I am a late bloomer in the world of cultivating immortals

"Not enough?" Upon hearing this, Fairy Xuanling frowned slightly, a hint of disgust flashing deep in her eyes. She felt repulsed by Wei Tu's excessive appetite.

This scene also confirmed her initial premonition—that a selfish cultivator like Wei Tu would very likely take advantage of her after learning of her plight.

"However, this matter is not worth gambling on. Although this young man is cold-hearted and selfish, he makes one thing clear—a written agreement is more convincing. As long as we can sign this 'Blood Curse Secret Book,' some price... is worth paying."

Xuanling Fairy's eyes flickered slightly. While she was annoyed by Wei Tu's tough attitude, she also began to consider the gains and losses in that instant.

With the power of her remaining soul, it was quite possible for her to capture or even kill Wei Tu. In her view, Wei Tu was most likely bluffing at this moment, rather than actually possessing any means to defeat her…

—Although Wei Tu has a remarkable record of killing Zi Mian Sanren, who is above her level, how can Zi Mian Sanren be compared to her, a Mahayana cultivator?

However, her true purpose was not to capture or kill Wei Tu, but to save her own 'original body'.

In other words, there is no fundamental conflict between the two of them. All of this can be discussed based on mutual interests, and is not irreconcilable.

The only difficulty lies in—what price she is willing to pay for this… to what extent can she persuade Wei Tu to shed his own blood and make this blood oath.

But it was precisely this that made her hesitate. With the pride of a Mahayana immortal, to compromise and seek a mere Nascent Soul cultivator was undoubtedly a huge humiliation for her.

"Perhaps, it wouldn't be a bad idea to test him out. After killing the Purple-Faced Hermit, if this kid still has Mahayana techniques, he'll probably be mostly crippled..." After hesitating for a moment, the thought gradually arose in Xuanling Fairy's mind.

But soon—when she glanced at the 'talisman' in Wei Tu's palm, which suddenly appeared and contained Mahayana magic power, her expression changed several times, and her stern and cold look instantly diminished.

She wasn't afraid of a single Mahayana Buddhist power.

What she feared was the immense danger hidden behind this 'Mahayana power'!
The 'talisman' formed by Mahayana power is different from the 'Mahayana treasures' that cultivators may obtain by chance. It represents the close relationship between the cultivator and the master behind him.

“The aura of the Purple Dragon Lord, no wonder… no wonder you were able to kill the Purple-Faced Hermit…” Fairy Xuanling sighed softly, her clear eyes fixed on Wei Tu, signaling that she was already prepared to ‘give in’ for this.

It is shameful to fear juniors who are of the same level, but to 'submit' to a Mahayana practitioner of the same level... there is no such huge psychological burden.

Wei Tu, of course, would not be so ruthless in this matter. After seeing that Fairy Xuanling was willing to take a step back, he immediately understood and put forward his own conditions.

Firstly, after breaking through to the Mahayana realm, he can go to the 'Bridge to Immortality' in the Spirit Realm to rescue Fairy Xuanling.

However, this matter must be done voluntarily by him; Fairy Xuanling cannot forcibly impose a fixed time limit on this blood oath.

Secondly, after making the 'blood oath,' in addition to the [Earth Emperor Pearl], the 'remnant soul' of Fairy Xuanling will also be able to help him break through to the Mahayana realm in the future.

This 'all-out effort' is not limited to all the breakthrough experiences this woman has had in the Integration Realm and the Mahayana Realm, but also includes the power and various resources she left behind in the Spirit Realm.

"These two points are absolutely impossible." Fairy Xuanling narrowed her almond-shaped eyes and directly rejected Wei Tu's outrageous demands.

Although negotiating prices in a mercenary tone might damage her reputation and dignity as a Mahayana sword immortal, when it involved her life and fortune, she couldn't help but haggle over every penny.

"Fellow Daoist Wei has a good plan. If this blood oath doesn't have a fixed time limit, how can it be considered binding?"

The Fairy Xuanling laughed in her extreme anger.

"...Moreover, I have no 'legacy' for you to inherit in the Spirit Realm, except for this [Earth Emperor Pearl] and some cultivation insights."

Taking a deep breath, Fairy Xuanling calmed down and spoke again.

“If I were truly wealthy, why would I have used my power to intimidate you and force you to submit? Enticing you with benefits would have been a better strategy.” Fairy Xuanling sighed softly, frankly admitting that the reason she had questioned Wei Tu earlier was largely due to her own poverty.

However, this was within Wei Tu's expectations.

Xuanling Fairy has only recently advanced to the Mahayana realm, and has only been active in the Spirit Realm as a Mahayana immortal for a few thousand years. Even with abundant opportunities, it would be impossible for her to accumulate a large fortune.

Moreover, most of those precious treasures and resources were carried by the woman's 'true form' herself, and it was impossible for her to have set up a separate treasure trove or hoard them in other places in the spirit world.

In other words, this method was merely a means for him to coerce Fairy Xuanling and force her to make further concessions, so how could he really take it seriously?

"What great opportunities does the human race have... that I, Wei, can scheme against?"

Wei Tu then sought a less desirable alternative.

"Do you want me to betray the human race with you?" In an instant, Fairy Xuanling saw through Wei Tu's sinister intentions.

What she wanted was not the resources she left behind in the spirit world, but the 'resource hotspots' that the human race controlled, as well as the opportunities that might lead her to the Mahayana stage.

The words fell.

Upon hearing this, Wei Tu remained silent, only gazing coldly at Fairy Xuanling with indifferent eyes.

"Very well, I can do my best to help you with this matter." After a moment of silence, Fairy Xuanling sighed softly and nodded slightly in agreement.

A dead Taoist friend is not a poor Taoist.

Since Wei Tu's second 'condition' was to acquire resources from the human race rather than to target her, she had no reason to refuse.

After all, Wei Tu is also a human.

In her eyes, one of only two human Mahayana cultivators, Wei Tu was no different from those 'shameless' human high-ranking officials... On the contrary, Wei Tu, who could save her life in the future, was more of a 'human direct descendant' in her eyes than those untrustworthy human high-ranking officials!

"The first condition must be changed. Of course, I can give you as much leeway as possible regarding the specific timeframe."

At this point, Fairy Xuanling pondered for a moment before revealing her final bottom line.

"Otherwise, I wouldn't mind having a... encounter with you within this royal palace..."

Xuanling Fairy's clear eyes turned cold. She pointed her slender finger forward, and invisible forces of law instantly condensed towards her, turning her 'illusory image' into reality. At the same time, her aura soared to the level of the Mahayana realm.

In an instant, an overwhelming pressure, as powerful as a mountain or the collapsing sky, swept towards Wei Tu's location.

Under this oppressive force.

Cold sweat gradually beaded on Wei Tu's forehead, but thanks to his powerful physical body, he stood firm in place like a stubborn rock, unmoved.

“What you say makes sense, Fairy. This first condition is indeed worth discussing again.”

Wei Tu remained calm and replied without changing his expression.

But as he spoke, his hands were rapidly forming hand seals, and he bit his tongue, spitting out his blood essence in front of him.

The next moment, a loud 'sizzle' was heard, and a blood-stained 'azure giant blade' suddenly appeared from the void. Countless blood-purple runes floated on its surface, and with a light stroke, it completely blocked the Mahayana pressure released by Fairy Xuanling.

At that moment, Wei Tu's voice fell silent.

The atmosphere once again descended into an eerie silence.

……

Negotiations or continued fighting?

After Wei Tu unleashed the 'Azure Giant Blade,' an eighth-tier incomplete treasure, and easily withstood the pressure of the Xuanling Fairy's Mahayana aura, the answer to this matter was already clear.

—It was not just empty boasting, but a genuine confidence that threatened Fairy Xuanling.

Furthermore, Wei Tu did not take a hard line on this matter. Instead, he gave Fairy Xuanling a way out by taking the initiative to seek peace... although his actions were not exactly weak.

"Before you break through to the mid-stage of Mahayana, or... within ten thousand years after you break through to the Mahayana realm, you... no, Fellow Daoist Wei, must go to the 'Bridge to Ascend Immortality' to rescue me."

"By then, with your strength, you should be able to face the dangers of that perilous place without fear."

Seeing the strength that Wei Tu revealed, which was far greater than that of an ordinary combined form, a rare look of solemnity appeared on Fairy Xuanling's fair face.

Then, he said this in a deep voice.

This 'fixed period' is much more lenient and milder than the original, harsh requirements written in the 'Blood Curse Book'.

They were truly considering Wei Tu's life!
The timing of the 'rescue' is no longer solely based on saving one's own life.

To know--

The former refers to the fact that Wei Tu had to go to the 'Bridge to Ascend Immortality' for rescue after breaking through to the Mahayana realm.

The latter, however, provides Wei Tu with an additional ten thousand years of buffer time after breaking through to the Mahayana realm.

The words fell.

Wei Tu did not answer. He frowned, as if pondering the gains and losses involved, seemingly hesitating whether to agree to Fairy Xuanling's condition.

At this point, Fairy Xuanling would not press Wei Tu too hard. She gazed at Wei Tu with an indifferent expression, waiting for him to speak.

However, things were different from what Fairy Xuanling had imagined.

At this moment, Wei Tu did not ponder this question, but instead directly inquired about the remnant soul of An Liangcai, which he had hidden within his Dharma body.

"Fellow Daoist An, are you aware of the Bridge to Immortality in the Spirit Realm? Is there any danger for Mahayana cultivators entering this bridge...?"

Not bad! Although this condition is much more lenient than before and takes his life and safety into consideration, Wei Tu still dares not agree easily out of caution.

Furthermore, this is also largely due to the fact that the 'exchange conditions' that Fairy Xuanling can provide are very limited.

The Earth Emperor Pearl is precious, but not so precious that one would risk their life for it.

As for his second 'condition,' seeking a 'Great Vehicle opportunity' from outside the human race... that's just wishful thinking, and he certainly doesn't believe that the human race currently possesses a genuine opportunity to easily break through to the Great Vehicle realm.

"The Bridge to Immortality? Why are you suddenly asking about this place? Could it be that the Fairy Xuanling is trapped on the Bridge to Immortality? Or is it just a remnant soul lingering in the world?" After hearing Wei Tu's words, An Liangcai's demonic soul, which was imprisoned in the jade box, guessed most of the information that Wei Tu had painstakingly obtained in just a few moments.

But Wei Tu was not surprised by this.

The reason why Fairy Xuanling set up the 'Secret Realm of the Venerable King' in the human realm is either to select talents for the human race or something else. This is not difficult for the cunning ancient demon to guess.

"Fellow Daoist An need not concern yourself with this. What I am inquiring about is information about the Bridge to Immortality, not anything else..." Wei Tu asked coldly, showing no intention of revealing any further information.

However, as he spoke, he felt a sense of relief. Since An Liangcai knew of the bridge's existence, he must also be aware of its dangers.

Despite Wei Tu's cold words, An Liangcai did not get angry at all. After carefully considering his words, he told Wei Tu all the information he knew about the 'Bridge to Immortality'.

After all, he had sworn a vow to assist Wei Tu when he was captured by Wei Tu.

For the sake of his life, An Liangcai dared not be careless in this matter.

"So that's why..." Upon hearing this, and seeing that the danger An Liangcai spoke of was almost identical to what Fairy Xuanling had said, Wei Tu's expression softened considerably.

This place is indeed a dead end for cultivators, but as long as one has strength comparable to the 'mid-stage Mahayana' realm, and is careful, escaping is not difficult.

Moreover, unlike ordinary cultivators, once he, the 'Body Refining Demon Lord,' breaks through to the Mahayana realm, his chances of surviving within the 'Bridge to Immortality' are far greater than those of ordinary Mahayana cultivators.

"Since you are a Mahayana practitioner, you can save the fairy..."

"With the fairy's strength, why is she still trapped inside the 'Bridge to Immortality'?"

Wei Tu inquired further about this issue.

Upon hearing this, Fairy Xuanling knew that Wei Tu was already inclined to agree. He asked this question now only because he did not want to casually nod in agreement and waste his life.

Thinking of this, her cold expression softened considerably.

"I am merely a fragment of my soul that was created before my main body entered the Bridge to Ascension... Therefore, I, this fragment of my soul, am completely unaware of the dangers my main body encountered in that perilous place..."

"But... if Fellow Daoist Wei truly breaks through to the Mahayana realm, it would be very beneficial for him to cross the 'Bridge to Immortality' in the future. The reason my original body went to the 'Bridge to Immortality' was because I accidentally learned a secret in the Spirit Realm, that there was an ancient immortal cave hidden there..."

At this point, Fairy Xuanling recounted in great detail the specific information about the 'Ancient Immortal Cave,' thereby gaining Wei Tu's trust.

That's why.

After hearing Fairy Xuanling's explanation, and with the 'indirect evidence' provided by An Liangcai, Wei Tu felt completely relieved and had no more doubts.

Finished speaking.

Without further hesitation, he carefully examined the page of the 'Blood Curse Secret Book' with his divine sense. Seeing that there were no hidden methods of harm on it, he immediately dripped a drop of his essence blood onto the ghostly golden page.

Thus, the 'blood pact' was formed.

At this moment, Wei Tu also took the opportunity to ask about the second condition he had just mentioned—the resource-rich areas of the human race in the Spirit Realm, and the opportunity to break through to the Mahayana realm held by the human race's high-ranking officials.

Xuanling Fairy's answer was exactly what Wei Tu expected.

It's true that the human race in the Spirit Realm possesses an opportunity to break through to the 'Great Ascension Realm,' but as he expected, this opportunity cannot allow a Nascent Soul cultivator to easily break through to the Great Ascension Realm...

Its opportunity, or rather its secret method, is extremely demonic and bloody. Once used, it is like a "life-locking stake." Without an extraordinary opportunity, one can only stop at the early stage of Mahayana and find it difficult to advance any further.

"As for the 'fusion resources' possessed by the human race, those things are either stored in the Human Ancestor Hall or in the hands of Fellow Daoist Tie's disciples... With your current level, it is extremely difficult for you to obtain them."

"However, you might want to consider the possibility of the Five Kings being united."

"While the combined strength of the Five Kings is difficult to compare with that of the Five Divine Lords of the Spirit Realm, these five individuals are quite wealthy and are inherently wicked... However, since they are human and are my juniors after I ascended to the Mahayana stage... I have not taken any action against them." (End of Chapter)