Ji Chen did not refuse and directly collected these Spirit Stones.
After all, now that his cultivation has reached the First Layer of the Vein Condensation Realm, having the support of Spirit Stones during training can naturally be quite beneficial for enhancing his strength.
"Have you made a breakthrough?"
Fang Qingyao was initially going to leave directly, but her gaze locked onto Ji Chen, and after hesitating for a moment, she couldn't help but inquire.
She could sense that the aura Ji Chen exuded now was noticeably stronger than the last time they met.
Although she couldn't precisely determine Ji Chen's current realm, Fang Qingyao knew that a breakthrough on his part was likely beyond doubt.
No wonder the master had her deliver these Spirit Stones to this spoiled individual.
Ji Chen's breakthrough probably brought some comfort and joy to the master, which is why he rewarded him with so many Spirit Stones.
Thinking this, Fang Qingyao couldn't help but shake her head quietly.
In her view, this pampered Young Sect Leader is a hopeless case, and giving him more Spirit Stones is futile.
This time it was just a lucky breakthrough; who knows when the next one will be achievable.
"If I'm not mistaken, Senior Sister's cultivation should be at the Eighth Layer of the Vein Condensation Realm, right?" Ji Chen suddenly spoke.
Now, Fang Qingyao is twenty-three years old, similar to Ji Chen's past life.
But after being reborn, Ji Chen's current body is only eighteen, with a five-year difference between them.
And being able to reach the Eighth Layer of the Vein Condensation Realm at Fang Qingyao's age is rare not just in the Lingyun Sect, but in the entire Chu Kingdom.
However, compared to the real prodigies, Fang Qingyao still falls short in many ways.
Just like Liu Qingcheng, who came by a few days ago to break off the engagement, having reached the Spirit Transformation Realm at eighteen, her talent surpasses Fang Qingyao's by more than a notch.
"Why?" Fang Qingyao was slightly stunned.
"I heard that Senior Sister recently managed to successfully practice the 'Celestial Mist Finger' of our Lingyun Sect. With your current cultivation, if you display the Celestial Mist Finger, you have a high probability of defeating a Ninth Layer Vein Condensation expert. However, against a Spirit Transformation Realm expert, you probably wouldn't stand a chance," Ji Chen said.
The Celestial Mist Finger is currently the most powerful martial technique in the Lingyun Sect, rated at the High Level of the Yellow Tier.
Throughout the entire sect, only the Sect Leader, Ji Xiaotian, and now Fang Qingyao, have successfully comprehended it.
"Isn't that obvious?"
Upon listening to Ji Chen's straightforward talk, Fang Qingyao couldn't help but retort, "The gap between Vein Condensation and Spirit Transformation is like heaven and earth; it's not on the same level at all. With such a disparity, even possessing a High Level Yellow Tier martial technique, I doubt anyone would claim they could be a match, right?"
"What about a Profound Tier martial technique?" Ji Chen smiled, asking again.
Fang Qingyao was silent, seemingly contemplating something. After a moment, she replied, "With my current cultivation, if I truly had a Profound Tier martial technique, even if it was just at the Low Level, if fully exerted, I might barely contend against an ordinary First Layer Spirit Transformation Realm expert, but the odds of winning are still less than one-tenth..."
"Moreover, such Profound Tier martial techniques are rarely seen across the entire Chu Kingdom. The forces in possession of such techniques probably amount to less than a handful, and it's likely only the Royal Family might have them."
Saying this, she couldn't help but sigh.
There was a time when the Lingyun Sect was also prosperous, possessing two major Profound Tier martial techniques.
However, in recent years, as the sect's income has fallen short and the disciples' cultivation resource pressure has grown too great, the sect ultimately decided to sell these two Profound Tier martial techniques in exchange for a considerable amount of Spirit Stones, which has sustained its development in recent years.
"Why are you suddenly telling me this?" Fang Qingyao frowned slightly, looking at Ji Chen with confusion.
She wondered if she was too idle, seriously discussing these unfounded matters with this pampered individual.
"Does Senior Sister still remember that I had a ten-year agreement with Liu Qingcheng to let the Lingyun Sect surpass the Purple Cloud Sect within ten years?" Ji Chen asked in return.
Upon hearing this, Fang Qingyao's face darkened.
Because in her view, as well as in everyone's, the Lingyun Sect would undoubtedly be the losing party in this so-called ten-year agreement.
Ji Chen's gamble with Liu Qingcheng on the future of the sect seemed unwise to Fang Qingyao, although it was in line with his reckless style.
"If the Lingyun Sect wants to surpass the Purple Cloud Sect, it has to become strong, and for a sect to grow, the disciples cannot be too weak," Ji Chen stated.
Fang Qingyao was even more puzzled, looking at him, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Actually, I do have Profound Tier martial techniques here. Would Senior Sister be interested in training with them?" Ji Chen asked with a smile.
Despite not being very friendly to him, Fang Qingyao is truly loyal to the sect, having joined the Lingyun Sect in her teens and later becoming the direct disciple of his father, Ji Xiaotian.
"You? Profound Tier martial techniques?"
Hearing Ji Chen's words, Fang Qingyao was first shocked, then couldn't help but laugh, as if she had heard a great joke.
Without wasting any words, Ji Chen promptly flipped his palm, taking out the two Profound Tier martial techniques he had recently imprinted and presented them in front of Fang Qingyao.
"Both martial techniques are Low Level Profound Tier, one a finger technique, the other a palm technique. Which one does Senior Sister want to learn? Or would you like to take both back and try them out?" With that, Ji Chen directly handed the two martial techniques to her.
"This..."
Fang Qingyao was once again stunned, instinctively examining the two martial techniques in her hands.
Amidst her suspicion, she began to browse through them.
Her facial expression shifted from initial confusion to surprise, ultimately to shock.
"These are indeed Profound Tier martial techniques!"
With martial techniques, any normal cultivator could almost immediately discern their authenticity and grade with just a glance.
Fang Qingyao never expected that both martial techniques Ji Chen brought out were genuine and had reached Low Level Profound Tier!
How is this possible?
"Where did you get these?" she asked in confusion and astonishment, a mixture of emotions reflected on her face, her eyes filled with disbelief as she looked at Ji Chen.
"There's no need for Senior Sister to worry about that. I only ask, how long would it take to successfully practice these two martial techniques?" Ji Chen asked back.
She frowned, after a brief silence, replied, "About a month should be enough."
"Very well."
Ji Chen nodded, "After a month, you can directly hand over these two martial techniques to Father; you don't have to return them to me. He can handle them however he wishes, whether selling them or storing them in the Martial Arts Hall."
"And then I will give you a few more different Profound Tier martial techniques to train with."
"You have more?"
This statement left Fang Qingyao flabbergasted, her face full of incredulity.