Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 694 Returning to the Sect and Paying Respects to My Master (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Li Yunjing took the ledger, scanned it with his divine sense, and immediately understood it.

He nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, you've worked hard all these years."

"Master, you flatter me. This is all within my duty."

Zeng Jin quickly waved his hand: "Moreover, if it weren't for your guidance back then, I wouldn't have achieved what I have today."

This is the truth!

Without Li Yunjing, Zeng Jin would at most be a minor elder of a second-rate power; where would he get his current status and wealth?
"Star Moon Trading Company" is no longer an ordinary trading company in the East China Sea.

It's at least a top-tier local trading firm with a vast network of connections, handling large transactions of spirit stones daily.

As the head of the third store, Zeng Jin had the advantage of being close to the source, and his personal treatment was definitely extremely high, even surpassing that of many elders of first-class sects!
"Manager Zeng is too modest. Being able to manage the business to such a scale is a testament to your ability."

Zhao Qi laughed from the side.

Su Muqing nodded slightly: "Indeed admirable."

"Don't dare, don't dare."

Zeng Jin was flattered and repeatedly expressed his gratitude.

One of these women was Li Yunjing's wife, and the other was likely to become his wife sooner or later. The two women's praise made Zeng Jin feel flattered.

"Zeng Jin, besides inspecting the business, I have another matter to entrust to you during my return."

Li Yunjing put down the ledger, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.

Zeng Jin's expression turned solemn: "Please give your orders, Master, and I will do my utmost."

I need you to keep a close eye on the movements of the various factions in the East China Sea, especially news about the 'East China Sea Alliance' and the 'Heavenly Demon Sect'.

Li Yunjing's gaze was deep: "If anything unusual happens, send me a message immediately."

Zeng Jin's heart skipped a beat, knowing that this matter was no small thing. He solemnly replied, "Don't worry, Master, I will arrange for a reliable person to handle it."

"Here are some high-level talismans and magical artifacts. Take them for self-defense."

Li Yunjing nodded and took out another "storage ring" and handed it to him: "Remember, safety first."

Zeng Jin accepted the "storage ring," scanned it with his divine sense, and immediately revealed a look of surprise: "Thank you, Master!"

Li Yunjing smiled slightly: "Alright, now that we've finished discussing business, show us around the trading company."

Zeng Jin quickly stood up: "Master, please come with me."

Over the next few hours, Zeng Jin led Li Yunjing and the other two on a tour of the various departments of the business.

From acquiring spiritual materials to refining magical artifacts, from selling elixirs to trading intelligence, the wide range of business operations of "Star Moon Trading Company" surprised even Li Yunjing.

"Master, this is our newly opened 'Spirit Beast Pavilion,' which specializes in taming and selling all kinds of spirit beasts."

Zeng Jin pointed to an area in the backyard and introduced it.

Li Yunjing looked around with great interest and discovered that there were not only common mythical birds and beasts here, but also several rare deep-sea monsters.

Where did these deep-sea monsters come from?

Li Yunjing asked.

"This is the result of cooperation with several powerful demon clans in the East Sea."

Zeng Jin smiled and said, "We provide elixirs and magic weapons, while they provide young demon beasts and deep-sea spiritual materials. It's a win-win situation."

Li Yunjing nodded approvingly: "That's a good idea."

After the visit, it was already late.

Zeng Jin arranged a lavish banquet to welcome Li Yunjing and the other two back home.

During the meal, Zeng Jin hesitated several times before speaking.

After Li Yunjing noticed this, he smiled and said, "Speak freely."

"Master, things have indeed been a bit unsettled in the East China Sea lately."

Zeng Jin hesitated for a moment, then said in a low voice, "There are rumors that the 'Tianluo Dao Sect' is secretly trying to win over some small and medium-sized sects, and seems to have some ulterior motive."

Li Yunjing's gaze sharpened: "Do you know which specific sects they are?"

"The other party is acting discreetly, and there is no definite information yet."

Zeng Jin shook his head: "However, I have already sent people to investigate."

"Continue to follow up on this matter, but be careful and don't alert the enemy."

Li Yunjing pondered for a moment and said, "If there is concrete evidence, hand it over to Wen Bin and Liao Wanqing of the 'East China Sea Alliance' Enforcement Hall!"

"Yes!"

Zeng Jin solemnly agreed.

Wen Bin and Liao Wanqing are both deputy heads of the "Enforcement Hall" and also friends of Li Yunjing, so he naturally knows them.

Over the years, Wen Bin and Liao Wanqing have also taken care of the "Xingyue Trading Company" business to some extent.

The following morning, Li Yunjing and his two companions bid farewell to Zeng Jin and left "Shenxiao Island".

Standing on the flying boat, Zhao Qi gazed at the island receding into the distance and whispered, "Husband, do you think the 'Tianluo Dao Sect' will really take any action?"

"A storm is brewing, and we need to prepare early."

Li Yunjing gazed into the distance and slowly said, "As for how great the harm will be, it's hard to say! After all, the 'Tianluo Dao Sect' has gained another True Monarch at the Nascent Soul stage!"

The flying boat cut through the sky and sped towards the "Great Ming Immortal Cultivation World".

The flying boat pierced through the clouds and mist, heading west from the East China Sea, and finally arrived at the territory of the "Great Ming Immortal Cultivation World".

From afar, the majestic city walls of Yingtianfu resemble a giant dragon coiled around the city, and the protective array shimmers with a faint spiritual light, exuding grandeur and magnificence.

This is the core of the "Great Ming Cultivation World" and also the sphere of influence of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

The flying boat slowly landed in the designated docking area outside the city. Li Yunjing and his two companions stepped off the deck, and the surrounding cultivators looked at them with awe.

Today, "Yingtianfu" is different from what it used to be.

Previously, this place was merely the imperial capital of the court, otherwise it would have been necessary to maintain order among the mortals. Now, it has become the rear base for the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" to support the East Sea.

Cultivators from various sects and families were orderly dispatched to the front lines in batches under the arrangement of the Shenxiao Temple.

Previously, the abbot of Shenxiao Temple was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, and was a particularly weak Foundation Establishment cultivator at that.

Now, a peak Golden Core realm expert has taken on the role of Abbot here.

"Finally home."

Li Yunjing let out a soft sigh of relief, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

Su Muqing stood to the side, gazing at the bustling street, her expression somewhat complicated.

"Fellow Daoist Su, what are your plans next?"

Li Yunjing noticed her emotions and spoke gently.

“I…should return to the ‘Northern Emperor’s Faction’.”

Su Muqing was silent for a moment, then whispered:
Her trip with Li Yunjing was unexpected, and now that the mission is complete, it is natural for her to return to the sect to report back.

However, having traveled together with her, she had already felt a pang of reluctance to part ways.

"Very well, please give my regards to the seniors of your sect."

Li Yun nodded at the scenic spot and did not insist on keeping him.

Su Muqing looked up at him, her eyes seeming to hold a thousand words, but in the end she only gave a soft "hmm".

“Sister Mu Qing, if you have time, you can come to the Shenxiao Dao Sect to find us anytime.”

Seeing this, Zhao Qi smiled slightly, stepped forward, took her hand, and said softly.

"Okay, definitely."

Su Muqing managed a weak smile.

The three walked into the city side by side. The streets were bustling with people and lined with shops. Compared to the East Sea, the cultivators here were more orderly and less wild, which was typical of rogue cultivators.

Li Yunjing led the two women to a spiritual food pavilion called "Zui Xian Lou" and ordered some spiritual wine and dishes as a farewell gift for Su Muqing.

"Fellow Daoist Li, will you be returning to the Divine Firmament Dao Sect next?"

After a few rounds of drinks, Su Muqing finally couldn't help but ask.

"Well, let's go back to the sect to report first, and then make further plans."

Li Yun nodded and smiled.

"Then... if you need anything in the future, please feel free to contact me."

Su Muqing bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, and then whispered.

"Okay, I'll contact you if anything comes up."

Li Yunjing smiled. He knew what Su Muqing was thinking, but he already had quite a few women, so he didn't want to cause any more trouble.

"Ok!"

Su Muqing's fingertips tightened slightly, but in the end she simply nodded gently.

After the banquet ended, it was nearly dusk.

The three walked out of "Drunken Immortal Pavilion," and the afterglow of the setting sun shone on the street, casting a warm golden glow.

"I'll take you to the teleportation array."

Li Yunjing said.

Once you arrive in the "Great Ming Immortal Cultivation World," you won't need to fly constantly like in the East Sea. There are plenty of teleportation arrays here, so you can teleport back all the way.

Su Muqing shook her head: "No need, I can go by myself."

She paused, then finally couldn't help but look up at Li Yunjing and whispered, "Take care."

"You too."

Li Yunjing smiled gently.

Zhao Qi also said softly, "Be careful on the road."

Su Muqing nodded and turned to leave.

Her silhouette stretched long in the setting sun, eventually disappearing at the end of the street.

Li Yunjing gazed silently in the direction she had left, remaining silent for a long time.

Zhao Qi gently took his arm and whispered, "Husband, are you reluctant to part with me?"

"I just feel that the path of cultivation is long and unpredictable." Li Yunjing came back to his senses, shook his head and chuckled.

Zhao Qi leaned on his shoulder and said softly, "But at least, we can still be together."

Li Yunjing squeezed her hand and smiled, "Let's go back to the sect."

The following morning, Li Yunjing and Zhao Qi boarded the "Sky Patrol Ship" and headed straight for the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" mountain gate.

From afar, the majestic "Shenxiao Peak" pierces the clouds, the protective array of the mountain shimmers with brilliant spiritual light, cranes circle around, and clouds and mist swirl, creating a scene of celestial beauty.

As soon as the "Sky Patrol Ship" approached, patrolling disciples came forward to greet it.

"Who is coming?"

The leading disciple asked in a loud voice.

Li Yunjing smiled slightly and took out his identity jade token: "Shenxiao Dao Sect, Li Yunjing".

"So it's Vice Sect Leader Li!"

Upon seeing the jade token, the disciple's expression changed immediately, and he quickly bowed, saying, "This disciple has been impolite!"

The disciples on patrol packed their belongings.

Li Yunjing waved his hand: "It's alright."

"Qi'er, I'll take you to the 'Seven Star Palace' and 'Qiwu Manor' first."

Before long, Li Yunjing and Zhao Qi arrived outside "Seven Star Peak".

Many disciples, stewards, and elders of the Seven Star Peak were astonished to see Li Yunjing return and bowed to greet him.

Li Yunjing is the chief steward of "Seven Star Peak"!

Li Yunjing nodded with a smile, responding to each of his fellow disciples' greetings.

"Vice Peak Master Li, you've been gone for over thirty years! The affairs within the peak have piled up like a mountain!"

One of the elders said, half-jokingly.

"With my senior brothers, elders, and deacons around, what do I have to worry about?"

Li Yunjing laughed loudly, "It's you all who have made great progress in your cultivation."

A young female disciple blushed and said, "It's all thanks to Senior Brother. The cultivation insights you left behind have benefited us greatly."

Just then, a hearty laugh came from afar: "Hahaha, Junior Brother Li has finally decided to come back!"

Everyone turned to look and saw a middle-aged cultivator in purple robes walking through the air. It was none other than Xu Wuyi, the deputy peak master of "Seven Star Peak".

"Senior Brother Xu, how have you been?"

Li Yunjing stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and offered his regards.

"You little rascal, you've been gone for thirty years! I've missed you terribly!"

Xu Wu patted his shoulder repeatedly: "Come on, let's go and report to the peak master first. Your teacher has been talking about you for a long time."

"Qi'er, you go with the steward to 'Qiwu Manor' to settle in first, I'll be right back."

Li Yunjing nodded, then turned to Zhao Qi and said softly, "I'm going to see the teacher."

"Go ahead and do your work, don't worry about it."

Zhao Qi smiled gently. She was already very satisfied that Li Yunjing had brought her back to the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" in a legitimate and open manner.

After watching Zhao Qi leave with the steward, Li Yunjing walked side by side with Xu Wuyi.

Along the way, Xu Wu kept rambling on about the changes within the peak over the past thirty years.

"I've been exhausted since you left. But honestly, things were smoothest when you were in charge."

Xu Wu sighed, "Now, all the newly initiated disciples treat your deeds as legends."

"It's not that exaggerated."

Li Yunjing chuckled: "What's so great about me?"

"How not?"

Xu Wuyi's eyes widened. "Your feat of fighting a Nascent Soul cultivator with only Golden Core cultivation back then has now been turned into a storybook!"

"Hahaha!"

Li Yunjing chuckled, thinking to himself, "If these people knew what he was capable of now, wouldn't they go crazy?"

As they spoke, the two arrived at a quaint courtyard perched on a cliff behind the mountain.

After announcing their names, the two were given permission to enter the courtyard.

Then, Qin Jiuxiao, the peak master of "Seven Star Peak" and the palace master of "Seven Star Palace", was sitting cross-legged on a futon, his spiritual power as deep as the ocean.

"Disciple Li Yunjing (Xu Wuyi) greets Master!"

Li Yunjing bowed respectfully to Xu Wuyi.

"No gift."

Looking at his two disciples, especially Li Yunjing, Qin Jiuxiao stroked his beard and smiled, "You've finally come back."

Qin Jiuxiao gestured for the two to sit down and personally poured two cups of spiritual tea, pushing them in front of them.

Amidst the fragrant aroma of tea, the "Seven Star Palace" master's gaze lingered on Li Yunjing for a long time before he suddenly let out a soft "Eh."

"Your cultivation level..."

Qin Jiuxiao's eyes flashed with a sharp light, "It seems there has been another significant improvement?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Wuyi's hand trembled, and he almost dropped the teacup.

He looked at Li Yunjing in shock: "Junior brother, you..."

Li Yunjing put down his teacup and said with a wry smile, "This disciple has indeed had some encounters during this journey."

He stood up and bowed respectfully, saying, "I was just about to report to my master."

As Li Yunjing began to speak, the room gradually became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

When he heard "extraterrestrial demonic calamity," Xu Wuyi's forehead was already covered in cold sweat; when he heard "mysterious heavenly realm," Qin Jiuxiao's beard trembled involuntarily.

"Finally, in the far north, I completed the task assigned by the senior from the Guanghan Palace, received his guidance, and by chance broke through to the sixth level of the Golden Core realm!"

After Li Yunjing finished speaking, the room fell into a long silence.

With a "crack," the jade cup in Qin Jiuxiao's hand suddenly turned into dust.

The usually composed peak master suddenly stood up, circled Li Yunjing three times, and then burst into laughter, "Good! Good! My 'Seven Star Peak' has finally produced another top-tier talent!"

Xu Wuyi finally came to his senses, so excited that he was incoherent: "Junior brother, you...you...you've gone from the initial Golden Core stage to the sixth level in just over thirty years? This..."

"It was all just luck!"

Li Yunjing quickly explained, "After all, I've experienced so much along the way, and some of those opportunities did indeed help me."

"However, our 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' should be careful in the future."

He hesitated for a moment, then said, "As far as I know, whether it's the thirty-six grotto-heavens of the 'Tianlan Continent,' or the Huangze Dynasty, the Taixu Sword Sect, the Heavenly Demon Sect... all the major powers know that the demonic calamity is coming."

"We actually knew about this earlier than they did!"

Qin Jiuxiao's smile vanished: "Back then, the core of the array that suppressed the extraterrestrial demons was located in our 'Great Ming Cultivation World'!"

"I see!"

Li Yunjing nodded, "It seems the sect has a plan to deal with this, then I can rest assured."

“Yun Jing, since you already know about this, I will not hide it from you.”

Qin Jiuxiao stroked his long beard with a solemn expression and said in a deep voice, "The sect's higher-ups started planning as early as ten years ago! We are still optimistic about the matter of the demonic calamity."

Upon hearing this, Xu Wuyi was greatly shocked: "Master, why is even I aware of this matter?"

"It was not that I intentionally concealed it."

Qin Jiuxiao sighed, "This matter is of great importance. Even the heads of the various peaks only know one side of the story. Now that Yun Jing has brought back important information, it confirms the sect leader's guess."

"What does Master mean?"

Li Yunjing asked thoughtfully.

"You have already broken through to the sixth level of the Golden Core realm and have personally experienced many important events."

Qin Jiuxiao looked intently at his beloved disciple, "Wait a moment, I will take you to see the Sect Master and give you access to top secrets!"

"hiss……"

Xu Wu gasped.

Such a momentous matter concerning the survival of the entire cultivation world, and you want your junior brother to be involved?

But on second thought, with his current cultivation and knowledge, he is indeed qualified to be among them.

"Disciples must do their best."

Li Yunjing clasped his hands in a solemn gesture, and at the same time, he felt a sense of relief, as if a huge weight had been lifted from his heart!
As long as the sect's higher-ups are mentally prepared, everything will be fine!

"But before that."

Qin Jiuxiao suddenly revealed a meaningful smile, "Shouldn't you formally introduce your Daoist partner to your master?"

“Master, you are wise to see that this is exactly what I intend to do.”

Li Yunjing blushed slightly: "Zhao Qi is currently at Qiwu Manor."

"Hahaha!"

Qin Jiuxiao laughed loudly, "Go, go, bring her to see your master tomorrow. As for now..."

He suddenly straightened his face and said, "You'd better come with me to see the Sect Master!"

With a wave of his sleeve, Qin Jiuxiao enveloped Li Yunjing in a beam of spiritual light, and the next moment, they appeared at the foot of Shenxiao Peak.

Looking up, the majestic main peak pierces the clouds, its summit shrouded in layers of mist, with the outline of magnificent palaces faintly visible.

"Come with me."

With a solemn expression, Qin Jiuxiao stepped onto the Heavenly Stone Steps.

Li Yunjing followed closely behind, a slight thought stirring in his heart.

These stone steps may seem ordinary, but they actually contain hidden restrictions. Without the guidance of the peak master, even a Nascent Soul cultivator would find it difficult to forcibly climb to the top.

When they reached the halfway point of the mountain, Qin Jiuxiao suddenly stopped and turned to look at Li Yunjing: "When you see the Sect Leader later, tell him all your thoughts!"

(End of this chapter)