"Junior Sister Yu, we've been eagerly awaiting your arrival," Zhao Bai greeted Yu Xianglan and her group as they arrived at the front lines.
"Where's Martial Uncle Lian?" Yu Xianglan asked.
"A Third-Tier Great Demon attacked our camp yesterday. Martial Uncle Lian wounded it and gave chase. The demon is a White-Spotted Black Falcon, incredibly fast and adept at ambushes. Concerned it might prey on the Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment juniors, he resolved to eliminate it. I'm currently overseeing the Clan Grounds in his absence."
"How did such a demon beast appear here?" Yu Xianglan wondered.
The Azurewood Sect typically dealt with terrestrial demons like wolf demons and snake demons. Even the occasional avian demons were only First or Second-Tier, making the emergence of a Third-Tier flying demon beast exceedingly rare.
"I don't know," Zhao Bai admitted. "But the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range has been growing increasingly strange lately. We need to warn the newcomers to be extra vigilant."
"Martial Uncle Zhao!" Yao Zheng Sheng stepped forward and bowed.
"Ah, Zheng Sheng. Congratulations on achieving Core Formation. You've finally reached our level. Now that you've been appointed Young Sect Leader, you must prioritize the sect's interests even more."
"Understood, Martial Uncle!" Yao Zheng Sheng replied.
"Good. With both of you here, my burden lightens. I should check on Liu Zi—who knows how far he's chased that demon beast by now?"
No sooner had Zhao Bai finished speaking than a figure burst from the forest, dragging a massive wolf carcass behind him.
The youth's attire was far from that of a refined cultivator. Instead, he resembled a rustic farm boy. He wore simple, short clothing that revealed his bronze skin, and his black hair was carelessly tied back with a straw rope. Despite his lean frame, the sheer power radiating from his body as he dragged the wolf—a creature twice his height—left a striking impression on the group.
Spotting Zhao Bai, he shouted enthusiastically, "Master, I've taken down another wolf demon!" He hoisted the carcass aloft for all to see.
"Liu Zi, come quickly and greet your Martial Uncle Yu and fellow disciples," Zhao Bai said with fond indulgence toward Yi Liu. Turning to the others, he added, "My apprentice is a mischievous one. Junior Sister Yu, please forgive his lack of decorum."
Yi Liu dropped the wolf carcass, stomped his foot, and triggered a ripple of spiritual energy. Riding the surge, he soared gracefully to Zhao Bai's side.
Yao Zheng Sheng stared in astonishment. "Sixth Junior Brother practices Dual Cultivation of Body and Magic?"
"Indeed," Zhao Bai confirmed, pulling Yi Liu closer. "This is Senior Brother Yao. He's reached the Core Formation stage, just like your master. If you have any questions about your cultivation in the future, feel free to ask him."
The junior brother, Yi Liu, gazed curiously at Yao Zheng Sheng, his eyes widening. "Senior Brother, you're remarkably handsome," he blurted out. "Even more dashing than the village lads back home!"
Yao Zheng Sheng's composure faltered, his face flushing crimson, while Yu Xianglan burst into laughter beside him.
The True Inheritance disciples behind them struggled to suppress their amusement, their eyes twinkling with suppressed mirth.
"Liu Zi, show some respect," Zhao Bai said sternly, tugging at the boy's arm.
Realizing his blunder, Yi Liu lowered his head in shame.
As the Young Sect Leader, Yao Zheng Sheng quickly recovered his composure. "It's fine," he said. "It's good that Junior Brother has such a lively temperament." He casually produced a black talisman treasure. "This talisman was bestowed upon me by Master. Now that I've reached Core Formation, it's no longer of use to me. I'm happy to gift it to you, Junior Brother."
Yu Xianglan also produced a cyan talisman. Zhao Bai's eyes widened in astonishment. "A Thousand Flowers Cage the Bird? Junior Sister, you're actually giving that away?"
"It's just a Spirit Talisman," Yu Xianglan replied nonchalantly. "I can always make another."
This wasn't an ordinary talisman. It was a Spirit Talisman inscribed with Yu Xianglan's signature technique, "A Thousand Flowers Cage the Bird"—a spell that both traps and slays. Crafting such a talisman was exceptionally difficult, and the raw materials alone were worth five thousand spirit stones.
Yao Zheng Sheng was somewhat surprised. Even as the foremost True Inheritance disciple, he had never received such preferential treatment.
"Thank you, Martial Uncle Yu, thank you, Senior Brother Yao," Yi Liu said obediently, clutching his precious gift. After expressing his gratitude, he eagerly flipped the Spirit Talisman over and over, examining it closely.
The three True Inheritance disciples behind them wore varied expressions, but seeing the reactions of their senior brothers and martial uncles, they also presented their own introductory gifts. Though all were Second-Tier treasures, each was of exceptional quality.
After dismissing the disciples, Yu Xianglan and Zhao Bai remained alone.
"Senior Brother, you've truly taken in a remarkable disciple," Yu Xianglan remarked. "If I'm not mistaken, Yi Liu has not only achieved Foundation Establishment in his physical body but has also reached the fourth layer of Qi Refining in his spiritual cultivation. And you've only had him as your disciple for a little over forty years, haven't you?"
"Junior Sister, you have a keen eye," Zhao Bai replied. "To be precise, he only began cultivating at sixteen and has been at it for thirty-six years now. When I first met him, he was herding cattle for his family. A mere boy of ten could pull a full-grown ox with ease—pure innate strength. I suspected he might possess a Spirit Body, but my investigations yielded nothing. Instead, I discovered he had a Thunder Spirit Root, a rare one-in-ten-thousand find, perfectly suited for cultivating my Golden Thunder Manual. That's when I resolved to take him under my wing."
"A Spirit Body? And a Thunder Spirit Root? Senior Brother, why are you only telling me this now? Were you afraid I'd steal your disciple?" Junior Sister Yu Xianglan teased Zhao Bai.
Zhao Bai chuckled sheepishly. "I already informed Senior Brother Nie about this. If you didn't know, Junior Sister, it must have been Senior Brother Sect Leader's decision."
"To retain such a pure heart after years of cultivation... it's truly rare," Yu Xianglan remarked wistfully, observing Yi Liu surrounded by the others.
"Junior Sister speaks truly. It's precisely this innocent mindset that allows him to break through cultivation realms as effortlessly as drinking water. It's a pity Martial Uncle Yu didn't recognize his unique physique sooner. With a suitable cultivation technique, his progress could have been even faster."
"Senior Brother Zhao should be content. Such talent would make him a top-tier seed disciple even in a Nascent Soul Sect. You're fortunate to have discovered him."
"Heh heh, isn't my disciple ultimately a disciple of the sect?"
Black Lake Island
Wei Zhong watched as the vortex of spiritual energy above the Spirit Island gradually dissipated, confirming Li Haowen's successful Foundation Establishment. After more than a decade, the Li Family finally produced a Foundation Establishment cultivator, freeing Wei Zhong from his duty to prop up their prestige.
"Master, do you regret losing your position as Guest Elder?" Xie Linghua asked with concern.
Wei Zhong shook his head. "There's nothing to regret. Shedding this burden is a relief. Helping him achieve Foundation Establishment formally concludes my spirit ground obligations to the Li Family."
"Don't let Li Haowen's triumphant Foundation Establishment fool you. The responsibility he now carries is immense. The fate of the entire Li Clan rests on his shoulders. Securing their survival amidst two Core Formation powers won't be easy."
With these words, Wei Zhong flicked his sleeve and departed, leaving Xie Linghua alone with her private sorrow.
After years of observing Wei Zhong, Xie Linghua had come to understand his true nature. Though outwardly kind, he was fundamentally detached.
Master Chu Zhong only cares for those closest to him—his three sworn sisters, including myself. The other maids and servants are merely employees maintained with spirit stones. Even we three sisters likely hold little weight in his heart.
Xie Linghua gently touched her still-flat stomach, a pang of regret stirring within her.
"Congratulations on achieving Foundation Establishment, Fellow Daoist!"
As Li Haowen emerged from seclusion, Wei Zhong was already waiting nearby, hovering atop his magic sword.
Seeing Wei Zhong's figure, Li Haowen felt a surge of emotion. "Senior..."
Wei Zhong waved his hand. "Now that you've achieved Foundation Establishment, we should address each other as Fellow Daoists. We can reminisce later; for now, attend to your Li Family's affairs."
Wei Zhong gestured toward Luo Mingyan and the Li Clan Elder. Li Haowen understood the situation instantly. He clasped his hands respectfully toward Wei Zhong and moved toward the gathered crowd.
Wei Zhong retreated to the lakeshore, conjured a Green Leaf Boat, and set out spirit wine, pouring himself a drink.
The Li Family seemed to reach an agreement with Luo Mingyan. Without lingering further, Luo Mingyan prepared to depart with Pang Sanchun.
As they left the island, Wei Zhong's voice echoed in Luo Mingyan's mind, and the Green Leaf Boat materialized before them, blocking their path.
"Brother Luo, hold!"
A Storage Pouch flew from the Green Boat, accompanied by Wei Zhong's voice: "I must thank you again for guiding This Daoist to Bright Moon Market years ago. This is a token of gratitude. With this, our karmic debts are settled."
Luo Mingyan glanced at the contents of the pouch, pondered briefly, then accepted it. He clasped his hands respectfully toward the Green Boat before transforming into escape light and vanishing into the distance.
Only by settling karmic debts can one tread the Great Dao.
In the depths of his consciousness, Wei Zhong seemed to grasp a profound insight. The surrounding spiritual energy converged upon the Green Boat, forming a small vortex that persisted for a full hundred breaths before gradually dissipating.
Cultivation Base: Foundation Establishment Second Layer (30%)
A single moment of enlightenment has advanced my Foundation Establishment Second Layer cultivation by nearly half a level—a truly unexpected delight. But 'cause and effect'... Can the Great Dao of this world truly be so superficial that even a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator like myself can benefit from it so easily?
Li Haowen and the Li Clan members on the nearby Spirit Island watched in awe as the Green Boat stirred the spiritual energy into a swirling vortex. Their reverence for "Chu Zhong," the Foundation Establishment cultivator, deepened further.
Long after the vortex had dissipated, Li Haowen flew closer to the boat. "Congratulations, Senior, on your significant advancement in cultivation!"
A surge of spiritual energy parted the curtain within the boat, and Wei Zhong's voice emerged: "It was merely a minor insight. Rather, I should congratulate you, Fellow Daoist, on successfully reaching Foundation Establishment."
Li Haowen stepped inside the boat, where spirit wine awaited. Raising his cup with both hands, he solemnly declared, "I must express my deepest gratitude for Senior's benevolence." He drained the cup in one gulp.
Wei Zhong chuckled and waved dismissively. "It was just a small act of assistance. Your own efforts deserve the credit. Overcoming the Inner Demon of a failed Foundation Establishment attempt is far more arduous than ordinary foundation building."
Hearing Wei Zhong's words, Li Haowen felt a lingering sense of unease. The immense pressure of the Li Family's expectations had once nearly suffocated him. The clan elders' hopes and his parents' aspirations had become insurmountable obstacles during his Foundation Establishment attempts, often leading to failure.
Ironically, the gossip and scorn that followed his failures had paradoxically lightened his heart. Through repeated trials, his resolve had hardened, and once his injuries fully healed, the ingestion of a single Foundation Establishment Pill had finally secured his success.
"The burdens ahead will only grow heavier," Wei Zhong cautioned. "Don't let this responsibility crush you."
Li Haowen nodded thoughtfully.
"Now that you've achieved Foundation Establishment, the Li Family no longer needs my nominal status as a Foundation Establishment cultivator," Wei Zhong said, retrieving the spirit wine and slowly rising, signaling his intent to dismiss his guest.
Li Haowen clasped his hands in a respectful salute before stepping off the Green Leaf Boat.
With a flash of azure light, Wei Zhong returned to Black Lake Island.
Li Haowen turned to face the Li Clan Elders. Li Ren cautiously asked, "Does Senior Chu still wish to..."
Li Haowen cut him off sharply. "Senior Chu is no longer a Guest Elder of the Li Family. Our ties are severed. From now on, all Li Family affairs will be decided solely by us. We need no longer concern ourselves with outsiders' opinions."
The assembled elders murmured in shock, never having imagined things would end this way.
Only Clan Leader Li Ren let out a faint sigh.
"Immediately, in accordance with the Upper Sect's decree, summon five high-level Qi Refining cultivators from our Li Family to accompany me to the Myriad Beasts Mountain Range."
Li Haowen's gaze swept over the Clan Elders below, most of whom hunched their shoulders and lowered their heads.
"Master, is everything settled?" Xie Linghua asked softly as Wei Zhong returned.
Wei Zhong drew her into his arms. "It's concluded. From this day forward, Black Lake Island will sever all ties with the Li Family. I'll need you to manage the island's affairs from now on."
Xie Linghua gently shook her head. "It's my duty to ease your burdens, Master. How could it be considered a hardship?"
"How did the dismissal of the island's servants go?"
"Rest assured, Master. All Li Clan members have been repatriated. The remaining residents are all Loose Cultivators who deeply appreciate your benevolence and the generous compensation you provide. They're reluctant to leave."
Wei Zhong nodded. Black Lake Island, a mid-grade Second-Tier spirit ground, unlike other cultivation families that supported thousands of cultivators, housed only about a hundred people at most. Even after Wei Zhong took the lion's share, there was still plenty left for the remaining cultivators to live comfortably.
Their treatment far surpassed that of the spirit farmers toiling under the Azurewood Sect.
"Today calls for celebration. Let's open a vat of Azure Vine Intoxication for them."
Xie Linghua gasped in surprise. Even the lowest grade of Azure Vine Intoxication would fetch at least a thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones in the Market City.
Seeing the confusion on Xie Linghua's face, Wei Zhong explained, "I just had a minor breakthrough. My cultivation realm has advanced by a fraction of a level."
Xie Linghua's initial disappointment faded as she exclaimed with genuine delight, "Congratulations, Master!"
Wei Zhong saw through her emotions. Patting her shoulder, he said, "I know what you're thinking, but the time isn't right yet."
Noticing her visible disappointment, he took both her hands in his, gently squeezed her palms, and whispered in her ear, "Focus on your cultivation. When you reach the Late-stage Qi Refining realm, I'll procure a Foundation Establishment Pill for you."
Her disappointment vanished instantly, replaced by radiant joy. She stood on tiptoe and kissed Wei Zhong on the cheek, her face flushed crimson as she exclaimed, "Thank you, Master!"
Wei Zhong couldn't help but feel a stir in his heart at her endearing gesture. Forcing himself to remain composed, he gently rubbed her forehead.
Inside his Grotto-Heaven, Wei Zhong hesitated, holding a jar of Second-Tier Azure Spirit Brew.
The Azurewood Sect's pressure will inevitably shift from the Foundation Establishment Families to independent cultivators like me. I must prepare ahead of time.
After storing the spirit wine, Wei Zhong emerged from his Grotto-Heaven and transformed into a streak of escape light, soaring toward his destination: the local branch of the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild.
In recent years, the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild had been actively opposing the Azurewood Sect. They had not only opened a shop in Bright Moon Market but had also secured a First-Tier Spirit Land nearby to establish a permanent branch.
Moreover, through some unknown means, the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild had gathered the surrounding free-floating spiritual energy, making the concentration within their branch rival that of a Second-Tier Spirit Ground. This display of abundance broadened the horizons of all the cultivators present.
Inside the Chamber of Commerce's shop, a comprehensive array of goods was displayed with clear price tags. Even Foundation Establishment Pills, previously only seen at auctions, were openly exhibited at the center of the store.
Spurred by this development, a new Market City had swiftly formed around the Chamber of Commerce, poised to rival the Bright Moon Market in influence.
Wei Zhong hurried to the Chamber of Commerce's shop and summoned a shop attendant. "Is Immortal Rong Ju available?"
"Please wait a moment, Senior!"
Shortly after, a woman in azure robes descended the stairs, a smile gracing her lips. "Fellow Daoist Chu, what brings you here today? Please, come upstairs for a chat."
The customers watched with puzzled expressions as Wei Zhong followed the female cultivator upstairs. Even the attendant he had just summoned murmured in disbelief, "Lord Rong personally receiving a guest? That's exceedingly rare."
A cultivator stepped forward to inquire about prices, interrupting the attendant's musings.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, what brings you here today?" Rong Ju asked, accepting a plate of Spirit Tea from a maid and offering it to Wei Zhong.
Wei Zhong hesitated, as if struggling to voice his request. After a long pause, he finally asked, "Are Seniors Shan and Miao present?"
Rong Ju shook her head. "Unfortunately, Miss and Lord Miao departed several days ago."
"Immortal Maiden, do you know where the two Seniors went, or when they might return?" Wei Zhong pressed.
"We servants wouldn't dare inquire about Miss's or the Seniors' movements," Rong Ju replied calmly, picking up her cup of Spirit Tea. "If you have urgent business, Fellow Daoist, you may confide in me."
After a moment of hesitation, Wei Zhong finally revealed the Azurewood Sect's subtle pressure.
Rong Ju's expression turned surprised and suspicious. "Is that truly the case? While the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild has its differences with the Azurewood Sect, they've always remained within the realm of business. I'm afraid we can't offer you much direct assistance."
"The girl speaks truly," a white-haired old woman suddenly entered the room.
Rong Ju immediately rose. "Greetings, Granny Ruan." Turning to Wei Zhong, she introduced her: "This is Granny Ruan, the branch manager of our Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild's local branch. In Miss's absence, all matters are under her authority."
Wei Zhong hastily stood and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Senior."
The old woman waved dismissively, and with a flick of her sleeve, both men were seated again.
As expected—a Core Formation cultivator.
Wei Zhong wasn't surprised by her display of power. As the manager of the Chamber of Commerce's branch, a Core Formation cultivation base was merely the foundation; her true strength likely lay in her resourcefulness and connections.
Recalling Rong Ju's lukewarm attitude, Wei Zhong roughly guessed that she was behind this.
She gracefully settled into a grand armchair and said calmly, "The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild operates strictly by its rules. It wouldn't be proper to bend them for a Fellow Daoist. Miss mentioned that if you could brew Second-Tier Spirit Wine, she would offer you a position as a Guest Elder. Have you succeeded?"
Wei Zhong lowered his head in contemplation before shaking it. "Not yet."
After careful consideration, Wei Zhong chose not to reveal that he had already brewed the Second-Tier Azure Spirit Brew.
Although the Azurewood Sect showed signs of pressuring loose cultivators like him to choose sides, they hadn't yet made a direct move. Wei Zhong saw no immediate need to seek shelter.
This visit was merely a probe to gauge the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild's stance.
"That's a pity," Manager Ruan said with genuine regret.
Emerging from the pavilion behind the main hall, Wei Zhong suddenly felt a sense of clarity.
The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild was indeed a profit-driven organization, unwilling to grant preferential treatment based on individual endorsements within the guild.
This was good news for Wei Zhong. It meant that if he ever joined the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, he wouldn't have to worry about his personal information being sold or leaked.
The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild is a powerful backer, but there's no rush to cozy up to them. The Azurewood Sect isn't pressuring me too hard yet.
With his current trump cards, he was virtually invulnerable to most Azurewood Sect cultivators. Anyone below the Core Formation stage would be little more than a free kill. Only a Core Formation cultivator could truly threaten him.
But even if a Core Formation cultivator came after him, did he necessarily have to throw himself into the arms of the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild?
Not necessarily. With his strength, relocating to a new cultivation site with Xie Linghua and the others wouldn't be difficult.
Besides, he possessed a Grotto-Heaven. If he severed all external ties and secluded himself for a century, he could naturally achieve Core Formation. By then, the petty Azurewood Sect would be nothing more than a nuisance.
But that's not what I want. Cultivation is also about cultivating the mind. After the Li Family incident, I've realized that the path isn't just about accumulating spiritual energy and breaking through realms. True progress requires refining one's mental fortitude through the trials of time.
A true immortal is a mountain of humanity! Only by experiencing the myriad flavors of mortal life can one glimpse the path to immortality.
And isn't the Cultivation World just another facet of the mortal realm?
The moment this realization struck him, Wei Zhong felt a sudden clarity of mind, as if his Divine Soul had been thoroughly cleansed. The Time Treasure Record within his Sea of Consciousness emitted a golden glow, subtly resonating with his thoughts.
Could this be another enlightenment?
Unlike previous breakthroughs that directly enhanced his cultivation base, this one seemed to refine his mental state and Divine Soul, while also stirring the Time Treasure Record, a mysterious artifact that had long eluded his understanding.
Wei Zhong inwardly examined the ancient tome within his mind, muttering, "Just what are your origins?"
The silent book offered no answers. Composing himself, Wei Zhong resolved to visit various shops.
To forge strong iron, one must first temper oneself. It's better to rely on my own strength than to seek help from others.
Adopting different identities, he frequented numerous establishments, spending spirit stones freely. He purchased Second-Tier disposable talismans, protective Second-Tier magic artifacts, gleaming talisman treasures, and aged Lingzhi mushrooms and spiritual herbs.
This was the most satisfying spirit stone spending spree Wei Zhong had ever enjoyed. Before he knew it, he had parted with forty to fifty thousand spirit stones.
While it's important to follow my heart's desires, I mustn't neglect my safety.
To that end, Wei Zhong reverted to his original appearance and briefly returned to the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild's Clan Grounds. He lingered outside, hesitant, before finally leaving with a hint of regret.