Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 553 News from an Old Friend (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

As soon as Li Yunjing checked in, various forces surrounded the "Yuelai Inn" and kept a close eye on his every move.

As soon as Li Yunjing stepped into the inn room, he raised his hand and set up several soundproof barriers. The lightning patterns that condensed at his fingertips outlined a fine defensive net on the wall.

If anyone comes uninvited, they will be turned to ashes by the lightning talisman!

He stood by the window, looking down at the seemingly ordinary yet deadly crowd on the street below.

The sugar painting vendor, the drunken monk, and the singing girl leaning against the door are all spies planted by various forces.

Of course, there were also some guys whose faces screamed "I'm a bad guy," standing at the front and back doors of the "Yuelai Inn" to make sure Li Yunjing didn't escape their sight.

"A Golden Core cultivator, yet he can easily dispel the pressure of a third-level Golden Core cultivator. Interesting."

In a private room on the second floor of the teahouse opposite the inn, the Third Elder of the "Four Seas Chamber of Commerce" gently stroked the chirping Firefeather Sparrow in the golden cage, his gaze fixed on Li Yunjing's room through the carved window lattice: "But you are still in 'Four Seas City,' which is no different from this caged bird!"

He flicked his finger across the table, and a jade slip suddenly lit up. "Notify the guards to keep a close watch on him. Report immediately if he makes any unusual moves."

Meanwhile, at Ao Lie's residence, this important figure, after reviewing the latest intelligence, also learned of Li Yunjing's whereabouts.

"He's just a Golden Core cultivator, yet he dares to flaunt his wealth in 'Four Seas City'?"

A glint of greed flashed in Ao Lie's eyes. Breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm had consumed almost all of his wealth.

He is currently extremely short of money!
The Nascent Soul Realm is not the end, but the beginning!
Reaching this level requires consuming dozens of times more resources than before!
"Investigate his background. If he's an unaffiliated rogue cultivator..."

A bloodthirsty glint flashed in his eyes. "Take everything from his body."

Inside the "Heavenly Secrets Pavilion," Pang Qianji was caressing the newly acquired spirit stone when he suddenly received three communication talismans.

He raised an eyebrow and glanced at the contents, which were all about inquiring about Li Yunjing's background and offering a hefty reward. He agreed to offer a thousand high-grade spirit stones.

"Those old foxes."

He sneered and casually replied, "Sure! Spirit stones paid first! It will take two days to deduce this person's identity. I'll give you a definitive answer in two days!"

The other three parties all agreed and immediately sent someone to deliver the spirit stones.

"We've really struck it rich!"

The greed in his eyes grew even stronger, and he secretly instructed his disciples to prepare materials for divination.

Since others have spent money, he has to put on a show of it.

Moreover, he needed to stall for time so that he could pay the remaining 4000 high-grade spirit stones before Li Yunjing left.

Late at night, the candle in Li Yunjing's room suddenly went out.

The informants in the shadows tensed up immediately, only to see a dark figure leap out of the window and head straight for the south of the city.

All forces immediately took action, with dozens of figures following closely behind like ghosts.

However, when they caught up to the base of the city wall, they found only a black robe.

This is exactly what Li Yunjing is wearing today.

"No! I fell into a trap!"

The monk who was following them suddenly changed his expression.

Meanwhile, Li Yunjing had already arrived at the residential area in the west of the city. Standing on the street corner, a mocking smile curled at the corner of his mouth: "Trying to scheme against me? You're still too green."

I saw Yan Yang during the day, and I didn't expect him to be so grateful.

Yan Yang was injured, so Li Yunjing naturally had to come and see the little boy.

Under the cover of night, Li Yunjing moved like a ghost through the narrow alleys.

The residential area in the west of the city was filled with a damp, fishy smell. Under the low eaves, the dim yellow light of kerosene lamps swayed in the sea breeze.

Relying on the faint aura of Yan Yang that Li Yunjing had caught during the day, he navigated the intricate alleyways and finally stopped in front of a blue brick wall covered with vines.

The three courtyards were quiet, with only a faint scent of medicine wafting from the backyard.

Li Yunjing leaped lightly over the wall, landing without making a sound.

A faint candlelight shone through the paper windows of the main room, casting the image of a hunched figure brewing medicine. The bubbling sound from the medicine pot was particularly clear in the quiet night.

Clearly, Li Yunjing's protective aura, with just one flick, almost cost Yan Yang his life!

This is because regular healing medicine isn't working, so I specially went to a clinic to get the herbs and am brewing a medicine to regulate my body!
"Yan Yang, how have you been?"

Li Yunjing pushed open the door, and the medicinal smell that filled the room hit him.

Yan Yang was lying half-reclined on the bamboo couch, his face as pale as paper, and bloodstains seeping from his clothes. He had clearly been seriously injured by his own attack.

Upon hearing the voice, Yan Yang looked up abruptly, a flash of fear crossing his eyes. He only breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that it was Li Yunjing.

"Senior Li... Senior Li!"

Yan Yang struggled to get up and bow, but the movement aggravated his wound, causing him to gasp in pain.

Li Yunjing raised his hand and pressed down, a gentle spiritual energy flowing into his body to temporarily suppress his injuries: "No need for formalities, I will remember your kindness in reminding me today."

"You helped me back in 'Sihai City', so this is nothing to brag about."

A blush rose on Yan Yang's pale face, indicating that he had finally regained some of his energy.

“However, senior, you have been too conspicuous in ‘Four Seas City’ this time. As far as I know, many people have already set their sights on you.”

He paused, a look of worry in his eyes. "These past few days, I've been doing odd jobs for the 'Four Seas Chamber of Commerce.' According to my colleagues, Vice President Ao Lie is in dire need of resources after breaking through to the Nascent Soul Realm, and has also started ordering his subordinates to investigate your whereabouts. I'm afraid he won't let you off easily."

"Yan Yang, you're very good! I really admire your character!"

Li Yunjing sat down at the table, tapping the wooden tabletop lightly with his fingertips: "However, you don't need to worry about my safety. I just want him to keep an eye on me."

"Forehead?"

Yan Yang was a little confused. What was going on?
So many enemies are eyeing you, including Nascent Soul Realm experts. Aren't you afraid?
But seeing Li Yunjing's calm demeanor, Yan Yang didn't know what to say.

He saw Li Yunjing, but remembering the favors they had done in the past, he only provided the information he could.

As for other matters, what can a mere Qi Refining Realm cultivator do?

His gaze swept over the simple furnishings in the room, and he nodded slightly. It seemed that Yan Yang was also a kind of ascetic.

You should know that the ninth level of Qi Refining Realm cultivation is nothing special in his eyes, but in the world of cultivation, it is already considered a figure.

At this level, one can earn a considerable amount of spirit stones, enough to at least improve one's life.

For example, one could build a small estate, buy a few concubines, hire maids and servants to manage the estate, and comprehensively improve all aspects of life, including clothing, food, housing, and transportation...

Despite having such abilities, Yan Yang still lived in poverty, with only one person in his family, clearly indicating that he devoted all his energy and resources to cultivation.

Such people have a firm belief in the Dao and, compared to ordinary cultivators of the same level, have a much brighter future.

Of course, this only applies to people similar to Yan Yang. If someone has a strong spiritual root, even without working as hard, they are still much stronger than Yan Yang.

"But how have you been these past few years?"

Li Yunjing asked another question.

"Just barely making ends meet."

Yan Yang shook his head with a wry smile: "Over the years, I haven't joined any faction. When someone hires me temporarily, I do some work for them. When no one hires me, I go out to sea to kill monsters and earn some spirit stones."

Yan Yang's words were simple, but in reality, they were just like those of most independent cultivators.

Struggling on the brink of death every day, earning a few spirit stones to buy pills, magical artifacts, and cultivation techniques to improve one's cultivation level.

As he spoke, he struggled to get up and pulled a bundle from under the bed. “I bumped into you on the street today, and I felt something was off. These are some clues I’ve gathered; they might be useful to you.”

The oil paper package was opened, revealing several blueprints depicting the layout of the underground passages of "Four Seas City," along with a few lines of crooked handwriting listing the names of various factions, experts, their signature martial arts techniques, and magical treasures...

Li Yunjing's pupils contracted slightly as he prepared to examine the area more closely.

Suddenly, his expression changed.

Several powerful fluctuations of divine sense were rapidly approaching in this direction!

"They're really relentlessly pursuing us!"

Li Yunjing's expression was cold, and the power of the five elements flowed instantly at his fingertips, completely concealing the aura of the entire courtyard.

Finally, he reached out and threw the "Five Dragon Wheels," which, with the power of the five elements, sealed the entire residence and merged into the five elements of heaven and earth.

Unless someone enters this place, no one will notice anything unusual about it.

"Silence."

At the same time, Li Yunjing gave a low shout, and an invisible barrier protected Yan Yang behind him. His powerful divine sense spread out like a spider web, sensing the approaching enemy. Footsteps grew louder as five black-clad cultivators surrounded the courtyard in a fan shape.

"Strange, we tracked them all the way here, so why did their presence suddenly disappear?"

The leader held a bronze mirror engraved with runes, its surface gleaming with a ghostly blue light, and constantly scanned the surroundings.

"That kid is very cunning; he might have already slipped away."

The other person drew a soft sword from his waist and used the tip of the sword to pick up fallen leaves from the ground.

Li Yunjing held his breath and focused his mind, circulating his internal magical power to its maximum, merging it with the surrounding environment.

He glanced at Yan Yang, who was trembling with nervousness beside him, and gently patted his shoulder. A warm current flowed into his body, calming his restless magic power.

Only after those men left, cursing and swearing, did Li Yunjing finally breathe a sigh of relief, and the oppressive atmosphere in the courtyard instantly dissipated.

"Senior, you..."

Yan Yang had just opened his mouth when Li Yunjing raised his hand to interrupt him.

"Good lad, I didn't expect you to have such a treasure hidden away."

Li Yunjing relit the oil lamp, his gaze falling on the blueprints on the table, his eyes full of admiration. "This intelligence is even more valuable than I imagined."

He reached out and stroked the layout of the secret passages on the map, a meaningful smile playing on his lips. "It seems there are still many secrets hidden beneath this 'Four Seas City'."

"You flatter me, senior. I've worked my way up in 'Sihai City' over the years and have built up quite a network of connections."

Seeing that Li Yunjing was not angry about the crisis just now, but instead valued his intelligence so much, Yan Yang felt a warm current in his heart: "I even worked in the underground waterways!"

"interesting."

He stroked his chin, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. "Looks like you're still my lucky star!"

He carefully put away the blueprints and jade slips, then took out a jade bottle and handed it to Yan Yang: "These are three 'Foundation Building Pills,' which should help you break through to the Foundation Building Realm."

"Thank you for your intelligence. If you have the chance, you should leave this 'Four Seas City' in the future. The peaceful days in the East Sea will not last long."

Li Yunjing gave a final reminder.

"Thank you, senior!"

Yan Yang stared at the jade bottle in his hand, his eyes slightly reddening.

In this cruel world of cultivation, to gain the appreciation and gifts of a powerful figure is an incredible opportunity for a rogue cultivator like him.

"Yan Yang will not disappoint! He will definitely break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm!"

He clenched his fists and secretly vowed to make something of himself!

With three "Foundation Building Pills," even a pig could break through to the Foundation Building Realm, right?
Yan Yang carefully put the jade bottle away from his body, then suddenly remembered something and looked up, saying, "Senior, speaking of the situation in the East Sea, there is something else I'm not sure if I should say."

He lowered his voice, "I've overheard people from the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce talking privately about how a mysterious force has been buying up spiritual materials in large quantities recently, which is most likely related to the war in the East China Sea."

Li Yunjing's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded. This was only natural.

When war comes, resources become the most important thing.

No power is afraid of having too many resources, and large-scale acquisitions of supplies will become more and more frequent in the future.

Before he arrived at "Four Seas City" and went fishing, wasn't he also acquiring supplies to prepare for the upcoming battle?

"By the way, do you still remember Lin Xuan?"

Li Yunjing spoke with Yan Yang for a while longer, then suddenly remembered something and his expression softened: "Back when I was in 'Four Seas City,' I helped him. I wonder how his cultivation has been going these past years?"

"Lin Xuan... he did successfully establish his foundation a few years ago."

Upon hearing this, Yan Yang's face showed a complicated expression: "And his cultivation has been extremely smooth. He is now a powerful expert at the fourth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm."

"what?"

Li Yunjing was taken aback. Although he had anticipated Lin Xuan's rise, the speed of this was too fast.
In just thirty years, Lin Xuan went from an insignificant figure in the Qi Refining Realm to a master at the fourth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm.

how can that be!

This talent is probably comparable to that of a true disciple of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".
He's a true disciple with a bright future!

Yan Yang's words truly shocked Li Yunjing!
"What a pity! What a pity! If I had known back then that Lin Xuan was so capable, I would have taken him in and recruited him into my sect."

This thought flashed through Li Yunjing's mind.

"It's just that Lin Xuan has encountered some trouble."

Yan Yang paused, his tone becoming heavy, "After breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, he opened a pharmacy in the city, and the business was quite good. He also got married and had children, and became related to a small family by marriage."

"Six months ago, the pharmacy was suddenly robbed by a group of cultivators. It is said that they were after an ancient pill formula in his possession."

Seeing that Li Yunjing was listening attentively, Yan Yang continued, "His wife and son were all killed, only Lin Xuan escaped."

"But since then, no one has seen him again, and the pharmacy has changed owners."

Yan Yang sighed one last time and said slowly.

Things in this world are hard to explain.

Lin Xuan obtained an opportunity and rose to prominence through his own efforts. Everything was developing in a positive direction, but unfortunately, he obtained something beyond his control, which harmed his entire family.

Whether it's worth it or not, only Lin Xuan himself knows the answer.

"It's fate!"

Li Yunjing frowned. The token he obtained from Lin Xuan back then hadn't even had its secrets unlocked yet, and this kid had already met such a tragic end.

Life's encounters are truly unpredictable.

In the world of cultivation, it's common for people to covet good things after acquiring them.

Li Yunjing had encountered similar situations many times, but due to his good fortune, great supernatural powers, and the protection of the towering "Shenxiao Dao Sect," he had never faced any life-or-death situations.

"Do you know who did this?"

Li Yunjing still remembered the determination in the boy's eyes, but he never expected him to end up like this. His voice was icy, and his aura unconsciously spread, making it difficult for Yan Yang to breathe.

Seeing Yan Yang's flushed face, Li Yunjing then gradually released and withdrew his powerful aura.

"I've only heard that those cultivators possess strange fire-based supernatural abilities, and some people speculate that they are related to a mysterious fire-based organization in the East China Sea."

Yan Yang shook his head: "However, this matter is too strange. It seems that the 'Sihai Chamber of Commerce' is deliberately suppressing the news."

Looking at Li Yunjing's gloomy face, he hesitated for a moment and then said, "My status is too low. Many things are just hearsay and may not be true."

"You can focus on your cultivation. I will investigate Lin Xuan's matter thoroughly."

Li Yunjing remained silent for a long time before reaching out and patting Yan Yang on the shoulder: "Remember, once you've recovered from your injuries and broken through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, leave this place! Don't tell anyone about my affairs!"

"I see!"

Yan Yang's heart sank, knowing that his benefactor was about to leave.

"Alright! I'm leaving now. Take care!"

Li Yunjing extended his divine sense to confirm that there was no danger around him. He then nodded slightly to Yan Yang, and his figure transformed into a streak of light, instantly disappearing into the night.

He darted and weaved between buildings, using his exquisite agility to evade several patrolling cultivators along the way, and sped toward the "Yuelai Inn".

When Li Yunjing appeared like a ghost at the entrance of "Yuelai Inn", the spies who had been secretly watching him immediately widened their eyes.

They had clearly followed "Li Yunjing's" figure all the way to the foot of the south city wall, and even found the fallen black robe there, but now this person was standing right in front of them unharmed, as if he had never left.

"This...how is this possible?"

An informant hiding on a street corner selling sugar paintings forgot to stir the sugar in his hand and stared dumbfounded as Li Yunjing strolled into the inn.

"What a brilliant plan to escape unscathed!"

On the second floor of the teahouse opposite the inn, the Third Elder of the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce suddenly stopped playing with the Fire Feather Sparrow, the golden cage creaking in his hand: "He tricked me earlier!"

A sinister glint flashed in his eyes, and he immediately flicked his finger at the jade slip on the table. "Notify the guards to increase surveillance. This person's methods are far beyond our imagination!"

"Heh! A bunch of useless trash!"

Li Yunjing muttered to himself. As soon as he stepped into the inn room, he felt several divine senses that felt like thorns on his back.

He calmly lit the oil lamp, letting its light illuminate the entire room.

(End of this chapter)