Chapter 37: Preparations for the Blessed Land
Flux wandered through the bustling streets of Mologan City, deep in thought. With a full year ahead of him inside the Blessed Land, careful preparation was essential.
As he walked, he muttered to himself, "Hmm... First thing, I need a protection item for my Core Formation tribulation. Last time, facing the Thunder Tribulation during Foundation Establishment, I was almost turned into smoke. I'm not letting that happen again without extra defenses."
He paused at a street corner, narrowly dodging a rushing crowd before continuing along.
"As for breakthrough pills... I don't think I'll need them," he mused quietly. "I'm confident in my foundation. Besides, too many pills leave behind impurities. They might help early on, but in the long run, they'll only become a curse when I advance to higher realms."
He shook his head firmly. "Better to use as few pills as possible."
"Still," he added, "I'll need top-quality recovery pills, just in case. Recovery is essential during cultivation. Only the best—pills with minimal impurities."
A faint smile crossed his lips.
"As for weapons, no need for anything new. I already have two: my Advanced-grade sword and the Top-tier one I won during the tournament. They'll serve me just fine."
With his mind made up, Flux outlined his simple plan:
"Protection gear and top-grade recovery pills. That's all."
He lightly tapped the pouch hanging from his waist.
"I have over 2,500 middle-grade spirit stones... I could exchange them for about 25 high-grade ones. But no need to trade them all. Ten high-grade stones should be enough."
He chuckled softly. "Time to visit the Spirit Bank again."
Decision firm, Flux wove through the crowd, heading toward a familiar building. Before long, a massive turtle-shaped structure loomed into view — the Spirit Bank, trusted by cultivators across the region.
He pushed open the polished doors. The interior was cool and serene, a sharp contrast to the chaos outside. Immediately, a smiling staff member approached.
"Welcome, honored guest. How may we assist you today?"
"I'm here to exchange 1,000 middle-grade spirit stones," Flux said calmly.
"Of course, sir. Please follow me," the staff member replied with a respectful bow. "Please enjoy some tea while we prepare everything."
Flux nodded and was escorted into a private lounge. A servant poured him a cup of fragrant spirit tea before quietly withdrawing.
The warm tea soothed his throat, and just as he finished the last sip, the staff member returned carrying a small jade tray.
"Here are your 10 high-grade spirit stones, sir. A service fee of 10 middle-grade stones applies, as usual — one percent."
Flux gave a small nod and handed over the fee. After confirming the transaction, he pocketed the freshly acquired high-grade stones and exited the Spirit Bank.
Outside, the midday sun blazed overhead. Flux stretched lazily.
"Now... time to buy the items," he muttered.
He made his way toward the most prominent commercial building in Mologan City — the Golden Nimbus Pavilion, renowned for its high-quality wares and the same organization that had hosted the auction before the tournament.
Its grand golden entrance shimmered under the sun, banners fluttering proudly above.
Flux stepped inside. The scent of rare herbs and incense filled the air.
"Welcome to the Golden Nimbus Pavilion, honored customer!" a young female attendant greeted him with a graceful bow. "How may we serve you today?"
"I'm looking for protective gear suitable for the Core Formation tribulation," Flux said clearly, "and the highest quality recovery pills you have available."
"Understood, sir. Please follow me to a private viewing room," she said warmly.
He was led into a quiet, elegantly decorated room. Tea was served, rich in aroma and calming to the mind.
Before he finished his second sip, the attendant returned, carrying a small silver tray.
"These are our finest recovery pills, sir," she said, presenting two exquisite jade bottles. "Each contains ten pills, refined by a peak Core Formation alchemist. Almost no impurities remain."
Flux picked up a bottle, removed the stopper, and sniffed. A pure, vibrant medicinal scent filled the room. He nodded in satisfaction.
"And as for the protective item..." she continued.
She carefully placed a sealed jade box on the table and gently opened it. Inside, a small blue orb shimmered faintly, arcs of electricity dancing within.
"This is a Thunderlight Protection Orb," she explained. "Crafted specifically for Core Formation tribulations. It can absorb and neutralize lightning-based attacks, create a defensive barrier around the user, and even retaliate using stored lightning energy. It can withstand strikes from Core Formation experts."
Flux's eyes gleamed as he examined the orb. Its surface was smooth and cool, but immense compressed power lay within.
"It's perfect," he said with a satisfied nod.
The attendant smiled politely. "The price is 100 middle-grade spirit stones for both bottles of pills, and 5 high-grade spirit stones for the Thunderlight Protection Orb."
Without hesitation, Flux pulled out his stones and completed the transaction.
Exiting the pavilion, he paused, gazing up at the vast blue sky.
"Haa... It feels strangely quiet without Ryo around," he murmured with a wry smile.
Shaking his head, he chuckled to himself.
"Oh, Ryo... you better prepare yourself. Next time we meet, I will force you to call me Elder Flux."
He continued strolling along the lively streets, enjoying the peace. After a few minutes, a humble street stall caught his eye — a vendor selling books.
Curious, Flux wandered over and began browsing. His gaze landed on a slim book with a flashy title:
'How to Attract Women: The Ultimate Guide!'
He raised an eyebrow and flipped it open. Inside were bizarre instructions — wink constantly at women, make exaggerated facial expressions, perform ridiculous body poses to seem "charming."
Flux couldn't help but mutter, "I almost forgot... I was planning to look into something like this."
He recalled his previous tournament fights — a few victories had been thanks to his striking appearance distracting opponents. If he could weaponize that advantage, it might tilt future battles further in his favor.
"Although... this book looks kind of sketchy," he frowned.
He turned to the stall owner, a plump middle-aged man with a crafty grin.
"Hey, does this book actually work?"
The stall owner gave Flux a strange look, then laughed heartily. "Of course it works! Even the coldest woman will be intrigued if you follow the instructions perfectly. I guarantee it!"
Flux sighed. "Whatever. I'll take it."
He handed over a few spirit stones, and the stall owner bowed gratefully.
"Thank you for your purchase, sir! Please come back if you want more 'special books'!"
Flux tucked the book into his pouch and shook his head with a faint smile, disappearing once more into the lively sea of cultivators.