Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 418 Upstream True Elixir
Having learned the whole story, Li Ji'an nodded.

This aligns with the mindset of Master Funiu.

He originally intended to protect Xiao Jiu.

Furthermore, it was thought that if Xiao Jiu only had two low-grade Core Formation spiritual treasures during this calamity at Mount Funiu, he would most likely not be able to achieve the upper-grade True Core and become the successor of Master Funiu. Mount Funiu would then be divided up again after Master Funiu's lifespan ended, and he would lose this peaceful place of cultivation.

Now that Master Funiu has meticulously planned for Xiao Jiu to form his elixir, the upstream elixir is basically secured.

After that, Xiao Jiu only needs to fake his death and go into seclusion to cultivate. If nothing unexpected happens, he can inherit the will of Master Fu Niu.

Judging from Master Funiu's planning over the years, he should have already prepared all the spiritual resources for his advancement to Master.

There are even a series of arrangements in place for Xiao Jiu to take over after his death.

As for how to arrange it or whether it would succeed, Li Ji'an didn't care.

As long as he secretly supports Xiao Jiu in achieving his Core Formation, he will have already reaped the rewards of his good deeds.

After that, he only needs to stay in the Funiu Mountain Taoist temple to cultivate in seclusion and try to break through to the late stage of the Golden Core realm.

After receiving Li Ji'an's approval, Master Funiu was overjoyed and immediately invited Li Ji'an to join the battle.

A flash of light, and the teleportation array was activated.

As space distorted, Li Ji'an subconsciously closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he found himself in an underground cave.

"Master... Hmm? Evergreen Talisman Master?" Xiao Jiu excitedly greeted him in the open space of the cave.

Upon seeing Li Ji'an, her face showed surprise and doubt, and her expression instantly fell.

"Little Jiu, don't be rude. If it weren't for Master Changqing's protection, some of your senior brothers would surely have perished," Master Funiu reprimanded in time.

"The Venerable One? He's protecting me?" Xiao Jiu was even more shocked, her face filled with disbelief.

Master Funiu didn't keep anyone in suspense and recounted in detail how Li Ji'an protected the core temple.

"Why?" Xiao Jiu stared wide-eyed at Li Ji'an in surprise.

"Ahem~ Little Jiu, it is your good fortune to be able to form a connection with Venerable Changqing. Venerable Changqing came to Mount Funiu only to quietly enjoy his retirement years, so he did not reveal his true cultivation level. However, you were able to get close to him unintentionally, which can be considered a beautiful story." Venerable Funiu coughed lightly to remind you.

Xiao Jiu suddenly realized what had happened and recalled everything that had happened.

In an instant, my previous impression of him as heartless completely vanished.

"Thank you, Grandpa Changqing! I misunderstood you before."

Li Ji'an smiled and nodded: "It's alright. Your Granny Ning was worried that your Core Formation would be disturbed."

"Thank you for your concern, Grandma Ning."

Master Fu Niu then reminded Xiao Jiu that she could begin: "Xiao Jiu, with Master Chang Qing's support this time, your success rate in forming your core will be further increased. There is no need to worry."

"Well, I'll try my best."

Then, Master Fu Niu activated the spirit-gathering array set up here, and Xiao Jiu truly began to form his core.

Master Funiu and Li Ji'an sat cross-legged outside the temple, their main purpose being to conceal and suppress any possible unusual phenomena in the heavens and earth, so as not to arouse suspicion from the outside world about Mount Funiu.

In the following two weeks, Xiao Jiu proceeded step by step to devour Haina.

The spiritual veins here are extremely small. Although the concentration of spiritual energy is sufficient, the instantaneous amount of spiritual energy is insufficient. Therefore, Master Funiu prepared a lot of spirit stones here for Xiao Jiu to refine.

The mountain of spirit stones quickly turned into dust, supplying Xiao Jiu with his elixir.

In the end, Xiao Jiu's total absorption of spiritual energy was actually 50% of what Li Ji'an had in the privileged environment of Fei Hong Dojo back then, which was already quite remarkable.

At least this step has laid the foundation for the upstream True Core stage. Immediately following the Explosion Technique stage, as two Core Formation Spiritual Treasures appeared in front of Xiao Jiu, Li Ji'an turned his gaze again.

A Heavenly Heart Fruit from the top twenty and a Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Marrow can be considered the pinnacle of spiritual treasures for Core Formation in this area.

Furthermore, considering the mountain of spiritual stones that Master Funiu had arranged around this underground temple, it is clear that Master Funiu was determined to succeed.

In Li Ji'an's view, these spiritual resources were beyond the reach of ordinary forces.

It is easy to imagine how much Master Funiu has sacrificed for the preservation of the Funiu Mountain heritage.

At the same time, it can be guessed that Qu Tianyang's act of collecting taxes throughout the entire Funiu Mountain spiritual vein area was not because Master Funiu turned a blind eye, but because he instructed him to do so. Otherwise, where would Xiao Jiu have been able to raise such luxurious Core Formation spiritual treasures?

Two years passed in the blink of an eye. During this period, Li Ji'an and Master Fu Niu only made two moves, stirring up the strange fluctuations above the spiritual vein, but they did not cause too much of a commotion.

Xiao Jiu did not disappoint Master Fu Niu's expectations and successfully formed the Upper Path True Elixir.

The next step is to stabilize the realm, and no more unusual phenomena will occur.

Master Fu Niu rose and bowed: "Thank you for your protection, Fellow Daoist Chang Qing. I almost exhausted my spiritual resources to help Xiao Jiu form his core, but I have no generous gift to give you. This is a secret technique that I obtained by chance in the underground cave. It can alter the consciousness of others. If one's soul is strong, it can also have an unimaginable effect on attacking the soul."

In addition, there is this black gold token. According to Brother Niu, it was a token of a celestial palace in ancient times. It was something that powerful beings in ancient times fought tooth and nail for. Unfortunately, the ancient heavens collapsed, and the celestial palace has long since disappeared.

"This old man has no hope left; I offer this to you, my fellow Daoist, as a token of my gratitude."

Li Ji'an took the secret technique jade talisman, and a thought struck him.

The ability to invade another's consciousness and even alter their memories is something even Ning Sujin's primordial spirit couldn't achieve; such a secret technique can be considered a miracle.

As for the black gold token, it appeared unremarkable on the surface, but Li Ji'an was immediately delighted upon touching it.

There was even a Taoist aura flowing above it.

So far, Li Ji'an has sensed only two kinds of Daoist energy.

Firstly, there is a golden elixir with a single line.

Secondly, there is the Daoist aura emanating from the "Ancient Demon-Suppressing Fist" technique that Wu Weixiong obtained.

Anything that exudes Daoist charm is certainly not an ordinary thing.

Li Ji'an didn't have high expectations for the ancient immortal palace mentioned by Master Funiu, but he was very interested in the Daoist charm in that regard.

"Fellow Daoist, you flatter us. My wife and I are already very grateful to be able to cultivate in seclusion on Mount Funiu. As for Xiao Jiu, well, the little girl has a special connection with us, so there's no need for thanks." Li Ji'an put away the jade talisman and the black gold token and replied with a smile.

"Fellow Daoist, your virtue is truly admirable!" Master Funiu bowed again.

"Then please return to Mount Funiu first, fellow Daoist. I will return after Xiao Jiu has stabilized."

"Farewell!" Li Ji'an bowed.

He then turned and stepped onto the teleportation array.

In the next instant, Li Ji'an had already returned to the core training ground of Funiu Mountain.

Two years ago, this place was designated as a restricted area by Master Funiu, and no one was allowed to approach it. Since then, mournful cries have often been heard from here.

Rumors circulated that after Xiao Jiu failed to form his core and died, Master Fu Niu entered the Daoist temple alone, overwhelmed with grief, and unable to leave.

Li Ji'an scanned the area with his divine sense and saw that the outer perimeter was filled with all sorts of sacrificial offerings.

There is also a small jade tablet among them.

Beside the jade tablet, a familiar figure, reeking of alcohol, was living a life of debauchery.

(End of this chapter)