Cultivation Starting from Choosing Augments-Chapter 44: Breakthrough to the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining

Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Breakthrough to the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining

In truth, Xiao Chen had been cultivating constantly as of late and was basically on the verge of the eighth level of Qi Refining.

Coupled with it being his first time drinking Moonlight Wine, he was ultimately able to achieve such an effect.

In any case, a breakthrough in his cultivation was always a good thing.

After familiarizing himself with his new Magical Power and briefly consolidating his cultivation, Xiao Chen opened the Luotian Three True Wondrous Techniques, preparing to learn a new magic technique.

「Three more days passed in a flash.」

The Sect’s disciples had basically all returned home or gone into seclusion, so the Cultivation Chambers had naturally closed as well.

Early that morning, on a deserted riverbank at the foot of the mountain, a flock of Fire Crows was gathered in a large circle. One moment they arranged themselves into a shape like a person with outstretched arms, the next into a grid.

This was none other than Xiao Chen, practicing the Luotian Profound Fire Crow Secret Technique by the river.

This Secret Technique was relatively simple, consisting of three realms: entry-level, Minor Success, and Great Success.

Once a Cultivator reached the entry-level, they could summon a one-foot-long Fire Crow that moved at their command as if it were an extension of their own body. The crow would spit fire to aid them in battle.

Upon reaching the Minor Achievement Realm, one could summon ten Fire Crows to form the Little Fire Crow Formation and spew massive amounts of Poison Crow Black Fire to incinerate their enemies.

Xiao Chen discovered, however, that thanks to his Augment, he could summon ten Fire Crows despite only having just reached the entry-level.

He was now attempting to multitask, trying to command the Fire Crows into formation.

He wasn’t used to it at first and could only barely manage to arrange them, but gradually, it became easier and easier for him.

By afternoon, a ball of black flame suddenly erupted. The intense heat instantly scorched the land in a radius of dozens of feet, and even the river water within a ten-foot radius began to boil.

Two unlucky little fish happened to be passing by and were instantly turned into poached fish.

’Damn, I left the house without any salt.’

Xiao Chen looked at one of them, a two-foot-long grass carp, and couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.

The moment his concentration lapsed, however, the Fire Crows’ positions instantly fell into disarray.

Two of the Fire Crows even crashed into each other, erupting into a fireball before scattering into a shower of sparks like a firework, then flickering and vanishing completely.

After all, he was not yet familiar with the Profound Fire Crows and had not truly stepped into the Minor Achievement Realm, so it was difficult to maintain the formation unless he was completely focused.

Still, this was an excellent result.

With these ten Fire Crows, he at least no longer needed to rely on the Fireball Technique to fight his enemies.

He resummoned the Fire Crows and practiced for a while longer, only returning to Bishui Peak at 5:00 PM.

But before he even started up the mountain, he saw Steward Chen standing at its base, apparently waiting for someone.

Upon seeing Xiao Chen’s return, he hurried forward to greet him. "Where have you been during the holiday? I’ve finally caught you. Come on, I’ll take you home to celebrate the New Year."

Xiao Chen was a bit taken aback. "Home for the New Year? Steward, what do you mean?"

Steward Chen looked a little displeased. "I told you last time. Since you’ve become Third Uncle’s disciple, there’s no need to be so formal."

Xiao Chen corrected himself. "Zhi’an, what I meant was, why are you here?"

Chen Zhi’an took him by the arm. "You’re Third Uncle’s disciple, which makes us family. Did you think we’d just leave you on the mountain all by yourself?"

"Of course we had to come get you to celebrate the New Year with us. You don’t have anything you need to pack up on the mountain, do you? If not, just come with me."

Xiao Chen tried to refuse. "Zhi’an, I’ve gotten used to it over the years. I’m really fine on my own..."

But Chen Zhi’an kept a firm grip on his arm. "That’s not going to work. Third Uncle already kicked me out at noon. If I can’t bring you back with me, I won’t be able to go home either."

"Xiao Chen, you have to come, even if it’s just so I can have my New Year’s Eve dinner. Just do it as a favor to me, all right?"

"I... Alright, fine."

With him putting it that way, it would have been too churlish to refuse. Xiao Chen nodded and let Steward Chen lead him to the Chen Family residence.

After passing through three courtyards, Steward Chen stopped in front of an archway. "I’m going to check on something in the back," he said. "You go ahead into the rear garden and find a seat. Just wait for dinner to start."

"Everyone here is family, so there’s no need to be polite or formal. Sit wherever you like."

That was simple enough. Xiao Chen entered, gave the area a sweeping glance, and deftly found an empty table in a corner, away from the boisterous crowd, and sat down.

There were already over a hundred people there, but they were mostly gathered in the center. Men and women, old and young, sat about ten to a table, chatting and laughing amongst themselves.

When they saw someone enter, many people glanced over.

Upon seeing he was an unfamiliar face, they turned back to their own conversations.

No one recognized Xiao Chen, and he didn’t know any of the other Chen Family members. As a result, no one came to sit at his table, and no one tried to strike up a conversation.

However, Xiao Chen was happy for the peace and quiet. He closed his eyes, rested his mind, and reviewed his Heart Method.

This continued until 5:00 PM, when several hundred more people suddenly flooded in, filling up all the remaining spots except for the three large tables in the very center.

His corner was now packed, with a full table of people and two extra stools brought over.

One of the families at Xiao Chen’s table seemed quite prominent. As soon as they sat down, a young man struck up a conversation. "Well now, Shun! How has this year treated you?"

"Sigh, what can I say? I’m still watching over the clan’s Spirit Ore. The only good thing is that it guarantees a steady income. I manage to save about three Spirit Stones a month."

Although that’s what the man called Shun said, his face was wreathed in smiles, clearly very satisfied with his current situation.

Xiao Chen glanced at him. The man wasn’t carrying a single Magical Artifact, so Xiao Chen figured his cultivation was probably average.

Another person sighed. "I worked myself to the bone all year and only managed to save up ten Spirit Stones. I was thinking of dealing in some Spirit Grass at the start of the year, but I thought it was too expensive at the time and didn’t buy."