You practice immortality, I farm 2

Chapter 1296 Old Friends Hard to Reunite, Resolving Heartache
After exchanging a few words with Lu Xuan, the Earth Star Lord and his companions hurriedly left.

Upon seeing this, the remaining cultivators at the edge of the tree realm abandoned all greed and scattered like birds and beasts, fleeing into the distance.

The guardian of the tree realm is someone who can easily defeat two mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. Under such circumstances, trying to take advantage of the chaos is tantamount to courting death.

Time slowly passed, and Lu Xuan floated quietly in the air. The Zhou Tian Star Sword Formation above his head was still in operation, and the tranquility at the edge of the tree world contrasted sharply with the hustle and bustle at the center.

"It's almost time."

A spiritual flower with eight petals appeared in his hand. Each petal seemed to form its own world, together creating a small blessed land.

"Senior Tree Mother, please bring those plant spirits into my personal space."

The spiritual flower quietly bloomed, revealing a spacious entrance. Entering it led to the interior of the personal space.

"Alright, thank you for protecting me, young friend."

A gentle voice rang out, and then countless plant spirits of various shapes and sizes, along with all kinds of spiritual creatures, rushed into the personal space and stopped in the area that Lu Xuan had specially reserved.

"I've never seen so many kinds of plant spirits before. I've learned something new."

Lu Xuan was dazzled by the sight and couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

It took about half an hour before all the plant spirits finally entered the personal space.

With countless green vines hanging down, the Xuanji Tree Mother gazed reluctantly at the Tree Realm before transforming into a beam of green light and instantly flying into the Spirit Flower.

Lu Xuan had his white lotus clone guard the vicinity of the spirit flower before entering his personal space.

"Senior, how is my personal space? Are you satisfied?"

“Indeed, I did not expect Fellow Daoist Lu to have such a wonderful place.”

"With this, you won't have to worry about not having time to take care of your spiritual plants when you go out to train."

The Mystic Tree Mother sensed the pure and rich spiritual energy within her personal space and nodded in satisfaction.

"Its area is not as large as those blessed lands, but in other aspects it is not much different."

Lu Xuan said confidently.

This personal space was originally made from eight seventh-grade spiritual objects. Later, he added countless high-grade spiritual soil and spiritual liquid, as well as special spiritual objects such as the Nine Heavens Thunder-Guiding Stele and the Boundless Sword Prison to nourish it, making it a miniature version of a blessed land.

"Speaking of which, many blessed lands may not even have high-level spiritual plants like yours, Fellow Daoist Lu."

“There are many kinds of eighth-grade spiritual plants, and most of them are rare varieties.”

"Is that a Grade Nine Xuanhuang Tree? Judging from its good condition, it has been cultivated for quite some time. The Grade Nine Nine Aperture Ginseng Fruit is said to have been transplanted and nurtured from a section of innate spiritual root. It bears fruit only once every thousand years. After consuming it, one can cleanse the soul, reshape the physical body, and increase the probability of breaking through to a higher realm."

“Eight kinds of true spirit phantoms... Is this the legendary Nine True Spirit Leaf? It is said that it needs the essence blood of nine kinds of true spirits to nourish it. I did not expect that Fellow Daoist Lu has already collected eight kinds. His methods are truly remarkable.”

"There is also this seedling surrounded by innate Yin-Yang divine lightning, and two ninth-grade spiritual seeds that have not yet taken root and sprouted. I have never even heard of them before."

“Senior, that sapling is a ninth-grade Yin-Yang Thunderwood. The other two are a ninth-grade Taiqing True Thunder Tree and a ninth-grade Taishi Dao Sword Grass, which was bestowed upon me by my Sword Sect’s Nascent Soul Ancestor.”

Lu Xuan gave a detailed introduction to the Mysterious Tree Mother.

Now that the Mysterious Tree Mother has been taken into my personal space, there's no need to hide it anymore.

"I can still sense an extremely pure innate aura here, fellow Daoist. Could it be some kind of innate spiritual object?"

"The Mysterious Tree Mother asked curiously."

"Haha, senior is indeed amazing. You have a section of innate spiritual root called the Void-Containing Immortal Vine."

Lu Xuan laughed heartily.

"Fellow Daoist's profound knowledge truly puts me to shame."

The Mysterious Tree Mother sighed softly, her tone unusually trembling.

"However, my true form is a rare and exotic tree that can divide into countless forms. When I merge with the high-level spiritual plants here, we can achieve mutual benefit and play a symbiotic role."

"The Mysterious Tree Mother said gently."

"Then I'll trouble you to nourish my spiritual plants regularly, senior."

Lu Xuan cupped his hands in greeting.

"In addition, there is a spiritual land in the space with a strong aura of thunder spirit, where a strange beast that has lived for ten thousand years, the Azure Horned Thunder Rhinoceros, lives. Let me tell you about it, senior."

"Oh? Is it that old guy in the Thunder Star Cave Thunder Sea?"

"Senior, do you recognize him?"

"Of course I recognize it. It's from the same era as me, and I've run into it a few times before, but I haven't heard from it in a long time."

"I originally thought it had reached the end of its lifespan, but I didn't expect it to also reside here with you, Fellow Daoist Lu."

The Mysterious Tree Mother smiled gently.

As a plant species, it naturally didn't worry much about its lifespan, so it was somewhat surprised to hear that the Azure Horned Thunder Rhinoceros was still alive.

"Senior Lei Si was fortunate enough to obtain some longevity-extending spiritual items, but he is currently spending most of his time recuperating and is in a deep sleep. If he wakes up, the two seniors can have a small gathering and catch up."

Lu Xuan gave a few instructions and then summoned the dozen or so tree maidens over.

Feeling the incredibly warm aura emanating from the Mysterious Tree Mother, the tree maidens couldn't help but move closer, behaving very intimately.

"The tree maidens I entrusted to you back then have grown to this extent."

The Xuanji Tree Mother gazed at the little tree girls, whose lowest rank was fifth, and was filled with emotion.

"The main reason is that these little guys are very intelligent."

Lu Xuan smiled and did not linger in his personal space, returning to the Tree Realm.

The following day, he was invited to the Wutu Star Cave, the abode of the Wutu Star Lord.

Five star lords were already waiting outside the door.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, it's been a long time."

"Fellow Daoist Lu, we've been waiting for you. The Genkun Wutu you needed has already been prepared, and the quantity will satisfy you."

Compared to their last visit to the Cloud Void Domain, the Star Lords were noticeably more enthusiastic this time.

Lu Xuan understood that this was all a chain reaction caused by yesterday's battle.

Previously, the star lords he knew were warm and polite to him, mainly because of his identity as a disciple of the Sword Sect and his achievements as a spirit plant master.

After defeating two star lords single-handedly, he truly proved his strength and the attitudes of the star lords changed drastically from before.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, you've kept this from me for so long."

After everyone had been chatting for a while, Lu Xuan spoke to Lei Huoxing, whom he had known the longest.

"I never expected that after cultivating spiritual plants in the Thunderfire Star Cave for decades without ever fighting against cultivators, you were able to easily defeat two cultivators of the same level after entering the Sword Sect."

His voice was full of emotion.

“Fellow Daoist Lei Huo, I still lack some combat experience. I only managed to win by chance thanks to a few powerful magic treasures and my swordsmanship insights from cultivating sword grass.”

Lu Xuan said modestly.

"I already knew about Fellow Daoist Lu's matter in the Tree Realm. However, on one side is a friend I've known for many years, and on the other side is Fellow Daoist Lu, with whom I have a good relationship. It's not appropriate for me to get involved in your conflict."

Fortunately, this contest of magic was only brief and did not damage our relationship.

Lei Huoxing explained to Lu Xuan.

"I understand Fellow Daoist Lei Huo's difficulties, and I have no ulterior motives. Everything will continue as before."

Lu Xuan replied telepathically with a calm expression.

After the banquet, the Earth Star Lord specially kept Lu Xuan behind and sold him two thousand catties of Genkun Earth at an extremely favorable price. "Fellow Daoist Lu, this is already the output of the Earth Star Cave in recent decades. I hope Fellow Daoist Lu will not take yesterday's matter to heart."

“Fellow Daoist Wutu, you are too kind. Yesterday, we simply had different stances and there was no enmity between us. I, Lu, will naturally not hold it against you, and I presume that you fellow Daoists feel the same way.”

"I am deeply grateful to Fellow Daoist for selling me so much high-grade spiritual soil."

Lu Xuan said with a smile.

He then bought a large quantity of high-grade spiritual spring water and spiritual liquid from the Blackwater Star Lord before returning to the Heavenly Star Tower.

"It's been twenty or thirty years since I last visited the Cloud Void Domain. I wonder how Daoist Mu is doing these days, and whether Qinghai has made preparations for Core Formation..."

Lu Xuan strolled along the wide streets of Tianxing Tower, gazing at the numerous cultivators coming and going, and the familiar shop scenes, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He went directly into the Tianxinglou Hailou Chamber of Commerce branch and released a trace of his magic power.

Immediately, a refined-looking middle-aged cultivator arrived at top speed. Upon seeing Lu Xuan, his face immediately lit up with excitement.

"Junior Wen Qingfeng greets Elder Lu. I apologize for not welcoming you properly. Please forgive me!"

The middle-aged cultivator, leading a group of lower-level cultivators, bowed and paid their respects.

"Are you a member of the Wen family in the Chamber of Commerce? Do you know me, Lu?"

Lu Xuan asked casually.

"Replying to senior, I am a direct descendant of the Wen family and currently manage the Tianxing Cave branch."

"Although I have never met Elder Lu, I have long admired you and naturally recognized you immediately."

Lu Xuan had established a cooperative relationship with the Hai Lou Chamber of Commerce and had also advanced to the Nascent Soul stage within the Sword Sect, so it was impossible for anyone in the Chamber of Commerce to mistake him for someone else.

"Well, I'm just passing by and thought I'd drop by. Everything is as usual, no need to give me any special treatment."

Lu Xuan gave a brief instruction and then scanned the entire branch building with his divine sense.

"Hey, where did the Wood Taoist who used to specialize in appraising treasures go?"

he asked curiously.

"Fellow Daoist Mu was already quite old and nearing the end of his lifespan, but many years ago he seemed to have obtained some longevity-extending spiritual item. As a result, he resigned from his position as an appraiser and returned to the Mu family to focus on cultivation, attempting to advance further."

Wen Qingfeng immediately explained.

"That Taoist priest, after lying down for so long, has had his desire for the Dao rekindled by a single Turtle-Crane Elixir?"

A smile appeared on Lu Xuan's face.

He had originally planned to take advantage of the opportunity to subdue the Xuanji Tree Mother to have a good get-together with his old drinking buddy, Daoist Mu, in the Cloud Void Domain, but he never expected to miss him.

"Alright, I'll visit the Mu family again when I have the chance, or I can ask someone to send some treasures over."

Lu Xuan thought to himself as he slowly walked into his small shop.

Monks were coming and going in the shop, so it was clear that business was good.

Unfortunately, Hong Qinghai was nowhere to be seen. Only a few cultivators he had hired were managing the shop and entertaining customers.

Before he left last time, he left behind a large number of treasures. Over the years, he has also occasionally entrusted the Chamber of Commerce to help bring some goods over. Therefore, there is no need to worry about a shortage of goods inside.

"I wonder if it's inside the Thunderfire Star Cave?"

Lu Xuan's figure vanished into thin air and entered the Thunderfire Star Cave.

He arrived at the familiar cave amidst the countless tiny lightning bolts in the sky.

The cave dwelling was not much different from before, which made him recall a series of familiar scenes.

"This Qinghai is so unwilling to even live in the cave, but he still has good intentions."

Lu Xuan skillfully navigated through the array and restrictions he had set up, a slight smile playing on his lips as he gazed at his clean, tidy, and well-organized residence.

He lay languidly on a wooden chair, his expression unusually calm and peaceful.

Before we knew it, more than half an hour had passed.

A flash of sword light arrived swiftly outside the cave.

Hong Qinghai landed quickly, looked at the cave entrance opened by the array, and took a deep breath.

Upon seeing Lu Xuan, the shop manager immediately contacted him, who was out at the time. He rushed back as quickly as possible and arrived at the cave dwelling where Lu Xuan had lived.

He staggered into the cave and saw that familiar, handsome face.

"Qinghai greets Senior!"

Hong Qinghai knelt on one knee, his voice trembling slightly.

"Get up."

Lu Xuan smiled and nodded.

"It's been so many years since we last met, and your cultivation has become even more refined. It seems you're only a step away from forming your core."

He said with satisfaction.

"Thank you for the two rare spiritual items you bestowed upon me last time, senior. They allowed me to refine my physical body and soul, and achieve unity of spirit and body."

Hong Qinghai, with his resolute character and years of self-training, quickly calmed down from his agitation.

"Then my timing is quite good. I can take you back to the Sword Sect and help you form your core."

Lu Xuan said with a half-smile.

He had previously instructed Hong Qinghai to come to the Sword Sect with the help of the Chamber of Commerce when he was at a critical moment in his breakthrough. He didn't expect to run into him this time, which saved him some trouble.

"Thank you, senior! Your kindness is like a second birth. I am willing to serve you for all eternity."

Upon hearing this, Hong Qinghai replied respectfully.

Back then, he was just a small-time Qi Refining cultivator who had been banished to Tianxing Cave. He never imagined that he would have the possibility of breaking through to the Core Formation stage.

It can be said that Lu Xuan nurtured him to where he is today.

"But if I leave Tianxing Cave, the shop at Tianxing Tower will be left unmanaged."

He hesitated for a moment, but finally spoke.

"This place is far from the Dongxuan Sword Sect. It's already quite remarkable that you've stayed here for so many years. There's no need to make yourself suffer any longer."

“The businesses I’ve built in the Sword Sect are far larger than this place. You can go over there and help manage them. As for this shop, I don’t have time to deal with it, so I’ll leave it to the Chamber of Commerce.”

Knowing that the chances of coming to Yunxu Domain in the future were extremely slim, Lu Xuan decided to fulfill his promise to Hong Qinghai, which would put his mind at ease.

“You and Wen Qian helped me cultivate spiritual plants together back then. Although his cultivation is stronger than yours, it is still limited.”

“Now that he has been in the Core Formation stage for decades and is about to break through to the middle stage, I naturally cannot show favoritism and leave you here alone.”

Lu Xuan sighed softly and said gently.

“Senior, I am staying in Tianxing Cave willingly. I only want to serve you like a dog, and I have no other intentions.”

Lu Xuan couldn't be better to him. Hong Qinghai had no jealousy towards Wen Qian's fortunes and quickly explained.

"Alright, after we return to the Sword Sect and help you form your core, I will give you a few more spirit pills to make up for it."

Lu Xuan was extremely satisfied with Hong Qinghai's attitude and said with satisfaction.

While Hong Qinghai was dealing with shop matters, he wandered around Tianxing Cave, even taking a look back at the ruins of the former Tianjian Sect, before finally leading Hong Qinghai on a journey back to the Sword Sect.

(End of this chapter)