A Mortal's Journey to Immortality: Starting as a Rogue Cultivator

The more the old man spoke, the more alarmed he became.

It felt as if someone had stripped off my clothes, exposing everything to the public.

"Junior brother, did you come here specifically to lecture me?"

This senior brother Lin's eyes were already bloodshot.

"I wouldn't dare; I'm merely relaying these words on behalf of my master."

The moment Li Huayuan, who was at the Core Formation stage, was mentioned, the other person immediately seemed to have all their strength drained away and lost all their temper.

"Ahem, senior brother, how foolish it is to place your hopes on such unrealistic and extravagant wishes as great progress in cultivation and the loyalty of your old subordinates! Haven't you ever thought about personally training a few disciples or winning over some fellow disciples to help you with your great undertakings?"

“Train? Where would I get the resources?”

Winning them over? What could I possibly offer in order to win them over?

A good cook cannot cook without rice.

"That's why my master said, 'Brother, you're blinded by a single leaf, guarding a mountain of treasures without realizing it!'"

"What do you mean, junior brother?"

The old man's eyes flickered, and he became interested.

"Firstly, the Great Evolution Technique and the Puppet True Explanation were given to my master, who will then receive the protection of a promising Core Formation cultivator from the sect. I believe my senior brother understands this choice and the benefits behind it."

It's starting to sound like outright robbery.

However, Wang Li didn't care.

He now represents Li Huayuan.

But this person in front of him, he couldn't very well make a special trip to Bibo Cave to find out the truth, could he? Otherwise, he might offend this Mr. Wang badly before even seeing Li Huayuan. He would suffer the consequences.

"Secondly, regarding those disciples who are willing to participate in the Blood Trial and will be assigned to you by my master, I hope you will take care of them and explain the basics of the Great Evolution Technique and the Puppet True Explanation to them in detail, so as to improve their survival rate as much as possible. Once these people successfully establish their foundation in the future, even if they are not entirely on your side, they will still remember your kindness. I think you can see that."

"At that time, it will be a win-win situation for both Senior Brother and my master's lineage. Wouldn't that be wonderful? When Senior Brother is in trouble, how could those disciples who have received your kindness forget your kindness when they achieve success in the future?"

"Senior Brother Lin, this is much more reliable than those old subordinates you've trained! After all, we're all fellow disciples now, and we share a bond of camaraderie!"

The whispers, like the murmurs of a demon in his ear, suddenly elevated the old man's perspective and gave him a real glimpse of the possibility of regaining control of the Thousand Bamboo Sect!

"A disciple who invested in the Crimson Trial?"

He had never thought of that.

But after Wang Li pointed it out, he thought about it carefully and was surprised to realize how much it involved.

"Does Senior Brother look down on people like me who entered the monastic life later in life?"

This was another wake-up call.

Yes, isn't the person in front of us a perfect example?

He survived the Crimson Forbidden Zone and successfully established his Foundation! For some unknown reason, he was also fortunate enough to become a disciple of a Core Formation cultivator! Their hidden status was significantly higher than his, a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator!

"Whoosh, whoosh..."

The old man's breathing quickened slightly: There's hope.

"Senior brother, don't keep our master waiting. Otherwise, a good thing might turn into a bad thing, and that wouldn't be good. Also, senior brother, don't make any mistakes in this matter, such as thinking about handing over the cultivation technique to other senior uncles or aunts in exchange for some benefits or promises. If such an unpleasant thing really happens, senior brother should be aware of the consequences."

"No, no, how could I, Lin, do such a foolish thing?"

The probability of pleasing neither side is too high.

Lin, who was excited by his aroused desires, finally came to his senses after being warned.

"That's good."

Hey, what are you waiting for? Hurry up and inscribe the jade slip!

"Junior brother, please wait a moment."

The weak have no right to negotiate with the strong.

"Heh, making such a decision so quickly, Senior Brother truly deserves to be a man capable of great things."

The first step in his scheme to get something for nothing was about to succeed. It was certain that Wang Li's excitement was no less than the old man's. But he suppressed it all, revealing not a trace of change in his heartbeat. His face remained consistently indifferent, as if it were none of his business.

The person before me had already perfected the first two levels of the Great Evolution Technique, and was close to the third level as well. His divine sense was so powerful that it was approaching the Core Formation stage.

He made the slightest mistake, and the whole thing collapsed.

He was frustrated because he realized that all his efforts would be in vain.

……

An hour later, the inscription on the two jade slips was completed.

“Junior Brother Wang, I will remember your kindness in admonishing me today and will repay you in the future.”

He may be all smiles on his face, but what he's really thinking inside is anyone's guess.

But if it were him, Wang, being forced into cooperation, even if the cooperation could indeed bring about a win-win situation, he would absolutely not be happy. He would harbor resentment towards the person who came, and would certainly not feel grateful; in fact, it would be good enough if he didn't feel much resentment.

Therefore, it's best to offer some reassurance.

"Senior Brother Lin, this is a bottle of Qi-Harmony Pills given to you by my master. He said that regardless of whether the Great Evolution Technique and the Puppet True Explanation are suitable for his lineage, this is something you deserve."

When Wang Li retrieved the pills, he looked like he had a headache; it was truly painful for him.

The materials for refining the Qi-Harmony Pill are very difficult for a typical Foundation Establishment stage cultivator to gather.

"This……"

In an instant, the gloom hidden in my heart dissipated a little.

The old man gained a new understanding of Li Huayuan: at least he didn't blatantly steal.

Because the value of this bottle of pills alone is more than 1,500 low-grade spirit stones. Moreover, these kinds of pills are usually priceless and unavailable; no one would be willing to part with them.

"Thank you very much for your generous gift, Uncle Li."

For some reason, it gave Wang Li a sense of déjà vu, like when Han Laomo met his Uncle Ye.

Despite feeling incredibly depressed and frustrated, and with a smile that was utterly fake, she was filled with both pain and resentment. Yet, she had no choice but to put on a smiling face and say things that would please the other person.

The whole process is a tragedy for the weak.

It's bitter.

"Well, it's mutually beneficial. Alright, senior brother, I should go back and report now."

He extended his gloved right hand.

There's no way around it; I'm afraid of being tricked or stabbed in the back.

"Alright, thank you for making this trip, junior brother."

As he spoke, he painfully handed over two jade slips.

Upon seeing this, Wang Li's expression changed, and he immediately withdrew his hand with a look of displeasure.

"Junior brother, what's going on?"

The old man was truly puzzled.

"Senior brother, you keep the jade slip, but give me the original!"

Old Lin: "..."

I……!

Chapter 56 Getting Something for Nothing 2

"What, Senior Brother, did you tamper with the jade slip?"

Wang Li's expression suddenly darkened.

"Junior brother, what are you saying? How could I possibly have such thoughts..."

This is a pit you shouldn't fall into.

Even if he did tamper with things.

For example, the first and second levels of the Great Evolution Technique given are merely abridged versions for ordinary disciples. If one uses these as a foundation to cultivate the Great Evolution Technique, it will be very difficult to eventually reach the third level. In any case, to his knowledge, the Thousand Bamboo Sect has never produced such a monstrous talent in its ten thousand years of history.

"Senior brother, now that you've made your choice, why act like a coy woman? Master has sharp eyes; if he sees anything wrong, I'll be in trouble, and you won't be spared either."

Turning to watch the old man reluctantly but with a forced smile take out the original copies of the two classic texts, "The Great Evolution Technique" and "The True Explanation of Puppetry," Wang Li's expression softened and he revealed a look of satisfaction.

Having obtained the goods, they naturally wanted to make a run for it.

With a bow, Wang Li turned and left without hesitation.

"and many more……"

The sudden sound from behind almost startled him so much that he summoned his magical artifacts and talismans, nearly unleashing dozens of low-level and high-level talismans plus two mid-level and mid-grade talismans.

“Junior Brother Wang, please take these mid-to-high-level level one puppets to Uncle Li as well. If you want to study the Puppet True Explanation, having these mid-to-high-level puppets as a reference will speed up your learning process. Of course, this is not because I doubt Uncle Li’s abilities, but simply as a small token of my respect for him.”

Is this... a sudden realization? A breakthrough?

"These puppets are a gift from your elder brother to you, junior brother. If you are interested in puppetry, you can take them apart and study them. You are also welcome to visit my humble abode when you have time, and it would be nice to study the Great Dao together with your elder brother."

Has he really figured it out? And suddenly he's become so good at dealing with people!

“Senior brother, then I won’t stand on ceremony. I will certainly convey your sincere feelings. By the way, this matter involves my master’s reputation, so please keep it a secret, Senior Brother Lin.”

Free benefits are never wasted.

Upon seeing this, the old man burst into laughter; Wang Li, of course, returned the smile.

Parting ways amicably is the way it is.

As Wang Li's escape light rapidly disappeared into the distance, the old man's smile gradually faded, replaced by a burning rage that made his hands clench so tightly they cracked. But then, a bitter smile appeared on his face. Turning back to see the bottle of Qi-restoring pills on the table, and considering the various feasible actions to be taken later, he sighed with relief.

Since you are in a subordinate position, you should be aware of your place.

……

Now let's talk about the other side.

Having obtained the item, Wang Li flew at a leisurely pace, slowly inscribing the jade slip while carefully considering the feasibility of his long journey. He had absolutely no intention of taking the cultivation technique and running away.