Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Watching Yan Qingwan leave again, Zheng Mosheng and the other two exchanged a subtle smile.

Having been oppressed by the Yan Family for years in the desert, seeing Yan Qingwan face a little setback at this moment offered a bit of solace to their minds.

”Coincidentally, I’m also planning to visit the Master Collection Courtyard in the inner city to buy a defensive magical artifact from the Flower Vase Master.”

”Since you brought it up, I nearly forgot. I need to find Master Zhou to purchase a magic robe with the effect of dispelling forest toxins.”

”I’ve long admired Master Qian’s array skills and should pay a visit.”

All three simultaneously decided to catch up for a look.

Since they could no longer resist the rising power of the Yan Family, they could only watch them stumble to find some comfort, easing the suppressed feelings of the past years.

Otherwise, if the mind is not at ease, it could impact not just cultivation, but even longevity.

”Let’s go together!”

Moments later, the three caught up with Yan Qingwan.

”Fellow Daoist Yan, we three coincidentally also wish to pay respects to the masters at the collection courtyard. You don’t mind, do you?” Zheng Mosheng asked, using a tone that suggested if Yan Qingwan didn’t consent, he wouldn’t proceed.

”Yes, Fellow Daoist Yan, after twenty years of turmoil in the desert, it’s been a long time since visiting the masters of the Immortal City. Going back now, our family faces some array repairs, so we must connect with the masters of the Immortal City.”

”Ever since the century-long control of Immortal City was sold, the new owner set up a special area as the Master Collection Courtyard. I also want to see the top masters living there.”

The other two quickly echoed.

”These are personal matters, no need to consult me, feel free.” Yan Qingwan understood the little schemes of the three old fellows, indifferent.

”Good, good, please, Fellow Daoist Yan.” The three responded happily.

Yan Qing followed behind the four Foundation Establishment ancestors, feeling slightly nervous.

Soon, the five arrived at the courtyard gates.

The ancestor of Xu Family took the initiative to ask the steward at the gate about the locations of the esteemed masters inside.

”Coincidentally, Fellow Daoist Yan, the first residence here is the famous Alchemist Zou. If you’re seeking Pill Medicine, perhaps he might have some. Do you need my help to call for him?” The Xu Family ancestor, after looking at the courtyard’s location map, smiled at Yan Qingwan.

”But Alchemist Zou is notoriously busy, obsessed with Pill Techniques, and might not be able to meet anyone.” Zheng Mosheng sighed.

”Not just Alchemist Zou, to live here, one must be a top-tier artisan of the Cangyun State; they probably aren’t easy to associate with.”

”No need, all of you please proceed.” Yan Qingwan appeared slightly impatient.

”Alright, alright, Fellow Daoist Yan, please.” The three responded gleefully.

Seeing the second residence, the ancestor of Zhou Family turned and said, ”Ah, this is my family’s Master Zhou’s residence. I was just in need of a magic robe.” Then he moved forward to knock.

”Zhou Pengkun of the desert’s Zhou Family asks to meet Tailor Zhou to purchase a magic robe.” The ancestor of Zhou Family stepped up to knock, showing a respectful attitude.

He had traded with Tailor Zhou in earlier years and shared the same surname, hence he was somewhat confident.

”Pardon, Senior Zhou. My master’s finished garments are out of stock; unable to fulfill your request for now. Please return.” Soon, the voice of Tailor Zhou’s disciple came from inside.

The ancestor of Zhou Family was initially slightly taken aback, then continued, ”Since that is the case, I shall place a custom order. Please let me meet Master Zhouyi.”

The impact of the ruins issue meant some toxin and barrier dispelling robes were sold out, which he understood.

Buying or not was of little importance; the crucial point was to meet in person. By this comparison, even new youngsters like Yan Qingwan faced rejection, producing a satisfying sense of superiority.

”Pardon, Senior Zhou. Master Zhouyi’s orders are backed up until six months later and cannot accept more. Please return.” However, the door once again refused open.

”…” This left the ancestor of Zhou Family somewhat humiliated.

Yet, when turning away, he found relief, consoling himself, ”Considering the Upper Sect’s matters, these masters certainly are busy, it’s understandable.”

”This is Master Qian’s residence, my turn.” Seeing Old Zhou faced rejection, the ancestor of Xu Family was secretly pleased; if he managed to meet Master Qian, it would be doubly satisfying.

Yet, he too faced rejection.

Not out of Master Qian’s intent, but due to being extremely busy. Although Biyun Sect didn’t appreciate his array skill, they didn’t neglect him, employing him for many base array engraving tasks.

After two successive rejections, Zheng Mosheng was elated inside; unsure about others, but confident at least with Flower Vase Master he could meet for sure, given the previous generation ancestor had dealings and ordered several exquisite magical artifacts over the years.

”Ah, this is Peach Blossom Fairy’s residence!” Walking past Duanmu Qin’s residence, Old Xu was slightly surprised.

Peach Blossom Fairy’s reputation was wide-spread.

Zheng Mosheng revealed nostalgia; back when Zheng Tianxiang came to Immortal City to establish the foundation, he specifically spent a fortune to listen to her tunes.

Moreover, the alluring charm of Peach Blossom Fairy, circulating in the cultivation realm of Cangyun State, tempted many male cultivators.

”Fellow Daoist Zheng, do you wish to meet Peach Blossom Fairy?” Old Xu and Old Zhou teased.

Zheng Mosheng quickly shook his head, hurriedly skipping ahead.

”...” Watching the childish displays of the three nearly two-century-old family ancestors here, Yan Qingwan sighed softly.

It’s a reflection of herself, an inherent gap between cultivators from small places and the top masters of Immortal City.

This further heightened her admiration for Li Ji’an’s achievements in her heart.

”Ancestor, shall we instead find Senior Li?” Yan Qing suggested, seeing the entitled family ancestors of the desert act so humble here, suddenly gaining respect for this collection courtyard.

”Fan’Er is right here.” Yan Qingwan spoke to reassure him.

”What? Senior Li... he has already moved in here?” Yan Qing was greatly surprised.

Still remember more than ten years ago when coming here with the Grand Elder to purchase, Li Ji’an was living in the small courtyard at the border between the Outer City and Inner City, even then he felt quite envious.

Originally thinking that after his Foundation Establishment, he could move to the Inner City to reside, but it was completely unexpected that he not only moved to the Inner City but also directly settled in the most prestigious location where masters congregate.

”Flower Vase Master, an old friend of the Zheng Family from the Desert seeks an audience.” At that moment, Zheng Mosheng had already arrived outside Hua Hongling’s residence.

A moment later,

”Creak~” The mansion’s door opened, and Hua Hongling’s standard figure emerged from the residence.

Zheng Mosheng was instantly overjoyed.

”This old man greets the Flower Vase Master.” Zheng Mosheng glanced back at the other three, then cupped his hand toward the tower-like Hua Hongling.

For this moment, he felt that the tortured mental state of recent years suddenly relaxed.

Hua Hongling looked at him expressionlessly: ”Old Fellow Daoist Zheng didn’t come?”

”The Ancestor has already sat in eternal silence, now maintained by this old man,” Zheng Mosheng replied with a smile.

”Oh, you’ve come today... huh.” Hua Hongling seemed slightly regretful, preparing to speak, she suddenly saw Yan Qingwan not far away.

”Fellow Daoist Yan, you’ve come again?” Compared to Duanmu Qin, she preferred the graceful and tranquil Yan Qingwan she had just met today.

Most importantly, this person is Li Ji’an’s aunt. If she could get her to speak on her behalf, perhaps she could pressure Li Ji’an.

”Hm?” The slight sense of superiority Zheng Mosheng had just raised instantly froze.

Both Old Xu and Old Zhou were stunned on the spot.

”Fellow Daoist Hua.” Yan Qingwan smiled gracefully.

”Fellow Daoist Yan, do you also want a Magical Artifact? Coincidentally, I happen to have two bottom-drawer ones left here, see if you like them.” With one gesture, Hua Hongling summoned from a storage pouch an umbrella-shaped Magical Artifact and a set of Flying Needle Spiritual Artifacts.

”Thunk~” Zheng Mosheng and the other two froze completely.

Yan Qingwan looked at the two exquisite Magical Artifacts, feeling moved.

After her Foundation Establishment, she hadn’t yet possessed a handy Magical Artifact, previously even a Purple-Blue Treasure Sword was merely Upper Grade.

Yet ultimately, she still smiled and shook her head.

Firstly, after returning the Spirit Stones for Li Ji’an’s Foundation Establishment Pill, her personal resources were insufficient, and now she needed to purchase Pill Medicine for the family to maintain a long-term presence at the ruins.

Secondly, she was unclear about the relationship and causation between these people and Li Ji’an. Knowing that the other party was considering Li Ji’an’s favor, she couldn’t easily accept it, otherwise, it would owe Li Ji’an a favor.

”Fellow Daoist Yan doesn’t need a Magical Artifact? Do you need a Magic Robe?” Hua Hongling felt slightly disappointed, then actively asked again.

Before Yan Qingwan could respond, Hua Hongling’s loud voice startled the Zhou Mansion not far away, its gate opened, and a woman stepped out: ”Elder Yan, do you need a Magic Robe? Why not let the master measure your size?”

These family members had sharp eyes; they knew Li Ji’an’s current identity and had requests of him in the future, so they often made great efforts to please him, not missing any opportunity.

Soon, Master Qian’s mansion also opened, and his concubine respectfully greeted Yan Qingwan.

Until finally, Duanmu Qin heard the commotion outside, came out personally, and invited Yan Qingwan into the mansion for a chat.

...

In the end, Zheng Mosheng and the other two wanted to see Yan Qingwan embarrassed, attempting to restore some peace of mind.

The result.

”Crunch!” It shattered even more!

Even as they left the Master Collection Courtyard, they couldn’t understand how Yan Qingwan, a junior often residing in the Desert, had such connections in the Immortal City.

With her current network, it wasn’t merely a simple first family of the Desert.

It wasn’t until they returned to their base that the three finally realized thinking of the young man who had left the Yan Family that many years ago.

”That young man succeeded in Foundation Establishment ten years ago... could he now have made a name for himself in the Immortal City?”

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After Yan Qingwan was invited by Duanmu Qin, she went again to Li Ji’an’s residence to inform him of the Pill Medicine dilemma.

Li Ji’an said nothing and handed over the entire batch of finished Pill Medicine procured by Alchemist Mo from back in the day to Yan Qingwan.

Moreover, he presented a specially prepared set of Pill Medicine for Yan Qingwan.

With this set of Pill Medicine, it at least ensured Yan Qingwan’s cultivation would not be affected in the ruins and could enhance the Divine Soul in critical moments, even burning vital essence to preserve life.

The family-needed batch of Pill Medicine, Yan Qingwan insisted on paying the Spirit Stones at market value, but the special set prepared for her, Li Ji’an remained firm in not receiving any Spirit Stones.

Yan Qing, upon witnessing Li Ji’an’s achievements again, sincerely thanked him for the opportunity he once provided, and his mental state entirely settled.

On the last visit to the Immortal City with Yan Kongyi and seeing Li Ji’an’s accomplishments, he had always had a mental block, often contemplating if he would have achieved the same success had he left the family.

It was precisely for this reason; he missed the opportunity to utilize the Foundation Establishment Pill secured by Li Ji’an.

This time, he finally realized that Li Ji’an’s accomplishments were not because he left the family but because he had such strength before departing.

He came to grips with his own circumstances, no longer indulging in such delusions!

Three days later, the four major families of the Desert led their clansmen to settle in the ruins forbidden area of Biyun Sect.

And a year later, conflicts inside and outside the ruins forbidden area finally erupted completely...