Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Although Xiao Changfeng wanted to kill the Blood Spirit Saintess even more than Li Ji’an, he could not underestimate her.

The scene of her slaughtering Elder Fang back then was still vivid in his mind, with Elder Fang having no resistance.

With his and Li Ji’an’s current capabilities, unless they unexpectedly burst their Dantian, they might have a chance to harm her.

He had planned to do just that.

But for Li Ji’an to think of killing her... was simply wishful thinking.

Li Ji’an silently sighed, not understanding Ning Sujin’s divination.

Unable to escape and unable to kill, how could it be a good omen? Was he expecting her to have a change of heart?

”Ping’an, listen to your martial uncle. Later, don’t force it, return to the Sect on your own, and don’t worry about me. Without a True Pill to hold the fort, there’s no certainty.” After a pause, Xiao Changfeng earnestly said.

”Martial Uncle, could it be that the Blood Spirit Saintess genuinely fancies you?” Li Ji’an asked teasingly.

Xiao Changfeng was silent, for beyond this possibility, he truly couldn’t think of anything else.

”What about Fairy Yunyao?” Li Ji’an asked again.

Xiao Changfeng shook his head, ”The witch wouldn’t allow me to see Yunyao.”

He then recounted the experiences during this period to Li Ji’an.

To find Yunyao’s whereabouts, Xiao Changfeng truly had a hard time over the past two decades.

Li Ji’an’s perception of Xiao Changfeng was refreshed.

In his youth, Xiao Changfeng was confident and carefree, even behaving as a scoundrel when he first met Yunyao.

But unexpectedly, in the end, the scoundrel became the most devoted person.

As nightfall descended, the Blood Spirit Saintess sent for them.

She deliberately chose a lakeside pavilion, arranging a sumptuous Spirit Banquet.

The Spirit Wine alone was Upper Grade tier three, a rather high treatment.

”For the Saintess to treat me so, I am flattered but apprehensive. I only wish to know how my martial uncle can return to the Sect.” Before taking a seat, Li Ji’an spoke openly.

”Haha, Chang’an, don’t be anxious. After the Spirit Banquet, your martial uncle may return to the Sect,” the Blood Spirit Saintess said with a smile.

Meanwhile, with a twist of her wrist, she poured a cup of wine for Li Ji’an.

”Is the Saintess true to her word?” Li Ji’an raised an eyebrow.

”I value trust and promises above all,” the Blood Spirit Saintess maintained a steady look.

Then turning to Xiao Changfeng, she added, ”Otherwise, how would I admire someone who journeyed thousands of miles in pursuit of a partner and treat him honorably?”

Xiao Changfeng’s expression momentarily froze, feeling that the Blood Spirit Saintess’s gaze upon him had changed today.

”Then many thanks to the Saintess.” Li Ji’an raised his cup and drank it all.

The Blood Spirit Saintess wouldn’t stoop to tampering with the drink against a Core Formation Early Period junior.

”Friend Chang’an is bold,” the Blood Spirit Saintess praised with a smile.

Meanwhile, Xiao Changfeng remained vigilant with a cautious expression.

But the Blood Spirit Saintess no longer looked at him, focusing solely on Li Ji’an with a somewhat lingering gaze.

Thus, complying with her promise, Li Ji’an engaged with the Blood Spirit Saintess in toast exchanges, resulting in an increasingly agreeable atmosphere.

After three rounds of drinking, Li Ji’an took his leave with a final cup of wine.

”Today’s hospitality by the Saintess is heartily appreciated by Chang’an and my martial uncle. If there is a chance in the future, may the Saintess grace us as a guest at the Biyun Sect!” Li Ji’an raised his glass to express his gratitude.

The Blood Spirit Saintess lifted her glass as well, her face blushing thanks to the wine yet unwelcomed by magic: ”Chang’an, no need to be formal. After today, you and I will no longer be ordinary Taoist friends, so everything is negotiable.”

”Since the Saintess says so, may I make an immodest request? Can my martial uncle’s partner return to the Sect with him?” Li Ji’an asked again.

Xiao Changfeng came precisely for her this time; if Yunyao couldn’t leave, perhaps he wouldn’t either.

”Yunyao?” the Blood Spirit Saintess frowned slightly, showing a hint of conflict on her face.

Li Ji’an’s heart tightened at this sight.

Xiao Changfeng, on the other hand, was filled with anticipation.

”Fine, the Qingmen Sect’s legacies slightly interest me, but since Chang’an asks, let it be,” the Blood Spirit Saintess chuckled after a pause.

Then, to the surprise of Li Ji’an and Xiao Changfeng, she waved her hand, dismissing the serving maids.

Soon, Yunyao, whose magical powers were restricted, was brought up.

Compared to Xiao Changfeng’s treatment, Yunyao’s situation was dire.

Aside from visible external injuries from torture, her meridians and Sea of Consciousness bore damage.

Even if she survived this, her path to immortality was cut off.

”Yunyao!” Seeing her state, Xiao Changfeng’s heart cried out in grief as he moved forward to hold her.

Yunyao, weak and barely able to stand, managed a faint yet beautiful smile after being embraced by Xiao Changfeng.

”Xiao Lang...”

”The love between them is enviable and deeply moving,” the Blood Spirit Saintess, witnessing this, eyes misted, gently waved her hand to release Yunyao from the restriction, then looked at Li Ji’an with yearning.

Li Ji’an felt a chill under her gaze, growing increasingly anxious.

”Yunyao, let’s go.” After a brief embrace, Xiao Changfeng decisively picked her up.

Afterward, he looked back at the Blood Spirit Saintess to confirm his stance.

But upon turning, he saw the Blood Spirit Saintess was entirely focused on Li Ji’an, ignoring him completely.

Feeling Xiao Changfeng’s gaze, Li Ji’an immediately stood up.

”Saintess, then we shall not disturb. Until next time, as the green hills remain, and the flowing waters continue.” Speaking thus, Li Ji’an saluted and prepared to leave.

However, at this moment, the Blood Spirit Saintess moved to block his path.

”Chang’an, in this moment, aren’t you touched?” She looked at Xiao Changfeng and Yunyao with eager eyes.

Li Ji’an’s expression froze, then he smiled and nodded: ”My martial uncle and his beloved’s deep affection move Li Ji’an as well.”

”Then... can’t you stay?” The Blood Spirit Saintess’s eyes glistened with tears.

Gulp—

Li Ji’an felt a clench in his heart.

The previous speculations proved true.

Aren’t you a love-struck fool?

Didn’t you adore Xiao Changfeng?

Not driven mad by love?

How could you change your heart so swiftly? In front of your former flame no less.

Xiao Changfeng too turned sharply, incredulous.

At last, he understood.

The Blood Spirit Saintess was willing to let him go, even letting him take Yunyao, for she had set her sights on Li Ji’an.

”Ping’an!” Immediately, Xiao Changfeng stepped over to Li Ji’an’s side.

”Saintess, what is your intent?” He viewed the Blood Spirit Saintess with cold eyes.

The Blood Spirit Saintess gave a slight smile, ”Do not misunderstand, Taoist friend; I was moved by your love and nurtured tender feelings for Chang’an, falling for him at first sight, unable to restrain myself.”

”You!” Xiao Changfeng’s face darkened.

Yet, glancing at Yunyao in his arms, he swallowed the words that could break the fragile peace, saying sternly: ”Do not trouble the juniors. I, Xiao, will stay, let them go.”

Speaking, he intended to hand Yunyao to Li Ji’an.

”Taoist Friend Xiao misunderstands; I am not so promiscuous,” the Blood Spirit Saintess firmly opposed, ”My heart is now with someone; how could I do such a thing?”

”Hmm?” Xiao Changfeng was in bewilderment.

What, then, do your prior confessions and affection mean?

He suddenly felt a strange sense.

”Impossible! Ping’an came to rescue me. How can I let him be trapped here? Let Ping’an go. I will stay here. Whatever you want, I will comply,” Xiao Changfeng stated resolutely.

The Blood Spirit Saintess did not even glance at him, instead addressing Li Ji’an, showing her stance: ”Chang’an, will you stay with me?”

From the start, Li Ji’an’s mind was racing, reasoning through her mindset.

But he was still mystified.

Yet, given the known situation, she wouldn’t use force, which means she wouldn’t engage in practices like those Joyful Union Sect witches.

Quick shifts in affection suggest she isn’t a delusional love-struck fool.

”What is she after?”

Simultaneously, he hastily communicated with Blood Kite, hoping for answers.

Unfortunately, Blood Kite remained unclear regarding the Blood Spirit Saintess.