Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Ignoring the deeply emotional Si, Li Ji’an quietly slipped into the Core Formation Dao Field, returning to his own residence.

In the two years of protecting Xiao Jiu, he had been in constant communication with Ning Sujin, so this return was not abrupt.

At the same time, he was already aware of the Cyan Ox lingering outside his Dao Field.

Ever since two years ago, when Funiu Ascendant and Li Ji’an shifted out of the Core Formation Dao Field, the Cyan Ox regained its freedom and flaunted its power throughout Funiu Mountain.

It proclaimed itself the Cow God and declared itself the king of this land, regarding Funiu Ascendant as its royal chef and all cultivators of Funiu Mountain as its subjects.

Except for Funiu Ascendant, who could control it with Tier Three Spirit Grass, no one could restrain its freedom.

”You old boy are finally back. Quickly, welcome this king into your Dao Field for a look.” As soon as Li Ji’an wind escaped to his residence, the loitering Cyan Ox stood up, leaving a residual shadow at the spot and appeared in front of Li Ji’an.

Over the past two years, Funiu Ascendant had spoken quite a lot about the Cyan Ox.

They had met in that Earth Cave Tao Field and, not knowing each other without a conflict, ultimately succumbed because of a mouthful of Spirit Grass.

Funiu Ascendant had also candidly said that the reason for trusting Li Ji’an so deeply this time was because of the Cyan Ox’s talent for soul sensing. Not only could it passively sense extraordinary things, but it could also actively explore people’s hearts.

When the Cyan Ox actively sensed Li Ji’an during his time protecting Xiao Jiu’s core formation, it determined that he was of noble character, kind-hearted, and genuinely cared for Xiao Jiu. Only then did it open its heart to Li Ji’an at such a crucial moment and ask him to help protect Xiao Jiu.

Through some of Funiu Ascendant’s words, Li Ji’an inferred the actual combat power of the Cyan Ox.

He also came to realize the truth behind the incident when it unexpectedly saw through his Dao Field during their first meeting.

As they say, fear comes from the unknown. Now that the truth about the Cyan Ox was uncovered, naturally, there was no reason to fear it anymore.

A late period Tier Three Demon Beast with talent divine abilities not focused on attack or divine speed, even if it couldn’t win, it could retreat unscathed.

”What brings your esteemed presence today, Ox King?” Li Ji’an asked with a smile, cupping his hands.

”Hehe, the more I look at you, the more I like you. Not bad, not bad. When that old man passes away, I will make you my royal chef.” The Cyan Ox immediately grinned broadly.

”Unfortunately, I am not skilled with Spirit Plants and cannot cultivate superior Spirit Grass for the Ox King.” Li Ji’an replied with a smile, waving his hand.

”No problem, no problem. Who said this king must eat Spirit Grass?” The Cyan Ox flailed a hoof haphazardly and spoke in a muffled voice.

”Does the Ox King not prefer Spirit Grass? Then why did Funiu Fellow gather such a mountain of Spirit Grass?” Li Ji’an asked, feigning confusion.

”Moo~” Upon hearing about the mountain of Spirit Grass, the Cyan Ox couldn’t help but roar.

”Where? Where is that mountain of Spirit Grass?” It immediately followed up with eager inquiries.

Li Ji’an pretended to have misspoken: ”Oh my, I didn’t know if Funiu wanted the Ox King to know, it was a slip of the tongue. If the Ox King wishes to know anything, it’s better to ask Funiu directly.”

”Moo~” The Cyan Ox turned and headed off into the distance.

Watching its silhouette fade away, Li Ji’an chuckled softly.

The reduced fear towards it came from another point revealed in Funiu Ascendant’s casual remarks: this Cyan Ox, after all, hadn’t transformed into a Tier Four, so its intelligence wasn’t high, nor was its thinking very convoluted. A little maneuvering could divert it.

As for the reason behind its two-year-long lingering outside his Dao Field, Li Ji’an was well aware.

Most likely, during the time it brought Xiao Jiu back, it accidentally sensed the soul aura of a True Dragon residual soul emerging from Ning Sujin’s sea of consciousness and wanted to investigate.

However, in Li Ji’an’s absence, Ning Sujin continually declined its entry under the pretext of inconvenience.

Fortunately, it never tried to force its way in.

Upon returning to his Dao Field, Ning Sujin came to greet him from afar.

In these two years, Ning Sujin’s progress with the Chaos Technique remained remarkable, and her Dantian Magical Power grew increasingly robust and pure.

”You’ve worked hard, dear husband.” Ning Sujin gently took Li Ji’an’s arm and led him to the backyard.

Her affection for Xiao Jiu stemmed from a nostalgia for her sister, Ning Yutan.

She believed that Li Ji’an’s actions in caring for Xiao Jiu were for her sake, thus further endearing him to her.

”Are we still so formal with each other?” Li Ji’an chuckled.

Arriving at the backyard, seeing the table brimming with Spirit Wine and Spirit Banquets, Li Ji’an felt even more content.

Though these were only Second Tier Spiritual Food, yielding negligible effects for him, the occasional indulgence still brought joy.

The state of mind is paramount in cultivation, with maintaining happiness being crucial.

”The kindness you show me, I keep in my heart. It’s such a blessing this life, but I can’t take your kindness for granted.” Ning Sujin said, guiding Li Ji’an to sit down.

She then poured him a cup of Spirit Wine: ”This is for you, dear husband.”

”Cheers!” Li Ji’an raised the cup and drained it.

He then waved his hand, restoring his true appearance.

Previously cautious of the Cyan Ox’s mystical abilities, neither he nor Ning Sujin had shown their true selves even within the Dao Field.

Now, they could completely relax.

The youthful pair, drinking and sparring with words, seemed to relive their mundane life during the Immortal Dynasty.

Finally, carried by the wine’s warmth, their emotions surged, and they indulged in love.

The next morning, a slight movement from the Communication Talisman in Li Ji’an’s Storage Ring caught his attention.

”Our grandson is truly dutiful.” Seeing the message from the Pure Yuan Lao thief made Li Ji’an chuckle involuntarily.

Throughout these years, he had maintained constant communication.

Though he carefully avoided mentioning Xiao Jiu’s core formation, using the excuse of seeking opportunities to restore his Lifebound Magical Treasure.

This made the Pure Yuan Lao thief worried, repeatedly confirming his safety and well-being.

He often suggested accompanying him in search of opportunities.

It can be said that Li Ji’an had become the spiritual pillar and future hope for the Pure Yuan Lao thief.

Moreover, even in Li Ji’an’s absence, the Pure Yuan Lao thief diligently practiced alchemy.

Each time a pill was completed, he would deliver it to Ning Sujin.

His consistent behavior made Li Ji’an, who initially planned to find an opportunity to deal with him and resolve past karma from the previous life, decide to wait.

He thought, perhaps when there was no value left to extract.

After all, with the Little Fire Spirit lying dormant in his Dantian, a single thought could detonate it instantly.

”If you were a senior with no prospect for further cultivation, would he still be so dutiful?” Ning Sujin mocked.

Li Ji’an nodded with a smile, then sent a reply to the Pure Yuan Lao thief, announcing his return.

However, the next message made him slightly pause.

”Ancestor, Tong Jiesheng has entered the Yellow Heaven Domain and will soon arrive at Funiu Mountain.”

Before Li Ji’an could inquire further, the Dao Field’s grand array had already alerted him to the Pure Yuan Lao thief’s visit.

Concerned with the unpredictable nature of Beixuan True Monarch, Li Ji’an dared not be negligent and immediately went out to discuss directly.

”Can the news be confirmed? With Joyful Union Sect and Nine Tripods Commerce Association opposing each other, and the Yellow Heaven Domain’s restriction on Nine Tripods Commerce Association, why would he dare to venture deep this time?” Li Ji’an asked.

”Grandson does not know either, but being bound by a soul contract with him, the sensing cannot be wrong.”