Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 320 Participating in the Daoist Debate
Wary of Wu Miaozhen's strange behavior earlier, Li Ji'an barely managed to show the excitement and caution that an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator should have with a huge sum of 150,000 spirit stones before losing interest in continuing.

Fortunately, Wu Yishan only came to meet him briefly, and then arranged for someone to take him to an empty temple to rest. As for future arrangements, he did not mention them.

As for Wu Yehua, he clearly still has a lot of criticism and struggle sessions to face, and he cannot afford to worry about Li Ji'an for the time being.

After entering the temporary Taoist temple, Li Ji'an did not use any special methods. He simply sat cross-legged and meditated, recalling the brief time he had spent with Wu Miaozhen.

"She's trying to test my strength!"

"The reason lies with that Yellow Springs Hell level-one assassin."

……

After carefully reviewing all of Wu Miaozhen's words and actions in a short period of time, Li Ji'an had a vague guess in his mind.

He paid particular attention to the top-level assassin from the Underworld Hell.

They also wanted to know why the assassin had failed.

"Did she hire someone to kill him?"

A moment later, Li Ji'an slowly opened his eyes, ruling out the possibility that Wu Miaozhen was a threat to him.

As for the shady dealings and backstabbing within the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce, he was not surprised at all, nor did he want to bother thinking about it.

This kind of thing is perfectly normal during any transfer of power.

As for Wu Miaozhen's unusual energy fluctuations just now, Li Ji'an, based on his knowledge from three lifetimes of cultivation, had several guesses. To confirm them, further testing was needed. However, now that he knew Wu Miaozhen's purpose was not aimed at him, Li Ji'an did not want to create any more complications.

Now he only needs to maintain this identity reasonably for six months, and the rest is none of his business.

"I wonder how much of my hand they just discovered?"

Fortunately, he cultivated a secret technique for the soul, and there was an alarm mechanism in his sea of ​​consciousness. Even though that energy exceeded Ning Sujin's primordial spirit strength, it did not have time to probe into her sea of ​​consciousness.

At most, they could only probe the true state of his physical body and magical power.

As for the small fire spirit within the dantian, it inherently possesses the characteristic of incinerating all things, and human cultivators' souls cannot touch it, so there's no need to worry.

The universe within the croaking croak's mouth not only isolates the soul but also shields it from cause and effect, so there's nothing to worry about.

After some thought, Li Ji'an confirmed that there would be no adverse effects, and then calmed down and stopped caring.

Meanwhile, inside the Shuiyun Dojo of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce.

Wu Miaozhen sat cross-legged in the deep pool, with endless water essence flowing through her body, constantly cleansing her spiritual veins.

The shimmering, emerald-green pearl in its mouth, its light shifting between light and darkness, is the key to controlling the essence of water.

"Grandma Shui, can you confirm that it was that fat cultivator who killed the Earth-level assassin?" Wu Miaozhen asked after a complete cycle of Qi circulation ended.

Immediately, a gentle yet desolate voice came from the Azure Pearl: "It's probably right."

"Just what is his strength?" Wu Miaozhen was still somewhat surprised.

"With his peak Foundation Establishment cultivation and considerable magical power, although his cultivation method is far inferior to the immortal manual I passed on to you, it is still quite good in today's cultivation world. Most importantly, his magical power is extremely pure. According to the cultivation method he is practicing, it should not be so pure. He must have had some special opportunity."

However, this is not enough to kill a junior cultivator who has just achieved a false core; at most, it will allow him to remain undefeated.

Its greatest strength lies in its second-tier body cultivation, and it must be the top path of pursuing the Dao body in ancient times, which is incomparable to the superficial body cultivation techniques of today.

Moreover, this young friend has already comprehended the Daoist principles, which means he must have practiced ancient body cultivation techniques.

"It is precisely because of this that, by taking them by surprise, killing a mere fake core cultivator is no problem." The voice, which was usually gentle, desolate, and devoid of emotion, now carried a hint of appreciation.

Wu Miaozhen's expression immediately changed, and she hurriedly pleaded, "Grandma Shui, my dear grandma, I will definitely find a way to help you repair your body and reshape your spirit. Please don't leave me."

"Alas!" A gentle yet desolate voice sighed softly.

"Miaozhen, you lack talent. Although you have ancient immortal scriptures to solidify your foundation, you will find it difficult to achieve anything without a massive supply of resources. If you truly want to help me repair my body, you must reach the True Monarch realm. The path is long and arduous, so there is no need to be stubborn."

I was entrusted by your great-grandmother, and I will certainly do my best to take care of you. Don't worry too much.

Upon hearing this, Wu Miaozhen's face lit up with joy, but she also made up her mind to avoid contact with that fat cultivator in the future, otherwise it would be a great loss if Grandma Shui were to be abducted.

"Grandma Shui, don't worry. This action is not entirely for revenge for my mother, but also to frame my second brother. Only when my second brother and that beast lose power will I have a chance to inherit the Chamber of Commerce."

Only in this way can I obtain a vast amount of resources.

"The methods used were ultimately somewhat dishonorable," Grandma Shui sighed after a moment of silence.

Wu Miaozhen was taken aback, and said somewhat indignantly, "Grandma Shui, you don't know how that beast tormented my mother back then, and besides... everyone looks out for themselves, but to help you..."

However, before she could finish speaking, the Azure Water Pearl flashed with light, its radiance becoming restrained, indicating that the Water Goddess had once again sealed herself as a spirit and fallen into a deep slumber.

Wu Miaozhen stood there with her mouth agape, then her face darkened.

After a long pause, she sighed and used a secret talisman to notify the Underworld Prison that the mission was canceled.

She was quite annoyed that she had lost 100,000 spirit stones for nothing and still failed to kill Wu Yehua.

But this is the only way; otherwise, if the Underworld Prison continues its relentless pursuit, it could very well plunge the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce into disaster, which would be detrimental to her.
-
Li Ji'an stayed at the temporary dojo of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce for half a month.

This third-tier spiritual vein training ground is an invaluable benefit for ordinary cultivators.

Moreover, the maids and servants arranged by the Chamber of Commerce took good care of them and treated them with great courtesy.

However, this place is located at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce, and there may be secrets that even his mid-stage Core Formation divine sense could not perceive.

In addition, this period is likely a critical time for the Chamber of Commerce to investigate his identity, so we cannot rashly let Guagua come out.

The agreed-upon time to break through to the third tier is six months later, so Li Ji'an is a little anxious.

That day, after having his maid convey his intention to resign once again, Wu Yehua finally rushed over.

"Brother Liu, why are you leaving? Is it because we haven't taken good care of you?"

Before Li Ji'an could reply, another person flew over: "Hmph, what strength do you have that you dare to boast about bringing glory to my Jinhua Chamber of Commerce?"

Upon seeing the newcomer, Wu Yehua's expression immediately changed, and he hurriedly transmitted his voice to Li Ji'an: "Brother Liu, this is my second brother. He stopped me from advocating for better treatment for you at the Chamber of Commerce. He has come to test your strength, so please do not hold back!"

"Boom!" Before Wu Yehua could finish transmitting his voice, Wu Chengzhi had already unleashed a red light and slashed down at Li Ji'an.

Li Ji'an's divine sense had been surrounding them, and he had also long ago discovered the members of the merchant guild standing in the distance, outside the range of the late Foundation Establishment cultivator's divine sense.

Clearly, this was the Chamber of Commerce testing his strength.

"Bang!" Li Ji'an immediately activated his magic power, and a cyan magic power shield solidified to meet the red light that was slashing down from above.

The two magical forces collided, causing a violent shockwave that sent Wu Yehua flying several feet away.

"His magical power is barely enough!" After the first test, Wu Chengzhi nodded slightly.

He then unleashed another powerful spell.

As a prodigy of the Chamber of Commerce, although his natural talent was not particularly outstanding, he had abundant resources from a young age. The cultivation technique he practiced was of the lower-grade Heaven rank, which was even better than the top-level techniques of all Biyun Sect's techniques.

Although the efficiency of cultivation is limited by natural talent, the magical power honed over time is quite extraordinary.

Furthermore, the magical techniques he had learned were of the highest quality. Li Ji'an, relying solely on his own magical power, was unable to retaliate in the slightest.

Superior spells, whether in terms of the utilization rate of one's own magical power, the activation of potential, or even the miraculous transformations, are far superior to ordinary spells.

Li Ji'an had practiced many spells in his previous life, but most of them were ordinary spells, and some were even inferior spells like those of the Yan family in the wasteland.

The only two superior spells are "Phantom Leaf Killing Technique" and "Vine Silk Hand". The former is mainly for beginners in spatial supernatural powers, while the latter is a more evil method.

Wu Chengzhi unleashed a series of superior techniques, possessing not only incredibly powerful killing techniques but also mysterious and unpredictable movement abilities.

Li Ji'an could only passively endure the beating.

Fortunately, his "Evergreen Wood Technique" was powerful and long-lasting, with the most enduring effect, which allowed him to withstand the pressure.

Although Wu Chengzhi's magic was sharp and mysterious, superior magic consumed a lot of energy, and although his magic power was profound, it was far from comparable to Li Ji'an's.

In less than half an hour, Li Ji'an still possessed all his magical power, while Wu Chengzhi had already exhausted his strength.

Unsurprisingly, if he were to unleash the "Phantom Leaf Killing Technique" at this moment, Wu Chengzhi would not be able to hold out for long.

"How dare you be so disrespectful to your benefactor!" Seeing that Wu Chengzhi's momentum was declining sharply, the high-ranking members of the Chamber of Commerce who had been watching from afar finally flew over and stopped the probing.

Wu Chengzhi withdrew his hand, his gaze towards Li Ji'an filled with surprise, resentment, and a hint of regret.

He hadn't expected Li Ji'an's magical power to be so profound and pure.

He had foreseen the endurance of wood-based magic, but once its power exceeded its capacity, it would be shattered in one strike, rendering its duration useless.

As a result, even his most powerful killing spells could not shake the protection of his magic power, which shows how profound and refined his magic power was.

Judging solely from the level of magical power, Wu Chengzhi would have to admit defeat.

In his mind, this level of magical power was no less than that of the immortal seedlings cultivated by giants like the Nine Cauldrons Chamber of Commerce.

Unfortunately, it wasn't him who unearthed it.

"Young friend, I am ashamed. This is my son. He has always been arrogant and proud. In addition, Xiao Hua recommended you to become a first-class retainer of my Jinhua Chamber of Commerce, which aroused his competitive spirit. I hope you can forgive him." Wu Yishan apologized to Li Ji'an immediately.

Li Ji'an frowned slightly, looking somewhat annoyed.

"It's alright! Since your esteemed association cannot tolerate me, we shall have no further dealings. Farewell!"

After saying this, Li Ji'an turned and walked outside.

"Young friend, please wait!" Wu Yishan hurriedly blocked Li Ji'an's path.

"This time it is indeed my fault for not disciplining him properly. Chengzhi, why don't you come and apologize to Fellow Daoist Liu!"

Wu Chengzhi, with a cold and arrogant expression, glanced at Li Ji'an, but finally turned his head away and reluctantly clasped his hands in a fist salute: "I was impetuous!"

“Brother Liu, my second brother has a flawed character and is unruly. Please forgive him.” Wu Yehua took the opportunity to ridicule Wu Chengzhi.

Li Ji'an slightly raised his eyes and finally nodded slightly.

"Very well, young friend, since that's the case, I formally invite you to become a first-class retainer of my Jinhua Chamber of Commerce. What do you think?" Wu Yishan said with a hearty laugh as he tried to recruit him.

They had all witnessed the battle of wits between Wu Chengzhi and Li Ji'an.

The senior members of the Chamber of Commerce unanimously acknowledged Li Ji'an's exceptional magical abilities.

With such cultivation, one must have also mastered superior techniques.

Most importantly, Wu Yehua also revealed that Li Ji'an possesses a natal magic weapon of at least the seventh rank.

With such strength, if they could represent the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce at the Fei Hong Forum, they could truly become a dark horse.

"Let me state this in advance: Liu harbors deep hatred and already has a place in his heart. He is determined not to stay in the Chamber of Commerce indefinitely. He will definitely leave when he has the strength to take revenge," Li Ji'an immediately stated his bottom line.

This is also why he used all his magical power to fight back when he faced Wu Chengzhi.

Only by demonstrating your strength can you have the right to negotiate.

"Haha, not bad. I admire young friend's deep sense of loyalty and righteousness the most. I accept this condition." Wu Yishan smiled and nodded.

"Then please tell us your terms, Chairman!" Li Ji'an nodded.

Wu Yishan immediately waved his hand, handing a spirit contract to Li Ji'an: "This is our Chamber of Commerce's spirit contract. Young friend, you may consider it carefully. If there is anything you are not satisfied with, we can discuss it amicably."

Li Ji'an took the spirit contract and quickly looked it up.

The contents of the spiritual contract were largely the same as those signed by the Sishui Chamber of Commerce for Yao Rui. It first mentioned the spiritual resources the Chamber of Commerce would provide to Li Ji'an, including the Taoist temple, salary, and key elixirs...

In addition to the standard 30 years of service, Li Ji'an also had several other options to consider.

"Represent the Chamber of Commerce in the Fei Hong Forum and do your best to enter the semi-finals!" This option surprised him a little.

Previously, he only thought that after killing that fake Dan sword cultivator assassin, Wu Yehua saw his potential and recruited him as an investment seed for the Chamber of Commerce, but he did not expect that Wu Yehua would have such a plan.

After all, based on what he knew about the Flying Goose Dao Discussion, the threshold was very high, especially for the top twenty contestants, almost all of whom were contemporary geniuses.

Most cultivators who ascend to this level do so merely as stepping stones.

Even the Surabaya Chamber of Commerce didn't have high expectations for Fei Hong's discourse; they just hoped not to come in last.

The Jinhua Chamber of Commerce actually had such high expectations for him.

We've made it to the semifinals!
That means making it into the top thirty.

Moreover, as long as he successfully advances to the top 30 in the Flying Goose Forum on behalf of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce, he will receive additional rewards in addition to the spiritual funding specified in the spiritual contract.

And there are no other spiritual contract requirements.

“Brother Liu, as long as you sign the spirit contract, what I promised you before will also take effect.” Seeing Li Ji’an frowning as he looked at the contents of the spirit contract, Wu Yehua hurriedly added.

What he was referring to was naturally the ancient demon scripture, "The Nine Transformations of the True Spirit".

Upon hearing this, Li Ji'an immediately nodded.

"Okay, I'll sign!"

Because the Mask of No Form only contains the information of Fu Xiaochen, Jade Pill Master, and Huang Jie.

Huang Jie's identity has already been used as a guest master of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, and can no longer be used to fool the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce.

This time, he only disguised himself as Lau Ching-wan, but his magical aura remained his own.

Although no one below the late-stage True Core Realm Master could see through his disguise, he could not deceive the spiritual contract signed by the Merchant Guild.

For the sake of Guagua, a spirit contract has been signed with the Fierce Tiger Merchant Guild. The spirit contract is Li Ji'an's own magical energy in this world.

Therefore, in order to maintain his status as a member of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce, he could not bypass this spiritual contract.

His original plan was that if Wu Yehua asked him to sign a spiritual contract similar to one that required thirty years of service after reaching the Core Formation stage, he would negotiate to minimize the time limit and service risks.

At this moment, however, participating in the Fei Hong Forum on behalf of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce has relieved me of this worry.

(End of this chapter)