Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation

The Bi Yun Sect's ability to put rare resources from the ruins up for auction clearly indicates their purpose.

Firstly, the years spent overcoming the ruins' restrictions have been extremely costly. Putting aside everything else, just the consumption of Spirit Replenishing Pills to prevent cultivation decline for the sect's thousands of disciples stationed year-round in the spirit-energy-mixed environment of the Daze Mountains is an astronomical figure.

In addition, they have now conscripted cultivators from families within the state, and at the very least, they must provide basic supplies.

Taking out some resources for auction at this time is a way to liquidate assets and replenish their funds.

Secondly, as the pressure from the two northern states increases, the situation in the rear becomes even more critical to keep stable. Normally, they wouldn't even glance at the rogue cultivators within the state, but at this moment, they can't help but be wary.

Releasing some scraps and leftovers can slightly appease the unbalanced mentality of the rogue cultivators in the rear.

This aligns with Li Ji'an's initial guess.

The sect eats the meat, and they can at least drink some soup.

Coincidentally, these four rogue cultivators also reminded him that he had become quite wealthy over the past year. Moreover, unlike the others in the talent district, he doesn't have significant expenditures. Anyone with discerning eyes can see that his spirit stone reserves are quite substantial.

It's time to openly spend a sum of spirit stones.

"I wonder what grade of resources the Bi Yun Sect will bring out this time?"

With nearly 60,000 spirit stones to his name and the backing of his identity, plus the fact that the auction is being held by the Bi Yun Sect, Li Ji'an can confidently buy, buy, buy.

Furthermore, he anticipates that the resources released by the Bi Yun Sect this time won't be stingy. Perhaps some rare resources that couldn't be bought for any amount of spirit stones before will appear.

He is very much looking forward to it.

"Fellow Daoist Li."

Just then, Duanmu Qin's voice came from outside the door.

Li Ji'an walked out of the hall and frowned slightly when he saw the figure before him.

He saw Duanmu Qin in front, with Xiao Qiao hiding behind her.

"Xiao Qiao?"

With age and the companionship of Guagua and Fire Spirit since she was six years old, Xiao Qiao's personality is no longer as timid as it once was. In the past two years, she has had more contact with the family members in the talent district. At most, she's just an introverted girl. It's been a long time since she's acted like this, hiding behind someone.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Qiao hid even more securely.

"Hehe~ Little Qiao, be bolder."

Duanmu Qin smiled charmingly and moved her body to the side, completely exposing Xiao Qiao behind her.

"Sister Qin."

Xiao Qiao was shocked.

"..."

Li Ji'an finally understood why Xiao Qiao was acting this way.

Xiao Qiao, who had always dressed conservatively, was now wearing a silk gauze dress, with a pair of straight, beautiful legs faintly visible beneath the thin veil.

Especially her upper body, her swan-like fair and snowy neck was fully exposed, and where the particularly exquisite gemstone necklace fell, there was a dazzling expanse of white, and even a hint of cleavage…

"She really is a grown girl now."

Li Ji'an sighed inwardly.

They had known each other since she was six years old, and had been together for nineteen years. Unknowingly, she was already twenty-five years old.

Truthfully, although he had lived six lifetimes and had rich social experience, he had never raised a child and lacked experience in this regard.

During these nineteen years, besides providing her with a place to live and supplying her with the necessities of life and cultivation, he hadn't spent much thought on her.

"Xiao Qiao, very beautiful."

Li Ji'an praised with a smile.

"Hehe~ Little Qiao, didn't I lie to you? Be brave!"

Duanmu Qin covered her mouth and chuckled from the side, cheering her on.

Encouraged, Xiao Qiao took a deep breath: "Li… Li… Brother Li…"

A young girl in love.

And he was the closest opposite-sex person in Xiao Qiao's life, giving her a sense of security and companionship.

Moreover, there was no blood relationship whatsoever.

It was understandable that she developed such feelings.

Of course, it was also highly likely that she was influenced by Duanmu Qin and the environment.

However, he absolutely couldn't accept it.

Putting aside the companionship of these years, he had always regarded Xiao Qiao as a junior in his heart, and his deepest impression was of her as a child. It was impossible to cross that line.

Furthermore, although he wasn't averse to food and sex, if he met a woman on the long road to immortality who was mutually attracted to him and wouldn't affect his ultimate goal of becoming an immortal for ten thousand generations, he could completely engage in dual cultivation. This would not only alleviate the monotonous and repetitive cultivation life but also soothe his mood and embellish his path to immortality. Even if he obtained exquisite dual cultivation methods in the future, it could also be beneficial to his cultivation, but definitely not someone whose mind was unsteady and influenced by lustful demons.

What he wanted was mutual affection, mutual appreciation, and mutual attraction.

Just like Ning Sujin.

"Uncle Li, I…"

Xiao Qiao was interrupted by Li Ji'an and immediately panicked, as if her little thoughts had been seen through, and her face was flushed with shame.

"Yes, that's right. Uncle Li has always treated you like a daughter. Don't overthink things. As long as you don't want to leave, you can always stay here."

Li Ji'an nodded and solemnly stated his attitude.

"Yes, Xiao Qiao understands."

Xiao Qiao glanced resentfully at Duanmu Qin, lowered her head, and quickly ran towards the backyard.

Li Ji'an then looked at Duanmu Qin: "Fairy Qin, please don't teach Xiao Qiao these things in the future."

Since guessing Duanmu Qin's thoughts last time, Li Ji'an had maintained a distance from her, neither being close nor offending her.

"Fellow Daoist Li is wrongly accusing this concubine."

Duanmu Qin laughed charmingly.

Li Ji'an glanced at her. Xiao Qiao's style of dress was completely a replica of hers.

The only difference was that Duanmu Qin's figure was more enchanting and much larger. The same clothes on her had a much more seductive feel.

"This concubine only helped Little Qiao unlock the lock in her heart. As for what she actually thinks, this concubine can swear a great oath of the heart demon that she absolutely did not interfere."

Li Ji'an smiled faintly: "Then I'll trouble Fairy Qin to guide her well in the future so that she has a normal emotional direction."

"Fellow Daoist Li is truly a gentleman!"

Duanmu Qin gave Li Ji'an a thumbs up, then changed the subject: "However, why does this concubine feel that Fellow Daoist is out of place with this cultivation world?"

"What does Fairy mean by that?"

Li Ji'an asked in confusion.

Duanmu Qin twisted her waist and slowly stepped forward, gently running her finger across Li Ji'an's chest: "The harmony of yin and yang is the foundation of the Dao, and the love between men and women is human nature. Moreover, dual cultivation can also improve cultivation. Fellow Daoist, you can live here peacefully and can be said to be the leader of the rogue cultivators in the state. In this regard, you completely lack the seeking but not obtaining of ordinary impoverished cultivators. As long as you want, there are countless female cultivators who would flock to you. Yet, you can actually be so self-restrained?"

While speaking, Duanmu Qin intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Li Ji'an's lower body.

"Hehe~ If this concubine hadn't relaxed your muscles and bones and knew that Fellow Daoist was vigorous, I would have misunderstood."

Li Ji'an smiled casually, not caring what others thought.

"Fellow Daoist, look at the male cultivators here. Doctor Bai is over two hundred years old and has a large number of wives and concubines. A few days ago, he even took an eighteen-year-old concubine. Alchemist Zou even has many children and grandchildren and doesn't shy away from it."

Even that Gou puppet master across from us, besides frequenting Chunfeng Brothel, has quite a few female puppets hidden in his backyard.

Even the stingy Qian array master keeps several maids.

Only you, my friend…

Previously, I always thought you had a delicate beauty like Xiao Qiao, and wouldn't be interested in the worn-out flowers outside. I never imagined… you really are a gentleman, pure and self-disciplined.” Duanmu Qin's voice became even more seductive.

Li Ji'an's eyes narrowed slightly.

He realized that Xiao Qiao had most likely been used by her.

The purpose was also very clear: to test him.

“Heh~ Fairy is too kind. There are quite a few self-disciplined people here, and even some aloof experts who have cut off all emotions. Li is just a mortal man.”

Duanmu Qin shook her head: “It’s different!”

“Most people who don’t get close to women are either mediocre due to insufficient cultivation or lack of financial resources, or they are high-achieving disciples of a sect urged by their masters, or they possess great Dao and look down on dual cultivation methods. But someone like you, my friend, with your wealth and skills, and without any constraints… could it be that you possess a great Dao?”

Li Ji'an's expression remained unchanged, but his heart skipped a beat.

The other party had really touched upon his secret.

If he didn't possess the great Dao of Rejuvenation, and only had one lifetime to live, perhaps he would have lived a carefree life, doing whatever he wanted, so as not to have any regrets after death.

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However, before Li Ji'an could respond, Duanmu Qin continued: “Or perhaps, my friend, you are a person of deep affection, disdaining hypocrisy and not liking joy without emotional connection?”

Li Ji'an let out a long breath.

He said half-jokingly and half-seriously: “Fairy has a good eye for people.”

“Heh heh~” Duanmu Qin smiled like a flower.

“Since we’ve talked about this, then Fairy might as well be frank. Why do you value Li so much? If you just want Li to be cannon fodder, then considering our friendship over the years, Li advises Fairy to give up on that idea.” Li Ji'an asked directly.

Today, realizing her investigation into him, Li Ji'an's previous guesses had deviated somewhat.

After all, if she just wanted to deceive him into being cannon fodder, the temptation of opportunities, drawing a pie, showing goodwill, and supplemented with sincerity would be enough.

Duanmu Qin's expression froze immediately upon hearing this.

She obviously hadn't anticipated this.

“Good! Fellow Daoist Li is indeed an upright gentleman.” After pondering for a moment, Duanmu Qin suddenly breathed a sigh of relief.

“To be honest, I do have a great opportunity this time, but my strength is low, and it’s difficult for me to succeed alone, and I can’t completely trust ordinary people.”

Li Ji'an slowly shook his head, obviously dissatisfied with this answer: “Is that all?”

It was still his previous guess: in the eyes of outsiders, his strength was low, and apart from the Dao of Alchemy, he had no special skills, and he was not a good adventure partner.

“…Also, I noticed earlier that Fellow Daoist Li often used the excuse of trading rare medicinal herbs to exchange for talisman materials from those seeking pills, and… it seems that those who need second-order talisman materials…” Duanmu Qin slightly distanced herself, and then confessed again.

Li Ji'an paused instantly, looking at Duanmu Qin with some wariness.

There were many methods in the cultivation world, and even various mysteries that Li Ji'an didn't know. He wasn't particularly surprised that Duanmu Qin had found out about his secret trading of talisman materials.

What was surprising was that he, a mere rogue cultivator with no grudges against anyone, had actually been watched by Duanmu Qin so early on.

“In addition, considering your relationship with the Nine Cauldrons Chamber of Commerce, I think you should have the ability to obtain high-level Restriction Breaking Talismans!” Duanmu Qin added.

“Fairy is indeed meticulous.” Li Ji'an chuckled, giving an ambiguous answer.

At the same time, the doubts in his heart were completely resolved.

Duanmu Qin's answer this time was reasonable.

Restriction Breaking Talismans were indeed necessities for exploring relics.

However, because Restriction Breaking Talismans not only had a great effect on the restrictions of relics, but also had great destructive power against defensive formations, they were forbidden items in Cangyun Prefecture.

“Doesn’t Fellow Daoist want to know what kind of opportunity it is?” Duanmu Qin waited for a moment, and seeing that Li Ji'an didn't ask as expected, she asked with even more admiration.

Li Ji'an cupped his hands: “To be honest, although Li is a rogue cultivator, he is now quite wealthy relying on his alchemy skills. Ordinary opportunities may not necessarily move Li.”

“Heh heh, Fellow Daoist Li is indeed rich and powerful.” Duanmu Qin smiled brightly, her eyes full of charm.

“Then what if I tell you that there is a Seven-Colored Jade Tree, a bottle of Autumn Departure Water, and a legacy of the Dao of Music?”

Li Ji'an's expression changed instantly.

The Seven-Colored Jade Tree was a Core Formation spiritual tree, which had a great effect in promoting the condensation of pills when condensing liquid mana into solid pills.

The Autumn Departure Water was a spiritual treasure of heaven and earth that purified the impurities of Core Formation and improved the quality of Core Formation.

If he had these two items in this life, he would truly have hope of forming a core.

“Is what Fairy said true?” Li Ji'an's expression was solemn.

This kind of Core Formation opportunity was hard to buy with a thousand gold. If there was really such a possibility, Li Ji'an would take it seriously.

If the risk was within an acceptable range, he would be willing to plan carefully.

“Guess?” When Li Ji'an became serious, Duanmu Qin suddenly smiled, revealing a sly look.

“Heh~” Li Ji'an smiled freely, understanding Duanmu Qin's intention.

Obviously, the trust was still not enough.

However, he was not in a hurry, nor would he get carried away.

If there really was such an opportunity, he would only be willing to plan for it, and he still needed to assess the risks.

Broken arms and legs, serious injuries that cut off the path of cultivation were the bottom line, and if there was an uncontrollable risk of death, he would directly reject it.

Moreover, in the current situation, she was the one who should be anxious.

“Fellow Daoist Li, since we have opened up about today’s matter, then in order to express my apology, I am willing to compensate you with a massage, how about it?”

“Of course!” Li Ji'an accepted happily.

During this period of time, he thought that the other party wanted him to be cannon fodder, so he deliberately kept his distance.

But at this moment, the other party was frank, and there was a sincerity of cooperation.

Each massage was beneficial to his body cultivation. If it weren't for the previous misunderstanding, he would be willing to pay spirit stones for the service.

He had already decided that in the future, when he had time, he would ask Duanmu Qin to serve him.

Not long after, Li Ji'an was extremely comfortable on the warm jade bed. Compared to the previous two times, Duanmu Qin obviously had more projects this time.

Moreover, due to the frankness between the two just now, this time they were both more generous and there was less estrangement.

— —

A month later, the auction hosted by Biyun Sect was held as scheduled.

It was even grander than the one when the Qi family took over.

Moreover, this time, it was said that several Pseudo-Core old ancestors from the five major families would be present.

On this day, the seven people in the core area agreed to go to the auction in the square together.