Shengui Changsheng: Start from Zhenwuwei and add some points to cultivate immortality

He successfully established his foundation! Moreover, the depth of his foundation far surpasses that of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators! The contractual power of the star core fragment not only helped him break through successfully, but also imprinted a unique contractual mark on his true essence and spiritual consciousness! This means that his true essence inherently possesses contractual attributes, greatly increasing the power of contractual spells, and his control over contractual power has reached a new level.

He looked inward at himself, and the pale golden liquid true essence in his dantian flowed slowly, full of vitality and power. In his sea of ​​consciousness, the black stone tablet shone even brighter, the light of the "Netherworld Contract Book" became more condensed, the golden "Guardian Contract" runes became more stable, and even the illusory image of the "Sky-Covering Tortoise Shell" seemed to have become clearer and more solid.

"Finally... I've reached Foundation Establishment." Fu Shaoping felt an indescribable surge of emotion. From the struggles in the small market of Tianque City, to the fortuitous encounter in the Ghost Swamp, the competition in the Ascension Tournament, the near-death experience in the Black Wind Gobi, the bloody battle in the Twilight Wilderness, the unpredictable events in the Cloud Dream Swamp... he had traveled all the way, experiencing life and death, and today he had finally achieved his goal!
He felt the surging power within him and an unprecedentedly clear understanding of the Dao of Contracts. Now, he was confident that he could confront and even defeat a Foundation Establishment cultivator in a head-on battle! If he were to use his contract trump card, he might even be able to hold his own against a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator.

He looked at Qingyi, who was still unconscious. How long had it taken him to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage in seclusion? How badly were her injuries?
Fu Shaoping stood up and walked to Qingyi's side, using his spiritual sense to examine her. Her external injuries were mostly healed, but the lingering, cold Foundation Establishment True Essence within her body remained stubbornly persistent, and due to the prolonged delay, it had begun to erode her heart meridian. If it wasn't completely eradicated, her cultivation would likely be permanently damaged, and it might even endanger her life.

"The Cao Gang's techniques are indeed vicious," Fu Shaoping frowned. With his current cultivation level and the characteristics of his contracted true essence, he might be able to try to dispel them.

He helped Qingyi up, placing his hands on her back. Gentle and pure, pale golden true essence, imbued with the properties of contractual harmony and breaking magic, slowly flowed into her body, like a precise surgical scalpel, beginning to peel away, dissolve, and transform those cold and stubborn foreign true essence bit by bit.

This process lasted for a full day and night. When the last trace of Yin-cold true essence was assimilated and absorbed by Fu Shaoping's contracted true essence, Qingyi's true essence resumed its autonomous operation, and her complexion finally regained a rosy hue. With a soft moan, she slowly woke up.

When she opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Fu Shaoping's concerned (disguised) gaze, and she felt the warm and powerful true energy within her body, which was helping to regulate her meridians.

"Senior Mo...?" Qingyi's voice was weak, filled with disbelief. Before she fainted, she remembered that Fu Shaoping was only at the ninth level of Qi Refining, how could... his aura be so powerful and vast? Could he have reached the Foundation Establishment stage? But how long has it been?

"Fellow Daoist Qingyi, you've finally woken up." Fu Shaoping withdrew his true essence and said gently, "How are you feeling?"

Qingyi struggled to sit up and found herself in an unfamiliar cave. Her injuries had healed by more than half, and the chilling true energy that had tormented her for so long had vanished without a trace! Her gaze toward Fu Shaoping was filled with shock, gratitude, and deep confusion.

"Senior Mo, I, Qingyi, can never repay your life-saving grace!" She struggled to kneel down.

Fu Shaoping raised his hand in a gesture of support: "No need for formalities. I just happened to be passing by and offered my humble assistance. But Fellow Daoist Qingyi, why were you being chased by a Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Canal Gang?"

Mentioning this matter, Qingyi's eyes immediately welled up with anger and sorrow: "The Canal Gang is too much! They not only forcibly collect 'passage fees' and rob rogue cultivators, but they also secretly collude with the Blood Shadow Sect! I was ordered to investigate secretly and obtained evidence of their trading of 'living souls' with the Blood Shadow Sect in Chensha Bay. I intended to bring it back to the Water Mansion to report, but I was unfortunately discovered... This led to the tragic deaths of several colleagues. If it weren't for your rescue, senior, Qingyi would also be..."

As she spoke, her eyes reddened and her voice choked with emotion.

"Blood Shadow Cult... Soul Trading..." Fu Shaoping's eyes turned cold. They really are a den of snakes and rats. It seems the chaos in Ghost Swamp and Cloud Dream Marsh is largely due to the influence of these evil sects.

"This matter is of utmost importance, and I must return to the Azure Wave Water Mansion as soon as possible to report!" Qingyi said urgently. "Senior Mo, you saved Qingyi and have already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, your strength is extraordinary. Could you... could you escort Qingyi for a while? The Water Mansion will surely repay you handsomely!"

Fu Shaoping pondered. Escorting Qingyi back to the Azure Wave Water Mansion meant stepping back into the treacherous world of Yunmeng Great Swamp. But it was also an opportunity to deepen his connection with the Azure Wave Water Mansion. Having just established his Foundation Establishment, he needed a relatively stable environment to consolidate his cultivation and further understand the cultivation path and resource acquisition methods for the Foundation Establishment stage. As a local power, the Azure Wave Water Mansion might be a good choice.

Moreover, carrying the iron box and star core fragments, he needed a powerful and temporarily safe backer to mitigate the risks. The Azure Wave Water Palace and the Canal Gang were enemies; perhaps a temporary cooperation was possible.

“Okay,” Fu Shaoping nodded, “but I have one condition.”

"Please speak, senior!" Qingyi said quickly.

"I need a quiet cave dwelling to cultivate in seclusion and consolidate my cultivation, for an indefinite period. During my seclusion, the Water Mansion must provide necessary protection. Furthermore, I need to consult the ancient contracts, formations, and conventional cultivation texts for the Foundation Establishment stage within the Water Mansion," Fu Shaoping requested. He needed to utilize the resources of the Water Mansion to digest the star core fragments he had obtained and prepare for his next stage of cultivation.

Qingyi nodded without hesitation: "Senior, rest assured! Leave this to Qingyi! Senior has saved my life and helped me heal my injuries. The Water Mansion will never refuse this request!"

The two reached an agreement. Fu Shaoping gave Qingyi some more time to recover.

Three days later, Qingyi's injuries had stabilized, and she was able to travel on her own. The two left Wanzhuhai and headed back towards Yunmeng Marsh.

This time, Fu Shaoping was already a Foundation Establishment cultivator with profound aura, and Qingyi had also regained some of the demeanor of a steward of the Azure Wave Water Mansion. They no longer needed to deliberately hide, but instead flew openly towards "Azure Wave Pavilion," the stronghold established by the Azure Wave Water Mansion in Linze Town.

Linze Town remained bustling, but the atmosphere seemed more tense than before. Many more members of the Canal Gang patrolled the docks, their eyes fierce. Near Bibo Pavilion, the wary gazes of the Water Mansion cultivators could also be seen.

Qingyi revealed her identity and led Fu Shaoping into Bibo Pavilion. The Foundation Establishment manager in charge of the area rushed over upon hearing the news. Seeing that Qingyi was alive and seeing Fu Shaoping's unfathomable aura (Fu Shaoping deliberately concealed his presence, but his Foundation Establishment aura was still perceptible to those of the same level), and hearing about the collusion between the Canal Gang and the Blood Shadow Sect, his expression immediately became extremely solemn.

"This matter is of utmost importance! Junior Sister Qingyi, Fellow Daoist Mo, please wait here for a moment. I will immediately send a message back to the Water Mansion!" The steward hurriedly left. Young Master Fu sat calmly in the guest room, sipping his spiritual tea. He knew that his move into the Azure Wave Water Mansion was now complete. The next step was to see how deep the waters ran, how much benefit he could gain, and how much risk he would have to bear.

His path to Foundation Establishment officially began amidst the turbulent waves of the Yunmeng Great Swamp. Bearing the inheritance of an ancient contract and fragments of a star core, he was destined for greatness. The storm ahead might only be beginning to brew.

The secret chamber of Bibo Pavilion was filled with the gentle fragrance of sandalwood.

After the Foundation Establishment steward hurriedly left, only Fu Shaoping and Qingyi remained in the room. Although Qingyi's injuries had not yet healed, she was noticeably more invigorated upon returning to her own territory. She took out a light blue communication jade talisman and whispered a more detailed report, especially emphasizing Fu Shaoping's rescue and his suspected Foundation Establishment cultivation level.

Fu Shaoping closed his eyes to rest, but his spiritual sense quietly spread, cautiously perceiving everything around him. The Bibo Pavilion itself was equipped with numerous shielding and defensive formations, but these were not entirely undetectable to his spiritual sense, which had merged with the origin of the Star Core Fragment Contract. He could sense several Foundation Establishment auras, some bright, some dim, throughout the pavilion. One of them was particularly solid and obscure, hidden deep in the backyard; it was likely the Water Mansion expert stationed there, with a cultivation level of at least mid-Foundation Establishment.

About an incense stick's time later, the Foundation Establishment manager returned, followed by a scholar in a light blue robe, with a refined face and three long strands of beard flowing down his chest. This man's aura was as deep as the sea, and his gaze was gentle yet contained an air of authority. He was the mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator that Fu Shaoping had sensed.

"Fellow Daoist Mo, this is my Bibo Water Mansion's Chief Steward in Linze Town, Uncle Jiang Muyun," the Foundation Establishment Steward respectfully introduced.

"My name is Mo Chen. I greet Senior Jiang." Fu Shaoping stood up and bowed respectfully.

Jiang Muyun's gaze swept over Fu Shaoping with lightning speed, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. The young man before him was undoubtedly at the early stage of Foundation Establishment, but the solidity of his aura and the purity of his spiritual light faintly revealed an indescribable sense of order and restraint, which was completely different from ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators and could not be compared to those who were rogue cultivators.

"Fellow Daoist Mo, you are too kind. You acted righteously, saving my niece Qingyi and exposing the conspiracy between the Canal Gang and the Blood Shadow Sect. You have done my Bibo Water Mansion a great favor." Jiang Muyun said calmly, "Judging from what Qingyi said, it seems that you wish to temporarily reside in my Water Mansion and consult some classic texts?"

“Indeed.” Fu Shaoping nodded. “I am a junior who has just entered the Foundation Establishment stage and my foundation is not yet stable. I also gained some insights in the Ghost Swamp and need to find a place to cultivate in seclusion. The Water Mansion is a pillar of the Yunmeng Great Swamp with a long history. I came here because of its reputation and hope to borrow your mansion’s books to understand the secrets of Foundation Establishment. I have no intention of prying into your mansion’s core heritage. During this time, I am willing to do my best as a guest elder to repay the kindness of being taken in.”

His words not only highlighted his initial entry into the Foundation Establishment stage and the need for consolidation, but also demonstrated his respect for the Water Mansion's heritage and his conditions for exchange (the guest minister's assistance). His attitude was frank, neither humble nor arrogant.

Jiang Muyun pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “Fellow Daoist Mo, your cultivation is extraordinary, and your demeanor is composed. Since you are willing to reside here temporarily as a guest elder, my Azure Wave Water Mansion naturally welcomes you. However, the Water Mansion has rules. Guest elders must sign a ‘Water Mansion Contract,’ abide by the Water Mansion’s basic prohibitions, and fulfill their corresponding duties in order to enjoy the corresponding privileges. As for accessing the classics, apart from the core inheritance, guest elders can exchange for and access the Foundation Establishment stage’s general cultivation techniques, formations, contracts (the Water Mansion has also collected some basic contract knowledge related to transactions and protection), spiritual plants, alchemy, and other miscellaneous knowledge jade slips based on their merits.”

"The Water Mansion Contract?" Fu Shaoping's heart stirred slightly. This suited him perfectly, allowing him to study a systematic sect contract up close. He activated the "Contract Identification Technique," sensing the contract fluctuations implied in Jiang Muyun's words. This "Water Mansion Contract" should be an equal contract with relatively weak binding force, mainly regulating the behavior of guest elders and ensuring that they do not harm the Water Mansion.

"I wonder what the specific duties and achievements of this guest advisor are?" Fu Shaoping asked.

"Responsibilities depend on the situation, and usually include assisting in guarding strongholds, carrying out reconnaissance or escort missions, and resolving some troubles encountered by the Water Mansion. Merits are assessed based on the difficulty of the mission and the completion of the mission, and can be exchanged for spirit stones, pills, magic artifacts, and even opportunities to consult ancient texts and enter specific cultivation rooms," Jiang Muyun explained. "Since Fellow Daoist Mo is new here and has been kind to Qingyi, you can first sign a guest elder contract and receive a first-class quiet room in Bibo Pavilion for seclusion. After you emerge from seclusion, responsibilities will be assigned according to the situation."

The terms were quite generous. Fu Shaoping knew that this was both a repayment for saving his life and a sign of their appreciation and attempt to win him over by recognizing his Foundation Establishment strength.

“In that case, thank you very much, Senior Jiang, and thank you, Shui Mansion.” Fu Shaoping no longer hesitated.

At that moment, Jiang Muyun took out a jade slip contract that shimmered with pale blue water patterns. Fu Shaoping carefully scanned it with his spiritual sense. The content was consistent with what Jiang Muyun had said. It mainly stipulated that guest elders should not harm the interests of the Water Mansion, should not divulge the secrets of the Water Mansion, and should abide by the basic instructions of the Water Mansion. There were no harsh restrictions or fundamental clauses. He separated a wisp of his spiritual sense and left his divine soul imprint at the end of the contract.

The jade slip emitted a bright blue light and then split in two. One part flew into Jiang Muyun's hand, and the other fell into Fu Shaoping's palm. A gentle contractual connection was established between Fu Shaoping and the Water Mansion. He could vaguely sense the direction and general situation of Bibo Pavilion, while the Water Mansion could also confirm his location and basic condition through the contract.

After the contract was signed, the atmosphere became even more harmonious. Jiang Muyun personally arranged for Fu Shaoping to stay in a Grade A quiet room in the backyard of Bibo Pavilion, where the spiritual energy was most abundant. He also sent over a blue waist token representing his status as a guest elder and a basic jade slip containing the basic rules of Bibo Water Mansion, the distribution of surrounding forces, and the items that guest elders could exchange for and the merit requirements.

Qingyi also needed to return to the core area of ​​the Water Mansion to recuperate and give a detailed report. Before parting, she once again solemnly thanked Fu Shaoping and said that she would compile the ancient contracts and foundation-building cultivation books that Fu Shaoping needed as soon as possible and send them to Linze Town through the Water Mansion's channels.

After seeing Jiang Muyun and Qingyi off, Fu Shaoping closed the stone door of the meditation room and activated all the protective and isolation formations. This meditation room was located on a small water vein node, with abundant spiritual energy. The walls and floor were engraved with spirit-gathering and mind-calming runes, making it far better than any other place he had searched for on his own.

He didn't immediately begin his deep seclusion, but instead took out the guest elder jade slip and read it carefully. The exchange list of the Azure Wave Water Mansion was quite rich, ranging from first and second-tier pills, talismans, and magic weapons, to various common cultivation techniques and spell jade slips, and even some rare water-attribute materials and sea charts from the depths of the Great Swamp. However, the required merit points were correspondingly high.

Several texts on contracts are listed in the jade slip: "An Initial Explanation of Water Element Contracts" (recording some basic transaction, employment, and lease contracts commonly used by the Water Mansion), "A Study of the Alliance of the Ze Kingdom" (recording and analyzing some famous alliances signed between forces in the history of the Yunmeng Ze Kingdom), and "Miscellaneous Records of Ancient Contract Inscriptions" (including some ancient contract runes and patterns that have been passed down but are difficult to identify, along with speculation). Although these are not core inheritances, they are still very helpful in broadening one's horizons and verifying one's own learning.

There are several common cultivation techniques for the Foundation Establishment stage, such as "Azure Water Technique" (water attribute, can be cultivated up to the late Foundation Establishment stage) and "Thick Earth Carrying Things Technique" (earth attribute, can be cultivated up to the mid Foundation Establishment stage). Although the attributes do not completely match Fu Shaoping's (he mainly uses wood and fire, but also has some knowledge of water and earth), they are sufficient as a reference to understand the basic principles of the true essence circulation and spell construction in the Foundation Establishment stage.

"It seems I need to accumulate some merit points," Fu Shaoping pondered. He wasn't short of spirit stones for the time being (he still had several thousand), but some resources within the Water Mansion, especially the miscellaneous records that might involve ancient contracts, and the opportunity to enter higher-level cultivation rooms, all required merit points. (End of Chapter)