Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 210 Meeting old friends again
Looking at the old woman outside the protective formation, Li Ji'an frowned slightly.

During such a special period, and especially given her special status as Liu Jingchun's Daoist partner, Li Ji'an absolutely did not want to deal with her.

Moreover, Li Ji'an naturally knew the purpose of his visit.

"This old man has come to seek the elixir; please see Master Li."

Guo Zhilan stopped outside the formation and took a deep breath.

Li Ji'an turned to look at Xiao Qiao and asked, "May I ask your esteemed name, fellow Daoist? And why have you sought me out?"

"I am Guo Zhilan. I came here specifically because the longevity pills that Master Li refined for my husband were of extremely high quality," Guo Zhilan replied fluently.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiao, who had been sitting quietly, trembled slightly and involuntarily looked at the old woman outside, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

"Please welcome them!" Finally, Li Ji'an began to greet the guests.

Guo Zhilan bowed respectfully and entered the formation.

"I have met Master Li Dan."

To Li Ji'an's relief, Guo Zhilan acted with composure and showed no signs of recognizing Xiao Qiao during this trip.

"What kind of pills does Fellow Daoist Guo wish to refine?" Li Ji'an greeted him as usual.

"Master Li must already know about the dramatic changes in my husband's family. Now that my husband's dantian has been destroyed, and he already has little life left, I don't know how many days he will live. I would like to ask Master Li to help me refine the Preservation Pill to prolong my husband's life for a while." Guo Zhilan did not shy away from the matter of the Liu family.

Upon hearing this, Li Ji'an nodded.

His request was reasonable, and given their past connection in refining longevity pills for Liu Jingchun, his visit today was not unreasonable.

For the next two days, Li Ji'an focused on refining elixirs and had Xiao Qiao entertain the guests.

During the journey, Li Ji'an sensed that Guo Zhilan had not recognized Xiao Qiao. Xiao Qiao was also introverted and reserved, and the two gradually grew closer as they interacted.

Before they became acquainted, Guo Zhilan pretended to inquire about Xiao Qiao's background, lamenting her difficult fate and how fortunate she was to have met Master Li Dan.

Xiao Qiao also tacitly refrained from revealing her inner thoughts, instead acting as a stranger, curious about Guo Zhilan's life.

Guo Zhilan did not hide anything, and recounted how she met, got to know, and fell in love with Liu Jingchun. She also talked about the hardships in her life, and when she talked about losing her beloved son, she burst into tears.

Xiao Qiao, as a junior, offered words of comfort.

……

Li Ji'an was satisfied with the whole process.

The two days passed quickly, and Guo Zhilan, though reluctant to leave, had to depart.

He came here only to see his granddaughter, and never intended to drag her into the Liu family's troubles.

"I thank Master Li!" Guo Zhilan accepted the pills from Li Ji'an and offered a piece of spirit bamboo as a reward, bowing deeply in gratitude.

"Fellow Daoist Guo, you flatter me. It's just a transaction." Li Ji'an actually understood the meaning behind Guo's gesture.

Guo Zhilan smiled kindly and changed the subject: "Master Li enjoys the Lingfeng Peak all to himself, and has a beauty like Xiao Qiao by his side. He is truly living a life like an immortal."

Li Ji'an shook his head: "Fellow Daoist Guo has misunderstood. Xiao Qiao is my junior, and I regard her as my own daughter."

"Oh?" Guo Zhilan was quite surprised.

In the past two days, she could sense Xiao Qiao's dependence on and respect for Master Li Dan.

Moreover, given Xiao Qiao's status as an orphan and her subsequent association with Li Ji'an, coupled with her current Qi Refining stage talent, under normal circumstances, someone of Li Danshi's status would likely not be qualified to stay unless they were attracted to her beauty.

However, Master Li actually treated him as his own son and continued to support his cultivation.

There are people of such noble character in the cultivation world, but... the probability of encountering a Core Formation opportunity is even lower.

After a moment of stunned silence, Guo Zhilan laughed, a hearty laugh.

In this way, perhaps there can be new arrangements for the granddaughter's future.

"Li Danshi's character is noble and she admires him for treating orphans with such kindness and generosity."

Li Ji'an smiled faintly and said frankly, "Fellow Daoist flatters me. At first, I was just doing this on someone's behalf. Later, as we spent more time together, I developed feelings for her. It's also because this girl is sensible."

Guo Zhilan carefully sensed the sincerity in Li Ji'an's words, and felt even more satisfied. She asked with some anticipation, "Does Master Li know the ownership of the spiritual vein dojo in the Liu family's strange stone forest?"

"I heard from my colleagues in the sect that it was awarded to Master Qin," Li Ji'an said casually.

"Master Li should know the reason why Master Qin attacked the Liu family this time. To be honest, my husband was able to save his life this time because Master Qin pleaded for him."

"Currently, Master Qin has not yet begun to deal with the Qishilin spiritual vein Daoist site. However, if Alchemist Li is interested, there is a good chance that his third-grade low-level core Daoist site will be ready." Guo Zhilan almost stated her intentions explicitly.

Li Ji'an's expression showed that he was interested, but he remained indifferent in his heart.

While a third-tier low-grade spiritual vein may seem to be only one grade higher than a second-tier high-grade one, the actual difference is enormous.

Just this small difference in rank is the insurmountable chasm between Core Formation and Foundation Establishment!
It's safe to say that no Foundation Establishment cultivator could remain unmoved.

It would be rather abnormal if Li Ji'an showed no interest whatsoever.

However, Li Ji'an has developed a good network of connections within the Biyun Sect and has accumulated a lot of contributions, so he has a good chance of establishing a third-tier high-grade spiritual vein dojo within the sect.

In today's environment, the success rate of forming a true core in a low-grade third-order spiritual vein is quite low. Normally, a mid-grade third-order spiritual vein environment has become the bare minimum for forming a true core.

Furthermore, he kept his distance from the Liu family's territory and had no intention of getting involved.

However, on the surface, he still tentatively asked, "I wonder... has the Holy Palace completely finished dealing with the Liu family?"

Guo Zhilan smiled slightly, understanding his concerns, and immediately said, "Please rest assured, Master Li, all matters within the Liu family have been dealt with, except for the demon who has not yet been captured and the Celestial Master that the demon found. There are no more outstanding issues at the Qishilin Dojo."

"Celestial Master?" Li Ji'an asked at the opportune moment.

"Master Li, you may not know this, but when that demon was raising blood slaves, he unexpectedly found a divinely favored person who could predict good and bad fortune. It was thanks to that divinely favored person that the old demon was able to remain safe and sound for so many years," Guo Zhilan said without any attempt to hide her feelings.

"I see!" Li Ji'an suddenly realized.

"Where is that chosen one now?"

"Don't worry, Master Li. When the old demon fled, that chosen one fell into a deep sleep for some unknown reason. He has now been sealed by the Holy Palace and should never come out again in this lifetime."

"..." Upon hearing this, Li Ji'an nodded nonchalantly, but his heart tightened.

Ning Sujin has fallen into a deep sleep? She has been placed under house arrest by the Wanfa Palace!

Just as I had guessed.

Moreover, from Guo Zhilan's words, Li Ji'an realized that she probably didn't even know about Ning Yutan's existence.

Or perhaps, many people are unaware of Ning Yutan's existence.

"Thank you for your kind offer, Daoist Guo. I am quite satisfied with my current situation and dare not ask for too much at the moment." After a moment's hesitation, Li Ji'an suppressed his interest and politely declined the offer.

Guo Zhilan was slightly disappointed, but she understood Li Ji'an's concerns: "It's alright, Master Li is welcome to visit the Qishilin Dojo anytime."

"Xiao Qiao is also welcome to visit anytime."

After seeing Guo Zhilan off, Li Ji'an no longer hesitated.

Since Wanfa Palace has placed Ning Sujin under house arrest and she is now in a deep sleep, there should be no hidden dangers for Ning Yutan.

He then began preparations for this trip. A month later, Li Ji'an reported to his sect and, with Xiao Qiao, went to Biluo Market again.

The main branch of the Liu family was wiped out, but most of the surrounding vassal branches were beyond five degrees of kinship, and some had even lost their bloodline long ago, so they were not affected.

Furthermore, because the Liu family's spirit-gathering array was destroyed, spiritual energy returned to the branch veins, making the spiritual vein environment of the vassal families even better.

Qin Henian not only took over the Qishilin Spirit Vein Dojo, but also became the master of Biluo Market.

"Brother, have you really come to your senses?" In the former ancestral temple of the Liu family, Qin Henian looked at the frail and elderly Liu Jingchun in front of him and asked in a deep voice.

Liu Jingchun smiled bitterly: "Clan, clan. If we hadn't been trapped by this in the past, how could we have ended up in this state?"

Because of his exceptional talent from a young age, he was regarded as a potential successor to the Liu family's ancestral lineage and received more and deeper education on family values ​​than his peers.

In addition, the preferential treatment he received from his clan since childhood has deeply ingrained his concept of clan in his mind.

Therefore, upon learning that the Liu family patriarch was practicing demonic arts, and that exposure would lead to the extinction of the Liu family, their first choice was to conceal it, and only then to stop or eliminate it.

Even the rebellion of the clan was for the sake of the family.

If they had known about this back then and reported it to the Biyun Sect immediately, nipping it in the bud, then the Ancestor had not yet cultivated his demonic body. If the Biyun Sect had eliminated it as soon as possible, the tragedy of the clan's annihilation might not have occurred today.

Now that his clan has been destroyed, he has completely given up on clinging to the clan.

“Husband, even if not for the sake of the clan, you should think about that girl. We owe her too much.” Guo Zhilan had a different thought after meeting Xiao Qiao.

Liu Jingchun paused.

"Yes, we owe her so much."

"Don't worry, sister-in-law, I'll find a way to bring that girl to my side and make sure she can reach the Foundation Establishment stage," Qin Henian replied.

“He Nian, we owe you so much.” Guo Zhilan looked at Qin He Nian with a face full of guilt.

"What are you saying, sister-in-law? That girl is my granddaughter. This is nothing." Qin Henian laughed it off.

His original plan was to secretly place Liu Jingchun's only bloodline on the main vein of Qishilin and wholeheartedly support it in rebuilding the Liu family.

However, Liu Jingchun no longer has this idea.
-
More than half a month later, Li Ji'an and Xiao Qiao entered Biluofang City again.

Upon entering the market, he released his croaking bird, instructing it to use its scent to locate Ning Yutan.

In less than half a day, Guagua found Ning Yutan in a spirit food shop in the Fangshi commercial district.

This relieved Li Ji'an. He had been worried that Ning Yutan would leave, which would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

"Fellow Daoist, please come in. Our Yu Jin Xuan's spirit cakes are not only nourishing..." Just as Li Ji'an and Xiao Qiao stepped into the snack shop, a familiar yet unfamiliar light and melodious voice came from inside.

Ning Yutan hurried out to greet him, but halfway through her sentence, she stared at Li Ji'an's face, slightly lost in thought.

Li Ji'an now appears to be in his thirties or forties. Due to the spiritual energy that has nourished and cleansed him since he was eight years old, as well as the physical body that has been nourished by the magic power of the Foundation Establishment stage, his appearance is somewhat different from that of the Immortal Dynasty. However, his general outline, including the combination of his facial features, still has many similarities.

If you look at it in general terms, you might still make a mistake.

“Like…” he murmured, but then immediately realized what he meant.

Upon closer inspection, there are still many differences.

Moreover, 148 years have passed, and Li Ji'an has not been brought to the cultivation world by the guiding immortal master. He must have long since turned into withered bones.

"Fellow Daoist, why don't you try our shop's signature dish?"

“Okay.” Li Ji’an nodded and sat down with Xiao Qiao.

He hadn't been paying special attention to Ning Yutan, but her performance just now was too obvious; he almost blurted out the line he had heard countless times in his previous lives.

This shows that Ning Yutan's actions were genuine.

However, his demeanor had changed significantly compared to when he had somehow managed to evade the Wanfa Palace's inspection of cultivators and enter the market a year ago.

At this moment, Ning Yutan and Li Ji'an's memory of the mischievous little girl they first met overlapped even more.

"A spiritual food shop?"

Why must we stay here?

As Ning Yutan entered the kitchen to prepare spirit cakes and spirit tea, Li Ji'an's divine sense enveloped the area.

Even though he was alone, the kitchen was full of carefully prepared spiritual cakes and tea snacks.

Before long, Ning Yutan brought out the spirit cake and then brought Li Ji'an a pot of spirit tea.

Li Ji'an concealed his aura at this moment, appearing as a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. Ning Yutan did not notice anything amiss and continued to greet him as an equal.

After retreating to the counter, she hid behind it and secretly sized up Li Ji'an.

Seeing Li Ji'an and Xiao Qiao eating, drinking, chatting and laughing, she felt increasingly lonely.

Just as the two had almost finished eating and were about to leave, she finally couldn't resist.

"Are you satisfied, fellow Daoist?" he asked, stepping forward to strike up a conversation.

Li Ji'an glanced at her and nodded: "Not bad, fellow Daoist's spirit cake is smooth and refreshing, and it can also promote the refining of spiritual energy. It is a rare delicacy."

"Hehe, thank you for your praise, fellow Daoist. To be honest, I learned all of these from my mother. Her pastries are absolutely amazing!" Ning Yutan was as proud as she had been when she introduced them to Li Ji'an back then.

"May I ask your esteemed name, fellow Daoist? Based on your refined taste, I am willing to be your friend."

Li Ji'an cupped his hands slightly and said, "Fellow Daoist flatters me. My surname is Li, and my given name is Fan."

“Li... Fan.” A strange look appeared in Ning Yutan’s eyes, as if she was a little surprised that he also had the surname Li.

Li Ji'an raised an eyebrow: "What advice do you have, fellow Daoist?"

"I'm sorry, I just... you look a lot like an old friend of mine." Ning Yutan snapped out of her daze and quickly apologized.

"Oh? This old friend of yours looks a lot like me?"

“It’s like it, very much like it!” Ning Yutan nodded emphatically.

Li Ji'an smiled slightly: "Is that so? I wonder where your old friend is? If it is as you imagine, I would be interested in meeting him."

Upon hearing this, Ning Yutan couldn't help but smile bitterly: "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you, fellow Daoist. My old friend should have already turned into a handful of dust."

Li Ji'an feigned surprise, then chuckled and shook his head.

"May I ask your surname, young lady?"

"Ning Yutan".

"I've noted it down. If I have the time, I'll definitely come back to try your cooking. Farewell." Li Ji'an paid the spirit stones and then took his leave.

"Goodbye!"

As Ning Yutan watched Li Ji'an's figure disappear from sight, her playful expression suddenly vanished, instantly transforming into a calm and serious one.

At the same time, that light, melodious voice echoed in his mind again: "Doesn't it look very similar?"

"Yes!" came the cold reply.

(End of this chapter)