Cultivating Immortality in Two Realms

Cultivating immortality is a fleeting journey, and years pass by in a flash.

Several years later.

Jade Island, inside the cave.

Fang Qing slowly finished his practice, a black glint flashing in his eyes: "Ninth level of Qi Refining? Not bad..."

With the help of pills such as Qi Refining Powder, he could have cultivated to the ninth level of Qi Refining much earlier.

The reason it has been delayed until now is naturally because the primordial energy of other cultivation methods has not been transformed!

Even though he has broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining, the Dao Sheng Pearl still contains the primordial Qi transformed from the seventh level of Qi Absorption in the "Book of Viewing the Black Tomb"!

If he completes the transformation, he will immediately reach the Qi Refining Perfection stage and attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

"With the authentic copy of the Luo family's 'Book of Viewing the Black Tomb,' breaking through to the seventh level of Qi Conquest is no difficulty for me at all. It's just that I want to solidify my foundation and accumulate vital energy, which is why I chose to cultivate it from scratch. I've only reached the seventh level of Qi Conquest so far..."

"As for the 'Great Sun Initiation Secret Technique,' you can forget about mastering it through your own hard work alone. If you don't receive the initiation now, you'll be stuck in the early stages of Qi cultivation!"

Fang Qing secretly estimated that the day when he would reach the ninth level in both the Qi Absorption Path and the Qi Refining Path was not far off.

At that time, the "Qi Yuan Barrier" of the Foundation Establishment Three Barriers will be easily broken.

"Foundation building... is just around the corner."

Upon realizing this, he couldn't help but look inward into his sea of ​​consciousness and saw the seed syllable that shone brightly, representing the 'Great Vajra Divine Power'.

Next to this seed syllable, there are several other seed syllables obtained from practicing the "Great Sun Initiation Secret Technique," which respectively represent the meanings of "initiation," "giving," and "discipline."

Based on Fang Qing's previous experiments and speculations, if one were to "give away" their own power, it would also be achieved through this kind of esoteric "seed syllable," which has limitations on the number of times and the intensity.

As he studied the characters that resembled dragons and insects, a thought suddenly struck him, and his qi and blood began to circulate wildly throughout his body.

The visualized "Hayagriva protector" roars to the sky, its three heads and eight arms solidifying.

The seed syllable representing the 'Great Vajra Power' shone brightly, estimated to be able to unleash the 'Great Vajra Power' three times!

"Today is truly a day of double joy. I have completely completed the first level of the 'Horse-Headed Vajra Protector Divine Skill'."

Feeling his body strengthen once again, Fang Qing nodded to himself: "Could this be considered second-tier body refinement? If it's enhanced by the Great Vajra Divine Power, then it is second-tier body refinement!"

"Furthermore, I have already cultivated my divine sense... Foundation Establishment is practically guaranteed, and the only hidden danger also has a solution."

He took out a jade bottle containing a "Ice Heart Protecting Meridian Pill".

Based on the second-tier pill manual that Fang Qing has read, and after further appraisal, it can be basically confirmed that this second-tier pill is genuine and has the effect of protecting the meridians when a cultivator is establishing their foundation!

The most likely outcome of failing to establish a foundation is death from severed meridians.

Therefore, although this pill is not very helpful for Foundation Establishment, it can protect Qi Refining cultivators from death if they fail to establish their Foundation!

"So, I might not even need Foundation Establishment Pills anymore?"

"If one could even transform primordial energy, one could already reach the ninth level of Qi Refining perfection and attempt to break through to Foundation Establishment?"

Fang Qing thought for a moment, then shook his head: "Why shouldn't I take this benefit that the sect is giving away for free? The True Disciple Competition is just around the corner... Wouldn't it be better to take a Foundation Establishment Pill and then start Foundation Establishment? Even if I don't use it, I can sell it for a large sum of spirit stones!"

According to his estimation, it would also take some time for his two family techniques to reach the ninth level of perfection, which should be after the True Inheritance Competition.

In this way, neither of them will be neglected.

"Furthermore... the 'Primordial Qi' that can be transformed within the Dao-Born Pearl is limitless, but the amount of Primordial Qi I can withstand is finite... If I don't build a foundation to expand my capacity, how can I support the simultaneous advancement of various cultivation techniques?"

After experiencing the various changes at the ninth level of Qi Refining, Fang Qing went to the bluestone table, took out a pot of fruit wine from his storage bag, poured himself a glass, and slowly savored it: "I never expected... Li Rulong would be this kind of person!"

Thinking back to what happened back then, his expression was still quite emotional.

After committing the great act of mocking the Purple Mansion, Fang Qing hid for a year before daring to go to Ancient Shu to test the waters.

Unexpectedly, he heard news that shocked him: Li Rulong had sacrificed his own army, slaughtered all his relatives and loved ones, and disappeared without a trace!

Although I know that rumors in the marketplace lack details and truth, the general trend should be correct.

"Li Rulong wanted to survive at the cost of death... but the price was so high?"

"In the end... he chose himself? The path of immortality values ​​personal relationships—how true that is!"

Despite this, Fang Qing felt no resentment at being deceived.

After all, he helped Li Rulong only incidentally; his main purpose was to frame the Luo family of Tianshui!

Hearing the news of the destruction of the Luo family in Tianshui was indeed as refreshing as drinking a bowl of ice water on a sweltering summer day.

Just to be on the safe side, Fang Qing dared not go to the vicinity of Tianshui to investigate, let alone return to Sanshui'ao.

What if someone's hiding in the Purple Mansion?

Given the nature of those cultivators in ancient Shu, it's not impossible!

To be on the safe side, it's best to play it safe.

"However, after Luo Dacheng died, I have no more chess pieces left. I can look for a new one..."

'Although I've never witnessed the actual interaction between a master and disciple in the esoteric realm, my control over my disciples seems stronger than that of ordinary masters?'

Fang Qing took a sip of fruit wine and slowly reviewed the situation: "In the future, when encountering such complex situations, sending cannon fodder to test the waters is the most appropriate approach."

"The success of the last plan had an element of luck. The key was that Li Rulong was already trapped in the Purple Mansion Bureau and being watched by the Purple Mansion... As an outsider who had recently come into contact with Li Rulong, if Luo Dacheng showed any unusual behavior, he would most likely be immediately detected and even directly monitored by the Purple Mansion cultivators!"

With a difference of two major realms in status, as long as the Purple Mansion has some knowledge of calculation, it can definitely calculate everything about Luo Dacheng!

What's even more amazing is that he is concealed by the "as if he were in the calculation," so he will not be revealed in the slightest in Luo Dacheng's heavenly secrets of cause and effect.

"But divination is not a panacea; it can even kill people!"

"If the Purple Mansion were to search for clues in the mortal world, they would at most find Biluofang and Jiuchuan Water Pavilion... But what does my disguise—a sinister middle-aged appearance—have to do with Fang Shui? If Fang Shui can't even find out, why would he want to investigate me, Fang Qing?"

Fang Qing drank another glass of fruit wine, his expression blank: "According to their calculations, it's now the 8,534th year of the ancient calendar. I'm over thirty years old, yet I've accomplished nothing, not even reaching the Foundation Establishment stage..."

Fortunately, even so, my heart is still that of a young man.

He touched his face and found that perhaps due to cultivating immortality or refining his body, his appearance remained unchanged at the age of eighteen, still that of a handsome young man.

After that, as long as his cultivation level breaks through quickly enough, aging will not catch up with him!

……

Fang Qing left the cave and arrived at the Pill Hall.

Although there are many Qi Refining disciples on Dan Island now, there is a restless atmosphere.

Fang Qing knew perfectly well why this was the case.

The grand competition of true lineage is just around the corner!

Currently, on Dan Island, there are only a handful of disciples who truly have the potential to advance to the level of a true disciple.

Alchemists are generally not skilled in combat; they mostly follow the path of cultivating immortality through various arts.

"The two most famous alchemists on Dan Island today are Gong Susu and Wu Longzi... Both of them have successfully refined a second-tier pill, so they can be considered near-second-tier alchemists."

Fang Qing stroked his chin, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Perfect... let's settle this grudge together."

Both of them had some connection with him. Gong Susu had secretly plotted against him back then, not to mention the Five Dragon Princes, who had swallowed a lot of his spirit stones.

"And yet he hasn't even reached the Foundation Establishment stage. What a waste!"

"However, since that's the case, I'll skip the magical duel and just apply for the second-tier alchemist exam..."

Even in a duel, Fang Qing was confident that with his second-tier body-refining technique, he could sweep aside all the competitors and secure a spot.

But he's an alchemist, not skilled in combat, so he needs to solidify his persona!

Moreover, it also allows him to settle old scores, which is one of the few sources of enjoyment he has.

With a slight smile on his lips, Fang Qing approached the jade table.

It just so happened that Hua Lingsu was on duty today. When she saw Fang Qing, she smiled sweetly and asked, "Junior Brother Fang, what brings you here today?"

"Applying for assessment... Level Two Alchemy."

Fang Qing smiled slightly and explained his purpose.

In an instant, the entire Pill Hall fell silent, all eyes turned to him, making the composed blue-robed alchemist the sole focus of attention.

……

at the same time.

Somewhere on Dan Island, inside a magnificent hall.

Elder Tianding sat in the main seat, watching the heated debate between the second-tier alchemists on his left and right.

The matter that could trouble him to leave seclusion was naturally the most important matter on Dan Island—the selection of a true successor for the Hundred Arts of Immortal Cultivation!

Although Dan Island's strong push wasn't a direct decision, once the candidate was submitted, could Sect Leader Linghu possibly reject it?

In alchemy, unless there is a significant difference in skill level, only a true master alchemist can determine the subtle differences between finished pills.

Where is the alchemy master of the Azure Sea Sect who holds this power of judgment? Isn't he right here in this hall!

"As is customary, our Pill Island always has a place among the true teachings of the myriad arts of immortal cultivation in the sects. Gentlemen... let's discuss this."

Tian Ding spoke slowly, his voice unhurried, his gaze sweeping over his subordinates: "Of course, it can't be too bad. Recommending a first-grade high-level alchemist might not be enough to silence the sect's gossip."

No sooner had these words been spoken than a middle-aged man with a scholarly air smiled and said, "In that case, I'll offer my suggestion as a starting point and nominate Gong Susu... This woman is my disciple, and she has some talent in alchemy. She can now refine second-tier 'Fragrant Jade Pills'... She can be considered a quasi-second-tier alchemist."

"I recommend the Five Dragon Sons!"

At this moment, another second-tier alchemist spoke up.

"The Fifth Prince? He failed to establish his foundation last time... He already wasted a Foundation Establishment Pill, and according to sect custom, he has automatically lost his qualification to compete for the position of true disciple."

Elder Han frowned upon hearing this.

He wasn't at odds with the Five Dragon Princes' master; he was a true neutral party who valued the sect's rules even more.

"Is this rule... written in the sect rules?"

Master Qingwu of the Five Dragons laughed and said, "Since there is no such rule, it means that it is not a rule that must be followed. The last distribution of Foundation Establishment Pills was a reward from the sect for meritorious officials and has never been counted in the number of exchanges... For example, Cui Zhe, if he had not established his foundation, no one could have said anything if he had taken another Foundation Establishment Pill for the Battle of Magic today."

That made sense, but seeing the dismissive looks on his colleagues' faces, Qingwu sighed inwardly and had no choice but to add weight to the argument: "The Fifth Dragon Son... has mastered divine sense!"