Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Chapter 89: Chapter 3: Cultivation Planning

In the letter that Li Ji’an sent to the Yan Family, he had thought through everything, only hoping that the Yan Family would keep their promise to take care of his young son, while he himself had no hope for his path in life and would leave far away, never to be seen in this lifetime.

Yan Qingwan looked at the eight-year-old Li Ji’an for the first time today, and in her heart, she already believed the claim in the letter about the young son because the familiar sensation between the brows could not deceive anyone.

The reason for asking was merely self-deception.

And at this moment, with this question, she was not sure what exactly she was thinking.

”In reply to Auntie, father said that when I was born, mother ascended to the Immortal Realm, and I have never seen my mother, but I think mother must be as beautiful as Auntie.”

”...”

Yan Qingwan was momentarily stunned, and after a few moments, she regained her senses, her eyes gradually moistening as she hugged Li Ji’an tightly in her arms again: ”Poor Fan’Er, Auntie will definitely treat you well in the future.”

Then, without saying more, she wrapped Li Ji’an with magical power, slowly ascended into the sky, and looked around: ”Brother Li, rest assured, Qingwan will treat Fan’Er well.”

-------

Nine years had passed since the separation, and upon returning to the Yan Family, Li Ji’an surprisingly felt a sense of belonging.

People in the cultivation realm have longer lifespans, strong divine souls, and good memories, so in nine years, neither people nor things changed significantly.

Yan Qingwan led Li Ji’an straight to the clan’s council hall.

”So, this is Chang’an’s child... He resembles, truly resembles.” Patriarch Yan Zongsheng squatted down, gently stroking Li Ji’an’s head, a hint of gratification in his eyes.

The scene from nine years ago was fresh in his memory: Li Ji’an not only harbored no resentment for being expelled from the family but also repaid kindness with hostility by gifting him the Foundation Establishment Ancestor records meticulously compiled over twenty years.

Especially four years later, after Yan Qingwan discovered the matter, she explained and verified, making him realize he was truly wrong.

”Come, let Grandpa hug you. From now on, feel assured staying at the Yan Family, for this is your home.” At this moment, Yan Zongsheng finally had a chance to make amends and looked at Li Ji’an with benevolent eyes.

As he spoke, he had already taken out the previously prepared ”Li’s Pill Records” and handed it to Li Ji’an: ”This is your father’s lifelong inheritance of alchemy, and today, it returns to the original owner. Although your father had exceptional talent in alchemy, it’s a pity his spirit root was inadequate, preventing any achievement. Before your spirit root fully develops, study diligently. In the future, with better fire element spirit root, you might help your father fulfill his aspiration.”

”Hey, I think you should forget about alchemy. That kid Chang’an had poor spirit root; his son’s spirit root wouldn’t be any better. However, I just touched him; this kid has a good bone structure, a promising physique for Body Refining. He will train with me in Body Refining in the future.” Yan Hongsheng directly interrupted.

Yan Kongyi disdainfully glared at Yan Hongsheng: ”Body refining, body refining, just knowing foolish things, brute! This little brat has a full forehead, prominent rear, and has a gleam in his eyes. Fear not, his comprehension won’t be bad. He will learn talisman making with me, ensuring that Chang’an will be shocked!”

Yan Zongsheng lightly coughed: ”Don’t argue; Qingwan, test Xiaofan’s potential first.”

Yan Qingwan shook her head: ”Brother Li has already given him the Nourishing Source Pill. I can sense that the dantian has been nurtured, making it unfeasible to predict potential from the origin.”

”Oh.” Yan Zongsheng nodded.

Then he smiled openly: ”Forget it, good or not, it doesn’t matter. We’ll talk after seven years. If the fire element spirit root is good, let him inherit his father’s legacy and teach him alchemy.”

”If the fire spirit root is inadequate but his comprehension is high, let the Grand Elder teach him talisman making.”

”If he doesn’t excel in either, let old seven teach him body refining.”

”Even if... body refining doesn’t work, it’s okay. Just keep him by my side; I will teach him clan affairs.”

In an instant, he had almost mapped out Li Ji’an’s future development.

Even though Li Ji’an had some understanding of them in his previous life, knowing they weren’t ungracious people, he was somewhat touched at this moment.

Not only in the cultivation realm, but even in the previous mortal realm and the modern times, the most crucial and important thing in life is the personal plan. Children or young people, with little experience and knowledge, have narrow views and can’t properly perceive the logic of social operation. Often, they have unclear perceptions of their resources and abilities, leading to unrealistic ambitions or excessive negativity, resulting in many detours or even mistakes throughout life.

Though this situation is the most common, given that there are not many truly knowledgeable, capable elders whom children can trust, therefore, there is much consolation of this type. However, regardless of what is said beautifully, people genuinely hope to go the right path as early as possible and have life on the right track. Meanwhile, wrong paths and detours bring regret and hardship.

Li Ji’an had ”Rejuvenation,” so taking wrong or detoured paths could be corrected in the next life, starting anew, accumulating experience, and knowledge for himself, guiding his own way, while ordinary people don’t have an opportunity.

He understood the significance of Yan Zongsheng’s few words to an ordinary person even more.

The only deficiency was that the plan conspicuously lacked the path Li Ji’an planned for himself in this life.

This was partly due to Li Ji’an’s poor talent and spirit root in his previous life, which led to a lack of confidence, and partly due to the patriarch’s perspective and insights.

Afterward, Li Ji’an was taken back to his new residence by Yan Qingwan against all opposition.

Due to his promotion to Foundation Establishment, daily cultivation required higher amounts of spiritual qi, and the previous courtyard could no longer meet the needs.

Now the new residence was in the most core area of the Yan Family’s Spirit Vein Land.

This place used to be the Dao Field of the Foundation Establishment Ancestor, and now for the new talent in the clan, the ancestor voluntarily gave it up and moved to a slightly offset location.

Feeling the abundant spiritual qi in the second tier Spirit Vein Dao Field, Li Ji’an was pleasantly surprised.

”In this way, perhaps in this life, I can infinitely approach the maximum limit of my innate spirit root potential!”

A few days later, the news of the former Honored Guest Elder Li’s offspring being accepted into the clan spread throughout the family.

Li Ji’an was also arranged to enter the clan academy.

Besides teaching literacy, the clan academy also provided guidance on vein nourishment, cultivation analysis, customs of this realm, and some matters to be aware of in the cultivation realm. Of course, ideological education focusing on family cohesion and loyalty was paramount!

This day marked Li Ji’an’s first day at the clan hall.

On the platform, the old gentleman, an elder within the clan, of advanced age, nearly blind, was explaining the matters to note in the cultivation realm later on.

”The cultivation realm is full of changes, deceitful and unpredictable, people’s hearts are complicated. In traveling, do not seek shortcuts; in forming friendships, do not entrust your heart. Faced with injustice on the road, first question your cultivation level. When traveling out, conceal your talents; with ten parts, show seven. When in a dangerous situation with the masses, retreat behind others, give benefits to friends first...”

”Li Fan?” Suddenly, Li Ji’an felt someone kick his chair from behind.

”Hmm?” Li Ji’an turned around, calmly looking at him.

”My dad said he was brothers with your dad.”

In a flash, Li Ji’an understood, once again carefully scrutinizing the lanky little guy before him, who resembled a monkey.

When he left the clan nine years ago, Zhang Tiezhu’s youngest son, Yan Qing, was just one year old. Now, at ten years of age.

He had also gifted Yan Qing a quality Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill back then.

”My name is Yan Qing. We can be brothers from now on.”

”Bang~” Suddenly, the sound of a ruler striking resonated from the platform, and Yan Qing’s complexion changed instantly.

”How many times has the old man told you, no noise in the classroom? Now, both of you, stand up and extend your hands. This time, no one can plead for you.” The old gentleman strode forward.

Yan Qing’s face turned ashen, gritting his teeth and extending his hand, fearing the old gentleman’s ruler.

Li Ji’an smiled faintly, calmly stood up, and extended his hand, feeling indifferent about it, just a hit on the palm.

”You...” However, as the old gentleman approached Li Ji’an, he was just about to strike, took a closer look, and immediately withdrew the ruler.

”I’ll spare you this time. No noise in the class next time, understood?”

”Thank you, sir. I’ll remember sincerely.” Li Ji’an respectfully thanked him.

”Bang!” Just as Yan Qing was about to rejoice, thinking he could also escape punishment, the ruler heavily struck his palm.

”Ah! I... why is he unharmed?” Yan Qing cried out, nearly shedding tears, questioning instinctively.

The old gentleman gave him a sidelong glance: Ancestor Qingwan personally instructed, who’s daring enough to hit?