Chapter Thirty-Four: Ancient Buddha and the Lamp of Blue Light

The reason the Body Tempering Realm is divided into the Mountain-Moving and Sea-Filling stages is because there is a fundamental difference between them. The Mountain-Moving stage is still limited to developing oneself and strengthening blood and qi; although its power far exceeds the ordinary, it does not grant the practitioner many magical abilities. Even weapons are restricted to magic implements; true treasures—unless they are of a special type like the Celestial Dragon Token—are beyond one's grasp.

But Sea-Filling cultivators are different. Their blood and qi have already merged into the dantian and qi sea, fusing with the power of heaven and earth to refine magical force. Though this force is still at its earliest and most tenuous stage, it is sufficient to activate certain treasures and unleash astonishing supernatural abilities.

This is a qualitative transformation!

"But my blood and qi haven't merged into the dantian and qi sea," Tu Lu frowned. He had indeed stepped into the Sea-Filling stage, his bloodline shackles prior to the fourth stage of Body Tempering all unlocked. Yet, he possessed none of the magical force expected of a Sea-Filling cultivator: his realm was empty, lacking true power.

"My realm has reached Sea-Filling, and my spiritual power has surged accordingly, reaching the initial stage of Sea-Filling, so my goal is accomplished. But—why do I have the realm without the power?" After much contemplation, Tu Lu suddenly thought of a possibility.

Once he considered it, he didn't hesitate. He formed a seal and released two plant avatars. As soon as they separated from his body, his aura plummeted, falling swiftly back to the peak of Mountain-Moving, just one step short of Sea-Filling.

Yet that single step was a chasm.

"Just as I thought!" He caught his breath, his face pale—the sensation of his realm collapsing was a first, and it was profoundly unpleasant.

The reason was now clear. With the support of his two avatars, his realm had barely managed to reach Sea-Filling, but his true cultivation remained at the peak of Mountain-Moving; he had not passed the threshold, so his blood and qi could not merge into the dantian and qi sea, nor could he generate magical force.

"Enough. Regardless, my spiritual power now rivals that of a Sea-Filling master, and with the Minor Celestial Cycle Visualization Technique, I am ninety percent confident in forging the Fire God Rune. Even advanced runes are now within my grasp. If that's not enough, then so be it." Tu Lu shook his head and stood up.

He withdrew the plant avatars, his aura returning to Sea-Filling, and then pushed open the door and left the Inscription Workshop.

There were still a few hours before his appointment with Gongsun Yan. Though he could research the Nine Dragons Pattern, he had other matters to attend to—such as purchasing some pills to restore his spiritual power.

"Although there are not many pills for replenishing spiritual power, the Celestial Dragon Market will surely have some. These pills will at least allow me to last longer during inscription. Gongsun Yan's commission involves treasures—a whole set at that. It's a real challenge; I must be prepared." He muttered to himself, gritting his teeth, and before he knew it, he had stepped into the Celestial Dragon Market.

"Honored guest, is there anything I can assist you with?" A young attendant hurried up.

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"I need some pills to restore spiritual power. Spiritual herbs, magic implements, or treasures are also acceptable," Tu Lu said casually.

The attendant froze for a moment.

"What? You don't have any?" Tu Lu frowned.

"No, not at all. Please wait a moment, honored guest," the attendant replied, then quickly ran into a side room on the first floor.

Tu Lu was momentarily perplexed.

After half a cup of tea's time, Wang Daozong emerged with the attendant.

Seeing this steward, Tu Lu's brows furrowed. The first time he'd seen him, Wang Daozong had looked weary; the second time, much improved; now, all signs of fatigue had vanished. Clearly, there were secrets here, though Tu Lu had no intention of probing further.

"I hear from Xiao He you wanted treasures to restore spiritual power?" Wang Daozong's eyes narrowed.

Upon hearing this, Tu Lu immediately understood: Wang Daozong mentioned treasures, clearly hoping to extract a hefty sum from him. After all, any treasure was extremely valuable—no wonder the attendant had called out Wang Daozong.

"You have such treasures here? If not, spiritual herbs or pills will suffice," Tu Lu said.

Wang Daozong laughed heartily. "We do, indeed! Treasures that restore spiritual power are rare, but the Celestial Dragon Market happens to possess one. As for pills or herbs, we've just sold our last stock to an inscription master in the city. We're temporarily out."

"The Celestial Dragon Market is out of stock?" Tu Lu was taken aback.

"Of course," Wang Daozong replied with a soft chuckle. "Pills that replenish spiritual power are vital to inscription masters and are already in high demand here in Divine Wind City. The city has been sealed for half a month, and the Celestial Dragon Market was forced to close its array. With only outflow and no inflow, it's not surprising we've run out."

Tu Lu was speechless.

If even the Celestial Dragon Market had run out, other places would have fared worse.

As for treasures that restore spiritual power, though he appeared to be at the Sea-Filling stage, his actual cultivation was still one step short—even if he bought one, he couldn't use it!

"Do you wish to see this treasure?" Wang Daozong asked.

"Let me have a look," Tu Lu replied after some thought, though his expression was no longer expectant.

Wang Daozong just nodded, beckoning. The attendant hurried up, carrying a square box covered with a red cloth.

---

"Please, take a look," Wang Daozong said, making a gesture of invitation and lifting the cloth.

As soon as it was revealed, Tu Lu's eyelid twitched violently, and his spiritual power shook.

"Ancient Buddha Lamp!"

But before he could speak, a middle-aged man rushed forward. His eyes shone as he stared at the lamp.

Tu Lu was also shocked. The Ancient Buddha Lamp required no activation; simply standing nearby caused his thoughts to double in speed. His spiritual power did not increase, but became much more lively, and his recovery accelerated significantly!

Even his avatars' consciousnesses grew more complete under the lamp's light, while his own damaged consciousness recovered rapidly.

More importantly, he felt that the Ancient Buddha Lamp held special significance for him.

"This is the Ancient Buddha Lamp, found by our market in an ancient realm. Our experts have determined it to be an artifact from antiquity," Wang Daozong said with a slight smile.

"Ancient treasure!" The middle-aged man's voice rose, trembling.

The cultivation civilization of antiquity was far stronger than today, especially in the art of forging. Artifacts from that era, known as ancient treasures, could be wielded by Purple Mansion and even Sea-Filling cultivators, but their power and value far surpassed ordinary treasures!

"Steward Wang, what's the price for this ancient treasure? I'll buy it!" the middle-aged man declared loudly, taking a deep breath.

"Wait, I believe I saw this treasure first," Tu Lu frowned.

"Hmph, you haven't paid yet. If it hasn't been purchased, it's ownerless. Since it's ownerless, why shouldn't I buy it? If you'd like to compete, I won't object—we can bid against each other. Highest price wins. If you don't dare, best give up early. Or do you intend to rely on your Sea-Filling cultivation to force the Celestial Dragon Market into a sale?"

The middle-aged man looked Tu Lu up and down with a cold sneer, his eyes full of disdain.

Tu Lu's brows furrowed even deeper, and this scene... why did it feel so familiar?