txolops Chapter 21: Awakening
Chapter 21: Awakening
At this moment, under the triple drain of snake venom, cultivation advancement, and low-temperature erosion, the first-grade superior ice flower had also been depleted to a state of near exhaustion, with little remaining.
The venom left by the white snake on his left wrist had all been expelled from his body, leaving only a small, inverted triangular wound that faintly remained, a testament to the cruelty and crisis of the incident.
As Tong Bingfeng's cultivation level advanced and the snake venom was expelled, the remaining low-temperature corrosion, though deadly, could still provide some self-protection under the protection of his fourth-level Qi Refining cultivation.
Most importantly, once a cultivator awakens from a deep coma, it is entirely possible to overcome the effects of low-temperature erosion and hypothermia.
"Cough cough cough"
After a long while, with a series of violent coughs, Tong Bingfeng opened his eyes with difficulty, revealing a look of doubt, as if wondering why he was here.
"A white snake? Snake venom? A top-grade first-tier ice flower?"
Suddenly, it was as if a special, closed gate had been opened in my mind, and a series of temporarily forgotten memories instantly flooded in.
"Splash!"
After resting for a while, Tong Bingfeng gathered his strength and stood up. He looked at his left arm, which had recovered completely, and felt the shivering in the low temperature. His overall reaction was still a little slower.
"Fourth level of Qi Refining?"
Although puzzled, a huge surprise surged in his heart after feeling the new level of cultivation. After all, the advancement of cultivation is the greatest pursuit for every cultivator.
Furthermore, during his coma, with the assistance of the Ice Flower, his cultivation at the fourth level of Qi Refining had already stabilized initially, without needing to expend additional time and energy to consolidate his cultivation.
"The extreme cold of the icy northern Xinjiang region at night is the biggest killer. While unconscious, the frostbite caused by the low temperature is unavoidable. Returning to the courtyard to rest is the most important thing."
There are priorities, and at this stage, one's own life safety is the most important thing compared to everything else. Tong Bingfeng, who has regained his senses, is naturally very clear about this.
After moving his slightly stiff body and getting his bearings, he picked up the remains of the white snake and turned to head towards the still brightly lit Ice Spirit Island.
Ice Sea Market is the only market within a thousand miles with a complete range of supplies. Countless cultivators come and go every day, and this ubiquitous trading activity does not stop even at night.
The magical power within his dantian generously transformed into surging streams that flowed into the meridians of his feet, providing a propulsive force for his forward movement.
Tong Bingfeng only needs to lightly step on the ice surface, and his entire body can glide several meters away, saving a lot of time and energy.
After a half-hour journey, Tong Bingfeng successfully returned to the courtyard.
Along the way, under the corrosive low temperatures unique to the icy northern frontier, they not only did not encounter a single cultivator, but even the demonic beasts chose to hide beneath the ice.
While the spiritual energy supply of this small courtyard rented from Binghai Market was limited, its insulation performance was quite excellent. The not-so-thick walls successfully kept out the cold of the Northern Frontier Ice Region, and no matter how fiercely it raged, it could not take away any heat from the house.
"Although he miraculously regained consciousness and did not die, the frostbite caused by the low temperature covered more than 70% of his body. He needs to purchase some special frostbite ointment to apply in order to have any chance of healing."
Tong Bingfeng felt the injuries all over his body, especially some of the deeper frostbite areas, which were clearly not something that could be healed by a cultivator's self-healing ability.
Frostbite Ointment is a unique ointment in the Northern Frontier Ice Region, specially formulated to treat frostbite. It is made from more than ten kinds of first-grade low-grade spiritual herbs, and each bottle is priced at four spirit stones. It is sold in most shops in the Ice Sea Market.
Originally, Tong Bingfeng had not been able to afford it because he was short of money and the ice harvester's relatively regular life. But now, as a cultivator who makes a living by hunting monsters, he must be equipped with it.
"Although this white snake is rather damaged, most of its body is still intact, and its gall bladder is undamaged. It should be worth exchanging for some spirit stones."
Apart from a white snake as a trophy, Tong Bingfeng had no spirit stones on him. After all, the most valuable trophy of this trip, a first-grade high-quality ice flower, had already been consumed and used to help him advance to the fourth level of Qi Refining.
As the sun and moon revolve and day and night alternate, a round sun slowly rises in the east.
Golden sunlight bathed the entire courtyard, and a unique warmth dispelled the chill that had raged all night.
The entire Ice Spirit Island once again became bustling with activity, with cultivators coming and going in droves, busy with various tasks and buying and selling spiritual items.
Tong Bingfeng, this newly promoted Qi Refining Level 4 cultivator, stood among the passing crowd without any conspicuous features or anything that warranted extra attention.
I stood in front of a small shop called "Liu's Grocery Store" under a thick layer of clothing.
This shop is not large and its decoration is ordinary, but it is famous among the early and mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators who have lived near the Ice Spirit Island for a long time for its genuine products.
"Mr. Liu, does your store sell frostbite ointment? What is the quality like? How much does it cost?"
After tidying up a bit, Tong Bingfeng strode inside, loudly calling out the shop owner's name and clearly stating the purpose of his visit.
"It's been a long time. Fellow Daoist Tong has advanced to the fourth level of Qi Refining, stepping into the mid-stage of Qi Refining. Your future path is bright and promising. Congratulations!"
A middle-aged monk dressed in a gray robe with some wrinkles on his face emerged from a small door in the corner of Liu's General Store.
Instead of answering the question directly, the cultivator looked Tong Bingfeng up and down, a familiar cultivator who frequently came to buy various spiritual items, and offered his heartfelt congratulations with a sincere smile.
"My cultivation has been stagnant at the third level of Qi Refining for over two years. This advancement to the fourth level of Qi Refining is nothing more than the result of persistent, painstaking effort, and is not worth mentioning at all."
When it comes to external affairs, Tong Bingfeng has always been humble and low-key, after all, a fourth-level Qi Refining cultivator is just a slightly larger ant.
"The future looks promising for those at the sixth level of Qi Refining. When buying or selling various spiritual items in the future, don't forget your old friend, Liu's General Store. We will definitely offer a fair and just price."
The shop owner made enthusiastic promises, his words carrying a hint of flattery, after all, the needs of a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator were far beyond those of an early-stage Qi Refining cultivator.
"Of course, Fellow Daoist Liu, could you please tell me the price of this white snake? Also, could you provide any information about the frostbite ointment?"
After exchanging pleasantries, Tong Bingfeng changed the subject, handing over the white snake in his hand, while also showing more interest in information about the frostbite ointment.
"A mid-grade first-tier Hidden White Serpent, adept at concealing its aura, possessing potent venom, and its sneak attacks are utterly unpredictable. Fellow Daoist Tong, you truly possess remarkable skill."