Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Looking at the devastation in the gathering area before him, Li Ji’an felt a tightness in his heart.

He had not entirely ruled out this kind of situation; decades ago when he first arrived in this world, he understood in the desert gathering area that in this cultivation realm, resources are paramount. Everyone fights for that sliver of opportunity—against heaven, against others, and against themselves—and with great combat prowess, awe is ever-present.

Especially since the gathering area, although mostly populated by mortals who have not stepped into cultivation, due to the value exchange, possesses resources cultivators need, there is always a risk of unscrupulous individuals who bully the weak and fear the strong, targeting the mortals of the gathering area.

Although the gathering areas usually fall under the protection of forces near the Spirit Vein Land, the protection is limited.

Thus, he often worried before his rejuvenation.

Until he had Gugu, bringing him some level of assurance.

This was why he exhausted efforts to ensure Gugu remained under his control before his reincarnation.

Calming his mind, he instructed Gugu to closely follow Xiao Changfeng, ready to assist if danger arose.

Xiao Changfeng had just arrived, and upon seeing the tragedy not afar, he was similarly filled with shock.

Within Cangyun State, there are rules prohibiting the wanton slaughter of mortals within its borders—events as great in scale as this have not occurred for at least a thousand years.

Approaching cautiously, Xiao Changfeng delved beneath the earth, sensing carefully.

Moments later, he surfaced within the gathering area.

Staring at the streets filled with corpses, at least half a month had passed; the blood had dried and soaked into the ground.

He immediately searched the corners of the gathering area for survivors.

Li Ji’an also instructed Gugu to search.

Unfortunately, not a single live soul remained.

Xiao Changfeng promptly communicated the situation to the sect, relaying this message, then headed toward a nearby Qi Cultivation Clan.

That Qi Cultivation Clan occupied a Tier One Middle Grade Spirit Vein a hundred miles away, with its top elder being a Late Period Qi Cultivator.

Soon, the tragedy of the Qi Cultivation Clan also came into Xiao Changfeng and Li Ji’an’s view.

Equally a wreck, with not a survivor left.

When Xiao Changfeng returned, the two reached a consensus that this tragedy was likely the doing of another group of loose cultivators roving from Celestial Origin Province.

Fear the group is substantial in number, primarily consisting of Late Period Qi Cultivators, possibly including Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivators.

Otherwise, they would not abandon the Tier One Middle Grade Spirit Vein here.

Reporting the tragedy in detail, Li Ji’an’s heart stirred, he conveyed the matter to Yan Qingwan.

It’s said that a group of loose cultivators from Celestial Origin Province is led by a Core Formation True Man, rallying a substantial number of loose cultivators, the leader eventually taken down by Ten Thousand Laws Palace with thunderous methods, scattering the followers.

Half a year ago, near the Immortal City of Biyun Sect, there was a group of escaping loose cultivators led by a Foundation Establishment Taoist.

And this batch is likely another party fleeing from the east of Great Marsh Mountain to this place.

Further south from here lies the Beast Taming Liu Family of the Five Great Clans, and beyond that is the desert.

If there is no True Man among this group of roving bandits, they would likely bypass the Liu Family and enter the desert.

The desert is far from Celestial Origin Province, and chaotic in situation, they could advance to seize the Eight Great Families’ Second Tier Spirit Vein Dao Field of the desert, or retreat deeper into Fallen Dragon Ridge.

Notifying Yan Qingwan in advance lets her prepare.

”Not good! Brother Li, we must hurry. I’m worried if they head east, they’ll reach the family where my parents are residing.” After Xiao Changfeng reported, the sect stated their understanding, promising to send people to investigate and capture.

Xiao Changfeng thought of a family less than ten thousand miles east.

His parents were both of loose cultivator origin, obtaining status in the nearby family through their Body Refining prowess, becoming the core force of the family.

If this group of roving bandits continues east, tragedy seems inevitable.

The sect’s recruitment requires severing past ties—not only to foster sect cohesion but also to avoid sect disciples meddling in clan conflicts, leading to sect factions reigning, which is not conducive to unity.

But realistically, how can blood relations truly sever?

One method of the sect is prohibiting sect disciples from maintaining contact with parents and family, aiming to gradually estrange over time, so that after a generation, one becomes entirely a person of the sect.

Li Ji’an nodded, but did not believe rushing there would be of any use.

Judging from the traces here, the group of roving bandits already departed half a month ago; if they truly planned to target the family where Xiao Changfeng’s parents are, it might already be too late.

And clearly, this group acts brutally and crudely, seemingly without intention to stay behind, their target should be the desert.

Of course, verifying safety can still offer Xiao Changfeng some relief.

On the journey that followed, Xiao Changfeng nearly traveled at full speed, completing a ten-day journey in just six days.

Thankfully, this place remained unharmed.

”Greetings to Taoist Friend Xiao.”

”Salutations, Elder Xiao.”

”Changfeng, how come you returned?”

…

Upon entering the clan grounds, Xiao Changfeng exhaled deeply while familiar Ma Family members came up to greet him.

The Ma Family Clan Leader promptly led the clan elders out to welcome him.

The once unrelated young Changfeng now donned the attire of an Inner Sect Disciple of Biyun Sect, someone they needed to treat with deference.

Fortunately, at the moment Xiao Changfeng revealed his Upper Grade Spirit Root, the Ma Family Clan Leader and elders wisely recognized his promising future, gifting him several rare clan treasures and financially supporting Xiao Changfeng in attending sect trials.

Over the years, they also treated Xiao Changfeng’s parents with tributor status.

After meeting everyone, Xiao Changfeng was arranged by the clan leader to converse with his parents privately.

Others extended grand hospitality to Li Ji’an and Xiaoqiao, treating them as important figures equivalent to Xiao Changfeng.