Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 342 Heading to Core Formation
In the end, Master Chun Yuan dismissed everyone and spoke with Li Ji'an alone.

Although his behavior was somewhat impolite under the merchant alliance system, this was, after all, the Sishui Merchant Guild. Even if it were the Alliance Leader Tong, he would still have to show respect to the guild master, Master Yuxiao.

However, being able to have a private conversation with Li Ji'an in the main hall was much safer than taking him outside, so Master Yuxiao immediately agreed.

"Young friend Huang, don't be nervous. You and I both come from the shattered Tiancang Domain. Today, Tiancang Domain is ravaged by demonic cultivators, and the people are suffering. I only regret that my strength is insufficient to eliminate demons and protect the righteous path. Today, I have met a fellow countryman, so I would like to have a private chat with you." After everyone left, Master Chunyuan said with a look of homesickness.

"Your concern for your homeland is deeply appreciated by us. Please accept our condolences."

"Ah, young friend, do you still have any old friends or relatives in your hometown?"

Li Ji'an shook his head: "I was an orphan since childhood. Fortunately, my master took me in. Now that my master has passed away, I have no more friends."

"He is a pitiful person as well." Master Chun Yuan sighed softly.

"Young friend, are you aware of the despicable methods used by the Shadowless Sect when the demonic path wreaked havoc in the Heavenly Azure Domain?"

Li Ji'an shook his head: "After I came here, I focused on cultivation and did not know anything about what happened later."

Master Chun Yuan immediately told them about the collusion between the Jueying Sect and the demonic cultivators of the two domains, and exaggerated many things. However, the victims were changed from the Wanfa Palace to the general public of the Tiancang Domain.

In order to successfully form the Golden Core in six months, Li Ji'an cooperated throughout the process and immediately showed great distress.

Then, Master Chun Yuan subtly inquired about the relationship between Li Ji'an and Wu Weixiong.

Li Ji'an "truthfully told" that their first encounter was on the spirit ship, and they had no further contact afterward.

This conclusion is consistent with the information obtained by Master Chun Yuan.

That's why he had the idea of ​​using Li Ji'an as bait to lure Wu Weixiong.

If he were a close friend of Wu Weixiong, or had a deep connection with him, he would never have had such thoughts; otherwise, he would easily end up losing more than he gained.

After confirming their relationship, Master Chun Yuan inquired about Li Ji'an's cultivation and preparations for breaking through to the Core Formation stage.

Li Ji'an also told the truth, stating frankly that apart from applying for a high-level Core Formation training ground in Feihong Immortal City for him using the privileges of the high-level members of the Business Alliance, President Yuxiao had provided no other support.

This drew a sigh from Master Chun Yuan.

“Young friend Huang, we are, after all, cultivators from out of town, so it’s normal for the local cultivators to be wary of us. However… judging from your magical power, without a Core Formation Spiritual Treasure, things may not look good.”

Li Ji'an gave a wry smile, agreeing wholeheartedly. However, after thinking for a moment, he revealed that he was fortunate that his master had left him a Core Formation Treasure, which allowed him to give it a try.

After all, when he uses the Flying Goose Dojo to break through to the Core Formation stage six months later, his magical power and radiance will not be concealed.

However, when Master Chun Yuan heard about this, his expression froze instantly, and he swallowed the words he had prepared.

Chatting casually with Li Ji'an, the first thing to do was to ask if Li Ji'an had any old friends or relatives in the Tiancang Domain. If so, this would be a good opportunity to frame Wu Weixiong, incite Li Ji'an's hatred, and then make it the most suitable time to cooperate with him.

This was his ideal approach, but he also knew the chances were slim, so after saying that he had no relatives or friends there, he didn't feel too disappointed and skipped over the rest.

Since hatred cannot be used as a means of coercion, and the rules of the business alliance and the other party's status make it difficult to exert pressure, the only option is to use incentives.

He could see that Li Ji'an wanted to break through to the Core Formation stage, so he was prepared to offer a low-grade Core Formation treasure to entice him to cooperate.

It turned out that the other party already possessed a Core Formation Spiritual Treasure, which made him realize that the price of the bribery had exceeded his original expectations.

He had originally expected that a single serving of inferior delicacies would have been enough to make him overjoyed.

Judging from the current situation, it seems difficult to obtain a Core Formation Spiritual Treasure without being ranked among the top 100.

"Enough! Uncle Yuan Ying is the most important thing right now!" After quickly weighing the options, Master Chun Yuan made up his mind.

"Young friend, we feel like old friends today. I would like to become friends with you despite the age gap. However, given your current level of magical power, I'm afraid the chances of obtaining a Core Formation Spiritual Treasure are slim."

"I happen to have a top-hundred-rank Core Formation spiritual treasure here, which I can give to you."

“…” Li Ji’an suddenly paused.

This action has raised some doubts.

He had assumed that the main purpose of the visit was to investigate his relationship with Wu Weixiong, and that there would be some hostility involved.

Unexpectedly, after some probing, they actually offered me a Core Formation Spiritual Treasure!
After the initial shock, Li Ji'an promptly clasped his hands in a respectful bow: "Senior's great kindness and virtue will never be forgotten by this junior. However... what merit do I possess? This Core Formation Spiritual Treasure is so precious, it is truly... I urge Senior to explain further."

Master Chun Yuan smiled gently: "Young friend, rest assured. As I just said, meeting a fellow villager in this foreign land has stirred up my homesickness. You are also to my liking, so I do not wish to see you fail to form your core."

In addition, I do indeed need your help, young friend, in a small way.

"If you have any instructions, senior, I will do my utmost." Li Ji'an said solemnly.

“No, no…” Master Chun Yuan smiled gently and added, “Young friend, you know that my ancestor’s relics were stolen by the Jueying Sect. The Jueying Sect leader is tyrannical and unreasonable, so I wish to redeem these relics through Wu Weixiong.”

However, Wu Weixiong has been by the side of the Shadowless Sect Leader for many years, while I have never had the chance.

If you could help me arrange a private meeting with Wu Weixiong, that would be enough.

Of course, if Wu Weixiong had known beforehand that it was I who had invited him, he certainly wouldn't have dared to come. So, young friend, you'll need to think of a way.

Li Ji'an suddenly realized.

It turned out to be the case.

He actually wanted to use himself to lure Wu Weixiong out.

Li Ji'an immediately looked troubled: "Senior, please forgive me. I met Wu Weixiong by chance and we are not even from the same sect. Of course, I am willing to help you. However... I have no way to contact him. Moreover, my relationship with Wu Weixiong is only due to a little karma from my master's past life. I cannot guarantee that it will be effective."

"Oh? That's a real pity." Master Chun Yuan shook his head with slight disappointment, then flipped his hand, and a ring on his finger emitted a faint light.

The next moment, a pale blue bottle radiating extreme cold appeared in his hand.

"What is this?" Even through the bottle, Li Ji'an could feel the surging spiritual energy within it.

"This is the precious elixir I spoke of—Wushan Snow Milk."

"Wushan Snow Milk!" Li Ji'an outwardly showed shock, but inwardly he was also very tempted.

Although Wushan Snow Milk only ranks ninety-second on the list of Core Formation Treasures in the Wanshang Domain, that's only because its effect on the Core Formation stage is relatively small.

However, its ability to remove impurities and purify the already condensed elixir is not weak. Although it cannot compare with top-tier purifying spiritual treasures such as Autumn Departure Water and Heavenly Pure Water, it is still very helpful and comparable to the purifying effect of the Earth Source Essence given by Xiao Changfeng in his previous life.

Earth Origin Essence ranks among the top 30 in the Tiancang Domain, but only around 50 in the Wanshang Domain.

Li Ji'an now has no shortage of the spiritual treasures that help him condense his elixir. Based on his experience in condensing elixir in his previous life, and with his current magical power, he has enough to solidify his elixir.

Having mastered the basics of the Core Formation stage at least offers hope of achieving the Golden Core.

The only uncertainty is the final purification stage. Now, besides the purification effect of the earth's essence, his greatest reliance is his own divine sense.

In my past life's experience of condensing the elixir, the stronger one's spiritual sense, the more meticulous and persistent one can be in the purification process, eliminating impurities, and the more opportunities there are to refine one's skills.

However, after the divine consciousness of the previous life has eliminated impurities to a certain extent, it becomes difficult to work on those extremely subtle impurities and impurities.

"Senior, this junior would like to give it a try!" Finally, Li Ji'an stared intently at Wushan Snow Breasts and said very solemnly. Master Chun Yuan nodded with satisfaction: "A promising young man."

"This is my communication talisman. If you are confident afterward, you can contact me."

Then, he took out a communication jade talisman from his storage ring and handed it to Li Ji'an.

Li Ji'an accepted the jade talisman, but his peripheral vision lingered on its storage ring for a moment.

Compared to storage bags, storage rings are smaller, more convenient to carry, and have more built-in space.

However, back then, the Heavenly Azure Domain only had no more than three, all of which were in the Myriad Laws Palace.

Even in the Wanshang Domain, it is basically only used by those in the late Core Formation stage, and the space materials used in it are much scarcer than those used in storage bags.

"Since you've already made your decision, let's do as the locals do and sign a spiritual contract."

Li Ji'an withdrew his gaze: "That's only right!"

Even without the Wushan Snow Milk, Li Ji'an would have temporarily agreed to his request, since his most important task now was to form his core in six months.

Li Ji'an feared that if he refused the offer of bribes, the other party would resort to coercion.

Although, given his status as a first-class guest elder of the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, the other party could not pose a threat to his life within the Wanshang Domain, they could potentially influence the Feihong Dojo, which was queuing for him.

Even if it's just a delay, Li Ji'an has already decided to delay until after he forms his core.

As for the spirit contract, he is currently using Huang Jie's essence and soul within the activated Formless Mask, so it has no binding force.

Soon, Li Ji'an signed the spiritual contract in a seemingly eager-for-success manner, stipulating that he must not reveal this matter to anyone and that he would do his best to act.

In order to keep him in check, Master Chun Yuan also signed a spiritual contract, stating that as long as he helped Wu Weixiong to come out, he would give him the Wushan Snow Milk in his possession.

He also promised that if he ever returned to the Heavenly Azure Domain, he would certainly not treat him unfairly.

In the three months following the farewell to Master Chun Yuan, Li Ji'an would send a message to the old thief almost every few days, informing him of his intention to meet with Wu Weixiong.

Naturally, these were all methods he deliberately sought out, which had many loopholes or were risky for the old thief.

For example, the meeting place might be outside the Wanshang Domain, or the reason might arouse Wu Weixiong's suspicion, etc.

The result was naturally rejected by the old thief.

More than two months later, Li Ji'an finally came up with a seemingly feasible plan. At the old thief's instruction, he sent a communication talisman and a secret letter to Wu Weixiong through a merchant.

Before the secret letter had even arrived, the day Li Ji was to arrange the team to the Fei Hong Dojo was fast approaching.

Li Ji'an is also about to head to Fei Hong Immortal City.

It was at this moment that Li Ji'an finally asked the old thief to give him the Wushan Snow Milk ahead of schedule.

After all, once the core is formed, the old thief's allure of Wushan Snow Milk will be much less.

The old thief resorted to delaying tactics, keeping Li Ji'an hanging without giving a clear answer on whether or not he would give it to him.

That day, Li Ji'an finished packing and came to the underground palace again.

Since discovering the dark light umbrella containing the nascent soul of the Myriad Laws True Lord, which resided within the universe within the mouth of the Guagua, Li Ji'an has rarely descended from it, except to throw "trophies" containing soul-destroying poison into it.

This time, however, I had no choice but to come, and I also needed to bring Guagua with me.

With numerous precious spiritual treasures aiding him in his attempt to reach the Core Formation stage, he was full of confidence.

At the same time, the extraordinary phenomenon of forming the Golden Core will certainly not be small.

Although the situation is different within the Wanshang Domain, one still needs to be careful. In case of an unforeseen crisis, he would have no choice but to abandon the identity of "Huang Jie" and the free third-level training ground within the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, and escape using that Great Teleportation Talisman.

However, this would be equivalent to carrying the unstable element of the Myriad Laws True Lord's Nascent Soul with him. If it were to self-destruct, it might not even give Li Ji'an a chance to activate the Great Teleportation Talisman.

Therefore, Li Ji'an had no choice but to enter the universe within the Guagua's mouth again to prepare to appease the Nascent Soul of the Myriad Laws True Lord.

"True Lord, True Lord, how are you recovering now?" After entering the universe within his mouth, Li Ji'an came to the Black Light Umbrella and asked with concern.

The Nascent Soul of the Myriad Laws True Lord was filled with resentment, but he still pretended that his remnant soul had just been awakened and replied, "Young friend, you have arrived."

“True Lord, this junior is going to the Merchant Alliance to attempt to form the Core Formation. The Merchant Alliance is the most prosperous place, and perhaps I will be able to meet the senior from the Myriad Laws Palace who has fled here. At that time, I may be able to fulfill the last wish of the True Lord,” Li Ji’an said sincerely.

"Thank you, young friend. However, if that's the case, you can carry this magic weapon with you. Although my remnant soul is weak, I can still sense the aura of my fellow disciples, and thus find them more accurately."

Those fellow disciples who managed to escape to this place are probably of high status, and perhaps they have the hope of obtaining a Core Formation Spiritual Treasure for you, young friend.” Upon hearing this, True Monarch Wanfa was overjoyed.

His nascent soul is currently inside the universe within the mouth of the baby, and his primordial spirit cannot penetrate it, making him almost completely unaware of the outside world.

Most importantly, there are already several items tainted with divine soul toxins within his mouth. These items are constantly eroding his nascent soul. Although they are weak, they still have some impact over time, reducing the efficiency of his nascent soul's recovery by at least 30%.

However, he couldn't get Li Ji'an to throw away the thing tainted with the soul poison, since his current persona was just a wisp of remnant soul.

The remnant soul cannot perceive such subtle details.

Moreover, he cannot be certain whether those things tainted with the poison of the soul were deliberately created by Li Ji'an.

After all, they all seem to be various spiritual resources used for murder and robbery.

This also aligns with the personality of Li Ji'an that he had previously sensed.

Previously, when Li Ji'an used the Black Light Umbrella to kill the fake Core Formation sword cultivator assassin, he watched the whole process. At first, he was worried that the Black Light Umbrella would be damaged by the fake Core Formation sword cultivator, and he even prepared to secretly take action.

Finally, he witnessed Li Ji'an's ruthless methods.

Afterwards, Li Ji'an took Guagua to the Fierce Tiger Merchant Guild to take the Jade Blood Pill, and killed his way through the entire area, collecting all the spoils of war.

“Please forgive me, True Lord, but I am currently being hunted by many forces because of the Dark Light Umbrella. If this umbrella is exposed, it could very well lead to my death. Therefore, I absolutely cannot carry it with me,” Li Ji’an resolutely refused.

Otherwise, on this trip to Feihong Immortal City, we will inevitably meet with the old thief Chun Yuan.

When they reunite, something big is bound to happen.

After pondering for a moment, Wanfa Zhenjun could not refute it and could only accept the fact.

After calming down Wanfa Zhenjun, Li Ji'an finally emerged from the universe within Guagua's mouth.

He gently patted Guagua's head: "I'm also going to attempt to reach the Core Formation stage. In the future, we'll join forces."

Guagua was very excited and rubbed affectionately against Li Ji'an's leg.

After putting away Guagua, Li Ji'an sent a message to Jade Flute Immortal, informing him that he was going to Flying Goose Immortal City to form his core.

Coincidentally, Master Yuxiao was also going to the Trade Headquarters to discuss a matter with the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce, so he asked Li Ji'an to accompany him.

If he had gone alone without using his speed boost, it would have taken him about two months to arrive, but with this small spirit ship, it would have taken him a month and a half.

(End of this chapter)