Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Qin Henian was requested to leave by Elder Jia of the Biyun Sect, and the scene finally returned to normal.

However, many elders were still filled with curiosity about Liu Jingchun, watching from afar, especially some old women.

This genius, who captured the hearts of countless fairies two hundred years ago, seemed to have suddenly disappeared from the cultivation realm, gradually fading from memory.

Tailor Zhou gazed from afar at Liu Jingchun’s aged face and sighed sadly: ”Time is merciless, the spring breeze ages the young lads, even the most glorious visage will eventually grow old.”

Li Ji’an raised his eyebrows, realizing that Liu Jingchun must have been an unparalleled handsome man in his youth.

Yet now, he was but a flickering candle in the wind, increasingly aged.

Although by age calculation, his years were similar to those of Li Ji’an.

But Li Ji’an could not empathize, as he had yet to experience true aging, and barring any unexpected events, would never truly grow old.

Soon, the auction continued.

And after Liu Jingchun’s identity was revealed, he was invited by the attendants to Li Ji’an’s section of the VIP seats.

”Alchemist Li, the old man holds no malice, just had no choice, please forgive me.” He transmitted his voice to Li Ji’an just upon sitting down.

Li Ji’an rose, clasping his hands in salute towards him.

Combining all fragmented information, he deduced that the clan that ambushed the Guiding Immortal Master might be related to this person, even having a premonition that this person might be key to solving the blood slave issue.

Seeing Li Ji’an act this way, Liu Jingchun nodded slightly and walked straight over.

Seeing the childhood idol nearing, Tailor Zhou held his breath, immediately glaring at Master Qian.

Master Qian reluctantly yet helplessly rose: ”Please be seated, senior.”

”Thank you, my youthful friend.” Liu Jingchun nodded and sat between Li Ji’an and Tailor Zhou.

”Greetings, senior.” Li Ji’an formally paid respects.

”No need for formalities.” Liu Jingchun nodded, then frankly stated:

”Alchemist Li, the old man shamelessly wishes for you to spare me when possible and if possible, would also request your help in alchemy. The old man only needs two pills, the rest can be considered your compensation, what do you think?”

A batch of Second Tier Lifespan Extension Pills can refine up to five pills, with Li Ji’an’s reputation in the Alchemy Dao, ensuring three pills is not difficult; his sincerity is evident.

”Alright.” Li Ji’an did not hesitate much, agreeing; if not pursuing quality, he was confident in refining four pills.

However, that was not the main reason.

The main reason was likely his antagonistic relationship with the Liu Family Ancestor.

Besides, Liu Jingchun’s current demeanor.

Just humiliated publicly by Qin Henian, yet now appearing nonchalant, drying the spittle on his own face.

Having his past glory exposed, contrasting the current decline, yet remaining composed and poised.

Moreover, still able to publicly set aside dignity, to seek help from a junior.

His heart nature is extraordinary, his mindset returning to simplicity; Li Ji’an greatly admired this.

”Thank you, Alchemist Li.”

Then, Liu Jingchun bid three thousand one hundred spirit stones to acquire the Vermilion Fruit.

Yet he did not even touch the Vermilion Fruit, immediately upon paying the spirit stones, he let the maid directly hand it to Li Ji’an, along with the pre-prepared auxiliary materials.

They agreed on delivering in three days, and he left the auction.

Left neatly, evidently his purpose for attending the auction was solely for the Lifespan Extension Pill.

Quickly the auction became lively again due to the items presented, and the earlier episode was forgotten.

”Congratulations to Alchemist Li for acquiring the super-premium magical artifact, Glazed Mirror!”

”Congratulations to Alchemist Li for acquiring the Thousand-year-old Ice Silkworm Robe!”

”Congratulations to Alchemist Li for acquiring the Second Tier Blood Swallow Flower...”

...

Li Ji’an almost without hesitation, bid actively for anything that benefited him, acquiring them all.

Spent nearly twenty thousand spirit stones in total, practically exhausting all earnings his recent burst seemed to yield in the eyes of outsiders.

Besides two rare super-premium protective spiritual artifacts, there were several Second Tier spirit medicines, among which he acquired the primary herb for Foundation Establishment Stage Breaking Rank Pill.

Most unexpectedly, during this, an ultra-premium flying boat appeared.

Flying type spiritual artifacts are rarer compared to combat type artifacts; after all, flying artifacts have single functions, while cultivators above Foundation Establishment Stage can command divine rainbow and magical artifacts for long-range flight, making ultra-premium flying boats expensive and niche.

Li Ji’an however had need for this; the cultivation realm is vast and sparsely populated, spending more time on journeys means more uncertainties; even if exchanging spirit stones for safety grants just a little, it’s worth it.

Yan Qingwan used a middle grade flying boat back in the day, taking four months for one trip to the Immortal City.

The upper grade flying boat he bought previously, took close to three months for a round trip to the desert.

Now with an ultra-premium flying boat, it would take just one month.

Overall, this time the resources Biyun Sect presented did give them quite a taste, showing sincerity.

However, among the items auctioned, there weren’t many that could enhance combat capability; most were auxiliary-focused, and defensive spiritual artifacts were the limit.

Nor was there the Second Tier Mid-Stage Talisman Material he most desired.

Li Ji’an’s extravagant moves earned the admiration and envy of cultivators present, also the attention of the elder overseeing this Biyun Sect auction.

The auction exceeding expectations owed much to Li Ji’an.

On the way back, everyone’s gaze towards Li Ji’an had changed.

Alchemist Zou looked dejected, initially wanting to catch attention from Biyun Sect Elders through strong support of the auction, yet ultimately his financial power couldn’t match Li Ji’an, ending up as a foil to Li Ji’an.

Upon returning to Li Mansion, Li Ji’an handed the Cold Marrow purchased at the auction to Xiaoqiao: ”Wear this close to your body; it has the effect of calming the mind, concentrating the spirit, and stabilizing the divine soul; it should also aid in your array sensing Earth Spirit Mechanism.”

”Hmm? Xiaoqiao, what’s wrong?”

When handing it over, Li Ji’an noticed Xiaoqiao seemed absent-minded.

Throughout the auction, Xiaoqiao was constantly with Duanmu Qin, and Li Ji’an hadn’t paid special attention.

Only now did he realize the issue.

”Ah, Uncle Li, I... just suddenly felt a wave of apprehension, sensing a... particularly odd feeling.” Xiaoqiao suddenly came to her senses, said uncertainly.

”Particularly odd feeling? Apprehension? Was it when that Master Qin appeared?” Li Ji’an thought for a moment, asked.

Qin Henian’s Fake Pill authority, and such an overt contempt for others, indeed easily causes great pressure on Qi Cultivation junior cultivators, even potentially hurting those with weak willpower emotionally.

”Seems... it started just then.” Xiaoqiao still seemed out of sorts.

Li Ji’an slowly exhaled, placing a hand on Xiaoqiao’s brow, transmitting magical power to help stabilize her sea of consciousness.

Though not fully aware of what transpired between Qin Henian and Liu Jingchun, some reasoning could be inferred; for someone of his standing to lose composure and become agitated, surely he was deeply hurt in the past.

However, compared to Liu Jingchun, Qin Henian’s heart nature indeed was lacking.

After stabilizing Xiaoqiao’s sea of consciousness, Li Ji’an fed her a Nourishing God Pill, sending her back to her room to rest.

Then returned to the Alchemy Room to organize his day’s gains.

Two super-premium magical artifacts, one Glazed Mirror with the effect of counterattack, can also serve as a Heart-Protecting Mirror, able to withstand an all-out strike of ordinary Foundation Establishment Middle Stage magical power.

The other is a Dragon Pattern Protective Headband, a spiritual artifact that defends against divine sense attacks, also having some effect in preventing others from probing one’s divine sense.

The two are touted as super-premium rather than ultra-premium because they’re relics, having undergone erosion over the years, resulting in some decline in their power.

These two spiritual artifacts can now be regarded as Li Ji’an’s obvious reliance.

At least general Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivators can almost not quickly overpower him.

Perhaps if the Blood-handed Butcher knew he possessed these treasures, he might not have targeted him.

Other spirit medicines were all useful for cultivation during the Foundation Establishment Stage, including a primary herb for Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Breaking Rank Pill, nothing much to say; however, one Second Tier Blood Swallow Flower is what Li Ji’an cared most about.

This herb is not only a primary herb for a Second Tier pill medicine but also part of a recipe for a Third Tier poison that could threaten even a Fake Pill True Man.