"Selling them separately?"
The elderly cultivator looked at Jia Ren with surprise and skepticism before laughing outright.
"I'm truly short of funds; one hundred Spirit Stones is a sky-high price."
"I am indeed very interested in the Insect Control Scripture and cannot afford to pay all at once. Currently, I can only offer Two Whole and Four Fractional Spirit Stones. If the elder is willing, would you sell me the basic portion of the Insect Control Scripture that is equivalent in value?"
Any secret technique usually doesn't come cheap. The elderly cultivator dared to ask for one hundred Spirit Stones; either he's quoting an outrageous price, or he believes the Insect Control Scripture is worth that much.
Upon a brief examination, Jia Ren saw that the Insect Control Scripture recorded extensive information on various Spirit Insects, and many incredible techniques for controlling and using insects to defeat enemies.
As a modern person, who would avoid getting an injection to spare themselves pain, how could one wish to engage in a life-or-death struggle with others? If a life-threatening situation did arise, it's better to have insects fight to the death than to risk one's own life. Controlling insects and beasts each has its own advantages. Although insects may be much weaker individually, they do have one major advantage... they mature quickly. This aligned quite well with my psychological expectations. The elderly cultivator doesn't have much time left to live; encountering him was luck, and missing this opportunity might mean lifelong regret.
"You want to acquire the Insect Control Scripture for Two Whole and Four Fractional Spirit Stones? I must say, you've got some nerve!"
By the end of the elderly cultivator's speech, his tone became harsh, and the aura of a Ninth Level of Qi Refinement cultivator pressed down.
So powerful! The difference between the Ninth Level of Qi Refinement and the Third Level of Qi Refinement was so great; it was almost like facing a Primordial Fierce Beast. My face turned pale, and my hands and feet felt as cold as ice. To rashly offend a powerful individual one couldn't afford to provoke was a sure path to death. I had already tried my best to avoid trouble, yet it still found me.
"Elder, I meant no offense and am willing to compensate with all of my Spirit Stones."
A dying man could do anything crazy; he shouldn't be provoked. I would rather suffer a financial loss than face an unexpected disaster.
He laid down Two Whole and Four Fractional Spirit Stones on the stall. With his back soaked through, Jia Ren apologized and turned to leave.
"Interesting!" the old cultivator said. "You are very much to Master Lü's liking. Knowing when to advance and retreat is the key to a long life. If Master Lü were a decade younger, I wouldn't mind taking you as a disciple."
"I'll take the Spirit Stones. As you wished, I'll teach you a portion of the Insect Control Scripture."
"I hope you can gather enough Spirit Stones before my lifespan ends, and don't foolishly expect to get the Insect Control Scripture for nothing."
Upon finishing his speech, Master Lü took out a blank Jade Slip and began to record. In a moment, he tossed the Jade Slip to Jia Ren.
"Get going! Don't stand there and get in the way, disturbing Master Lü's business!"
After handing over the Jade Slip, he shooed Jia Ren away as if ridding himself of a fly.
"This..."
"Thank you, Elder!"
"I take my leave!"
I thought I had suffered a big loss today; it would take a day or two to earn back the lost Spirit Stones. I never expected such a dramatic turnaround, actually obtaining a portion of the Insect Control Scripture! I didn't dare linger too long, so as not to further offend the unpredictable Master Lü. I left with unease in my heart, unsure whether the portion of the Insect Control Scripture provided by Master Lü would be of any use. Hopefully, it wasn't useless.
Without any mishaps along the way, he safely returned to his dwelling.
Shutting the door, Jia Ren pressed the Jade Slip to his forehead and began to carefully examine it.
The Jade Slip didn't contain much content, but it wasn't scant either. It encompassed the essence of the Insect Control Scripture's introductory part, definitely worth far more than Two Whole and Four Fractional Spirit Stones—at least ten Spirit Stones! Scored a huge bargain! Controlling mundane insects and commanding low-level Spirit Insects should be no problem.
Jia Ren held the Jade Slip close and committed the information to memory.
There were gaps in the Insect Control Scripture; the core techniques for insect control were few. Mostly, it was basic introductory knowledge, including introductions to insects, their habits, food, abilities, and breeding methods. The grade was limited to low-level Spirit Insects, at most capable of affecting and threatening those at the initial stages of Qi Refinement. Want more advanced parts? Well, bring the Spirit Stones!
Today was a lesson indeed. In the future, when dealing with cultivators far stronger than myself, I must be doubly cautious. Cultivators are fickle and prone to anger, and may kill you on a whim if they dislike you. Without the ability to protect myself, I should avoid interacting with High-Order Cultivators as much as possible.
Reflecting on his experiences of the day, Jia Ren still couldn't shake a chill running down his spine.
Surviving in this perilous world is exceedingly difficult; the slightest mistake could result in death and the end of one's path.
The basics of the Insect Control Scripture are broadly divided into four parts: Insect Identification, Insect Breeding, Insect Control, and finally, Insect Taming. Insect Identification is the discernment of insects, understanding their habits, and distinguishing their abilities. Insect Breeding involves the nurturing of Spirit Insects, along with specific breeding methods and corresponding diets for each different type of Spirit Insect. Even with wild, undomesticated insects, the Insect Control Scripture allows them to be forcibly controlled. The portion I obtained only allows me to forcibly control mundane insects; any target with the slightest Spiritual Power is immune. Even the Earth Dragon Worms, used as bait in the Bait Tempting Technique, are beyond my control. The essence of the technique lies in Insect Taming and Insect Breeding; they complement each other, combining nurturing and control into one. First, I need to master the basics and control mundane insects.
Jia Ren read through the Insect Control Scripture and began to experiment with the basic Insect Control Technique.
Finding material for experimentation is easy; just stepping outside is sufficient.
Outside the stone house, stinking puddles were everywhere, natural gathering places for mosquitoes and flies.
Cultivators are not without means of cleanliness; the Cleaning Spell and the affordable Cleaning Talismans can both quickly take care of sanitation. Alas, cultivators pursue the Great Dao, and most lead simple lives, focusing on cleaning the snow from their own doorsteps rather than concerning themselves with the frost on others' roofs. The Great Wilderness Market wouldn't waste energy cleaning up for lowly Loose Cultivators.
They say the Inner City is quite clean.
He had never been to the Inner City but had heard the rumors.
Jia Ren easily found a foul-smelling puddle teeming with mosquitoes and flies just three yards away, their buzzing loud and clear.
Mastering the Insect Control Technique isn't difficult, especially when controlling mundane insects.
"Insect Control Technique!"
Suppressing the urge to flee, he targeted the puddle and employed the newly learned Insect Control Technique.
It worked!
Jia Ren felt a faint connection and could use his thoughts to control the actions of the mosquitoes.
This feeling is rather marvelous, similar to controlling a character in a video game. Games and reality differ; by comparison, this is much more real.
"Come here!"
The mosquito buzzed its wings, circling in front of his eyes. He commanded it to fly up and down; the control response was swift, only diminishing when it flew beyond thirty feet.
This feels quite good! It's just that their power is too weak to be of use in battle. Could I possibly send mosquitoes to bite the opponent during a fight? Would they even be able to penetrate defenses? After being nourished by Spiritual Energy, cultivators are not comparable to ordinary people; their skin is much tougher. Not to mention defensive Spells like the Spirit Qi Protective Barrier that would easily keep mosquitoes at bay. They're not expected to be useful in combat, practically useless with less than 0.1 combat power. But… mosquitoes have other uses! If direct combat won't work, then it's time for unconventional tactics. As someone with rich experience from the information explosion era, I have a considerable advantage in creative thinking over the locals. The first thing that came to mind was… biological warfare. Similar to the Black Death of medieval times, which was spread by rats. I could use mosquitoes as a long-range Poison delivery tool. Mosquitoes are common, and normal cultivators wouldn't be overly cautious around them. I can use mosquitoes to carry Poison, delivering it into the target's food or water, silently and stealthily killing them. Mundane insects have their unique uses; if used well, they can definitely play a significant role.