Am I going to turn into a monster?

Terror filled Jia Ren's face. He was a normal person and had no desire to become a monster.

The first thing he thought of was taking Qingling Powder, an antidote.

After multiple tests confirmed that the Boneless Silverfish were not poisonous, he dared to consume them with peace of mind.

However, after consumption and activating his Mixed Refining Vajra Body, his body underwent Demonification.

Once he ceased using the Mixed Refining Vajra Body, the dark golden color on his skin gradually faded, and the dense silver scales that had surfaced also vanished without a trace.

The silver scales were not permanent; they only appeared when he activated the Mixed Refining Vajra Body, his Body Refining Technique.

The appearance of silver scales while practicing Body Refining Techniques was acceptable to him.

Many Body Refining Techniques mimicked Magical Beasts, and the appearance of some Magical Beast traits was not uncommon.

I'll just consider this... as if I've cultivated an additional Body Refining Technique.

I wonder what effects these silver scales have?

What about their defensive capability?

If I continue to consume the Boneless Silverfish, will the degree of Demonification increase? Will I completely turn into a Magical Beast?

These were all things he needed to consider at the moment; he didn't dare to consume more without understanding the potential risks.

First, he needed to determine the defensive capabilities of the silver scales.

A High-Grade Magic Sword could only leave fine cracks on them.

Untempered, the silver scales had roughly the strength of a Middle-Grade Defense Magic Artifact.

Since Boneless Silverfish live in water, do they possess special water-related effects?

Jia Ren leaped into the pool and activated his Mixed Refining Vajra Body. As the silver scales surfaced, he felt an affinity for Water System Magic, allowing him to perform such spells more skillfully.

The silver scales offered good resistance against spells and sharp magic artifacts, though they were slightly inferior to High-Grade Magic Artifacts.

These scales were in their nascent state. Their defensive capabilities would improve with further Spiritual Power tempering.

The fastest way to enhance them was still... to consume a large number of Boneless Silverfish.

He carefully confirmed there were no hidden dangers that would significantly affect him.

It seemed that the silver scales and the Mixed Refining Vajra Body had merged, granting this Body Refining Technique additional effects.

For now, it seemed to be a positive development.

Still cautious at heart, Jia Ren decided to halt consumption for a few days.

During the following days, he focused on crafting Mind-Guarding Talismans and consuming Ancestral Black Dragon Fish for Body Refinement.

All of this was to lay a solid foundation for the upcoming Foundation Establishment.

With only one Foundation Establishment Pill, he could neither afford to fail nor wanted to.

In the blink of an eye, half a month passed. After consuming a large amount of Spirit Enhancement Pills marked with Elixir Patterns, his internal Spiritual Power gradually became abundant, unknowingly reaching Qi Refining Completion.

He dedicated his spare time to increasing his Proficiency Level with the Mind-Guarding Talisman. Progress was startlingly fast, as he used Ning Shen Xiang (Spirit Concentration Incense) daily regardless of the cost, elevating his Proficiency Level to the Grandmaster Level.

The Black Desert Marketplace had an ample supply of Black Dragon Loach. Sourcing them through the Wumei Restaurant, he consumed at least nine Ancestral Black Dragon Fish daily.

With the aid of these saintly fish for Body Refinement, his progress was astonishing.

His internal organs were completely free of impurities and Elixir Toxins, and their strength had increased substantially.

His abilities to generate blood, recover, and detoxify... all saw significant enhancement.

His internal refinement was complete. The Mixed Refining Vajra Body had reached the fourth stage of perfection, becoming one with him.

When he activated the Mixed Refining Vajra Body, his silver scales shone brightly, their luster growing increasingly splendid.

Under the tempering of Spiritual Power, the silver scales gradually toughened.

Having confirmed there were no hidden dangers or other side effects, Jia Ren finally breathed a sigh of relief and confidently consumed the Boneless Silverfish.

Boneless Silverfish became the second most consumed Spirit Fish in Jia Ren's diet, after the Black Dragon Fish. Each consumption helped solidify the silver scales.

Coupled with the tempering from the Mixed Refining Vajra Body, the scales' strength improved astonishingly. Their defensive ability rapidly surpassed that of the Mixed Refining Vajra Body itself, becoming equivalent to wearing a High-Grade Defense Spirit Armor.

Most importantly, the silver scales' progression was remarkable, showing potential for growth. With continued consumption of Boneless Silverfish, reaching the strength of a Supreme Grade Defense Magic Artifact should pose no issue.

Who knows, in the future, they might even reach the legendary defensive level of Magical Treasures...

As much as he had once loathed them, he now found them equally delightful.

His Thousand Threads of Myriad Souls Technique had broken through to the second layer the previous day, resulting in a noticeable increase in his soul power.

Spiritual Power, body, and soul power—all three had reached the maximum level of enhancement currently possible for him.

After adjusting my condition, I can consider breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Stage.

Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment were entirely different levels. After Foundation Establishment, one's status and identity would be completely different.

Not to mention other aspects, the increase in maximum lifespan alone would somewhat free me from the label of a 'short-lived species.'

The most immediate impact will be... the daily limit of Skill Breaking Points from the Proficiency Panel will increase, spells will break their limits faster, and I'll be able to reach the Extraordinary Saint Level.

In the future, there may even be chances to explore Proficiency Levels beyond the Extraordinary Saint Level.

Maintain a good mood and state to prevent inner demons from arising.

Jia Ren thought of Zhang Peng Peng. He hadn't visited her since moving to his new place.

He also needed to inform her about his upcoming seclusion to avoid any disruption to his Foundation Establishment.

Eliminate any factors that could impact the breakthrough in their infancy.

The Black Desert Marketplace was not very large, and with specific information, locating someone was easy.

He headed towards the west side of the market, where stone houses of varying sizes were neatly arranged.

Aside from the core areas, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold, rental costs in other parts of the Black Desert Marketplace didn't vary much, typically one Spirit Stone per month.

Compared to the filth-laden, unmanaged Outer City of the Great Wilderness Market, the residential environment in the Black Desert Marketplace was significantly better, rivaling even Heavenly Arts Lane in the Inner City.

Every now and then, one could see mortals sweeping dust off the slate stones, their faces weathered by hardship.

"Greetings, Immortal Master."

Whenever a Cultivator passed by, mortals would respectfully bow.

They did this not in hopes of gaining some immortal boon, but rather... to avoid encountering ill-tempered Cultivators who might arbitrarily find an excuse to kill them.

Fighting was forbidden in the market, but this rule had little restraining power over powerful and influential Cultivators.

If a Cultivator killed a mortal who had no background, the matter usually ended with a mere compensation of Spirit Stones, and that would be the end of it.

Anyone who had personally witnessed a fellow street cleaner killed on the spot by a Cultivator merely for not offering a respectful greeting would become doubly cautious.

Cultivators suffered, but mortals suffered more.

Jia Ren nodded and walked to Zhang Peng Peng's residence.

Outside the house, plenty of Monster Beast Meat was being air-dried, and a faint scent of ink emanated from within.

Shortly after he knocked, Zhang Peng Peng opened the door. Seeing Jia Ren, she was both surprised and joyful, "Why have you come?"

"You didn't even let me know you were coming."

She held a bronze mirror, dabbing rouge and powder onto her face.

"I'm going into long-term seclusion soon to attempt a breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Stage," Jia Ren said.

"You won't be able to contact me for a while."

Zhang Peng Peng was taken aback for a moment, then quickly asked, "Foundation Establishment? How come so soon?"

"Without a Foundation Establishment Pill, the chances of breaking through are very low."

"Don't you want to join a Sect? With your talent in the Path of Charms and Alchemy, getting a Foundation Establishment Pill wouldn't be difficult."

"I've heard that in the Inner City, many Loose Cultivators damage their cultivation foundation during Foundation Establishment… and lose all hope for the Great Dao for the rest of their lives."

"Don't you want to prepare more?"

Foundation Establishment is crucial. For Loose Cultivators, it's a matter of life and death, with an extremely high mortality rate.

Zhang Peng Peng looked at him, her eyes full of worry.

"Rest assured, I have already made all the preparations," Jia Ren replied.

"Before I came here, I had a favor to ask of you."

"I plan to open an elixir and Talisman shop, and you're the only one I trust. During this time, please help me find a suitable location."

Jia Ren had plenty of Spirit Stones, ensuring no worries about his cultivation for a long time to come.

Things were manageable in the Qi Refinement Realm, but upon reaching Foundation Establishment, the consumption of resources and Spirit Stones would increase exponentially, perhaps tenfold.

In the future, he would need to refine Magic Artifacts and study Formations; there would be too many expenses requiring Spirit Stones.

Simply living off my savings isn't a sustainable solution.

He also needed to sell his surplus Talismans and elixirs for resources.

Jia Ren didn't plan to join a Sect; he would have to rely on himself for cultivation resources in the future.

Once he broke through to the Foundation Establishment Stage, protecting a shop would be easy. He could also use the shop to sell Talismans and elixirs, creating a beneficial cycle.

He had to make advance preparations for the shop.

You're the only one I trust...

"Don't worry, leave it to me," Zhang Peng Peng said, nodding without hesitation, her eyes seeming to shine.

"I will manage the shop well for you."

Living alone was indeed tough.

Selling Talismans at a stall often meant exploitation. Besides, the Loose Cultivators in the Black Desert Marketplace were generally poor and reluctant to buy Talismans.

Cultivators with some wealth preferred trustworthy shops, making it difficult for independent Loose Cultivators.

She had been worrying about making ends meet, so the prospect of a shop was like timely rain.

"This is some fish I prepared for you."

Jia Ren handed the food container with the Seven-Colored Fish to Zhang Peng Peng.

The Spirit Fish had been cooked, which largely eliminated the risk of its secret being exposed.

"Won't you come in and sit for a while?" Zhang Peng Peng asked, her gaze on Jia Ren filled with a hint of expectation.

Jia Ren shook his head and smiled, "I'm relieved to see you're safe and sound."

"Be very careful in everything you do in the market."

Jia Ren handed dozens of Golden Bell Shield Talismans he had made to Zhang Peng Peng, then departed.

Having resolved one lingering concern, he returned to his Cave.

The Yun Luo Illusion Array, the Solid as Golden Soup Formation, and the Mysterious Sword Seven Kills Array were all fully activated.

Confirming his sanctuary was secure, Jia Ren took out all the items he had prepared.

First was the Foundation Establishment Pill. It was perfectly preserved, its medicinal efficacy intact.

Seventy-three Extraordinary Saint Level Evil Warding Talismans were placed close to his chest.

A total of one thousand seventy-five Mind-Guarding Talismans bulged within his Taoist Robe.

Five drops of Pure Spirit Jade Milk, yet to be consumed.

Three Vein-protecting Pills were set aside, ready for any emergency.

Over seventy sticks of Ning Shen Xiang (Spirit Concentration Incense) were lined up, slowly releasing their fragrance.

Lastly, there were the Fasting Pills for sustenance: over one hundred and twenty Jade Vases were uniformly arranged, containing a total of over one thousand two hundred Fasting Pills.

Fasting Pills were First Order, low-grade Spirit Pills, simple to refine. Jia Ren had long since reached the Grandmaster Level in their refinement, and each pill he made was ten times more effective than an ordinary one.

These would be enough to sustain him for a year of seclusion.

With everything ready, he began his Foundation Establishment!

Jia Ren meditated to adjust his condition, bringing his Essence, Energy, and Spirit to their peak.

He took out the Jade Vase containing the Foundation Establishment Pill and broke the restrictive seal and wax covering.

In an instant, an extraordinarily rich medicinal fragrance filled the air.

The aroma alone far surpassed any Spirit Pill or wondrous medicine he had ever encountered; even Grandmaster Level Spirit Enhancement Pills paled in comparison.

Truly worthy of being the Foundation Establishment Pill that every Loose Cultivator dreams of.

I must achieve Foundation Establishment!

Not wanting to waste any of its medicinal properties, Jia Ren decisively swallowed the Foundation Establishment Pill.

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