill, Body Technique, and Archery Skill are all derived from the lineage of the *Celestial Wind Formula*. When coordinated with each other, their power increases greatly. If I have to choose, it’s best to pick something from the same lineage!"

Carefully picking through the Cultivation Techniques, Qin Hu’s mind raced. Although a Sword Skill like the *Blood-Drinking Breaking Saber* was strong, it lacked a matching system. The power it could display would certainly be inferior to a matching Gamma-level Low Grade Technique. The Qin Family’s linearly inherited *Celestial Wind Formula* and *Wind-Splitting Seven Slashes* worked in tandem; using the *Celestial Wind Formula* to circulate Qi Blood to execute the *Wind-Splitting Seven Slashes* was stronger than ordinary Delta-level Upper Grade Sword Skills!

"Yu obtained the inheritance of the Five Poison Sect and has successfully Cultivated the *Spirit Snake Shadow Poison Scripture*. It would be best if I can buy a Secret Technique related to the Five Poison Sect," he pondered. "If not, I can also choose the Wind and Thunder Attribute!"

Before coming here, he had discussed this with Yu. Yu’s requirement was that it should ideally complement Body Refining, and the stronger the Body Refining aspect, the better. As a result, he could not purely Cultivate a Wind Attribute Skill similar to the *Celestial Wind Formula*. Wind Attribute Skills offered agile Body Techniques, but their Body Refining fell short. Therefore, after careful discussion, they decided that the Wind and Thunder Attribute would be best.

Yu had Cultivated the *Celestial Wind Formula* since childhood and was most adept at Wind Attribute Skills. His combat style also leaned toward being swift and fierce, so naturally, he could not give it up. As for Wind and Thunder Attribute Cultivation Techniques, Yu already had the *Wind-Chasing Thunderbolt Arrow*, which was extremely fast and incredibly powerful, perfectly fitting his needs. Moreover, the Insect Swarm also possessed strategic units like the Thunder Roc. If he needed assistance in Cultivation, it would be much easier than with other Cultivation Techniques.

Having made up his mind, Qin Hu quickly patrolled the area a few times, looking for inheritances of the Five Poison Sect’s Cultivation Techniques. However, after a lap, he was deeply disappointed. There were some highly toxic Cultivation Techniques passed down from the Five Poison Sect, but they were very ordinary—far inferior to what Yu had obtained from the Five Poison Sect itself. Giving up on that, Qin Hu walked toward the area specifically displaying Thunder Attribute and Wind Attribute Skills.

Shopkeeper Mr. Zhou, who was following behind Qin Hu, glanced at him and involuntarily took a step back to maintain some distance. He had seen the small black snake on Qin Hu’s wrist. In an instant, his scalp tingled. With his experience, how could he not know that it was a Shadow Scale Snake? This creature was extremely fast and highly venomous; under its sudden outburst, even a Qi and Blood Realm Martial Artist would die if struck! But watching Qin Hu’s retreating figure, he gritted his teeth and followed.

Even though the Treasure Pavilion housed many precious Cultivation Techniques, including even Beta-level Techniques, the reality was that very few could actually be sold. The prices were simply too expensive! Gamma-level Techniques started at least at ten thousand taels of silver. How many people could afford that?

Although Bishui City was a Prefecture City, people like Qin Hu—who sold nearly one hundred thousand taels of silver worth of mountain treasures in one go—were exceedingly rare. Such massive deals hardly occurred even once a year. Naturally, Shopkeeper Zhou took it seriously. If they could have two more transactions like this, he would meet his sales quota for the entire next year. After all, the Treasure Pavilion had strict internal requirements.

Qin Hu was naturally unaware of Shopkeeper Zhou’s thoughts. After quickly finding the area for Wind and Thunder Attribute Cultivation Techniques, his eyes were immediately drawn to one in particular.

*Wind and Thunder Treasure Mirror*, a Gamma-level Upper Grade Technique. It was a Cultivation Technique that included Body Refining. Its value was astonishing, costing a full three hundred and forty thousand taels of silver. Even all the mountain treasures he had brought were not enough to cover it.

Flipping to the first page, its introduction caught his eye.

"To Cultivate the *Wind and Thunder Treasure Mirror*, one must draw the Nine Heavens Wind Evil and the Earth Vein Thunder Evil into the body to temper the tendons, bones, skin, membranes, and internal organs. The process is extremely painful, akin to being sliced by a thousand knives or scorched by fire and lightning.

"However, once completed, the physical body will not only be incomparably tough but will also naturally carry a trace of Wind and Thunder characteristics. Its reaction speed and explosive power will far exceed Body Refiners of the same level.

"This formula has extremely high requirements for resources. It must be complemented with treasures such as Wind Spirit Stones and Thunderstruck Wood, otherwise progress will be slow and one can easily damage their foundation..."

After skimming through the Cultivation Technique, Qin Hu frowned. Strong as this Cultivation Technique was, it required special treasures for assistance, making it extremely troublesome to Cultivate otherwise. He immediately turned his head to look at Shopkeeper Zhou beside him. "Does the Treasure Pavilion have treasures like the Wind Spirit Stone and Thunderstruck Wood?"

"Of course we do!" Shopkeeper Zhou’s eyes lit up as he quickly replied. "Is Patriarch Qin planning to choose this *Wind and Thunder Treasure Mirror*? Our Treasure Pavilion has a complete set of medicated bath Materials. We can prepare them for you to take back!"

This was a massive business opportunity!

"I’ll just look for now," Qin Hu said, shaking his head.

It was too expensive! This Cultivation Technique was excellent, but the proceeds from selling his mountain treasures were far from sufficient.

Moreover, next to this Cultivation Technique, he noticed a complementary Sword Skill named the *Wind and Thunder Dominator Blade Technique*. This was also Gamma-level Upper Grade. When executed, it combined the swiftness of the Wind and the ferocity of the Thunder. When its blade momentum unfolded, it was like a storm of Wind and Thunder, possessing excellent area-of-effect and single-target lethality. It even contained a Secret Technique called the Wind and Thunder Introduction, which could briefly channel the Wind and Thunder Power around the body, causing speed and strength to skyrocket. Its price was equally astronomical, requiring one hundred and ninety-five thousand taels of silver.

He couldn’t afford it at all!

Of course, there were lesser options. For example, the *Thunder Shocking Sky Splitting Saber*, a Gamma-level Low Grade Technique. This Sword Skill pursued ultimate speed and burst power. Unsheathing the blade was like a sudden Thunder Shock, and wherever the blade light passed, it seemed to tear through the sky. Its selling price was eighteen thousand taels of silver.

"This *Wind and Thunder Treasure Mirror* is quite suitable for Yu’s needs. Unfortunately, it’s too expensive," Qin Hu thought to himself.

Wrapped around his wrist, the small black snake curled its tail in a loop, quickly sweeping it across his skin.

In the Snake Valley Insect Nest, Yu slowly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them. "What an expensive Cultivation Technique!" he thought.

What the Shadow Scale Snake saw, he saw. Naturally, he had also seen the various Cultivation Techniques in the Treasure Pavilion. Cultivation Techniques were the key to Cultivation. A single Delta-level Technique could support the foundation of an entire family. If it was a Gamma-level Technique, it would be even more incredible. The cheapest ones cost over ten thousand taels of silver, and Top Grade ones like the Gamma-level Upper Grade *Wind and Thunder Treasure Mirror* required three to five hundred thousand taels of silver.

If it weren’t for obtaining Old Monster Youlin’s inheritance, how could he possibly Cultivate a Beta-level Technique?

Beta-level Techniques were also sold in the Treasure Pavilion. However, they couldn’t be bought with things like gold or silver; they had to be exchanged for equally precious items! Beta-level Techniques required Jade Scrolls as carriers, which could only be created by Primordial Mansion Realm experts expending immense Heart Power.

"I’ll have him first buy a Gamma-level Low Grade Sword Skill and Body Technique, and then I’ll send the Thunder Roc over with the Mountain Demon’s collection. There are many top-tier Treasure Medicines inside," Yu thought, his mind racing. "There are also those three jars of Hundred Fruit Brew, nourished from various Spirit Fruits and Treasure Medicines through a special method. Their price won’t be low! It’ll be enough to buy the *Wind and Thunder Treasure Mirror*."

He transmitted these thoughts through the Shadow Scale Snake wrapped around his father’s wrist.

For him, the more Cultivation Techniques, the better. Aside from the *Wind and Thunder Treasure Mirror*, which he was determined to get, the *Wind and Thunder Dominator Blade Technique* was also good. Even the lesser *Thunder Shocking Sky Splitting Saber* could serve as foundational material for deduction.

"There are also my Merit Points at the Demon Suppression Bureau," Yu considered as he tapped his fingers on his flesh throne. "With my father going there with such fanfare, the people at the Demon Suppression Bureau will definitely notice. The Token is also with my father; it would be best if he could retrieve some of the rewards."

Within the Demon Suppression Bureau, he still had a massive amount of Merit Points, and he couldn’t just let them sit there. For instance, Li Wanqing had promised a set of Weapons and a Bow and Arrow, which he hadn’t yet received. Three sets of Beta-level Techniques, fifteen sets of Gamma-level Techniques, a Beta-level Weapon, and the Coiled Snake Ring—this constituted an enormous fortune.

With enough Cultivation Techniques as a foundation, the Insect Swarm could deduce stronger ones that were more suitable for him. Deduction was not creating something out of nothing. It involved extracting the essence and discarding the dross; it was about accepting hundreds of rivers to form a vast ocean!

Why couldn’t the Demon Demon Technique, the *Blood Demon Ape Body Forging Technique*, be quickly deduced and fused with the *Five Poison Dragon Transformation Scripture*? What he lacked was basic theory. The disconnect between the two was simply too vast, to the point of being polar opposites. However, if he could collect a Hundred Schools’ Techniques and use them as a bridge for connection, it wouldn’t be impossible.

For example, the *Blood-Drinking Breaking Saber* contained a method to condense Evil Qi. If he bought it, he might be able to use its theory to integrate the *Blood Demon Ape Body Forging Technique*.

As for the Cultivation Techniques, his father could handle that well; Yu didn’t need to worry too much. He only needed to send the items over. Thinking of this, he willed a command into the Insect Swarm’s network. Soon, a Thunder Roc flapped its lightning-wreathed wings, grabbed a specially made rucksack crafted from biological Insect Nest tissue, and soared into the sky, speeding in the direction of Bishui City.

Watching the Thunder Roc disappear over the horizon, Yu turned his attention to another harvest of the Insect Nest. The corners of his mouth curled into a smile.

"Analyzing the genes of the Flesh Golem and the Mountain Demon, combined with the mutation genes I obtained earlier... It seems there has been unexpected progress," he mused.

His consciousness sank into the Insect Nest’s core, and a complex stream of information flooded his mind:

[Deep Mutation Gene Template (Mountain Demon Lineage) has initially stabilized.]

[Characteristics]: Substantially overdrafts life potential, stimulating berserk power in an extremely short time. Physical strength and destructive power increase exponentially.

[Flaw]: Once the mutation is activated, vital organs will rapidly fail. This process is irreversible.

"Although it will become a one-time consumable upon activation, the key is that it’s ’controllable’!" Yu’s eyes flashed with excitement. "When a desperate final strike is needed, or to force a breakthrough in a situation, this will be an excellent trump card."

Although activating the mutation gene meant death, it was not a major issue for the Insect Swarm; it merely cost a bit of Energy. Even if it died, the corpse remained, and recycling the corpse could recover most of the resources. His gaze shifted to the edge of the Insect Nest, where a massive bug egg was pulsating violently.

"Incubate a Mountain Demon mutant. Let me see just how strong this power truly is!"

Meanwhile, deep within the Wilderness Mountain Range.

The remaining old and weak Mountain Demons had gathered in a hidden cave. They were sparse in number, adding up to less than twenty. Even though the Insect Swarm had tried their best to hunt them down, thousands of Mountain Demons had fled in all directions. It was inevitable that a few would manage to escape.

The oldest Mountain Demon was currently covered in scars. Its aura was sluggish, but its eyes burned with deep-seated hatred and despair. Looking at the sole surviving members of its tribe behind it, it let out a low, hoarse roar.

"Over ten thousand of our clansmen... are all dead! Dead at the hands of those damned invaders!"

It raised a trembling arm and pointed toward a misty direction deep within the mountain range, where a terrifying coercion faintly emanated.

"Go to Three Immortals Mountain! We have offered them tribute year after year and strictly abided by the rules of Three Immortals Mountain; they will avenge us! We must survive and make those invaders pay the price!"

Its voice echoed through the cave, laced with endless sorrow and rage.