Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

At this moment, it’s evident to those with some experience what Zhao Shuyao is thinking.

This is a form of self-satisfaction from an elder’s dedication to the younger generation—true altruism aimed at fulfilling the needs of the younger with success.

She found satisfaction the moment she accomplished this task.

What she needed was not the humility of the younger generation, nor any return, but joyful acceptance.

”Thank you, Aunt Yao!” Although his nature prefers equivalent exchange and dislikes seeing Zhao Shuyao sacrifice further progress in her body cultivation for him, the die is cast. Zhao Shuyao’s vitality has weakened significantly, leaving no room for a second chance. Li Ji’an accepted the gift.

”Hehe, silly child, why say such things to Aunt Yao?” Zhao Shuyao patted Li Ji’an on the shoulder.

Tong Yaoyao stood up: ”Take good care of Aunt Yao. I’m going to see my mother now.”

To her, the materials for this Foundation Establishment Pill didn’t hold much meaning. She herself never used a Foundation Establishment Pill. In her eyes, it wasn’t anything extraordinary; she only felt a bit of pity for Zhao Shuyao.

But there was nothing she could do; as someone without power or influence, she couldn’t defy the rules of the Commerce Association.

After Tong Yaoyao left, Li Ji’an chatted extensively with Zhao Shuyao. He had done this with elders many times and was skilled at it. He knew what to say and ask to make her happy.

During their conversation, Zhao Shuyao brought up his past life and his hometown.

”Xiaofan, do you know? Our homeland, your father’s and mine, is the Immortal Burial Land. The reason there’s no spiritual energy there and it’s surrounded by divine retribution is that Immortals from Ancient Times are buried there,” Zhao Shuyao said calmly.

”Aunt Yao, how did you know?” Li Ji’an pretended she was telling a story.

”I found out this time in the neighboring Ten Thousand Merchants Cultivation Domain, an elder told me. Over three thousand years ago, they found some Ancient Times records near the Illusory Phantom Forest.

In our Great Marsh Cultivation Realm, there are nine true Immortals buried, forming nine Desolate Lands.

These nine Desolate Lands, aren’t abandoned by heaven, but were drained by these nine immortals!”

”Places where Immortals are buried? They absorbed the spiritual energy?” Zhao Shuyao’s words reminded Li Ji’an of his experiences in the Immortal Dynasty—Immortals? Merely Qi Cultivators.

And having been in this realm for sixty-seven years, he had researched a lot of materials, and there hadn’t been a Divinity Transformation Celestial Monarch in the Great Marsh Cultivation Realm in over six thousand years, not since the later ancient period.

”Did anyone really ascend to become an Immortal in Ancient Times?”

”If they ascended to Immortality, why would they perish? Shouldn’t Immortals be immortal?” Despite many legends from Ancient Times.

Whether the cultivation systems then were flourishing or the Heaven and Earth Laws were perfect, they mostly remained legends, lacking substantial evidence.

As for ’Immortals,’ he particularly remained skeptical.

”There should be, I guess. That elder is truly a master, he wouldn’t deceive us.” Zhao Shuyao smiled faintly.

”What really happened in Ancient Times? Even with immortals, why did they become extinct?”

Zhao Shuyao remained silent, smiled, shook her head slightly, and then looked in the direction of the Immortal Dynasty, as if speaking to herself:

”Sometimes I think, how wonderful it would be if we weren’t born in the Immortal Burial Land.

But then I think about the people there, mortals with spirit roots yet unable to cultivate, they seem even less fortunate than us, who see nothing at all there.

How great it would have been if no cultivators from that family had intruded there.”

As she spoke, Zhao Shuyao’s eyes welled up.

As people age, they tend to miss their homeland, wanting to return to their roots. She wished to go back to where she was born.

Li Ji’an gently wiped the tears from her eyes and softly said, ”I will take you back.”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Shuyao smiled: ”Silly child, the Immortal Burial Land is dangerous. Without finding a loophole or great opportunity, you can’t enter or leave; even Core Formation True Men can’t. Sigh, how did that family find a loophole?”

Li Ji’an smiled without elaborate explanation.

All would become clear in time.

Except, the three of them might not live to see that day.

They talked deep into the night. Before leaving, Li Ji’an left several bottles of Qi Blood Pills, advising Zhao Shuyao to take them regularly to replenish her vitality.

Back home, Li Ji’an adjusted his state of mind.

Only then did he take out all the medicinal ingredients Zhao Shuyao had given him.

There were a total of thirty-six kinds of medicinal ingredients. Among them, the Nine-Star Fushen was the rarest main ingredient, with three relatively rare auxiliary ingredients, and the rest were comparatively easier to procure.

Each medicinal ingredient was carefully inspected; the maturity was adequate, and the efficacy hadn’t dissipated, fully meeting the needs for refining the Foundation Establishment Pill.

The ingredients could yield up to five pills, but only a Second Tier Quasi-Pill King could achieve this perfect pill formation success rate, considering the high difficulty of refining the Foundation Establishment Pill.

For an ordinary Second Tier seasoned Pill Master, refining four pills is the limit.

In the Immortal City, Second Tier Pill Masters could at most refine two pills.

If one pursues pill quality, the pill formation success rate would further decrease.

Li Ji’an concentrated for three days and finally decided to divide the Nine-Star Fushen, this main ingredient, into two parts.

Although he was well-versed in theory, it was his first practical attempt—confident but cautious.

The success rate mainly depended on the main ingredient Nine-Star Fushen. Dividing it into two would give him only a two-pill yield with his alchemy skill, but it allowed for one mistake.

Thus, the auxiliary ingredients gathered could be fully utilized.

During this period, Little Fire Spirit helped Gugu recover from the blood and Qi consumption.

Li Ji’an fed it with extra magical power for a few days, aiding it in reaching its peak.

On this day, when everything was ready, he brought all the ingredients and the Pill Furnace, heading to the Inner City to rent a Second Tier Spirit Vein Cave Mansion.

Alchemy requires a high concentration of spiritual energy and spiritual pressure. As a special Second Tier Pill Medicine, Foundation Establishment Pill demands even more so. At least a Lower Grade Spirit Vein Cave Mansion is needed to ensure its success.

Just then, Zhao Shuyao sent a message.

”Xiaofan, have you found a Second Tier Alchemist to refine the Foundation Establishment Pill? Do you need Aunt Yao to contact Alchemist Zou for you?”

In the Immortal City, among those taking requests for refining Foundation Establishment Pills, only Alchemist Zou is relatively easier to approach. The other two are Tributors to the Commerce Association, and it’s hard to move them without a certain status.

Though Alchemist Zou is not as proficient as those veteran Second Tier Alchemists, he has accumulated quite a bit of experience in refining Foundation Establishment Pills, enough to ensure at least one genuine Foundation Establishment Pill.

”Aunt Yao, you’ve already helped me so much in this matter. There’s no need to worry further. Await my good news.” With that reply, Li Ji’an went to the management office of the Immortal City.

One has to admit, now that the Qi Family manages the Immortal City, many aspects have indeed become more convenient for customers.

Previously, when the Biyun Sect was in charge, no matter how many days you used, all Cave Mansions required a minimum of one month’s lease, whether you were refining pills or breaking through barriers.

But now, the minimum unit has changed to days, with a one-day lease minimum.

Although the price per day has nearly doubled, for someone like Li Ji’an who only rents for pill refining, it’s much more economical.

Foundation Establishment Pills are challenging and require three days to start the furnace.

”Oh, Alchemist Li is also here to rent a Cave Mansion for pill refining today?” The steward of the Qi Family, who knew of Li Ji’an’s reputation as an Upper Grade Alchemist within the exchange domain, naturally recognized him.

Li Ji’an slightly cupped his hands: ”Oh? Are there other alchemists also refining pills today?”

The steward laughed and said, ”Haha, Alchemist Zou is helping someone refine a Foundation Establishment Pill today. He just finished the formalities. If you hurry, you might still catch him.”

Li Ji’an raised an eyebrow. What a coincidence.

After paying one hundred and fifty Spirit Stones, Li Ji’an received the Cave Mansion’s control Jade Talisman.

This time, he rented a Second Tier Upper Grade Cave Mansion, specifically designed for pill refining. Apart from having common Gathering Spirit, Concentrating Spirit, and Restriction Arrays, it also features temperature control, humidification, and a Mirror Image Array.

The Mirror Image Array is particularly set up for outsiders to directly observe the pill refining process inside.

It’s mainly for alchemists like Alchemist Zou, who refine pills for others.

However, only the Pill Seeker is allowed to watch from outside.

Of course, whether these arrays are activated depends on the alchemist who holds the control Jade Talisman.

”Alchemist Li, you’re here for pill refining as well?” Upon arriving at the Inner City Cave Mansion rental area, as expected, he met Alchemist Zou.

Alchemist Zou was accompanied by three people, one of whom was very familiar to him — the first-place Tier One Alchemist of many years and also Alchemist Zou’s Closed-Door Disciple, Xie Gui.

The other two, judging by their looks, were those seeking Alchemist Zou to refine a Foundation Establishment Pill.

”Alchemist Xie, nice to meet you, just a sudden inspiration today, a minor attempt.” Li Ji’an replied with a smile.

Then he cupped his hands in greeting to Alchemist Zou: ”Greetings, Alchemist Zou.”

Alchemist Zou glanced at the Jade Talisman in Li Ji’an’s hand, slightly furrowed his brow, and cast him a sidelong glance.

”Xiaoli, considering you share the same fame as Xiaoxie, let me tell you something, as alchemists, we must not aim too high and too fast. It’s better to build a solid foundation before reaching for greater heights. You are still young and have plenty of time. Don’t be impatient; Top-Grade Pills aren’t just about having dense spiritual energy.”

A Tier One Alchemist renting a Cave Mansion here has an obvious purpose.

It’s nothing more than wanting to attempt to refine a Top-Grade Pill.

But how easy is it to refine a Top-Grade Pill? Ninety-nine percent of alchemists can’t produce a single Top-Grade Pill in their lifetime.

Alchemist Zou himself has been refining pills for nearly two centuries and hasn’t refined a single Top-Grade Pill.

Li Ji’an nodded, expressing gratitude for the advice.

He understood Alchemist Zou somewhat and knew that while he didn’t have many bad intentions, he liked to assert his seniority, showing off his presence.

This could be seen when he showed his face at auctions.

Without staying long, Li Ji’an went into his rented Cave Mansion.

Alchemist Zou watched Li Ji’an’s back and glared at Xie Gui: ”Do not emulate him.”

”Yes, Master,” Xie Gui hurriedly replied.

”Alchemist Zou’s kind heart and willingness to guide younger ones with minor connections truly makes him a model for us,” one of the pill seekers quickly complimented.

”Indeed, with Alchemist Zou’s reputation in the Immortal City, which Loose Cultivator Alchemist wouldn’t want your guidance,” the other quickly echoed.

Alchemist Zou waved his hand with a chuckle: ”I have been through those times too, a Loose Cultivator with no support. Without sect guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes. When encountered, pointing out a thing or two is just how things are. Whether they listen depends on their own fortune.”

Then, Alchemist Zou entered his Cave Mansion alone.

Xie Gui comforted the two slightly anxious people: ”No need to worry, my teacher has refined more than fifty furnaces of Foundation Establishment Pills. Although he hasn’t promised you refined pills, it’s only to avoid disputes, the actual Pill Formation Success Rate is assured.”

”Yes, yes, we sought out Alchemist Zou because we naturally trust him. We don’t ask for Upper Grade, just two genuine pills and we’re satisfied,” the two quickly said.

---------

”Little Fire, I’m counting on you this time.” Inside the Second Tier Upper Grade Cave Mansion, Li Ji’an activated all the arrays except the Mirror Image one, then triggered a Restriction Talisman and spiritually communed with the Fire Spirit in his Dantian.

The Little Fire Spirit nodded frequently within Li Ji’an’s Dantian.

Immediately, Li Ji’an stopped thinking further and swallowed a God Nourishing Pill, followed by a Qi Replenishing Pill.

After adjusting his breath for a moment, the esteemed Second Tier Upper Grade Pill Furnace that even Alchemist Zou’s influence couldn’t obtain appeared in the Cave Mansion.

Then, two sets of ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill were laid out in sequence.

”Let us begin!”