Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

After paying respects at Chen Zhaohu’s grave, Li Ji’an quietly awaited the return of the Red Stone Wanderer.

During this period, he strolled around the gathering place, where many houses now stood vacant. No longer could one find the idle old men basking in the sun by the street, nor the children frolicking and playing.

Apart from a few young hunters reluctant to leave behind the abundant demon beast resources of Fallen Dragon Ridge, most had already departed.

Even the grand mansion Chen Zhaohu was once proud of had fallen into disrepair after years without residents or maintenance.

”Senior, I wish to join the family; might you offer some guidance?”

”Second Uncle Chen, my father said that you are his Immortal Guide. When he first arrived here, without your guidance, it would have been challenging to embark on the Immortal Path, so please, do not assume such a posture anymore.” Although mentioned many times, Chen Qingling still wouldn’t change.

The concept of respecting cultivation and venerating those with higher attainment in the Cultivation Realm is difficult to alter, especially for a bottom-tier cultivator like Chen Qingling, who struggled to emerge from the gathering place.

”Brother Li is grateful and noble in character; my brother and I are extremely thankful, but the rules cannot be broken,” Chen Qingling said respectfully.

Li Ji’an shook his head with a smile, no longer entangled with this matter, although he was somewhat puzzled by his words: ”What does Taoist Friend Red Stone mean?”

In Cangyun State, it is customary for loose cultivators taking disciples, although some do consider them as mere laborers, most still treat it as a legacy to be passed down. Without significant disputes, this relationship is not easily severed.

”My master does not object and supports me in this regard.”

”Oh? Then why act this way?” Initially, it seemed there was a rift or expulsion from the sect between Chen Qingling and the Red Stone Wanderer, but listening to his words, it seemed rather harmonious.

A trace of helplessness appeared on Chen Qingling’s face: ”Senior, there’s something you don’t know. Master is a man of integrity and a good elder. He promised my brother that he would take care of me, and he has done so countless times, saving me from peril. But... his disposition and behavior leave me without hope...”

Upon hearing this, Li Ji’an couldn’t help but give a wry smile.

Before leaving the Yan Family in his previous life, he had heard Chen Zhaohu complain.

Regretting entrusting Chen Qingling to the Red Stone Wanderer.

Spending all day either diving into the deep mountains or exploring wild caves.

”My master loves exploring ruins and ancient tombs, which I initially yearned for due to the abundant opportunities. But today, I’ve come to understand that Master is different from ordinary cultivators; he’s not after cultivation opportunities.

And now, as years weigh on me, my lifespan has dwindled with no hope of further advancement. If this continues, the Chen lineage will completely sever its hope of Immortal Path.

Before witnessing Senior’s accomplishments today, I was hesitant, but now, my mind is resolved,” Chen Qingling declared with determination.

Li Ji’an understood his decision, recognizing the hope for the next generation emanating from himself.

However, he caught another piece of information within his words: the Red Stone Wanderer seeks ancient tombs and explores ruins not for cultivation opportunities?

”If not for cultivation resources, then for what?” Li Ji’an asked in surprise.

Having been in this realm for over seventy years, he was well acquainted with the situation of the wilderness.

The reason this place has not been occupied by a major Upper Sect is mainly due to the successes achieved five hundred years ago during the pioneer period.

The graves here are almost predominantly of loose cultivators, with a few family relics, and the Spirit Vein is average.

It is speculated that during ancient times, this land wasn’t an ideal spot; apart from sporadic loose cultivator graves, there was little significant yield, in contrast to the Second Tier demon beasts existing within, where risk and reward are disproportionate.

”I also have no idea what my master is searching for; clearly he differs from normal cultivators. Perhaps, as rumors suggest, my master has ventured deep into ancient tombs for years, has his Sea of Consciousness eroded by Yin Fiend, leading to mental issues,” Chen Qingling said, unreserved.

This could also reflect Li Ji’an’s efforts in gathering information on the Red Stone Wanderer, who for over a hundred years in the wilderness never confronted others, even when hunted by the Zheng Family, he mostly fled.

Aside from occasionally going to the United Marketplace to purchase wilderness survival supplies, he spent most of his time in the depths of Fallen Dragon Ridge.

He was very kind to others, even mundane meetings in gathering spaces were amicable.

This information accumulated bit by bit while Li Ji’an was with the Yan Family over the years.

It was precisely based on this that he decided to personally connect with the Red Stone Wanderer.

After a moment of silence, Li Ji’an skipped over this topic and suggested to Chen Qingling: ”If you want to enter a family and pass down the legacy, the wilderness’s current chaotic situation isn’t a good place.”

Chen Qingling, currently at Qi Cultivation Middle Stage, is considered a mainstay in wilderness families, and with his external surname joining the family, this season certainly couldn’t avoid battling on the front line.

Given his age and experiences following the Red Stone Wanderer over the years, survival would be challenging.

Li Ji’an understood that asking him about this was an intention to inform the Yan Family and help avoid the front line for him.

But he couldn’t do it.

The Yan Family isn’t only Yan Qingwan’s Yan Family; if he really asked, it would put Yan Qingwan in a difficult position.

Moreover, two years ago Yan Qingwan sent a message that the Foundation Establishment Pill had been used.

And he also adhered to his advice, allowing Yan Qing a chance to compete, otherwise Yan Qing, being a collateral branch or an incoming son, wouldn’t qualify to compete for the Foundation Establishment Pill in this generation.

Regrettably, Yan Qing couldn’t pass the family conduct exam. Regarding the lifelong commitment to family honor and striving for family laurels, Yan Qing’s will wasn’t firm.

Eventually, a Qi Cultivation Late Period descendant from Yan Kongyi’s lineage won the opportunity.

And two years ago, after facing numerous difficulties, succeeded in establishing a Foundation.