If Gou Cheng becomes the Dao Ancestor, the monkey will come to become his disciple.

Jiang Chuan had already anticipated this situation after learning that his breakthrough had triggered extraordinary phenomena in the heavens and earth.

Taihu Market is the core market under the jurisdiction of Biyang Immortal Sect. Several Foundation Establishment cultivators are stationed there year-round, and they will immediately go to investigate the cause if any changes occur in the market.

The terrifying phenomenon that occurred when he broke through would inevitably attract the attention of the Foundation Establishment cultivators of the Biyang Sect.

"...Sigh, I was hoping to cultivate in a low-key manner, but I never expected to be completely exposed this time. What should I do next?"

Jiang Chuan was troubled.

He suddenly remembered the new feature he unlocked after his breakthrough, when his remaining lifespan reached 1000 years: the [Lifespan Dojo].

If he had known this would happen, he would have activated this feature long ago, made a low-key breakthrough, and continued to develop secretly.

However, it's too late to restart it now; the strange phenomena in the sky have gradually dissipated.

He must now personally confront three Foundation Establishment cultivators, and even a Golden Core cultivator from the Biyang Immortal Sect.

If the other party is coercing you, how should you respond?

He was confident in killing a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the early stage and in escaping a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the late stage. But what should he do when facing a Golden Core cultivator whom he knew nothing about?

Fighting them would likely result in a loss.

Should we run away?

Even with the current basic version 1.0 of the "Xingzi Secret" which is only applicable to the Qi Refining stage, the speed may not be faster than that of a Golden Core cultivator.

In this world, the path of cultivation involves a world of difference in strength with each major breakthrough—a qualitative leap in one's life form. To challenge those higher realms is beyond his current capabilities, given his recent breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage...

suddenly,

Jiang Chuan thought of another function, and a new idea flashed into his mind.

"No, let's calm down first, there might still be a chance."

Innate Divine Ability [Clone]: Can create a clone that is completely identical to the original body. The duration of the clone's existence is determined by the amount of lifespan consumed.

If he were to create an avatar now to feign compliance with the three Foundation Establishment cultivators, while his true self hid in the crowd beforehand, or even escape directly from Taihu Market,

Once it's safe, then dissipate the clones, wouldn't that make it safe?

Once the idea surfaced, it instantly took root in his mind. After a moment's thought, Jiang Chuan decided to put it into practice.

A wise person does not stand under a crumbling wall.

Even if there is only the slightest possibility, one should try to hide one's true identity and protect oneself to prevent unforeseen events from occurring.

As long as you live, there is endless hope.

After making the decision,

Without saying a word, Jiang Chuan immediately used his innate divine ability [Clone], creating a brand new clone almost instantly.

This clone is completely different from Jiang Chuan after his appearance changed.

This clone was eight feet tall, with a handsome and dashing appearance, exactly as he looked in his youth. He exuded a powerful aura, and even an ordinary person would immediately recognize him as extraordinary, a true dragon among men...

"Excellent, excellent, excellent! This appearance perfectly matches the image of a cultivator in my mind. After slightly altering my appearance, I will go and meet them."

Jiang Chuan looked at the clone. He could easily multitask, but since it was his first time using it, he was a little unskilled.

After changing his appearance, his clone, also "looking" at his original self, nodded, then put on a brocade robe, and transformed into a streak of light, flying into the sky towards the three Foundation Establishment cultivators...

And his true self,

He immediately began to use the "Illusionary Word Secret" technique, changing his appearance into that of an old man with gray hair, over sixty years old—the very appearance he had previously disguised himself in the spirit field.

Then, observing the reactions of other cultivators in the spiritual field, he feigned shock, watching the celestial phenomenon in the sky about to dissipate, and packed his valuables.

In case his conversation with the Foundation Establishment cultivator of Biyang Sect went wrong, he was prepared to run away at any time.

Of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, running away is the best.

Perhaps today, he too will have to emulate Han Tianzun.

"The future depends entirely on the clone."

.........

The moment Jiang Chuan's clone flew into the sky,

At the same time, he activated the magic power within his body and noticed the difference.

Because the clone was exactly the same as the original, his internal magical power was now so great that it seemed as if he could pluck stars and chase the moon, giving off a sense of power.

Compared to when he hadn't broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage, the difference is more than ten thousand times.

Using the immortal-grade cultivation technique "Chaos Dao Scripture" to build a foundation requires opening 3600 spiritual apertures at each level of Qi Refining. Based on the total amount of innate magical power, it is more than a hundred times stronger than a cultivator who uses an ordinary low-grade cultivation technique to build a foundation, not to mention the quality of magical power.

Jiang Chuan's gaze fell upon the three Foundation Establishment cultivators who were flying over.

Suddenly, his pupils contracted, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, and he muttered to himself:

"Huh, it's her?"

Among the three Foundation Establishment cultivators opposite him, one was an "old acquaintance."

More than ten years ago, after his hasty farewell to Lin Zhiwei at Biyang Tower, he had to disguise himself and live a low-key life. He never sold "A Record of a Mortal's Journey to Immortality" or "Against the Gods" again, and rarely went to Biyang Tower, so he never saw her again.

Unexpectedly, upon their reunion, the other party had become one of the three Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed in Taihu Market.

While Jiang Chuan was pondering, Lin Zhiwei and the other two Foundation Establishment cultivators had already flown to Jiang Chuan's side. Several dozen meters away, a young-looking cultivator clasped his hands in greeting from mid-air and inquired:

"I am Tong Yan from the Biyang Sect. Greetings, fellow Daoist!"

Jiang Chuan, tall and straight with flowing black hair, responded with a bold and forthright fist salute:

"I am Ye Hao, and I greet you three fellow Daoists."

Tong Yan felt the terrifying aura emanating from Jiang Chuan and was immediately startled.

The other party gave him the aura of facing an ancient ferocious beast, just like facing a Golden Core ancestor of a sect, as if the other party could annihilate him at any time... Unconsciously, his body was already covered in cold sweat.

If the other party were to suddenly attack without warning, the three of them might perish here before the sect's Golden Core Ancestor arrives.

Therefore, children speak more tactfully, even to the point of being obsequious:

"Fellow Daoist Ye is indeed an outstanding person, handsome, majestic, and dashing. Meeting you today makes my life worthwhile."

Jiang Chuan was somewhat surprised by the other party's polite response.

But one shouldn't hit a smiling face, so he clasped his hands in return and said:

"Fellow Daoist Tong, you flatter me."

Seeing that Jiang Chuan, though so young, didn't seem difficult to deal with, Tong Yan felt a little relieved and smiled as she introduced the other two people beside her to Jiang Chuan.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, these two are my fellow disciples, Zhou Yuan and Lin Zhiwei."

"Zhou Yuan/Lin Zhiwei greets Fellow Daoist Ye!"

The middle-aged cultivator and Lin Zhiwei also clasped their hands in greeting, their eyes curiously scrutinizing Jiang Chuan.

Lin Zhiwei, in particular, was slightly stunned when she saw Jiang Chuan. Even though she had seen many outstanding talents from various sects, she was still somewhat surprised by his outstanding temperament.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists!"

As Jiang Chuan returned the greeting, his gaze swept over Lin Zhiwei. He was slightly surprised; the aura emanating from her gave him a faint sense of threat.

The child's words, spoken with a maturity beyond his years, carried a slightly tentative tone:

"Excuse my boldness, but I have never seen someone like Fellow Daoist Ye before. May I ask where Fellow Daoist Ye comes from?"

Upon hearing Tong Yan's words, Zhou Yuan and Lin Zhiwei exchanged a glance, a strange look flashing across their faces simultaneously.

Senior Brother Tong's ancestors were Golden Core cultivators, and he himself possessed top-grade spiritual roots. He broke through to the Foundation Establishment stage at a young age, and now, at less than a hundred years old, he is already a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. He is a Golden Core seed for the sect, and his future is limitless.

Therefore, he has always been arrogant in his actions and speech, but I didn't expect him to speak so tactfully today.

They understood that the terrifying celestial phenomena caused by the cultivator's breakthrough indicated that he was extraordinary, far beyond the reach of ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators.

He might be someone with an amazing background, so naturally I wouldn't dare to offend him with my words.

Jiang Chuan naturally understood the meaning behind the other party's words; they were trying to find out his background.

He quickly came up with his explanation.

"I was traveling with my master in the Yue Kingdom, sailing on Taihu Lake and traversing Yunmeng. I happened to come to this place and suddenly had an epiphany, realizing that I had a breakthrough opportunity. So I took this opportunity to break through here. I hope you will forgive me, fellow Daoist."

Upon hearing Jiang Chuan's answer, Tong Yan's eyes narrowed almost imperceptibly, his shock deepening. He hadn't expected that the other party would have such a profound and unfathomable master.

That's right. Those who can produce such extraordinary phenomena during a breakthrough must have extraordinary cultivation techniques. It would be difficult for someone who is not from a powerful family or has great opportunities to achieve this.

Tong Yan feigned admiration, clasped his hands in a fist and said:

"Fellow Daoist Ye and your master are indeed extraordinary people from another world. I admire them greatly."

"I wonder if my fellow disciples and I might have the opportunity to pay our respects to our esteemed master? We could offer you a cup of tea as a token of our gratitude?"

Jiang Chuan smiled faintly. He wasn't stupid, and immediately replied:

"My master is used to a life of leisure and dislikes worldly formalities. Some time ago, he was boating on Taihu Lake, and his whereabouts are unknown."

Upon hearing Jiang Chuan's answer, a glint flashed in Tong Yan's eyes, but on the surface, she still sighed and lamented:

"It is a great pity that I have not had the chance to meet such a sage. If I am fortunate enough to meet him in the future, I will personally pay my respects to my master."

After saying that, he extended an invitation to Jiang Chuan:

"Fellow Daoist Ye, since you are visiting my Taihu Market, my junior brothers and sisters and I have prepared some simple food and wine. I wonder if you would do me the honor of joining us so that I may extend a small token of our hospitality?"

Jiang Chuan glanced at the three people standing in a triangular formation, a posture indicating they were preparing for battle.

It seemed he was prepared to take action if he refused.

Jiang Chuan chuckled inwardly.

If he hadn't awakened his innate supernatural ability [clone], he would have definitely taken action without hesitation after being exposed, then fled Taihu Market and went into hiding somewhere else.

But now that he had a clone, he became a little bolder and decided to test the other party.

Moreover,

With clones as visible targets,

It's unlikely that anyone will continue to pay attention to his true identity.

In that case, one's own safety will be greatly improved.

Jiang Chuan nodded and clasped his hands in a fist salute, saying:

"Since you three have extended such a warm invitation, it would be impolite of me to refuse. So please continue to invite you."