After reaching the peak of body-tempering with five elemental Qi blood stones, Lu Fan's physique was a force to be reckoned with. He journeyed to his family's library, where he found the Barbarian Art—a brutal, straightforward fighting technique that emphasized overwhelming strength. The method cost 200 low-grade spirit stones, but Lu Fan knew it was worth it. Alongside it, he acquired Crimson Blood Art, a mortal-level combat technique, though his level now surpassed what it could teach him.
Mastering Barbarian Art over the next few months, Lu Fan felt his body moving with newfound purpose and strength. His savings now totaled 60 mid-grade spirit stones, enough to gather essential Foundation Building resources. Preparing for the journey, he harvested his herbs, deactivated his spirit arrays, and drained the spiritual spring water. Collecting the high-grade spirit stone from his main array, he gifted his family attack talismans and a signal token to call for help if needed, ensuring their safety in his absence.
Using his level 1 low-grade mare, Lu Fan departed, leaving his young colt behind. He arrived at the family estate and boarded a flying trade boat bound for the mainland—a massive, spirit-powered vessel. Propelled by mid-grade spirit stones, it cut through the air with remarkable speed, carrying merchants, cultivators, and goods bound for far-off cities. The boat's wide decks were filled with lively conversations, with merchants hawking wares and cultivators sharing techniques. Lu Fan kept a low profile, careful to avoid attention as they approached Seaside City.
Seaside City and Acquiring the Jade Tree Seed
The coastal hub of Seaside City was bustling. Traders arrived from various lands, bearing goods and tales from afar. Amid the city's vibrant market stalls, Lu Fan found the seed of a Level 2 Jade Tree—a rare, auspicious plant renowned for its strong wood-based Qi. He purchased it with future cultivation in mind, planning to grow it in his own herb gardens.
Continuing his journey to the Sword Sect alone, Lu Fan used a concealment talisman to mask his presence. Despite expecting attacks, his journey was surprisingly uneventful until he reached Jade City after a month. From here, he boarded a smaller, cultivator-exclusive flying boat bound for Bladeward City near the Sword Sect.
Bladeward City and the Giant Lion's Blood
Bladeward City was the heart of cultivation trade, bustling with cultivators and filled with high-end stores, inns, and forges. Blade's Edge Shop was known for rare materials and beast blood, and Lu Fan made his way there. Inside, he found Giant Lion Blood—the essence of a peak Foundation Building beast focused purely on brute strength. It was an ideal choice for him. The cost was steep: 90 mid-grade spirit stones. To carry the massive lion body, the shop used a one-time storage talisman, which allowed him to transport it effortlessly.
The Ambush Outside Bladeward City
Ready to leave Bladeward City with his precious blood and materials, Lu Fan set out for home. He was barely beyond the city's outskirts when he noticed several figures closing in on him. A group of late Qi realm cultivators, each with a hungry glint in their eyes, surrounded him, intent on robbing him.
"Hand over your valuables," one sneered, brandishing a weapon.
Without hesitation, Lu Fan summoned his strength, channeling his months of Barbarian Art training. The fight was over quickly but decisively. He moved like a storm, each strike landing with bone-crushing power. Within moments, the attackers lay scattered on the ground, defeated. Some tried to flee, but Lu Fan's overwhelming force left no room for mercy—each one fell under his relentless strikes.
After the dust settled, Lu Fan gathered their storage bags, adding their contents to his own. His return journey continued uninterrupted, with his newly acquired materials and confidence in his strength bolstered by his triumph.
Now, with everything he needed for Foundation Building and his path home clear.