I rely on learning to achieve immortality.

Xu Zhou did not blame Ouyang Ming for his refusal.

The fact that the other party was willing to openly disclose Zhang Wufeng's existence, thus preventing me from being kept in the dark, was already a great help.

However, how to handle this matter is still somewhat troublesome.

After leaving the other party's cave, Xu Zhou inquired about this Zhang Wufeng from other people.

Steward Zhang had semi-retired a few years ago and was not familiar with the affairs of Baicaotang, but Steward Ge still had some contact with Xu Zhou, so you could ask him for advice.

After making some inquiries, Xu Zhou was quite surprised.

Zhang Wufeng was not a person of great importance. It is said that his family was not prominent either, and he was able to enter Baicaotang through his own hard work.

This person is indeed quite capable, not only in alchemy and cultivation, but also, most importantly, everyone who has come into contact with him praises him highly.

It is said that even the elders within the sect have high hopes for him. If it weren't for his slightly inferior aptitude, they might have even taken him as a disciple.

Even Deacon Ge hinted to Xu Zhou that it was best not to confront him directly about this matter.

Back in his cave, Xu Zhou hesitated for a moment.

Although it wouldn't hurt to tolerate it for now, he has plenty of time.

However, although the secret realm is vast, the Heavenly Spirit Fruit may be scarce. If the other party gets it first, it won't be so easy for me to find it again.

As I was pondering this, I suddenly sensed someone coming to the door.

Outside the cave, stood a long-bearded monk.

He was dressed in a blue robe, exuded a calm and composed aura, and had a faint smile on his face, making him appear quite gentle.

Xu Zhou opened the barrier, and the other party immediately bowed in greeting.

"My name is Zhang Wufeng. I have come here to apologize to Master Xu."

Xu Zhou asked calmly, "What makes you say that, Master Zhang?"

Zhang Wufeng gave a wry smile: "Regarding the secret realm, I invited several inner sect experts away beforehand, ruining Senior Brother Xu's original plan. In the end, it was indeed my fault for not being fair, so I've come to apologize."

His tone was very frank, without any attempt to conceal anything.

Xu Zhou remained silent for a moment, then invited him into the mansion.

After the two sat down, the atmosphere was fairly harmonious.

When the matter of the secret realm was brought up, Xu Zhou didn't seem particularly angry. He simply said calmly, "Junior Brother Zhang, there's no need to worry about it. It's just a matter of each person relying on their own abilities. Since you were able to get others to help you, you're a step ahead of me. I won't hold it against you for this."

Upon hearing this, a strange light flashed in Zhang Wufeng's eyes.

He had expected Xu Zhou to be somewhat displeased, but to his surprise, Xu Zhou did not reprimand him and instead let the matter drop for the time being.

In this way, he became even more certain of achieving his goal today.

Zhang Wufeng stopped beating around the bush: "Actually, I have another matter to discuss with you today."

"Please feel free to speak."

"Senior Brother Xu wants to enter Sunset Valley to obtain the Heavenly Spirit Fruit within; presumably, he's after his own Foundation Establishment Pill?"

Xu Zhou did not deny it.

Zhang Wufeng slowly said, "In that case, why don't we join forces?"

Xu Zhou frowned: "What do you mean?"

Zhang Wufeng carefully chose his words and continued, "Senior Brother Xu should know that the Sunset Valley Secret Realm is fraught with danger, and each exploration consumes a great deal of energy. Even for top-grade alchemists like you and me, it is a considerable burden."

Since that's the case, why don't we join forces? I'll organize the expedition, and you, senior brother, don't need to lift a finger; just stay home and wait.

"Once I retrieve the Heavenly Spirit Fruit, we'll go together to find an elder within the sect to refine pills."

Zhang Wufeng smiled slightly: "As far as I know, when Heavenly Spirit Fruit is used as the main ingredient, the number of pills produced is often more than one. As long as there are more than two Foundation Establishment Pills, you and I can easily split them equally."

Xu Zhou narrowed his eyes slightly: "How did you know I could have an elder refine pills?"

Zhang Wufeng said confidently, "If there's no way to get it, why would you go to such lengths, instead of currying favor with the elders of the Hundred Herbs Hall, to search for the Heavenly Spirit Fruit in the Sunset Valley Secret Realm?"

Xu Zhou was speechless for a moment.

The other party was indeed very perceptive; he was right.

If what Zhang Wufeng said is true, then cooperation between the two parties is indeed a viable idea.

Xu Zhou no longer needs to expend spirit stones and resources to organize manpower; the subsequent losses will be borne by the other party. They only need to find the Heavenly Spirit Fruit, and then, using Xu Zhou's connections, both sides can obtain Foundation Establishment Pills.

It seems like a win-win situation.

There's just one problem...

Xu Zhou looked at the other person: "But what if, in the end, only one Foundation Establishment Pill is successfully formed?"

Zhang Wufeng fell silent immediately.

After a long pause, the other party sighed softly, "Then we can only hope that Senior Brother Xu... will give way a little."

Xu Zhou didn't say much, but simply gestured for the other party to share their specific thoughts.

Zhang Wufeng spoke sincerely, as if he were truly considering Xu Zhou's well-being: "Senior Brother Xu has profound attainments in alchemy; he may well find another opportunity in the future."

But Zhang is different.

"My vital energy is currently at its peak, and my cultivation is at its most perfect. If I had a Foundation Establishment Pill, I believe I would have at least a 60-70% chance of success."

At this point, he glanced away slightly, a hint of shame flashing in his eyes, but he still continued, "But Senior Brother Xu, you are already over seventy years old."

At such an advanced age, and with cultivation not even at its peak, even if he were to obtain the Foundation Establishment Pill, the success rate... would probably be less than ten percent.

Rather than doing that, it's better to give the opportunity to someone more promising.

Zhang Wufeng looked at Xu Zhou again: "In exchange, I am willing to swear that as long as you are willing to give me this once, I will do my best to fulfill whatever you ask of me in the future."

Whether it's in exchange for other foundation-building pills like the Pulse-Protecting Pill, or rare items like the Longevity Pill, Mr. Zhang will not refuse.

The air fell silent for a moment.

Xu Zhou stared at the person in front of him, remaining silent for a long time.

He began to suspect that perhaps Zhang Wufeng wasn't targeting him.

On the contrary, the other party may genuinely think it's an excellent proposal.

In everyone's eyes, an old cultivator over seventy years old, no matter how well he has mastered the art of preserving youth, should have already lost his vitality and had long since given up any hope of establishing his foundation.

Giving the opportunity to build a foundation to younger people in exchange for future favors is the most worthwhile choice.

only...

Xu Zhou suddenly laughed.

"I appreciate Junior Brother Zhang's kindness."

However, Xu was equally determined to achieve Foundation Establishment.

Zhang Wufeng looked slightly taken aback.

He had been confident ever since he entered Xu Zhou's cave, and only now did he feel taken aback.

Xu Zhou's refusal wasn't entirely incomprehensible to him. But the fact that he refused so decisively was something he hadn't expected.

After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "It seems that I underestimated my senior brother."

Xu Zhou did not reply.

Zhang Wufeng was not angry; he simply stood up and cupped his hands in greeting.

"In that case, I will say no more."

He paused for a moment, then added, "However, after I obtain the Heavenly Spirit Fruit, I may visit my senior brother again."

After all, I can wait a few more years. At worst, I can spend more time seeking help from other elders.

But if it drags on for too long, it will have a greater impact on you, senior.

If my senior brother changes his mind at that time, what I said today will still stand.

After saying that, he took his leave.

Xu Zhou did not see him off.

After he left, he let out a long sigh, and a strange thought arose in his mind.

"They actually talked to me about time..."

He quickly suppressed these thoughts.

Rethinking what happened today, Xu Zhou couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

"Although there are many disciples in the sect, only a few are skilled in combat and do not covet the Heavenly Spirit Fruit."

"Most of these people have been bought off by Zhang Wufeng. If I want to compete with them for the Heavenly Spirit Fruit in the secret realm, it will probably not be easy."

"Even if they fail on this mission, I dare not ask them for help again. Who knows who will end up with the Heavenly Spirit Fruit once they find it?"

"After all, the few thousand spirit stones given by an old cultivator are indeed not as valuable as the promise from a young alchemist."

Xu Zhou had no way to deal with this.

He was indeed quite old and didn't look like a cultivator capable of reaching the Foundation Establishment stage.

Given a choice, everyone would lean towards Zhang Wufeng.

"In that case, it seems best not to confront them head-on."

"If all else fails, we'll just have to wait it out with him."

That being said, simply waiting passively inside the house is rather passive.

If possible, it would be best to find another way out.

Thinking of this, Xu Zhou took out the Foundation Establishment Pill formula that Song Rou had given him.

This formula does not record only one refining method.

Besides the traditional method of using Heavenly Spirit Fruit as the main ingredient, there are many other substitutes. For example, the demon cores of certain demonic beasts, or other medicinal materials with similar properties.

Even excluding Foundation Establishment Pills, there are other Foundation Establishment Pills such as Meridian Protection Pills and Marrow Cleansing Pills.

Although its effects are not as good as the Foundation Establishment Pill, if you are well prepared, it is just as good.

"If all else fails, these pills can be used as a backup."

"Some of these pills are not difficult to refine. As long as I have the corresponding medicinal materials, I can try to refine them."

After thinking for a moment, Xu Zhou also had some ideas.

"Let's give Sunset Valley to him for now. If he really gets the Heavenly Spirit Fruit, it's not impossible to cooperate with him... Of course, even if we cooperate, I'll have to be in control."

"Besides, I also need to find another way to build a foundation; I can't put all my eggs in one basket."