Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

The next day, Li Ji’an sent a message to Zhang Tiezhu saying he would not return temporarily, instructing him to take the child for Spirit Root testing.

The results came that day, the child’s highest Spirit Root was water element with nine threads, higher than both parents.

Zhang Tiezhu expressed gratitude on behalf of the child to Li Ji’an.

When the child was ten, Li Ji’an sensed the child’s Spirit Vein, noticing significant depletion. Even if spiritual qi was provided to nourish it from then on, it would not exceed five threads at best.

A single proof is not sufficient.

More data support is needed.

A month and a half later, Gugu arrived at the Liu Family area.

Its Core Ancestral Land was filled with strange rocks, deep forests, and countless man-made landscapes, every place integrated with arrays. It is said that there are as many as eighty-one Ring Arrays, and even a True Pill Master might not be able to escape.

Li Ji’an did not let Gugu risk intrusion, but first cautiously entered a small affiliated family ancestral land nearby that had been visited before.

After multiple attempts, with Gugu’s current concealment and Breath Concealment divine abilities, the affiliated family with a Second Tier Clan Protection Array and Alarm Array did not sense Gugu’s infiltration.

”If things continue like this, I may never reach Foundation Establishment, never walk through life with you, Brother Yu. In the future, focus on preparing for your own Foundation Establishment, don’t be distracted.”

”Qun’Er, I won’t let you give up. Your Spirit Root is so good, there will definitely be no problem.”

”Brother Yu, it’s already spread outside that the Immortal Ancestor is amassing all resources for the Longevity Technique. Even within the Ancestral Race, it is difficult, let alone us, the affiliated families. You might have a chance as the most cherished grandson of the ancestor, but I surely have no hope of obtaining a Foundation Establishment Pill.”

...

Gugu, rising to just one zhang off the ground, happened to hear the two young people whispering in a garden corner.

Through shared vision, Li Ji’an saw a young man and woman, about in their twenties.

The woman had a vermillion mark between her eyebrows. Combined with the man’s address, Li Ji’an recognized her as Liu Qun, the child of Dong Ping, Dong Jiangling’s daughter.

Eighteen years ago, when Li Ji’an was invited by this family’s ancestor into their land, he happened to help them out of a predicament.

Now she has grown into a graceful and gentle young lady.

”Qun’Er, don’t worry, I have sworn that in this life I will walk the path with you, hand in hand, to the end. If the clan truly cannot secure a Foundation Establishment Pill for you, I will do my utmost to help you after I reach Foundation Establishment,” Liu Yu promised firmly.

”Brother Yu is just trying to cheer me up. Hmph, my mother said that in the Cultivation Realm, people are cold-hearted. It’s not uncommon for fathers and sons to fight over the path, let alone a relationship like ours without any official status.

I’m only afraid that once Brother Yu reaches Foundation Establishment, you’ll become distant and we’ll part ways forever.” Liu Qun turned around, sighed lightly, and pursed her lips.

”I am different from them, Qun’Er, you have to believe me.” Liu Yu quickly explained.

Liu Qun lifted her eyes to glance at him, then shook her head, shifting the topic to herself: ”Actually, I don’t want to become a burden for Brother Yu. I hope to achieve Foundation Establishment together with Brother Yu, to support each other on this great path. And I have long stopped hoping for the clan to grant me a Foundation Establishment Pill. All I want is a single Protective Vein Pill, but alas…”

”Protective Vein Pill?” Liu Yu responded instinctively, reaching towards his Storage Pouch.

But he paused at the last moment.

Liu Qun noticed his gesture with a mix of happiness and disappointment as his actions ceased.

”Never mind, Brother Yu, don’t worry about me. Just focus on your own Foundation Establishment preparation. I’ll find my own way, perhaps in this life, we are fated to be apart.”

”No!” Liu Yu no longer hesitated, taking out a Jade Bottle from his Storage Pouch.

”Qun’Er, this is the Protective Vein Pill grandfather bestowed upon me, take it.”

Liu Qun was greatly surprised and quickly declined with both hands: ”How could I? This was given to you by the ancestor. I can’t have it, and besides… if the ancestor found out, he might think I tricked you out of resources.”

”Qun’Er, don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.” Liu Yu stated firmly.

”But…” Liu Qun still refused.

Liu Yu would not take no for an answer, placing the Jade Bottle directly in Liu Qun’s hand: ”Qun’Er, we agreed to support each other on this path, I, Liu Yu, keep my word.”

”Brother Yu!” Liu Qun looked at him with love in her eyes.

Liu Yu stepped forward naturally, intending to embrace Liu Qun.

”Brother Yu, don’t…” Yet, Liu Qun did not follow his lead.

”Qun’Er, even now, why do you? Are the rumors true about you and Liu Xianlong of the main branch…” Liu Yu frowned, somewhat annoyed.

Liu Qun did not apologize; instead, her eyes welled up with tears as she questioned: ”So you only gave me the Protective Vein Pill for this? Others not believing in me is one thing, but you don’t believe me either? I misjudged you.”

”No, no, Qun’Er, you misunderstand, I was just… I was too anxious; I apologize, I won’t force you anymore.” Liu Yu instantly changed his expression, hastily explaining.

”You should know after all these years, can’t you see my true feelings?”

”I know your involvement with Liu Xianlong is due to being coerced by his status…” Seeing Liu Qun genuinely upset, Liu Yu became more frantic, explaining non-stop.

After a moment, Liu Qun finally sighed softly, her tone softening: ”Brother Yu, it’s not that I’m unwilling, but I wish to give myself to you complete and intact on our wedding day!”

”Yes, yes, I understand, I won’t overthink anymore, don’t be angry.” Liu Yu exhaled deeply.

Liu Qun smiled through her tears, stepping forward to embrace Liu Yu voluntarily.

Liu Yu was extremely moved at that moment.

...

”...” Inside the Alchemy Room, Li Ji’an’s expression turned stiff, unable to believe this was Dong Jiangling’s granddaughter.

Soon after, Li Ji’an instructed Gugu to follow Liu Qun.

”Greetings, Miss Qun.”