togophonebook Chapter 192: The Contract...Completed
Chapter 192: The Contract...Completed
As Li Hongtai finished speaking, the strange phenomenon of a sea of fire containing a blue lotus above Hongyan Peak also disappeared.
Outside the Azure Flame Immortal Gate.
Mu Jinchuan smiled slightly and looked at Lü Xingsan, saying, "Master Sanjian, please!"
As he spoke, he gestured for Lü Xingsan to head towards the Azure Flame Immortal Sect.
At this moment, the protective formation of the immortal sect rippled, revealing a gate of light.
A celestial bridge, radiating azure light, extends outwards.
"Please!" Lu Xingsan smiled slightly, then stepped onto the immortal bridge and headed towards the Azure Flame Immortal Gate.
……
The strange phenomenon in the sky disappeared, turning into a wisp of blue light that merged into Li Hongtai's dantian.
"It is indeed too difficult for a mid-grade spiritual root to form a nascent core."
"If it weren't for the 'Replenishing Essence and Correcting Self Pill', I would have exhausted my spiritual consciousness and wouldn't have been able to completely integrate the 'Human Flower' into the pill." Li Hongtai looked inward at his dantian, where two Dao flowers were still swaying, namely the 'Earth Flower' and the 'Heaven Flower'.
Above the two Daoist flowers hangs an inner core radiating a blue light.
Within this inner elixir, there was indeed a Dao flower contained within.
Only by incorporating a single "human flower" can one achieve the illusory elixir.
Although he felt some regret, Li Hongtai knew that it was already a rare achievement for him to reach the nascent core stage.
As for the true elixir...
Even the Golden Elixir...
The requirements for the quality of spiritual roots and foundation are too high.
It was simply beyond his reach.
Even among the seven great immortal sects of Chu, those who can condense a true elixir are extremely rare.
As for the Golden Elixir...
Only the highest lineage can see it.
Those are true prodigies, one in ten thousand, with the potential to condense a nascent soul and dominate a region.
With a thought, Li Hongtai began to consolidate his cultivation.
Seven days later, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, Li Hongtai finally emerged from seclusion.
After leaving the pass, he personally went to meet the sect leader, Master Mu Jinchuan.
Thank you for Makichikawa's protection.
They also presented me with the formula for the "Replenishing Vitality and Rectifying Self Pill".
Mu Jinchuan accepted the pill formula with great satisfaction and gave Li Hongtai a few pointers on cultivation matters after the formation of the core.
The Azure Flame Immortal Sect naturally possesses the orthodox formula for Core Formation, the "Heavenly Fusion Pill Formula."
However, the recipe for that pill was of a slightly higher grade, and the required medicinal materials were more difficult to gather than those for the "Replenishing Vitality and Correcting Self Pill Recipe".
Therefore, although there are prescriptions for elixirs, very few people actually gather the necessary ingredients and start refining the elixir.
Comparatively speaking, the "Replenishing Essence and Correcting Self Pill Formula" is more practical for ordinary third-tier immortal sects like them.
……
As night fell, Li Hongtai took his leave and met with Lü Xingsan.
He then took out a "Replenishing Vitality and Correcting Self Pill" and gave it to the latter.
This jade box containing the elixir is simple and unadorned, but it came from the Flowing Cloud Immortal. However, due to its age, the medicinal properties have somewhat diminished.
He was not confident that he could condense a nascent elixir using this method.
Therefore, even though he had possessed this elixir for decades, Li Hongtai did not use it for himself, but instead devoted himself to collecting medicinal materials and refining the elixir himself.
"Hehe, Fellow Daoist Li is truly a man of integrity. In that case, I, Lü, will accept it!" Lü Xingsan glanced at the 'Replenishing Vitality and Correcting Self Pill' and then gladly accepted it. He bowed politely to Li Hongtai, as if they were old friends.
Although the medicinal power of this pill has been somewhat diminished, it can still be very beneficial if given to younger generations, and may even help them create a fake pill.
It was precisely because Li Hongtai promised to give him the "Replenishing Essence and Correcting Self Pill" that Lü Xingsan, or perhaps the Taibai Immortal Sect, joined forces with him to stage a play and hold off the Jinxia Sect.
Otherwise, given the conditions offered by the Golden Cloud Sect, they would really like to give it a try.
However, with this pill, things are different!
After all, destroying a third-tier immortal sect would have too great an impact.
Even if the Azure Flame Immortal Gate is eventually destroyed, the counterattack of the Core Formation cultivator would be enough to drag down a cultivator of the same level.
The risks involved are enormous.
As a Core Formation True Person, with a long lifespan and high position of power, he was naturally unwilling to take risks.
The most appealing thing is that the visible benefits of acquiring the "Replenishing Vitality and Correcting Self Pill" are actually the greatest.
"We are very grateful for Fellow Daoist Lü's help this time. In the future, our two families should communicate more and work together for progress," Li Hongtai said.
"Of course!" Lü Xingsan said. "Fellow Daoist is able to refine the 'Replenishing Vitality and Rectifying Self Pill.' In the future, countless immortal sects will want to befriend you and request the pill. If you have any surplus pills in the future, please don't make my Taibai Immortal Sect wait in line for too long!"
He laughed heartily.
"If Fellow Daoist Lü has any needs, I, Li, will certainly not refuse!" Li Hongtai said.
Afterwards, he brewed a cup of spiritual tea for Lü Xingsan.
Lu Xingsan nodded slightly, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then took his leave.
After seeing Lü Xingsan off, Li Hongtai met with Li Zhanfei, Li Wenchang, and others, and gave them some instructions.
He then went into seclusion to prepare to condense his first innate divine power.
Although one may successfully form the Golden Core, if one's supernatural abilities are not developed, one will inevitably be at a disadvantage when facing cultivators of the same level in combat, making it unwise to travel.
……
On the seventh day of the fifth lunar month, Black Wind City was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and a joyous atmosphere prevailed.
Li Xun held a grand banquet.
Yang Jiuli and Huang Cheng attended the banquet.
Many members of the Li clan, who were stationed in Blackwind Town, were present at the banquet.
Although it was expected, the cultivators of the Li family were still extremely excited when Li Xun announced at the banquet that Li Hongtai, the ancestor of the Qingyan Immortal Sect, had successfully condensed his nascent core and established his Dao foundation: "Fire Sea Contains Azure Lotus," and was given the Dao title of Hongyan Zhenren.
The shouts from the mountains were deafening.
The crowd exclaimed that True Immortal Hongyan's path to immortality was prosperous and his good fortune was boundless.
"Ancestor... you've successfully formed your core!" Li Yourong was also quite excited, tears welling up in her eyes.
Only the members of the Li clan knew how hard-won this day was.
In an attempt to prevent Li Hongtai from achieving the Golden Core stage and to disrupt his mind, the enemy forces attacked Yunmeng Lake three times.
The latter two times both times there was a risk of extermination of the entire clan.
Even Black Wind City was in turmoil, and the Li clan was almost wiped out.
Now, the clouds have finally parted and the moon is shining.
From then on, the Li family of Yunmeng Lake could be called a quasi-third-tier immortal family.
If they want to become a true third-tier immortal family, the Li family of Yunmeng Lake needs to produce a Core Formation True Person.
Even so, with a Core Formation True Person emerging from the clan, the Li family is already superior to other Foundation Establishment families.
Few will dare to touch the Li family's market and medicinal herb business.
The benefits in the future are countless.
"Ninth Brother, now that Ancestor Li has reached the Core Formation stage, does that mean no one will dare to invade Black Wind City from now on?" Huang Cheng asked excitedly.
"In this Chu Kingdom... I imagine no one will easily invade!" Yang Jiuli nodded.
"Great! From now on, I can focus on refining pills!" Huang Cheng exclaimed excitedly.
Yang Jiuli smiled slightly and said nothing more.
With Li Hongtai's successful completion of the Core Formation, Black Wind City will surely be even better than before.
However, as a result, many independent cultivators and alchemists in the Chu Kingdom will come to seek refuge with him.
At that time, competition will intensify, the share of elixirs will be diluted, and the profits that Huang Cheng receives will actually decrease.
Moreover, they will face many complex interpersonal relationships in the future, and things may not be that simple.
Yang Jiuli, of course, would not say these unpleasant things.
Sometimes, people need to grow on their own.
Being fond of teaching others and talking too much leads to exhaustion, which is not a good thing.
The banquet ended.
Yang Jiuli returned to his residence.
"Our ancestor Li has successfully formed his core, and we can finally enjoy some peace and quiet!" Yang Jiuli sat cross-legged in his cave.
He also breathed a sigh of relief.
Since arriving at Yunmeng Lake, we have been plagued by constant setbacks.
They were ambushed by Xuan Yin Valley on the very first day.
We also recently encountered a beast tide.
That's just how the world is. Once you join a faction, you're destined to share its glory and disgrace, and it's hard to remain unscathed.
Therefore, some independent cultivators with remarkable opportunities are unwilling to be bound to a force for too long during their growth process. They often stay for a while because they have some needs. Once their goals are achieved, they will withdraw to avoid getting bogged down in a quagmire.
The path to immortality is long, and time always flies by.
Another month has passed in the blink of an eye.
Yang Jiuli cultivated as usual.
On this day, June 11, he received letters from Qin Zhixue and Lu Wenzheng.
Lu Wenzheng's letter mentioned the surprise attack on Yunmeng Lake by the fake alchemist Meng Wangchou.
When Meng Wangchou was mentioned, the words in the letter were full of apprehension.
The power of the fake immortal is far beyond what ordinary people can imagine.
The skills of a Foundation Establishment cultivator are like those of a child in the eyes of a False Core Formation cultivator.
Fortunately, a Core Formation cultivator intervened and killed the fake Core Formation cultivator.
At the same time, Lu Wenzheng also said with a bit of pride that he would keep Ninth Brother's teachings in mind and be careful in everything he did.
Therefore, when the fake alchemist attacked, he barely stopped and kept fleeing, thus escaping a calamity.
His words also revealed his deep affection for Yang Jiuli.
It was because of the influence of this friend that he developed this habit.
……
"Li Hongtai actually arranged for a Core Formation cultivator to oversee Yunmeng Lake long ago!"
"This person is truly extraordinary."
Upon reading the contents of the letter, Yang Jiuli's face turned solemn.
Then he read Qin Zhixue's letter.
The letter mentioned many things, including the attack on Yunmeng Lake and the blockade of the gate by Li Hongtai's Golden Core cultivators from the Xiaxia Sect in conjunction with the Taibai Immortal Sect.
She mentioned that Master Hongyan was a remarkable person.
After achieving the Golden Core, he did not immediately hold a grand banquet, but instead prepared to go into seclusion to refine his innate divine power.
Finally, it was mentioned that they were already collecting spiritual items for Yang Jiuli's foundation building.
……
Look at this information.
Yang Jiuli understood.
Qin Zhixue sent a letter with the most important information: Li Hongtai will be in seclusion for two years.
"Li Hongtai has been in seclusion for two years...that's excellent!"
"I have a year and a half left before I can leave the Li family... It's best not to see them again!"
Yang Jiuli breathed a sigh of relief.
In case Li Hongtai suddenly decides to inspect Black Wind City and then forcefully and subtly persuades him to stay with the Li family.
Should he go or stay?
All of these are inappropriate.
That's precisely what makes it most beautiful.
In particular, Yang Jiuli did not want to have anything to do with Li Hongtai, given the methods he had demonstrated over the years.
Last time, Li Hongtai took advantage of the Xuan Yin Valley to launch a surprise attack on Yunmeng Lake and capture Black Wind City, and used this as bait to keep the enemy occupied.
This time, they made advance arrangements at Yunmeng Lake and Taibai Immortal Sect, thus resolving the crisis.
One can imagine how meticulous this person's mind must be.
The layout is incredibly far-reaching.
This was by no means a temporary arrangement; it must have been planned for a long time.
Li Hongtai even had arrangements for Blackwind City.
However, they did not know when the Golden Cloud Gate would make its move.
This resulted in the reassignment of the assigned personnel, and the cultivators patrolling Blackwind County were replaced by cultivators from the Yun clan.
The Yun clan's cultivators deliberately delayed the rescue, leading to Li Jun's assassination.
At a critical moment, they sent Li Xun and Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Mu clan to provide assistance, which saved many of the Li clan's cultivators.
Yang Jiuli didn't want to get involved in any conspiracies or schemes; he just wanted to cultivate quietly and live to immortality.
……
The path to immortality is long and arduous.
In the blink of an eye, a year and a half had passed since Li Hongtai reached the Core Formation stage.
The ninth day of the first lunar month was sunny.
Today is Yang Jiuli's 49th birthday.
He was only nine days away from joining the Li family of Yunmeng Lake.
In ten days, his contract with Yunmeng Lake will be fulfilled, and he will regain his freedom and be able to leave the Li family!
Inside the cave, Yang Jiuli internally examined his sea of consciousness.
Name: Yang Jiuli.
Lifespan: 49/153.
Cultivation techniques: "Heavenly Fiend Body Refining Technique, First Level Perfected", "Snowflake Sword Technique", "Thirteen Sword Styles"...
Rebirth with Supernatural Powers:
The Three Lives Talisman (Past Life Talisman) Tier 1. Usable 12 times.
The Three Lives Talisman (Past Life Talisman) Tier 2. Usable Count: (16 times)
Taiyin Evolutionary Divine Technique: Second Level, Second Stage of Spiritual Power.
Immortal cultivation level: Perfected at the ninth level of Qi Refining.
……
Spiritual Root: Top-grade spiritual root.
Spiritual energy attribute:
Gold: (58/58)
Wood: (99/99)
Water: (66/66)
Fire: (79/79)
Earth: (51/51)
"Wood attribute 99! Qi Refining level nine is perfect!" Yang Jiuli took a deep breath and withdrew his divine sense with a rather serious expression.
Now, he can step into the tenth level of Qi Refining whenever he wants.
However, in order not to appear unorthodox, he deliberately suppressed his cultivation level to avoid being noticed.
When Yang Jiuli withdrew his divine sense and opened his eyes, Xiao Bing got up. It blinked its gem-like eyes and was quite polite. Now the little guy's cultivation has reached the late stage of the first level, which is comparable to the tenth level of Qi Refining perfection in humans.
Both sable cubs have also reached the late stage of the first rank.
After feeding the three little ones and washing up, Yang Jiuli left the cave.
As soon as they stepped out of the courtyard, they saw Huang Cheng and Liu Hu waiting for them.
Both of them had smiles on their faces, looking quite joyful.
"Ninth Brother..." Huang Cheng bowed.
"Uncle..." Liu Hu's eyes showed respect.
Yang Jiuli returned the greeting to Huang Cheng with a cupped-hand salute.
"Ninth Brother... are you really planning to leave the Li family of Yunmeng Lake?" Huang Cheng asked, his eyes full of anticipation.
"I'm over forty-nine years old now, it's time for me to go out and make my own way in the world!" Yang Jiuli said.
"Ninth Brother has been at the ninth level of Qi Refining for many years, and his foundation is solid. If given the opportunity, he can indeed build a foundation for immortality!" Huang Cheng said.
As he spoke, he was filled with emotion.
Huang Cheng had been at the peak of the eighth level of Qi Refining for many years, but he had been unable to break through to the ninth level, even after taking pills.
Seeing Yang Jiuli reach the ninth level of Qi Refining perfection, he couldn't help but feel a little envious.