Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 243 Helping with All Our Might
The return of Zhao Qi, the chief disciple, came as a surprise to many.

The exchange between the Myriad Laws Palace and the Corpse Puppet Sect to enter each other's cultivation domains back then was nothing more than each having their own ulterior motives and purposes.

Based on what Li Ji'an learned from Xiao Changfeng, he deduced that the Nascent Soul True Monarch of the Myriad Laws Palace had set up a trap by taking advantage of the Liu family's ancestor's affair, luring the Golden Puppet Saint Monarch of the Corpse Puppet Sect into it.

The purpose of the Myriad Laws Palace was never about the so-called ancestor of the Liu family, but rather about the secret treasure within the Boundless Domain.

Apart from the few pawns personally arranged and placed under divine soul restrictions by the Wanfa Palace, all the other geniuses from various sects who entered the Boundless Domain were merely cannon fodder abandoned from the very beginning.

The Golden Puppet Saint King must have discovered that he had been tricked, which led him to massacre the cultivators from the Heavenly Azure Domain within his own domain, ultimately escalating the conflict between the two sides.

In the following years, the demon-slaying teams in the Tiancang Domain became increasingly fierce, so it is conceivable that cultivators entering the Boundless Domain must be in even greater danger.

Everyone thought that those who hadn't escaped were likely in grave danger.

It was precisely for this reason that Elder Fang was able to secure that generous amount of Core Formation spiritual resources for Xiao Changfeng.

Li Ji stood quietly on the solitary peak, clearing his mind of all distractions, and mentally deduced the many possible outcomes of this sudden event...

A moment later, his expression hardened, and he flew toward the sect.

Their first stop was Danding Peak.

Zhao Qi returned with a clear purpose: to reclaim the Core Formation spiritual resources that rightfully belonged to him.

At this moment, Xiao Changfeng has already begun his seclusion. He must seize every second to stop Xiao Changfeng before he consumes that spiritual resource, especially that superior Core Formation spiritual object.

As long as Xiao Changfeng doesn't use up that spiritual resource, he can wait for the Supreme Elder to return and take charge of the overall situation. With his experience and talent, he will definitely crush Xiao Changfeng.

However, only the three pseudo-core elders who currently guard the sect can agree to stop Xiao Changfeng from forming his core.

The three pseudo-core elders would certainly not dare to make a decision, since both of them are the sect's prodigies with the potential to form true cores and have the background of true core elders. They are not easy to offend either of them, so in the end, they will most likely have to divide the decision-making power among themselves.

The remaining elders who hold the False Core Formation in the sect today, besides the three senior elders who are nearing the end of their lifespan, are Jade Core True Person from Pill Cauldron Peak, Mysterious ...

Li Ji'an guessed that the final decision would likely be made by a vote of the seven pseudo-elders.

"Young Li, you've come at just the right time. I've been wanting to ask you a few questions." Upon seeing Li Ji'an, Master Yu Dan's furrowed brows relaxed.

Li Ji'an bowed, but dared not waste any more time, and immediately said, "Teacher, I have something important to ask of you."

"Oh? Tell me about it." Master Yudan was slightly surprised to hear this. Li Ji'an had been a guest elder in the sect for more than 30 years. He had never competed or fought for anything and had a detached nature. He had never really asked him for anything.

"I humbly request your assistance, Master, in helping me achieve the Wind Core Formation!" Li Ji'an said solemnly.

"Hmm?" Master Yu Dan frowned slightly, glancing at Li Ji'an with considerable surprise.

Zhao Qi's roar just now may not have been genuine anger, but rather a preemptive tactic to let the entire clan know his attitude and to seize the moral high ground for what he was about to do.

Master Yu Dan naturally heard it.

The old man was shrewd and experienced. Having lived for over three hundred years, he instantly understood what Zhao Qi wanted to do and even foresaw the possible developments that might follow.

However, to his surprise, Li Ji'an, a young man in his eighties, was able to grasp the essence of the matter so quickly and even came directly to him for help.

After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Little Li, I know that you have a close relationship with Changfeng, but... Zhao Qi is a kid with a low-grade spiritual root and has been honing his skills in the Foundation Establishment stage for many years. He has a solid foundation and is also a direct disciple of the Supreme Elder. Whether it is talent or background, he is a cut above. When I was preparing the spiritual materials for him to form his core, it was to help him form a mid-to-high-grade true core as much as possible."

In contrast, Changfeng only possesses an ordinary high-grade spiritual root, and his cultivation technique is not the most superior one in the sect. Even if he obtains that seed for Core Formation, he may not be able to achieve True Core formation!

Li Ji'an nodded. This was something that anyone with eyes could see, and it was also Xiao Changfeng's biggest weakness in making it difficult to preserve his Core Formation spiritual potential.

However, they were unaware that Xiao Changfeng possessed a top-ranking Core Formation treasure—the Earth Source Essence.

"Teacher, this is a fragment of the Six Gods Condensing Essence Pill formula that I obtained by chance. Please help me."

It was precisely because Xiao Changfeng had a natural disadvantage compared to Zhao Qi that Li Ji'an came to plead for him in person, and he had made preparations for this.

It was the fragment he obtained when he killed the Blood Hand Butcher, a calamity cultivator, in the Golden Radiance Immortal City.

"Six Gods Condensing Essence Pill!" Upon seeing the fragment, Jade Pill True Person's pupils dilated suddenly.

The soul plays a crucial role for cultivators, especially those who practice various arts and crafts. However, there are almost no particularly effective means to strengthen the soul except for cultivating soul cultivation techniques.

The legendary Six Gods Condensing Essence Pill from ancient times is said to be the best among them.

It can not only condense the soul and enhance divine sense, but it is also a soul pill that soul cultivators dream of.

The decline of soul cultivation is mainly due to its extremely high requirements for spiritual talent and comprehension. Ninety-nine percent of people in the world do not have such talent. If one forcibly cultivates soul cultivation techniques, it is easy to lose one's mind and go to extremes.

The Six Gods Condensing Essence Pill can also play a certain role in stabilizing the sea of ​​consciousness.

Unfortunately, the cultivation of souls had already declined in ancient times, and only a very few hidden forces possessed the formula for this pill. After the collapse of the ancient heavens, it became extinct.

"Good!" Although it was just a fragment of animal hide, it was of great value to True Person Yu Dan.

At least there's this hope.

If the remaining fragments are offered as a reward across the entire region for an extended period, perhaps one day the Six Gods Condensing Essence Pill will see the light of day again.

"I promise you, if that brat Zhao Qi tries to force his way through, I will stand in his way. If we are to vote together, I will vote for Changfeng. However, I am not very confident that I can persuade the others. At most, I can get that old scoundrel Qingfeng to stand on Changfeng's side. Even so, I'm afraid it will still not be enough to stop the situation from developing." Master Yudan told him the truth.

"Teacher, you have done your best. Regardless of success or failure, I thank you on behalf of Changfeng." Li Ji'an bowed solemnly.

Master Yudan nodded, a smile spreading across his face: "I had misjudged you before. I never expected you to be so kind. Changfeng is lucky to have made a friend like you."

In Master Yu Dan's view, the conflict between Xiao Changfeng and Zhao Qi involved the upper echelons of the sect, something that ordinary sect members would avoid at all costs, since one wrong move could offend a future True Core Elder.

Li Ji'an's efforts to help Xiao Changfeng were fraught with even greater risks.

Firstly, that Core Formation Spirit Capital was prepared for Zhao Qi, and Zhao Qi had a reason to ask for it.

Secondly, due to his own lack of talent, Xiao Changfeng had no advantage in front of Zhao Qi. If Zhao Qi persuaded several fake Core Formation elders to intervene and prevent Xiao Changfeng from forming his Core, his Dao foundation would be damaged, and he would have no hope of forming his Core in this life. This was a minor matter; he might even die on the spot.

Conversely, even if Zhao Qi failed to stop Xiao Changfeng from forming his core this time, with his talent and foundation, he still has the hope of forming a true core in the future.

If Xiao Changfeng fails to condense his true core this time, he will be even less able to gain a foothold in the sect.

In conclusion, the odds of winning by betting on Xiao Changfeng are too low.

If you bet on Zhao Qi, even if you fail to retrieve the Core Formation Spiritual Resources this time, there is still hope for a comeback in the future.

Unless there is genuine affection, no one would bet on Xiao Changfeng.

"Teacher, you flatter me. If I hadn't been worried that Changfeng's core formation would be abruptly interrupted, damaging his foundation and endangering his life, I, a mere guest elder from an outer peak, would not have dared to interfere in the sect's important affairs," Li Ji'an said modestly.

He wasn't entirely telling the truth, because he was pretty sure that as long as Xiao Changfeng wasn't disturbed, he would definitely be able to form a true core this time. The spiritual resources that the sect had prepared for Zhao Qi to form a core were very generous, as Xiao Changfeng had told him. Given Xiao Changfeng's situation, there shouldn't be any problem with him successfully forming a core. In addition, with that earth essence, a true core was guaranteed.

The main reason he was so determined to help Xiao Changfeng was because he was thinking about his next life.

His relationship with Xiao Changfeng was not a secret within the sect; everyone knew about it.

The conflict between Xiao Changfeng and Zhao Qi was now irreconcilable. Regardless of whether he helped Xiao Changfeng or not, he was already associated with him. If Xiao Changfeng lost, he wouldn't be afraid in this life because he had alchemy skills, but there would be too much uncertainty about getting a good position in the sect in the next life. In that case, all his efforts in the sect in this life would be meaningless. After bidding farewell to Jade Pill True Person, Li Ji'an headed towards Treasure Weapon Peak again.

Looking towards the direction Li Ji'an had fled, Master Yu Dan narrowed his eyes slightly: "This kid... is quite something!"

Zhao Qi's return came without any warning, and today's events happened even more suddenly.

Faced with such a sudden event, Li Ji'an's ability to react so quickly and effectively demonstrates his remarkable intelligence and decisiveness.

A moment later, Li Ji'an arrived at Baoqi Peak.

Unlike Jade Pill True Person, Golden Stone True Person of Treasure Peak frowned slightly the moment he sensed Li Ji'an's arrival, roughly guessing his intentions.

He was originally from a faction that was close to Elder Tian.

Previously, he had even helped Elder Tian devise a plan on how to ensure that this generous Core Formation resource would fall into the hands of Elder Tian's grandson.

Unfortunately, just when everything was ready, Xiao Changfeng returned alive.

Therefore, he had no good feelings towards Xiao Changfeng.

Even after hearing Zhao Qi's roar, he still had the idea of ​​watching the show.

However, he had previously asked Li Ji'an for Foundation Establishment Pills for his disciples and received a high-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, so he owed Li Ji'an a favor.

In the end, he decided to meet with them.

"Master Li, what brings you to my Treasure Peak today?" Master Jinshi greeted him with a smile.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Ji'an got straight to the point: "I wish to make a deal with the elder."

"trade?"

"We implore Elder Jinshi to lend Changfeng a hand."

Elder Jinshi immediately smiled and shook his head: "Master Li, it's not that I'm disrespecting you, it's just..."

However, before Master Jinshi could finish speaking, Li Ji'an took something out of his storage bag.

"This was obtained by chance when I encountered a cultivator during a calamity on my way to the Heavenly River Immortal City a few years ago. It should be a Dao artifact!"

Although Jinshi Zhenren was not as obsessed with craftsmanship as Yudan Zhenren, as a weapon refiner, no one could resist the mysterious and unpredictable Dao artifacts.

This rattle drum was given to Fu Hanxing, a true disciple of the Lieyang Sect. Back then, Li Ji'an did not find any soul binding mark on it.

Subsequent and repeated studies confirmed that its only effect is to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and that its side effect is that it consumes mental energy.

It wasn't of much use to his ultimate goal of becoming an immortal immortal, so he didn't feel too bad about using it to help Xiao Changfeng at the moment.

"A Dao artifact!" The last part of Jinshi Zhenren's words caught in his throat, and golden light shone from his eyes.

Li Ji'an explained its effects and how to use it to him.

"It truly is a Dao artifact!" Master Jinshi couldn't wait to take it into his hands and examine it.

"Deal!" Without further hesitation, Master Jinshi gave an affirmative answer.

"You're a straightforward person!" Li Ji'an bowed and took his leave.

Now, three of the seven fake alchemists have been obtained, and only the crucial final one is missing.

The three elders, who were nearing the end of their lives, were not close to Li Ji'an, and all three had long been in a state of being without desires. As for the Xuanji Master of the Array Hall, he had been implicated in the Liu family's affairs and had spent the past few years reflecting on his mistakes in seclusion. His mind had become increasingly clear and he was not easily tempted.

Logically speaking, Li Ji'an had already done his best to win over the three people in such a short time. Moreover, given Xiao Changfeng's personality and Elder Fang's background, he might have had supporters. The rest was up to fate.

However, Li Ji'an did not stop and headed towards the main peak again.

He either stays out of the game and observes the situation, or once he gets involved, he must be absolutely certain of victory.

Before long, Li Ji'an spotted Zhao Qi, who looked furious, from the main peak.

Compared to his carefree and easygoing demeanor when he assessed his batch of new disciples, Zhao Qi now appeared somewhat ferocious.

Li Ji'an could understand his feelings.

He could have attempted to form his core twenty or thirty years earlier, but in order to increase his chances of succeeding in forming the true core, he waited for the sect to gather the most abundant spiritual resources for him, which delayed his core formation by more than twenty years.

Just when everything was ready, someone else stole the peach.

However, no one was wrong in this matter. The path of immortality values ​​competition. Xiao Changfeng was not wrong to strive for Core Formation resources in order to advance in the path of immortality, and Zhao Qi was not wrong to fight for the Core Formation resources that should have been his.

It can only be said that fate played a cruel trick on us.

After Zhao Qi left the main hall, Li Ji'an showed his identity card and entered.

"What brings you here, Master Li?" The three old men had clearly just been outmaneuvered by Zhao Qi, and now they all looked worried.

Facing the three elders who were nearing the end of their lives, Li Ji'an could only offer his most sincere words: "Greetings to the three elders. This junior has no other requests, only that my virtuous brother Changfeng be safe and sound."

"Changfeng is kind-hearted and deeply attached to his fellow disciples. If he had known that Senior Brother Zhao Qi would return, I think he would not have accepted the sect's Core Formation resources."

Now that he has gained the favor of Elder Fang and is highly regarded by the sect, he must be determined to do his best to live up to the sect's expectations.

He was at a critical moment in his breakthrough to the Core Formation stage; if he were to be forcibly interrupted, his life would be in danger.

What crime has Changfeng committed? He truly deserves this calamity.

Furthermore, even if Senior Brother Zhao Qi misses out on this opportunity to obtain Core Formation resources, he will at least have the chance to obtain better Core Formation resources. Every cloud has a silver lining.
This junior humbly begs the three elders to reconsider!

Seeing Li Ji'an kneeling on the ground, the three elders looked at each other, becoming even more conflicted.

Most of what Li Ji'an said was true, and it was indeed their main concern.

However, the only mistake is that once this Core Formation material is missed, it will be difficult to gather it again within a hundred years. Moreover, with the escalating situation between the two regions, it may not be possible to gather such abundant Core Formation material for hundreds of years to come.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have hesitated at all.

In fact, the situation they are facing now is very clear. First, they can let nature take its course and let Xiao Changfeng form his core. With such abundant spiritual resources for core formation, it is almost certain that he will successfully form his core. However, they cannot determine the quality of the core, which is at most a lower-grade true core.

Second, forcibly interrupting Xiao Changfeng's core formation could cause his magical power to become disordered, resulting in failure to form his core, damage to his foundation, or even death and dissipation of his soul if he is already in the stage of cultivating his magic.

Third, if it is not at a critical stage, then it is fine. The core formation spiritual resources can be withdrawn, and the Supreme Elder can be asked to return to the sect for a decision.

However, in that case, the Core Formation spiritual resources would most likely return to Zhao Qi.

Zhao Qi used this spiritual material to form a core, and he was highly likely to achieve a true core, or even a mid-level true core.

Those who reach the middle or upper reaches of the True Elixir stage have the hope of transforming into an Infant!

(End of this chapter)