Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Humans are changeable; their demeanor shifts according to the identity, status, and value of the individuals they face.

Four years ago, at our first meeting on Flame Mountain, Liu Jiuqian, as a core member of the Beast Taming Liu Family, one of the Five Great Clans, wouldn’t have even glanced at him if not for the Spirit Trapping Talisman he needed.

Less than a year ago, when he came to purchase a Blood Pill, his Foundation Establishment was successful, and he looked down on Li Ji’an as a superior, attempting to compel him to give up the promises of the past.

At this moment, Liu Jiuqian wore a gentle smile, still dressed in red, but her demeanor was warm and tender, making her seem very sincere and approachable.

Li Ji’an has always maintained a peaceful mindset, open-hearted and unwilling to foster grudges or harbor resentments, because hatred can easily lead to an unbalanced state of mind, impacting one’s judgment and possibly giving rise to a Heart Demon.

However, some matters or people that could affect his ultimate goal of becoming an Immortal of Ten Thousand Worlds have already sown the seeds.

It is inevitable that they will bear fruit.

Otherwise, a troubled mind would, to some extent, still affect one’s state of being.

Previously, the likes of Alchemist Mo, Wei Huai Ren, and Zheng Tianxiang were all such occurrences, including that unknown family raising Blood Slaves.

These causes and outcomes are not much different from matters of enmity; the difference lies in the mindset—one type is deeply hateful, resenting daily, heedless of consequences; another is like a breeze leaving no trace, acting when possible, holding back when not.

And in front of him, Liu Jiuqian, although she did not directly result in a life-threatening outcome for him, almost caused a life-or-death crisis for his Guardian Frog due to her problematic Blood Pill.

This is the cause, and as for what kind of fruit it will bear, Li Ji’an has no conclusion yet.

On one hand, if it is a favor, the action rather than the intention is considered; just look at what was done, not what was thought at the time.

But if it is a vendetta, aside from the outcome, it is necessary to somewhat consider the person’s original intent to determine the nature of the fruit.

If the original intent was to harm someone, to want his Spirit Pet dead, then undoubtedly, the result will be the most vicious fruit, even if the original purpose was not ultimately achieved.

If it was an unintentional mistake, where the original intent and the outcome differ greatly, then the resulting fruit would naturally not be the same as the most vicious one.

Of course, the final result is not only determined by his own will but also depends on the opponent’s strength and power.

After all, he does not see himself as a fated person who can make enemies everywhere and still ensure survival until the end.

Anything that contradicts the ultimate goal of becoming an Immortal of Ten Thousand Worlds is not to be pursued!

”What virtue or capability does Li possess that Fellow Daoist Liu would personally come to congratulate me, truly overwhelming,” Li Ji’an smiled, cupping his hands.

He has a clear self-perception; as a mere Tier One Loose Cultivator, even if his Foundation Establishment is accomplished, how can he compare to a core genius from the Foundation Establishment of the Five Great Clans?

And still a core prodigy within the clan.

Liu Jiuqian elegantly landed in front of Li Ji’an, smiling, ”Hehe~ Fellow Daoist Li, are you distancing yourself from Jiu Chan so quickly? We have known each other for four years, sharing a good fate, and you even helped Jiu Chan almost capture a rare Spirit Beast. Jiu Chan has always remembered this kindness.”

”...” Even though Li Ji’an has lived through multiple lifetimes, meeting countless people, he was also amazed by Liu Jiuqian’s adeptness, shamelessness.

This woman is capable of great achievements!

Liu Jiuqian’s expression remained calm, her words natural, though deep down, she was incredibly frustrated.

A year ago, when Li Ji’an sought to purchase a Blood Pill, she judged that he had the potential for Foundation Establishment due to his position as an Honored Guest Elder Pill Master at the Nine Tripods Commerce Association and the purity of his magical power.

That’s why she didn’t forcefully break her promise.

But that was all.

After all, a Second-Tier Loose Cultivator Pill Master wasn’t enough for her to regard differently.

However, a few months ago, news spread throughout the Immortal City that Li Ji’an had successfully refined a top-grade Green Condensation Pill.

And he had smoothly achieved Foundation Establishment.

The key was that during this Foundation Establishment, the young master of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association’s Foundation Establishment Middle Stage personally acted as Dharma Protector!

This series of effects combined caused Li Ji’an’s status and position to undergo a complete transformation.

A Second-Tier experienced Pill Master with the talent of a Pill King!

A Second-Tier experienced Pill Master with a close relationship with the Nine Tripods Commerce Association!

This led her clan to notify her overnight to express goodwill as soon as possible.

Only because the Beast Taming Liu Family was located within the jurisdiction of the Biyun Sect in Cangyun State, the clan’s Spirit Beast trade had many restrictions, and if they could hitch a ride on the big ship of the Nine Tripods Commerce Association to export Spirit Beasts to the Outer Domain, or even access the ”Demon Realm” that only the Nine Tripods Commerce Association could safely enter, then the Liu Family would thrive.

And over the years, the Liu Family’s upper echelons had tried multiple times to reach out to the Commerce Association, but they had never even seen the mysterious proprietor.

Besides, the Liu Family also wished to establish a reliable, long-term partnership with an experienced Second-Tier Pill Master.

”Fellow Daoist Li, I wonder if you’ve used the Blood Pill purchased last time? If not, Jiu Chan suggests you use this one; consider it a gift from the Liu Family,” Liu Jiuqian said, handing over a Jade Bottle to Li Ji’an without a hint of embarrassment when he didn’t respond.

Li Ji’an’s eyes narrowed slightly, ”Oh? The Blood Pill you sold me previously... is there a problem?”

”Fellow Daoist Li is overthinking it. That Blood Pill was authentic without a doubt. However, it contains two attributes, more suited for amphibious Spirit Beasts. For ordinary Spirit Beasts, the single attribute potency may be slightly insufficient, and if the Spirit Beast’s bloodline is inadequate, there is a risk of failure in promotion,” Liu Jiuqian explained with a smile, her gaze sincere, not evasive.

”I see,” Li Ji’an nodded.

He had sensed the situation of that Blood Pill keenly at the time, matching what Liu Jiuqian said now.