A Loose Cultivator's Path to Longevity

Many were familiar faces Lü Zhong had met while networking recently, so he went around greeting them one by one.

A middle-aged man in a blue Dharma Robe with a long beard approached him and struck up a conversation. ”I am Liu Yuhe of the Liu Family from Victory Square. And you are, Fellow Daoist?”

’So he’s a Family Cultivator.’

”Lü Zhong, from Immortal Intent Square,” Lü Zhong replied politely.

”So you’re *the* Lü Zhong!” Liu Yuhe exclaimed, sizing him up in surprise. He cupped his hands in respect again and again. ”Forgive my lack of recognition! I’ve long heard Elder Xu speak of how you’re unparalleled in both talismans and Talisman Arrays. To think I’d finally have the pleasure of meeting you today!”

Hearing this, Lü Zhong thought to himself.

’I didn’t expect Xu Tianqing to be so zealous in promoting me after accepting my gifts!’

’Unparalleled in both talismans and Talisman Arrays... even I’m getting embarrassed listening to this.’

’Judging by the look on Liu Yuhe’s face, he probably genuinely believes it.’

’No wonder sales of the Flying Talismans at the shop have been improving. Xu Tianqing must really be putting in a lot of work behind the scenes.’

’Good. I should find some time to visit him a few more times. With him promoting me, the Talisman Shop’s reputation will spread faster. It wouldn’t hurt to give him a few more gifts!’

While thinking this, he put on a humble expression and waved his hand. ”Not at all, Fellow Daoist Liu. You’re too kind.”

A short while later, the group was led inside.

The lecturer was an old cultivator, a Golden Core Master whom everyone simply called Elder Yun; no one knew his real name anymore. Though his life was nearing its end, he was not someone that Foundation Establishment Cultivators like them could afford to offend. Rumor had it that even the current True Monarch of the Lingyue Sect had once studied the Silver Tadpole Script under his tutelage.

As a result, every single one of them was as meek as a lamb, just like young pupils in a classroom.

The lecture lasted a full three ancient hours, all spent teaching the nine fundamental characters.

According to the old cultivator, while each character in the Silver Tadpole Script could have multiple meanings, they always began with one of these nine fundamental characters. A thorough mastery of their meanings was crucial for learning the script.

Unlike the others who looked confused, Lü Zhong was completely relaxed.

’In any case, with Scene Recall, I don’t have to worry about not being able to review the lesson later.’

”In half a month, I will test your grasp of the fundamental characters. Anyone who has not mastered them by then need not return!” the old cultivator announced to the class, his face stern.

No one dared to object, even though failing the test meant that their five hundred Spirit Stones would be a complete waste.

After all, the old cultivator was, by reputation, the former teacher of a Nascent Soul True Monarch. No one could be sure that offending him wouldn’t provoke the True Monarch’s wrath. Even a sliver of that power was more than any of them could possibly withstand.

As they left the cave residence, Liu Yuhe sighed again and again.

”Brother Lü, I’m afraid my five hundred Spirit Stones are truly going to waste!”

He had listened attentively throughout the lecture, but the Silver Tadpole Script was just too difficult. He hadn’t even managed to grasp the first fundamental character. There was no way he would pass the test in half a month.

Lü Zhong listened from the side, thinking, ’This guy is so childish. He talks like a complete greenhorn.’

They hadn’t walked far when two figures approached them.

It was Su Xu’Er, accompanied by a plainly dressed young woman he had never seen before.

Upon a closer look, he realized the plainly dressed young woman was none other than Liuu Piaoniang. For some reason, she had suppressed her cultivation and was walking arm-in-arm with Su Xu’Er. They looked just like a pair of sisters out for a stroll.

The kind where Su Xu’Er was the older sister and Liuu Piaoniang the younger.

After a moment’s thought, Lü Zhong cupped his hands, preparing to offer a formal greeting.

But just as he started the motion, a woman’s voice sounded in his ear.

”Junior, there’s no need for such formalities! Just call me Fellow Daoist Liuu.”

He looked up and saw Liuu Piaoniang giving him a pointed look.

’Oh, so the Core Formation Master is pretending to be a young girl out on the town.’

That wasn’t too surprising. After all, historical records were full of tales about Nascent Soul Cultivators taking on menial jobs like pulling carts or poling boats just to temper their hearts in the mortal world.

Since Liuu Piaoniang had made the request, Lü Zhong naturally obliged. He simply cupped his hands and said, ”Greetings, Fellow Daoist Liuu, Fellow Daoist Su.”

Liuu Piaoniang smiled and nodded, her expression slightly shy, like an innocent young girl.

Beside her, Su Xu’Er, holding a small beast, responded with a cheerful grin.

Just then, Liu Yuhe was staring at Liuu Piaoniang, completely captivated by her innocent and ethereal beauty.

Thinking of their camaraderie as classmates—or more accurately, for the sake of future business—Lü Zhong tugged on Liu Yuhe’s sleeve to snap him out of it, hoping to save a potential customer from an untimely demise.

”Ahem. It’s been a while, Fellow Daoist Liuu. You’re looking more radiant than ever!”

He took the opportunity to offer a few compliments.

’I don’t know what her goal is, but a few compliments can’t hurt.’

And just as he expected, she beamed with delight.

”Oh, that’s right. I’ll have to trouble you to take this Jade Scroll,” Liuu Piaoniang said with a bright smile, as if she had just remembered something. She took a Jade Scroll from her fragrant sleeve and handed it to Lü Zhong.

Lü Zhong accepted it without any questions.

As he took it, he swept it with his Divine Sense and discovered it contained information about Chenyuan Palace.

It was far more detailed than the version he had spent Spirit Stones on—incomparable to the rehashed, widely-circulated information available on the market.

’Good thing I decided to compliment her on a whim...’

Lü Zhong accepted it with delight. This would be a great help for his trip to Chenyuan Palace.

Watching the two women walk further and further away, he suddenly saw Liu Yuhe sigh and couldn’t help but ask, ”Fellow Daoist Liu, why are you sighing?”

”The fair lady is unattainable, so of course I must sigh!” Liu Yuhe replied, his expression sorrowful.

Seeing Lü Zhong’s confusion, he explained, ”If I’m not mistaken, they’re headed to Alchemy Square. The ’Alchemy Convention’ is being held there today, so there will be many talented masters of the Alchemy Dao in attendance. Haven’t you noticed, Fellow Daoist Lü, that many of the young Female Cultivators on the road are heading that way?”