Chapter 453: Chapter 6 Ascetic Monk

Influenced by the Dragon Elephant Temple and the Ascetic Monks, the Western Domain was filled with temples, and monks were innumerable.

In these desert lands, it was even more so.

It was common to see monks in dark blue robes, bareheaded and wearing straw sandals, traveling in groups.

However, most of them were ordinary laypeople; only a very few were true Cultivators.

Lu Qingshan gave the young monk a few extra glances.

Aside from wearing the light red robe only worn by Preaching Monks, this young monk’s appearance was also different from the typical desert dwellers.

The young monk had red lips and white teeth and was very handsome, obviously possessing an exceptional constitution.

From the young monk’s body, Lu Qingshan could also sense a prolonged aura.

This was clearly a Cultivator monk.

It was just unknown whether he was practicing special Techniques or possessed a special Magic Artifact, as Lu Qingshan was unable to discern his exact level of Cultivation.

This young monk’s background was not simple.

Lu Qingshan concluded.

But this was not a matter he should concern himself with too much.

His priority was to collect the necessary information.

“Young Master, what should we do next?” Qin Yitian, who had become quite fond of the desert enriched with the Fire and Earth Elements, had become much more active, shedding his previous lazy demeanor and took the initiative to ask.

“First, let’s go to a store opened by the cultivators of the Dongque Tribe and buy the most accurate map of the Mo Gao Desert,” Lu Qingshan said.

In such a vast desert, a map was absolutely crucial.

Lu Qingshan casually pulled over a passerby to ask for the location of the largest commerce store in the city.

In a city where Cultivators and ordinary people coexisted, the largest commerce store was inevitably run by a Cultivator.

Following the passerby’s directions calmly, Lu Qingshan, after a while, saw the store named “Dongque” coming into his field of vision.

From the name, it was clear that the owner behind the store was none other than the ruler of Dongque City, the Dongque Tribe.

Slowly walking into the store, Lu Qingshan glanced around.

Although it was the largest store in ancient Dongque City, there were not many cultivators inside, and it appeared rather empty.

However, every cultivator wandering around the store had a rugged aura unique to Body Cultivators, and their attire was casual and rough.

This scenario could be attributed to the unique customs of Body Cultivation.

Among the six major Cultivation schools, Sword Cultivators specialize in cultivating their Life-bound Swords and have relatively low demand for Magic Artifacts.

But compared to Body Cultivation, Sword Cultivation didn’t count for much.

Because Body Cultivators cultivate the Physical Body.

In the eyes of Body Cultivators, too many Magic Artifacts could actually hinder their Cultivation.

Moreover, in their philosophy, no matter how numerous or powerful external objects are, they are ultimately external objects and not as solid as one’s own body.

Thus, a Body Cultivator typically has only one or two Magic Artifacts on them, and some extreme Body Cultivators might not even have a single Artifact.

Additionally, most of a Body Cultivator’s resources are used to buy Spiritual Medicine for Body Tempering.

Therefore, according to enthusiasts who keep tabs on such things, comparatively, Body Cultivators are the poorest among the six Cultivation types.

Hence, there was a saying: “Rob anyone, just not a Body Cultivator.”

Thick-skinned and tough as nails, they were a hard bone to chew, and they possessed almost nothing, being as poor as church mice.

Fighting with such people indicated nothing but a problem in one’s head.

Lu Qingshan didn’t agree with the Cultivation philosophy of Body Cultivators because, in his view, the sword was by no means an external object, but something as important as life itself.

However, he wasn’t opposed to this type of Cultivation philosophy either.

After all, the path of Cultivation should be diverse, and all paths lead to Rome.

There is no best, only the most suitable.

And Sword Cultivation was the path most suitable for him.

…..

At the store counter, there sat an old man with white hair, half-closing his eyes as if he was resting.

Seeing Lu Qingshan enter, the elder did not enthuse about greeting him.

This could also be seen as a feature of the rugged Western Desert.

In thriving places like the Southern Territory, such a way of treating guests would hardly retain those who deemed themselves superior Dharma Cultivation lords.

Lu Qingshan didn’t mind, calmly walking up to the counter, “Old sir, could you provide me with the most accurate and detailed map of the Mo Gao Desert?”

Hearing Lu Qingshan’s inquiry, the white-haired old man finally opened his eyes; his cloudy gaze swept over Lu Qingshan a few times.

“The Mo Gao Desert is fraught with countless dangers; even the Dongque Tribe, having lived in the Mo Gao Desert for thousands of years, would not claim to have fully comprehended it.”

“This map is a compilation from nine tribes, using the maps of the Mo Gao Desert each held. You will not find a more detailed map anywhere in the Mo Gao Desert,” the white-haired old man pulled out a map made of Demon Beast hide, “However, the price is naturally not small. I wonder if this fellow Daoist can afford it?”

Lu Qingshan smiled lightly, “I should be able to afford a map.”

Money exchanged for goods, the map ultimately cost Lu Qingshan twenty Fourth Grade Spirit Stones, indeed worthy of its valuable evaluation.

With assets far exceeding ordinary Cultivators, Lu Qingshan naturally didn’t mind the expense.

“In the Mo Gao Desert, in the area where thunderstorms erupt most frequently, I wonder if the old sir has any information?” Lu Qingshan probed.

Considering they had just concluded a significant transaction, the white-haired old man didn’t skimp on speaking a bit more with Lu Qingshan.

He spread out the map, and his finger touched three places on it, “Do you see the markers on these three places?”

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