Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

The second-tier Upper Grade Pill Furnace eventually fell into the hands of Alchemist Mo.

The subsequent auction proceeded normally, though mostly consisting of auxiliary materials and auxiliary medicines, with competition gradually decreasing.

Li Ji’an obtained auxiliary medicines for three Foundation Establishment Pills and several late-period talisman materials at regular prices, without drawing attention.

Until the final highlight item, the Upper Grade Foundation Establishment Pill took the stage, the atmosphere reached its peak.

Looking at that sparkling, flowing, crisscrossed with four pill patterns Upper Grade Foundation Establishment Pill, the Qi Cultivators present seemed to see the Ascension Celestial Ladder, eyes filled with excitement, and if it weren’t for the strong pressure guarded by Qi Family Immortal City, someone might have been unable to restrain themselves.

Li Ji’an similarly showed yearning; with this pill, he had a ninety percent success rate in Foundation Establishment, simply needing to ensure the spiritual pressure in his cave mansion remained stable without major accidents.

Unfortunately, his pockets were empty, watching the price soar to over ten thousand spirit stones, he could only watch it fall into someone else’s hands.

Finally, the Foundation Establishment Pill was sold for eighteen thousand spirit stones and acquired by one of the Five Great Clans, the Bai Family.

Thus, the magnificent auction concluded in perfection.

The new rulers of Golden Splendor Immortal City, the Qi Family, were acknowledged by most Cangyun State cultivators.

However, the next significant test was whether the Qi Family could ensure the personal safety of cultivators traveling to and from the Immortal City, both inside and outside the city, as well as dealing with the tribulation cultivators along the routes.

In this regard, many cultivators lacked confidence, after all, they traveled tens of thousands of miles, not belonging to the local forces; manpower was a concern, and local tribulation cultivators might not give them face.

That evening, many cultivators who came for the spectacle banded together for warmth and left the city overnight.

Li Ji’an marked Alchemist Mo with a Divine Soul Mark and followed him to a small inn, discovering others accompanying him, all middle-stage cultivators.

For the time being, he had no intention of leaving, presumably needing to purchase some pills, possibly strategic materials.

However, with the Immortal City just having changed owners, major businesses would not risk selling unless through a trusted intermediary, fearing Biyun Sect might retaliate as a warning.

The Divine Soul Mark he placed on Alchemist Mo could persist for seven days, within a ten-mile range sensing capability.

After contemplating overnight, the next day, Li Ji’an decided to visit the Beast Taming Liu Family’s post in the Immortal City.

Primarily considering the missed opportunity could mean never seeing Liu Jiuqian again.

He felt insecure about visiting the Liu Clan Territory alone.

Moreover, currently the Qi Family Core Formation True Man remained in the Immortal City, Liu Jiuqian, regardless of his displeasure, wouldn’t act excessively, providing some assurance.

That day, Li Ji’an appeared as himself at the Liu Family’s Inner City base.

”I am Li Fan, seeking Senior Jiu Chan.” Li Ji’an stated, handing over a Spirit Trapping Talisman to the guard.

The guard examined the talisman, then Li Ji’an, with a slight difficulty on his face.

As the esteemed of the Liu Family, one of Cangyun State’s Five Great Clans, now having established Foundation, not someone a typical Qi Cultivation Junior Cultivator could meet willy-nilly?

The crucial issue was their displeasure regarding the earth-grade juvenile beast from yesterday’s auction...

”Li here is a premium pill master of the Immortal City, a Commerce Honored Guest Elder of Nine Tripods Commerce Association, and had interactions with Senior Jiu Chan before. Please pass on the message.” Seeing the guard’s thoughts, Li Ji’an had no choice but to raise his status.

”Premium pill master? Then Alchemist Li, please wait a moment, I will inform them.” With that, the guard relaxed a bit and turned to notify.

Soon, the guard breathed a sigh of relief as he returned: ”Alchemist Li, our Elder invites you.”

”Thank you.”

After expressing gratitude, Li Ji’an followed the direction to enter the Liu Family’s base.

Entering the inner courtyard, he saw a familiar red figure from afar, slightly more vibrant than three and a half years ago.

”Junior Li Fan greets Senior.” Li Ji’an bowed from afar.

Liu Jiuqian glanced over, playing with the Spirit Trapping Talisman, casting a sideways look at Li Ji’an: ”Heh, truly, life is unpredictable, Li Fan, you dare come seeking me?”

Li Ji’an raised an eyebrow; was this intent to renege?

Sighing inwardly, women were untrustworthy; the prettier they were, the more untrustworthy.

Slightly raising his gaze toward Liu Jiuqian’s dazzling eyes, hurriedly lowering them again, feigning fear: ”Senior, please calm down, junior believes he hasn’t acted improperly.”

Liu Jiuqian sneered, slowly rising, strolling up to Li Ji’an.

Her Foundation Establishment pressure poured out recklessly, a domineering impression imposed with force.

Compared to three and a half years ago, Liu Jiuqian’s complexion was more refined, her demeanor arrogant, an imperial queen’s aura in her gestures, aloof, surveying the world below.

Li Ji’an knew this was her true nature, whereas back then, she feigned humility due to seeking aid.

”Lift your head!” Liu Jiuqian ultimately commanded from a yard in front of Li Ji’an.

Li Ji’an lifted his head, immediately alarmed.

Liu Jiuqian, although taller than average women, was shorter than Li Ji’an by half a head, but at this moment, levitated just enough to look two heads taller than Li Ji’an.

”Senior…”

”Bold Li Fan, you dared deceive me three and a half years ago, causing me to fall short, not catching that beast, delaying me two years, Foundation Establishment only achieved last year; do you realize your guilt!”

Li Ji’an’s eyes widened momentarily, feigning fright as he looked toward Liu Jiuqian.

”Senior, back then junior merely divided three Spirit Trapping Talismans as requested, concerning the capture of the demon beast, junior indeed…”

With the Qi Family Core Formation True Man present, and the Immortal City newly opened, neither Liu Jiuqian nor even the Fake Pill Ancestor of Liu Family would dare cause trouble.

Besides, she spoke so much, clearly not prepared to act.

It’s mere bluffing, or trying to pressure him into abandoning past promises.

”Hmph! Li Fan, you dare argue? You surely had more advanced late-period Spirit Trapping Talismans back then, yet sold me three mid-period ones only,” Liu Jiuqian interrupted immediately.

”…” Li Ji’an thought rapidly.

Soon realized she might have sensed the talisman aura by exploring the area where he captured the Fire Spirit.

”Senior, could be misunderstanding? Junior never possessed late-period Spirit Trapping Talismans?” Li Ji’an decided to deny furiously.

Liu Jiuqian sneered: ”Misunderstanding? You dare deceive me! If I lack proof, would I entangle with a junior like you?”

Li Ji’an quickly responded: ”Junior absolutely didn’t deceive senior; truly no late-period Spirit Trapping Talismans!”

”Hmm?” Seeing this, Liu Jiuqian paused, even if she was bluffing.

Seeing Li Ji’an’s expression, her confidence slightly wavered.

”If so, would you dare swear a Great Heart Demon Oath?”

Li Ji’an paused inwardly, this woman indeed difficult.

The Great Heart Demon Oath related to a cultivator’s state of mind, significantly impacting advancement to a Great Realm, not sworn lightly.

”Senior, why dishonor me? If senior believes junior hindered them, then relinquish prior promises; junior will return the spirit stones from back then.” Saying this, Li Ji’an retrieved fifty spirit stones from his storage pouch, preparing to hand them to Liu Jiuqian.

This was payment for three Spirit Trapping Talismans supplied to Liu Jiuqian.

Liu Jiuqian stared directly at Li Ji’an, seeing his discontent with the insult, suddenly smiling: ”Xiaoli, why so serious, it’s just a joke, am I a person who breaks my word?”

Pausing: ”I merely wanted you to understand, your actions lacked benefit for me back then.”

Li Ji’an exhaled deeply, bowing toward Liu Jiuqian: ”Junior wasn’t so fortunate, apologetic.”

”Forget it, tell me, what Beast Pill do you wish to purchase?” Seeing Li Ji’an’s attitude dispelled any lingering dissatisfaction from back then, Liu Jiuqian prepared to honor the promise.

Li Ji’an steadied, thankful to deny. If acknowledged, she surely would renege.

”Junior wishes to purchase a Blood Pill!”

Liu Jiuqian slightly furrowed her brows: ”Say again? What do you intend to buy?”

Li Ji’an anticipated as much, the Blood Pill being crucial for upgrading second-tier Spirit Beasts, rarely sold easily. Had it been otherwise, he’d not have sought this promise years back.