Cultivation of Immortality: Start by Improving Spiritual Root Qualifications

Chapter 961 Old Friends of Beishan City, Farewell, City Lord!

A thousand stars scatter across the sea.
A small, uninhabited island three million miles east of Tian Shu City.

After a strong sense of spatial tearing, Zhou Xun and his two companions staggered and found themselves in a dark, damp, and earthy underground stone chamber.

Beneath their feet was an equally ancient teleportation array, its light rapidly dimming.

There wasn't even time to see the surroundings clearly, or even time to stabilize the turbulent energy and blood caused by the ultra-long-distance teleportation.

A fierce glint flashed in Zhou Xun's eyes. He suppressed the dizziness and pointed his fingers like a sword, slashing fiercely at the core node of the teleportation array beneath his feet!
scoff!

A sharp purple lightning bolt flashed, instantly destroying a key rune on the array base, sending up a wisp of green smoke.

The entire teleportation array emitted a mournful cry of interruption, and the last bit of light was completely extinguished, becoming dim and unable to be activated again.

Only then did Zhou Xun let out a long breath.
As his tense mind relaxed slightly, the terrifying feeling of being pinned down by a prehistoric beast finally disappeared.

"Master...Master...we...we escaped?"

Xiao Jia's face was deathly pale, his voice was still trembling, and his legs were weak, almost unable to stand.

The colossal, world-destroying palm and the overwhelming pressure from the Void Refinement expert had nearly shattered his demonic soul.

Sun Yuanxuan turned pale, her hands tightly covering her chest, her high breasts heaving violently, and her breathing rapid.

Her beautiful eyes were filled with lingering fear and disbelief, and her voice trembled:

"We really...we really escaped from that Void Refinement Ancestor...? Just now...just now was absolutely terrifying..."

She still felt lingering fear when she recalled what had just happened.

That was a powerful expert at the mid-stage of the Void Refinement realm! A being standing at the very top of this world! Ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators were no different from ants before him! They actually escaped from the jaws of death!
"We can't stay here any longer! Lu Xinghai will not let this go and will definitely try to track us down!" Zhou Xun showed no joy at surviving the ordeal; his tone was urgent yet calm.

With a wave of his hand, he first put Xiao Jia, who was in poor condition and couldn't keep up with the speed, into his spirit beast bag to rest.

Without hesitation, he put one arm around Sun Yuanxuan's slender but slightly weak waist.

With a thought, a blood-red cloak silently appeared behind him, moving without wind and emitting faint spatial fluctuations.

It was that magical treasure that excelled at flying—the Crimson Cloak!
"Hold me tight!" Zhou Xun whispered.

Sun Yuanxuan immediately complied, wrapping her arms tightly around Zhou Xun's waist, her whole body almost pressed against him.

The next moment, Zhou Xun frantically poured his magic power into the cloak!

hum!
The cloaks shone with a brilliant crimson light, enveloping the two figures.

call out!
A streak of blood-red light instantly pierced through the simple restrictions of this underground stone chamber.
Like a blood-red lightning bolt tearing through the night, it sped off in one direction at an astonishing speed, several times faster than the escape speed of an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator!
Zhou Xun's goal was very clear.

He is currently at a secret teleportation point located on the edge of the Lu family's sphere of influence.

After reacting, Lu Xinghai's first priority will undoubtedly be to seal off the surrounding area and closely monitor all large-scale immortal city teleportation arrays within the Lu family's sphere of influence.

He had to do the opposite and get out of the Lu family's sphere of influence as quickly as possible.

Beiyu Immortal City is a medium-sized immortal city that does not belong to any major power. Its management is relatively loose, and it has teleportation arrays that connect to various regions, making it an ideal springboard.

From Beiyu Immortal City, with the help of the extensive teleportation network,
First, head to Wanling Immortal City, the most prosperous city in the Wandao Lake area with the most teleportation arrays. It's a place where all sorts of people mingle, making it easier to hide your tracks.

Then, from Wanling Immortal City, he was teleported to a grand level nine immortal city, and finally returned to his homeland, Beishan City, located deep in the mountains!
Only by returning there, and by taking advantage of the complex environment of the mountains and the management of Beishan City, could he truly gain a respite and consider his next move.

A streak of blood-red light ripped through the sky, leaving the island far behind.

Zhou Xun activated his full divine sense, vigilantly scanning his surroundings while constantly adjusting his direction to avoid areas where cultivators might be gathered.

After a full month of tireless and cautious travel, changing directions multiple times, and even taking detours, transiting through teleportation arrays in different immortal cities,

Zhou Xun finally arrived at his destination safely after a roundabout journey.

North Mountain City, Teleportation Hall.

A teleportation array in a side hall emitted a soft yet stable light.

The light faded, revealing a figure.

It was Zhou Xun, weary from his journey, yet his eyes remained sharp and calm.

He still looked like an ordinary young man, his aura completely concealed.

Looking at the familiar layout of the main hall, and feeling the unique, slightly wild, spiritual energy in the air, characteristic of the vast mountains,

Zhou Xun's tense nerves finally relaxed completely.

He straightened his slightly disheveled robes, stepped out of the side hall, and arrived at the main exit of the teleportation hall.

The guards at the gate were still the same few late-stage Golden Core warriors. When they saw Zhou Xun's face, they were first stunned, and then their faces quickly showed a mixture of surprise and awe.

The captain at the head immediately stepped forward, respectfully clasped his hands in a fist and bowed, his voice loud yet filled with heartfelt respect:
"Welcome back to the city, Senior Zhou!"

The other guards also bowed and greeted, "Greetings, Senior Zhou!"

Zhou Xun holds a special position in Beishan City. He is not only a guest elder of the city lord's mansion, but has also made great contributions to Beishan City on several occasions, earning him widespread fame and deep respect.

Zhou Xun nodded slightly in return, without saying anything more, and walked straight outside.

The news of his return to Beishan City spread like wildfire, quickly reaching the city lord's mansion via the guards' communication talismans and attracting attention within a small circle.

Not long after Zhou Xun stepped out of the teleportation hall, a streak of crimson light rushed from the direction of the city lord's mansion and landed in front of him in an instant. The light dissipated, revealing a middle-aged man wearing crimson armor, with a resolute face and a dignified and composed demeanor.

It was his old friend, Blood Spear Heavenly Lord!
"Fellow Daoist Zhou! It really is you! I just received a message saying I saw you return, but I didn't believe it. I didn't expect it to really be you!"

Blood Spear Heavenly Lord's voice was loud and clear, carrying a hint of hearty laughter from a long-awaited reunion.

After carefully examining Zhou Xun, she instantly revealed an expression of disbelief and astonishment!

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, your...your cultivation level..." Blood Spear Heavenly Monarch's face was full of disbelief.

"Mid-stage Nascent Soul?! You've broken through?"

He remembered clearly that when Zhou Xun left Beishan City for Tian Shu City, he was only at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm. How many years have passed since then?

At most, it's only about thirty years, right?

Thirty years is but a fleeting moment in the long lifespan of a Nascent Soul cultivator!

Many Nascent Soul cultivators might spend more than this much time in seclusion!

Zhou Xun actually stepped from the initial peak into the middle stage?
Upon seeing his old friend, Zhou Xun smiled warmly and returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Fellow Daoist Blood Spear, how have you been?"

"It was just a lucky breakthrough, nothing to mention, and it can't compare to your deep foundation, fellow Daoist."

Upon hearing this, Blood Spear Heavenly Lord's lips twitched involuntarily.

Luck? If this kind of advancement speed is just luck, then what about those of us who have cultivated diligently for thousands of years and still can't advance even a small rank?
He took a deep breath, suppressing the shock in his heart, and his gaze towards Zhou Xun became more complicated, containing admiration, envy, and a touch of emotion.

He knew that the potential of the young man before him far exceeded his previous expectations.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou is too modest. If you were lucky, then we would truly be ashamed." Blood Spear Heavenly Monarch shook his head, then his expression turned serious, and he said:

"The City Lord, knowing of your return, specifically sent me to invite you for a chat." "The City Lord is so kind; I am truly flattered!" He then followed Blood Spear Heavenly Lord.

As for Sun Yuanxuan, she was served by servants.

After making arrangements for Sun Yuanxuan, Blood Spear Heavenly Lord led Zhou Xun, transforming into two streaks of light, and flew towards the core area of ​​the City Lord's Mansion.

Before long, a luxurious palace came into view.

The entire palace was built of warm white spiritual jade, with carved beams and painted rafters, flying eaves and brackets, magnificent in scale yet with a touch of immortal charm, which is the location of the cave dwelling of the Lord of Beishan City.

The two landed in front of the palace gate, where maids were already waiting respectfully.

Upon entering the main hall, Zhou Xun immediately felt an extremely pure spiritual energy of heaven and earth rush towards him, which was refreshing and invigorating.

The interior of the hall was elegantly and luxuriously decorated, yet it was full of hidden secrets, clearly indicating that every piece of furniture was extraordinary.

After passing through several palace gates, we arrived at a viewing platform with a wide view.

A stunningly beautiful figure stood with his back to them, leaning against the railing, gazing at the distant, mist-shrouded mountains.

Hearing footsteps, she slowly turned around.

After many years, the current Lord of Beishan City is still as breathtakingly beautiful as I remember, as if time has left no trace on her.

She wore a flowing, moon-white palace dress, the hem adorned with tiny, sparkling star-shaped gemstones.

Her long, black hair, tied back with a simple jade hairpin, accentuated her slender neck and jade-like skin.

She seemed like a celestial maiden from the heavens, detached from worldly affairs, with unparalleled elegance and beauty.

Zhou Xun stepped forward and respectfully bowed, saying, "Zhou Xun greets the City Lord!"

The beautiful eyes of the City Lord of Beishan fell on Zhou Xun, scrutinizing him for a moment, a look of surprise appearing on her exquisite face.

Her red lips parted slightly, her voice clear and melodious like a spring striking jade, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:

“Fellow Daoist Zhou, there’s no need for such formalities. It seems you have had many fortuitous encounters on your journey. In just a few decades, you have already reached the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, which is truly astonishing.”

Her tone carried a hint of genuine admiration.

"I am here to congratulate Fellow Daoist Zhou on taking another step forward on the Great Dao."

"You flatter me, City Lord. It was just a fluke," Zhou Xun said humbly.

The City Lord of Beishan smiled slightly, her beauty captivating. She raised her slender hand and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, please sit. Blood Spear, you may also leave."

"Yes, City Lord!" Blood Spear Heavenly Lord bowed and withdrew.

The Lord of Beishan City gracefully sat down at the jade table and took out a tea set.
With delicate, slender hands, she personally prepared the spiritual tea.
Soon, two cups of steaming hot, clear, emerald-green tea, exuding a refreshing and delightful fragrance, were ready.

Zhou Xun thanked him and accepted the tea. He took a sip and immediately felt a pure and gentle spiritual energy dissipate, clearing his mind. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Excellent tea!"

The Lord of Beishan City also picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and naturally began to talk about the Dao of Formations.

Zhou Xun's expertise in formations was already remarkable, and after years of refinement and improvement, especially in crafting the "Five Heavens Purple Thunder Formation," his insights have become even more profound.

His occasional words always hit the nail on the head, making the beautiful eyes of the City Lord of Beishan sparkle.

When Zhou Xun casually mentioned that he could now independently refine a complete set of fifth-grade high-quality magic arrays,

Even with the shrewdness and insight of the Lord of Beishan City, he couldn't help but show a look of shock.

She put down her teacup, her eyes gleaming as she looked at Zhou Xun, her voice filled with disbelief and astonishment:
"Fellow Daoist Zhou...you've actually managed to refine a high-grade fifth-order magic array?"

"Is this true? As far as I know, even among the grandmasters of formations who specialize in this art, very few can achieve such a feat at the Nascent Soul stage!"

A fifth-tier superior-grade magic array can even temporarily trap powerful arrays that exist only in the early stages of the Void Refinement realm!
Zhou Xun politely replied, "You flatter me, City Lord. I have only gained some knowledge and still need to improve."

The two chatted happily, from formations to cultivation, and from cultivation to the situation in the vast mountains, as well as strange and wonderful things happening around them.

The Lord of Beishan City is knowledgeable and witty, and Zhou Xun is not a pedantic person either, often offering unique insights.

Before they knew it, it was already evening, and the sky outside the hall was full of stars.

Seeing that it was getting late, Zhou Xun got up to say goodbye.

The Lord of Beishan City was clearly enjoying the conversation immensely, and said with lingering interest, "I have benefited greatly from talking with Fellow Daoist Zhou. It is a pity that it is already late today, otherwise I would definitely have talked with you by candlelight until the end."

She actually got up herself and saw Zhou Xun out of the main hall.

This scene secretly startled the maids and guards on duty outside the palace; for the city lord to personally escort them was truly astonishing.
This Senior Zhou's status in the city lord's heart is probably much higher than they imagined!

"If Fellow Daoist Zhou has any free time in the future, you are welcome to visit my Beichen Palace." The City Lord of Beishan stood in front of the palace gate, starlight shining on her, making her look like a goddess descending to earth.

"Certainly, Lord City Lord, please wait."

Zhou Xun bowed and took his leave, transforming into a streak of light and flying towards his cave dwelling in the city.

Watching Zhou Xun's departing light, the City Lord of Beishan's beautiful eyes gleamed, and she murmured to herself:

"Mid-stage Nascent Soul Realm, fifth-tier high-grade array master... Zhou Xun, just how many secrets are you still hiding... It seems..."

"My investment in you back then was probably the most worthwhile thing I ever did in my life..."

After leaving the city lord's mansion,
Zhou Xun then went to Tianbao Pavilion and returned to the cave dwelling where he had previously lived.

During this time, Pavilion Master Su Yuanqing came to visit.

"Junior Su Yuanqing congratulates Senior Zhou on your great progress in cultivation and your safe return!" Su Yuanqing bowed deeply, his tone full of sincerity.

“No need for such formalities, Pavilion Master Su. Please come in.” Zhou Xun invited him into the cave.

After the guests and hosts were seated, Su Yuanqing did not exchange many pleasantries. Instead, he carefully took out a storage bag from his bosom and presented it with both hands.

His voice trembled slightly with excitement:
"Senior Zhou, thanks to your great fortune, I have devoted all my resources over the years, and with the secret help of the City Lord's Mansion, I have finally... finally gathered all the materials to refine the 'Nine-Bend Divine Transformation Pill'!"

As he spoke, he opened his storage bag, and immediately an extremely rich and refreshing medicinal fragrance filled the air.
Inside, there was a dazzling array of medicinal herbs, especially the ginseng that resembled a dragon with nine strange patterns, which exuded a powerful spiritual aura.

Su Yuanqing raised her head, her gaze fixed intently on Zhou Xun, filled with utmost earnestness and a hint of nervousness:
“I know this is presumptuous, but… but I have been stuck at the Nascent Soul stage for nearly three hundred years, and my lifespan is running out. This is a do-or-die situation…”

"I humbly beg you, senior, to grant me the favor of refining a batch of 'Nine-Bend Divine Transformation Pills'! Regardless of success or failure, I will be eternally grateful and offer half of the treasures of the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion as my reward!"

Zhou Xun looked at the precious spiritual objects before him, and at the expectation in Su Yuanqing's eyes.

So, he smiled slightly, and without the slightest hesitation, spoke gently:

“Sect Master Su, there’s no need for that. We’ve known each other for many years, and I would never refuse such a small matter. I will refine this batch of ‘Nine-Bend Divine Transformation Pills’ for you.”

"As for the compensation, it will be handled according to the rules!"

Upon hearing this, Su Yuanqing was overjoyed and bowed deeply to Zhou Xun, his voice choked with emotion:

"Senior...Senior's kindness is immense, I, Yuan Qing, will never forget it!!"

(End of this chapter)