People always strive for higher ground, and water always flows to the lower. Cultivation creates vast chasms between cultivators.


    Take large sects, for instance. There was a time when all disciples were like brothers, bound by the same teachings and shared struggles. Yet, once one cultivator breaks through to the Foundation Establishment stage, and another remains stagnated in the Qi Refining stage, their bond will inevitably grow distant.


    In the early stages of Qi Refining, the spirit qi is thin, and cultivators possess little combat ability. The spells they can learn are basic with minimal power, and could only do things like cleaning or controlling water and fire.


    However, once a cultivator reaches the mid-stage of Qi Refining, their spirit qi becomes more condensed, and their spirit sense grows exponentially. Their control over energy improves, so they can begin learning more advanced spells, such as Fireball and Ice Spike techniques.


    This is why herb-hunting teams typically require cultivators to be at least at the fourth level of Qi Refining.


    As for Lin Ke''er, having broken through to the fourth level of Qi Refining, she now stood at a new stage, with new opportunities and a new circle of acquaintances. Ye Chen, however, remained at the third level. The distance between them would only grow from now on.


    The relationship between them would undoubtedly fade. Soon, even seeing each other would be difficult. In this context, Ye Chen''s simping, from the perspective of the store''s staff, seemed utterly foolish. Several of the assistants couldn''t help but feel amused at Ye Chen’s misfortune.


    "Serves you right," they thought. "You treated Lin Ke''er like a princess, gifting her pills and martial arts techniques. And now? She''s already breaking through in her cultivation, leaving you behind in the dust. She''ll definitely think less of you now. All that effort for nothing, how foolish!"


    Ye Chen had no idea what the others were thinking. Even if he knew, it wouldn''t bother him. To be honest, he thought Lin Ke''er was quite determined. She broke through to the fourth level of Qi Refining and immediately resigned, ready to take on a more dangerous but higher-paying job.


    However, this made Ye Chen reconsider his plan to give her pills. Not that he would stop giving her gifts, but now, he intended to give something more valuable. If she was going into the mountains to harvest herbs, no matter how confident she appeared, she would likely have concerns and fears.


    At this moment, if he could present her with a powerful offensive spell, it would be like a timely gift in a snowstorm. If she was emotionally overwhelmed, the effect of the spell might even be amplified.


    Besides, he was about to break through to the fourth level of Qi Refining himself, so it was the perfect time to begin learning attack spells. And after the tenfold feedback, his spells would surely be far stronger.


    The Silver Moon Market wasn''t exactly safe. Just a few days ago, Ye Chen had heard that several cultivators had died within the market.


    Although the patrols claimed to have captured the culprit the very next day and hung them at the market''s entrance, who could really be sure if they were the true murderer? It seemed like the right time to prepare some offensive techniques.


    With this thought in mind, Ye Chen set aside the pills he had planned to give her. He turned and walked out of the store. His sudden departure caught the attention of the staff, and their previously hidden smiles now couldn''t help but open spread across their faces.


    In their eyes, Ye Chen must be heartbroken and at a loss. Another maid, meanwhile, found Ye Chen almost laughable, though a sense of excitement was stirring in her heart.


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    Lin Ke''er was leaving. If Ye Chen was distressed, didn''t that present an opportunity for her? If she could win Ye Chen over, then surely she could gain access to his wealth of pills. With this thought, the maid couldn''t help but smile.


    Lin Ke''er, watching Ye Chen leave without a word, shook her head in resignation. It was clear that Ye Chen truly cared for her. He just couldn''t accept this situation.


    But Lin Ke''er, knowing that Ye Chen was still useful to her, had decided to visit him later, before her official departure, and offer him some comfort.


    In the eyes of others, Ye Chen, who seemed heartbroken, walked all the way to the Green Cloud Shop.


    "Sir, may I help you with something?" the attendant asked.


    Ye Chen had visited this place twice before to sell pills, but he had always altered his appearance, deliberately hunching his back and stooping to make himself look more inconspicuous. This was the first time he had come in his true form. It seemed the attendant didn''t recognize him.


    "I''m about to break through to the fourth level of Qi Refining," Ye Chen said, stating his request. "I wish to purchase a suitable spell for self-defense."


    Upon hearing this, the attendant''s eyes lit up. The Green Cloud Shop dealt in a wide range of goods. Pills, talismans, magical items, and spells were all available. The attendant quickly led Ye Chen to the second floor.


    "What kind of spell are you looking for, sir? Spells come in many categories," the attendant continued. "There are offensive, defensive, speed-enhancing, and control spells.


    "This Fireball Spell, for example, is an offensive spell. It costs thirty lower-grade spirit stones. After practicing, a cultivator can form a fireball about the size of a fist. Upon impact, the fireball explodes, causing tremendous damage.


    "This one is the Ice Needle Spell. It can form sharp ice needles to attack the enemy. These needles are extremely sharp and travel at high speed, able to pierce through the enemy''s skull, delivering a fatal blow. Additionally, the ice needles carry cold energy. Even if they don''t hit a vital point, they can slow down the enemy''s movements if they get injured.


    "And this one is.…"


    Listening to the attendant''s introduction, Ye Chen couldn''t help but marvel inwardly.


    Spells were really expensive! If a cultivator didn''t have money, they would be in serious trouble.


    After pondering for a moment, Ye Chen knew he needed an offensive spell. Attack was the best form of defense. He would first establish powerful offensive capabilities and then think about defense later. Otherwise, he would just be a target for others.


    "Offensive spells, but are there any better ones?" Ye Chen asked thoughtfully.


    Since he planned to give a gift, he wanted to push for the best value within his reach. The higher the value, the greater the return he would receive. The attendant smiled, clearly sensing the potential of this young man. It seemed he was a big customer after all.


    However, at that moment, an elderly voice interrupted: "Young friend, if you''re looking for a high-powered spell, I have one that might suit you."


    Upon hearing this, the attendant turned around helplessly, and Ye Chen followed the voice, recognizing the elderly man as the same one who had previously appraised the pills for him. It seemed the old man was in charge of the Green Cloud Shop.


    However, from the old man''s tone, it appeared he wasn''t offering a product from Green Cloud Shop, but was rather suggesting something private.


    Ye Chen glanced at the attendant, who lowered his head, signaling that he didn''t want to get involved and was pretending not to hear.


    This made Ye Chen reflect on the greed inherent in human nature. It seemed that no matter which world one found themselves in, such underhanded dealings were universal.


    But this was none of Ye Chen''s concern. He didn''t mind who he bought from. In fact, he was glad to have the chance to meet the old man, as his daughter was a fifteen-fold, making this an excellent opportunity for Ye Chen to introduce himself and eventually get to know her.


    This was exactly what Ye Chen wanted.


    "Senior, may I ask what spell you have that suits me?" Ye Chen asked, his interest piqued.


    Seeing that Ye Chen was genuinely interested, the elderly man smiled and led him into a room on the second floor. He then took out several jade slips, arranging them neatly before him.


    With a warm smile on his face, the old man began explaining: "This is the first spell I obtained in Green Cloud City. It''s called the Sword Finger Technique. It can unleash an attack similar to sword qi. It’s razor-sharp and extremely fast, with exceptional penetrating power.


    "Once mastered, it can easily pierce through several thousand jin of stone. The most important aspect is its cold yin energy. Once it wounds the enemy, this cold energy invades their body, affecting their physical state and slowing their spirit qi circulation. I’ll sell it to you for one middle-grade spirit stone."