Over the next few months, Lu Fan closely observed his Herb Garden array and its effects on various plants. The array showed immense potential, as the herbs grew as if nourished by a Level 1 spiritual vein, even though no natural vein existed on this mountain. By carefully arranging a Spirit Gathering Array along one side of the herb formation, Lu Fan created a pseudo-spiritual energy source that allowed the garden to mimic the benefits of a true vein. Meanwhile, the remaining sides of the three-dimensional array were optimized specifically to enhance herb growth.
The Level 2 basil plants, for which the array had been designed, thrived with vigor, showing signs of accelerated growth comparable to herbs grown near a Level 2 spiritual vein. However, other herbs, like Night Jasmine, grew at a slower rate, as if under the influence of a Level 1 vein. This confirmed his theory that while the array's patterns were tailored for basil, other herbs still benefited from it, though to a lesser extent.
In contrast, Lu Fan's first experimental site, now named Spirit Spring, was constructed solely with a three-dimensional Spirit Gathering Array. This formation generated spiritual energy equivalent to a Level 1 spiritual vein but also had a unique secondary effect—it slowly upgraded low-grade spirit stones to mid-grade ones. With both sites serving distinct functions, Lu Fan was beginning to establish a strong foundation for his cultivation resources.
The Demands of Body Tempering
With a successful harvest, Lu Fan took his herbs to the main family residence and managed to sell them for 800 spirit stones. From this, he reinvested 600 spirit stones into Level 1 wood-type beast blood, a necessary component for advancing his Body-Tempering Art.
Body tempering, Lu Fan knew, was one of the most demanding forms of cultivation. This practice involved refining and strengthening the body, making it as resilient as the Qi that flowed within. As he moved up the ranks, the types of blood needed became more specific, with each stage calling for beasts of higher levels and distinct attributes. The blood, rich in Qi essence, was broken down and absorbed into his flesh, allowing his body to integrate the beast's unique qualities and resilience.
Each type of beast blood brought unique enhancements. Wood-type beast blood, for example, strengthened his vitality and endurance, while other types could bring speed, durability, or potential supernatural abilities. For Lu Fan, however, the body-tempering process was more than just gaining strength; at each stage, he felt his body pushing to new limits, as the raw energy of the blood transformed his bones and muscles.
With the help of the Spirit Spring array, Lu Fan found that his body tempering became even more efficient. The array boosted the effectiveness of the beast blood, allowing him to absorb more of its Qi essence without wastage. The spiritual water and mid-grade spirit stones generated at the Spirit Spring also supplemented his cultivation, providing him with stable sources of energy to recover quickly between sessions.
After a month of rigorous tempering and consuming nearly all his wood-type blood supply, Lu Fan achieved the pinnacle of the Qi Realm in body tempering—reaching the power of a peak bodybuilding expert at Qi realm. His physical strength was formidable, with each muscle and fiber packed with raw power. His bones had become as resilient as tempered steel, and his internal strength surged with vitality.
However, this peak was not the end. To reach the Foundation Building Body-Tempering Realm, he would need even higher-quality blood—something beyond the wood-type blood of Level 1 beasts he had used so far. The Foundation Building level required rare, high-grade blood with concentrated Qi to further refine his body and unlock new abilities.