For the next few days, Li Luo did not rush back to college, instead opting to cultivate within House Luolan. His next objective was to refine his two resonances, and staying at home was the most convenient option.
House Luolan had the golden cultivation room. Although it was slightly weaker than the Tree of Resonant Power, it didn't pale too much in comparison.
Li Luo was currently seated right in the middle of the radiant and dazzling skygold room. At this moment, he drew out a bottle of seventh-grade spirit liquid and quaffed it down whilst using his resonant power to begin the process of refinement. Soon after, a mysterious energy entered his resonant palace. Much like the spring rain, it started to rejuvenate the parched and thirsty resonant palaces.
Within the waterlight resonant palace, there was a manifestation of a pool that seemed to have expanded several times in size. Additionally, there was a miniature sun-like object that was radiating light, and the effects of the spirit liquid caused this light to become more brilliant and even slightly penetrating!
As for the woodearth resonance, a manifestation of a little tree was rooted in a pile of dirt. The refinement of the spirit liquid seemed to instill a greater sense of life within the tree, and its branches started to sway and emit countless rays of light.
Li Luo quietly observed the activity within his resonant palaces, feeling a strong sense of relief. His resonant manifestations were much more robust and solid than they were when he had just stepped into the Resonant Master Stage, indicating his meteoric growth in resonant power.
The rain of light produced by the refinement of the spirit liquid continued to fall onto the resonances, strengthening them step by step.
This was the effect of refining a spirit liquid.
Li Luo's attention then shifted to the area above the resonant palaces, and he started to count down within his mind.
When he reached zero, a ray of purple light descended upon each of his resonant palaces. This strand of purple light contained the most pristine and pure form of special energy. Taking a closer look, it contained a drop of a mysterious liquid that exuded an inexplicable sort of charm, and the phantom of a divine tree could be seen within!
The purple liquid then entered the resonant palaces themselves before directly landing on the manifestations of the resonances.
The pool of spiritual liquid within his waterlight resonance began to churn, and ripples were set off, creating the sounds of waves. For his woodearth resonance, the little tree suddenly grew taller and more branches and leaves appeared. The soil itself also expanded in a circle around it.
Feeling the drastic change in the manifestations of his resonances gave Li Luo a great sense of happiness.
The mysterious purple liquid was naturally the byproduct of the Violet Resonant Tree Brooch obtained from the Holy Grail Meet.
It was not merely a violet-eye treasured artifact, it also possessed resonance tempering effects. Every day, it would produce a small amount of Violet Spiritliquid. Each droplet had a tempering effect that was both mild yet pure of spirit, and it was able to strengthen one's resonance. Most importantly, the effects of the Violet Spiritliquid would not clash with the tempering provided by spirit liquids and purifying lights. As a result, they could work hand in hand to achieve a greater synergistic effect.
Within these few days, Li Luo continued to use these two sources to temper and raise the grades of his dual resonances.
The effects were to be celebrated. Based on the efficacy of these tempering materials, there was a good chance that both his resonances would rise in grade within a month.
Li Luo could intently feel a sense of life coming from within his resonances. He'd wait for the tempering effects to cease before calming himself down to cultivate.
This was his way of life for half a month as he steadfastly sought to improve himself.
At this point, he could feel both resonances becoming more and more active and restless, which brought him even greater exuberance. This was not a foreign feeling! It heralded his dual resonances being on the edge of being tempered to the next grade.
It seemed as though the day he had been waiting for was almost here.
……
One day, early in the morning.
Li Luo, Jiang Qing'e, and Cai Wei were all having breakfast together in the dining hall.
Cai Wei still possessed the alluring and delicate charm she always exuded. Her every expression, be it a smile or frown, was full of graceful charisma. She had already eaten before and was now accompanying the two.
As the other two continued to break bread, Cai Wei continued to provide an update on House Luolan's numerous businesses and happenings.
"It's our great fortune to have Sister Cai Wei assisting us. It's only because House Luolan has been managed so well by you that Qing'e and I can cultivate in peace," Li Luo complimented with a deep sigh after hearing her complicated report.
"The Young Lord has a honeyed tongue. However, I have to correct you. The current situation was brought about by your efforts and not mine." Cai Wei beamed sweetly. "If you hadn't provided the secret watersource to the Suncreek Villa, I would never have been able to redirect the profits into House Luolan's other businesses."
Jiang Qing'e also nodded as she agreed with the assessment. "Sister Cai Wei's words are the truth of the matter. Ever since you arrived in Xia City, House Luolan's reputation has changed for the better. Now it’s actually flourishing. If I had known that you were so useful, I'd have dragged you over much sooner from the City of Southwind."
Listening to the two girls' flattery, Li Luo felt a sense of pride deep down, but he did not deign to show it. Instead, he remained cool and collected, only asking a question in response. "Sister Cai Wei, has there been any progress in my request for a Spirit Condensing Pill?"
This Spirit Condensing Pill he was referring to was a type of pill used to facilitate one's breakthrough in stages. It could amplify one's resonant power by several times for a brief moment. The aftereffects were mild and gentle, so it was a great tool to assist one in their breakthrough attempt.
Li Luo wanted to obtain one of those pills for the sake of his preparations in attacking the Earth Fiend General Stage.
Cai Wei nodded, but her smile faded slightly. "I've dispatched a few men within Xia City to check out the pharmacies and enquire with the Golden Dragon Bank. The strangest thing that's almost impossible to believe is that there is no Spirit Condensing Pill to be found. Zilch! Whether it's of high or low quality!"
Li Luo frowned upon hearing this. Spirit Condensing Pills held great value, and one could easily go for several hundred thousand skygold. Normally speaking, few merchants would hold this treasure, but it was not to the point where the markets were completely cleared out of it.
"Clearly, someone has been buying up the supply," Jiang Qing'e assessed dully.
Li Luo squinted upon hearing her assessment of the situation. "Clearly, someone has guessed that I'm about to break into the Earth Fiend General Stage... Sigh... They decided to cut off a pound of flesh just to deal with little, old me. Buying out the entire city's stock of Spirit Condensing Pills couldn't have come cheap."
Jiang Qing'e shot him a look with an upturned eyebrow, almost impressed at his perceived self-importance. "Well, perhaps they might not be targeting you..."
Li Luo was slightly taken aback by her reply.
"Well, that's also because I stand a strong chance in breaking through before the Housemeet as well. By devouring the entire stock of Spirit Condensing Pills, they can hamper our strength even by a little. Furthermore, high-grade Spirit Condensing Pills also have some effect on me," Jiang Qing'e explained.
This was met with a resentful grumble from Li Luo... "So I was thinking too highly of myself? Gosh!"
However, he understood where Jiang Qing'e's analysis was coming from. Any third party who observed House Luolan's situation would identify Jiang Qing'e as a key problem to be dealt with. Although she was currently in the Fiend Finisher Tier and was insignificant before the full might of a Duke, all problems should still be resolved cleanly in advance to prevent any complications from arising.
And the pitiful Li Luo in the Resonant Master Stage wasn't even of any consideration.
Cai Wei, on the other hand, couldn't help but cover her mouth and chortle at the sight of this.
Jiang Qing'e's lips also turned up in a smile. "To be fair, I don’t think anyone would have expected you to break into the General Stage in these two months. You have only spent so much time cultivating after all. The speed at which you have developed is honestly comparable to me, and I have a ninth grade light resonance."
Li Luo shook his head. "Forget about it. If there aren't any, then so be it. The pill is just a supplementary aid, and if I were to truly rely on such treasures, that wouldn't befit my status as the BEST One Star Hall student in the East Divine Continent. Why would I need to stoop down to a normal person's level! Psh!"
Utilizing a Spirit Condensing Pill would definitely guarantee his breakthrough, but he already possessed two resonances and two resonant palaces, resulting in his resonant power far surpassing that of the average Resonant Master, who craved for the additional support the pill would bring. Most importantly, he was also fully confident in himself.
However, right at this time, a bodyguard rushed in bearing tidings.
"Young Lord, Young Mistress, the Golden Dragon Bank's Young Mistress Qing'er has arrived at the headquarters bearing a gift." The bodyguard respectfully bowed as he placed a jade case atop the table.
"Qing'er sent it personally?" Li Luo was slightly taken aback. Curiosity got the better of him, and he immediately opened the case. Within sat a single round pill. Strands of pill qi gradually wafted upwards, seemingly forming some sort of mystical pattern in the air.
This was a high-grade Spirit Condensing Pill.
"Hehe. Young Lord, your female friend certainly cherishes you very much. She even sent such a crucial gift during your time of need," Cai Wei teased.
Li Luo felt a little exasperated as he quickly asked, "Where is she?"
"She left after delivering it."
"This is a token of her goodwill. Just accept it, and when you next see her, you can repay her appropriately, with skygold," Jiang Qing'e calmly suggested.
Agreeing with Qing'e's judgment, Li Luo nodded.
At this point, the guard paused for a moment as he chose his next words very carefully. "Before Young Mistress Qing'er left, she specifically mentioned that this was meant for Young Mistress Qing'e. It's not that she doesn't want to provide it for the Young Lord, it just that she has full faith and confidence in the Young Lord's own abilities."
Wait what? This wasn't meant for him but for Qing'e? What was going on? Were they on such good terms?
Meanwhile, Cai Wei continued to watch with a bemused expression as the show unfolded. "Lu Qing'er is indeed an interesting maiden."
Jiang Qing'e gaze flickered for a moment before she replied neutrally, "Although I don't need it, this is still an expression of good faith, so I will accept this gift. However, when you next meet her, we will have to return her the skygold."
Li Luo nodded in agreement.
At this point, she stood up.
"At the end of this month, I will contest for the position of a Seven Astral Pillar."
Li Luo glanced at Jiang Qing'e, who was currently walking towards the inner courtyard, with a tumultuous feeling within his heart.
She was planning to compete for the position as a Three Star Hall student. Her success would set a new record within the Astral Sage College.
Her very presence seemed to have become even more radiant and striking at this point in time.
Li Luo heaved a deep breath and resolved himself. Since Jiang Qing'e was doing her best, how could he take it easy? If things went to plan, his dual resonances would improve a grade in the next few days.
For the next few days, Li Luo did not rush back to college, instead opting to cultivate within House Luolan. His next objective was to refine his two resonances, and staying at home was the most convenient option.
House Luolan had the golden cultivation room. Although it was slightly weaker than the Tree of Resonant Power, it didn't pale too much in comparison.
Li Luo was currently seated right in the middle of the radiant and dazzling skygold room. At this moment, he drew out a bottle of seventh-grade spirit liquid and quaffed it down whilst using his resonant power to begin the process of refinement. Soon after, a mysterious energy entered his resonant palace. Much like the spring rain, it started to rejuvenate the parched and thirsty resonant palaces.
Within the waterlight resonant palace, there was a manifestation of a pool that seemed to have expanded several times in size. Additionally, there was a miniature sun-like object that was radiating light, and the effects of the spirit liquid caused this light to become more brilliant and even slightly penetrating!
As for the woodearth resonance, a manifestation of a little tree was rooted in a pile of dirt. The refinement of the spirit liquid seemed to instill a greater sense of life within the tree, and its branches started to sway and emit countless rays of light.
Li Luo quietly observed the activity within his resonant palaces, feeling a strong sense of relief. His resonant manifestations were much more robust and solid than they were when he had just stepped into the Resonant Master Stage, indicating his meteoric growth in resonant power.
The rain of light produced by the refinement of the spirit liquid continued to fall onto the resonances, strengthening them step by step.
This was the effect of refining a spirit liquid.
Li Luo's attention then shifted to the area above the resonant palaces, and he started to count down within his mind.
When he reached zero, a ray of purple light descended upon each of his resonant palaces. This strand of purple light contained the most pristine and pure form of special energy. Taking a closer look, it contained a drop of a mysterious liquid that exuded an inexplicable sort of charm, and the phantom of a divine tree could be seen within!
The purple liquid then entered the resonant palaces themselves before directly landing on the manifestations of the resonances.
The pool of spiritual liquid within his waterlight resonance began to churn, and ripples were set off, creating the sounds of waves. For his woodearth resonance, the little tree suddenly grew taller and more branches and leaves appeared. The soil itself also expanded in a circle around it.
Feeling the drastic change in the manifestations of his resonances gave Li Luo a great sense of happiness.
The mysterious purple liquid was naturally the byproduct of the Violet Resonant Tree Brooch obtained from the Holy Grail Meet.
It was not merely a violet-eye treasured artifact, it also possessed resonance tempering effects. Every day, it would produce a small amount of Violet Spiritliquid. Each droplet had a tempering effect that was both mild yet pure of spirit, and it was able to strengthen one's resonance. Most importantly, the effects of the Violet Spiritliquid would not clash with the tempering provided by spirit liquids and purifying lights. As a result, they could work hand in hand to achieve a greater synergistic effect.
Within these few days, Li Luo continued to use these two sources to temper and raise the grades of his dual resonances.
The effects were to be celebrated. Based on the efficacy of these tempering materials, there was a good chance that both his resonances would rise in grade within a month.
Li Luo could intently feel a sense of life coming from within his resonances. He'd wait for the tempering effects to cease before calming himself down to cultivate.
This was his way of life for half a month as he steadfastly sought to improve himself.
At this point, he could feel both resonances becoming more and more active and restless, which brought him even greater exuberance. This was not a foreign feeling! It heralded his dual resonances being on the edge of being tempered to the next grade.
It seemed as though the day he had been waiting for was almost here.
……
One day, early in the morning.
Li Luo, Jiang Qing'e, and Cai Wei were all having breakfast together in the dining hall.
Cai Wei still possessed the alluring and delicate charm she always exuded. Her every expression, be it a smile or frown, was full of graceful charisma. She had already eaten before and was now accompanying the two.
As the other two continued to break bread, Cai Wei continued to provide an update on House Luolan's numerous businesses and happenings.
"It's our great fortune to have Sister Cai Wei assisting us. It's only because House Luolan has been managed so well by you that Qing'e and I can cultivate in peace," Li Luo complimented with a deep sigh after hearing her complicated report.
"The Young Lord has a honeyed tongue. However, I have to correct you. The current situation was brought about by your efforts and not mine." Cai Wei beamed sweetly. "If you hadn't provided the secret watersource to the Suncreek Villa, I would never have been able to redirect the profits into House Luolan's other businesses."
Jiang Qing'e also nodded as she agreed with the assessment. "Sister Cai Wei's words are the truth of the matter. Ever since you arrived in Xia City, House Luolan's reputation has changed for the better. Now it’s actually flourishing. If I had known that you were so useful, I'd have dragged you over much sooner from the City of Southwind."
Listening to the two girls' flattery, Li Luo felt a sense of pride deep down, but he did not deign to show it. Instead, he remained cool and collected, only asking a question in response. "Sister Cai Wei, has there been any progress in my request for a Spirit Condensing Pill?"
This Spirit Condensing Pill he was referring to was a type of pill used to facilitate one's breakthrough in stages. It could amplify one's resonant power by several times for a brief moment. The aftereffects were mild and gentle, so it was a great tool to assist one in their breakthrough attempt.
Li Luo wanted to obtain one of those pills for the sake of his preparations in attacking the Earth Fiend General Stage.
Cai Wei nodded, but her smile faded slightly. "I've dispatched a few men within Xia City to check out the pharmacies and enquire with the Golden Dragon Bank. The strangest thing that's almost impossible to believe is that there is no Spirit Condensing Pill to be found. Zilch! Whether it's of high or low quality!"
Li Luo frowned upon hearing this. Spirit Condensing Pills held great value, and one could easily go for several hundred thousand skygold. Normally speaking, few merchants would hold this treasure, but it was not to the point where the markets were completely cleared out of it.
"Clearly, someone has been buying up the supply," Jiang Qing'e assessed dully.
Li Luo squinted upon hearing her assessment of the situation. "Clearly, someone has guessed that I'm about to break into the Earth Fiend General Stage... Sigh... They decided to cut off a pound of flesh just to deal with little, old me. Buying out the entire city's stock of Spirit Condensing Pills couldn't have come cheap."
Jiang Qing'e shot him a look with an upturned eyebrow, almost impressed at his perceived self-importance. "Well, perhaps they might not be targeting you..."
Li Luo was slightly taken aback by her reply.
"Well, that's also because I stand a strong chance in breaking through before the Housemeet as well. By devouring the entire stock of Spirit Condensing Pills, they can hamper our strength even by a little. Furthermore, high-grade Spirit Condensing Pills also have some effect on me," Jiang Qing'e explained.
This was met with a resentful grumble from Li Luo... "So I was thinking too highly of myself? Gosh!"
However, he understood where Jiang Qing'e's analysis was coming from. Any third party who observed House Luolan's situation would identify Jiang Qing'e as a key problem to be dealt with. Although she was currently in the Fiend Finisher Tier and was insignificant before the full might of a Duke, all problems should still be resolved cleanly in advance to prevent any complications from arising.
And the pitiful Li Luo in the Resonant Master Stage wasn't even of any consideration.
Cai Wei, on the other hand, couldn't help but cover her mouth and chortle at the sight of this.
Jiang Qing'e's lips also turned up in a smile. "To be fair, I don’t think anyone would have expected you to break into the General Stage in these two months. You have only spent so much time cultivating after all. The speed at which you have developed is honestly comparable to me, and I have a ninth grade light resonance."
Li Luo shook his head. "Forget about it. If there aren't any, then so be it. The pill is just a supplementary aid, and if I were to truly rely on such treasures, that wouldn't befit my status as the BEST One Star Hall student in the East Divine Continent. Why would I need to stoop down to a normal person's level! Psh!"
Utilizing a Spirit Condensing Pill would definitely guarantee his breakthrough, but he already possessed two resonances and two resonant palaces, resulting in his resonant power far surpassing that of the average Resonant Master, who craved for the additional support the pill would bring. Most importantly, he was also fully confident in himself.
However, right at this time, a bodyguard rushed in bearing tidings.
"Young Lord, Young Mistress, the Golden Dragon Bank's Young Mistress Qing'er has arrived at the headquarters bearing a gift." The bodyguard respectfully bowed as he placed a jade case atop the table.
"Qing'er sent it personally?" Li Luo was slightly taken aback. Curiosity got the better of him, and he immediately opened the case. Within sat a single round pill. Strands of pill qi gradually wafted upwards, seemingly forming some sort of mystical pattern in the air.
This was a high-grade Spirit Condensing Pill.
"Hehe. Young Lord, your female friend certainly cherishes you very much. She even sent such a crucial gift during your time of need," Cai Wei teased.
Li Luo felt a little exasperated as he quickly asked, "Where is she?"
"She left after delivering it."
"This is a token of her goodwill. Just accept it, and when you next see her, you can repay her appropriately, with skygold," Jiang Qing'e calmly suggested.
Agreeing with Qing'e's judgment, Li Luo nodded.
At this point, the guard paused for a moment as he chose his next words very carefully. "Before Young Mistress Qing'er left, she specifically mentioned that this was meant for Young Mistress Qing'e. It's not that she doesn't want to provide it for the Young Lord, it just that she has full faith and confidence in the Young Lord's own abilities."
Wait what? This wasn't meant for him but for Qing'e? What was going on? Were they on such good terms?
Meanwhile, Cai Wei continued to watch with a bemused expression as the show unfolded. "Lu Qing'er is indeed an interesting maiden."
Jiang Qing'e gaze flickered for a moment before she replied neutrally, "Although I don't need it, this is still an expression of good faith, so I will accept this gift. However, when you next meet her, we will have to return her the skygold."
Li Luo nodded in agreement.
At this point, she stood up.
"At the end of this month, I will contest for the position of a Seven Astral Pillar."
Li Luo glanced at Jiang Qing'e, who was currently walking towards the inner courtyard, with a tumultuous feeling within his heart.
She was planning to compete for the position as a Three Star Hall student. Her success would set a new record within the Astral Sage College.
Her very presence seemed to have become even more radiant and striking at this point in time.
Li Luo heaved a deep breath and resolved himself. Since Jiang Qing'e was doing her best, how could he take it easy? If things went to plan, his dual resonances would improve a grade in the next few days.
