Compared to the profound and mysterious threshold from Hua Jing to the Dan Jin Realm, the transition from the Refining Internal Realm to the Blood Exchange Realm was obviously not as complex. As long as one formally achieved the entry-level in the Four Symbols Internal Energy, cultivating all five internal organs, the True Strength would naturally refine down to the marrow. With the capability of the panel, I could cultivate to the peak of the Blood Exchange Realm without any bottlenecks!
At the volcano’s crater, scorching waves of air rolled unceasingly towards Jiang Shu. Infinite black smoke spread throughout the land, and in the far distance, lightning flashed, tearing apart the night.
A pill that strengthened the organs slid into Jiang Shu’s belly. As the medicinal power spread, the True Strength within his heart suddenly activated, as if a Vermilion Bird, reborn in fire, spread its wings and cried out clearly. Vermilion Bird True Strength, entry-level achieved!
"Indeed, even among Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques, the disparities are quite evident," Jiang Shu suddenly opened his eyes, murmuring to himself. Although the Famished Tiger Roar Mountain Strength had achieved Break Limit, the True Strength’s grade was only equivalent to the most inferior of Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques. It paled in comparison to the Four Symbols Internal Energy, which ranked sixteenth among the Middle Grade Cultivation Techniques in the Da Jing Dynasty. The Vermilion Bird True Strength specialized in explosive power. Merely achieving the entry-level was enough to increase his vitality by about thirty percent! If he later managed to learn the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and Xuanwu True Force, he would integrate healing and growth, combat power amplification, and full-body defense. Among Martial Artists of the same Realm, how many could be his match!
Grasping the alloy saber, he moved forward several hundred more steps. After achieving entry-level in Vermilion Bird True Strength, his heart, although not yet fully refined, had already undergone a qualitative transformation. The shackles were unlocked. With the True Strength in operation, his Qi and Blood surged, his essence like wolf smoke signaling a fierce battle!
If an ordinary Hua Jing Master came to this C-class Heaven and Earth Secret Realm in Chuan Yu Province, they would need to use their Hua Jing to withstand the ever-present high temperatures and fire poison. But for Jiang Shu, the flames of this Heaven and Earth Secret Realm seemed naturally drawn to him, as if he were born and raised here.
He focused on his Cultivation in peace. From President Su Mingchun, he learned of the Da Jing Dynasty’s true Cultivation system. Body Refinement was but the first step in Cultivation. He did not know whether Martial Artists could wield Immortal-like methods after Qi Refinement and Spirit Refinement. All he knew was that even the tallest skyscraper rises from flat ground. Only by laying the firmest foundation would he have the chance to ascend, step by step, to the very highest point.
Before he knew it, Jiang Shu had already been cultivating in the Heaven and Earth Secret Realm for nearly half a month. He would return to Yongning County City only once every few days. During this period, Steward Zhang from the Danxia Chamber of Commerce came several times to inform him in advance about some of the Chamber’s tasks. These tasks were extremely easy, such as escorting a Treasure to another county city’s branch. Often, the escort team itself would have several Refining Internal Realm experts ensuring its safety. Just by following along, one could earn a considerable amount of Contribution Value.
But Jiang Shu refused every one of them. For an ordinary retainer, this was easy Contribution Value, and they could still engage in Cultivation along the way. But not for him! At this time, his best choice was to cultivate the Vermilion Bird True Strength in the Heaven and Earth Secret Realm. If other powerful experts were present on a mission, how could he dare to use his Two Realms Shuttle at will? Therefore, tasks could be accepted, but they had to be solo missions!
"Genius Shang, the easy tasks have really dried up these past few days. However, regarding the solo missions you mentioned, there are several, and I’ve brought them all for you."
In the small courtyard, Steward Zhang’s face was wreathed in smiles. Ever since Jiang Shu officially became a first-class genius of the Danxia Chamber of Commerce, he no longer dared to call him ’Brother Shang.’ Even though he could see that Jiang Shu didn’t care for such formalities, the fact that Jiang Shu wasn’t bothered didn’t mean he himself could disregard propriety. A first-class genius of the Chamber of Commerce! He had never before had contact with such a figure. Perhaps, in a few years, this Shang Junming would have the chance to ascend the Little Dragon Tiger List. By then, if he could just bask in a little of that glory, it would be enough to ensure his own prosperity within the Chamber of Commerce!
"Hmm. Steward Zhang, please have a seat."
The little courtyard was like a sparrow—small but complete in every detail. The main gate faced south, with three large rooms to the north, and a small pavilion to the east used for receiving guests. Jiang Shu was sitting inside at this moment, holding several pieces of paper that simply described the Chamber of Commerce’s tasks.
Eventually, he fixed his gaze on the task recorded on the fourth piece of paper.
Tasks definitely had to be done. To rapidly increase the speed of refining his internal organs in the Refining Internal Realm, the organ-strengthening pill was indispensable! The profits from Moissanite and perfume were certainly substantial. However, the quantity limitations meant the earnings were still insufficient to support his Cultivation in the Refining Internal Realm.
"Steward Zhang, this task in Heishan County isn’t easy to complete, is it?"
Although the Danxia Chamber of Commerce had many branches, they were all located in county cities with smooth water routes. Compared to land transportation, water transportation was undoubtedly faster, allowing both experts and Treasures to be supplied to various branches with great speed. Heishan County, however, was surrounded by mountains on all sides, so the Chamber of Commerce naturally wouldn’t establish a branch there. Moreover, compared to Yongning County, the influential forces in Heishan County were even more ruthless; even its county city was unstable. The officials of Heishan County were mostly individuals who were demoted and sent there. As long as the prominent clans provided sufficient resources, these officials all aspired to cultivate to a High Realm and escape their suffering, thus they often turned a blind eye.
Taking on a mission in such a territory, one could easily imagine what difficulties one would face.
"That’s why this task has been posted for several days, yet no one has accepted it," Steward Zhang said nonchalantly.