Immortality and Cultivation: I Have Too Many Talents

Chapter 627 Shadowy Shadows

Chapter 627 Shadowy Shadows (Please Subscribe)

Inside the Foundation Building Secret Chamber.

Shen Xuan sat cross-legged on the Crimson Jade Platform, his aura gradually merging with the surging fire veins beneath the earth.

This is his second time building a foundation.

One of the goals is to achieve a high-grade foundation in fire magic.

Shen Xuan activated the Nine Revolutions Blazing Sun Technique.

This ultimate technique of the Golden Sun Sect, once activated, causes the fire elemental power within the body to blaze like the sun in the sky, with remarkable power.

The path to foundation building focuses on four key aspects: physical body, spiritual power, soul, and consciousness.

If one cannot pass the four tests, the foundation for enlightenment will be difficult to establish.

At this moment, Shen Xuan quietly sealed the Ice-type Golden Core in his dantian and used the fire elemental power he had cultivated for twenty years to regulate his breathing and nourish his spirit.

For an ordinary cultivator to adjust to their optimal state, it would take anywhere from ten days to half a month.

In just one day, Shen Xuan's aura had reached a state of perfect harmony and flawlessness.

His body was filled with pure and intense fire elemental power, and his eyes flashed with a crimson light that was dazzling and piercing.

For him, this foundation-building process was a piece of cake.

The profound insights he gained from condensing the Golden Elixir had a tremendous effect on his soul and consciousness.

At this moment, his fire magic cultivation level was at the peak of Qi Refining, and his total spiritual power was limited.

However, Shen Xuan's control over the smallest details was so precise that he had reached a level of consummate skill.

In terms of physical body, spiritual power, soul, and consciousness, he is comparable to a cultivator in the early stage of Foundation Establishment.

What is an insurmountable foundation for others is a natural and effortless process for him.

Everything went smoothly and according to plan.

At that moment, he was unaware.

Outside the training hall, countless exclamations rang out.

The fire elemental energy that Shen Xuan drew upon was far too vast, covering the sky and the earth, spanning several miles in size, far exceeding what ordinary people could imagine.

"Is this... someone building a foundation?"

"With such a large physique, this person has exceptional potential!"

"In my opinion, it is possible to achieve a superior Dao foundation!"

"Doesn't that mean there's hope of breaking through to the inner core?"

Many Foundation Establishment cultivators in the inner city stopped to observe the fiery cloud aura above the training hall.

Inside the Foundation Establishment Chamber, Shen Xuan consumed a premium Foundation Establishment Pill and a Crimson Sun Fire Lotus.

The entire training hall shook violently.

The isolation array of the Foundation Building Chamber was ruthlessly broken through.

A thick, crimson beam of light, as thick as a water bucket and carrying an intense aura, shot straight into the sky.

In an instant, the fiery clouds above Fire Cloud Immortal City boiled like a sea, forming a huge vortex that poured down and surged wildly into the Foundation Establishment Chamber No. 6.

From afar, it resembles a fiery dragon bowing its head, drawing upon the crimson clouds of the sky—a truly magnificent sight.

"My God! This is terrifying!"

"Who is this deity who can cause such a celestial phenomenon?"

"The fiery clouds surged back, and the spiritual veins surged. Even a true disciple of the Fire Cloud Sect who has reached the Foundation Establishment stage might not have such a display of power."

Outside the training hall, more and more cultivators were alerted.

They looked up at the sky, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.

Some Qi Refining cultivators were so overwhelmed by the overwhelming pressure of heaven and earth that their minds trembled.

Inside the Foundation Establishment Chamber, Shen Xuan was completely oblivious to the shock of the outside world, focusing intently on compressing his fire elemental power.

Spiritual energy transforms into mist, condenses into liquid, and forms the Dao Foundation Spiritual Sea.

This step is extremely difficult for others.

It could even be described as a near-death experience.

Once you break through, you'll rise rapidly through the ranks and become a Foundation Establishment cultivator that everyone envies.

He failed, his dantian was damaged, his cultivation level dropped, and he continued to languish at the bottom of the cultivation world.

However, this is not a problem for Shen Xuan.

He is now focusing on cultivating his internal energy in order to achieve a better foundation for his spiritual path.

There is no possibility of foundation construction failing.

The fiery clouds outside the training hall swept away all the nearby fire spiritual energy and suddenly accelerated.

The diameter of the spiritual energy vortex exceeded one hundred feet.

Fortunately, the Fire Cloud Sect was quite organized in its work.

At this moment, only Shen Xuan was attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

Otherwise, if others attempt to establish their foundations at the same time as Shen Xuan, they will inevitably fail due to a lack of spiritual energy.

Such a celestial phenomenon alarmed even the chief elder of the training hall in Fire Cloud Immortal City.

The training hall in Fire Cloud Immortal City is rented out year-round.

Fire-attribute cultivators often come here to attempt to break through the Foundation Establishment stage or overcome bottlenecks.

In Fire Cloud Immortal City, it's not uncommon for Qi Refining cultivators to attempt Foundation Establishment.

Very few succeed; most end in failure.

This is normal.

Generally speaking, even with Foundation Establishment Pills and Foundation Establishment Spiritual Objects, no more than 10% of ordinary cultivators can successfully establish their foundation.

It is extremely rare for someone like Shen Xuan to cause such a commotion.

Su Yajing stood guard outside the No. 6 Foundation Establishment Secret Room, looking at the spiritual clouds and phenomena outside the hall, feeling both surprised and delighted.

It's safe here; she doesn't need to protect Shen Xuan.

She was just making a gesture.

She spent a lot of time and energy on Shen Xuan.

If Shen Xuan can successfully establish his foundation, the two can become equals, cooperate with each other, and benefit each other.

That's what she envisioned.

In a VIP room in the backyard of the training hall.

Zhao Changming and Xiang Tianyi looked up at the fiery clouds in the sky, their expressions different.

Xiang Tianyi looked shocked.

Zhao Changming seemed to be deep in thought.

"Senior Brother Zhao, this Shen Baiwan is probably capable of establishing a foundation for the Dao."

"so what?"

Zhao Changming snorted coldly.

"This is the Fire Cloud Sect. How much trouble can a Foundation Establishment cultivator cause?"

“What Senior Brother Zhao said is very true. Our Fire Cloud Sect has three Golden Core cultivators and more than twenty Core Formation cultivators. If our Grand Elder condenses his Nascent Soul, we will be able to stand on equal footing with the five sects of the Yan Kingdom.”

"The Grand Elder has been in seclusion for many years. When will he emerge from seclusion and complete his Nascent Soul stage?"

Zhao Changming glanced at Xiang Tianyi, his eyes slightly cold.

"Junior Brother, be careful what you say. This is a top secret of the sect, and it is not something you and I can discuss in private."

Xiang Tianyi gently slapped himself across the face.

"Junior brother misspoke. Thank you for reminding me, Senior Brother Zhao."

After a while, Xiang Tianyi cautiously asked, "Senior Brother Zhao, what should we do if Shen Baiwan successfully establishes his foundation?"

"Of course we'll go and offer our congratulations. What else would we do?"

Even so, there was still a hint of bitterness in Zhao Changming's words.

"Well, that's the only way!"

He sighed deeply.

Although Zhao Changming did not say it explicitly.

Xiang Tianyi, however, was able to guess his thoughts.

They were simply waiting for the right opportunity to devour Shen Baiwan's entire fortune.

This cannot be blamed on Zhao Changming.

It's all Shen Baiwan's fault for being careless.

When you're out in the world, without a powerful background or connections, you can't just flaunt your wealth.

Although Su Yajing of the Wanhua Sect was backing him up.

Zhao Changming is a local tyrant in the Fire Cloud Sect.

Faced with huge profits, what does it matter if I offend Su Yajing!
However, if Shen Baiwan successfully establishes his Dao foundation...

Things then became a bit tricky.

After all, as Foundation Establishment cultivators, they all have some trump cards to protect themselves.

Zhao Changming wanted to do it flawlessly and cleanly, which suddenly made it much more difficult.

Xiang Tianyi had been secretly observing Zhao Changming's expression.

After Zhao Changming and Su Yajing met privately, they tried every means to exchange a high-quality Foundation Establishment Pill from the sect.

This is reminiscent of Shen Baiwan's purchase of the Crimson Sun Fire Lotus, which has recently been used to attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

He vaguely guessed that Zhao Changming must have made a big deal with Shen Baiwan.

Although we don't know what kind of treasure it is.

However, if premium Foundation Building Pills are used for trading, their value will inevitably be considerable.

“This Shen Baiwan is indeed an extraordinary person. Despite being a Qi Refining cultivator, he is wealthy and able to produce treasures that tempted Zhao Changming.”

"Judging from Zhao Changming's appearance, it seems he has more than one."

"Could it be a spiritual object that has reached the Golden Core or Core Formation stage that Zhao Changming is so interested in?"

Thinking of this, Xiang Tianyi's heart was filled with emotion.

He also wanted the Golden Core and Core Formation spiritual objects.

They worked on sect missions from morning till night, risking their lives.

Even if he worked for two hundred years, he might not be able to accumulate enough merit to exchange for Golden Core and Core Formation spiritual items.

"After Shen Baiwan successfully established his foundation, Zhao Changming went to congratulate him. What was he up to?"

Originally, he was following behind Zhao Changming.

After Zhao Changming seized the spoils through trickery and coercion, he got a share of the profits.

Now it seems things have changed.

"Sigh, it's really not easy to earn some extra money!"

"The easy target is gone. We can only try to find a solution from you."

Xiang Tianyi's eyes flashed, a sense of jealousy rising in his heart. He thought to himself, "So what if I've reached the Foundation Establishment stage? I'm like a rootless duckweed, possessing a great treasure; it's a path to death!"

When he secretly glanced at his senior brother, his eyes turned fierce.

"Senior brother, please don't blame me. I also want to break through to the Core Formation stage!"

……

a few days later.

The fiery clouds above the training hall gradually dissipated.

Inside the Foundation Establishment Chamber, Shen Xuan slowly opened his eyes.

Within his dantian, a crimson, jade-like spiritual sea of foundation had already taken shape. Though calm and still, it contained a terrifying power capable of burning the heavens and boiling the seas.

"After twenty years of planning, the foundation for a superior Dao has finally been achieved."

Sensing the stable and powerful fire sea foundation within his body, Shen Xuan smiled slightly.

He did not rush to leave seclusion, but spent two days consolidating his cultivation level.

Shen Xuan checked it and found no problems.

Continue sealing the Ice Magic Golden Core.

The man before me was merely a newly established Foundation Establishment fire mage.

Shen Xuan walked out of the No. 6 Foundation Building Chamber.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Shen, on successfully establishing your foundation."

Su Yajing's bright eyes shone like stars, sparkling with a joyful expression of pride.

It has to be said that beautiful women are born to act.

Her expression was natural, her smile radiant, and she was a delight to behold.

"Thank you for your help, Fellow Daoist Su. I will certainly repay you."

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The meaning is self-evident.

"Congratulations to Fellow Daoist Shen."

Zhao Changming and Xiang Tianyi arrived together.

"This is just a small gift, nothing more!"

Zhao Changming casually presented him with a brocade box.

Upon opening it, one finds ten mid-grade fire spirit stones inside.

Shen Xuan accepted it without hesitation.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, you're too kind."

Zhao Changming said with a smile, "It is a great joy that Fellow Daoist Shen has established his Dao foundation. Pavilion Master Su, we must hold a banquet to celebrate!"

Su Yajing looked at Shen Xuan.

He nodded slightly.

Su Yajing said with a smile, "Fellow Daoist Zhao is right. I will make arrangements to hold a banquet at Wanhua Tower to celebrate Fellow Daoist Shen's foundation building."

……

"Someone has successfully established their foundation?"

"It's very likely a high-grade Dao Foundation!"

Do you know who it is?

"It is said that he is a wandering cultivator from another place."

The Qi Refining cultivators in Fire Cloud Immortal City were abuzz with discussion.

There was no shortage of envy among them.

After all, among Qi Refining cultivators, only one in a hundred can reach the Foundation Establishment stage.

Moreover, that person is very likely a high-grade Dao Foundation cultivator.

This also means that the path is bright, and there is hope for achieving the Golden Core stage.

Old Yu was already waiting at the entrance of the inn early in the morning.

In his mind, after Shen Baiwan established his foundation, there would be many trivial matters to deal with.

All attempts to recruit them, whether accepted or rejected, must be met with polite responses.

There's a lot of turmoil here.

There are grudges and grievances between the various cultivation factions.

Old Yu believed that having lived in Huoyun Immortal City for many years, he could offer some advice to Shen Baiwan.

Unexpectedly, after Shen Xuan returned to the inn, he gave him ten spirit stones and terminated the guide agreement between the two.

"Senior Shen, after you reach the Foundation Establishment stage, many powerful forces will send you invitations. Old Yu can also help you run errands."

"No need. I am about to leave Fire Cloud Immortal City."

After settling his bill at the inn, Shen Xuan went straight to the Wan Hua Lou.

He plans to leave tomorrow morning.

Tonight, I'll be attending a celebratory banquet at Su Yajing's place, staying overnight, and giving her some souvenirs as a token of our friendship.

Shen Xuan never gave people orders for nothing.

The banquet was held in the VIP private room of Wanhualou.

There were only a few people present. Besides Shen Xuan, the only others present were Su Yajing, Zhao Changming, and Xiang Tianyi.

Although Lingyan was present, she stood behind Su Yajing, pouring wine and serving dishes for them.

All four were Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Shen Xuan is the youngest and has the lowest cultivation level.

Su Yajing treated him quite intimately, occasionally giggling and joking.

Anyone with eyes can see that the relationship between Su Yajing and Shen Xuan is extraordinary.

She stopped pretending altogether.

Shen Xuan wore a smile, was gentle and refined, and was polite to everyone.

Even Lingyan was addressed as Miss Lingyan, without the slightest arrogance.

After several rounds of fine wine, the guests and hosts were all in high spirits, and the atmosphere was lively.

Zhao Changming raised his cup and said, "I have been confined to Huoyun City for many years and it is rare for me to meet someone as elegant and refined as Fellow Daoist Shen. I would like to offer a toast to Fellow Daoist Shen."

Shen Xuan smiled and said, "Brother Zhao, you're too kind. I'm just a wandering cultivator, it was just a lucky break."

The two drank the spirit wine together.

"If you need anything, please speak freely. I, Zhao, still have some influence in this Fire Cloud City."

Shen Xuan thought for a moment.

"Since Fellow Daoist Zhao is so hospitable, I happen to have a favor to ask of you."

Shen Xuan asked somewhat embarrassedly, "Does Fellow Daoist Zhao have any magic weapons suitable for me?"

"I thought it was something serious!"

"As for magical treasures, I, Zhao, do possess a few!"

After saying that, Zhao Changming laughed and waved his hand.

Then, seven fire-attribute magic treasures appeared out of thin air and floated in front of Shen Xuan.

They are all fire-attribute.

The appearance of the seven magical treasures drew upon the spiritual energy of the Myriad Flower Pavilion, causing it to emit waves of fire spiritual power.

"These are all magical treasures that I don't need. Fellow Daoist Shen, please feel free to choose. The price is negotiable."

Zhao Changming's face was full of smugness.

He is the direct grandson of a Golden Core cultivator, a potential Core Formation cultivator of the Fire Cloud Sect, and a late-stage Foundation Establishment fire magic cultivator.

These are all fire-attribute magical artifacts he has used.
"Would you like me to introduce you to someone?"

"Thank you for your help, Fellow Daoist Zhao."

Flying Rainbow Sword, Dragon-Binding Umbrella, Fire Dragon Shield, Flame Bottle...

Zhao Changming introduced them one by one.

In the end, Shen Xuan chose the Blazing Flame Blade.

The main body of the blade is forged from Crimson Flame Iron.

Nine fire dragons were branded on the surface.

With full force, nine fire dragons flew out from the Blazing Flame Blade, spewing out boundless and violent dragon fire that melted gold and iron and burned everything in its path.

This is only a second-tier low-grade magic weapon, seemingly ordinary.

The power of the sword technique relies on the fire elemental energy within the cultivator's body.

Shen Xuan chose the Blazing Water Flame Blade because he valued the fire elemental conductivity of the Crimson Flame Scale Iron.

Anyway, it's just a temporary measure.

Shen Xuan did not use direct payment of spirit stones.

Instead, he took out a water-attribute defensive magic item, the White Ghost Shield, that he had used before and handed it to Su Yajing.

After examining it, Su Yajing showed a hint of surprise on her pretty face.

Then, he quietly put it away.

This white ghost shield was forged from the scales of the white longevity tortoise, a descendant of the divine beast white ghost.

When Shen Xuan reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he nurtured it for many years, eventually elevating it to the second-tier superior grade.

It not only possesses extremely strong defensive capabilities, but also comes with attributes such as concealment, water escape, and healing.

It has a fairly strong automatic bonus effect on water-based cultivators.

Shen Xuan's actions were a way of repaying Su Yajing for her investment in him.

Su Yajing knew perfectly well what was going on.

This high-grade defensive magic weapon is far more valuable than that blazing flame blade.

Subsequently, Su Yajing paid 50,000 spirit stones to purchase Zhao Changming's Blazing Flame Blade.

The three-party transaction was completed, with each party getting what they wanted.

Although Zhao Changming and Xiang Tianyi were unaware of the rank of the White Ghost Shield.

Seeing Su Yajing's straightforwardness, he naturally knew what was going on.

The banquet ended late at night.

After seeing Zhao Changming and Xiang Tianyi off, Su Yajing returned to the private room.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, we don't know when we'll meet again after this parting. Why don't you stay here for the night?"

"Tomorrow, I will see you out of the city."

"Ah."

Shen Xuan pondered for a moment and understood what Su Yajing meant.

Besides being grateful for his gift and reliving old memories,

Su Yajing personally escorted him out of the city to avoid trouble and to deter troublemakers with the prestige of the Myriad Flowers Sect.

“However, Ya Jing, now that I have established my foundation, my fire is even more intense, and I’m afraid you won’t be able to extinguish it.”

Shen Xuan said hesitantly.

Upon hearing this, Su Yajing was furious.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, please don't underestimate me. Last time, I wasn't feeling well and didn't perform to my full potential, otherwise..."

"Otherwise, what can we do?"

Su Yajing sat on Shen Xuan's lap, smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling with charm.

"Otherwise, I'll make you so weak you won't be able to stand up!"

Shen Xuan smiled.

"Ya Jing is so confident? I, Shen, would like to see for myself!"

Jade incense burner, ice-cold mat, mandarin duck brocade, powder melts, fragrant sweat flows onto the mountain pillow. Outside the curtain, the sound of a well pulley, a startled smile playing on her lips. Willow shadows are light and indistinct, her hairpin falls from her lowered temple. I must dedicate my life to making you happy today.

That night, the Wanhua Tower was filled with the vibrant energy of spring.

Su Yajing went to great lengths to please Shen Xuan, using all sorts of ingenious tricks to serve him.

At this moment, Shen Xuan had no idea that Zhao Changming was struggling.

Ultimately, this triggered a major storm that swept him into the fray, completely disrupting his plans.

……

late at night.

After parting ways with Xiang Tianyi, Zhao Changming went home alone.

His residence was located in the heart of the inner city.

The night is already deep.

The spiritual light of the Fiery Cloud Immortal City dimmed, and a cold wind suddenly arose.

"Shen Baiwan has laid the foundation for his cultivation, and Su Yajing's relationship with him is ambiguous. It seems that this matter needs to be considered carefully."

As Zhao Changming walked home, he pondered his next move.

In the Fiery Cloud Immortal City, cultivators are prohibited from flying through the air.

Zhao Changming was no exception.

He used his lightness technique, moving swiftly and instantly covering dozens of feet.

We arrived at our doorstep very quickly.

A familiar, slender figure waited quietly, carrying a lantern; her face was exquisitely beautiful, and her skin was delicate.

It was Yu Die, his concubine whom he had just redeemed from the brothel.

"master."

Yu Die greeted us with a soft, charming voice.

Zhao Changming was in a good mood, laughed heartily, and reached out to pull her into his arms.

However, just as the two were about to make contact...

The drunkenness in Zhao Changming's eyes vanished instantly, replaced by a sharp, cold glint.

The natal magic weapon, the Zheng Yang Blade, suddenly appeared, transforming into a shrill arc that slashed fiercely towards Yu Die's neck.

This strike was as swift as lightning, ruthless and decisive.

However, the blade only struck a blurry shadow.

Yu Die's figure vanished like wisps of smoke, leaving behind only a string of silvery laughter.

"Giggle..."

"Master, how cruel you are!"

“You are not Yu Die. Yu Die will never leave the mansion.”

Zhao Changming said in a deep voice.

This is his family rule.

Jade Butterfly never violates this rule.

At this moment, he felt puzzled.

The Fiery Cloud Immortal City is guarded by True Core Realm cultivators from various sects, and also supported by a city-protecting formation.

Whenever a cultivator casts a spell, there will be fluctuations in spiritual energy.

Once the city's protective array senses something, it can lock onto the cultivator and track their movements.

Law enforcement officers patrolling nearby quickly arrived at the scene and brought him to justice.

This person has some nerve, daring to impersonate his concubine Yu Die and plot against him in Fire Cloud Immortal City.

Wouldn't that be like walking into a trap?
"You have such rules? That's so troublesome!"

"Never mind. It's all the same anyway."

The moment the words were spoken, the world changed drastically.

A chilling, eerie wind suddenly arose, and thick, dark demonic mist surged in from all directions.

In an instant, the area within a hundred feet became pitch black, so dark that one could not see their own hand in front of their face.

The bright moon and stars above the Fiery Cloud Immortal City have all disappeared.

Zhao Changming shuddered, feeling a sudden, inexplicable panic.

"not good!"

Zhao Changming was deeply shocked.

He was a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator with a powerful physical body, impervious to heat and cold. Why would he be so terrified?

We've been ambushed!

They've fallen into an illusionary formation set up by the enemy!

Zhao Changming forced himself to remain calm and fully activated his natal magic weapon, the Zhengyang Blade.

Intense fire elemental power was poured into it, and the blade immediately burst into scorching flames, shining brightly like a sun.

"cut!"

Zhao Changming roared, and the Zhengyang Blade burst into flames, attempting to tear through the thick black mist.

However, the blazing fire of the blazing sun blade, powerful enough to melt gold and fossilize stone, could only reach a distance of about ten feet from the black mist before gradually extinguishing, like a mud ox sinking into the sea.

Zhao Changming was greatly shocked.

He should be at his own doorstep.

However, the protective formation of Fire Cloud Immortal City did not react at all.

Therefore, he had long since fallen into the opponent's illusion.

"Hehe, don't waste your energy."

Yu Die's voice rang out again, elusive and full of mockery.

"How could a Foundation Establishment cultivator like you possibly break my Illusionary Mist Sky-Covering Formation!"

Zhao Changming felt a chill run down his spine.

Only then did he truly realize how terrifying the other party was.

The demonic cultivator at the Core Formation stage set up a third-order illusion array that could deceive the city's protective array.

An unprecedented chill instantly enveloped my entire body.

"I do not believe!"

Zhao Changming roared and activated several talismans.

Metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—all five elements are present, each a superior second-tier item, transforming into rays of spiritual light that shoot out in all directions.

However, these powerful second-tier high-grade talismans were still inferior to his Zheng Yang Blade Fire.

It could only penetrate a foot or so into the Black Demon before its light dimmed and quietly dissipated.

A look of despair appeared in Zhao Changming's eyes.

He held a third-tier wind escape talisman in his hand, continuously infusing it with spiritual power.

This was the trump card that Master Yang Huo gave him to save his life.

"Who are you, and why are you doing this to me?"

Zhao Changming, pale-faced and trembling, asked.

"You want to know?"

"think."

"Don't tell you!"

The man chuckled as if playing with a mouse.

"disease!"