Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation

Memories of Dong Jiangling’s granddaughter flashed in his mind, and Li Ji’an frowned silently.

When first meeting Tang Qun, she was just a little girl; due to her stubborn nature, she was bullied by the children of the Tributor Pill Master in their clan, and her mother, Dong Ping, was implicated.

Later, even her grandfather Dong Jiangling came to apologize to that Tributor Pill Master.

At that time, Li Ji’an happened to be visiting the clan and helped out casually, resolving the matter.

Upon meeting her again, Gugu unexpectedly discovered that she was actually a manipulative woman.

Finally, when Dong Jiangling passed away, it was only then that he realized this woman’s determination to achieve her goals by any means necessary.

He discreetly gave her a little pill medicine to settle the karma.

Unexpectedly, after more than forty years, another issue arose, involving him in the matter.

"Fellow Daoist Tang, you all seem to misunderstand. My connection with the Dong family originated from our father’s generation as fellow townsmen. With Dong Jiangling’s passing, it has dissipated, and for decades I’ve had no further dealings with them, so why would I stand up for them?" Li Ji’an immediately clarified the relationship.

"..." Elder Tang’s expression stiffened, clearly astonished by Li Ji’an’s words.

Li Ji’an guessed something and pressed further.

It was only then that he understood, that scoundrel Tang Qun had been claiming all these years that Li Ji’an was close with her grandfather and had promised him to look after her in secret.

Although the Tang family had some doubts, they could only blame Li Ji’an’s status for rising too quickly, to the point where Elder Tang was no longer qualified to probe.

Hence, they chose to believe it might be true, even hoping it was.

The status of an Elder in the Biyun Sect was enough to protect the Tang family thoroughly.

Now that the lie was exposed, Elder Tang’s face instantly showed a look of tragic dignity.

"My grandson..."

After his emotions calmed, Li Ji’an questioned further.

Just now, Elder Tang didn’t speak truthfully and omitted many details.

Tang Yu had understood that he was betrayed by the woman he loved, was overwhelmed with anger, and striking back in desperation, he killed the man who ambushed him, severely injured Tang Qun, and actually returned to the Tang family.

He had told Elder Tang everything as it happened.

His exact words at that time were: "It was that deceitful woman, unfaithful and ambitious, Senior Li is a Sect Elder and couldn’t possibly be biased. Just let me report the truth to him!"

However, Elder Tang believed he was too young and didn’t understand the rules of the cultivation realm.

In this cultivation realm, is there really such a clear distinction between right and wrong?

As an Elder of the Biyun Sect, Li Ji’an could kill a small Foundation Establishment Clan’s Qi Cultivation junior without any reason.

Ultimately, to preserve Tang Yu’s life, Elder Tang decided to plead for mercy on his grandson’s behalf, allowing Tang Yu to escape, to flee as far as possible.

"Old Tang, you fool!" Li Ji’an listened and couldn’t help shaking his head in sighing.

Upon seeing that Li Ji’an was indeed not tricking him, Elder Tang felt even more regret.

Regrettably, to ensure Tang Yu fled far enough, he deliberately delayed two months before coming to plead, and as a precaution, left no means of communication and strictly warned him never to return unless he reached Core Formation.

Li Ji’an patted Elder Tang’s shoulder, waved him off, and let him leave.

He then shook his head with a wry smile, feeling quite helpless.

"I hope Tang Yu isn’t in some kind of ’Peerless Prodigy’ script!"

Exhaling slowly, the unexpected developments didn’t affect his state of mind much.

After bidding farewell to Ning Yutan and Sect Leader Qiao, he returned to the sect.

On this return to the sect, to avoid further surprises, Li Ji’an prepared to directly start his push for Core Formation.

Before doing so, he went to Xiao Changfeng’s Cave Mansion.

"Brother Li, you’re planning to attempt Core Formation now?" Xiao Changfeng heard of Li Ji’an’s intention and frowned immediately.

For the past three years, aside from initially healing his wounds, he had been steadily cultivating the magic techniques and divine abilities for the Core Formation Stage.

So-called divine abilities, different from ordinary magic, are centered on one’s pill, aligning with one’s superior magic technique, and can only be cultivated after forming a Magic Pill.

These are generally the trump cards of Core Formation True Men.

Not only can they maximize the power of the Magic Pill, but they also merge with one’s own Magic Pill, enhancing together as the Magic Pill strengthens.

The power is at least twenty percent stronger than ordinary magic, depending on the grade of divine abilities cultivated, its compatibility with the individual, and the quality of the Magic Pill condensed.

The higher the quality of the Magic Pill, the greater the chance of successfully cultivating divine abilities and the more powerful it becomes.

Generally, only Middle Level True Pills and above have a higher success rate; Fake Pills basically have no hope of cultivating divine abilities.

Li Ji’an nodded: "I ask Changfeng to protect me!"

Xiao Changfeng furrowed his brows slightly, contemplated carefully, then suggested: "Brother Li might as well wait a bit longer. My divine abilities will surely succeed within ten years, and by then I can venture into the deep mountain relics for you."

"Changfeng, your thoughtfulness is appreciated!" Li Ji’an smiled broadly, understanding Xiao Changfeng’s intention.

"However, my magical power is limited, and I originally had no hopes for Core Formation. Having received the Earth Source Essence you gifted is already satisfying."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Changfeng fell silent.

Then he calmly agreed: "Alright, then let your humble brother act as your Dharma Protector!"

Core Formation Spirit Treasures are rare finds; he had hoped that upon mastering his divine abilities, he could explore the Black Pool Cave, reputed as the most dangerous spot in the Celestial Cyan Domain, but even if he could retreat safely, there’s no guarantee of obtaining a Core Formation Spirit Treasure.

"Thank you, Changfeng!"

Upon these words, Li Ji’an entered the specially designated Tier Three Middle Grade Cave Mansion in the sect for attempting Core Formation.

The cave mansion was fully equipped; besides abundant spiritual qi, various empowering and beneficial arrays and talismans were all in place.

Looking throughout Cangyun State, it was certainly the preeminent Core Formation Cave Mansion.

Of course, the best seclusion cave mansion in the Biyun Sect is the one where the Supreme Elder cultivates; that’s a true Tier Three Upper Grade Spirit Vein Dao Field.