Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

The Biyun Sect summoning family cultivators was within Li Ji’an’s expectations.

This was determined by the cultivation structure of Cangyun State.

After all, nominally, all forces in Cangyun State are under the control of the Biyun Sect.

However, Li Ji’an did not expect it to be so soon.

Putting away the Communication Talisman, Li Ji’an started selecting in the Alchemy Room.

”The spiritual energy in the mountains is mixed and varied; it’s better to prepare more Spirit Supplement Pills.”

”Law Storage Pills can’t be lacking either.”

”Flying God Pills can break through illusion obstacles...”

...

From discovering the ruins to plotting to break open the ruins, the Biyun Sect took more than twenty years. Moreover, they sold the hundred-year control of the Immortal City ten years ago. Now it is the critical time for excavating the ruins and resisting foreign enemies, so resources like pills for wartime preparedness are sure to be scarce.

The family cultivators summoned this time are likely to find it difficult to obtain extra supplies beyond basic provisions.

Without exception, there will be a wave of large transactions.

Unlike the situation in the past half year, this batch of family cultivators summoned here will primarily consume resources meant for Foundation Establishment Late Period cultivators.

”The batch of pills I got from Alchemist Mo can be sold this time.” After organizing the stock that wasn’t beneficial to him, he also took out the spoils obtained from Alchemist Mo ten years ago.

The finished pills, which were worth three thousand Spirit Stones back then, might now be worth double.

These pills have such a quality difference from my own skills, plus the strict regulations within Cangyun State, that there was never a suitable opportunity to sell them before. But now, it’s a good opportunity.

------------

”Alchemist Li, I have long admired your great name and have especially come to seek pills.”

That day, an elder entered Li Mansion, very amiably seeking pills.

Li Ji’an greeted him with a smile, but a trace of doubt flashed in his mind.

Only because, under his Foundation Establishment Late Period Divine Sense, the elder’s Disguise Technique was completely exposed.

This person’s true face was a rough-looking middle-aged man, with Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivation, and a strong magical power breath.

Since a month ago, when seekers for pills reduced, this person had already come under another identity and appearance once.

The pills he sought were different from those who intended to enter the mountains for opportunities; he simply asked for ordinary tier-2 early period pills that enhance cultivation.

The first time, he did not pay much attention, as the current Immortal City is a mix of fishes and dragons, with most people in disguise, which is not surprising.

However, coming again and pretending it was the first time.

Truly thinks he’s deceiving Li Ji’an, whose cultivation is lower, and can’t see through his disguise?

”Well said, well said, we owe it to fellow Daoists’ esteem.” Li Ji’an remained unruffled, selling him a bottle of Qi Nourishing Pill as requested.

The elder paid the Spirit Stones but did not leave, hesitating for a long time before seemingly making a decision.

”Alchemist Li, everyone says that among the Second Tier pill masters in the Immortal City, your alchemy skill is the highest, and your character is reliable. I would like to ask Alchemist Li to help me refine a special kind of pill.”

”Oh? May I ask what kind of pill it is?” Li Ji’an’s mind eased slightly.

In seeking alchemy, especially those with their own pill formulas, it makes sense to beforehand validate the pill master’s skills.

”May I request Alchemist Li to swear a Great Heart Demon Oath, never to disclose what I say.” The elder said with seriousness.

Li Ji’an smiled faintly: ”I understand your request, fellow Daoist, however, I will not lightly make a Great Heart Demon Oath. I hope you can understand.”

Over the years, Li Ji’an made quite a few Great Heart Demon Oaths.

Most are vows not to disclose pill formulas brought by pill seekers.

The so-called Great Heart Demon Oath mainly affects the Heart Demon Tribulation during a tribulation bout; if one’s state of mind has flaws and the Heart Demon invades, one is sure to fail.

Aside from that, it also has an impact on advancing in small realms, though not as significant as the Heart Demon Tribulation.

As long as one adheres to the vow, there should not be any problems.

But he also has to see if it is worth it.

At the elder’s words, his brow furrowed, seemingly wanting to give up.

But finally, he spoke in a low voice: ”Alchemist Li, what I want to ask you to refine is a type of lost ancient elixir!”

”Over the years, I’ve refined quite a number of ancient elixirs.” Li Ji’an said indifferently as usual.

This is also the benefit of being a loose-cultivator pill master; once one’s reputation is established, one doesn’t need to rack one’s brains searching for pill formulas.

Other adventure and treasure-seeking cultivators, once they acquire a particularly useful pill formula, might come to him for refinement.

At that time, not only does he earn labor costs, but he can also obtain a free pill formula.

Over the years, especially in the past year, nearly ten almost lost pill formulas have been added to Li Ji’an’s alchemical archive.

The elder’s face looked slightly grim as he finally took a deep breath and said, ”The pill formula my ancestors accidentally obtained has been handed down to me. Yet until now, not a single Second Tier pill master has emerged. Given the current opportunities everywhere in the ruins, I could no longer resist and asked Alchemist Li for assistance in refining.”

”It’s no problem, may I ask what kind of pill it is?” Li Ji’an was already thrilled because, with a high foundation of the Divine Soul from Rejuvenation, if aided by pills that accelerate the condensing of Divine Sense, he can reach the pinnacle of the Divine Soul once rejuvenated, adding another layer of security.

Otherwise, after each Rejuvenation, though there is strong Divine Soul foundation, it still requires gradual condensing, wasting much time.

”Six Gods Condensing Essence Pill!” the elder transmitted through Divine Sense.

”!!!” Li Ji’an’s heart skipped a beat.

This pill is not only a true Soul Pill but also exceptionally famous, known far and wide.

It was once recorded in ancient texts obtained by the Ten Thousand Laws Palace from a relic. It’s said to be an essential pill for ancient Soul Cultivators, greatly enhancing the refinement of the Divine Soul.

Furthermore, even without practicing Soul Cultivation techniques, merely consuming this pill can increase the growth of one’s Divine Soul by twenty percent compared to cultivators of the same level.

As long as one persists in taking it, it can almost guarantee that their Divine Soul Realm will be one small realm higher than their Magical Power Realm.

”However, I still haven’t gathered all the herbs. If Alchemist Li is willing, please help gather these three herbs,” the elder immediately listed the three herbs.

”Alright! Leave these three herbs to me. At most, three days and I can start refining!” Li Ji’an glanced at the three herbs; they were all Second Tier Divine Soul Herbs. Although rare, they weren’t much of a problem for him currently, as he had them in his Storage Pouch.

The elder was quite delighted.

Li Ji’an noticed his expression and guessed his intention was just this.

Not only will he not pay the labor fee, but he also wants Li Ji’an to provide some herbs.

However, compared to the rare Soul Pill Formula of the Six Gods Condensing Essence Pill, Li Ji’an still stands to gain significantly.

”Then, see you in three days!” The elder bade farewell.

”See you then!” Li Ji’an escorted him to the door.

As he watched the elder disappear from view, Li Ji’an’s smile faded, and his Divine Sense moved.

Gugu slipped from the backyard pond and pursued the elder underground.

Through several lifetimes, he understood one principle: matters that seem like grand opportunities are often colossal traps.

While nurturing anticipation, one must be especially cautious.

If he didn’t currently possess some means of self-defense, and was confident in dealing with any malice, he would likely reluctantly abandon such a grand opportunity.

Before long, Gugu transmitted its sensory perception through the Spirit Pet Contract.

The elder had just left the core area of the Inner City. Around a corner, he transformed into an unremarkable yellow-faced cultivator, indistinguishable from the crowd.

He then entered and exited several shops before arriving at the Taiping Inn, where he sat for a majority of the day, only to eventually head to a rented yard in the Outer City at dusk.

By then, his appearance had changed to that of a young cultivator, and his cultivation had masked to Qi Cultivation late stage.

Li Ji’an understood and agreed with such caution.

This aligns with the actions of a cultivator bearing precious treasures avoiding unwanted attention.

However, as soon as he entered the house, Li Ji’an sighed.

There were three people inside, two men and one woman.

”Father, how did it go?” As soon as the three saw the person enter, they hurriedly asked.

”Hehe~ which Pill Master could resist such temptation?”

”Haha, good. That Pill Master has earned quite a lot during this period. I’ve estimated that just the labor fees alone are no less than ten thousand Spirit Stones, and combined with the pills he has sold, it’s probably at least twenty thousand Spirit Stones.”

”I estimate it’s more than twenty thousand. He has been refining pills all day, rarely leaving the core area of the Inner City, only gathering wealth without spending, so his accumulated Spirit Stones likely exceed thirty thousand!”

”Thirty thousand! That requires several Storage Pouches to hold!”

”With these thirty thousand Spirit Stones, we’ll be almost able to buy that Spirit Vein Dao Field back in Dao Source State, finally ceasing to drift like rootless duckweed.”

”Haha, those fools tried to snatch food from the tiger’s mouth at Biyun Sect, probably didn’t earn as much as we did!”

”Big Brother, are we only targeting this one Pill Master? I reckon that musician also has considerable wealth, and the profits from Spring Breeze Building are not less than the Pill Master’s.”

”Hmph, you’re attracted to that seductive fox, aren’t you?”

”Don’t be careless! That musician excels in Sound Wave Secret Techniques, defenseless against it, and I can’t see through her true appearance, making it impossible to ascertain her Divine Sense’s strength.”

”What about the other elderly Pill Master? It’s said that he’s been in the Immortal City for nearly a century and might have even richer resources.”

”Nonsense, I’ve looked into it. That old Pill Master is just mediocre, with ordinary Alchemy Skills, and he supports a large family of wives, concubines, and offspring. He likely has little left.”

”I mean, doing this is sure to alert others; why not do it all at once and target a couple more families? Otherwise, next time we come, they might be on guard.”

”Don’t be greedy! Of those seven families, besides this Alchemist Li, all the others carry risks. The older one is as sharp as they come, and despite being an elder pill master, he’s been through the ups and downs of the cultivation realm for these years and surely has some trump cards for saving his life.

As for others, the Array Master should be avoided first, as entering their residence is walking right into their trap.

The physician certainly excels in poison techniques, the hardest to defend against.

Artifact Refiner...”

”That Alchemist Li’s Magical Power Aura is the weakest, he entered Foundation Establishment only a few years ago, and he previously lived in the Outer City District, lacking the resources to accumulate any trump cards...”

-------------

Listening to their secret discussion, Li Ji’an chuckled lightly and shook his head.

Another band of robbers bullying the weak and fearing the strong.

This also made him aware of the contradictions in the cultivation realm.

If he reveals his true strength, it might attract targeting.

But if he doesn’t reveal it, he’s often treated as a soft target, making him even more prone to such targeting.

”One Foundation Establishment middle-stage, two Foundation Establishment early-stage, one Qi Cultivation late stage...”

After pondering for a moment, Li Ji’an suppressed the thought of reporting to the Immortal City’s management.

The Qi Family’s strength left in the Immortal City isn’t enough, and with only one Foundation Establishment middle-stage overseeing, they can’t guarantee to completely wipe out these four robbers.

And if they flee, given their coveting of him, there’s no guarantee in a chaotic situation they won’t make a comeback.

There’s no logic in guarding against thieves for a thousand days.

Three days later, the opposing party arrived as scheduled.