Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 362 Third-Order Body Cultivator
Previously in the Wanshang Domain, Li Ji'an had been using the wood-type spiritual essence contained in the wood marrow stone that nurtured the little fire spirit to refine the corresponding human body's divine treasure—the liver—and thus advance to the second stage of body refinement.

Now that the first divine treasure has been fully refined, in order to break through to the third stage of body refinement, the second divine treasure—the spleen, which corresponds to the element of earth.

Xiao Qiao has now merged with the spirit of the earth, and the earth-elemental spiritual energy she generates is three times stronger than the wood-elemental spiritual energy of the wood marrow, making it an excellent source of nourishment for Li Ji'an to refine his second divine treasure.

A month later, Li Ji'an quickly returned to Qishilin.

Since they joined forces to ambush and kill the Nascent Soul Spirit of the Myriad Laws True Monarch, Xiao Qiao's attitude towards this junior brother has changed drastically.

That's how it is in the cultivation world; the strong are respected. Previously, she could rely on her extraordinary third-tier Earth Spirit Master status and not take ordinary True Core cultivators too seriously. However, her junior brother's strength clearly surpasses that of a True Core cultivator.

"Ping An, you...you're trying to break through to the third level of body refinement?" Hearing that Li Ji'an had asked her to help him channel the earth's spiritual energy to break through to the third level of body refinement, she was even more dumbfounded.

The path of cultivation leads to the attainment of the Golden Elixir.

Even in the path of body cultivation, one must break through to the third level.

In particular, her unusual behavior when dealing with the soul cultivator who coveted the Strange Stone Forest, clearly showing no fear of the soul cultivator's attacks comparable to those of the mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, made her suspect that her junior brother also had profound attainments in the path of soul cultivation.

Cultivate the soul, the Dharma, and the body simultaneously!
There has never been such an extraordinary person in ancient legends.

"It was all taught by my master, so please keep it a secret for me, senior sister." Li Ji'an smiled gently.

Upon hearing Li Ji'an mention his master, Xiao Qiao immediately burst out laughing: "That's right, that's right, Uncle Li is indeed like that. He also cultivates both body and magic. In that case, Junior Brother has truly inherited Uncle Li's true teachings!"

"You flatter me, Senior Sister!"

"Junior brother, please focus on your breakthrough. If you have any needs, please speak freely, and your senior sister will do her best to help," Xiao Qiao said confidently.

"Thank you, senior sister!"

In the following days, Li Ji'an began making final preparations for his breakthrough directly at Xiao Qiao's dojo.

Five days later, he fully activated all the vital energy contained in the two-headed snake's flesh and blood, and adjusted the vital energy of his own body to its limit.

Upon receiving the telepathic message, Xiao Qiao immediately unleashed her full power as a third-tier Earth Spirit Master, completely merging with the earth. At the same time, the spiritual energy within the earth converged towards Li Ji'an.

Sensing the rich spiritual energy of the earth, Li Ji'an immediately began to circulate the "Divine Treasure Body Forging Technique".

From the very beginning, as soon as the earth's spiritual energy was absorbed into his body, Li Ji'an was overjoyed. Compared to when he was trying to break through to the second level of body cultivation in the Wanshang Domain, the abundant supply of earth-elemental spiritual energy made the opening speed of his second divine treasure twice as fast as before.

"If Xiao Qiao could provide him with the earth's spiritual energy every day, the training of a third-level body cultivator would probably be exceptionally fast!" A sudden thought arose in his mind that he wanted to bind Xiao Qiao to himself.

Compared to magic cultivation, physical cultivation is less restricted by time, especially the "Divine Treasure Body Forging Technique" cultivated in this life. As long as there is a sufficient supply of corresponding spiritual energy, it is not limited by time. As long as the divine treasure is fully refined, the next divine treasure can be opened. The fundamental reason is that the physical body's ability to accept spiritual energy is not as high as that of magic cultivation, where the dantian has an upper limit.

Therefore, if he successfully breaks through to the third level of body refinement and begins the refinement of his spleen, and with the continuous nourishment of such rich earth spiritual energy every day, he may be able to complete the refinement of his second divine treasure within a few years and reach the peak of the third level of body cultivation.

Of course, this is just Li Ji'an's optimistic estimate. After all, the demand for spiritual energy will increase as you progress, and Xiao Qiao's current earth spiritual energy may not be able to meet the spiritual energy supply for a mid-stage third-order body cultivator.

Three days later, Li Ji'an, with the combined effect of the rich blood and energy of the two-headed snake and the abundant spiritual energy of the earth, successfully opened the second divine treasure and advanced to the third-level body cultivator!

The moment he advanced, his flesh and blood suddenly erupted with a heavy aura like the earth, and his physical defense reached a new level.

When he advanced to the second tier, he unleashed a vibrant aura of life, which nourished his physical body, keeping him full of vitality.

"Just as the cultivation method describes, the five internal organs nourish the spirit, and each one corresponds to the effects of the five elements." Li Ji'an's blood and qi surged throughout his body as he carefully felt the changes in his physique.

In addition to the surge in overall Qi and blood, the body gained a robust defensive force as solid as the earth.

With just this physical body, Xiao Changfeng would find it difficult to harm him in the slightest.

Compared to True Core Immortals, the greater advantage of third-tier body cultivators lies in the fact that once their physique is formed, it is eternal, unlike magic cultivators who lose their power once their magic power is exhausted.

Unless the opponent possesses offensive power capable of harming a body cultivator's physique, in a battle between a magic cultivator and a body cultivator of the same level, the body cultivator will inevitably emerge victorious.

This is also why Wu Weixiong, a third-level body cultivator, was already a formidable figure in the region.

Feeling the power of his third-tier physique, Li Ji'an calmed his mind and, taking advantage of Xiao Qiao's continuous supply of spiritual energy, further refined his spleen.

Two days later, Li Ji'an suddenly sensed that his spiritual energy was rapidly dissipating.

The next moment, the ground beneath them trembled slightly.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Qiao's figure separated from the ground, as if she had been forcibly kicked out of the fused state, and she lay on the ground unconscious.

Li Ji'an frowned slightly and hurriedly stepped forward to check on Xiao Qiao's condition.

Xiao Qiao's breath was weak, and her life force was severely depleted, as if she had been completely drained.

This made Li Ji'an feel a little ashamed and guilty.

They then began to infuse it with wood-based magic to restore its vitality.

After a full day and night, Xiao Qiao finally regained consciousness, but her vital energy was still very weak.

The first thing he did upon waking was to ask Li Ji'an if he had succeeded.

Only then did Li Ji'an realize that Xiao Qiao had never extracted the earth's spiritual energy like this before. She had already reached her limit on the third day, and for the next two days, she had been gritting her teeth and persevering out of concern that Li Ji'an would fail in his attempt.

"Thank you for your hard work, Senior Sister! Ping An will never forget your kindness," Li Ji'an solemnly declared.

Although his relationship with Xiao Qiao differed across lifetimes, and Xiao Qiao's attitude towards him varied, Li Ji'an still greatly admired her character.

"Ping An, you flatter me. Uncle Li instructed me to take care of you before he passed away," Xiao Qiao said with a weak smile.

The following day, after confirming that Xiao Qiao was unharmed, Li Ji'an left a bottle of healing pills and departed from the Strange Stone Forest to return to the Biyun Sect.

This time, the biggest threat from the Myriad Laws True Monarch was eliminated, and he obtained the "Mysterious Origin Chaos Scripture" ahead of schedule. He also unexpectedly discovered that Xiao Qiao could provide the earth's spiritual energy. In addition, the blood and flesh of the two-headed snake demon nourished him, allowing him to break through to the third-level body cultivator, which was already perfect.

Ning Sujin will need about a year to return to her physical body, and Xiao Changfeng must have been eager to find Fairy Yunyao for the past six months, so Li Ji'an will not delay any longer.

A few days later, Li Ji'an returned to the Biyun Sect.

Xiao Changfeng couldn't wait to convene another sect meeting that same day, formally handing over the power of the Biyun Sect to Li Ji'an.

The entire clan revered Li Ji'an as the Supreme Elder, and from now on, all matters concerning the clan would be decided by Li Ji'an's word.

At the same time, a heavy burden also fell on Li Ji'an's shoulders.

"Meet the Supreme Elder!"

"I respectfully request the Supreme Elder to lead my sect back to its former glory!"

……

Watching the disciples below worship, Li Ji'an's thoughts inexplicably returned to the time when he first entered this world in his fourth life.

I still remember the first time I heard about the Biyun Sect, it was from Chen Zhaohu.

The Cangyun Prefecture is dominated by one powerful clan and five prominent families, holding an absolute dominant position.

The Biyun Sect is a highly respected and feared sect.

Everyone in the entire prefecture wanted to join the Biyun Sect and become a disciple of the superior sect.

At that time, he and the other three, including Zhao Shuyao, did not even have the qualifications to enter the Biyun Sect's mountain gate.

However, now, in just three generations, the former number one sect in the state has become a place where he can make decisions at will.

The moment Li Ji'an took over the sect's leadership, he became the sect's pillar and protector. However, he was rarely needed to appear in person, spending most of his time in seclusion for cultivation.

Xiao Changfeng left quietly that same day.

Li Ji'an then began a year-long retreat.

The first step is to consolidate the integration of Qi and blood in the third-stage body cultivation.

The next step is to further improve the Ancient Demon-Suppressing Fist.

In addition, he devoted himself to mastering puppetry techniques, hoping to create a third-tier puppet as soon as possible.

In addition, there is the most basic Golden Elixir cultivation.

As for alchemy, talismans, soul tempering, and divination, these can only be temporarily suspended.

This is also why it is almost impossible for ordinary cultivators to master two skills at the same time.

Fortunately, Li Ji'an had already made some achievements in alchemy and talisman making in his previous life, so he was able to keep up with the progress for the time being.

Moreover, he doesn't need to be too impatient; he would be content if he could master one skill in his lifetime.

He emerged from seclusion once during the year, when two fake Core Formation demonic cultivators came to harass him.

However, before the two demonic cultivators could speak, Li Ji'an killed them with swift and decisive methods, reducing their bones to ashes.

It was on that occasion that he formally announced to the sect's disciples that they should prioritize self-preservation when acting outside the sect, but any petty demonic cultivators who dared to cause trouble in the sect would be killed without mercy.

Those two fake Core Formation Demon Cultivators were somewhat famous in the Boundless Domain's rogue cultivator circle. A few years ago, they killed a family True Core Formation cultivator in Daoyuan Prefecture using the Yin-Yang Complementary Technique.

The killing of the two at the Biyun Sect has caused many rogue cultivators to raise their opinion of the sect.

At least until Li Ji'an emerged from seclusion a year later, no more demonic or evil cultivators came knocking on his door.

On this day, Li Ji'an, who was practicing the Demon-Suppressing Fist in the secret chamber, suddenly had a thought and immediately came out of seclusion to greet the outside of the sect.

Just as I stepped out of the sect's grand formation, I saw a familiar yet unfamiliar figure in the distance.

It was Ning Sujin, who had already returned to her physical body.

After returning to her physical body, Ning Sujin was no longer bound by the spiritual veins of the Strange Stone Forest and regained her freedom.

His first priority was to visit Li Ji'an at the Biyun Sect.

This was also the first time in over two hundred years that Ning Sujin met Li Ji'an in her true form.

“Li Lang…” Ning Sujin trembled, tears welling in her eyes, but she also rushed over with boundless joy.

Looking at Ning Sujin's unchanging figure and appearance, Li Ji'an was also very gratified. Having lived six lives, he was able to reunite with an old friend from his third life. No one could understand this feeling.

In a sense, Ning Sujin is a witness to Li Ji'an's rise to power and his three generations of struggle.

He is also the only witness in the world.

Its existence makes Li Ji'an's three generations of hard work even more meaningful.

The two embraced high in the sky, gazing at each other with deep affection.

At the same time, Li Ji'an also gained insight into the condition of Ning Sujin's physical body.

Although he was nourished by spiritual energy, and was already at the Martial Arts Qi and Blood Realm, his physique was still quite good, reaching the level of a first-tier peak body cultivator.

However, there was no flow of magical power.

At this moment, the flight was supported by the power of the primordial spirit.

This is quite different from the orthodox soul cultivation of ancient times.

Ancient soul cultivators entered the Dao through their divine souls. After their divine souls comprehended the Great Dao of Heaven and Earth, they used the Great Dao to nourish their physical bodies. Although they did not have the power to operate, they possessed the great power of the Great Dao.

As for Ning Sujin, it's unclear whether it's due to a problem with the inheritance of her cultivation technique or because her physical body and soul have been separated for too long. Her physical body hasn't been nourished, and there are no other supernatural phenomena present.

Fortunately, its life essence is mainly based on the primordial spirit, so its vitality is vigorous and its lifespan is not a concern for the time being.

"Sujin, come with me into the sect!" After Ning Sujin calmed down, Li Ji'an led her into the sect.

This scene shocked many disciples in the sect, who never expected that the Supreme Elder already had a Daoist partner.

At the same time, it also put the minds of the current sect leader and the two fake Dan elders at ease.

If Li Ji'an finds a Daoist partner and has children, he will be more deeply bound to the Biyun Sect. Otherwise, being alone, he might abandon the sect one day.

The sect leader immediately went to Li Ji'an's dojo to ask whether to hold a celebratory banquet to announce the occasion to the world.

However, Li Ji'an did not agree.

The situation in the region is not what it used to be. Low-key accumulation and covert development are the right way, and ostentation is the worst thing to do.

Moreover, the sect is currently facing a shortage of spiritual resources, so there is no need for extravagance.

Inside the temple, Li Ji'an and Ning Sujin had spent many tender days together. Now that she had returned to her physical body and there was no longer Ning Yutan's consciousness vying for her sea of ​​consciousness, her time with Li Ji'an belonged entirely to her, a feeling completely different from before.

In addition, Li Ji'an's sect was of the highest caliber, and no one would disturb them or worry about being spied on. The two were truly relaxed and at ease, like a divine couple.

"Su Jin, once I've crafted a third-tier puppet to guard the sect, I'll take you on a tour of this place and let you see all its beautiful scenery," Li Ji'an said gently.

Ning Sujin nestled in Li Ji'an's arms, smiling gently: "Li Lang, being with you is the most beautiful scenery in the world, so why look for something far away?"

"Moreover, I know your mind and do not wish to be an obstacle on your path. I only wish to watch you move forward step by step."

"Haha, you understand me." Li Ji'an lowered his head to kiss her, feeling delighted and increasingly satisfied with Ning Sujin.

"By the way, Li Lang, do you remember the soul cultivator I devoured before? After I devoured his essence, I found a secret technique in his memories that might be helpful to your puppetry," Ning Sujin suddenly said.

"What secret technique? What are its effects?" Li Ji'an asked with a hint of anticipation.

"That soul cultivator used this secret technique to control the passing rogue cultivators. The technique is called 'Thousand Machines Guidance,' which allows one to divide their soul into several parts and control them separately," Ning Sujin explained.

"The Thousand Machines Technique? It can split the soul and control it?" Upon hearing this, Li Ji'an immediately became interested.

He had discovered the biggest drawback when he was studying puppetry techniques.

Although he could create several puppets and give each one instructions, these pre-set instructions were too rigid and inflexible, and naturally could not match the flexibility and adaptability of his own control.

However, if he controls the puppet with his soul, he can only control one at a time.

If one possesses the method of splitting the soul and can precisely control several puppets simultaneously, one's combat power will greatly increase.

However, upon hearing the name of the secret technique "Thousand Machines Guide", he immediately thought of the blood-path technique "Thousand Machines Blood Guide" that he had obtained from the Blood Spirit Saintess.

And the Thousand Machines Sect in the Western Regions of the Great Swamp Cultivation World.

"Could there be some connection?"

(End of this chapter)