Mortal: The Path to Immortality

Qi Yunxiao took a breath and said:

"A few days ago, I went to her residence on the nameless hill to find her, only to find that the restrictions had been broken and the house was empty."

I searched everywhere Ruyin might have gone back to, and even inquired at several array-related shops we regularly cooperated with, but I couldn't find her anywhere.

A hint of regret flashed in Qi Yunxiao's eyes as he continued:

"I remember a few days ago Ruyin complained that when she was buying materials at a shop, an unidentified Qi Refining cultivator pestered her, wanting her to help repair some ancient teleportation array."

Ruyin was busy preparing an array for another senior, so she was refused. She didn't dare leave the house for several days afterward, fearing she'd be harassed by the other person, and then…”

"The more I think about it, the more I feel that this matter is inextricably linked to the ruins of this ancient teleportation array, which is why I've been searching all the way here."

After listening, Lu Nanzhu frowned and then said:

"Brother Yunxiao, this is a strategically important area of ​​the sect, and outsiders are not allowed to enter. Please wait here while I go in and investigate."

Qi Yunxiao was at a loss for what to do, so he immediately nodded in agreement.

Lu Nanzhu then asked the two disciples guarding the place, "You've been guarding this place for a long time, have you seen anyone visit recently?"

After the two disciples looked at each other for a moment, one of them said:

"Aside from the routine searches within the gate, we haven't seen anyone else come here. However, the brothers who were on duty before mentioned that Elder Lin did come a few times."

"Elder Lin!?" Lu Nanzhu repeated softly, then handed two bottles of basic pills to the disciple guarding the place before passing through the restrictions with Han Yunsong.

Not long after, the two completed the search and left the restricted area.

Qi Yunxiao quickly stepped forward, but Lu Nanzhu shook his head at him:

"I've searched with my divine sense and spirit beasts, but there's no trace of spiritual energy. It seems Miss Ruyin isn't here."

Qi Yunxiao panicked immediately. His only clue had been cut off, and he felt helpless. He also began to blame himself for not being able to protect Ruyin.

Seeing Qi Yunxiao's dejected expression, Lu Nanzhu patted him on the shoulder and comforted him:

"Brother Yunxiao, don't panic. If the other party wants Miss Ruyin to repair the formation, they certainly won't mistreat her."

Therefore, Miss Ruyin is not in any immediate danger. However, finding her requires further planning.

Let's go back to her residence first; perhaps we can find something there?

Qi Yunxiao looked at Lu Nanzhu with some surprise, his eyes filled with gratitude.

Lu Nanzhu then turned to Han Yunsong and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"Brother Yun Song, I'm truly sorry. Things have come up suddenly, so I must take my leave."

"It's alright. If anyone can help me, they can come find me."

After saying this, Lu Nanzhu led Qi Yunxiao north to Jinma City.

......

Inside the main hall of the Fu family mansion, the air was filled with the fragrance of incense, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The patriarch of the Fu family, dressed in a purple robe, sat upright in the main seat, stroking his long beard, a smile playing on his aged face. He bowed to the black-robed man to his left and said:

"Fellow Daoist Cheng has advanced from the Pseudo-Core Formation Realm to Core Formation Realm in just two years. He is truly a promising young man."

A few days later, after the grand ceremony for recruiting talents is completed, you will officially become an elder of my Fu family. From then on, we will be of one mind and pursue immortality together.

The third leader, standing nearby, quickly stood up and echoed with a beaming smile:

"What elder brother says is true. Now that Fellow Daoist Cheng is a Core Formation cultivator, we cannot be negligent."

"In this Yuanwu Kingdom, to gain your favor, fellow Daoist, will surely elevate the Fu family's prestige to new heights. Such a joyous occasion should be celebrated by all!"

Luo Jin, addressed as "Fellow Daoist Cheng," bowed slightly and said sincerely:

"I am deeply grateful for the kindness of my two fellow Daoists. After a life of wandering, I am fortunate to be treated so well by the Fu family."

"From now on, I, Cheng, will do my utmost in all matters concerning the clan and will follow your instructions."

After discussing the specific details of the recruitment ceremony for a while, Yu Liancheng took the excuse of consolidating his cultivation level, got up to say goodbye, and transformed into a streak of light to head to his cave.

Only after the light disappeared completely into the horizon did the laughter in the main house subside.

The Fu family patriarch picked up the spirit tea, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his cloudy eyes, and asked in a deep voice:

"Third brother, have you investigated this person's background? His skills don't seem like those of someone from Spirit Beast Mountain."

The third leader's expression was serious as he said in a low voice:

"Brother, I've checked. This person did indeed appear near Zidao Mountain two years ago, and before that, he had been cultivating at the Spirit Beast Mountain in Yue Kingdom."

According to our spies in Yue, this man's real name is Luo Jin. During a mission within the sect, he suddenly changed his personality, killed his fellow disciples, and fled the sect.

"Brother, if we really take this person in, we'll be permanently at odds with Spirit Beast Mountain."

The Fu family patriarch snorted coldly and slammed his teacup down: "Make enemies? Hasn't the Fu family offended enough people already?"

Now that the six sects of the demonic path are stirring up trouble, and the seven sects of Yue Kingdom are too busy to even take care of themselves, it's hard to say whether they can survive this calamity, let alone care about us.

This man surnamed Cheng must have stumbled upon some incredible opportunity, which is why he killed his fellow disciples, seized their treasures, and then miraculously achieved the Core Formation stage.

He paused, his tone becoming serious:

"It's alright. In the cultivation world, the strong are always respected. Go and appease him. Don't be stingy with spirit stones and resources."

As long as he can serve my family, who cares if he's on the righteous path or the demonic path? One must be strong oneself to succeed; the stronger our power, the more weight we carry in the eyes of others.

The third leader bowed and agreed, then left the main hall and soon arrived at Yu Liancheng's cave.

At this moment, the cave was filled with eerie yin energy, and Yu Liancheng sat cross-legged quietly on the stone bed.

"Fellow Daoist Cheng, is this cave dwelling on Zidao Mountain to your liking? If there are any shortcomings, please feel free to speak up," the Third Master greeted him familiarly as soon as he entered.

Yu Liancheng forced a smile: "Thank you for your kindness, Third Master. I am deeply grateful."

"Hey! We're all family, don't be so polite!" The third leader paused, then added, "Oh, by the way. The men we sent out have found out where that person is. Should we contact him now?"

"This matter is not urgent; just keep a close eye on it. Do not alert the enemy. Contact this person only after the formation is completed," Yu Liancheng shook his head, offering his thoughts.

The third leader changed the subject and tentatively asked, "Fellow Daoist Cheng, is there really an opportunity at that ancient teleportation array ruin? The Spirit Beast Mountain has been guarding that place for countless years, but we've never heard of them discovering any treasures."

Yu Liancheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he said seriously:

"Opportunities will naturally arise. If it were useless, why would Spirit Beast Mountain bother to guard it?"

However, this matter is of great importance, and obtaining this opportunity must be done in secrecy; do not let others know.

The third leader frowned and asked in confusion:

"Even the array masters from Spirit Beast Mountain were helpless. Does the female cultivator you had me abduct really possess such abilities?"

Yu Liancheng chuckled and lightly tapped the stone table with his fingertips:

"Don't underestimate her. This woman's array formation skills are quite sophisticated, far superior to the crude methods of untrained cultivators on the market."

If I'm not mistaken, she must be carrying some kind of inheritance.

"If that's the case, why not just perform a soul search?" The third leader made a throat-slitting gesture. "Why go through all that trouble?"

Yu Liancheng slowly shook his head, his face darkening:

"No, this formation is incredibly complex. How could I possibly learn it so easily after searching my soul? I still have a use for her."

In fact, Yu Liancheng was in the most critical period of adjustment for the "Blood Vengeance Soul Pact" at this time.

Having just entered the Core Formation stage, his cultivation had not yet fully recovered, and his soul was still unstable. If he were to use this extremely mentally taxing Soul Searching Technique at this moment, it would very likely trigger a backlash.

He must completely complete the "Blood Vengeance Soul Pact" in order to stabilize his soul and restore his cultivation.

He then comforted the third leader:

"Once everything is ready, the two of us can enter the teleportation array ruins. Who knows, we might even find a sliver of hope for advancing to the Nascent Soul stage!"

The two ended their meeting in a state of contemplation about "finding an opportunity."