Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Biyun Sect, reigning as the overlord of Cangyun State for a thousand years, possesses unparalleled power within the state.

As a tributary of the sect, the Five Great Clans—whose establishment is grounded in their ancestors’ positions within the sect—hold profound reverence for Biyun Sect.

They understand the rules and unspoken conventions of Biyun Sect better than ordinary cultivators.

Biyun Sect inviting Li Ji’an not only aligns with its century-long plans of seclusion but also acknowledges Li Ji’an’s alchemy skill.

Previously, Li Ji’an had gained remarkable fame as a Second Tier Pill Master within Immortal City, yet in the eyes of the Five Great Clans, he was still part of the second tier, as the sect’s Pill Masters were indisputable first tier.

But now, in the eyes of Liu Jiuqian, Li Ji’an’s alchemy skill is undoubtedly first tier.

”Congratulations, Alchemist Li, my felicitations! With entry into Biyun Sect, Alchemist Li’s alchemy skill is sure to rapidly advance, reaching even greater heights.” Liu Jiuqian showed no disappointment but rather quickly adapted, becoming even more friendly than before.

Li Ji’an nodded slightly: ”Thank you for your kind words, Fellow Daoist Liu. However, the outcome is yet uncertain, and my modest alchemy skill might not pass the Upper Sect’s examination.”

He was long accustomed to this woman’s shrewdness and opportunism, treating those beneath her with aloof disdain, yet immediately flattering those above her.

However, she was right about one thing: once Li Ji’an entered the sect, his alchemy skill might indeed improve, as Biyun Sect had reaped numerous spiritual medicinal plants from the relics, providing access to many herbs and pill formulas unavailable outside.

”Alchemist Li, since the Upper Sect has sent an invitation, I dare not presume to invite you further myself. Yet, I would like to propose a trade with you, if Alchemist Li is willing?”

Realizing it was impossible to recruit him as a tributor for the clan, Liu Jiuqian settled for her backup plan.

”What kind of trade?” Li Ji’an spoke calmly.

Liu Jiuqian stepped forward and communicated secretly through Divine Sense: ”To be candid, this matter is particularly important to our clan. Originally, the clan elders required signing a tributor contract with Alchemist Li before disclosing any information. But since Alchemist Li is about to become an Honored Guest Elder of the Upper Sect, we’re practically family.

Our clan, after decades of tracking, recently discovered a special Earth Grade bloodline demon beast with pure lineage on the outskirts of Flame Mountain.

Using this demon beast’s core as the main ingredient, supplemented by a hundred years of our clan’s research on several demon beasts’ life essence blood, there is hope to refine a Divine Pill that can transform a spirit pet’s bloodline.

However, once this demon beast’s core is removed, its bloodline essence will quickly dissipate. We are not confident in capturing it alive, so we wish to refine the pill on-site once obtaining the core.

Such a pill requires collaboration between a Pill Master and our clan’s Beast Pill Master.

Yet, the tributor alchemist of our clan is too old to endure the intensity of alchemy required for this pill. Moreover, the Upper Sect’s familiar Pill Masters are under orders, unable to easily leave the sect.”

”Bloodline transformation for spirit beasts?” Li Ji’an’s heart stirred slightly.

Given his understanding of beast taming, a spirit beast’s future achievements are primarily determined by its bloodline, similar to a cultivator’s spirit root.

Gugu’s Lower Grade bloodline makes its aptitude quite poor.

Its breakthrough to the Second Tier is solely due to assistance from the Fire Spirit and Xiaoqiao.

But its potential is thoroughly exhausted, making advancement to a Great Realm hopeless, let alone reaching the second tier’s middle stage.

At this moment, Liu Jiuqian’s words undeniably sparked a glimmer of hope for Li Ji’an.

”Alchemist Li, our clan’s sincerity is substantial, willing to offer spirit beast essence blood of the late Second Tier or beast hide as compensation.” Seeing Li Ji’an maintain a neutral demeanor with no display of intentions, Liu Jiuqian hurriedly added the offer.

”Late Second Tier beast hide!” This further stirred Li Ji’an’s heart.

A beast hide of late Second Tier can be used as talisman materials for crafting late Second Tier talismans, where average quality corresponds to a late Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator.

If able to create premium late Second Tier talismans, it could even threaten Fake Pills, becoming his greatest Guardian Card.

”Fellow Daoist Liu’s intentions are acknowledged by me, yet let’s leave everything until after the Upper Sect’s examination.” Li Ji’an did not outright reject nor readily accept, as the imminent sect examination momentarily allows the Liu Family people to further contemplate, possibly sweetening the deal.

The Liu Family certainly values such pills capable of enhancing bloodlines greatly, distrusting external Pill Masters, while he has confidence none in the state are as trustworthy as himself.

”What Alchemist Li said is very agreeable; I was too hasty. In that case, we shall discuss further once Alchemist Li becomes the Upper Sect’s Honored Guest Elder Pill Master.” Liu Jiuqian hurriedly agreed.

Li Ji’an was very satisfied with not directly refusing; her tolerance was indeed broad toward those above her in status and strength.

After exchanging pleasantries for a long while, Liu Jiuqian reluctantly took her leave as Li Ji’an excused himself to hone his alchemy skills for the sect’s examination, agreeing to visit again once the examination concludes.

Having seen off Liu Jiuqian, Li Ji’an arrived at the backyard pond.

”Can’t slack off any longer. Starting today, I’ll diligently cultivate.” He patted Gugu sunbathing, solemnly admonishing it.

Initially, he held no hope for Gugu, even thinking it might not survive him into another lifetime. Yet today, Liu Jiuqian brought him hope.

As long as a method for bloodline transformation exists, he will strive for Gugu, which brings him more reassurance than any old friend after accompanying him through two lives.