I rely on learning to achieve immortality.

Chapter 143 Foundation Establishment Disciple

Although the strange beasts can alter the earth's veins, this knowledge is beyond Juanming's capabilities.

Xu Zhou comforted him, telling him to focus on the knowledge related to formations.

After chatting for a while, he got up to say goodbye.

As he was leaving, Hu Anming seemed to remember something and suddenly said, "I've already heard about the fate of the Hu family."

Thank you, senior brother, for giving most of the Hu family a chance.

Xu Zhou smiled slightly: "This matter is also of considerable benefit to me, so there's no need for such formalities."

Juanming's face showed a hint of reminiscence, but he didn't say much. He simply nodded and saw Xu Zhou out of the Imperial Array Hall.

After leaving, Xu Zhou had no intention of staying in the sect any longer.

He was not very familiar with most of the new disciples in the sect.

Occasionally, he would see a familiar face, most likely someone from his ancestors who had known him. But upon further inquiry, he would learn that these people were either very old or had long since passed away.

Xu Zhou sighed inwardly. Having been away for over thirty years, the sect had become somewhat unfamiliar to him.

Not long after, he set off back to Red Maple Valley.

Upon returning to the vicinity of Red Leaf Market, Xu Zhou noticed that the market seemed more lively than usual.

Several Foundation Establishment cultivators who had previously been in seclusion are now appearing in the market.

After making a few inquiries, I learned that the Thousand Veins Chamber of Commerce's ten-year auction was approaching, and the Chamber's flying ship would arrive soon.

Xu Zhou wasn't surprised.

Judging by the timing, this auction should have started much earlier. However, for some reason, the Chamber of Commerce has been a little slower this year than usual, postponing it by a few months.

The Chamber of Commerce's airship is about to arrive, so we can look forward to this year's auction items.

a few days later.

Outside the market, a giant airship slowly approached.

Families such as the Luo family stationed in the market all had Foundation Establishment cultivators present.

Xu Zhou was also among the crowd.

Although the garrison commander of the Golden Flame Sect at the Foundation Establishment stage has changed, he is now also the behind-the-scenes master of the Red Maple Pavilion and still needs to intervene.

I'll meet with the Chamber of Commerce elders later.

The elder sent by the Chamber of Commerce had never been here before and was somewhat unfamiliar with most of the cultivators.

After politely greeting everyone, the other party hurriedly took his leave to arrange the auction.

Xu Zhou felt a little strange.

Although the other party was quite polite, they seemed somewhat distracted.

However, he didn't think about it in detail.

The Chamber of Commerce was too busy to be his concern.

With this matter settled, Xu Zhou planned to return to Red Maple Valley to continue his seclusion.

Suddenly, his gaze paused slightly and fell on a group of guards behind the airship.

These guards exuded a stern aura and a faint sense of power; each of them possessed the aura of a peak Qi Refining expert.

The leader was clad in black armor, with a long sword at his waist, exuding an even stronger aura, clearly a skilled fighter in the early stages of Foundation Establishment.

However, Xu Zhou did not pay attention to the other party because of this imposing manner.

The captain of the guard had a somewhat weathered face, but you could still see his former features.

"This kid..."

The captain quickly noticed him too, turned around, and saw him.

The other person was taken aback for a moment, then quickly walked over and respectfully bowed.

"Disciple Li Pochen greets Master."

Xu Zhou looked him up and down.

The young man who left the sect back then, looking rather green, is now a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

His aura was condensed and profound, faintly carrying the sharpness of someone who had been through many battles, and even he himself could sense a hint of danger.

Clearly, the other party has not had a smooth journey abroad over the years.

"good."

Xu Zhou smiled and said, "Finally, I've reached the Foundation Establishment stage."

Li Pochen scratched his head, as if he had returned to the pharmacy he once lived in.

"I was just lucky."

Upon hearing this, several Foundation Establishment cultivators nearby couldn't help but turn their heads.

They naturally recognized Xu Zhou, but few knew that Xu Zhou actually had a Foundation Establishment disciple, and they couldn't help but show surprise at this moment.

Meanwhile, many members of the Chamber of Commerce's guard also looked over, seemingly curious about what the captain's master looked like.

Xu Zhou noticed the commotion around him and nodded: "Take care of your business first, and come see me at Red Maple Valley when you have time."

Li Pochen nodded respectfully: "Yes, Master."

The next day.

Xu Zhou was reading through ancient books in the wooden house when he suddenly noticed a slight movement in the array outside the valley.

He scanned the area with his divine sense, and a smile immediately appeared on his face.

"Come in."

As soon as he finished speaking, the clouds and mist outside the valley slowly parted.

A streak of light flew into it; it was Li Pochen.

The moment he entered the valley, he sensed the difference between this place and the outside world.

The valley is rich in spiritual energy, with lush vegetation and rare spiritual plants that can be found everywhere.

Even with his years of experience and knowledge, he could hardly recognize all the sacred trees in this place.

However, just by the aura emanating from each spirit tree, one can sense its extraordinary nature; many of them are rare items above the second tier.

However, these rare and precious plants now appear to be just ordinary scenery, casually planted in the valley and growing unchecked.

Li Pochen's eyes flickered as he watched.

After leaving the Mu Kingdom, he traveled extensively for many years and had seen many Foundation Establishment cultivators' cave dwellings. However, in terms of depth and grandeur, none could compare to the Red Maple Valley before him.

Soon, he finally arrived at the cabin.

Li Pochen stepped forward and bowed respectfully.

Xu Zhou stepped out of the wooden house, a smile on his face, and nodded to look the other person over.

At this moment, Li Pochen concealed his aura, suppressing the killing intent on his body, but his blood and energy were vigorous and his magic power was profound, making it clear that he was no ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Clearly, he has had many experiences and opportunities over the years.

Seeing this scene, Xu Zhou couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Li Zelei spent his entire life striving to achieve Foundation Establishment, but ultimately he collapsed before that threshold.

Who would have thought that years later, his son would take that step instead.

If Li Zelei could know this in the afterlife, he would surely be quite gratified.

"good."

"You've been working so hard outside, and you've managed to reach Foundation Establishment without relying on the sect or me. It's truly admirable."

Upon hearing this, Li Pochen remained silent for a moment, as if he had considered the difficulties involved.

But he then said sincerely, "Master, what are you saying? If it weren't for your dedicated teaching back then, how could I have such a solid foundation?"

Without your guidance and instruction, I would not have achieved what I have today.

Xu Zhou smiled and said with a sigh, "I am already very satisfied that you have this idea."

He nodded slightly and did not continue the topic.

His gaze swept across the room, but landed on the short figure behind Li Pochen.

It was a boy who looked about five or six years old, wearing a gray short-sleeved shirt, and his expression seemed a little reserved.

When the child saw Xu Zhou looking over, he immediately tensed up and subconsciously took a half step back.

"This is?"

Li Pochen then realized what was happening and quickly pulled the child in front of him.

"Master, this boy is named Lin Zhiyuan, and he is the descendant of an old friend of mine."

Xu Zhou glanced at the child again.

Although the other party was somewhat frightened, he still forced a bow and said, "This junior, Lin Zhiyuan, greets Senior Xu."

Xu Zhou nodded and returned a gentle smile.

"Come and sit down first."

After a while.

In front of the wooden house, the spirit tea had just been brewed and was emitting a faint fragrance.

After they were seated, Li Pochen and Xu Zhou chatted about their experiences over the years.

He went out to gain experience and often helped the Chamber of Commerce with some security tasks, so he became quite knowledgeable.

The two talked about many things, from their sects to the Zhu Kingdom, and even to several islands in the outer sea.

Many experiences that were previously inconvenient to write down on letter paper can now be discussed in detail, which amazes Xu Zhou.

Two hours passed in this way, until Lin Zhiyuan, who was standing nearby, had looked through all the spiritual trees in the valley and returned somewhat drowsy, before Li Pochen finished recounting his experience.

Immediately, his expression turned serious.

"Master, I have a favor to ask of you since I have returned this time."

Xu Zhou snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Lin Zhiyuan upon hearing this: "Is it related to this child?"

"Exactly."

Li Pochen nodded: "Master's medical skills are superb. I wonder if you could examine him?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhou's gaze shifted slightly.

He stretched out his hand to Lin Zhiyuan: "Come here."

Lin Zhiyuan hesitated for a moment, but still obediently walked closer.

Xu Zhou took his wrist and slowly probed into him with his divine sense.

A moment later, he released his hand, his brows furrowing slightly.

The meridians are unobstructed, the Qi and blood are normal, and although the spiritual root is not excellent, it is not inferior either.

No matter how you look at it, he is an ordinary child.

He looked at Li Pochen: "It seems there's no problem."

Upon hearing this, Li Pochen did not relax. Instead, he gave a wry smile and slowly explained, "Master, in the early years, I neglected to take care of him. In a moment of carelessness, he was bitten by a strange insect released by the enemy when he encountered foreign enemies."

Although I have killed this person, I have not been able to find the antidote, nor have I been able to find out the origin of the alien insect.

For so many years, this disciple has been worried about this.

A moment of silence fell over the area in front of the wooden house.

After a long pause, Xu Zhou said in a deep voice, "Tell me about your experiences back then in detail."