Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

After carefully inquiring about the details from Xiaoqiao, Li Ji’an arrived at the third floor stone tower of Odd Stone Forest’s core, gazing remotely at the direction of the Peach Blossom Forest by the river.

That was once built by the Liu Family Ancestor specifically for the Celestial Master.

Inside, there are multiple illusion arrays, completely isolating the interior from the exterior, even those within the clan that are not core members are prohibited from approaching.

Back then, Ten Thousand Laws Palace also took the Celestial Master away from inside while he was in a state of slumber.

Previously, Ning Yutan was kept by Xiaoqiao’s side, and she chose to cultivate in that Peach Blossom Forest.

"Is it really Ning Sujin?"

Over the three months of cultivation at this Tier Three Lower Grade Spirit Vein Dao Field, the Peach Blossom Forest has not been opened even once.

Even the Qin Family members stationed there have come to visit, yet Ning Yutan has never shown herself.

Li Ji’an sensed her deliberate distancing and vigilance towards him.

"Without a physical body, can’t she seek fortune and avoid evil? Or will befriending me bring disaster?"

Originally, three months ago, hearing Xiaoqiao’s secrets, Li Ji’an speculated that the other soul in Ning Yutan’s body might likely be Ning Sujin. He intended to reconnect with her, even at the cost of revealing the information of his first life in the Cultivation Realm, trying to gain trust and offer some assistance.

However, after observing for three months, he understood her attitude.

Ultimately, Li Ji’an decided not to force it for the time being, after all, with him now also being only in the late period of Foundation Establishment, even personally helping wouldn’t be very meaningful.

The other party now has the Peach Blossom Dao Field for cultivation, and the help of Xiaoqiao, the cultivation conditions are already considered favorable.

On this day, Qin Chuan traveled far from Purple Bamboo Forest to arrive.

"Qin Chuan greets Senior Li!" After a separation of over ten years, Qin Chuan has already advanced to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, and his aura of magical power doesn’t fall short compared to Li Ji’an, who is in the late period of Foundation Establishment.

Yet his posture towards Li Ji’an remained humble and respectful.

"As fellow Foundation Establishment cultivators, Fellow Daoist Qin, there’s no need to be courteous." Li Ji’an gestured him to sit.

"No, no, Senior Li’s life-saving grace is vivid in my memory, it can’t be disregarded." Qin Chuan waved his hands repeatedly.

Li Ji’an did not dwell on the titles any longer, inviting him to sit: "Has Master Qin not come?"

"Our ancestor has been managing clan affairs in recent years, indeed cannot leave, so intentionally let me come to greet the elder." Qin Chuan replied respectfully.

"Is there anything Li could do for you?"

"The ancestor wants to request Senior Li’s help in refining Foundation Establishment Pills." Qin Chuan spoke directly, and then took out prepared medicinal materials for Foundation Establishment Pills.

Li Ji’an raised an eyebrow: "Is it for Qin Xiaoqiao?"

Xiaoqiao, after years of gradual efforts, now finally reaches the peak of Qi Cultivation, beginning preparations for Foundation Establishment.

"Couldn’t hide it from Senior Li, indeed it is so." Qin Chuan chuckled.

"Good, Master Qin has a thoughtful heart. Xiaoqiao is also my junior, I will do my utmost to refine Upper Grade Foundation Establishment Pills for her, leaving the rest to me." Li Ji’an nodded his agreement, and further committed.

Upon hearing this, Qin Chuan’s eyes brighten.

He had long heard of Senior Li’s exceptional alchemy skills, but did not expect, now striving for Upper Grade Foundation Establishment Pills to be possible.

When Qin Chuan established his foundation, he only consumed Mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pills.

Afterward, Qin Chuan and Li Ji’an continued conversing for a long time, discussing cultivation experiences, and inquiring about Li Ji’an’s opinions on Xiaoqiao’s current arrangements.

From his words, Li Ji’an learned Qin Henian’s thoughts, who, from the very beginning intended to pass the Odd Stone Forest Dao Field to the only granddaughter of Liu Jingchun, Xiaoqiao.

Currently within Odd Stone Forest, the Qin Family merely stationed clansmen for Dao Field security, gradually handing over control to Xiaoqiao.

To this, Li Ji’an had no objections.

Xiaoqiao helmimg Odd Stone Forest would mean he also gains a place to settle himself, especially when it’s a Tier Three Dao Field.

This place being so far from Golden Splendor Immortal City, with scarce superior resources, moreover losing Sect channels for trading superior resources, otherwise, long-term cultivation here wouldn’t be bad.

A month later, a batch of Foundation Establishment Pills was successfully refined, unsurprisingly containing two Upper Grade Pills.

Li Ji’an handed them all over to Xiaoqiao, subtly suggesting her to gift Ning Yutan one pill.

Simultaneously, he prepared to leave Odd Stone Forest.

Because a few days ago, he received Yan Qingwan’s message, that Zhang Tiezhu’s lifespan is running short.

His age is four years younger than Dong Jiangling, yet his cultivation is several levels higher than the latter, and he hasn’t suffered serious injuries. Over the years living comfortably within the Yan Family, therefore lived fourteen years longer than Dong Jiangling.

"Uncle Li, let Xiaoqiao accompany you once more, I also wish to see Elder Yan again." Knowing Li Ji’an was to return to the Desert, Xiaoqiao expressed eagerly.

"You want to see Aunt?" Li Ji’an slightly raised his brows.

"Years ago, when Elder Yan and Grandpa Qin visited, I had an enjoyable conversation with Elder Yan." Xiaoqiao replied.

Li Ji’an nodded, knowing it was likely when the four returned from Celestial River Immortal City.

"Alright!" After thinking it over, Li Ji’an agreed.

Odd Stone Forest is very close to the Desert, nearly adjoining, if Xiaoqiao eventually stabilizes her command over Odd Stone Forest, it would greatly aid the Yan Family’s status in the Desert.

That evening, Li Ji’an watched as Xiaoqiao delivered an Upper Grade Foundation Establishment Pill into the Peach Blossom Forest, only emerging after a long time.

Then, he flew with Xiaoqiao towards the Yan Family.

"How was it? Did Yutan say anything?" On the flying boat, Li Ji’an asked.

"She accepted it. Sister Tan said to rest assured, once she achieves foundation, she will surely support me in solidifying my position as master of Odd Stone Forest." Xiaoqiao replied, not particularly interested.

Li Ji’an nodded in satisfaction.

------------

In the Peach Blossom Forest, through several arrays, sensing that Li Ji’an and Xiaoqiao had completely left the range of divine sense, Ning Yutan’s cold face finally relaxed.

"They have already left the Odd Stone Forest."

"Sister, what exactly is that person’s purpose? Why are they so attentive to us?"

"..."

"Could it be they’ve discovered our identity?"

"It’s been over a hundred years, those in the Liu Family who knew about us have already turned to dust, this person’s bone age is only about eighty, there’s no reason for them to know these old matters."

"Then... could they really be captivated by my unparalleled beauty?"

"Hmph~ What kind of female cultivator would a great cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment period not have? With your looks, as many Upper Grade Foundation Establishment Pills as you want, you can have."

"Then why is it?"

"..."

After a long silence.

A cold voice sighed in remembrance: "He really is a lot like Brother Li!"

"Are you crazy? If Brother Li were alive, he’d be almost two hundred years old. Moreover, without those beasts from the Liu Family leading him, how could he, an ordinary person, enter the cultivation realm?"

"..."

"I’ve exhausted myself too much these past few months, I need to sleep for a long time before awakening to break through Foundation Establishment!" The cold voice finished speaking and sank into silence.

------------

A month later, within the ancestral land of the Yan Clan.

Li Ji’an quietly landed in the courtyard where Yan Qingwan lived, bringing Xiaoqiao along.

He had previously communicated with Yan Qingwan, not disturbing others within the clan.

In fact, with his current cultivation and breath concealment methods, no one in the Yan Clan could detect him.

"Aunt."

"Elder Yan."

Yan Qingwan could feel the magical power aura of Li Ji’an, who was in the late Foundation Establishment period, and seeing his unchanged attitude, she couldn’t help but feel ashamed by the emotional upheaval caused by that deadly disaster years ago.

"Fan’Er, Xiaoqiao, come and sit."

Fortunately, after years of self-adjustment, she finally regained her original intentions.

Her initial intention for Li Ji’an in this life was to treat him as her own, hoping he would succeed, which now seemed perfected.

"Aunt, your cultivation that had stagnated for many years has improved again, congratulations." Li Ji’an sensed a slight advancement in Yan Qingwan’s cultivation, though she hadn’t broken through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment yet, she was close, and couldn’t help but offer a word of praise.

Yan Qingwan smiled and shook her head: "Fan’Er, don’t tease, Aunt’s Foundation Establishment has surpassed one Jiazi. This time, it’s only thanks to your encouragement that I set out again, but Aunt’s talent is ordinary, and the resources in the desert are even less sufficient, so it’s all about doing one’s best and leaving the rest to fate.

But you, in just over ten years, have already broken through to the late Foundation Establishment stage, you are truly the foremost great cultivator in the desert!"

After the pleasantries, Li Ji’an quietly went to Zhang Tiezhu’s courtyard, leaving Xiaoqiao to chat privately with Yan Qingwan.

Compared to the affairs after Dong Jiangling’s passing, Zhang Tiezhu’s place was much quieter.

Not because the Yan Clan was cold-hearted, but Zhang Tiezhu’s age was considered a joyous passing compared to Dong Jiangling’s, and everyone in the clan knew it was expected for certain clan members whose life spans were nearing the end.

Moreover, the clan advocated for focusing on cultivation in all matters, and those unrelated to cultivation should not be excessively handled.

Currently, Zhang Tiezhu had long been living with four generations under one roof.

His eldest grandson, Yan Ruofan, was now over thirty, in the middle stage of Qi Cultivation, and even married two years ago, having given birth to Zhang Tiezhu’s great-grandson.

A few years ago, Yan Qing also completely gave up on the ambition of Foundation Establishment, marrying and having children.

Yan Jue and Yan Qing stayed by Zhang Tiezhu’s bedside, where his weak breathing continued.

Yan Jue’s partner was in the next room preparing Zhang Tiezhu’s funeral clothes, while Yan Qing’s partner and Yan Ruofan’s partner were outside cleaning Zhang Tiezhu’s old clothes.

In the courtyard, five children chased and played.

Before long, Li Ji’an arrived in the bedroom to bid farewell to Zhang Tiezhu.

After Yan Qing and Yan Jue paid their respects to Li Ji’an, they were quickly dismissed by Zhang Tiezhu.

"Xiaofan, now with my departure, you’re the only one in this cultivation realm who knows the matter of the Immortal Dynasty. Fortunately, the Liu Family has long been destroyed, which is evil having its due end, and you can completely forget it and live your own life." With a trace of wood spiritual vitality given by Li Ji’an, Zhang Tiezhu was slightly more alert as he advised.

Among the five who came here that year, Zhu Linxian died early from experimenting with medicine, followed by Dong Jiangling, and now Zhang Tiezhu. As for Zhao Shuyao, she was originally the oldest and didn’t practice Qi Cultivation. During Dong Jiangling’s aftermath, Zhang Tiezhu already felt she might pass even earlier than Dong Jiangling.

Li Ji’an wasn’t sure if Zhao Shuyao was still alive now, but even if he had once given her a Lifespan Extension Pill, it was only a matter of a few years earlier or later, and since she went to a distant exotic realm, the only meeting with her was a corpse.

"Xiaofan, there’s one more thing, I’ve thought long and hard, and feel I should tell you. Do you know about the Red Stone Wanderer?" In their last moments of parting, Zhang Tiezhu couldn’t help but speak.

"Taoist Friend Red Stone? Yes, I know. What about him?" Li Ji’an nodded.

Regarding the Red Stone Wanderer, ever since Li Ji’an discovered his lifespan hadn’t changed, he felt the person was somewhat terrifying.

He might be some old monster who’s lived for many years.

Even that ancient skill didn’t allure Li Ji’an as much anymore.

Zhang Tiezhu paused before continuing: "In these years, I’ve gone out with him numerous times and noticed some peculiarities in him, perhaps it’s a great opportunity."