The Path to Immortality: Starting with an Analysis of Basic Concepts

The Qi Refining Perfection cultivator guarding the entrance to the "Upside-Down Tower" did not recognize the Xiang brothers. Seeing them step forward, he immediately shouted:

"This is the True Man's cave dwelling. If you have any business, go to the 'Hall of Affairs.' If you disturb the True Man's cultivation, you will not be spared. Now leave at once..."

As he spoke, he released the aura of a Qi Refining Perfection Realm expert, which pressed down on the two of them.

Xiang Sui had only recently begun his cultivation and had just entered the late stage of Qi Refining when he was struck by this aura. It felt as if a huge boulder was hanging over his head, and his face turned pale.

Fortunately, a faint sword cry rang out at this moment, instantly tearing through the aura. Xiang Sui breathed a sigh of relief and glared angrily.

"you…"

Xiang Kui also disliked him, but this was not a place where he could cause trouble. He suppressed his anger, waved his hand to stop Xiang Sui from speaking, and politely cupped his hands, saying, "I'm sorry to trouble you, Master, but Xiang Kui and my brother Xiang Sui have come to pay our respects."

"you say…"

The cultivator's aura was broken, and his face turned somewhat ugly. Upon hearing the words, he was about to shout and curse when the bronze door behind him opened silently, and an angry shout came from within.

"Shut up, Liu Qin."

Liu Qin was startled, then quickly turned around and saw a middle-aged man with a tattooed face emerge from among them. He hurried forward and called out:

"Sixth Uncle..."

"Shut up."

Zhu Er glared fiercely at his nephew, who lacked any sense of propriety. While his nephew was indeed talented, he had been spoiled rotten by the family. Forcibly suppressing his anger, he quickly walked to Xiang Kui and Xiang Sui, immediately bowed deeply, and smiled:

"Zhu Er greets the two young masters. Master instructed that you two do not need to announce your arrival; you may enter the manor directly. Please follow me..."

After saying this, he gestured with his hand and stepped forward to lead the way.

Upon hearing this...

Xiang Sui's face showed excitement.

A smile also appeared on Xiang Kui's face.

Zhu Yu did this entirely because he treated them as his own people. Given his personality, he would certainly not mistreat Xiang Sui, whom he had known since their cultivation.

They then entered the inverted tower under Zhu Er's guidance.

The door closed.

Liu Qin looked up at the tall bronze gate, thinking of his sixth uncle's obsequious appearance, and felt increasingly disgusted. He stomped his foot impatiently, paced back and forth a few times, and his eyes showed determination.

"My sixth uncle has spent his whole life as a servant, and I don't want to be a servant like him..."

After a slight hesitation, he took a light step and headed outside.

And not long after he left.

A young man with a stern face and no expression came to the bronze door carrying a wooden box. Seeing that there was no one in front of the door, a look of doubt appeared in his eyes. Without thinking much about it, he put the food box aside, looked down at his nose and remained indifferent.

I don't know how long it has been.

A voice, barely suppressing its anger, startled the young man awake.

"Third, what are you doing here? Where's your Qin-ge'er?...

Liu San snapped out of his daze and said in a measured tone, "Father, I was delivering the meal that Brother Qin ordered at 'Xianju Tower,' but I didn't see him when I arrived."

"Um?"

Zhu Er's eyes showed doubt, as if he sensed something. He took out a communication jade slip from his sleeve, placed it on his forehead, and a message flooded into his mind.

"Sixth Uncle, Qin'er doesn't want to become someone else's servant like you. Qin'er wants to become the 'True Man of the Underworld.' Let's leave the position of guarding the gate to Xiao Sanzi. He's honest and follows his nature..."

When you get to the last paragraph.

Zhu Er felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, nearly fainting from anger. After a while, his face ashen, he laughed in exasperation:

"Very well, very well, what a good servant you are! It was your sixth uncle... no, it was your sixth uncle, the servant, who underestimated you... underestimated you, you ungrateful wretch..."

Why did he become a slave in the clan? Wasn't it all to earn resources for his good nephew? And in order to catch Zhu Yu's eye, he specifically asked Zhu Yi to set up the position of gatekeeper.

Unexpectedly, he ended up being called a "lackey".

"call…"

Zhu Er took a deep breath, suppressing his indignation, and turned to look at his eldest son, who stood silently to the side with a blank expression, holding a food box. After a few moments of change in expression, he stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and said:

"From now on, you'll be working here as a gatekeeper..."

"Okay, Father." Liu San nodded without much thought.

Seeing how well-behaved his eldest son was, Zhu Er was both satisfied and regretful. He was satisfied that his son was obedient, but regretful that his son was too dull and might not be able to handle interpersonal relationships properly.

Most importantly, his aptitude was very poor, only third-class...

Zhu Er frowned for a few moments, shook his head to clear his mind, took out a beast-shaped pouch and a pill bottle from his sleeve, and tossed them to his eldest son, saying:

"This was given to you by your friend, Young Master Xiang. Originally, it was... you should keep it yourself."

Before turning to leave, as if remembering something, he said:

"If that brat Liu Qin comes looking for you again, don't listen to anything he says. Even if he brings up your father, me, or your grandfather, don't listen. Understand?"

"Yes, Father."

Liu San kept this in mind and nodded emphatically.

Seeing his appearance, Zhu Er raised his hand to pat his forehead, waved his hand, and turned to leave. As he entered the "Upside-down Tower," he suddenly turned his head and saw a big boy standing upright with his back straight under the pillar in front of the door. He was stunned for a moment, then cursed and entered the door.

"Damn, that wolf cub was right..."

An inverted tower, two stories high.

Led by Zhu Yi, Xiang Kui and Xiang Sui arrived at the mountaintop.

Enter the palace.

Upon seeing the gray-robed youth seated high above, with a halo of gray-black light hanging behind his head, the two inexplicably felt a sense of insignificance, like ants, and involuntarily wanted to kneel down in worship.

Just then.

Just then.

A clear voice roused the two from their reverie.

"My two junior brothers, please sit down and let's talk."

"Thank you, Master Xie."

Xiang Kui and Xiang Sui nodded their thanks subconsciously. Only after they sat down did they realize what was happening, and their eyes were filled with shock.

"Is this the power of Foundation Establishment...?"

With a single word, they could be made to act accordingly, which was no different from the legendary "words become law".

Xiang Sui appeared excited, but his eyes also showed fear.

Xiang Kui was somewhat bewildered and incredulous.

He had visited the "Ancestor" several times, but he had never heard the "Ancestor's" words possess such power.

Zhu Yu noticed that the two were in turmoil, and waited until they calmed down before gently smiling and saying:

"Now that you two junior brothers have come, don't leave. Enter my 'Netherworld Palace'."

Before they could speak, Qingyan promised:

"Junior Brother Xiang Sui's cultivation is not yet complete, so there's no rush to reach Foundation Establishment. If Junior Brother Xiang Kui is interested, I can offer you a 'Subordinate Foundation Establishment' position."

These words were spoken.

The two were immediately stunned.

Xiang Sui snapped out of his daze, his face flushed with excitement, as if afraid Zhu Yu would change his mind. He hurriedly stood up, cupped his hands, and said:

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Brother. I will certainly not let you down."

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

Xiang Kui also stood up to express her gratitude, her brows furrowing for a few moments before she bowed apologetically and said, "I am deeply grateful for your kind offer of a seat, Senior Brother, but this 'seat'..."

"To be honest, Senior Brother, the 'Ancestor' exhausted his resources and, through the Bronze-Headed True Man, exchanged a 'Subordinate Foundation Establishment' position with the 'Nine-Headed True Man.'"

As he spoke, a hint of excitement in his voice:

"The Ancestor has already bestowed the seat upon me. After paying my respects to my senior brother, I will head to the cave of the Nine-Headed Immortal to undergo seclusion and break through to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"This old thing isn't so rotten that it's oozing pus yet..."

Zhu Yu's eyes showed surprise. He originally thought that "Ancestor Xiang" would give the "seat" to other members of the Xiang clan because of his relationship with the two of them, but he did not expect it to be given to Xiang Kui.

But upon closer reflection, I somewhat understand the meaning of "towards the ancestor".

It is highly likely that he considered that the "Qingping Tower" would soon be conquering the alien spirit ruins, and Zhu Yu would definitely have to participate. However, since he had just advanced to the "Foundation Building Realm", there was a shortage of affiliated Foundation Building slots.

If both are given to the two people.

This might hinder our conquest of foreign lands, which would be counterproductive.

It would be better to separate the two, just as the saying goes, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

The thought flashed through his mind, and Zhu Yu nodded and smiled, "That's fine too. The Nine-Headed Immortal's skill is profound. If Junior Brother follows him in cultivation, he may be able to take another step forward and stand shoulder to shoulder with your ancestor."

"I dare not. I am already satisfied with advancing to the Foundation Establishment stage." Xiang Kui shook his head. It was not that he lacked confidence that he could not compare with the ancestor, but the creation of the "Natal Spirit Ruins" was not something he could achieve on his own. It depended entirely on the "Nine-Headed True Man".

As long as the "Nine-Headed True Man" does not break through to the "Golden Core Realm," he will have no further possibility.

Zhu Yu naturally knew this, but kind words don't cost money.

They exchanged a few pleasantries.

Xiang Kui, eager to break through, took his leave.

Zhu Yu did not try to stop him, and instructed Zhu Yi to escort him away from the "Upside-Down Tower".

And then "Xiang Kui" left.

Xiang Sui hurriedly took out a pill bottle, a jade box, and a bronze bottle from his sleeve, and presented them to them like a lackey, chuckling as he said:

"Senior brother, this is a gift from your junior brother to congratulate you on advancing to the Foundation Establishment Realm..."

"Oh?"

Zhu Yu glanced suspiciously at the sly-looking Xiang Sui, then beckoned him closer. With a flick of his sleeve, the seal on the bottle dissolved, and with a sweep of his divine sense, the items in the bottle, box, and bronze bottle appeared before his eyes.

Upon learning the situation, he was momentarily stunned, then lazily leaned back, turned to look at Xiang Sui, who was all smiles, and said with a half-smile:

"Huh? This is really for me?... "

Xiang Sui looked conflicted, and gritted his teeth, saying, "It's for you, Senior Brother..."

"Tsk... Look at you, saying one thing and meaning another."

Zhu Yu chuckled twice, and under Xiang Sui's tense gaze, he took the pill bottle into his hand and returned the other two items to Xiang Sui.

"Alright, stop pretending."

"A second-tier 'Spirit Fusion Pill Fire,' a 'Pill Cauldron' that's just a step away from transforming into a spiritual artifact—is this a gift for me?..."

"hey-hey…"

Xiang hurriedly put the two items away, scratching his head and grinning foolishly without saying a word.

Zhu Yu waved his hand and said, "Go and choose a courtyard to stay in. Just tell me if you need anything." He paused, then added, "Since the 'Yinming Mansion' has just been established, you can't be idle. Refine more pills to supply the 'Affairs Hall' on weekdays, and when you have free time, go to the 'Lecture Hall' to give a lesson to the new disciples."

"Yes, senior brother."

Xiang Sui's eyes lit up, he readily agreed, and happily took his leave.

Zhu Yu smiled, toying with the pill bottle, and sighed softly, "No wonder everyone says alchemists are rich. If only I had captured him back then and plundered him thoroughly."

The bottle contained only one pill.

It is made from a thousand "essences of the five elements". If you refine it, it is equivalent to a year's worth of gains in the "passage".

But if it is for sale.

This "Five Elements Great Elixir" is comparable to a "spiritual artifact".

Obvious.

It was an apology gift sent by Xiang Sui on behalf of "Ancestor Xiang".

After sending the "Five Elements Great Elixir" into the "Natal Spirit Ruins" for refinement, Zhu Yu seemed to sense something, his face lit up with joy, and his figure slowly disappeared from the spot like smoke and clouds. When he reappeared, he was already in the back room.

The indoor atmosphere is yin, and the spiritual energy is like dense, dark clouds.

On the altar.

An egg, three zhang tall, dark red in color and covered with intricate patterns, was devouring the yin-attribute spiritual energy surging from the surrounding area.

I don't know how long it has been.

Zhu Yu suddenly felt a connection in his soul growing rapidly, increasing a hundredfold in just a few breaths.

at the same time.

In the dark sky above the "Natal Spirit Ruins," a blood-red star suddenly appeared, radiating an unsettling, hazy blood-red light. It stood guard beside the "Black Sun," slowly rotating.

In the back room.

Buzz... Click...

The giant egg stopped absorbing spiritual energy. Amidst a buzzing and trembling sound, accompanied by a crisp crackling sound, dense cracks appeared on its surface, and bright blood-red light seeped out from the cracks like water.

bang...

The giant egg exploded with a deafening roar. Before it could disperse, a beam of blood-red light swept past and engulfed it completely. As if it had taken a powerful tonic, the blood-red light surged, illuminating the back room as if it were deep within a sea of ​​blood.

next moment.

The blood-red light suddenly fell to the ground, quickly receding. In an instant, a young man clad in blood-red armor, with fleshy wings on his back, red hair, red eyes, and an eerie face appeared. He knelt on one knee, bowing his head and saying:

"Blood slave greets his master."

Zhu Yu sensed the corrosive aura emanating from the blood slave, nodded in satisfaction, raised his hand and touched the slave's brow, his gaze fixed on it.

[Target: Blood Slaves]

Race: Vampire "Marquis"

[Bloodline: Blood Demon]

[Cultivation Level: Early Stage 2 (1%)]

[Technique: Blood Spring]

[Innate Divine Ability: Blood Fountain]

[Talented Spells: Shadow Transformation, Moon Bath, Shadow Spell, First Embrace...]

[Foundation: Source Blood Spirit Body "Blood, Darkness"]

[Status: Healthy, Excited]

as predicted.

As expected, the Blood Slave was favored by the Abyss and awakened the Blood Demon bloodline. As its cultivation level increased, its bloodline underwent a transformation and awakened, and it will eventually become a fully-fledged high-ranking demon, the Blood Demon.

It has the potential to become a "Great Demon"...

Furthermore, the Blood Slave digested the "Blood Demon Core," inherited the "Blood Demon's" fundamental technique, "Blood Spring," and successfully nurtured its innate divine power, "Blood Spring," using it as its core.

The blood-red light that the Blood Slave just transformed into was due to its effect.

"Unfortunately, the 'Blood Demon Core' has lost too much power; it's still lacking..."

Upon seeing the section on supernatural powers, Zhu Yu shook his head slightly.

Once a purebred "Blood Demon" advances to the "Second Tier," in addition to developing its core innate divine power "Blood Spring," it will most likely develop a second divine power.

However, he was not too disappointed. As the concentration of the "blood slave" bloodline increased in the future, the second supernatural power would naturally awaken.

"good…"

Zhu Yu nodded slightly, raised his hand and grabbed, and the Blood Slave's body suddenly shrank, turning into a ring that was placed on his finger.

I wonder if it was due to the stimulation of the Blood Slave's breakthrough.

Not only did "Dream" awaken from the feedback of "Lady Joy," but Xiaoqing and Xiaobai, who were immersed in the bloodline transformation, also awakened.

"roar!…"

When Zhu Yu arrived at the central room, he saw "Meng" facing off against a strange two-headed snake with a wary expression.

Its belly is white as jade, its scales are light blue, and a bright red flag-like stripe runs along its back from its head to its tail. Its two heads are rugged like dragons, with huge horns on their heads and purple and blue eyes respectively.

As it swayed, faint bursts of purple lightning could be seen.

But this lightning, as thin as a hair, made "Dream" extremely wary.

When Zhu Yu appeared, the two-headed serpent's purple and blue pupils showed joy. It ignored "Dream" and swam towards him. After taking a few steps, it seemed to sense something was wrong, and its body burst forth with surging purple and blue light.

When the light fades.

A cute doll, less than a meter tall, dressed in a beige Confucian dress, with fair skin, round and plump, and with purple hair, appeared.

She leaped into Zhu Yu's arms, pressed herself against him tightly, and shouted loudly:

"Master, Xiaoqing misses you so much..."

Zhu Yu smiled and patted her head. Just as he was about to say something, another head with soft blue hair suddenly grew out from one side of the little one's head. She glanced at him timidly, and as if she had mustered up her courage, she pressed her face against his other cheek.

A soft, gentle voice came through.

"Little White misses its master too..."