Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 244 Divine Grinding for Soul Forging
They are all the most outstanding talents of their respective sects.

They are all true disciples of the sect.

One with exceptional talent, who has been in the sect for nearly a century, has had a smooth and successful career, and possesses profound knowledge and skills.

One was slightly less gifted, but rose to prominence later and had extraordinary luck.

However, the sect can only raise this one portion of spiritual resources to break through to the True Core stage, so they have to choose one of the two.

"Master Li, the three of us old folks can't make this decision ourselves. We can only ask all the elders to make the decision together."

The three sighed and shook their heads, instructing their disciples to ring the bell to summon the elders for a meeting. They then each entered their own quiet rooms to wait for the other elders to arrive.

Li Ji'an did not leave, but entered the three elders' meditation room one by one, offering each of them a bag of spirit stones, saying that he did not seek the spiritual resources for forming the core, but emphasized that he only hoped to save Changfeng's life.

Li Ji'an only took his leave after the other four elders arrived.

At this point, he had done everything he could. Based on his understanding of the three old men's thoughts and his analysis of the matter, Changfeng's crisis had been basically resolved.

None of the three were willing to take responsibility.

Preventing Xiao Changfeng from forming his core at this moment could potentially lead to the death of this sect's prodigy.

That's why the three of them dared to accept the spirit stones offered by Li Ji'an.

When Li Ji'an returned to the outer peak, the seven elders were seated around the main hall of the main peak.

"What brings the three elders here? I still have a batch of third-grade pills in the furnace." Jade Pill Master, who usually doesn't care much about the internal affairs of the Li Sect, spoke up first for the first time today.

The three elders glanced at the four of them, then sighed and recounted the whole story.

There was no embellishment or subjective expression in it.

Under normal circumstances, in a situation where no choice is right, everyone would avoid being the first to speak.

However, after the three elders finished speaking, Master Yu Dan said impatiently, "What? Do you want us to force a sect's true disciple to his death with our own hands? What if Xiao Changfeng has already taken the Core Formation Treasure? Then we'll lose both the person and the money!"

Instead of making a direct choice, he added fuel to the fire.

In fact, considering the length of Xiao Changfeng's seclusion and the current atmospheric conditions above his cave, it is highly unlikely that he has already consumed the Core Formation Elixir.

So the others didn't even consider that possibility.

However, it cannot be denied that although the probability is small, it is still possible.

Upon hearing this, even Master Xuanji, who had initially believed that the Core Formation Spirit Capital belonged to Zhao Qi and should be returned now that Zhao Qi had returned, found himself in a dilemma.

Once he opens his mouth, he can't afford to take the blame if he loses both his money and his life.

"This is not something that we mere fake pills can decide. It was Elder Fang who decided that Xiao Changfeng would receive the spiritual resources. If Zhao Qi is dissatisfied, he should go and argue with Elder Fang. What does it have to do with us?" Seeing that the time was ripe, True Person Jinshi gave everyone present a way out in advance.

Upon hearing this, the pressure on the others dissipated considerably.

Thus, with just the first two sentences, the overall direction has already shifted in Xiao Changfeng's favor.

In this situation, unless there are vested interests or family ties, no one is willing to go against the grain, especially since the two people mentioned earlier have already pointed the way.

Conversely, if no Jade Pill True Person initiates the discussion at the beginning, most will remain silent. If someone speaks up as a legitimate candidate for Core Formation or as Zhao Qi's chief disciple, then the situation will develop into a temporary halt to Changfeng's Core Formation, awaiting the return of the Supreme Elder to make a decision.

Things turned out much better than Li Ji'an had anticipated. At least, Zhao Qi, whether relying on his status as the chief disciple, his talent in the Earth Spirit Root, or the orthodoxy of his Core Formation talent, actually failed to bribe any of the elders.

Of course, it's also possible that he believes Xiao Changfeng has gone into seclusion and can't contact anyone outside, and that he himself is at the forefront absorbing all the hatred, so the elders of the sect will naturally favor him as the rightful heir.

Unfortunately... he never expected that Li Ji'an would be such an anomaly!
Perhaps in his view, Li Ji'an was already a guest elder of the sect and had already established his foundation. Whether Xiao Changfeng succeeded or not would not affect him. As for the feelings in the cultivation world, ha~ even fathers and sons and masters and disciples are unreliable. How deep could the feelings between two unrelated people be?
Half an hour later, Li Ji'an, who was sitting quietly on the solitary peak, heard Zhao Qi's roar again. He stood up and slowly exhaled.

Then, carrying the things he had already packed, he took one last look at the third-tier main peak where Xiao Changfeng was in seclusion: "Please don't let things fall apart."

Without looking back, they headed towards the strange stone forest.

The results are in: no fake cultivators intervened, and with the protection of the three elders, Xiao Changfeng's secluded cave is safe and sound.

He needs to avoid meeting Zhao Qi for the time being.

Everything awaits Xiao Changfeng's emergence from seclusion!

As long as Xiao Changfeng can achieve the True Core stage, he can rest easy in the Biyun Sect in the future, and he will basically be guaranteed the identity of a true disciple in his next life, and be able to learn at least the Earth-level sect-protecting techniques.

A month later, Li Ji'an returned to the Strange Stone Forest and transplanted the withered tree branch to Xiao Qiao's fifth-grade spirit field.

Over the past month, Little Fire Spirit has become increasingly listless, constantly lying on a withered branch, clearly indicating that it has reached a critical stage in its evolution.

Guagua had spent two years honing his skills deep within the Fallen Dragon Ridge, which had given him a touch of ferocity. In the past year, he had occasionally displayed his domineering nature while playing with the little fire spirit. However, since the little fire spirit's condition became weak, Guagua had been guarding him almost every step of the way, and one could feel his concern.

After two months apart, Xiao Qiao has been forced to gradually adapt to her new identity, and her words now carry a hint of confidence.

"Uncle Li, I'd like to purchase some medicinal pills." This was the first time Xiao Qiao had spoken to Li Ji'an on her own initiative.

What kind of pills do you want?

"Those that aid in spiritual practice."

Li Ji'an smiled with satisfaction and nodded at Xiao Qiao: "Okay!"

Having a sense of responsibility also provides the motivation to make progress, which is good.

He immediately took out several bottles of high-quality pills that had aided his cultivation during the early stages of Foundation Establishment from his storage bag.

He never sold these high-quality elixirs to anyone; he only used them himself.

The remaining pills were also prepared for the early stages of Foundation Establishment in the next life, and there was a surplus.

"No need for spirit stones, consider this as payment for renting this place as a training ground. But don't let anyone else know." When Xiao Qiao took out the spirit stones, Li Ji'an smiled and refused, giving her a word of advice.

Now, thanks to his cooperation with the Sishui Chamber of Commerce, he has no shortage of spirit stones and has no need to make connections through pills for the time being.

Once it's revealed that he can guarantee a large quantity of second-tier high-quality pills, many people will come knocking on his door seeking them.

"Yes, I understand, thank you Uncle Li!" Xiao Qiao smiled shyly.

"Practice diligently. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what you can make of the Strange Stone Forest." Li Ji'an encouraged him and returned to his residence alone.

As soon as they arrived outside the courtyard, Ning Yutan's figure came into view.

Two months ago, Li Ji'an already knew that Ning Sujin's soul was beyond his imagination. With the blessing of the spiritual veins in this place, it was normal for him to feel it as soon as he arrived tonight.

After entering the courtyard with Ning Sujin, the two spent some time together.

However, since Ning Sujin is currently using Ning Yutan's body, the two have not engaged in physical intimacy, focusing instead on companionship of their souls.

"Li Lang, how long will you be staying this time?" Ning Sujin asked with some anticipation.

"It's hard to say for sure right now. It could take as little as six months or as long as three to five years." He estimated that it would take Xiao Changfeng half a year to go into seclusion and break through to the Core Formation stage. Several months have passed now, and he might complete the Core Formation within the next two months. However, how long it takes for the Core Formation to stabilize varies from person to person.

Upon hearing this, Ning Sujin smiled.

“Now that Yu Tan’s sea of ​​consciousness is more and more stable, she continues to improve her blood and qi by refining her body during the day and sleeps to nourish her soul at night. I can come and keep you company every night.”

"With Sister Jin by my side, I feel much more at ease cultivating my soul technique." Li Ji'an felt somewhat relieved.

Cultivating spiritual techniques requires a high level of talent; even slight deficiencies can hinder success. Furthermore, those with weak willpower are prone to going astray, leading to spiritual abnormalities or extreme mental states.

"Yes, but you still can't be careless, nor can you force it. I almost had a problem when I wanted Yu Tan to try it before." Ning Sujin nodded and gave another serious reminder.

"I'll do whatever Sister Jin says," Li Ji'an teased deliberately.

"Pfft~" Ning Sujin chuckled lightly, her gaze towards Li Ji'an almost laced with scalp.

"You're such a chatterbox! You don't act like a senior master at all." He then pointed a finger at Li Ji'an's head and chuckled softly.

Li Ji'an held his fingers with both hands, pulled him into his arms, and a relaxed and comfortable smile appeared on his face.

With Ning Sujin by his side, he no longer needed to hide anything and felt very relaxed. After some playful banter, Ning Sujin formally taught Li Ji'an the "Divine Grinding Soul Forging Technique".

Soul cultivation is more complex than Dharma cultivation and body cultivation. The cultivation is divided into two steps. The first step is to forge the soul, which is to use meditation to forge the soul.

The second step, visualization, can only be performed after the Soul Forging Technique has been mastered and both the strength and endurance of the soul are sufficient.

However, according to ancient records, the first step of the Soul Forging Method had already stopped countless ambitious people.

Li Ji'an didn't have too many expectations in this life; he was already satisfied if he could achieve some success in the Soul Forging Technique.

Moreover, he believed that with his fourfold "rejuvenation" spiritual foundation, the Soul Forging Technique shouldn't be too difficult, since even Ning Sujin could do it.

"With God in mind, we will open the heavens with God's guidance, and the mysterious heavens will send down divine intervention..."

however……

When Ning Sujin imparted the meditation techniques of the Soul Forging Method to Li Ji'an, he tried it for the first time and was instantly shaken to his core.

Guided by the mental incantation, Li Ji'an's mind became clear and empty, and he gradually felt his soul sinking into an endless darkness.

He didn't know how much time had passed when he finally sensed a ray of light. As his vision slowly returned, he was able to see where he was.

It was a desolate and barren land that stretched as far as the eye could see.

As far as the eye could see, the earth was covered by yellow sand, and the sky was like a giant dome.

Boom~
Suddenly, the once desolate world roared.

A giant tornado suddenly appeared in the distance.

It swept across the entire land in an instant.

After the tornado swept through, Li Ji'an's soul stirred, and he finally saw that the land covered by yellow sand was actually a giant millstone.

The yellow sand gathered together by the tornado eventually became a huge sand millstone, lying across the mill.

Ga~ Zha~ Zha~ Ka!
The next moment, the yellow sandstone mill slowly turned, rotating in circles around the center of the earth, covering the entire land.

puff~
At this moment, Li Ji'an's soul finally fell to the ground.

In a daze, he looked behind him at the chilling sound. The yellow sandstone roller, which could still be discerned from the sky, now appeared to him as a towering wall hurtling towards him.

"Hiss!" The next moment, the rolling yellow sand crushed him, and a heart-pounding shock from his soul jolted him awake.

“This…” Li Ji’an, who was awakened from his meditation, was still shaken. The fear on the level of his soul was indescribable and even beyond his control.

He couldn't remember the last time he had felt this kind of fear.

Before he could recover from his shock, Ning Sujin gently touched Li Ji'an's cheek: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."

As he spoke, Li Ji'an felt an invisible energy slowly flowing into his sea of ​​consciousness from Ning Sujin's hand, and the feeling of fear instantly dissipated.

"Sister Jin, how can we avoid this kind of soul-level fear?" Li Ji'an slowly exhaled, looking somewhat embarrassed.

After all, he was a cultivator in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, yet he showed such fear in front of Ning Sujin.

“Hehe~” Seeing Li Ji’an’s forced attempt to save face, Ning Sujin understood perfectly: “Li Lang, don’t overthink it. The Soul Forging Method strengthens the soul by enhancing the soul. On the first try, almost no one can face the fear of the soul. You only gasped and didn’t even cry out in pain, which shows that your soul is stronger than ordinary people.

Li Ji'an's eyes flickered slightly, unsure whether Ning Sujin was comforting him or telling the truth.

"Come on, let's try again." He took a deep breath and tried once more.

"Again?" Ning Sujin was instantly moved, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Li Ji'an.

I still remember the first time she tried this method, she cried out in pain and collapsed to the ground, curling up in a ball. She didn't dare to try it again until seven days later.

That was only after she had already made up her mind to die and was going all out.

Before she could say anything more, Li Ji'an once again entered into a meditative state.

"Ah!" After a moment, Li Ji'an exclaimed in surprise, waking up again.

His face turned deathly pale.

As soon as his soul landed, he stared directly at the yellow sand and stone mill, attempting to fight it with his body. However, the moment the yellow sand and stone mill crushed him, countless long cones with bloodstains appeared out of thin air. He watched as his soul was pierced to pieces by those long cones.

Besides fear, there is also the pain of having one's soul torn apart.

This time, Ning Sujin immediately held his head tightly and used her spiritual power to calm his mind.

"Sister Jin, what should we do? I'm powerless to resist this kind of soul-level fear." After calming down again, Li Ji'an no longer cared about his image and didn't care about losing his composure twice.

"There are no fixed rules in the world of the divine millstone. Everyone has their own method. However, this method does not require you to resist, but to endure. All fears will eventually become nourishment for your soul!"
"However, if one's innate soul is insufficient and cannot withstand such fear, yet still insists on forcing it, it is easy for the soul to shatter," Ning Sujin explained.

“Endure? Raise the fear threshold?” Li Ji calmed his mind and seemed to understand something.

"Come again!"

Soon, Li Ji'an entered the divine mill for the third time.

Rumble~
As the towering millstone came crashing down again, Li Ji'an tried to run away to avoid being crushed.

However, the moment he turned around, he felt as if his legs were glued to the ground, and he could only move in slow motion.

My heart was clenched with the urge to run, but my soul wouldn't obey.

The rumbling of the millstone grew closer and closer, amplifying the fear to an extreme degree...
-
In the days that followed, besides his daily cultivation, mastering puppetry, and making spirit talismans, Li Ji'an spent almost all his evenings with Ning Sujin, helping him refine his soul.

After being enveloped by fear time and time again, he could clearly feel his soul growing stronger.

This enhancement does not directly strengthen the existing divine soul, but rather, like "rejuvenation," it strengthens the soul's foundation, belonging to the basic structure.

With this foundation, his spiritual growth will increase significantly as his cultivation progresses.

However, Ning Sujin said that once the Soul Forging Technique reaches the ninth level, one can begin visualization, at which point the soul will undergo a qualitative improvement.

Li Ji'an was very much looking forward to this, but he had only just entered the Soul Forging Technique and still had a long way to go.

After three months,

On this day, a vortex of spiritual energy suddenly appeared above the Biyun Sect, almost instantly sucking up half of the sect's spiritual energy.

The entire sect was shaken, and everyone came out of their caves to investigate.

"That's the cave where Xiao Changfeng is in seclusion!"

"This is... the core is beginning to condense."

"How can there be such a large vortex of spiritual energy? Could it really be used to create a true elixir?"

……

Since Zhao Qi returned to the sect four months ago, his competition with Xiao Changfeng over the talent to form the Golden Core has become a topic of conversation among all the disciples.

Even among the disciples below, they had already split into two factions.

However, after Zhao Qi forced his way into Xiao Changfeng's secluded cave and was stopped by the three elders guarding the fake core cultivation, Zhao Qi traveled to the border of the Tiancang Domain to seek justice from the Supreme Elder.

The disciples below then began to discuss the matter animatedly.

Moreover, disciples had already opened betting on Xiao Changfeng's Golden Core formation result. If it was a fake Golden Core, the odds were 1 to 1; if it was a real Golden Core, the odds were 1 to 10; if it was a mid-level real Golden Core, the odds were 1 to 100; and as for top-level real Golden Cores, or even Immortal Golden Cores, the odds were maxed out.

Upon seeing the vortex of spiritual energy above Xiao Changfeng's cave, the disciples who had just started the game all looked tense.

In addition, the seven existing pseudo-core elders in the sect all had joy in their eyes.

(End of this chapter)