However, there was one feature the magic tool cast spell was missing. The wind blade he cast, while being smaller, had a slightly vibrating edge. If one observed it carefully the edge looked like a translucent crescent-shaped chainsaw blade. But the magic tool cast wind blade looked like a plain crescent-shaped translucent blade.

He then scrutinized and compared the barrier cast by him and the magic tool. His barrier had slight shimmering, refracting look it it. It wasn't too obvious but was noticeable after a careful look. But the marble bracelet cast barrier was like a plain glass oval. 'So it looks like my (+) thingy from the cultivation manual doesn't affect spells cast by these magic tools. But the tools in general act like an amplifier for the spell. Increasing power, reducing Qi consumption and drastically shortening casting time. The marble bracelet Qi barrier is almost instant! But my (+) special effects are missing.'

'I am not even sure whether all magic tools function like an amplier. If they are amplifiers...I should focus on defensive barriers and shields which are almost isnta-cast. I am not really sure how my spells and tool-amplified spells scale with increased spell proficency. And now that I don't have access to chicken slaughter, I guess I need to visit the assignment halls to find a suitable mission in the sect's safe zone or visit the arena for some non-lethal matches...but with spells! But before that I will upgrade all my spells to at least intermediate level.'

Fang Hao soon checked the assignment hall and he saw that it wasn't too hard to earn contribution points. A single session of preparing a spirit field for planting spirit grains was worth 25 contribution points for example, and it was one of the lower contribution point rewards. But then when he looked at the cost of things, he was flabbergasted. The wooden sword which could produce wind blades was apparently worth 100 contribution points, and the marble bracelet was worth 130 points. Only Single use talismans for low level spells like Wind blade was under 50 contribution points.

'Well ploughing a spirit field once is barely enough for a Wind blade talisman. What a shitty economy. While a single use talisman may seem shitty, it doesn't require any Qi to activate! So these glass-canon Qi casters surely have some utility for these talismans. A decent magic tool for QI condensation cultivator costs a couple of thousand contribution points. And some of the better cultivation manual may cost upwards of several thousands or even tens of thousands of contribution points! Similarly some of the better Qi Condensation spells also had a cost of around a thousand contribution points.'

'And apparently 5 contribution points can be exchanged for one lowest grade spirit stone. The spirit stone I received is apparently a low grade spirit stone worth 100 lowest grade spirit stones or 500 contribution points! So while earning 50 contribution points per year might be very easy...If one has to progress with the best cultivation method/ magic spells and magic tools along with pills and talismans...he will need to literally provide slave labour inside the safe one of the sect or risk their life in missions outside the safe zone.'

'Not sure how the rewards at the arena are. But I should be prepared as Qi condensation disciples have access to spells, magic tools/treasures and various one use talismans. I think I should do the spirit field ploughing job as frequently as possible to amass contribution points. I can then use those points for some basic spells and techniques. Once I have learned them I can aim for a few of the better magic tools. Fortunately I have a Qi cultivating manual and Body cultivating scripture already and a steady stream of cultivation resources in the form of spirit wine. Otherwise it would be a bit too tight. Although if the potency of the spirit wine doesn't increase...soon I will have to keep a contribution point budget for cultivation resources too.'

'Hmm so for the spirit field ploughing job is a lot of hard work. Early Qi condensation disciples usually exhaust all their Qi before they can do a satisfactory job of it. But it is relatively easy for those who practice some sort of body refining. So basically I am volunteering to be a landless laborer eh? Oh the joys of cultivation... And the reward is just contribution points. Not even one spirit grain will be given to us...we have to buy them using contribution points. What a stingy sect. Bah...'

Spirit grains were a type of cultivating resource which had could supplement a low amount of Qi to the cultivator. While the Qi was low, it was very gentle and wouldn't case cultivation base instability or other hidden dangers even with regular intake of it. If one could replace all of their mortal food with spirit grains, spirit vegetables/fruits and meat from spirit beasts...one would have denser, purer Qi and a very stable cultivation base! Foundation establishment disciples were entitled to meals made from spirit grains but inner disciples had to purchase it with their contribution points.

'One serving of spirit grains is worth 50 contribution points. So a year's minimum contribution point requirements is enough for one serving which I am sure would barely fill me. Fucking Bullshit economy. But the system is well designed... if you just want to stay a lowly outer disciple, the sect gives you the freedom to do so. But without any resources/spells/scriptures and magic tools well there is realistically no hope of advancement.'

'On the other hand, for motivated disciples...they can work extremely hard and also risk their lives by taking risky assignments outside the sect's safe zone and rack up tons of contribution points and advance quickly. Indeed talent just determines the starting point and free resources. If rumors are to be believed, one of the elders started as a janitorial disciple with bronze rank talent and worked hard and risked his life hunting rogue cultivators who were declared as criminals along with dangerous magic beasts and managed to exceed even core formation to become an elder!'

'But then again that might just be sect propaganda to encourage low talent disciples to work hard for the sect and be voluntary cannon fodder. In theory, though it is possible. Now it looks like the spirit field ploughing job can only be taken maximum once a week. So assuming everything is fine, I can potentially earn around 1200 contribution points in a year. So if there I only do this job...it would still take me a couple of years to save enough for a magic tool.'