Immortality and cultivation: Heaven rewards diligence, and success is inevitable.

Since Ling Xuzi wants to see him, Jiang Shi might as well go!

In addition, Jiang Yu is still at the City Lord's Mansion, and he wants to bring her back to Biluo Valley.

Before leaving, Hua Luoyu asked, "Do you want me to come with you?"

Jiang Shi shook his head and said, "No need, I can go by myself."

Hua Luoyu didn't insist, but simply said, "Go early and come back early."

Jiang Shi flew to Canglin City alone.

Now he is a Golden Core cultivator, and his flight speed is more than twice as fast as that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. The ground beneath his feet recedes backward, and the wind whistles in his ears.

In less than half an hour, the outline of Canglin City came into view.

He did not land at the city gate, but flew directly to the airspace above the city lord's mansion.

The protective array of the city lord's mansion sensed his presence and trembled, but did not stop him.

Shangguan Shuo flew out of the mansion.

"Master Jiang, you've arrived!" Shangguan Shuo clasped his hands in greeting, his attitude even more respectful than before.

It was obvious that they already knew about Jiang Shi's breakthrough to the Golden Core stage.

At first he didn't believe it, but now that he sees it, it's true!

Jiang Shi nodded: "Is Ling Xuzi here?"

"Yes, the Supreme Elder knew you were coming and is already waiting in the reception room." Shangguan Shuo led the way.

Jiang Shi followed him into the city lord's mansion and into the reception room.

Ling Xuzi sat in the main seat and rose to greet Jiang Shi when he entered.

"Fellow Daoist Jiang, you've arrived." Ling Xuzi smiled and clasped his hands in greeting.

Jiang Shi returned the greeting: "Senior Ling Xuzi, you are too kind."

The two sat down, and Shangguan Shuo personally served tea and water before stepping aside.

The tea was no ordinary thing; it was all second-grade spiritual tea!

Ling Xuzi said, "Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on reaching the Golden Core realm! A truly joyous occasion!"

Ling Xuzi was very enthusiastic. He still vividly remembered the day he was injured by the mysterious object in Jiang Shi's dantian!

Today, Jiang Shi has once again entered the Golden Core realm. Judging from the aura emanating from Jiang Shi, the Golden Core he has achieved must be extraordinary.

He's not someone a nobody like him can compare to!

The two exchanged pleasantries and talked about many things. Since Jiang Shi had just broken through, they talked for a while about his cultivation experience in the Golden Core stage.

After listening to Ling Xuzi's explanation, I gained some understanding.

After a while, the two talked about the situation in the Canglin region. Ling Xuzi said that there was still no movement from the Qingyun Sect, and the mountain-protecting formation remained open, preventing anyone from entering.

"Sect Leader Lu is determined to go into seclusion to break through," Ling Xuzi said. "But where would he get a Core Formation artifact? He's already squandered all of Qingyun Sect's resources."

Jiang Shi didn't respond. He didn't want to talk about Sect Leader Lu behind his back, nor was there any need to.

Jiang Shi originally intended to take advantage of his breakthrough to the Golden Core stage to kill Sect Leader Lu and eliminate any future troubles!

However, the top-grade spiritual artifact, the Mountain and Sea Banner, would certainly not allow Jiang Shi to make a move, so it spared Sect Leader Lu's life.

Seeing that he remained silent, Ling Xuzi changed the subject: "You've come to pick up your disciple, haven't you?"

Jiang Shi nodded and said, "She's been bothering the City Lord's Mansion for so long, it's time to take her back."

Upon hearing this, Ling Xuzi said, "Her aptitude is quite good. She would be better off cultivating under your tutelage than here."

He sent Shangguan Shuo to fetch Jiang Yu.

A moment later, Jiang Yu ran in with Shangguan Shuo.

She was wearing a light blue dress and her hair was tied in a ponytail, giving her a youthful look.

Her eyes lit up when she saw Jiang Shi.

"Master!" Jiang Yu rushed over and hugged Jiang Shi's arm. "You've finally come to pick me up!"

Jiang Shi patted her head: "Pack your things and come with me."

Jiang Yu jumped up with joy, turned around and ran out to pack her bags.

Shangguan Shuo said with a smile, "This girl has lived here for so long, and this is the first time I've seen her so happy."

Ling Xuzi smiled as well: "A deep bond between master and disciple, that's a good thing."

Both Shangguan Shuo and Ling Xuzi were deliberately trying to curry favor with Jiang Shi.

Jiang Yu quickly finished packing.

She didn't have much stuff; she just carried a small bundle back with her.

Jiang Shi stood up and bid farewell to Ling Xuzi: "Thank you for taking care of me at the City Lord's Mansion these past few days."

Ling Xuzi waved his hand: "No need to be so polite. Let's keep in touch."

Shangguan Shuo escorted the master and apprentice to the entrance of the city lord's mansion.

Jiang Shi took Jiang Yu and flew into the sky.

It was Jiang Yu's first time flying so high. She was both scared and excited, and she held tightly to Jiang Shi's sleeve as she looked down.

"Master, it's so high!" Her voice trembled, but her eyes were full of excitement.

Jiang Shi said, "Don't look down."

Jiang Yu quickly looked up, but couldn't help but sneak a peek down.

After flying for half an hour, we arrived at Biluo Valley.

Hua Luoyu stood waiting at the valley entrance. Seeing Jiang Shi descend with Jiang Yu, she smiled and said, "This must be your apprentice, Jiang Yu."

Jiang Yu bowed politely: "Valley Master Hua."

Hua Luoyu glanced at her and said, "Fifth level of Qi Refining, solid foundation, not bad. Looks like you didn't slack off at the City Lord's Mansion."

Jiang Yu puffed out his chest: "I cultivate for six hours every day!"

Hua Luoyu smiled and said to Jiang Shi, "I've already arranged her accommodation in the small courtyard next to your cave."

Jiang Shi nodded: "Thank you for your help."

Hua Luoyu waved her hand: "Why are you being so polite with me?"

Jiang Shi took Jiang Yu to her small courtyard.

The courtyard wasn't large, but it was very clean. There was a main house, a side house, and an osmanthus tree in the courtyard.

Two female disciples from Biluo Valley were cleaning when they saw Jiang Shi arrive and quickly bowed.

Two female disciples from Biluo Valley were cleaning when they saw Jiang Shi arrive and quickly bowed.

Jiang Shi said to Jiang Yu, "You'll be living here from now on. These two will take care of you. If you need anything, just tell them."

Jiang Yu looked at the courtyard, then at the osmanthus tree, and a smile appeared on her face.

"Master, this place is wonderful."

Jiang Shi said, "Don't be lazy in your cultivation. I will be going into seclusion tomorrow for two years. During these two years, you should cultivate according to the methods I teach you. If you don't understand something, ask Valley Master Hua."

When Jiang Yu heard that he was going into seclusion for two years, the smile on his face faded a little, but he still nodded: "Master, don't worry, I will definitely work hard."

Jiang Shi took two items out of his storage bracelet and handed them to her.

A high-grade magic weapon longsword, with both metal and water attributes.

A bottle of second-grade cultivation pills.

"The sword is for self-defense, and the pills are to aid your cultivation. Use them sparingly."

Jiang Yu took the things, her eyes a little red: "Master, can I visit you while you're in seclusion?"

Jiang Shi shook his head and said, "The cave entrance is closed; I can't get in. We'll meet again when I come out of seclusion."

Jiang Yu sniffed and didn't say anything more.

Jiang Shi gave a few more instructions, then turned and left.

That evening, Jiang Shi sat at the entrance of his cave, gazing at the night sky.

Hua Luoyu walked over at some point and sat down next to him.

"What are you planning to do next?" she asked.

Jiang Shi said, "I'm going into seclusion. My Golden Elixir is newly formed and needs time to consolidate."

"how long?"

"Two years."

Hua Luoyu nodded and took out an item: "This is Five Elements Spirit Liquid. Although it is only grade two, its characteristic of gathering the five elements will be useful to you."

Jiang Shi glanced at her: "Thank you."

Hua Luoyu smiled but didn't say anything.

The two sat for a while, then went their separate ways.

Jiang Shi felt that Hua Luoyu's crazy personality seemed to have improved somewhat.