By a conservative estimate, Wang Yu had been cultivating for less than two years, yet his progress was already faster than those with triple spiritual roots. He was racing down the path of longevity at a speed comparable to dual spiritual roots.
However, regarding how to use the three placement slots specifically, Wang Yu needed to rethink his strategy.
The benefits from the technique's perfection were too great, enough to make him change his original plan.
After some thought, a new plan emerged.
**[Slot 1: Coldblood Art]**
**[Slot 2: Coldblood Art]**
**[Slot 3: Frost Python Alchemy (Remnant Method)]**
Originally, he placed the "Coldblood Pill Formula" because he was short on funds and planned to refine his own cultivation-assisting pills, given their high price.
Moreover, the Placement Rack's effect was diminishing for simple formulas, so it was better to swap it out and use actual pills as a substitute.
Now that the technique was perfected and his aptitude had increased by half, the boost was too significant. Restarting the placement slot for the technique itself was more cost-effective than relying solely on pills.
"At this efficiency, I can break through to the fifth layer of Qi Refining in three and a half years."
Not bad.
As for placing the alchemy skill, it not only represented a craft but also meant training for Wang Yu's spiritual sense and the role refining a top-grade Coldblood Pill would play in the future.
He had personally experienced the high-grade effect, so naturally, he would grow more ambitious and want to try the extraordinary qualities of a top-grade pill.
On the other hand, most of this alchemy skill's value lay in that special "Frost Python Pill" formula, which could condense a special 「Frost Python Fire Seed」 that grows with the cultivator.
Its core material required at least a second-grade cold-attribute python-type demon beast's demon core, which was still far off, so there was no rush to place it.
At the latest, the Frost Python Alchemy would reach perfection in three and a half months.
By then, with an empty slot, Wang Yu had two directions.
One was to follow the path of spiritual root mutation and continue enhancing his aptitude. The only potentially effective method he had for this was—**[Corpse Demon Secret Method]**
This secret method had been in his possession for some time. Due to its numerous side effects, he had always been somewhat hesitant.
But according to the method's description, both 「Heavenly Yin Blood」 and 「Corpse Demon Bone」 were special body secret techniques that could potentially enhance his aptitude.
The second direction was to continue placing pill formulas, bringing the Coldblood Pill, Multitude Marvel Pill, and Frost Python Pill all to perfection, using spirit stones to push his cultivation. The risk of this path came from the outside world, with the danger of death.
The risk of the first path came from the secret method itself and was highly likely to induce a complete mutation of his spiritual roots!
One could only say the pros and cons were mixed.
Wang Yu decided to wait another three and a half months until the alchemy skill reached perfection, confirming that the **[Placement Rack]** had the effect of completing secret methods.
By then, placing the **[Corpse Demon Secret Method]** wouldn't worry him about being affected by terrifying side effects like "Body like an ancient corpse," "Yang energy impotence," or "Emotionless and desireless."
The complete secret method definitely wouldn't have these side effects—he was certain and坚信 of that!
...
...
**The next day.**
**Eight Treasures Restaurant.**
Nearly four months had passed since the cooperation with Zhao Shang began. Three transactions had been completed so far, and this was the fourth.
"Pleasant cooperation."
After eating and drinking their fill, they conducted the transaction using storage pouches. Zhao Shang counted the pills inside and nodded.
"Still somewhat profitable. When do you plan to scale up?"
"Only somewhat?"
Wang Yu looked at Zhao with a half-smile. He only charged the market rate. When reimbursing Zhou Tao and the other two, he gave them the bulk purchase price. But the pills sold to the Ice Snow Pavilion, as far as he knew, were nearly thirty percent above market price.
The members of the Alchemist Alliance were recorded in the Ice Snow Pavilion's files as alchemy masters, geniuses destined to become second-grade alchemists in the future—potential stocks. The current high price was for future recruitment.
He wondered what True Disciple Su would think upon seeing these records~
"I'm serious. You must have earned around this much during this period, right?"
Zhao Shang held up two fingers.
Wang Yu remained expressionless, neither confirming nor denying. But the calculation was damn accurate—two thousand spirit stones in four months. This amount was already substantial, even considering he was exploiting both ends.
The Alchemist Alliance side took more, but averaged per person, it was only around thirteen hundred.
This referred to the net profit after deducting costs—definitely a huge profit. Wang Yu just used the Enforcement token and gained this income, almost conjured out of thin air.
Naturally satisfied, Zhao Shang, having a goal, felt unsatisfied.
Wang Yu felt the need to warn him.
"Taking spirit stones from the Ice Snow Pavilion is certainly satisfying, but you're biting the hand that feeds you. The movements must be small to maintain a steady flow."
"Don't tell me once you get the Foundation Establishment Pill, you won't be staying in the Reverse Blood Sect anymore?"
Zhao Shang remained silent. Wang Yu was taken aback, not expecting to have hit the mark. Thinking about it,
it made sense. After all, this wasn't Zhao Shang's first time being disloyal. He probably left quite a few traces. Even if he broke through to Foundation Establishment, there was still the risk of True Disciple Su settling accounts.
"Found a way out? If it's promising, how about taking me along?"
Zhao Shang stayed silent for a moment before forcing an awkward laugh.
"How could that be? The Reverse Blood Sect treats me like a son, True Disciple Su is like my own brother. How could I have such thoughts? Brother Wang must be mistaken."
"Heh—
"Suit yourself."
Wang Yu shrugged helplessly, but more ideas sprouted in his mind. Rome wasn't built in a day; Zhao Shang must have had these thoughts for a while. He could keep an eye on him in the future.
Having such a potential escape route might be useful someday.
After parting ways, Wang Yu met with the three alliance members and distributed this batch of spirit stones.
Luo Pinghu had already repaid the loan. Currently, Wang Yu had accumulated over two thousand four hundred spirit stones. His contribution points hadn't increased, still just over a hundred.
According to the original plan, with money, he should buy a high-grade magical instrument to boost his combat power, sufficient for use until Foundation Establishment—a worthwhile investment.
However, the quality of instruments released in the Ten Reverse Blood Markets was often questionable, mostly second-hand. Some weren't even more powerful than the Ice Sword Art.
Thus, the best solution was to custom-order an instrument from the Artifact Refining Hall.
On the other hand,
after perfecting the Coldblood Art, Ice Sword Art, and Ice Shield Art, Wang Yu faintly felt his comprehension had improved.
This improvement wasn't from taking some miraculous pill but a reaction from his broadened perspective. It was like a primary school student and a high school senior learning a foreign language simultaneously—the latter would inevitably progress faster.
His cultivation thinking had matured. Whether through drawing analogies or having a commanding view, the practical feedback was that he felt his comprehension had improved.
Moreover, he intuitively felt that mastering more perfected spells before Foundation Establishment would benefit his cultivation and future.
This heart-sprung insight was profoundly mysterious.
This made Wang Yu want to invest this sum of spirit stones in spells rather than a high-grade magical instrument that would eventually become obsolete.
Spirit stones couldn't be used to exchange for spells at the Scripture Depository; they only accepted contribution points. But they could be exchanged at true disciple factions like the Ice Snow Pavilion.
**(End of Chapter)**