Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 322 Mysterious Guest
With this initial victory, Li Ji'an's value was once again affirmed.

However, this does not prove that his strength is truly greater than Wang Hu's.

After all, this battle was just a simple sparring match between the two sides, and Wang Hu was overconfident.

Furthermore, to unleash the full power of metal-based magic, it is best to pair it with a metal-based weapon.

Given the level of magical power Wang Hu just displayed, if he were to wield a metal-type magic sword, his offensive power would increase by at least 30% to double.

Even with Li Ji'an's wood-based magic, he couldn't withstand it head-on.

Li Ji'an also didn't exert his full strength. At least if that "Vine Silk Hand" technique had been fully activated, it could have absorbed his life force the moment it wrapped around him, causing his magical power to be consumed rapidly.

As for the elusive and unpredictable "Phantom Leaf Killer," its attacks can be easily evaded.

However, in terms of offensive power, even with his Dark Light Umbrella magic weapon, there is not much improvement. After all, that magic weapon is more inclined to restriction than offense. Without using poison, talismans, and physical power, the Divine Wood Cone is the limit.

In the cultivation world, when cultivators of the same level engage in combat, in addition to the foundation of magical power, supernatural abilities, spells, and matching weapons are all crucial. Of course, the timing of spell usage and tactical experience also determine the outcome of the battle.

Li Ji'an wasn't very interested in this kind of battle between people of the same level; it was too mentally exhausting. This time, he mainly wanted to hone his skills, and he preferred the ease of crushing opponents of higher realms.

"Brother Liu, your magical power is profound, your spells are advanced, and your combat experience is rich. I admire you greatly. Please allow me some time to recuperate before I challenge you again with all my might. At that time, we will settle the score in one battle." Wang Hu came to his senses and stepped forward to bow to Li Ji'an.

The so-called "one battle to decide the fate of the world" refers to the true decisive battle for the leadership.

"Alright!" Li Ji'an nodded slightly. It wasn't for the title of leader or the seventh-grade magic weapon, but mainly to hone his magic power.

Li Ji'an didn't care, but Wu Yishan and Wu Yehua, who were watching from the sidelines, couldn't stop smiling.

Three months ago, when Wu Yehua was questioned by the Chamber of Commerce's senior management, he brought up Liu Qingyun, a Foundation Establishment expert who was able to reverse the situation and kill a level-one assassin from the Yellow Springs Hell. Although the Chamber of Commerce was somewhat interested, it did not pay much attention to him.

Among the Foundation Establishment peak geniuses who can participate in the Flying Goose Dao Discussion, as long as they have their own natal magic weapon, it is not difficult to kill a fake Core Formation cultivator.

In particular, the Yellow Springs Hell level assassin has been impacted by Wu Yehua's life-saving trump card and may already be injured.

It wasn't until Wu Chengzhi personally tested Li Ji'an on his behalf that the Chamber of Commerce's senior management confirmed Li Ji'an's profound magical abilities.

However, at that time, Li Ji'an only focused on defense and did not use any advanced magic.

Therefore, the Chamber of Commerce still positions him below Wu Chengzhi, but hopes that he can do his best to enter the semi-finals and make up three semi-final spots for the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce, which will likely allow them to surpass the Sishui Chamber of Commerce.

At this moment, Wang Hu, the leading figure of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce, was actually defeated by Li Ji'an.

This result delighted Wu Yishan and made Wu Yehua extremely happy.

After all, according to Wu Yehua, Li Ji'an also possessed a magic weapon that was very likely to reach the seventh rank.

Therefore, the chances of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce securing three spots in this year's semi-finals have greatly increased!
In the following days, Li Ji'an sparred and fought against the other contestants in turn.

However, after a series of exchanges, only Wu Chengzhi and Wang Hu were of the greatest help in honing his magical abilities, while the others were somewhat lacking.

Wang Hu is still diligently resting and preparing for his next all-out battle.

Wu Chengzhi disliked Li Ji'an because he was recommended by Wu Yehua, and refused to discuss things with Li Ji'an again.

Helpless, Li Ji'an could only return to the dojo and continue his body training.

The wood marrow containing the small fire spirit continuously supplied wood-attribute spiritual energy, allowing him to thrive in the second-stage body refining phase and progress rapidly.

However, on this day, Yu Fu from the Sishui Chamber of Commerce suddenly sent a message that Yu Xiao Zhenren, who had been with the Chamber of Commerce for three years without being summoned, actually wanted to see him.

In order to secure the Fei Hong Dojo for him through the Surabaya Chamber of Commerce, he decided to go back and meet with them, promising to return immediately if he was traveling abroad.

He then informed Wu Yehua that he was going to the Immortal City to purchase some spiritual resources, and then left the young master's residence with Guagua.

Upon arriving at Golden Radiance Immortal City, he easily evaded all the eyes and ears of the merchant guild using his peak mid-stage Core Formation divine sense, and finally hid in the universe within the mouth of the croaking frog, instantly escaping into the distance.

Upon leaving the Immortal City, he immediately activated Huang Jie's essence blood within the Formless Mask, boarded a flying boat, and rapidly returned to the Cold Smoke Immortal City where the Sishui Chamber of Commerce was located.

In an effort to shorten the journey, he also used up three second-tier speed runes.

What would normally take a Foundation Establishment cultivator half a month, he accomplished in just five days.

After leaving for more than half a year, he returned without any change. Even when he encountered the merchants on his way back to his isolated island dojo, he acted as before. Clearly, the people of the Sishui Merchant Guild did not care whether he was there or not.

The restrictions on the isolated island's dojo remained intact, and the warning array was not activated.

After entering the cave and settling Guagua in, Li Ji'an immediately went to the main hall of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

"Greetings, Chairman!" This was Li Ji'an's second time entering the main hall of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

This time, the hall was packed with people. There were four guardians, eight elders, a few first-class guest ministers, and ten immortal seedlings representing the Sishui Chamber of Commerce to participate in this year's Flying Goose Dao Discussion.

"No need for formalities, Guest Master Huang. We are currently discussing something, so please sit down and listen." Master Yuxiao gave a professional, fake smile.

The implication was clear: they didn't expect Li Ji'an to be of any help with their discussion; they just wanted him to listen.

"Yes." Li Ji'an nodded and looked around.

Yuan Jingzhu was sitting in the seat that should have been hers, and next to her was Guo Wanzhi, a great contributor to the Sishui Chamber of Commerce.

Finally, Li Ji'an arrived at the empty seat at the end of the main hall.

Sitting next to her was Yao Rui, who had red hair.

He was winking at Li Ji'an from afar.

Why didn't you reply to my message?

As soon as she sat down, Yao Rui glanced at him sideways and complained.

Li Ji'an subconsciously looked her up and down, a smile playing on his lips: "Is Fairy Yao being so persistent because she wants to use her beauty to seduce me?"

"Pah!" Yao Rui spat lightly, then snorted coldly, "You lecherous devil, you haven't seen me for half a year, have you been spending all your time in the brothel?"

"Fairy Yao is actually following Huang!" Li Ji'an teased.

"Stay away from me, don't let your stench get on me." Yao Rui immediately turned to the side, looking quite disgusted.

Li Ji'an casually lay down on the armchair.

"Hey, let's get down to business. Do you have any offensive magic weapons I can borrow? We'll split the rewards from the Flying Goose Dao Discussion!" Yao Rui leaned over again and asked.

"I've heard that the discussions on Dao in this region are extraordinary, with many talented individuals and powerful figures gathered here. Just you..." Li Ji'an looked at Yao Rui with a mocking expression.

Before he could finish speaking, Yao Rui's fiery red hair stood on end, and she angrily retorted, "You lecherous devil, how dare you look down on me? So what if I'm a prodigy? I'm also a true disciple of the upper sect, a prodigy just like you!"

"Young friend Yao, be quiet. If you have anything to say, just communicate privately. Do not disturb the meeting!" Master Yuxiao's reprimanding voice rang out.

Yao Rui immediately deflated, shrank back, and looked apologetic.

After Master Yuxiao continued discussing the matter of Fei Hong's Daoist discourse, Yao Rui turned her head and glared fiercely at Li Ji'an.

Li Ji'an smiled lightly, completely unconcerned.

"Pervert, let me tell you, the guild leader just said that if you can enter the semi-finals of this Flying Goose Dao Discussion, you will receive a reward of 10,000 spirit stones. If you can enter the finals, you will also receive a Core Formation Spirit Treasure. If you enter the top five..." Yao Rui then transmitted her voice.

"Stop. One should know one's own limitations." Li Ji'an relentlessly attacked.

"You're looking down on me! My magic power is refined and I've already reached the peak of Foundation Establishment. My fire magic power is even more violent and unparalleled. The only thing I lack is a high-level natal magic weapon!" Yao Rui retorted.

Li Ji'an shook his head: "You think you can defeat Yuan Jingzhu solely based on your magical power?"

“What is Miss Yuan’s status? She has been blessed with abundant spiritual talent since childhood, and the cultivation techniques and spells she has practiced are no less than those of our Heavenly Azure Domain Holy Palace,” Yao Rui said defiantly.

"Do you think Yuan Jingzhu has the ability to make it to the finals?"

"Is that not allowed?" Yao Rui retorted.

Just then, Master Yuxiao on the stage suddenly spoke solemnly: "According to reliable sources, the new mysterious guest of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce is no ordinary person. Wu Chengzhi is no match for him. Therefore, it is very likely that three of his disciples will advance to the semi-finals of this year's Flying Goose Dao Discussion."

"If we can't have three players in the semifinals, we'll lose 30% of our market share over the next ten years. So, my ten promising talents, you have a heavy responsibility!"

Yao Rui quickly composed herself and looked up at the high platform.

At the same time, Master Yuxiao also happened to look over: "Young friend Yao, the new retainers of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce are also from other regions."

"Did they also flee from the Tiancang Domain?" Yao Rui immediately perked up.

"It's highly likely." Jade Flute Master nodded. "Coming from the Heavenly Azure Domain, with peak Foundation Establishment cultivation, and able to defeat the Second Young Master of the Merchant Guild with his magical power... he must be a true disciple of the Holy Palace or a superior sect!" Yao Rui's expression hardened.

But then his eyes lit up, and he thought to himself, "Could it be my senior brother?"

At the same time, she became more confident.

The second young master of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce must have been raised on spiritual resources since childhood, and in previous assessments, Miss Yuan Jingzhu was also his equal in strength.

Since that guest from the Tiancang Domain was able to defeat the second young master of the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce, she, being a true disciple of a sect in the Tiancang Domain, should also possess such strength.

After all, among the current generation of true disciples of the Heavenly Cang Domain Holy Palace, apart from a few outstanding individuals, most of them are about the same, and Yao Rui can barely be considered one of the outstanding ones.

After a moment of silence, Yao Rui looked at Li Ji'an and said, "How about it? Even a true disciple of the upper sect is no ordinary person here. Hmph, just you wait and see!"

Li Ji'an's lips curled up slightly, and he did not argue with her.

Since she came to Wanshangyu, the people she has come into contact with are all from the Sishui Chamber of Commerce. She doesn't really understand the true situation of Wanshangyu and her knowledge is incomplete.

Furthermore, since the Sishui Chamber of Commerce's internal targets are all the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce, it is estimated that this has led to the perception that the "Flying Goose Forum" is only at the level of these two chambers.

"In order to ensure that we are not overshadowed by the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce in this year's Flying Goose Dao Discussion, our Chamber of Commerce has decided to purchase another low-grade magic weapon as soon as possible. One of you ten will be selected to wield it." Finally, Jade Flute Master said with great certainty.

This news made Yao Rui's eyes widen instantly.

Among the ten members of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, she was inferior to Yuan Jingzhu and another Core Formation cultivator in terms of pure magical power and spells. Therefore, the Sishui Chamber of Commerce had only promised her a prototype of a magic weapon.

At this moment, her hope has greatly increased.

Because both Yuan Jingzhu and that immortal seedling with the Heavenly Spirit Root already possessed magical treasures, she only needed to ensure her potential to be among the top three.

However, it's not 100% certain, as it also depends on the attributes and effects of the magic item.

A few moments later, the Chamber of Commerce's meeting for the day came to an end.

"Guest Guo, Guest Huang, Young Friend Yao, Jingzhu, you may stay for now," Master Yuxiao called out to the four.

After everyone had left.

As the four approached, Master Yuxiao stepped down from his position as president and sat facing them.

"Mother, is that mysterious retainer from the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce a fat cultivator?" Yuan Jingzhu asked first.

Master Yuxiao was slightly surprised, as the Chamber of Commerce's informant had only received the definite news in the last few days.

"Jingzhu, how did you know?"

“My daughter had seen a fat cultivator following Wu Yehua when she participated in the auction for the Blood Pill at the Fierce Tiger Chamber of Commerce. Wu Yehua was exceptionally respectful to him,” Yuan Jingzhu recalled.

"So, Wanzhi, you must have met that person before?" Master Yuxiao turned to look at Guo Wanzhi.

Guo Wanzhi nodded: "If it is that fat cultivator, I have indeed seen him before."

"Do you recognize that person? Can you confirm which sect's true disciple he is?" Master Yuxiao asked hurriedly.

The Sishui Chamber of Commerce has been lying low in the Tiancang Domain for hundreds of years and has a good understanding of the sacred palaces and sects within the domain.

Once the origins of the fat cultivator can be determined, the characteristics of his cultivation method and his magical abilities can naturally be known.

That would make it more targeted.

Guo Wanzhi shook her head: "Please forgive me, President. When I was in the sect, I devoted myself to alchemy for many years. Apart from the true disciples of our sect, I don't know much about the other sects."

Master Yuxiao nodded slightly, then said, "It's alright. You're dedicated to alchemy, so this is how it should be."

Then he looked at Yao Rui and said, "Young friend Yao, as a true disciple of the Biyun Sect, you should have met true disciples of other sects, right?"

Yao Rui nodded: "After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, there were many trials and tribulations. During the wars within the sect, I also fought alongside the true disciples of the Holy Palace. Anyone who has seen me before can recognize me."

"Alright, Jingzhu, develop the image of that fat cultivator."

Yuan Jingzhu nodded, then pointed a finger at her brow, and the fat cultivator's memories surfaced in her sea of ​​consciousness, which were then projected out using her magic power.

The next moment, Li Ji'an, disguised as Liu Qingyun, appeared before everyone.

“This…” Yao Rui stared for a moment and then shook her head: “I’ve never seen one before. I’m afraid it’s not among the true disciples of any sect.”

"Not the true disciples of various sects?" Yuan Jingzhu was slightly surprised. In the public's impression, only the disciples of the Holy Palace sect in the Tiancang Domain had a relatively profound foundation.

"Fairy Yao, think carefully. Could it be a hidden genius from the Myriad Laws Palace?"

Yao Rui shook her head firmly: "No, I have seen all the contemporary geniuses of the Myriad Laws Palace, and there is no such fat cultivator. Moreover, as far as I know, there are no fat cultivators in other sects either."

"Could it be a disguise technique?" Yao Rui asked in return.

“Impossible. With my divine sense, it’s impossible that I couldn’t detect a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s disguise. Moreover, the spirit beast appraisal at the Fierce Tiger Merchant Guild is presided over by a True Core cultivator. He couldn’t have used magic to disguise himself and sneak in,” Yuan Jingzhu affirmed.

"Then... could he be a rogue cultivator?" Everyone immediately looked at Li Ji'an, who was sitting silently to the side.

Li Ji'an stared at the image of magical power for a moment, then shook his head with a slightly distorted expression: "This... I don't recognize it."

“If they are cultivators from the Tiancang Domain, no rogue cultivator should have this strength,” Yao Rui said confidently.

"We shouldn't be too arbitrary," Master Yuxiao shook his head in disagreement.

Yao Rui was taken aback upon hearing this, and then she thought of Huang Jie's master.

"Alright, you two can go down now and prepare well for the Flying Goose Dao Discussion. Guest Elder Huang and Wanzhi, keep me company for a while."

Yao Rui wanted to say more, but she had to stop. Before leaving, she glanced at Li Ji'an and gestured to him that she had more to say later.

After Li Ji'an and the other two were left, Master Yuxiao turned to look at Li Ji'an.

"Young friend Huang, I originally did not want to trouble you anymore. Even though Wanzhi knew your identity two years ago, she did not come to bother you. However, now that the future of the Chamber of Commerce is at stake, I have no choice but to invite you. I hope you will not think too much about it."

Li Ji'an frowned slightly and subconsciously looked at Guo Wanzhi.

He was prepared, after all, Guo Wanzhi had been to the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce and knew about the situation of "Li Fan" and the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce in his previous life.

As expected, Guo Wanzhi immediately said frankly, "Fellow Daoist Huang, perhaps we really are fellow disciples."

"Oh?" Li Ji'an was slightly surprised.

“If the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce guest elder identity token you gave me back then was truly left behind by your master, then your master is my master.” Guo Wanzhi began, recounting the situation at the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce two years ago.

"My master is actually an elder of the upper sect?" Li Ji'an asked in surprise.

Upon hearing this, Master Yuxiao's expression changed instantly: "Young friend Huang, are you sure?"

"In that case, the late Master Li Fan of the Biyun Sect was the gentleman who had done my Sishui Chamber of Commerce a great favor back then!"

Li Ji'an remained silent for a moment.

He was never afraid of his past life's identity being exposed, since he was already dead and it wouldn't affect his life in this one.

"Senior Brother!" Guo Wanzhi then bowed respectfully to Li Ji'an.

She had heard that her master had taken in other disciples back then, but she wasn't sure which ones they were. Now she could make the connection.

"Senior brother, do you know if Master has taken on any other disciples?"

“Indeed, I have a strong premonition that the fat cultivator from the Jinhua Chamber of Commerce seems to have some connection with me. Apart from your master, I can’t think of anyone else for the time being,” Jade Flute Master hurriedly added.

"Master's other disciples?" Li Ji'an was slightly surprised, he really didn't expect that Master Yuxiao would have such an ability to foresee cause and effect.

"Perhaps there are more!" Li Ji'an finally gave an ambiguous answer.

"That's it!" Jade Flute Master was overjoyed.

After a moment of silence, she suddenly looked intently at Li Ji'an: "Young friend Huang, I have a favor to ask of you, and I hope you will grant it!"

Seeing his serious demeanor, Li Ji'an felt a little uneasy.

As expected, he immediately said, "I would like to ask you, young friend Huang, to go to Golden Radiance Immortal City on behalf of my chamber of commerce and find a way to contact your fellow disciple."

(End of this chapter)