Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

The events inside Funiu Mountain’s great hall were disclosed by Ning Sujin to Li Ji’an.

This increased Li Ji’an’s approval of the young girl Xiaojiu.

However, regarding the Core Formation Spirit Treasure left by Funiu Master, Li Ji’an found it somewhat hard to believe.

Funiu Master rose to power in a chaotic era, and his mind shouldn’t be simple. There’s no reason he would invest all his efforts into Funiu Mountain and only leave one treasure.

Qu Tianyang’s escape at the last moment, besides being forced by circumstances, also likely indicates a flaw in his character. At the very least, it shows he wasn’t willing to risk his life on trust in Funiu Master.

”Could there be a backup plan?” Li Ji’an slightly frowned.

Then he raised his eyes to look at Ning Sujin: ”Have you sensed any ominous signs?”

Ning Sujin gently shook her head: ”So far, no ominous signs have appeared.”

Li Ji’an nodded. Ning Sujin’s talent in Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil focused on results, and passive sensing only made the ominous signs clearer. The process itself couldn’t be predicted.

Even the current sensed result might have already factored in Li Ji’an’s presence.

”Since that’s the case, let’s wait and see.”

In the following days, Ning Sujin closely monitored Xiaojiu.

She indeed began to adjust with full effort and, after seven days, entered the top-tier Core Formation Dao Field of Funiu Mountain, carrying the two Core Formation Spirit Treasures prepared by Funiu Master for her.

The Spirit Vein of this Dao Field was comparable to the Feihong Dao Field in the Ten Thousand Merchants Domain, but the internal setup, arrays, and treasure artifacts were somewhat inferior.

Regardless of the abundance of Spiritual Qi within the Dao Field or the supplementation and pre-storage of Spiritual Qi, both were less superior. If two people attempted Core Formation simultaneously, there would inevitably be interference.

As Xiaojiu stepped into the Core Formation Dao Field, the outer Protective Array was activated.

Compared to the grand arrays of other Dao Fields, this place was particularly important. Its array was the most secure in the entire Funiu Mountain, with multiple Divine Soul Restrictions isolated around it.

Even though Ning Sujin’s Primordial Spirit could forcibly penetrate, it would easily trigger restrictions.

”Xiaojiu, the Core Formation insights of us several people can only be for reference. Your talent is exceptional, your heart nature clear. Even without superior Core Formation Spirit Treasures, you shouldn’t lose hope for a superior True Pill. Don’t lose confidence.” Several senior brothers stood outside the Dao Field, continuously reminding her.

”Alright, you all disperse. I’ll guard here.” The second senior brother waved his hand boldly.

”There’s nothing else, so I’ll stay here and watch.” The fourth senior brother took out a jug of wine from his Storage Pouch, sat cross-legged on the ground, and had no intention of leaving.

”I’m waiting for Xiaojiu to form her core, then take her to try her luck in the Lower Three Realms. This girl has always been lucky; maybe she’ll encounter Heaven and Earth Spirit Treasures there. I’ll just stay here for those two years.”

…

Aside from True Man Fengyin, who handled all the affairs of the Immortal City and was too busy to stay, the other six weren’t willing to leave.

”Rest assured, Xiaojiu only has two lower Core Formation Spirit Treasures this time. Though the hope of condensing an upper True Pill isn’t high, it’s safe. There’s almost no possibility of failure,” True Man Fengyin said, frowning.

”Elder brother, if you are busy, go ahead. You don’t need to worry about us,” the second senior brother replied impatiently.

True Man Fengyin sighed, ”With the master not leaving seclusion and you all guarding here, what if other forces cause trouble in the Immortal City? How am I supposed to handle it all alone?”

”Who would dare? Any force that dares to create trouble, without giving any face, just drive them out, never to be allowed back in!” The second senior brother’s expression turned stern, speaking domineeringly.

True Man Fengyin rubbed his brow, having no desire to deal with this rough fellow.

”Elder brother, didn’t you raise so many honored guest elders? Aren’t they all under your command?” The third senior brother chuckled lightly, seemingly indifferent.

”Unless Funiu Mountain faces a calamity, don’t call me,” the fourth brother, though few in words, was firm.

After sweeping his gaze over the six junior brothers, True Man Fengyin’s pupils contracted, quietly sighing as he turned to leave.

Besides these six senior brothers guarding outside the Dao Field, Ning Sujin also sensed that many within Funiu Mountain were aware that Xiaojiu was preparing for her Core Formation attempt and were praying for her.

”Ancestor, the Tier Three Spirit Medicines here can’t compare to the Ten Thousand Laws Palace, but use these for now. Your grandson will think of ways to get more from Funiu Mountain,” Pure Essence Old Rogue had been very diligent recently, spending almost all his time on Alchemy.

The Pill Medicine he refined was for Li Ji’an’s current cultivation.

Satisfied, Li Ji’an accepted the pills, casually offering a few reassuring words.

”Child, there’s no need for this. I have just advanced to mid-stage Golden Core and need to consolidate, so I don’t need many for the time being.”

One must admit that Pure Essence Old Rogue was worthy of the Pill King title. The Tier Three mid-stage elixirs he refined were of extraordinary quality, comparable to what Li Ji’an could produce himself, with an even higher Pill Formation Success Rate.

Of course, this also owed much to the Little Fire Spirit.

”It’s needed, it’s needed. Your grandson only hopes for the day when Ancestor can return to the True Monarch Realm and lead us to reclaim the glory of the Ten Thousand Laws Palace,” Pure Essence Old Rogue said earnestly.

Since the fall of the Ten Thousand Laws Palace, he constantly missed those days when he stood above all others, just below one person.

Now, though respected for his Pill King identity, it was far from the feeling of controlling the life and death of all cultivators in the domain.

His biggest hope lay in Ancestor returning to his peak.

As for himself, he truly had no confidence—even the so-called Nascent Soul opportunity offered by Beixuan True Monarch did not give him much hope. He knew his own situation well.

He was originally of ordinary talent and had forced his way up relying solely on Ancestor’s blessings and pill medicines, having already exhausted his potential.

”Alright, I won’t disappoint you,” Li Ji’an said with a wry smile.

”Oh, by the way, Ancestor, here’s the Red Flame Gold you wanted. Can it repair the Floating Light Fan?” Pure Essence, thrilled by the affirmative response, took out a tier three middle-grade material from his Storage Ring.

Li Ji’an’s eyes lit up, for such a large piece was enough to craft the body of a second tier three middle-grade puppet.

”It may still be lacking some, but it’s enough for now. Where did it come from?”

”Heh, Ancestor, it’s a gift from Funiu Elder’s big disciple,” Pure Essence Old Rogue said with a teasing smile.

”Oh? This large piece is certainly rare. Does he want something from you?” Upon hearing it involved True Man Fengyin, Li Ji’an instinctively asked further.

Pure Essence Old Rogue sneered, ”Ancestor, as I told you earlier, the situation here at Funiu Mountain isn’t optimistic.”

”This place was merely acquired by that loose cultivator Funiu Master by chance. Its foundation is weak, lacking overwhelming power or loyal allies. Yet, many forces are eyeing it.

Now, just by cutting off Funiu Mountain’s upper True Pill seedlings, when Funiu Master reaches the end of his life, the place will naturally change hands.

This time, the young Fengyin approached me, hoping I would step in during a crisis to protect that young girl.”

Upon hearing this, Li Ji’an paused.

If this is true, then True Man Fengyin isn’t as trusting as he seems on the surface.

Although Xiaojiu only has two lower Core Formation Spirit Treasures, would external forces still attempt sabotage?

”Could it be that these so-called two lower Core Formation Spirit Treasures are merely a decoy meant to relax external forces’ vigilance, thus preventing interference?”

At once, Li Ji’an compiled some information and sensed a hint of something unusual.

Quickly, a small smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he silently mused, ”Funiu Master’s strategy is indeed interesting.”

”What do you intend to do?” Li Ji’an looked up at Pure Essence Old Rogue.

”Please don’t worry, Ancestor. Naturally, your grandson won’t offend those major forces for Funiu Mountain, nor draw any unwanted cause and effect for you,” Pure Essence Old Rogue confirmed.

Li Ji’an gave a faint smile, neither confirming nor denying.

Two months later, clouds and winds surged over Xiaojiu’s Core Formation Dao Field as spiritual mist gathered rapidly.

The first step of whale swallowing was about to begin.

Boom~

At this moment, the inner city array of Funiu Mountain Immortal City suddenly erupted with a loud noise.

”Crack~”

Almost instantly, the sound of cracks appearing in the grand array echoed from all sides.

”Enemy attack!” The core location of Funiu Mountain, held by True Man Fengyin, immediately issued an alarm.

Nine rings of the Golden Bell, alert through the entire city!