lǐ fán méi yǒu tǔ cáo de yì si 。
李凡没有吐槽的意思。
Li Fan didn't intend to complain.
ér shì zhè 《 zuò shān jué 》， zuì chū què shí bú shì xiū shì suǒ chuàng 。
而是这《坐山诀》，最初确实不是修士所创。
Instead, the *Sitting Mountain Technique* was indeed not created by cultivators originally. The exact origin of it could no longer be traced back. According to the records in the technique, the initial version of the *Sitting Mountain Technique* required practitioners to enhance their realm only through "sitting on a mountain."
jù tǐ cóng hé ér lái ， yǐ jīng bù kě kǎo 。
具体从何而来，已经不可考。
By continuously selecting and climbing higher mountains, one would gain corresponding cultivation improvements. However, this process was too long. In ancient times, cultivators often had to wait years or even decades just to reach the base of a mountain, let alone climb it.
dàn gēn jù gōng fǎ zhōng jì zǎi ， chū bǎn 《 zuò shān jué 》， xiǎng yào tí shēng jìng jiè ， zhǐ yǒu kào zhe “ zuò shān ”。
但根据功法中记载，初版《坐山诀》，想要提升境界，只有靠着“坐山”。
"If the effect is mediocre," Li Fan thought, "I might as well focus on *The Calming Sea Divine Sword Technique*."
yī kào xuǎn dìng shān fēng bù duàn tí shēng gāo dù ， cóng ér huò dé xiāng yìng de xiū wèi fǎn kuì 。
依靠选定山峰不断提升高度，从而获得相应的修为反馈。
Deciding so, he took out the *Thousand Mechanisms Jade Orb and Golden Chapter* scroll.
zhè ge guò chéng , tài guò màn cháng 。
这个过程, 太过漫长。
"Debt of gratitude for imparting cultivation techniques is immense, especially in a world where one cannot practice multiple cultivation methods simultaneously. The gratitude for imparting techniques is almost like being reborn."
shàng gǔ zhī shí ， shān hé kě bù xiàng rú jīn zhè bān ， děng xián yì biàn 。
上古之时，山河可不像如今这般，等闲易变。
"He Zhenghao has been kind to me before, likely due to the *Sitting Enjoyment Technique*."
yī zuò shān fēng wǎng wǎng jǐ qiān nián shí jiān ， gāo dù cái huì zēng zhǎng nà me yī sī 。
一座山峰往往几千年时间，高度才会增长那么一丝。
"Unfortunately, his vision was too narrow; he only offered small favors. Even if it could provide some cultivation benefits, I doubt they would be significant."
zhè 《 zuò shān jué 》 rú guǒ bú shì wán xiào zhī zuò ， nà me yǔ qí shuō shì yòng lái gěi rén xiū liàn de 。
这《坐山诀》如果不是玩笑之做，那么与其说是用来给人修炼的。
"Investing in investments—larger inputs yield larger returns."
dào bù rú shuō ， shì gěi shān fēng zhī shàng de shù mù 、 shān shí suǒ yòng 。
倒不如说，是给山峰之上的树木、山石所用。
"I might as well give this a shot and see how the *Sitting Mountain Technique* performs."
kě jù lǐ fán suǒ zhī ， dāng jīn xiū xiān jiè ， chú le rén zhī wài , kě méi yǒu shén me cǎo mù jīng guài 、 yì xíng yāo shòu zhī shuō 。
可据李凡所知，当今修仙界，除了人之外, 可没有什么草木精怪、异型妖兽之说。
He took out the *Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror* to check the market for元婴期 (Advanced Foundation) cultivation techniques.
shāo wēi qiáng dà yì diǎn de nà xiē yì shòu ， yě zhǐ shì kào zhe tǐ nèi xuè mài ， cái néng zhǎng kòng zhe yī sī chāo fán de lì liàng 。
稍微强大一点的那些异兽，也只是靠着体内血脉，才能掌控着一丝超凡的力量。
In the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, the price of Qi Condensation period cultivation techniques ranged from 1000 to 3000 contribution points.
dàn què shì jué duì wú fǎ xiū liàn de 。
但却是绝对无法修炼的。
For Foundation Establishment period techniques, it was generally between 5000 and 10000 contribution points.
“ nán dào shuō ， zuì chū zhī shí ， zhè ge shì jiè yě shì cún zài zhe jīng guài de ？ zhǐ bù guò hòu lái chū xiàn le shén me biàn gù ， suǒ yǒu de yāo shòu dōu xiāo shī le 。” lǐ fán bù yóu dì cāi cè dào 。
“难道说，最初之时，这个世界也是存在着精怪的？只不过后来出现了什么变故，所有的妖兽都消失了。”李凡不由地猜测道。
Starting from Golden Core period techniques, prices saw a significant jump. The least expensive ones started at 30000, with more refined cultivation methods commanding higher prices—ranging from 40000 to 50000 points.
bù guò ， wú lùn shì shí rú hé ， dōu yǔ lǐ fán xiū xíng zhè 《 zuò shān jué 》 guān xì bù dà 。 tā yě zhǐ shì xiá xiǎng le yī fān ， shēn jiū yě shì wú yòng 。
不过，无论事实如何，都与李凡修行这《坐山诀》关系不大。他也只是遐想了一番，深究也是无用。
For True Advanced Foundation techniques, the starting price was 50000 contribution points, and even 100000 wasn't considered too much.
chū bǎn 《 zuò shān jué 》， xiū shì gēn běn wú fǎ yòng lái xiū liàn 。
初版《坐山诀》，修士根本无法用来修炼。
Li Fan saw a technique called *Yin-Yang Twin Cultivation Consensus* listed at an astonishing 150000 contribution points.
kě shì suí zhe dà jié jiàng lín , shān hé biàn dòng yuè fā pín fā ， zhè 《 zuò shān jué 》 fǎn ér biàn dé miǎn qiǎng néng gòu xiū xíng le 。
可是随着大劫降临, 山河变动越发频发，这《坐山诀》反而变得勉强能够修行了。
He wondered what its secrets were.
hòu lái ， qiān nián qián yǒu yī jīng cái jué yàn zhī bèi ， wú yì zhōng dé dào le zhè 《 zuò shān jué 》。
后来，千年前有一惊才绝艳之辈，无意中得到了这《坐山诀》。
"Kou Hong, Dao Xuanzi, this world will not let you brothers fight each other."
gēn jù qí “ zuò shān xiǎng qí chéng ” jīng yì ， duì gōng fǎ zuò le xiū gǎi 。
根据其“坐山享其成”精意，对功法做了修改。
Li Fan smiled and chose to sell the *Thousand Mechanisms Jade Orb and Golden Chapter* technique.
zì shēn xiū liàn yě néng zēng jiā gōng fǎ jìn dù 。
自身修炼也能增加功法进度。
The Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror scanned with a faint glow for half a moment before offering 90000 contribution points.
bìng qiě shǐ de “ zuò xiǎng qí chéng ” de shì yòng fàn wéi ， yóu shān ， kuò zēng dào le rén 。
并且使得“坐享其成”的适用范围，由山，扩增到了人。
Considering that the mirror had a discount, this indicated that the *Thousand Mechanisms Jade Orb and Golden Chapter* was indeed of high quality.
zhè cái zhèng shì shǐ de 《 zuò shān jué 》 chéng wéi le yī mén zhēn xī fēi fán de fǎ mén 。
这才正式使得《坐山诀》成为了一门珍惜非凡的法门。
Without hesitation, Li Fan accepted it. A golden contract flew out from the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror and stopped in front of him.
zhǐ kě xī zhè wèi jué shì tiān cái ， jǐn jǐn shì zài gōng fǎ qián yán zhōng , jì lù xià le cǐ shì 。 bìng méi yǒu liú xià zì jǐ de míng zì 。
只可惜这位绝世天才，仅仅是在功法前言中, 记录下了此事。并没有留下自己的名字。
He carefully read through the terms.
《 zuò shān jué 》 hé 《 dìng hǎi shén jiàn 》 yī yàng , shì jīn dān qī gōng fǎ 。
《坐山诀》和《定海神剑》一样, 是金丹期功法。
The contract outlined various注意事项 (cautions) for technique transactions. Once the transaction was completed, the technique would belong to the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance. Any future use of the technique would be unrelated to the original owner. The transaction could not be reversed, and the original owner's memories related to the technique would automatically disappear.
cǐ shì ， kěn dìng shì zú gòu lǐ fán xiū xíng le 。
此世，肯定是足够李凡修行了。
Please do not keep copies of the technique for trading with others; otherwise, you will bear the consequences.
lǐ fán gēn jù gōng fǎ kǒu jué yùn zhuàn ， zhǐ piàn kè gōng fu ，《 zuò shān jué 》 jiù rù mén le 。
李凡根据功法口诀运转，只片刻功夫，《坐山诀》就入门了。
...
dàn jiē xià lái ， xiū xíng zhōng de nà gǔ zhì sè gǎn fù yòu chū xiàn 。
但接下来，修行中的那股滞涩感复又出现。
There were no objections.
xiǎn rán ，《 zuò shān jué 》 yě bù yǔ lǐ fán de zhù jī qí wù cāng hǎi zhū xiāng pǐ pèi 。
显然，《坐山诀》也不与李凡的筑基奇物沧海珠相匹配。
Using spiritual energy as a pen, Li Fan signed his name on the golden contract. The contract then transformed into countless golden particles, some disappearing into his body while others returned to the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror along with the scroll.
lǐ fán yóu yù le piàn kè ， què shì yùn zhuàn qǐ le 《 tài shàng yuán shǐ zhēn jīng 》。
李凡犹豫了片刻，却是运转起了《太上原始真经》。
The transaction completed, Li Fan's memory of the *Thousand Mechanisms Jade Orb and Golden Chapter* technique disappeared. He only vaguely remembered having owned it but had no recollection of its every word or sentence.
jiāng 《 qiān jī yù huán jīn zhāng 》 de gōng lì jìn shù huà qù ， zhuǎn ér xiū liàn qǐ 《 zuò shān jué 》 lái 。
将《千机玉寰金章》的功力尽数化去，转而修炼起《坐山诀》来。
Li Fan felt no sense of loss; after all, it was a [True] binding item that he didn't need to worry about losing.
zài zhù jī qī páng dà ér jīng cuì de xiū wèi zhù lì xià ， lǐ fán mò guò duō jiǔ ， jiù jiāng 《 zuò shān jué 》 xiū liàn dào le zhù jī qī 。
在筑基期庞大而精粹的修为助力下，李凡没过多久，就将《坐山诀》修炼到了筑基期。
"Looks like I can make a fortune in each life from this."
“ jiē xià lái ， jiù shì yào kàn kàn zhè 【 zuò xiǎng qí chéng 】， dào dǐ xiào yòng rú hé le 。”
“接下来，就是要看看这【坐享其成】，到底效用如何了。”
With 90000 contribution points secured, Li Fan began his experiment with the *Sitting Enjoyment Technique* effect.
“ ruò shì xiào guǒ yì bān ， nà me wǒ fǎn dào bù rú qù xiū 《 dìng hǎi shén jiàn 》。”
“若是效果一般，那么我反倒不如去修《定海神剑》。”
"An experimental control group is needed; let's choose Xiao Mei."
ná dìng le zhǔ yì ， lǐ fán ná chū le 《 qiān jī yù huán jīn zhāng 》 de yù jiǎn 。
拿定了主意，李凡拿出了《千机玉寰金章》的玉简。
The first investment for the *Sitting Mountain Technique* would naturally be Su Xiaomei, a天生仙体 (Heavenly Birthed Immortal Body) and 天妒之人 (Heavenly Envied Person).
“ suǒ wèi ēn mò dà yú chuán fǎ ， yóu qí shì zài zhè ge xiān fǎ bù kě tóng xiū de shì jiè 。 chuán fǎ zhī ēn ， jǐ tóng zài zào 。”
“所谓恩莫大于传法，尤其是在这个仙法不可同修的世界。传法之恩，几同再造。”
His doppelgänger put on clothes, hid its cultivation with a concealment talisman, and stood aside.
“ hé zhèng hào zhī qián ， duì wǒ duō yǒu zhào gù , xiǎng lái yě shì yīn wèi 【 zuò xiǎng qí chéng 】 de yuán gù 。”
“何正浩之前，对我多有照顾, 想来也是因为【坐享其成】的缘故。”
Using a communication spiritual talisman, he called them over.
“ kě xī tā gé jú tài xiǎo , dōu shì xiē xiǎo ēn xiǎo huì 。 jiù suàn néng gòu fǎn kuì xiū wèi ， xiǎng lái yě méi yǒu duō shǎo 。”
“可惜他格局太小, 都是些小恩小惠。就算能够反馈修为，想来也没有多少。”
Soon enough, Su Xiaomei and Xiao Heng arrived at the stone room under the lake. They curiously looked at Li Fan's doppelgänger, wondering who this strange cultivator was.
“ tóu zī tóu zī , zì rán shì tóu rù yuè dà ， huí kuì yuè dà 。”
“投资投资, 自然是投入越大，回馈越大。”
But Li Fan didn't speak, so they dared not ask questions.
“ suǒ xìng jiù wán yī bǎ dà de ， kàn kàn zhè 《 zuò shān jué 》 dào dǐ rú hé 。”
“索性就玩一把大的，看看这《坐山诀》到底如何。”
"Master! Greetings, Senior!"
dāng xià ná chū tiān xuán xiǎo jìng ， chá kàn qǐ le yuán yīng gōng fǎ de háng qíng 。
当下拿出天玄小镜，查看起了元婴功法的行情。
The two respectfully bowed.
wàn xiān méng zhōng ， liàn qì qī gōng fǎ de jià gé ， yì bān zài 1000-3000 diǎn gòng xiàn dù zhī jiān 。
万仙盟中，炼气期功法的价格，一般在1000-3000点贡献度之间。
"How are your cultivation practices?" Li Fan asked, turning his back to them.
zhù jī gōng fǎ ， zé yì bān zài 5000-10000 diǎn gòng xiàn dù zhī jiān 。
筑基功法，则一般在5000-10000点贡献度之间。
"I've been making great progress, Master. I'm already Qi Condensation Complete and can soon start Foundation Establishment. But Foundation Establishment requires rare materials and techniques, which cost a lot of contribution points. It will take me a long time to save up," Su Xiaomei said with big eyes, looking pitifully at Li Fan.
ér cóng jīn dān gōng fǎ kāi shǐ ， jià gé jiù yíng lái le yí gè dà de fēi yuè 。
而从金丹功法开始，价格就迎来了一个大的飞跃。
"Senior, I am also preparing for Foundation Establishment," Xiao Heng was somewhat reserved.
zuì dī děng de yě yào 30000 diǎn ， ér yuè shì jīng miào de jié dān fǎ mén ， jià gé yuè gāo 。
最低等的也要30000点，而越是精妙的结丹法门，价格越高。
After a moment's silence, he seemed to be thinking about something.
cóng 40000 dào 50000 dōu yǒu 。
从40000到50000都有。
After a while, Li Fan turned around and said, "Collecting Dao Rhythm ancient artifacts has delayed your progress."
yuán yīng zhēn gōng ， zé shì 50000 qǐ bù ，100000 diǎn gòng xiàn dù yě bù suàn duō 。
元婴真功，则是50000起步，100000点贡献度也不算多。
Xiao Heng quickly replied, "Senior, how could you say such things? Being able to serve you is an honor for me. Without Senior, we wouldn't have been able to leave the realm and embark on the path of immortality."
lǐ fán shèn zhì kàn dào yī mén jiào zuò 《 yīn yáng shuāng xiū cān tóng qì 》 de gōng fǎ ， biāo zhe 150000 diǎn de jīng rén jià gé 。
李凡甚至看到一门叫做《阴阳双修参同契》的功法，标着150000点的惊人价格。
"Moreover, our cultivation techniques were provided by Senior."
yě bù zhī dào dǐ yǒu shén me xuán miào zhī chù 。
也不知到底有什么玄妙之处。
"The gratitude for imparting techniques will always be remembered by your late disciple," Xiao Heng said.
“ kòu hóng 、 dào xuán zi ， cǐ shì dìng rán bú huì jiào nǐ men xiōng dì xiāng cán 。”
“寇洪、道玄子，此世定然不会叫你们兄弟相残。”
Li Fan waited until he finished speaking before continuing: "In cultivation, it's all about making progress quickly."
lǐ fán wēi wēi yī xiào ， xuǎn zé fàn mài yuán yīng gōng fǎ ：《 qiān jī yù huán jīn zhāng 》。
李凡微微一笑，选择贩卖元婴功法：《千机玉寰金章》。
"If you rely solely on saving up contribution points, it might take another three or five years."
tiān xuán xiǎo jìng yōu guāng sǎo guò 。
天玄小镜幽光扫过。
"Wasting precious cultivation time could mean a completely different outcome in the future."
guò le bàn shǎng ， gěi chū le 90000 diǎn gòng xiàn dù de jià gé 。
过了半晌，给出了90000点贡献度的价格。
"So..."
kǎo lǜ dào tiān xuán jìng shōu gòu shì yǒu zhé jià de ， shuō míng zhè 《 qiān jī yù huán jīn zhāng 》 dào yě dí què bù sú 。
考虑到天玄镜收购是有折价的，说明这《千机玉寰金章》倒也的确不俗。
Li Fan paused and continued, "You two can choose your desired techniques and treasures within this Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror. I'll pay for them."
lǐ fán yě bù yóu yù ， zhí jiē xuǎn zé le jiē shòu 。
李凡也不犹豫，直接选择了接受。
"After obtaining them, you should immediately start Foundation Establishment without further delay."
yī zhāng jīn sè de qì shū ， cóng tiān xuán xiǎo jìng zhōng fēi chū ， tíng zài lǐ fán miàn qián 。
一张金色的契书，从天玄小镜中飞出，停在李凡面前。
Su Xiaomei and Xiao Heng were initially stunned but then excited when they realized the magnitude of their good fortune.
lǐ fán zǐ xì yuè dú qǐ lái 。
李凡仔细阅读起来。
Just as they were about to bow in gratitude, Li Fan said, "Xiao Mei has always called me Master. Although I never agreed, there is still a bond between us. So, I won't ask for contribution points from her; it's my way of showing gratitude."
qì shū shàng shuō míng le gōng fǎ jiāo yì de zhǒng zhǒng zhù yì shì xiàng 。
契书上说明了功法交易的种种注意事项。
"However, I will lend you some contribution points so that you can advance to Foundation Establishment early. Do you have any objections?"
yí dàn wán chéng jiāo yì ， gōng fǎ jiāng guī wàn xiān méng suǒ yǒu 。
一旦完成交易，功法将归万仙盟所有。
These words had different reactions from Su Xiaomei and Xiao Heng.
yǐ hòu gōng fǎ rèn hé yòng tú ， dōu yǔ yuán xiān yōng yǒu zhě wú guān 。
以后功法任何用途，都与原先拥有者无关。
Su Xiaomei shouted "Long live Master!" and bowed before rushing to the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror to select a technique.
jiāo yì wú fǎ fǎn huǐ 。
交易无法反悔。
Xiao Heng looked at Su Xiaomei with a bitter smile, then said, "Senior is willing to lend me contribution points so that I can advance early. This is an immense favor; how could I be ungrateful."
yuán xiān yōng yǒu zhě guān yú gōng fǎ de jì yì ， yě jiāng zài jiāo yì wán chéng hòu zì dòng xiāo shī 。
原先拥有者关于功法的记忆，也将在交易完成后自动消失。
"After Foundation Establishment, I will certainly gather rare materials to repay Senior's kindness."
qǐng wù bì bú yào bǎo liú gōng fǎ fù běn ， yǔ qí tā rén jiāo yì 。 fǒu zé hòu guǒ zì fù 。
请务必不要保留功法副本，与其他人交易。否则后果自负。
Li Fan nodded slowly, "In that case, you may go as well."
……
……
Xiao Heng bowed and then approached the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror with Su Xiaomei.
méi yǒu yì yì 。
没有异议。
Watching their excited faces, Li Fan's gaze was deep.
yǐ líng lì wèi bǐ ， lǐ fán zài jīn sè qì shū shàng qiān xià le zì jǐ de míng zì 。
以灵力为笔，李凡在金色契书上签下了自己的名字。
The different treatment of Su Xiaomei and Xiao Heng was Li Fan controlling variables.
suí hòu qì shū huà zuò wú shù jīn sè wēi lì ， yī bù fèn xiāo shī zài lǐ fán shēn tǐ zhōng 。
随后契书化作无数金色微粒，一部分消失在李凡身体中。
After imparting techniques, he would observe how much cultivation feedback he could get from their progress to Foundation Establishment.
yī bù fèn zé dài zhe yù jiǎn ， fǎn huí le tiān xuán xiǎo jìng zhōng 。
一部分则带着玉简，返回了天玄小镜中。
Would it justify the initial investment?
jiāo yì wán chéng ， lǐ fán guān yú 《 qiān jī yù huán jīn zhāng 》 gōng fǎ jù tǐ nèi róng de jì yì yě bú jiàn le 。
交易完成，李凡关于《千机玉寰金章》功法具体内容的记忆也不见了。
What difference would paying for techniques versus free techniques make in terms of feedback?
zhǐ jì de céng jīng yōng yǒu guò zhè mén gōng fǎ ， dàn shì gōng fǎ de měi zì měi jù ， dōu wán quán méi yǒu yìn xiàng le 。
只记得曾经拥有过这门功法，但是功法的每字每句，都完全没有印象了。
How many more points could be gained through the *Sitting Mountain Technique* compared to cultivating within the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror?
lǐ fán shì yì diǎn chàng rán ruò shī de gǎn jué yě méi yǒu 。 fǎn zhèng shì 【 hái zhēn 】 bǎng dìng wù pǐn ， gēn běn bù pà diū shī 。
李凡是一点怅然若失的感觉也没有。反正是【还真】绑定物品，根本不怕丢失。
These were all questions Li Fan needed to answer, as they would determine how he used the *Sitting Enjoyment Technique* feature going forward.
“ kàn lái ， yǐ hòu měi yī shì dōu néng kào cǐ dà zhuàn yī bǐ 。”
“看来，以后每一世都能靠此大赚一笔。”
Since the start of Foundation Establishment, the cost for the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror's activation had risen to 100 points per day.
90000 diǎn gòng xiàn dù dào shǒu ， lǐ fán guān yú 【 zuò xiǎng qí chéng 】 xiào guǒ de shì yàn ， yě jiù kāi shǐ le 。
90000点贡献度到手，李凡关于【坐享其成】效果的试验，也就开始了。
The multiplier had also dropped from 27x to around 20x.
“ shì yàn xū yào duì zhào zǔ ， jiù xuǎn xiāo héng hǎo le 。”
“试验需要对照组，就选萧恒好了。”
Compared to Qi Condensation period cultivation, which was already challenging, Foundation Establishment required a qualitative leap in difficulty.
zuò shān jué de dì yī cì tóu zī duì xiàng ， zì rán shì tiān shēng xiān tǐ 、 tiān dù zhī rén de sū xiǎo mèi le 。
坐山诀的第一次投资对象，自然是天生仙体、天妒之人的苏小妹了。
Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi were not ordinary cultivators but it still took them over two hundred years to reach Foundation Establishment Complete.
fēn shēn chuān shàng yī wù ， cáng xíng fú yǐn qù xiū wèi ， lì yú yī páng 。
分身穿上衣物，藏形符隐去修为，立于一旁。
This also highlighted the difficulty of cultivation.
jiē zhe yòng tōng xùn líng fú ， huàn tā men èr rén qián lái 。
接着用通讯灵符，唤他们二人前来。
The cost of contribution points was too high.
mò guò duō jiǔ ， sū xiǎo mèi hé xiāo héng biàn lái dào le hú dǐ de shí shì nèi 。
没过多久，苏小妹和萧恒便来到了湖底的石室内。
Although Li Fan could foresee these gains easily, he had to be careful with his spending.
Li Fan didn't intend to complain.
Instead, the *Sitting Mountain Technique* was indeed not created by cultivators originally. The exact origin of it could no longer be traced back. According to the records in the technique, the initial version of the *Sitting Mountain Technique* required practitioners to enhance their realm only through "sitting on a mountain."
By continuously selecting and climbing higher mountains, one would gain corresponding cultivation improvements. However, this process was too long. In ancient times, cultivators often had to wait years or even decades just to reach the base of a mountain, let alone climb it.
"If the effect is mediocre," Li Fan thought, "I might as well focus on *The Calming Sea Divine Sword Technique*."
Deciding so, he took out the *Thousand Mechanisms Jade Orb and Golden Chapter* scroll.
"Debt of gratitude for imparting cultivation techniques is immense, especially in a world where one cannot practice multiple cultivation methods simultaneously. The gratitude for imparting techniques is almost like being reborn."
"He Zhenghao has been kind to me before, likely due to the *Sitting Enjoyment Technique*."
"Unfortunately, his vision was too narrow; he only offered small favors. Even if it could provide some cultivation benefits, I doubt they would be significant."
"Investing in investments—larger inputs yield larger returns."
"I might as well give this a shot and see how the *Sitting Mountain Technique* performs."
He took out the *Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror* to check the market for元婴期 (Advanced Foundation) cultivation techniques.
In the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, the price of Qi Condensation period cultivation techniques ranged from 1000 to 3000 contribution points.
For Foundation Establishment period techniques, it was generally between 5000 and 10000 contribution points.
Starting from Golden Core period techniques, prices saw a significant jump. The least expensive ones started at 30000, with more refined cultivation methods commanding higher prices—ranging from 40000 to 50000 points.
For True Advanced Foundation techniques, the starting price was 50000 contribution points, and even 100000 wasn't considered too much.
Li Fan saw a technique called *Yin-Yang Twin Cultivation Consensus* listed at an astonishing 150000 contribution points.
He wondered what its secrets were.
"Kou Hong, Dao Xuanzi, this world will not let you brothers fight each other."
Li Fan smiled and chose to sell the *Thousand Mechanisms Jade Orb and Golden Chapter* technique.
The Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror scanned with a faint glow for half a moment before offering 90000 contribution points.
Considering that the mirror had a discount, this indicated that the *Thousand Mechanisms Jade Orb and Golden Chapter* was indeed of high quality.
Without hesitation, Li Fan accepted it. A golden contract flew out from the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror and stopped in front of him.
He carefully read through the terms.
The contract outlined various注意事项 (cautions) for technique transactions. Once the transaction was completed, the technique would belong to the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance. Any future use of the technique would be unrelated to the original owner. The transaction could not be reversed, and the original owner's memories related to the technique would automatically disappear.
Please do not keep copies of the technique for trading with others; otherwise, you will bear the consequences.
...
There were no objections.
Using spiritual energy as a pen, Li Fan signed his name on the golden contract. The contract then transformed into countless golden particles, some disappearing into his body while others returned to the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror along with the scroll.
The transaction completed, Li Fan's memory of the *Thousand Mechanisms Jade Orb and Golden Chapter* technique disappeared. He only vaguely remembered having owned it but had no recollection of its every word or sentence.
Li Fan felt no sense of loss; after all, it was a [True] binding item that he didn't need to worry about losing.
"Looks like I can make a fortune in each life from this."
With 90000 contribution points secured, Li Fan began his experiment with the *Sitting Enjoyment Technique* effect.
"An experimental control group is needed; let's choose Xiao Mei."
The first investment for the *Sitting Mountain Technique* would naturally be Su Xiaomei, a天生仙体 (Heavenly Birthed Immortal Body) and 天妒之人 (Heavenly Envied Person).
His doppelgänger put on clothes, hid its cultivation with a concealment talisman, and stood aside.
Using a communication spiritual talisman, he called them over.
Soon enough, Su Xiaomei and Xiao Heng arrived at the stone room under the lake. They curiously looked at Li Fan's doppelgänger, wondering who this strange cultivator was.
But Li Fan didn't speak, so they dared not ask questions.
"Master! Greetings, Senior!"
The two respectfully bowed.
"How are your cultivation practices?" Li Fan asked, turning his back to them.
"I've been making great progress, Master. I'm already Qi Condensation Complete and can soon start Foundation Establishment. But Foundation Establishment requires rare materials and techniques, which cost a lot of contribution points. It will take me a long time to save up," Su Xiaomei said with big eyes, looking pitifully at Li Fan.
"Senior, I am also preparing for Foundation Establishment," Xiao Heng was somewhat reserved.
After a moment's silence, he seemed to be thinking about something.
After a while, Li Fan turned around and said, "Collecting Dao Rhythm ancient artifacts has delayed your progress."
Xiao Heng quickly replied, "Senior, how could you say such things? Being able to serve you is an honor for me. Without Senior, we wouldn't have been able to leave the realm and embark on the path of immortality."
"Moreover, our cultivation techniques were provided by Senior."
"The gratitude for imparting techniques will always be remembered by your late disciple," Xiao Heng said.
Li Fan waited until he finished speaking before continuing: "In cultivation, it's all about making progress quickly."
"If you rely solely on saving up contribution points, it might take another three or five years."
"Wasting precious cultivation time could mean a completely different outcome in the future."
"So..."
Li Fan paused and continued, "You two can choose your desired techniques and treasures within this Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror. I'll pay for them."
"After obtaining them, you should immediately start Foundation Establishment without further delay."
Su Xiaomei and Xiao Heng were initially stunned but then excited when they realized the magnitude of their good fortune.
Just as they were about to bow in gratitude, Li Fan said, "Xiao Mei has always called me Master. Although I never agreed, there is still a bond between us. So, I won't ask for contribution points from her; it's my way of showing gratitude."
"However, I will lend you some contribution points so that you can advance to Foundation Establishment early. Do you have any objections?"
These words had different reactions from Su Xiaomei and Xiao Heng.
Su Xiaomei shouted "Long live Master!" and bowed before rushing to the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror to select a technique.
Xiao Heng looked at Su Xiaomei with a bitter smile, then said, "Senior is willing to lend me contribution points so that I can advance early. This is an immense favor; how could I be ungrateful."
"After Foundation Establishment, I will certainly gather rare materials to repay Senior's kindness."
Li Fan nodded slowly, "In that case, you may go as well."
Xiao Heng bowed and then approached the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror with Su Xiaomei.
Watching their excited faces, Li Fan's gaze was deep.
The different treatment of Su Xiaomei and Xiao Heng was Li Fan controlling variables.
After imparting techniques, he would observe how much cultivation feedback he could get from their progress to Foundation Establishment.
Would it justify the initial investment?
What difference would paying for techniques versus free techniques make in terms of feedback?
How many more points could be gained through the *Sitting Mountain Technique* compared to cultivating within the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror?
These were all questions Li Fan needed to answer, as they would determine how he used the *Sitting Enjoyment Technique* feature going forward.
Since the start of Foundation Establishment, the cost for the Heavenly Dao Miniature Mirror's activation had risen to 100 points per day.
The multiplier had also dropped from 27x to around 20x.
Compared to Qi Condensation period cultivation, which was already challenging, Foundation Establishment required a qualitative leap in difficulty.
Kou Hong and Dao Xuanzi were not ordinary cultivators but it still took them over two hundred years to reach Foundation Establishment Complete.
This also highlighted the difficulty of cultivation.
The cost of contribution points was too high.
Although Li Fan could foresee these gains easily, he had to be careful with his spending.