Immortal Refiner

Li Qing didn’t even have a day to envy Wu Chong’s immortal fate. He understood that Wu Chong must possess extraordinary qualities to be accepted as a disciple by a Core Formation Realm Ancestor from a Cultivation Sect.

For instance, Li Qing had never seen anyone who could eat as much as Wu Chong. He was constantly eating, as if delaying even for a moment would turn him into a starving ghost.

Later, Li Qing learned the reason: Wu Chong cultivated the Gluttonous Divine Art, which required constant eating!

Maintaining this constant intake of food was his cultivation practice.

Though he consumed only grains and coarse foods—the typical fare of mortals—this was said to be necessary to keep the cultivation manual running. It wasn’t about extracting spiritual energy from the food itself; simply eating was the act of cultivation.

Of course, despite the seemingly simple nature of the Gluttonous Divine Art’s cultivation, not everyone was qualified to practice it. This was precisely why Wu Chong had been chosen as a Personal Disciple by the Heaven-Devouring True Lord.

With more than half a month remaining before the deadline for completing his sect affairs, Li Qing’s heart grew incredibly peaceful.

The only thing left for him to do now was wait.

He had reached the Great Perfection stage of the Qi Refining Realm, with both his physical body and spiritual awareness peaking in their ability to grow further in the short term.

To advance further, he would have to break through to Foundation Establishment!

Three days passed. Li Qing opened his eyes, stepped out of his courtyard gate, and, stepping onto a leaf-shaped Magic Artifact, floated into the air, soaring towards the floating islands suspended above the sect.

Cloudsoar Island!

Normally deserted, today it was bustling with Qi Refining Realm disciples. Including Li Qing, there were eleven people waiting outside a grand hall on the island.

The other ten disciples, excluding Li Qing, were all rising stars from the Ascension Conference—true elites, each radiating an air of confidence and pride.

Among them was a rare ice attribute variant spirit root, a talent so exceptional that a supreme elder of the sect had taken him as a Personal Disciple!

Li Qing’s arrival drew many curious glances. Several disciples watched him with keen interest.

It wasn’t just the commotion his Ascension Token had caused within the sect, but also the circumstances of Li Qing’s entry into the Lingyun Sect that had drawn so much attention. Being pursued by two Foundation Establishment cultivators at once was a feat that had truly captured the interest of many.

”Brother Li, you’ve arrived! I’ve been wanting to get to know you since our encounter at the mountain gate. Unfortunately, I’ve been swamped with sect affairs since joining, and haven’t had a chance to visit.”

A cultivator approached Li Qing with a friendly smile.

Li Qing responded with equal courtesy. ”Not at all. Now that we’re Fellow Disciples, we should naturally watch out for each other.”

”Senior Brother Li, why don’t you tell us why you were being chased by two Foundation Establishment cultivators that day? We’re all dying to know!”

The speaker was a mischievous-looking young woman named Chu Lingyi. She appeared to be barely past eighteen, dressed in a yellow dress with a slender figure. Her face was exceptionally sweet and charming, with two braids hanging down her back, radiating youthful vitality.

”That’s right, it’s getting rather boring just waiting around. Senior Brother Li, why don’t you tell us a few words?”

”Senior Brother Li managed to escape the pursuit of Foundation Establishment cultivators. Your methods must be extraordinary! I’m sure there’s plenty worth hearing about!”

The ten people present were mostly young, their minds still somewhat naive. Coupled with their usual arrogance, they spoke without restraint.

In terms of age, they were all roughly a generation older than Li Qing.

Of course, in the world of cultivation, strength reigns supreme. Li Qing couldn’t afford to put on airs. He forced a bitter smile and said, ”You all overestimate me. If a Foundation Establishment cultivator were truly determined to kill me, how could I possibly survive?”

”I only managed to escape a short distance by relying on the spirit boat’s incredible speed. But eventually, my mana was completely exhausted. If I hadn’t been lucky enough to join the sect, I would surely have died on the spot.”

His words were entirely true. At the time, Li Qing had indeed been on the verge of collapse.

His mana reserves were nearly depleted. Had he not reached the Lingyun Sect’s mountain gate and found refuge, his situation would have been dire, with less than a one-in-a-hundred chance of survival.

”That wasn’t easy,” someone praised. ”After all, they were facing two Foundation Establishment cultivators. If it were me, I wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

Just as Li Qing was about to offer a few more humble words, the massive hall before them began to tremble. A deep, resonant clang echoed through the air.

Buzz!

The hall doors slowly parted, revealing a white-robed elder with white hair and a long white beard. A gentle smile never left his face.

Upon seeing him, Li Qing and the other ten disciples clasped their hands in a respectful bow.

”Greetings, Sect Leader!”

Indeed, this kindly-looking elder, who radiated no aura whatsoever, was the sect leader of the Lingyun Sect: Daoist Xu Yun!

Sect Leader Xu Yun chuckled softly and said, ”No need for formalities, everyone. I imagine you already know why I’ve summoned you here today.”

At these words, some of the younger disciples, still lacking emotional maturity, clenched their fists. They were finally about to receive the most precious pill for Qi Refining cultivators: the Foundation Establishment Pill!

”Hehehe, before I distribute the Foundation Establishment Pills, allow this old man to say a few words.”

”You have all distinguished yourselves in the Ascension Conference, proving your exceptional talent. You are destined to become the pillars of our sect in the future!”

”Foundation Establishment Pills are hard-won. Remember to cherish them. Whether your Foundation Establishment succeeds or fails, you must cultivate diligently and contribute greatly to the sect.”

”Even if you fail, do not be disheartened. With your aptitude and age, you may still have a chance to obtain a second Foundation Establishment Pill!”

”This old man himself took two Foundation Establishment Pills before successfully establishing his Foundation. As someone who has been through this, I advise you to remain calm and composed during Foundation Establishment. Let it unfold naturally—that is the best approach.”

Upon hearing these words, the disciples once again bowed in unison, their voices ringing out: ”Thank you, Sect Leader, for your guidance!”

”Hehehe, these are the Foundation Establishment Pills you have earned. Take good care of them. The future of our sect rests on your shoulders!”

With a gentle wave of his white sleeve, Sect Leader Xu Yun conjured eleven perfectly round pills. They floated gracefully through the air, settling before each disciple, gently bobbing in place.

Almost everyone eagerly snatched the Foundation Establishment Pill into their hands. Gazing at the plump, perfectly round pill with its restrained medicinal fragrance, a smile spread across everyone’s faces.

Even the female disciple with the ice attribute variant spirit root, whose icy demeanor kept others at arm’s length, couldn’t help but let her icy facade melt away.

”Thank you, Sect Leader!”

Sect Leader Xu Yun chuckled. ”No need to thank me. You should thank the sect.”

”Alright, Shen Ningbing and Li Qing, stay behind. The rest of you may return to your quarters. Cultivate diligently and achieve Foundation Establishment as soon as possible. The future of the sect rests on your shoulders.”

As these words left his lips, all eyes turned to Shen Ningbing and Li Qing. However, no one lingered. After clasping their hands in a respectful bow, they dispersed.

Shen Ningbing was the female disciple with the ice attribute variant spirit root. Her expression had returned to its usual calm demeanor, and even the Foundation Establishment Pill she had just received hadn’t stirred much emotion within her.

Li Qing, on the other hand, was somewhat surprised, wondering why the Sect Leader had suddenly called him back.

After everyone else had flown off Cloudsoar Island, the sect leader pulled out another jade slip. This one was Ice Blue and even emitted a faint chill.

”Martial Aunt Bing Yun has gone on a trip and won’t be back for at least several months. Ningbing, once you achieve Foundation Establishment, you should switch to her cultivation manual!”

These words were directed at Shen Ningbing. Li Qing was slightly surprised inwardly. Having a variant spirit root is truly advantageous, he thought. She’s already under the tutelage of a Core Formation True Lord, and even her main cultivation manual is prepared in advance. Her path to cultivation is truly smooth!

”Thank you, Sect Leader!” Shen Ningbing accepted the Ice Blue jade slip and spoke respectfully.

”Mm, you may return now.” Sect Leader Xu Yun nodded at Shen Ningbing, then turned his gaze to Li Qing. His eyes held a mixture of scrutiny and curiosity.

”Li Qing, I’ve heard you’re wanted by the Heavenly River Sect and even called Demon Lord Li. Yet, why were you traveling alongside an Elder of the Heavenly River Sect? This matter has piqued my personal curiosity.”

As soon as these words were spoken, Shen Ningbing, who had been passing by Li Qing on her way out, couldn’t help but pause. She turned her head in surprise to glance at him.

She never expected this seemingly ordinary Fellow Disciple to have such a background and history, with a life that appeared incredibly complex.

Li Qing could only offer a bitter smile and began, ”Sect Leader, this is a long story...”

Before Li Qing could finish, Sect Leader Xu Yun burst into laughter, stroking his long white beard as he said, ”It’s just personal curiosity. If it’s a long story, there’s no need to explain.”

”I kept you behind to ask one question: Are you a spy from the Heavenly River Sect?!”

As the words fell, Sect Leader Xu Yun narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Li Qing.

Li Qing immediately knelt down, his voice firm as he declared, ”This disciple swears on his Dao and life, before his heart demon, that he is absolutely not a spy sent by the Heavenly River Sect!”

”Hahaha, good! That’s all I needed to hear. Rise!” Sect Leader Xu Yun personally helped Li Qing to his feet, then patted him approvingly on the shoulder.

”The Lingyun Sect has always remained aloof from worldly affairs. I doubt the Heavenly River Sect would waste their time sending a spy here, especially so brazenly.”

”Don’t take my earlier questions to heart. They were just routine inquiries for new disciples. Now that you’ve entered the mountain gate, you’re a member of the Lingyun Sect for life!”

”Go back now and cultivate diligently. Don’t waste this Foundation Establishment Pill!”

There’s no denying that becoming Sect Leader requires extraordinary skill. Setting aside his cultivation, Li Qing was utterly impressed by Sect Leader Xu Yun’s ability to win people over.

With just a few simple words, Li Qing felt a stronger sense of belonging to the Lingyun Sect. A surge of pride welled up within him, and he felt a burning desire to serve the sect with his life.

”This disciple will certainly live up to the sect’s nurturing!” Li Qing replied solemnly.

”Good. While your Four Spirit Root isn’t ideal, it doesn’t necessarily mean your Dao path is completely blocked. There’s still hope for Foundation Establishment. I hope you’ll become an example and role model for the other disciples!”

With that, Sect Leader Xu Yun turned and returned to the main hall.

Li Qing bowed one last time before mounting his leaf-shaped Magic Artifact and flying away from Cloudsoar Island.

Finally, the second Foundation Establishment Pill was in his grasp!

(End of the Chapter)

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