Cultivation begins with alchemy and collecting runes.

Upon hearing this, Pang Dehai's expression grew even more serious as he said, "News came yesterday that the Upper Sect has dispatched several thousand more Qi Refining cultivators to the front lines, and the first batch of recruits from its directly administered markets accounted for 80% of them."

"The number of people will be increased until a battle is decided with the Demon Flame Sect, or the ownership of the spirit stone mine is determined."

"So, Fellow Daoist Li, we have known each other for many years. I'm being a bit presumptuous, but the world of cultivation is ever-changing, and no one can be trusted except one's own strength."

"Moreover, the upper sect plans to build a new immortal city on the front line of the battlefield as a command post."

"Wow, that's quite a generous offer!"

"The first batch of reinforcements will arrive at Shanyang Market soon. The market should be able to remain peaceful for a while."

"Too."

Hearing this, Li Xiuyuan felt much relieved.

"The situation is changing rapidly, Fellow Daoist Li should prepare early."

"Lingbao Pavilion is, after all, just one of the properties of the upper sect. When a real crisis comes, I'm afraid it won't be able to protect us independent cultivators who have no connections or background."

Pang Dehai's tone was somber, tinged with an indescribable sorrow.

"Due to external turmoil, the Lingbao Pavilion has significantly increased its purchase prices for spiritual items such as talismans, magical artifacts, and elixirs. If Fellow Daoist Li is selling elixirs, the Pavilion Master specifically instructed me to purchase them at the high price! That is, to add two spirit stones to the original price."

"Of course, we also need to sign an agreement."

Li Xiuyuan nodded in agreement without hesitation.

The two have collaborated many times and trust each other.

"Can."

Pang Dehai's message was very important, as it concerned Li Xiuyuan's future plans, and he would inevitably have to deal with him again in the future.

Seeing Li Xiuyuan readily agree, a hint of joy appeared on Pang Dehai's worried face.

Soon, the two signed a contract.

"I wonder what the chances are of Fellow Daoist Li breaking through to the middle-grade level?"

"Forty percent!"

Li Xiuyuan didn't hide anything, since the other party would find out sooner or later anyway.

Upon hearing the 40% probability, Pang Dehai's smile widened.

"Fellow Daoist Pang, please take stock of these pills."

After saying that, Li Xiuyuan took out all the low-grade and mid-grade Rejuvenation Pills he had on him.

Pang Dehai was already used to this. He took a detailed count and then spoke.

"According to the contract we just signed, it will cost a total of four hundred spirit stones."

After saying this, Pang Dehai handed over the spirit stone.

Li Xiuyuan scanned the area with his divine sense and nodded slightly.

"If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

"Please let me know as soon as possible if Fellow Daoist Pang has any news!"

"I, Pang, will!"

"I'll see Fellow Daoist Li off."

……

As the saying goes, "Where there is risk, there is opportunity."

As news spread that the Blazing Fire Sect was increasing its efforts in land reclamation and building an immortal city.

The atmosphere in Shanyang Market became increasingly lively. Although the crisis of the calamity permeated the market, it entered a brief period of stability after the Upper Sect suppressed it with swift and decisive measures.

Caravans arrived at the market every day in an endless stream.

Taking advantage of the war crisis, many people are trying to oppress lower-level cultivators while simultaneously making a quick buck with spirit stones.

In the current chaotic situation, wasting a day means earning less spirit stones.

Half a month later.

Inside an inconspicuous shop in the outer city.

"Master Li, these body-tempering herbs are all ones I recently collected from demon hunters."

"Hmm, you did a good job. Here's the Qi-Nourishing Pill; consider it your payment for these past few days."

Dressed in black robes and exuding a restrained aura, Li Xiuyuan was conversing with the yellow-skinned cultivator in a secret room.

Chunsheng smiled as he accepted the Qi-Nourishing Pill and three hundred spirit stones from Li Xiuyuan, carefully putting them away.

Smiling, she handed the storage bag containing the Body Tempering Grass to Li Xiuyuan.

Li Xiuyuan pondered to himself, "I didn't expect that as soon as the news of the Upper Sect building the Immortal City spread, all kinds of cultivation materials in the market became abundant. The amount of body tempering grass collected in this short half month far exceeds that of the previous few years."

"It's true what they say: when war breaks out, gold flows like water! Every bloody battle brings a reshuffling of power and a redistribution of resources. I wonder how many geniuses will fall and how many heroes will rise after this turmoil!"

Li Xiuyuan gave Chunsheng a few instructions, telling him that he could buy up body-refining spiritual items without worrying about the price.

He wanted to take advantage of the bustling period before the market was opened to gather resources and increase his ability to protect himself.

He then strolled through the market where cultivators lived and actually managed to buy twenty catties of Blood-Weeping Spirit Rice.

This kind of spiritual rice can also enhance qi and blood, but its effect is far inferior to the blood spiritual rice sold by Xiao Huo. Its quality is poor, and its body-refining effect is also unsatisfactory.

The stall owner said it was transported from the front lines of the wilderness, where monster resources are abundant, far surpassing those on the outskirts of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains.

Li Xiuyuan was not hesitant either; now that he had money in his pocket, he wanted to convert it all into combat power.

He acted decisively and bought it for one hundred yuan.

Li Xiuyuan returned to the courtyard and refined more than ten body-tempering herbs into a medicinal liquid, which he then ate with blood-weeping rice mixed with monster meat.

Then he began practicing the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic).

A punch, a kick, arms waving.

[Qi and Blood +1]

[Qi and Blood +1]

[Qi and Blood +1]

……

[Yi Jin Jing [White Rune]: Increases Qi and Blood by 5 (Refinable)]

Splash!

His entire body was emitting a violent buzzing sound!

In the past, Li Xiuyuan would never have dared to eat and refine his qi and blood so intensely.

The physical body had not undergone any transformation and could not withstand such a massive impact of qi and blood.

It’s different in the past.

He had already reached the fourth level of body refinement, and his original blood and qi had reached twenty drops.

It can withstand a large amount of blood and qi rushing through the body's meridians without injury.

He estimated that each time he cultivated his qi and blood, he could digest fifty catties of low-grade demon beast meat, plus one catty of blood spirit rice.

Three hours later.

With the blessing of twelve body-tempering herbs and blood-weeping rice mixed with monster meat.

Li Xiuyuan's strength continued to rise.

Five thousand five hundred catties!

Five thousand six hundred catties!

……

Seeing that he was only one step away from the 6,000-jin mark, Li Xiuyuan decisively refined five [Qi and Blood Enhancement] runes.

Rumble!

His physical body emitted a thunderous roar, and the surging blood and qi within him resonated like giant waves!

Six thousand catties!

He directly surpassed the 6,000-jin qi and blood barrier.

Li Xiuyuan slowly opened his eyes.

Sensing the surging twenty-four drops of primordial qi and blood within his body, Li Xiuyuan gained another thousand jin of strength.

"I've reached the fifth level of Body Refinement!"

……

On this day, the sky was just beginning to lighten.

Li Xiuyuan was just about to get up and cook.

Suddenly he received a message from Du Wuxin: "Junior Brother Li, come to Wuxu Manor immediately, I have something important to tell you!"

Li Xiuyuan frowned. "Could something major have happened?"

It should be noted that Du Wuxin rarely sends him messages, and even when he does, his tone has never been so serious.

Li Xiuyuan quickly dressed, washed up, and went out.

Wuxu Mountain Villa.

For the first time ever, Butler Luo stood outside the cave gate, looking left and right as if searching for someone.

Upon seeing Li Xiuyuan arrive, he quickly stepped forward and led him into the pavilion in the middle of the lake.

Then, a pot of fine spiritual tea was served, and the servants respectfully withdrew.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Du."

Li Xiuyuan bowed to Du Wuxin in respect.

"Junior brother, there's no need for such worldly formalities between us. Come and sit here!"

Du Wuxin picked up a cup of tea and presented it to Li Xiuyuan, speaking solemnly.

"Junior Brother Li must already know about the struggle between our sect and the Demon Flame Sect."

I know a little bit about it.

Li Xiuyuan nodded in agreement. The matter had already spread throughout the market and could not be kept secret from those who were interested.

Du Wuxin's expression grew increasingly serious. He stood up, walked to the railing, and gazed at the distant lake for a long time before speaking.

"Junior Brother Li, the situation is more serious than you think. According to the latest news I received, all five major sects of our Chu Kingdom are involved in this competition for the spirit stone mine. No one wants the top-tier spirit vein to fall into the hands of others, and their strength will greatly increase."

"The Qin Kingdom's Demon Flame Sect even took the initiative to provoke war, killing several Foundation Establishment cultivators of our sect. Of the first batch of Qi Refining cultivators sent to the front line, not one-tenth survived."

"Next, the sect will be recruiting disciples, clan cultivators, and independent cultivators to support the front lines. To be honest, I am fortunate enough to have become a disciple of a Core Formation cultivator. As his direct disciple, I will soon be stationed at the spirit mines in the rear. Junior Brother Li, what are your plans?"

"On the battlefield, our strength as Qi Refining cultivators is limited; our life and death are entirely in the hands of fate!"

Du Wuxin carefully told Li Xiuyuan what he knew, then turned to look at Li Xiuyuan, as if to see his reaction.

"Senior Brother Du, you know me. I'm just a rogue cultivator; what connections do I have to rely on? There's nothing I can do now; I can only take it one step at a time!"

Li Xiuyuan sighed deeply, shook his head, and smiled bitterly.

His only asset might be the token given to him by Yan Xinyou, which allowed him to join White Tiger Mountain and receive protection.

However, the Chu Kingdom is currently facing a precarious situation, with the five major sects waging war against each other, and foreign forces also getting involved.

Why would a mere fake Core Formation cultivator care about a minor Qi Refining cultivator like him?

"Senior Brother Du, could you please offer me some guidance? I would be eternally grateful!"

Li Xiuyuan seemed to have come to his senses; Du Wuxin was always efficient and decisive in his work.

How could he not know the danger of this battle? He also knew that Li Xiuyuan was a rogue cultivator with no support. These heartfelt words were meant for him.

Du Wuxin glanced at Li Xiuyuan indifferently, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Junior brother, you are calm and composed, and know when to advance and retreat. If it weren't for the twist of fate that led you astray, your future would probably be no less than mine."

"I have a task that requires a meticulous mind, and after much thought, I believe it is perfect for you."

"You will secretly collect Moon Essence Elixir from Black Wind Market for me over ten years. Three early-stage cultivators will accompany you. You will be in charge of this mission."

After saying that, he took out a token from his storage bag and casually tossed it to Li Xiuyuan.

Li Xiuyuan accepted the token, his expression a mixture of joy and worry upon hearing the news.

He was happy that he didn't have to go to the front lines of the wilderness to participate in the great battle, and he had time to improve his cultivation and strength; he was worried about being stationed in Black Wind Market.

This place is now deep in the second layer of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain Range, a place teeming with all sorts of creatures, and second-tier demonic beasts frequently appear. We will inevitably have to fight with them.

"Here are the mission details. Take a close look. You will meet up with those three in the Mission Hall three months from now."

"Thank you, senior brother!"

Li Xiuyuan bowed respectfully, accepting the outcome; there was nothing he could do, the situation was beyond his control.

Although being driven by Du Wuxin is better than going to the front lines to die.

Now that Li Xiuyuan knew where to go next, he decided to leave.

Du Wuxin seemed to remember something, took out a jade talisman from his storage ring, handed it to Li Xiuyuan, and instructed him: "I obtained this 'Hundred-Mile Swift Travel Talisman' by chance at the auction. With my current cultivation level, I have no use for it. This talisman can be activated to allow for continuous low-altitude escape over a distance of one hundred miles. Although its effect is not as good as a second-tier 'Swift Travel Talisman,' it far surpasses a first-tier top-grade talisman. Take it to save your life."

Li Xiuyuan accepted the jade talisman with a smile and immediately replied, "Thank you for your reward, Senior Brother. I will certainly do my best to complete the task you entrusted to me and will not jeopardize your important plans!"

Du Wuxin's face was unreadable. He nodded slightly upon hearing this, then waved for Li Xiuyuan to leave.

Li Xiuyuan bowed respectfully, "Wishing you, Senior Brother, success in achieving Foundation Establishment and a long and prosperous path to immortality!"