A Loose Cultivator's Path to Longevity

In a way, using the Creation Liquid to advance one’s cultivation was the equivalent of burning Spirit Stones.

’To rapidly advance my cultivation, it’s worth burning any amount of Spirit Stones!’ Lü Zhong thought to himself. This was far better than being unable to buy enough Pills and having his cultivation progress at a snail’s pace.

As one of the Four Spirit Root Cultivators, he had to put in far more effort than an ordinary person if he wanted to break through the limitations of his aptitude and achieve Core Formation.

Without further hesitation, he consumed another dose of the Creation Liquid.

...

For the days that followed, Lü Zhong spent most of his time in seclusion.

He would emerge occasionally, either to receive the Pills gathered by the Commerce Association or to share an intimate moment with Yu Feng’Er. This not only helped him vent his pent-up energy but also allowed them to enjoy the pleasures of dual cultivation.

This continued for three straight years.

Thanks to a continuous supply of Grass Spirit Creation Liquid, his cultivation finally broke its stagnation. Although its growth was not as fast as it had been during the early and Middle Stages of Foundation Establishment, it was still significantly faster than the infuriatingly slow pace from before.

However, a new problem soon emerged.

It was Yu Feng’Er who discovered it during one of their dual cultivation sessions.

At her prompting, Lü Zhong was shocked to discover that his True Essence had become mottled and impure. The change was so subtle that it would have been difficult to notice without an external observer; it had merely lightened considerably from its original starry blue color.

Seated cross-legged in the Quiet Chamber, his entire body was wreathed in golden flames. He was using the Golden Sun Insect Fire to refine his True Essence, hoping to purge it of impurities.

But to his utter surprise, the Spirit Forging Fire had almost no effect.

’How can this be?’ Lü Zhong’s heart plunged into an icy abyss.

If he couldn’t solve this problem, he wouldn’t be able to attempt the Core Formation Stage, even if he managed to reach the Fake Pill Realm. His mottled and impure True Essence would make it impossible to even complete the Pill Solidifying stage, let alone survive the Three-Nine Celestial Tribulation. Even if by some fluke he managed to form a Golden Core, it would be shattered by a single bolt of Tribulation Thunder.

’I knew it wouldn’t be this simple!’

Lü Zhong’s heart ached with sorrow. He had finally seen a sliver of hope, only to have it crushed by this devastating blow.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

’As things stand, I have three options. First, I can master the Second Layer of the Flame Manipulation Mantra and rely on the Cultivation Technique to solve the problem. Second, I can find a powerful Yang Fire to replace the Golden Sun Insect Fire. The Spirit Forging might be failing because my fire isn’t strong enough, so a new Yang Fire could be the solution. Third, I can have the Golden Sun Insect Fire continue to evolve. Perhaps after another Metamorphosis, it will regain its Spirit Forging capabilities.’

None of the three solutions would be easy to achieve, but Lü Zhong decided to pursue them all simultaneously.

While working to comprehend the Flame Manipulation Mantra, he also tasked the Commerce Association with gathering information on Yang Fires and purchasing materials for the Golden Sun Insect Fire to consume.

It didn’t matter how many Spirit Stones it would cost!

After composing himself, Lü Zhong pushed open the door and walked out of the Quiet Chamber.

Until he solved the problem of his mottled True Essence, he wouldn’t take any more Pills to advance his cultivation. Doing so would only make the issue more intractable.

”Sigh... attaining Longevity is so difficult...” Lü Zhong couldn’t help but sigh.

Footsteps approached from behind him. It was Yu Feng’Er.

She wrapped her arms around Lü Zhong and comforted him in a soft voice, ”Husband, don’t worry too much. We will definitely find a way to solve this. On my end, I’ve already made collecting Yang Fires and purchasing nourishment for your fire the top priority for both the Commerce Association and my family. We’ve even posted a massive reward.”

The two of them embraced. Lü Zhong took in Yu Feng’Er’s scent and smiled. ”Weren’t you the one who said I never made time for you? Well, now...”

Hearing this, Yu Feng’Er’s cheeks flushed a burning crimson, and she said in a trembling voice:

”Husband... you’re just teasing me...”