Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 626 Re-establishing the Foundation (Seeking Further Subscriptions)

Inside the Qinglong Restaurant.

The lobby on the first floor was full of people.

Shen Xuan scanned the dozen or so tables of guests with two or three people at each table.

It was still early morning.

"Business is good here."

Shen Xuan nodded slightly.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, Old Yu wouldn't lie to you. Many guests who come out of Wan Hua Lou like to have a bowl of authentic Xuan Shui Turtle Soup here to nourish themselves before going home."

Old Yu had an expression that said, "Every man understands."

He's a bit sleazy, but not unpleasant.

"Let's go to the private room on the second floor."

"Okay."

Soon, Lao Yu led Shen Xuan to a private room on the second floor.

The restaurant staff came in to greet us attentively.

"Sir, what would you like? Our Xuan Shui Turtle Soup is a local specialty."

Shen Xuan asked casually, "Oh, is there any explanation for this?"

"Our boss migrated from the Song Kingdom. This Xuan Shui Turtle Soup is a family secret recipe passed down through generations. It is said that there was a Golden Core cultivator in the Song Kingdom who was originally a destitute old rogue cultivator."

"By chance, he drank their Xuan Shui Turtle Soup, and the old man was rejuvenated, broke through his bottleneck, made rapid progress, and rose all the way to achieve the Golden Elixir."

"This matter is known to everyone in the State of Song."

The waiter in the restaurant got excited and beamed with pride.

"Who is that Golden Core cultivator?"

"Oh, sir, please forgive my rudeness. You are a great master, and we are but humble cultivators who dare not presume to speak of such a thing."

Shen Xuan nodded.

Driven by commercial interests, Xuan Shui Gui Tang (a type of herbal soup) was touted as something extraordinary.

But they dared not actually try to implicate a Golden Elixir Master.

In the cultivation world, the hierarchy is still very clearly defined.

What's your boss's last name?

"His surname is Peng."

"Please ask him to come over."

"Alright, please wait a moment, sir."

Before long, the waiter led in a short, stout boss with a benevolent-looking face.

Judging from his qi and blood, he is about fifty years old and only has the cultivation level of the late stage of Qi Refining.

As soon as he came in, he said with a smile, "Old Yu, you've brought friends here again?"

Old Yu introduced, "This is Fellow Daoist Shen, the millionaire from out of town."

"My name is Peng Xianyu. I greet Fellow Daoist Shen."

"Xiao Si, go and bring two bowls of Grade A Xuan Shui Turtle Soup, and give them to our two fellow Daoists to enjoy for free."

Shen Xuan smiled slightly.

The Mr. Peng standing before me bears a striking resemblance to the old Mr. Peng who used to sell black water turtles at a stall in Qinglong Bay.

They must be descendants of Lao Peng.

But I never expected it.

He boiled the black water turtle into soup, opened a restaurant, and turned this low-class business into a big success.

They actually managed to acquire such a business in Fire Cloud Immortal City.

"Then thank you very much, Mr. Peng."

At this moment, Shen Xuan disguised himself and changed his appearance.

Even his bedmate would hardly recognize him.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mr. Peng excused himself and left.

Shen Xuan did not try to keep him.

Even if they are descendants of the deceased.

Without special reasons, he will not affect the cause and effect of others.

Moreover, this Mr. Peng is clearly more shrewd and worldly than Mr. Peng.

It is no simple feat for someone from outside the Song Dynasty to thrive in the Fire Cloud Immortal City.

Shen Xuan took a sip of the Xuan Shui turtle soup and was slightly taken aback.

This soup contains a lot of seasonings.

The broth is rich and flavorful, the meat is tender and juicy, and the taste is refreshing and sweet.

The key point is that it does indeed have the effects of nourishing yin and replenishing deficiency, nourishing blood and strengthening the stomach, and clearing away heat.

The seasonings likely contain many precious and spiritual ingredients.

Thinking about it, that makes sense.

If we rely solely on the Xuan Shui Turtle, it would be too easy to simply follow the trend and brew it.

Old Yu savored the food with relish.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, I didn't lie to you, did I? This Grade A Xuan Shui Turtle Soup takes at least nine days and nine nights to simmer, and each serving costs two spirit stones."

"This Mr. Peng is quite generous to you."

"Fellow Daoist Shen, please don't joke. Old Peng is an exceptionally shrewd man. He saw that Fellow Daoist Shen is a noble person, which is why he gave it to you for free, to establish a good relationship."

"Who am I, Lao Yu? I'm nothing to him. If he were this generous to everyone, Qinglong Restaurant would have closed down long ago."

Shen Xuan nodded: "That makes sense."

These rogue cultivators had mediocre cultivation levels.

But after spending so many years in Fire Cloud Immortal City, I still have some discernment.

In terms of interpersonal skills, he is much better than the rogue cultivators from small towns.

After drinking the Xuan Shui Turtle Soup, Shen Xuan returned to the inn to rest.

He was waiting for news from Su Yajing.

A single Fire Kirin Fruit is insignificant to him.

But that doesn't mean he's willing to be deceived.

At this time, he was only a Qi Refining Perfection cultivator.

Without resorting to any means, he secretly spied on and followed Su Yajing.

If Su Yajing truly harbors ulterior motives.

He has plenty of ways to make her reap what she sows.

"In the Yan Kingdom, the Wanhua Sect is similar to the Hehuan Sect in the Liang Kingdom. However, the sect does not have a Nascent Soul True Monarch, so its power is not as great."

"Given the development path of the Myriad Flowers Sect, it has a certain influence in the Yan Kingdom. In order to obtain commercial benefits in the long term, it must pay attention to its reputation and cooperate closely with the major sects in the Yan Kingdom."

This is also why Shen Xuan sought to collaborate with Su Yajing.

Secretly ambushing and killing guests who come to the door—if word gets out, the entire Myriad Flowers Sect will be disgraced and suffer huge losses.

The business of Wan Hua Lou will plummet.

After all, people who come out for entertainment are most concerned about their personal safety.

The following day, Lao Yu took Shen Xuan to an auction in Fire Cloud Immortal City.

The two were only Qi Refining Realm cultivators, so the auctions they could attend wouldn't be of a very high standard.

The best spiritual item that appeared at this auction was a fire-attribute Foundation Establishment Pill produced by the Fire Cloud Sect.

In addition, there are some foundation-building spiritual objects.

Clearly, this auction is intended for independent cultivators aspiring to establish their foundation.

Apart from a handful of Foundation Establishment cultivators, the remaining hundreds of people in the entire arena were all in the Qi Refining stage.

Shen Xuan is at the peak of Qi Refining and is qualified to purchase a private room seat.

He glanced at the auction catalog handed to him by the maid and browsed through the auctions inside.

These low-level spiritual items held no appeal for Shen Xuan.

The final item, the Fire Cloud Sect Foundation Establishment Pill, was only of ordinary quality.

He totally despises it.

In fact, given Shen Xuan's conditions, even without the Foundation Establishment Pill, he would have a 70% chance of establishing his Dao foundation.

Turn to the last few pages of the auction catalog.

Among the final treasures, there was a fire-based foundation-building spiritual item that piqued Shen Xuan's interest.

Crimson Sun Lotus is a special second-tier spiritual plant that grows in sunny places and contains the essence of fire spiritual power.

What's truly remarkable is that the fire elemental power of the Crimson Sun Fire Lotus is relatively milder than that of other fire-attribute spiritual objects.

This is also the most commonly used foundation-building spiritual item among the disciples of the Fire Cloud Sect.

The Fire Cloud Sect cultivates Crimson Sun Fire Lotus on a large scale within its sect.

"Although it's just an ordinary plant, having one can be of some use."

Having more spiritual items for foundation building is not necessarily better.

Generally speaking, the first Foundation Establishment item is the most effective.

The auction lasted for several hours.

The atmosphere became more and more enthusiastic as the story progressed.

"The next item up for auction is the Crimson Sun Fire Lotus, a Foundation Establishment artifact from the Fire Cloud Sect. All aspiring Foundation Establishment cultivators, don't miss it! Sect certified, quality guaranteed!"

On the auction stage, the old monk presiding over the auction shouted excitedly.

"In this auction, the Fire Cloud Sect has offered nine Crimson Sun Fire Lotuses. One of them is an extremely precious 500-year-old top-grade spiritual plant, with a significantly enhanced Foundation Establishment effect, increasing it by an additional 10%!"

As soon as he finished speaking, all the rogue cultivators in the hall who had reached the peak of Qi Refining looked solemn.

The rarer the item, the better the effect, and the more intense the bidding.

After the auctioneer finished the introduction, the ordinary Crimson Sun Fire Lotus was auctioned first.

"The Foundation Establishment Spiritual Object, the Spiritual Yang Fire Lotus, is three hundred years old. Appraised by the Fire Cloud Sect, it is of excellent quality. The starting bid is 10,000 spirit stones, with each bid increment no less than 100 spirit stones."

"eleven thousand!"

"Twelve thousand!"

Soon, the first Crimson Sun Fire Lotus was sold for 17,000 spirit stones.

This price is a bit higher than the market price.

However, items from auctions are authenticated by the Huoyun Sect, so their quality is guaranteed.

It should be noted that it is very difficult for Qi Refining cultivators to trade Foundation Establishment spiritual items of this caliber on the market.

Moreover, due to their own lack of strength, there are significant risks involved in transactions.

Murder and robbery are common occurrences.

Foundation Building Pills and Foundation Building Spiritual Objects are both strategic resources.

The Fire Cloud Sect strictly controls the circulation of related items in the market.

Without a solid foundation and connections, even if a Qi Refining cultivator manages to gather enough spirit stones, it will be difficult to purchase high-quality Foundation Establishment Pills and other Foundation Establishment spiritual items.

The subsequent sales of several Crimson Sun Lotus plants were also around this price.

Shen Xuan did not make a move.

Until the last Crimson Sun Fire Lotus was priced at 20,000 spirit stones.

"Twenty-one thousand spirit stones!"

Shen Xuan suddenly raised his paddle and bid an extra thousand spirit stones.

This action startled Lao Yu, who was sitting in the private room, so much that he shuddered.

He hadn't expected that Shen Baiwan was actually a very wealthy man.

He immediately offered more than 20,000 spirit stones.

Some powerful divine senses swept over.

Shen Xuan snorted coldly, and his aura of perfected Qi Refining suddenly erupted.

Its divine sense, comparable to that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, shredded all the divine senses that came to spy.

Several rogue cultivators who had reached the peak of Qi Refining experienced a violent tremor in their sea of ​​consciousness, their faces turned slightly pale, and they suffered a mild backlash.

"Such a strong spiritual sense!"

Many people showed signs of apprehension.

Shen Xuan's displayed spiritual sense far surpassed that of an ordinary Qi Refining Perfection cultivator.

It's not much weaker than the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

"Twenty-two thousand spirit stones."

People continued to bid.

Shen Xuan felt that the voice was somewhat familiar.

"Zhao Changming, the direct grandson of Yang Huo Zhenren of the Huoyun Sect?"

Shen Xuan had met her once at the Wan Hua Lou.

At that time, Lingyan led the two upstairs, and he bowed to them in return.

They passed by in a blur.

Zhao Changming was still complaining about Su Yajing for leaving him hanging all night.

"He's already at the Foundation Establishment stage, what does he need this thing for?"

"Besides, this was originally produced by the Fire Cloud Sect. He has plenty of ways to exchange it from the sect, so why bother bidding at the trade fair?"

Zhao Changming's offer made Shen Xuan wary.

After thinking it over, Shen Xuan decided not to bid for the time being.

Even if a mere Crimson Sun Fire Lotus is five hundred years old, it's not that important to him.

In another box.

After announcing his price, Zhao Changming took a sip of spiritual tea.

Beside him, his junior brother asked Tianyi, "Senior Brother Zhao, are you sure it's that person?"

"Yes. I've found out. Su Yajing was with him the whole day."

"Shen Baiwan, that name seems to be a pseudonym."

"What do you mean 'seems like'? It's definitely a pseudonym."

"Senior Brother Zhao, since he uses this as his name, his wealth must be..."

"Wealthy".

"Does Senior Brother Zhao know his background?"

Zhao Changming shook his head.

"That's the troublesome part. He looks like just a junior in the Qi Refining Realm. But with Su Yajing's status and position, would she really spend the night with a junior in the Qi Refining Realm?"

"That's hard to say. Some people just have a taste for that. That person may have a weak cultivation level, but he's good-looking. Perhaps he's exceptionally talented, and that's why Master Su has taken a liking to him in some way?"

Xiang Tianyi's smile was somewhat lewd.

Zhao Changming glanced at Xiang Tianyi.

"Junior Brother, don't think too badly of others."

"Hehe, I was just saying. To be honest, Shen Baiwan is indeed a rather unfathomable person."

At this point, people started bidding against each other.

However, there was no movement from Shen Xuan's private room.

Zhao Changming did not use his divine sense to probe Shen Xuan's private room.

This is extremely impolite behavior.

In certain circumstances, it signifies provocation.

He is an elite disciple of the Fire Cloud Sect, a potential Core Formation cultivator. His grandfather is also one of the three Golden Core cultivators of the Fire Cloud Sect, the Yang Fire True Man.

The family has a clear rule that its members must not act recklessly or provoke powerful enemies.

Zhao Changming thought to himself.

"Shen Baiwan is no ordinary Qi Refining cultivator."

"The Fire Kirin Fruit in Su Yajing's hand is very likely from this person."

Yesterday, Zhao Changming finally managed to see Su Yajing.

Originally, he came to redeem a female cultivator from the Wan Hua Lou.

The female cultivators of the Myriad Flower Pavilion are all outer disciples of the Myriad Flower Sect.

If you want to leave the brothel and form connections with outsiders.

You need the original poster's permission and to pay a certain training fee.

The female cultivator whom Zhao Changming had taken a liking to was named Yu Die. She was eighteen years old and skilled in fairy dance.

She has a supple waist and a beautiful figure.

He was served comfortably
He intended to bring her home and give her the status of a concubine.

Su Yajing gave Zhao Changming face and only accepted three thousand spirit stones to complete the jade disc exit procedures.

When they parted, Su Yajing left him alone.

The two met privately.

Su Yajing inquired about purchasing high-quality Foundation Building Pills.

Zhao Changming frankly stated that the Huoyun Sect's premium Foundation Establishment Pills are exclusively for the sect's exceptionally outstanding Foundation Establishment seeds and are never traded to outsiders.

However, Su Yajing smiled faintly, took out an item, and asked Zhao Changming to take a look.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Changming immediately changed his tune.

He recognized it at a glance; it was a thousand-year-old Fire Kirin Fruit, a superior spiritual object for forming a core using fire magic.

This was something he longed for.

He is currently in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, and it will take him some time before he can condense his inner core.

However, once one sees a suitable Core Formation artifact, how could one possibly give it up?

"I am merely an intermediary. The owner of this item is someone else."

Su Yajing noticed Zhao Changming's emotional fluctuations and said quietly.

"Is that person willing to trade this item for a high-quality fire-attribute Foundation Establishment Pill?"

"Hmm. However, I cannot guarantee whether that person will change his mind. After all, such a rare spiritual item is more valuable than a high-quality fire-attribute Foundation Establishment Pill."

"One month! Within one month, I will bring a high-quality fire-attribute Foundation Establishment Pill to trade with Lord Su."

Zhao Changming did not possess any high-quality fire-attribute Foundation Establishment Pills.

For average quality, that's easy to handle.

He can use his sect's merits to exchange for one.

He also needed to find a way to prepare for the high-quality Foundation Building Pill.

Su Yajing smiled silently and slowly put the jade box away.

"Fifteen days! I humbly request that you grant me this favor, Master Su."

"I will do my best. However, I am merely an intermediary."

"Ten days!"

Zhao Changming gritted his teeth and said, "In any case, for the sake of our friendship with the Fire Cloud Sect and the Myriad Flower Sect, please grant me ten days, Pavilion Master Su."

"Then ten days. Ten days will be the timeframe. If it is inconvenient for Young Master Zhao, I will have to find another buyer."

……

"Twenty-three thousand five hundred."

There were also bids for the 500-year-old Crimson Fire Lotus.

However, the price of the auctioned item is decreasing more and more slowly.

The price is increased in increments of one hundred.

"Twenty-four thousand."

Inside the private room, Shen Xuan remained calm as he bid again.

I added 500 spirit stones at once.

This price is close to that of a Foundation Establishment Pill.

After Shen Xuan made his bid, the auction hall fell silent.

Despite the auctioneer's repeated urging, no one placed a bid.

Finally, the auctioneer shouted, "Congratulations to this fellow Daoist for winning the only 500-year-old Crimson Sun Fire Lotus of this auction!"

Soon after, a maid entered and delivered the items to be auctioned.

Shen Xuan readily paid with spirit stones.

Beside him, Old Yu stared in disbelief.

This was the first time he had ever seen a Qi Refining stage cultivator so blatantly flaunt their wealth.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, let's go out the back door and not reveal our identities."

"it is good."

Shen Xuan readily agreed and followed Lao Yu out the back door of the private room.

Next, the Foundation Building Pill, which is even more valuable, will be auctioned off.

It wasn't a high-quality product, so Shen Xuan didn't even bother to look at it.

Throughout the journey, Lao Yu repeatedly reminded him not to be too ostentatious.

Although this is the Fire Cloud Immortal City, it has good public security and is well-ordered.

However, once he is targeted, he will face great danger if he leaves the city.

At this time, Lao Yu was unaware.

Shen Xuan attached a late-stage Tier 1 Yin Devouring Demon Insect to his shoe.

No matter where Lao Yu went or who he met, Shen Xuan knew everything.

……

Another box.

Xiang Tianyi said, "I asked Elder Jia, and he said that after bidding for the Crimson Sun Fire Lotus, he left through the back door."

"The person accompanying him was a local rogue cultivator named Yu Laosan."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Changming fell into deep thought.

"Senior Brother Zhao, how about we call Old Man Yu over and find out what that person's background is?"

"never mind."

After thinking for a while, Zhao Changming waved his hand and rejected Xiang Tianyi's suggestion.

"How could someone like Yu Laosan know that person's background? Besides, this is, after all, Fire Cloud Immortal City; we cannot act rashly."

"I have something else to do, so I'll go back first."

Zhao Changming left in a hurry.

At that moment, he was unaware that Xiang Tianyi was watching his retreating figure, a cold smile playing on his lips.

……

After returning to the Fire Cloud Sect Inn, Shen Xuan did not go out again and waited in his room for news from Su Yajing.

He had previously agreed with Su Yajing to expedite the transaction of high-quality fire-attribute Foundation Establishment Pills.

The reason I came to Fire Cloud Immortal City this time is purely because the fire spirit vein here is pure.

It can build a high-quality foundation for fire magic.

In fact, he can refine the Foundation Purification Pill on his own.

As long as the quality of one's foundation is not too poor, it will not affect subsequent cultivation.

Shen Xuan's high-profile bidding at this auction will definitely attract the attention of some powerful figures.

Even if they left through the back door of the auction box, they couldn't escape the pursuit of those with ulterior motives.

At least, the person in charge of the auction knew him very well.

Fortunately, the auction house belonged to the Fire Cloud Sect.

Under normal circumstances, the identity of VIPs will not be disclosed to the public.

Shen Xuan waited at the Fire Cloud Sect Inn for seven days before receiving a message from Su Yajing.

This time, Shen Xuan didn't have Lao Yu accompany him and went to Wan Hua Lou alone.

The original poster's secret room.

Besides Su Yajing, there was another person inside.

It was Zhao Changming, whom I had met once before.

Shen Xuan guessed that the trading partner Su Yajing had helped him find was Zhao Changming.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, this is Fellow Daoist Zhao Changming of the Fire Cloud Sect."

Su Yajing explained.

She took out the jade box, opened it, and placed the Fire Kirin Fruit in front of Zhao Changming.

After probing with his divine sense, Zhao Changming nodded slightly.

Then, he took out a medicine bottle and pushed it in front of Shen Xuan.

Upon opening it, one finds a high-quality, exquisite fire-attribute Foundation Establishment Pill.

"Fellow Daoists, please inspect the goods. If there are no problems, we will proceed with the one-for-one exchange as agreed."

Shen Xuan took out the high-quality Foundation Building Pill and examined it carefully.

In fact, with a quick scan of his divine sense, he knew that this pill was of high quality.

Across from him, Zhao Changming looked slightly nervous.

"Lord Su, come and take a look, is this a high-quality Foundation Establishment Pill?"

Shen Xuan pushed the premium Foundation Building Pill toward Su Yajing.

Su Yajing smiled slightly.

They pretended to inspect it.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, rest assured. I can ascertain that this is a high-quality Foundation Establishment Pill."

Shen Xuan then slowly nodded.

"With Lord Su's words, I am naturally at ease."

Shen Xuan carefully put away the medicine bottle.

Zhao Changming then put away the jade box on the table.

The transaction was completed smoothly without any unexpected events.

Su Yajing played an indispensable role in this, acting as a matchmaker and guarantor.

Zhao Changming finally got what he wanted and could finally relax.

"Zhao thanks Fellow Daoist Shen and Master Su."

All three people present knew that Zhao Changming had gained some advantage in this transaction.

Originally, high-level spiritual objects were obtained through barter.

The price is determined based on the needs of both parties and will not be traded entirely according to market prices.

"I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now. If you have the opportunity to visit Huoyun Mountain in the future, I will treat you to a meal and accompany you."

Zhao Changming left in a hurry.

It seemed they were afraid Shen Xuan would change his mind.

"Alas, Fellow Daoist Shen, this deal has actually benefited him."

Su Yajing said quietly.

She wanted to raise the price, but Shen Xuan refused.

Shen Xuan told her that he was about to establish his foundation.

Complete the transaction as soon as possible and avoid any unforeseen complications.

This time, Su Yajing did not gain any real benefits.

Shen Xuan owed her a small favor.

Of course, Su Yajing's actions were also driven by ulterior motives.

According to her observation, Shen Baiwan is a man of extraordinary background.

His physical body is incredibly strong, and his spiritual consciousness is also quite powerful.

Although I've never seen him make a move.

However, within the Qi Refining Realm, they are absolutely top-tier.

Even the Foundation Establishment Pills must be of the highest quality.

The chances of successfully establishing the foundation are very high.

Su Yajing asked, "Fellow Daoist Shen, have you chosen your Foundation Establishment chamber? Would you like Yajing to help you reserve it?"

"Oh, a Foundation Establishment Secret Chamber? Do I need to make a reservation?"

"For ordinary Foundation Establishment chambers, you can simply pay with spirit stones on the spot. However, for high-grade second-tier Foundation Establishment chambers, you will have to wait in line."

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Master Su."

Shen Xuan took out a high-grade spirit stone directly.

Su Yajing accepted it with a smile.

"enough?"

"Enough. Fellow Daoist Shen, after you reach Foundation Establishment, you mustn't forget me!"

"That's natural."

Shen Xuan's mind was as clear as a mirror.

Su Yajing meant that she wanted to maintain contact with him.

Unfortunately, her little scheme was destined to fail.

Shen Xuan was not a Qi Refining cultivator.

After successfully establishing one's foundation, it's impossible to waste time in Fire Cloud Immortal City.

He and Su Yajing will have very few opportunities to meet in the future.

……

Ten days later.

Su Yajing led Shen Xuan into the inner city.

The two went directly to the outside of a magnificent training hall.

There are many practice rooms set up here.

The most central part was arranged as a foundation chamber.

Specifically designed for cultivators who have reached the Qi Refining stage and are attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Shen Xuan followed Gong Yajing into room number six.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, this is a Foundation Establishment chamber that I have carefully selected for you. It is auspicious and will surely lead to your success."

Su Yajing encouraged Shen Xuan.

Beside them, two deacons of the Fire Cloud Sect looked at them with curiosity.

Shen Xuan smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Master Su."

After saying that, he used his special jade token to open the No. 6 Foundation Building Secret Chamber and walked in without looking back.

"I never imagined that after more than a hundred years, I would have to build my foundation again!"

"This time, it must be a high-grade Dao Foundation!"

(End of this chapter)