Cultivation of Immortality: Start by Improving Spiritual Root Qualifications

Chapter 952 Peak of the Early Stage of Nascent Soul, Exchange Meeting Arrives!
After entering the alchemy room, Zhou Xun waved his hand, closing the door and activating the restriction.

Alchemy is a highly focused activity that is extremely sensitive to external disturbances.

After doing all this, Zhou Xun patted his waist, and streams of spiritual light flew out and landed on the ground.
They transformed into rare spiritual herbs, and in the center were nine wooden boxes, each affixed with a spirit-sealing talisman.

Inside was the elixir of the "Haoyuan Soul Cleansing Pill".

Zhou Xun opened all the wooden boxes, and streams of pure spiritual energy emanated from them.
It filled the entire alchemy room.

Zhou Xun examined it carefully and nodded slightly after confirming that everything was correct.

Finally, he closed his eyes slightly and began the final simulation before refining, mentally reviewing the entire refining process.
He opened his eyes again after a moment.

His eyes were as still as an ancient well.

With a flick of his hand, a beam of spiritual light shot out and landed on the earth fire platform, transforming into a crimson alchemy furnace.
Then he released infant fire to envelop the alchemy furnace.

quickly
After the alchemy furnace was fully heated, Zhou Xun moved the token in his hand, and the flame instantly shrank to the size of his little finger.

Then, with a wave of his hand, a fist-sized, crimson, heart-shaped fruit slowly floated up.

It is the Crimson Gold Dragon Fruit, one of the main ingredients.

It was placed into the alchemy furnace, and the earth fire rose again.
Then, Zhou Xun changed his hand seals, and strands of spiritual energy wrapped around the Crimson Gold Dragon Essence Fruit, causing it to slowly melt and release its medicinal essence.

In about fifteen minutes, approximately seventy percent of the essence of the Crimson Gold Dragon Essence Fruit had dissolved out.
At this moment, Zhou Xun put in two auxiliary materials, and the three spiritual herbs began to be processed simultaneously!
The essence of the two auxiliary medicinal materials simultaneously seeped out, fusing with the essence of the Crimson Gold Dragon Essence Fruit.
The originally violent medicinal liquid from the Crimson Gold Dragon Essence Fruit instantly became mild.

After doing all this, Zhou Xun took out all the medicinal liquid and placed it on the jade plate that had been prepared in advance.

Next, we began processing the second main material, the "Nine-Turn Primordial Spirit Flower," and the third main material.
Before we knew it, four hours had slowly passed.
All the medicinal herbs have been prepared, and the liquid has filled five jade platters.

The next step is to blend the medicinal liquid and condense it into a pill.
This stage is the most crucial and dangerous; the slightest mistake will render all previous efforts futile, and may even cause the alchemy furnace to explode.

If that's the case, he probably won't be able to explain it to Chief Gao.

Zhou Xun's expression was solemn.

He picked up the jade plate and tossed it, and the medicinal liquid from the Crimson Gold Dragon Essence Fruit slowly flew up and flowed into the alchemy furnace.

Next came the medicinal liquid from the Nine Revolutions Primordial Spirit Flower, followed by the medicinal liquid from the fusion of several other auxiliary ingredients, which were then poured into the alchemy furnace in turn.

Each type of medicine was added in a different order.
As various medicinal liquids were continuously poured in, the spiritual energy fluctuations within the alchemy furnace became increasingly intense, as if an invisible force was struggling and resisting the fusion within.

But as Zhou Xun unleashed his magic technique...

The previously separate medicinal liquids began to slowly rotate and merge under the influence of the hand seals, eventually transforming into a pool of crystal-clear, fused medicinal liquid.

It is highly effective with minimal loss.

Generally speaking, during the alchemy process, the medicinal properties are continuously consumed as the process continues.
This is why, from the same batch of pills, some people produce a large quantity of pills while others produce a small quantity!

It all comes down to the consumption and waste of the medicine's potency!

Then, only the final step remains.
Zhou Xun changed his technique.
An invisible force divided the liquid into two equal parts!
As time went on, the prototype of the elixir began to emerge!
"Now! Condense the core!" Zhou Xun shouted softly.
The final spell was cast!

Accompanied by a faint medicinal fragrance, four pills suddenly took shape.

Then, Zhou Xun took out the jade plate and beckoned with his hand.
The alchemy furnace opened automatically, and two pills filed out and landed on the jade plate in front of them!
"Two genuine pills have been formed!"

Zhou Xun smiled slightly, took out two porcelain bottles, and put them away.

He then put one of them into his storage bag, keeping it hidden from his person and name.

He then slowly got up, tidied up the alchemy room, and cast a dust-removing spell on himself.

Although refining pills only takes a few hours, it requires a great deal of mental effort.

After doing all this, Zhou Xun picked up the porcelain bottle and slowly opened the door.

Yunmiao Sanren was anxiously waiting outside.

Seeing Zhou Xun walk out, she was about to go up and ask him something, but then she held back.

Zhou Xun smiled slightly, naturally noticing the man's eagerness, and handed him the porcelain bottle.

"Fortunately, I live up to my fate!"

Yunmiao Sanren trembled as he took the porcelain bottle and carefully opened the stopper.

A refreshing medicinal fragrance instantly filled the air. A pill the size of a longan lay quietly at the bottom of the bottle, its surface glistening with a faint, shimmering light. It was none other than the legendary Haoyuan Soul Cleansing Pill!

"It's done! It's really done!" Yunmiao Sanren's voice trembled with excitement as she bowed deeply to Zhou Xun.
"I will never forget your kindness in saving me!"

Zhou Xun offered a helping hand and said calmly:
"Young friend, there's no need for such formalities. Alchemy is a mutually beneficial endeavor, and besides, you're Little Gold's friend, so you're naturally one of us!" He then pointed to the pills in Yunmiao Sanren's hand.

"This pill must be taken within three months, otherwise its medicinal effects will gradually diminish."

Upon hearing this, Yunmiao Sanren's expression turned serious. He solemnly put away the porcelain bottle and then took out a storage bag:

"This is the payment I promised the master. Please verify it."

Zhou Xun scanned the bag with his divine sense and saw three hundred top-grade spirit stones neatly arranged inside, along with several rare spirit herbs. The price far exceeded the originally agreed-upon amount. He nodded slightly.

"Have a heart."

"Compared to the master's kindness, these are nothing." Yunmiao Sanren cupped his hands again.
"Once I have resolved the hidden dangers in my body, I will definitely visit you in person to express my sincere gratitude!"

In the following days, Zhou Xun's life fell into tranquility, with nothing but cultivation every day.

He lived deep within his cave, almost completely isolated from the outside world. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth and the medicinal pills in his bottle were his most loyal companions.

Time slips through our fingers like fine sand, and before we know it, five years have quietly passed.

On this day, as dawn broke, Zhou Xun slowly opened his eyes in the quiet room.

He took out a 'Mysterious Essence Nourishing Pill' the size of a longan, gleaming with a pale golden light.
The pill melted instantly upon entering the mouth, and a gentle yet powerful medicinal force quickly surged throughout the body.

He circulated his cultivation technique, and the spiritual energy around his body surged rhythmically like the tides, filling the room with a faint medicinal fragrance and spiritual energy fluctuations.

Half a day later, he suddenly felt that the nascent soul in his dantian was becoming more and more solid, his meridians were bulging slightly, and his sea of ​​spiritual power was surging. He had actually reached the peak of the early stage of the Nascent Soul stage!
Zhou Xun was overjoyed.

Having reached this level, even the slightest progress now requires several years to achieve.

It should be known that the lifespan of a Nascent Soul cultivator is as high as 20,000 years.

Countless people have endured millennia of arduous cultivation yet remain trapped at the initial stage.
If they knew how fast Zhou Xun was progressing, they'd probably be green with envy. "Now that you've reached the peak, why not try to break through the bottleneck!"

He steadied his mind and tried to guide the surging spiritual power to break through the barrier of the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm.

In an instant, a monstrous wave surged within his body, and his spiritual energy crashed against the invisible barrier time and time again, producing a roar that only he could perceive.

Each impact brought a slight stinging pain to his meridians and a tremor to his soul. Fine beads of sweat appeared on Zhou Xun's forehead, and his breathing gradually became rapid.

However, that barrier remained as solid as an ancient rock, unshakable.

Finally, the tide of spiritual energy slowly receded, and Zhou Xun exhaled a long breath, a look of understanding flashing in his eyes.

He was not surprised; this attempt was entirely expected.

After reaching the Nascent Soul stage, every breakthrough in each minor realm is incredibly difficult. If he could succeed so easily, he would be quite surprised.

He slowly finished his practice, and the turbulent spiritual energy in the room gradually calmed down.

A faint smile appeared on Zhou Xun's lips as he took out a jade slip and carefully recorded his insights from this breakthrough.

The road ahead is long and arduous; only by remaining steadfast and resolute can one go far.

Time flies, and several more years have quietly passed.

On this day, Zhou Xun had just finished his cultivation and came to the courtyard.

Xiao Jia suddenly stepped forward, took out a jade name card, and respectfully presented it.

Zhou Xun scanned the letter with his divine sense and found that it contained a gentle yet abundant fire elemental spiritual power. The signature was that of the Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord, inviting him to his cave for a chat.

Zhou Xun straightened his clothes and then happily went ahead.

The cave of the Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord is located at the convergence of spiritual veins. Upon entering, one immediately feels the spiritual energy as rich as liquid, warm and pleasant.

There were already three people in the hall. The Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord, who was in the main seat, was dressed in a red robe. When he saw Zhou Xun arrive, he laughed and stood up to greet him.

Two people sat beside him. One was a middle-aged cultivator dressed in a light blue Taoist robe, with a refined appearance, but his aura was as deep and vast as the ocean.

The Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord warmly introduced, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, please take a seat. These two are my close friends, and this is the Water Control Heavenly Lord, who is proficient in the Great Dao of Water!"

The other was an old man in purple robes, whose eyes flashed with lightning as they opened and closed, exuding an imposing aura without anger.

"This is the Purple Sun Heavenly Lord, whose earth magic is unparalleled."

"Fellow Daoists, this is the Fellow Daoist Wang Lin whom I mentioned before. He is not only highly skilled in cultivation, but also a fifth-level alchemy master with superb skills."

Shui Yutianjun smiled and nodded in greeting, his voice as gentle as flowing water: "I have long admired your name, Master. It is an honor to meet you today."

Ziyang Tianjun gave Zhou Xun a sharp look and said in a loud voice, "To be so highly praised by Chiyang, fellow Daoist is indeed extraordinary."

After exchanging pleasantries, the Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord explained the reason:
"I invited you here today for two reasons: first, it's a reunion of three close friends, and second, it's for an exchange meeting to be held in a few days,"

"At that time, many cultivators of the same level will bring out rare items. I heard that you are a fifth-level alchemist, and I thought I would like to come and get to know you first."

"In addition, there may be some treasures auctioned off at the exchange meeting. If we take a fancy to something but don't have enough spirit stones on hand, we hope that you can lend us some for the time being."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Xun understood. This was a common act of mutual assistance among cultivators of the same level, and also an opportunity to expand one's network.

He cupped his hands and smiled, saying, "You three fellow Daoists are too kind. Since we are all of the same path, it is only right that we support each other. If you need anything, just ask, and I, Wang, will do my best."

The atmosphere in the hall immediately became more harmonious. The four of them sipped tea, discussed philosophy, and chatted amiably, tentatively establishing a mutually beneficial agreement.

Time flies, and six days passed quickly. The once-in-a-century Nascent Soul Exchange Meeting in Tian Shu City arrived.
The event was held at Feiyuelou, the largest teahouse in the city.

Zhou Xun had been staying in the Chiyang Heavenly Lord's cave for the past few days, discussing the Dao with the three Heavenly Lords, so the four of them decided to travel together.

When the four arrived, there were already many cultivators riding various colored lights in front of the building, all of whom were at least at the Nascent Soul stage.

At this moment, a steward with the cultivation level of the peak Nascent Soul stage, dressed in a green robe, came forward, bowed respectfully, and led them inside.

After passing through the elegantly decorated foyer, the butler led them to the fifth floor.

The fifth level of space was extremely spacious, about a hundred feet square. Zhou Xun could tell at a glance that there must be a spatial restriction here.
Otherwise, how could such a large space exist?

Inside, hundreds of sandalwood desks and tables were neatly arranged.
At this moment, more than twenty Nascent Soul cultivators were sitting there, chatting quietly in twos and threes.

These cultivators possessed auras that were either as deep as the sea or as sharp as a sword. The lowest level of their cultivation was the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm, and some of them even reached the late stage of the Nascent Soul realm.

Near the head of the table, an elderly man dressed in black robes with a solemn expression sat alone behind a large table.
His aura was restrained yet powerful, like a dormant volcano containing terrifying strength.

Zhou Xun learned from Chi Yang Tianjun's previous introduction that this was the famous Jiu Lei Tianjun, whose lightning attribute cultivation had reached the pinnacle and whose cultivation level was at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage, making him extremely powerful.

The Crimson Sun Heavenly Lord clearly had a wide network of connections, as several familiar Heavenly Lords greeted him with cupped hands as soon as he entered.

The four returned the greeting with smiles and sat down in a relatively forward position. Zhou Xun's reputation as a fifth-level alchemist seemed to have spread throughout the Nascent Soul circle, and many cultivators cast friendly glances at him, with a few even cupping their hands and smiling:

"This must be the newly promoted Thunder Prison Heavenly Monarch, fellow Daoist? I've long admired your name!" Zhou Xun responded politely to each of them, his demeanor composed.
Just then, the Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord at the head of the table, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze like lightning, shooting straight at Zhou Xun.

"I heard that when you broke through to the Nascent Soul stage, you used heavenly lightning to temper your body. Is that true?"

Zhou Xun remained calm as he stood up and replied, "It is true. I was fortunate enough to temper my body amidst heavenly lightning back then, which gave me a glimpse into the path to becoming a Nascent Soul cultivator."

Upon hearing this, the Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord nodded slightly without expression, but a barely perceptible hint of appreciation flashed in his eyes.

He flicked his finger, and a jade talisman crackling with tiny purple lightning floated lightly to Zhou Xun's side.

"If you have time after the meeting, you may bring this token to my cave for a chat."

Zhou Xun accepted the jade token and nodded in response, "It would be an honor. I will certainly pay my respects on time."

This scene drew the attention of many Nascent Soul cultivators in the hall, their eyes flashing with surprise and curiosity.

The Nine Thunder Heavenly Lord was aloof and rarely invited people, let alone extend a private invitation to someone in the early stages of the Nascent Soul realm.

The gazes of the crowd towards Zhou Xun suddenly became more attentive and curious, and they all secretly thought:
This newly promoted Thunder Prison Heavenly Lord is probably truly extraordinary, far beyond the ordinary fifth-order alchemist.

After waiting for about half an hour, the tables in the fifth-floor hall were almost full, with more than eighty Nascent Soul cultivators present.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Chiyang Tianjun, one of the initiators of this exchange meeting, stood up with a smile.
Step into the center of the room; the exchange session is about to begin!

(End of this chapter)