Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

The Sect Leader of Biyun Sect was said to have barely entered the Inner Sect with his cultivation talent back then. Even at the age of fifty, he hadn’t yet established his Foundation. Ultimately, it was his outstanding leadership abilities that caught the eye of the previous Sect Leader, who nurtured him with great care.

His current Fake Pill Cultivation was pushed to this level relying on the sect’s resources.

This kind of person’s mind is often not simple, and Li Ji’an must handle with caution.

"Alchemist Li has been in the sect for sixty years, and his contributions are evident to all. On behalf of the sect, I thank Alchemist Li." The Sect Leader waved his hand, summoning a copper pot, and the magical power instantly boiled the Spirit Water within, preparing a pot of tea in midair.

Then he poured a cup for Li Ji’an and himself.

Seeing the Sect Leader raise his cup in gratitude, Li Ji’an raised his cup in return: "The Sect Leader flatters me; I feel undeserving. Without the supply of high-tier Spirit Medicine and Master Jade Pill’s meticulous guidance, my Alchemy Skill would not have improved, let alone my cultivation. I am grateful for the sect’s kindness."

"Alchemist Li is modest and courteous, with noble character, which is rare." The Sect Leader took a sip of Spirit Tea.

Then he smiled slightly, radiating an approachable aura: "I wonder if Alchemist Li has any requests regarding the sect in recent years?"

"The sect has fulfilled its duties, and I have no other requests. Just one... I hope to use a Tier Three Cave Mansion to impact Core Formation." Li Ji’an replied calmly and candidly stated his needs for Core Formation.

The Sect Leader nodded with a smile: "Given Alchemist Li’s contributions to the sect, a mere Tier Three Cave Mansion is naturally not an issue. However... I wonder what plans Alchemist Li has for the future?"

"?" Hearing this question, Li Ji’an suddenly had some insights.

Initially, he thought Master Jade Pill had applied for the Tier Three Cave Mansion for him with the Sect Leader.

However, at this moment, it seems perhaps it was not so.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader, I am just an alchemist, guided meticulously by Master Jade Pill. Regardless of whether I succeed in Core Formation, I only wish to further study Alchemy Dao and develop more Pill Medicine for cultivators worldwide that doesn’t rely on Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects." Li Ji’an answered without hesitation.

"That’s wonderful!" The Sect Leader said with a solemn expression.

He immediately stood up and bowed to Li Ji’an.

"In the Cultivation Realm, there is much competition, deception, and selfishness, with many individuals seeking to ascend to immortality through their strength alone. Yet, there is never a shortage of those righteous enough to seek development for all beings.

Though Biyun Sect is not the True Monarch Holy Sect, it has always adhered to the wishes of the founding generation, hoping to create a less cruel world for all beings within the state.

Therefore, this is always our guiding principle.

To be frank, when Alchemist Li chose to become a Loose Cultivator instead of an Inner Sect disciple, I had already categorized him among the selfish loose cultivators.

Unexpectedly, I was mistaken."

Li Ji’an respectfully rose and cupped his hands: "The Sect Leader praises me too highly. I also have personal desires, wishing my name for Alchemy Dao to be remembered through the ages."

"Hahaha, good, good! Now I finally understand why Alchemist Li gave up being a sect disciple back then.

Indeed, our sect’s focus on the Hundred Arts of Cultivation might be somewhat biased, deeming it as a lesser path.

It seems this way, many talents have been lost." The Sect Leader stroked his beard and laughed heartily.

"The Sect Leader exaggerates. The Hundred Arts of Cultivation is also based on cultivation. Even with great skill and talent, if the cultivation is lacking, it ultimately can’t achieve much." Li Ji’an replied.

"That’s also an imbalance within our sect." The Sect Leader nodded.

After pausing, the Sect Leader ceased hesitating.

"Alchemist Li, may I inquire if our sect now has the honor of inviting you to join the sect? The position of Deputy Peak Master on Pill Cauldron Peak has long been vacant, and only you are capable of fulfilling it."

"Deputy Peak Master!"

Li Ji’an nodded silently to himself, as expected.

Needless to say, this was the handiwork of Xiao Changfeng.

He remembers a few years after becoming an Honored Guest Elder, Master Jade Pill once probed if he would join the sect, but it was merely for an Inner Sect Steward position, with little difference in treatment compared to an Honored Guest Elder, but with significantly more responsibilities.

And at this moment, the Sect Leader personally promised the position of Deputy Peak Master.

This was the treatment of a Fake Pill Elder in the sect.

Moreover, Pill Cauldron Peak, as a special department for Pill Medicine supply, holds a significant position within the sect.

"I am deeply honored! Greetings, Sect Leader." Li Ji’an accepted immediately.

In subsequent conversations, the Sect Leader became even more amiable, clearly viewing Li Ji’an as an elder figure in the sect.

Until one hour later, the Sect Leader lifted his teacup, and Li Ji’an took his leave.

Watching Li Ji’an’s silhouette fade away, the Sect Leader respectfully stood and bowed toward the rear: "Grand Elder, what do you think of this child?"

Soon, an elderly figure suddenly appeared: "His heart is steady, and his spirit calm, but unfortunately, his Dantian Magical Power is weak, with less than a ten percent chance of forming a Core."

Sect Leader Zhang nodded: "Judging by the matter with Xiaoqi back then, this child has an extraordinary mind, deserving to be called astute and scheming."

Master Yun Qing waved his hand: "The matter with Xiaoqi need not be mentioned in the future. Changfeng’s fortune is extraordinary, enjoying the right time, place, and people. It’s destiny; what more can be said?"

"Yes." Sect Leader Zhang bowed and complied.

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Returning to the Outer Peak, Li Ji’an sent a message to Xiao Changfeng to express his gratitude.

Becoming the Deputy Peak Master of the sect was beyond Li Ji’an’s expectation.

The benefit of having a legitimate sect identity in the next life was naturally much greater than that of an Honored Guest Elder.

It could be regarded as having a solid foundation.

Besides the title of Deputy Peak Master, Li Ji’an was accustomed to residing on this peak for sixty years and would continue to do so before achieving Core Formation.

The Sect Leader also promised that even after forming a Core, once Li Ji’an resided in the Tier Three Spirit Vein of Pill Cauldron Peak, the Outer Peak would still belong solely to Li Ji’an.

Sitting quietly and reviewing the details of the meeting with the Sect Leader today, there was no doubt.

As for the righteousness and principles the Sect Leader spoke of, he did not pay much heed.

The rulers’ slogans have always been words that win the people’s hearts, but the true purpose is, of course, for long-term rule.

Of course, sometimes the two do not conflict.

Before long, he received a reply from Xiao Changfeng, who was now quietly recovering from an injury.

A month later, Biyun Sect spread the sect’s plan and the latest regulations throughout the state, announcing changes in the sect’s personnel mainly to enhance the deterrent power of the Law Enforcement Hall while also announcing the new changes involving Xiao Changfeng, Li Ji’an, and others.

That day, Li Ji’an hosted a banquet at the Outer Peak, inviting high-ranking sect members.

The sect’s hierarchy became even more distinct, and as a Deputy Peak Master enjoying the treatment of a Fake Pill Elder, he could only invite colleagues of this level.

Xiao Changfeng’s attendance, especially with a prototype of a Magical Treasure as a gift, further confirmed the rumors within the sect.

"This gift from Changfeng is too generous!" Li Ji’an said as he looked at the rope Xiao Changfeng handed over, surprised and frowning at the same time.

During the grand battle, because of Elder Fang’s death, Xiao Changfeng, in a fit of rage and killing intent, killed at least three Fake Pill Demon Cultivators, and this God-Binding Rope was the spoils from one of them.

A typical Magical Treasure prototype, if activated at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment, could have one or two-tenths of an Early-stage True Core Master’s power, while now with Li Ji’an at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment could have three-tenths of a True Core Master’s power.

Furthermore, this Magical Treasure prototype is an auxiliary type, specializing in binding techniques, conservatively estimated to bind even an Early-stage True Core Cultivator for several breaths.

Against a Fake Pill True Man, it might bind them for an incense stick’s worth of time.

"Brother, there’s no need to be so formal." Xiao Changfeng laughed heartily and didn’t change due to the change in his current status, nor did he mind the presence of various elders at the scene.

This drew praise from the audience.

All praised Changfeng True Man for being consistent, carefree, and open-minded.

After the banquet, Li Ji’an set off for Odd Stone Forest.

During the grand battle, his biggest concern was for Yan Qingwan and Xiaoqiao.

Not until he received their message a month ago did he feel at ease.

Apart from expressing gratitude for the Spirit Talismans he had given them, which helped them avoid calamity, they also showed mutual humility.

In the message, Xiaoqiao said that after using up the Life-saving Talisman, it was thanks to Yan Qingwan’s rich experience that she was led away from several enemy attacks.

Yan Qingwan, on the other hand, stated it was fortunate for Xiaoqiao’s skillful Array abilities, saving them several times with her Compass Array at critical moments.

This was also the result Li Ji’an had hoped for when advising them to complement each other’s strengths before being deployed to the front line back then.

However, Yan Qingwan was injured this time and is currently recovering at the Odd Stone Forest.

A month later, Li Ji’an arrived at the Odd Stone Forest.

However, just as he prepared to enter, he unexpectedly encountered a Law Enforcement Team from Biyun Sect.

The leader of the team was none other than Zhao Qi, who was once the head of the Dharma Transmission Hall!