A Mortal's Journey to Immortality: Wang Yu Transmigrates into a Book, the Dao Ancestor of Rein

Chapter 122 Making a Choice, Returning to the City, Heading to Little Huan Island

Should we really refuse the White Water Sword Sect's offer to join the seemingly more powerful Clear Rain Sect?

Without much hesitation, Han Li gave a surprisingly decisive answer:

"I apologize, seniors. Although I also yearn for the Qingyu Sect, I once promised an old friend that if I were to join a sect, it would have to be the Baishui Sword Sect."

"Old friend?"

The three members of Qingyu Sect frowned.

The middle-aged man in the lead was particularly unhappy.

Is the credit that was about to be earned just going to slip away like this?
The other cultivators were extremely curious.

The pale-faced youth from the White Water Sword Sect felt a great sense of relief, even a feeling of relief at finding a way out of a difficult situation. When he looked at Han Li again, his eyes were full of admiration, with a hint of gratitude.

"Yes, because of an appointment with an old friend."

Han Li nodded solemnly, a hint of reminiscence flashing in his eyes:
"More than ten years ago, when that old friend was at sea with her family, they were attacked by a monster. Both her parents were killed, and she herself was also in grave danger. However, just as she was about to perish, a senior expert from the White Water Sword Sect happened to pass by and chivalrously intervened, saving her life..."

At this point, a hint of sadness appeared in Han Li's eyes.

"Unfortunately, she escaped the attack of the demonic beasts, but could not escape the wickedness of human hearts. After she perished in a calamity a few years ago, her ambition became the ambition of this junior. I hope the seniors will understand."

The entire story was made up.

That's utter nonsense.

But that doesn't matter.

Even if others look at him with either pity or as if he were an idiot, he doesn't think it matters much.

What really matters is that he resolutely chose the White Water Sword Sect, rather than the Clear Rain Sect, which seemed to have a better future.

Others laughed at him for being stupid, but he laughed at them for being idiots.

Just then, a hearty laugh echoed from high above:

"Very well said. He is loyal, righteous, and keeps his promises. I will accept him as my disciple for now. Once he reaches the Foundation Establishment stage, he will become a direct disciple of my lineage. Elder brother and Senior Brother Zhao, you two must not compete with your junior brother for him."

The one who spoke was a middle-aged man in a Taoist robe.

There were two other people beside him.

He had white eyebrows and a white beard, and a sage-like demeanor.

The other was tall and strong, like an iron tower.

"Don't worry, I won't fight you for it."

The old man with white eyebrows and a white beard shook his head and chuckled.

When the Foundation Establishment stage youth of the White Water Sword Sect saw the three people gently descending from the sky, he immediately bowed:

"Greetings, Master Uncle! Greetings, Uncle Lu! Uncle Zhao!"

The other Qi Refining stage disciples of the White Water Sword Sect also bowed deeply upon seeing the newcomers:
"Greetings, Sect Leader! Greetings, Grandmaster Lu! Grandmaster Zhao!!"

"Ah."

The three people who arrived nodded slightly.

These three are three of the five Core Formation experts of the current generation of the White Water Sword Sect.

One sect leader, two elders.

The next moment, a powerful Core Formation stage aura emanated from the three of them, rushing straight towards the three Qingyu Sect members in mid-air.

Facing the oppressive aura of three Core Formation stage cultivators, the three Foundation Establishment stage cultivators from the Qingyu Sect all staggered, nearly falling from their flying swords. In an instant, fine beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads, and their previous arrogant posture vanished, replaced by a submissive and courteous bow.
"I've met three seniors!"

The Foundation Establishment cultivators, who had been so arrogant and domineering in front of the Qi Refining cultivators, could only tremble in fear and secretly pray that the three Core Formation experts would not lay a hand on them, these three ants.

"Go back and tell that guy surnamed Zhu that we will definitely be at White Smoke Island in a month. Hmph, get lost."

The burly, strong man waved his hand and gave a cold shout.

To the others, the sound wasn't loud. But to the three members of the Qingyu Sect, it was deafening.

With just this one cold shout, the three Foundation Establishment stage cultivators trembled in fear.

"Thank you, senior. I will certainly convey your message to my master..."

Immediately, the three of them, not daring to linger for even a moment, flew away on their swords.

The outsider has left.

After the three Core Formation cultivators finished the three tests, they immediately led Han Li and the other twenty new disciples up the mountain and back to the White Water Sword Sect's gate.

As soon as the two sects left, the remaining independent cultivators were in an uproar.

"To actually be accepted as a disciple by a Core Formation stage expert? That fellow Daoist's luck is simply too good!"

"A meteoric rise to the top! How come I never get such a good opportunity?"

"On another note, faced with such a tempting offer from the Qingyu Sect, that fellow Daoist remained unmoved, instead resolutely joining the Baishui Sword Sect to follow in the footsteps of his deceased friend? I can't wait for such a character. I admire his good fortune."

"Yes, the offer from Qingyu Sect was certainly tempting, but he refused..."

"I never imagined that the White Water Sword Sect had such a story and such charm?"

"I'll have to brag about it to a few close friends when I get back..."

"... "

Thanks to Han Li's actions, the reputation of the White Water Sword Sect was not tarnished, but instead reached new heights.

This was something that even the higher-ups of the White Water Sword Sect hadn't anticipated.

As for why Han Li talks nonsense all the time?
Why change your initial idea?
This was because the sensing talisman on his chest suddenly became burning hot three times in a row.

This means that three Core Formation cultivators have their eyes on him.

If he chooses Qingyu Sect, there's a good chance he'll be ambushed before leaving Changli Island.

If he chooses neither side, it will only raise more suspicions.

After weighing the options...

He thought it would be better to join the White Water Sword Sect.

The people here are very nice to talk to, and they treat him very well.

Most importantly, when the Star Palace was facing a great calamity and was on the verge of destruction, the White Water Sword Sect did not stand idly by, but instead sent a reinforcement led by three Core Formation stage cultivators.

The higher-ups would rather go to the battlefield and die with the Star Palace than bury their heads in the sand like ostriches.

Such behavior, regardless of the disciples below, at least those in the sect who have reached the Core Formation stage should know how to be grateful.

In short:

The sensing talisman still works.

The White Water Sword Sect isn't too bad.

Furthermore, even if the Qingyu Sect were to truly wage war against the Baishui Sword Sect, the Baishui Sword Sect would definitely not be the one to perish. Otherwise, why would they have waited over four hundred years for the sect to face the threat of annihilation?

Who knows, these minor conflicts might be tests that Ling Xiaofeng gave to those branch sects back then?

Furthermore.

at this point.

Now that he has inadvertently been drawn into the vortex between the two factions and can no longer keep a low profile, he should strive to gain the greatest benefit for himself.

After such comprehensive consideration…

The choice is not actually difficult.

When he was accepted as a disciple by a newly promoted Core Formation cultivator of the White Water Sword Sect, he was somewhat bewildered, truly not knowing whether to laugh or cry. After a moment of bewilderment, he breathed a sigh of relief:
They barely managed to escape danger.

...

During his Qi Refining stage, he joined the only Star Palace branch he knew of: the White Water Sword Sect.

Once he forms his core, he will be a true and upright member of the Star Palace.

At that time, many channels controlled by the behemoth that is Star Palace will be opened to him to a certain extent.

For example, the Star Palace only consumes some resources internally.

For example, there's the information he's most interested in about the extraterrestrial sea, especially maps of the areas it has already explored.

This is very important.

He wouldn't have taken this risk if it weren't for Biling Island.

Wouldn't it be better to reach the Core Formation stage while lying down in Tianxing City?

However, as a rogue cultivator in the Core Formation stage, how much more convenient would it be to join the Star Palace as a Core Formation stage cultivator within the Star Palace itself?
The former is constantly on guard.

The latter has impeccable political credentials.

The choices and differences involved are a matter of opinion.

...

Han Li and twenty newly initiated disciples were taken to the center of Changli Island by three Core Formation stage cultivators and brought into the White Sword Mountain, which was shrouded in mist and formations.

This place is surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, with pavilions and towers scattered throughout.

Their celestial aura is in no way inferior to that of the major sects and schools.

It doesn't look like a declining sect at all.

Of course, Han Li was still a little nervous along the way.

He was afraid that several Core Formation stage cultivators would interrogate him thoroughly and conduct a meticulous investigation.

By then.

He then had no choice but to resort to some deadly moves to force his way out of the area.

Fortunately, the time of a Core Formation stage expert is very precious. The cultivator surnamed Lu who accepted him as a nominal disciple briefly checked his magical power and confirmed that his cultivation level was fine. Then, after being surprised by his extraordinary good physical condition, he immediately assigned him to two Foundation Establishment stage cultivators who were in charge of other tests.

Once all his "information" was recorded, he successfully got started.

The process wasn't complicated.

After joining the sect, he was not mistreated and enjoyed all the benefits of a Core Formation cultivator's disciple:
For example, you can get two spirit stones every month.

One bottle of low-grade pills can be obtained each year.

They also gifted him a high-level magic weapon, one for offense and one for defense.

And two sets of sect disciple uniforms.

Moreover, as a disciple of a Core Formation expert in the sect, he did not have to squeeze into the stone houses in the miscellaneous service area with more than a thousand ordinary Qi Refining disciples. Instead, he had a simple cave dwelling backed by a spiritual vein, just like the hundred or so Foundation Establishment managers.

This is comparable to the treatment I received when I first joined Hongying Mountain.

Before he could recover, the eldest disciple of the Lu family, who was at the Core Formation stage and was also the only direct disciple and biological son of the man, sent him five jade slips.

The five jade slips each contained a high-level cultivation technique with the wood attribute.

He can choose any one of them to cultivate.

You can also seek guidance from this senior brother who is in the early stages of Foundation Establishment for any questions you encounter in your daily practice.

"Thank you for your help, Senior Brother."

Outside the cave, Han Li clasped his hands in greeting.

"If you encounter any danger in the future, just mention my name or my father's name. I think no one will bother you in the vast sea area around Changli Island."

The young man from the Lu family made a solemn vow.

Upon hearing this, Han Li nodded gratefully.

He had a very good impression of his senior brother, Lu Changfeng.

"Oh, right, take these two Foundation Establishment Pills."

The eldest disciple patted his storage bag and took out a pill bottle containing two snow-white Chaotic Star Sea Foundation Building Pills.

"This... this is unacceptable, this is unacceptable. It's our first meeting, how could I possibly accept such a valuable item?"

Han Li waved his hands repeatedly in refusal.

"Take these. One is the sect's reward for you, and the other is my father's appreciation. You did well this time. Not only did you not bring shame to the sect or damage its reputation, but you also took the opportunity to gain a good name for my White Water Sword Sect. I hope you can continue to uphold the sect's reputation and interests in the future. By the way, once you have reached the Foundation Establishment stage and improved your cultivation further, I have an important matter to entrust to you. Don't refuse then."

Senior Brother Lu handed the elixir bottle to Han Li and pressed it into his hand.

The words were quite meaningful.

"Yes, it will definitely happen."

Looking at the heavy pill bottle in his hand, Han Li was both amused and exasperated. Was this treatment a bit too generous?
It's so good it's unreal.

Even though the Foundation Establishment Pill wasn't worth many spirit stones in the Chaotic Star Sea, it still gave him a strong sense of unreality.

"No, this is a tactic to win people's hearts; it's like spending a fortune to buy a horse's bones..."

The other disciples in the sect might feel envious and jealous, but they would also be even more devoted to him.

"What a fine White Water Sword Sect."

After seeing off his senior brother Lu, he decisively went into seclusion.

Because he is in seclusion attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, there are no important matters he can be assigned to right now.

The main hall of the sect.

Several Core Formation stage cultivators sat facing each other.

"Senior Brother Sect Leader, are we really going to have to fight against Senior Brother Zhu's side?"

The burly man said with concern.

"Of course we have to have a fight, otherwise how can we demonstrate the chaos in this sea area? And how can we lower the guard of certain major powers in the Star Sea against our two families?"

The old man with white eyebrows and a white beard stroked his beard and said something.

"As you all know, in recent years, many Nascent Soul level powers in the Inner Star Sea have become increasingly restless, especially the Myriad Laws Sect and the Holy Demon Island, which are now irreconcilable enemies of my Holy Palace."

"If the two palace masters were not in seclusion cultivating their divine skills, neither Holy Demon Island nor the Myriad Laws Sect would be a threat..."

In their view, with the two Celestial Saints joining forces and their techniques enhanced, they were invincible in the Inner Star Sea.

"But those two palace masters have been in seclusion for hundreds of years, and during that time there has been no news of them achieving mastery of their cultivation techniques or breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage. This has further led to the current undercurrents between the various major powers and our Holy Palace."

"The officials in the Holy Palace are already overwhelmed by the probing of various forces and are unable to take care of us. Therefore, we can only find a way to protect ourselves."

"After discussing it with Senior Brother Zhu, we came up with the idea of ​​breaking the deadlock by creating a confrontational situation."

The White Water Sword Sect clashed with the Clear Rain Sect.

"If our two families clash and stage a major fight, creating some enmity, other major powers will instinctively assume that at least one of us is not an affiliated branch of the Holy Palace! They will think we are a truly neutral small to medium-sized sect! At that time, we will avoid a lot of trouble."

"Perhaps a powerful force will come to us and invite one of our families to join them?"

"And when the time comes, I can send messages to the adults in the Star Palace and secretly provide clues."

As the old man spoke, the others nodded repeatedly.

That makes sense:

After all, what kind of logic is there for a branch of the constellation to fight against another branch of the constellation?

"What Senior Brother Zhu means is that if any major forces from the righteous or demonic paths contact him, the entire Qingyu Sect will join them as inside agents to gather intelligence and understand the enemy. We, on the other hand, will continue to fight them to the death, play our part well, and prevent them from being exposed."

"If necessary, we can even expose the origins of the Holy Palace branch to protect Senior Brother Zhu and the others from suspicion..."

At their level, how could they not know that fierce battles between major powers could give smaller powers an advantage?

This also means that before major powers clash, the area is often cleared out.

They will either incorporate or completely eliminate some neutral small and medium-sized forces.

To reassure the major powers at the Nascent Soul level, these smaller powers couldn't remain too stable. Ideally, they should also be caught in a stalemate, chaos, and attrition. If conditions were right, they could apply to join or accept recruitment.

In short, as a branch, they should help the Holy Palace solve its problems.

Two disputes that are within a controllable range serve as excellent smokescreens.

...

"By the way, Junior Brother Lu, what about your nominal disciple..."

The burly man suddenly thought of something and mentioned Han Li.

After pondering for a moment, Lu Yu smiled and said:
"His bone age is over fifty, he has four pseudo-spiritual roots, and he's at the twelfth level of Qi Refining. His potential is limited. However, his physique is quite special. His dantian is quite deep, and the width of his meridians is unusual. Once he establishes his foundation, his magical power and true essence will probably be more than twice that of cultivators of the same level. He must have had some kind of fortuitous encounter in the past. In addition, there are no traces of any restrictions left on his body, and he has a naturally strong divine sense; his physique is also exceptionally robust, and he has a foundation for cultivating mortal martial arts. He is a rare and promising candidate for body refining."

The effects of the Great Evolution Technique and the Azure Origin Sword Art are too miraculous; they belong to the highest level of advanced techniques. Even the top Core Formation stage cultivators of the White Water Sword Sect don't have them; only the higher-ups of the Star Palace might have access to them.

Furthermore, the traces of the cultivation method are subtle and gradual adjustments, which are beyond the comprehension of Core Formation cultivators. Otherwise, these Core Formation cultivators could create their own cultivation methods.

Therefore, Han Li's condition was spontaneously determined by this cheap master to be due to his naturally strong divine sense and special physique.

"Is he a spy sent by one of the powerful forces in the outer sects?"

"Probably not."

The sect leader shook his head at this moment:

"Even if those powerful forces can't act openly, if they want to send spies to infiltrate our White Water Sword Sect, they'd have to send someone with dual spiritual roots, right? Otherwise, how can they infiltrate the power structure to gather intelligence? How can they control the sect's lifeline? And how can they orchestrate a split and internal strife?"

They understand the relevant tactics all too well.

Introducing someone with a pseudo-spiritual root as a spy? It makes no sense.

“Brother is right. Judging from his physical condition alone, my disciple is definitely a rogue cultivator who has had a fortuitous encounter. He may not reach the Core Formation stage in the future, but he is definitely a top-notch expert among Foundation Establishment cultivators.”

He's a decent henchman.

"Furthermore, Senior Brother Zhao, don't forget the methods we passed down. Once he cultivates the methods I passed down, if he wants to improve further, wouldn't he be completely devoted to serving the sect and the Holy Palace?"

"That's true..."

...

A month later.

The gambling match on White Smoke Island escalated into a fierce fight between the two sides.

Ultimately, Qingyu Sect emerged victorious, and White Smoke Island changed hands.

As a result, the two companies began to experience increasing friction.

None of this had anything to do with Han Li, who was focused on seclusion.

Spring passes and autumn comes.

A year has passed in the blink of an eye.

After taking a Foundation Establishment Pill, he returned to the Foundation Establishment stage several months ago.

After becoming a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he officially came into the sights of the higher-ups of the White Water Sword Sect.

He personally paid a visit to his new master, Lu Yu.

"Good lad, you've already reached the Foundation Establishment stage so quickly?"

"I was lucky."

Han Li humbly replied that he had no bottleneck in Foundation Establishment at all.

"Not bad."

Master Lu, who had only been in the Core Formation stage for a little over twenty years, was very satisfied with his second disciple. He hadn't expected Han Li to be able to establish his foundation so quickly, nor had he anticipated that he would succeed with just two Foundation Establishment Pills.

After looking him up and down several times, his expression suddenly changed again.

"Huh? Your cultivation technique..."

The cultivation technique remains the Azure Origin Sword Art.

How could one possibly choose one of the five common methods offered by this person?

Han Li also had a plan in mind for this:
"The cultivation method I practiced a few years ago was a gift from an old friend, namely the Azure Origin Sword Technique."

As he spoke, he took out an abridged version of the Azure Origin Sword Manual.

The complete version of the Azure Origin Sword Technique has thirteen levels and can be cultivated to the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage. This abridged version has ten levels and can be cultivated to the early Nascent Soul stage.

The wood-attribute cultivation techniques that Master Lu Yu presented could only be cultivated up to the early stage of Core Formation.

Upon comparison, the specific problem should be clear to this cheap master himself.

"You're lucky."

Master Lu hesitated for a long time before finally managing to utter this one sentence.

He too had unspeakable suffering.

It wasn't that he didn't want to pass on better and more complete techniques, but rather that the rules of the Holy Palace stipulated that only the earlier parts could be taught first. Once one's cultivation reached a certain level, one could return to the Holy Palace to receive the complete inheritance.

As we all know, changing one's cultivation method is very time-consuming and laborious.

The intention behind the Holy Palace's actions is self-evident.

"Since you have a more complete method, I won't hinder your path. However, the method you cultivate is unfamiliar to me, and I'm afraid I can't give you much guidance. From now on, you'll have to rely entirely on yourself. Therefore, don't slack off in your cultivation."

Master Lu said with mixed feelings.

For a master to bestow something less valuable than what the disciple already possesses is utterly shameful…

How could he not have mixed feelings?

"Thank you for your kindness, Master."

"Alright, besides paying respects to your master, is there anything else you wish to do here?"

"This disciple is preparing to travel to Tianxing City!"

Changli Island is located in the northeastern part of the Inner Star Sea.

Kui Xing Island is located in the southwest corner of the Inner Star Sea.

Tianxing City is located in the middle, just passing by.

It's a good time to go back to the cave on the forty-eighth floor of the sacred mountain and see if the spirit insects have hatched yet.

"Traveling is indeed necessary. It would be good to visit Tianxing City." Letting this kid witness the magnificence of the Holy City and appreciate the grandeur of the Holy Palace will make it easier to persuade him and gain his acceptance when revealing his identity later.

go Go.

"However, things are not peaceful outside lately, so you should be careful on your journey. Take these two top-tier magic artifacts as a token of my and the sect's congratulations on your successful Foundation Establishment."

The sect will bestow a top-tier magic weapon upon newly promoted Foundation Establishment stage cultivators.

It's just that, depending on one's strength and status, one will be granted a fine, rare, or even top-quality item, depending on the specific circumstances.

For example, if the sect leader personally teaches you, you will usually receive a top-tier magic weapon of minor quality.

Those passed down personally by elders are considered treasures.

"Thank you, Master."

Han Li's face was full of joy.

But his heart remained calm and undisturbed.

A top-tier, rare magical artifact, while not as rare as it is in the sparsely populated and monster-infested Chaotic Star Sea, is still incredibly valuable to a newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivator. For other newly promoted Foundation Establishment cultivators, obtaining this treasure would greatly increase their strength. But for him, a magical artifact of this caliber would only become a dusty decoration in the corner of his storage bag.

Of course, although the equipment was average, he truly appreciated the kindness and goodwill shown.

Master Lu is a good person.

The White Water Sword Sect is quite decent.

...

Foundation Establishment Pills and top-tier magic weapons are being given away like cabbages?
In the far south, I wouldn't even dare to dream of it.

Simply outrageous.

That's even more outrageous.

But in the Chaotic Star Sea, the situation is different. Here, the resources of demonic beasts are excessively abundant. As long as there are mid-level sects with Core Formation cultivators in charge, there's no story of them being overwhelmed by Foundation Establishment Pills and top-tier magic artifacts. The fact that several female Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Myriad Sounds Sect could produce magic treasure-level items, and not just ordinary magic treasures at that, shows how much this place defies common sense.

Of course, small sects without a Core Formation cultivator in charge are a different story.

For example, the small sect where Yuan Yao and Yan Li belong is struggling to survive, let alone offer sect benefits.
...

The journey back to Tianxing City was uneventful.

After all, Changli Island is located within the twelve star islands of the Inner Star Sea.

There is currently no significant danger within this area.

Currently, the righteous and demonic paths have only infiltrated and absorbed the outer twenty-four star islands. Forces such as Holy Demon Island, Myriad Laws Sect, Extreme Yin Island, and Night Dragon Island are still exercising considerable restraint.

This is one of the reasons why Han Li dared to go out.

If only we wait until decades later, when the infiltration of both righteous and demonic paths is about to reach the ten-thousand-mile sea area of ​​Tianxing City, and when they are so cautious that even a small sect like the Miaoyin Sect is being targeted, then, without the cultivation of the Core Formation stage, he would definitely obediently hide in a corner and not go anywhere.

Things are alright now.

After circling around and around, and confirming with the help of the sensing talisman that no one was following him, he finally entered the cave.

The feeling of being home washed over me, followed by a sense of relief as I let down my guard.

After taking a pleasant bath and a nap, he headed to the insect chamber.

More than a year has passed, and in the two small spirit-gathering arrays in the two insect chambers, more than twenty golden-backed mantis larvae and blood jade spider larvae have not yet hatched.

"It seems that although the Spirit Gathering Array can gather spiritual energy to help the hatching of spirit beast eggs, its effectiveness is far inferior to that of the Spirit Eye Spring."

Although Han Li felt regretful about this, he didn't take it too seriously.

Let it hatch later if it's going to be a little later.

Judging by the time, it's still early.

So he devoted himself to rigorous training for several more years until he was almost sixty-one years old.

"The Gold-Eating Insects are theoretically due to emerge in a few years, but going more than four years in advance doesn't necessarily mean we won't run into them..."

If he had obtained the Gold-Eating Insects four years earlier, he would have had another major trump card at his disposal.

In the waters off Kui Xing Island, on Xiao Huan Island, Sha Dan's clone led him directly there.

　Let's release it early to avoid any emotional outbursts over the previous chapter.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)