Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Without the sect disciples of the two provinces blending in, the scattered loose cultivators outside were as vulnerable as clay chickens and pottery dogs. After being bloodily purged by the true inheritors of several major sects, they mostly retreated unwillingly.

That day, the group of loose cultivators summoned by Li Ji’an also completed their mission and began to leave in an orderly manner.

That evening, Li Ji’an followed Duanmu Qin to infiltrate a mountain ravine.

This place had been explored by Li Ji’an and Gugu long ago, but they had found nothing.

”Having seen the power of sect true inheritors so often these days, do you feel powerless?”

”Fellow Daoist Li, compared to sect disciples, apart from the gap in talent and spirit root, the fundamental issue is the lack of resources. For loose cultivators like us, without great opportunities, even skilled practitioners like ourselves find Foundation Establishment the limit, and facing sect disciples remains desperate.

Since we have reached this point, there’s no turning back now.”

In the dark underground cave of the mountain ravine, the disguised Duanmu Qin reconfirmed Li Ji’an’s determination.

Li Ji’an, slightly helpless, said, ”This matter was discussed earlier. If there is a significant life-threatening crisis, my cultivation is inadequate and my strength is weak, I cannot be too reckless.”

”In this regard, Fellow Daoist Li can rest assured. Don’t you see that in the development of the relics by the Upper Sect, apart from the demon beasts causing casualties among the sect disciples, there is no deadly threat within the relic itself.” Duanmu Qin chuckled, understanding his concerns, and gently reassured him.

Li Ji’an nodded. Previously, he had indirectly confirmed with Xiao Changfeng, who said the relic was an ancient sect’s site, and apart from restrictions and protective arrays, there were no deadly traps. The greatest danger was the demon beasts that unexpectedly barged in.

This was the key reason for Li Ji’an’s decision to come and investigate with Duanmu Qin this time.

”To be honest, Fellow Daoist Li, this might be our last chance. Once the sect thoroughly explores the core relics, they will inevitably expand the area, and many loose cultivators proficient in arrays have already been found exploring this outer area during the patrol period.

If we don’t seize the opportunity this time, it might slip away forever.” Duanmu Qin emphasized with a firmer tone.

”Peach Blossom Fairy, no matter how great the opportunity, one must have fate to claim it. As long as the green hills remain, there is no fear of lacking wood to burn. If one dies in pursuit of opportunity, then all is lost.

Do what is possible, strive to the utmost, and do not force what is impossible.

You and I have at least over a hundred years until the best age limit for Core Formation, everything is possible, there’s no need to place all on one bet.” Considering the deep connection formed over the past few months, Li Ji’an sincerely advised.

Duanmu Qin was silent for a moment, then praised, ”Fellow Daoist Li has a good heart nature!”

”Let’s agree in advance; if we succeed, the Music Path inheritance is mine, and all other opportunities are split equally. I trust Fellow Daoist, and ask that you trust me as well.”

Duanmu Qin’s trust in Li Ji’an came not only from their past intimate encounters but also from his strength. Even if he harbored ill intentions, she was confident in subduing him, which was a key reason she ultimately chose to cooperate with Li Ji’an.

Li Ji’an nodded: ”Reasonable!”

After all, the other party provided all the information on the opportunity, while Li Ji’an only provided the Breaking Ban Talisman.

Without further hesitation, Duanmu Qin led Li Ji’an deeper into the cave.

Half an hour later, they were nearing the end of the cave.

Li Ji’an felt slightly odd, as Gugu had also been here before. Other than the abyss stone wall, there was nothing else, and even with his late Foundation Establishment divine sense, he discovered no anomalies.

A moment later, Duanmu Qin stood before an unremarkable stone wall, glanced back at Li Ji’an, and took out a ring-shaped jade pendant, pressing it into a natural-looking hollow in the wall.

”There’s also a jade pendant.” Li Ji’an raised an eyebrow slightly.

Evidently, this cave mansion had a deep connection with Duanmu Qin.

”Hmm?” However, after the jade pendant was pressed, nothing changed.

Duanmu Qin’s beautiful eyes narrowed.

”Not good! This restriction has been breached.”

”Whoosh~” Before she could finish speaking, a cold light shot out from behind the stone wall.

Then, the entire stone wall flashed with light and became illusory.

”It’s an illusory array!” While releasing her magical shield, Duanmu Qin dodged aside.

”Clang~” The cold light struck the cave wall, sparking a shower of sparks.

At the same time as releasing his body-protecting dharma shield, Li Ji’an retreated rapidly, releasing Gugu at lightning speed.

However, the spark flashed and suddenly erupted into a monstrous fire wave, instantly sealing off their retreat.

As it turns out, the intent of that cold light was not to attack Duanmu Qin, but to cut off their retreat path.

In the next moment, the illusory shadow of the stone wall disappeared completely, revealing a large cave mansion behind it.

Inside the cave mansion, ever-bright lamps illuminated the area as bright as day.

Five people slowly walked out from within.

”Hmph! Dare to toy with me?” The leader was none other than the Fiery Sun Sect’s true inheritor, Fu Hanxing.

After casting a glance at Li Ji’an and Duanmu Qin, he sharply turned his gaze towards an elderly man beside him.

”Young Master Fu misunderstands, these two are absolutely not old man’s accomplices. I truly only discovered this place’s restriction by chance and only mentioned it to my two apprentices.” The elderly man explained in panic, pointing to two middle-aged cultivators beside him.

”Elder Fu, quell your anger, Master speaks the truth.”

”Three months ago, we were evading patrols and stumbled upon this place. Master unexpectedly sensed the restriction array…” Both apprentices hurriedly explained.

”Senior Brother Fu, Master Xie should not be deceiving; these two clearly came prepared. This is the jade pendant they just placed on the stone wall.” The young man guarding the stone wall, dressed identically to Fu Hanxing, tossed the jade pendant to him.

The earlier cold light and the blazing fire barrier in the rear cave were his handiworks.

While examining the jade pendant, Fu Hanxing gradually narrowed his eyes before looking over at Duanmu Qin.

Meanwhile, Li Ji’an and Duanmu Qin stood vigilantly, keeping an eye on the five people in the cave mansion.

Fu Hanxing was at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, as was the array master. Fu Hanxing’s junior brother was at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, and the array master’s apprentices were at the late stage of Qi Cultivation.

Duanmu Qin’s face showed a growing expression of despair. Even disregarding Fu Hanxing, an outstanding true inheritor, he also was at a small realm higher than her.

Just Fu Hanxing’s junior, who was also at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, was beyond the comparison of her as a loose cultivator.

With the illusory array wall barrier gone, Li Ji’an’s divine sense probed into the cave mansion and found no other people.

Facing these five, he felt some pressure.

”Why don’t you quickly remove your disguise?” Fu Hanxing barked coldly.

Duanmu Qin secretly sighed and revealed her true form.

Li Ji’an also removed his disguise.

Fu Hanxing, playing with the jade pendant in his hands, slowly moved forward: ”I’ve seen you before, Skill Master from Golden Splendor Immortal City.”

Then, looking at Li Ji’an with a cold sneer: ”Little Brother Jiang even specifically mentioned you, heh, foolish to the extreme!”

Cultivators at the Foundation Establishment Stage have refined divine sense and naturally possess a photographic memory, especially since Jiang Yunzhou specifically mocked Li Ji’an for voluntarily giving up becoming a sect disciple and eventually becoming the laughingstock as a loose cultivator.

”If you cooperate well, I can spare your lives!”

”Now tell me, the origin of this jade pendant, and how you knew about this cave mansion?”