Cultivation begins with alchemy and collecting runes.

The following day, Li Xiuyuan went to Yannan Market with generous gifts.

One month later.

The Fiery Sect's mountain gate.

A streak of crimson light flew in from outside and landed outside the mountain gate, accompanied by a series of whooshing sounds.

As the light dissipated, a strong and handsome figure was revealed.

This person was none other than Li Xiuyuan, who had traveled a long distance from a remote place to the location of the Blazing Fire Sect after receiving a message from Du Wuxin.

Li Xiuyuan revealed his outer disciple token and entered the sect without hindrance.

Half an hour later.

Battle Peak.

"Who goes there? Unauthorized persons are not permitted to enter the mountain!"

Two inner disciples at the late stage of Qi Refining stopped Li Xiuyuan.

He had a very serious, businesslike demeanor.

Li Xiuyuan handed over the jade token, saying, "Uncle-Master Du Wuxin of the Inner Sect has summoned me. Please convey my message."

He spoke in a flat tone, instructing the guard to relay the message.

Half an incense stick later.

The disciple who delivered the message handed the jade token to Li Xiuyuan, speaking very politely.

This person is actually related to that newly established Foundation Establishment inner sect master uncle; he can't afford to offend him.

After explaining a few precautions, Li Xiuyuan was put inside.

Li Xiuyuan took the jade token, bowed to the two men, and walked up the mountain.

He had only taken two steps forward when a beam of light landed in front of him, revealing a cultivator he recognized very well.

It was Steward Luo from Wuxu Mountain Villa.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Li. My master has instructed me to follow you."

Li Xiuyuan nodded slightly and smiled, "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Luo."

The two walked along the mountainside plank road, shrouded in mist and exuding an ethereal aura, and soared straight into the sky.

There were countless exotic flowers and rare herbs on both sides. Li Xiuyuan often saw first-tier spiritual herbs that were quite rare in the outside world being used as ornamental plants here.

I couldn't help but feel a great sense of waste!

Disciples at the Qi Refining stage of Douzhan Peak are not allowed to fly, so it took the two of them half an hour to walk from the foot of the mountain to Du Wuxin's cave halfway up the mountain.

Butler Luo led Li Xiuyuan to a spot not far from Du Wuxin's cave. From a distance, they observed that the cave's protective barriers were wide open, and many cultivators were coming and going, making it quite lively.

I asked Butler Luo and found out that a "Foundation Building Celebration" was being held at that time.

This is a tradition of the Blazing Fire Sect: newly established Foundation Establishment cultivators invite fellow disciples and friends to a private gathering to celebrate.

Li Xiuyuan felt the pure and rich spiritual energy of heaven and earth and couldn't help but admire it.

"This must be a high-grade second-tier spiritual vein, even better than the spiritual veins of the Spirit Treasure Pavilion!"

Led by Steward Luo, Li Xiuyuan entered the cave.

The cave dwelling covers an area of ​​more than ten acres, with antique gardens, large fields of medicinal herbs planted with first-grade medicinal herbs, and a complete set of alchemy rooms, weapon-making workshops, and so on.

At this moment, twenty or thirty cultivators were gathered in the main hall, and judging from their attire, they were all inner disciples of the Blazing Fire Sect.

The moment I entered.

Li Xiuyuan felt a powerful spiritual pressure and divine sense oppression coming towards him.

There were seven or eight Foundation Establishment cultivators in total!

These Foundation Establishment cultivators were quite curious as to why this esteemed Senior Brother Du would send his personal servant to greet them in person.

This is a scene of several foundation-building cultivators gathering together.

This was also the first time Li Xiuyuan had met him.

He felt a lot of pressure for a moment, but he quickly calmed himself down and quietly activated the Refining Spirit Technique, suppressing and dissolving two-thirds of the several Foundation Establishment Divine Senses.

Facing the pressure of the remaining third of divine consciousness, he mobilized his internal magical power to dispel the spiritual pressure of the Foundation Establishment stage.

His face turned pale instantly, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He struggled to stay upright and avoid being forced to his knees by the spiritual pressure.

"Junior Brother Li, come this way."

Du Wuxin, dressed in magnificent robes and seated at the head of the main hall, laughed loudly.

His spiritual power, as warm as the spring sun, quietly dissipated, and everyone present began to exert pressure on Li Xiuyuan's spiritual power.

Li Xiuyuan presented the official of the Ministry of Rites with the one hundred spirit stones he had prepared as a congratulatory gift, and then slowly walked to the seat below Du Wuxin.

One hundred spirit stones is a huge sum of money in the eyes of a Qi Refining cultivator, a gift of this magnitude.

It would not arouse suspicion, and it would also appear upright and appropriate, befitting his status as an outer disciple with late-stage Qi Refining cultivation.

"Senior Brother Du, this junior brother looks unfamiliar."

A square-faced cultivator in the Foundation Establishment stage asked.

"Junior Brother Li Xiuyuan is a solitary cultivator who rarely socializes. He and I are good friends in the Dao of Alchemy."

"I joined the sect a few years ago with the help of the Ascension Token, and have been guarding the mines in the Black Wind Mountains ever since, enduring countless hardships."

After hearing Du Wuxin's explanation, everyone present understood immediately.

Joining the sect through the Ascension Token and being recognized as a fellow cultivator by Senior Brother Du, a second-tier alchemist and Golden Core disciple, shows that Junior Brother Li has some skills.

The Foundation Establishment cultivators present glanced at Li Xiuyuan meaningfully, secretly calculating that they would have to find out more about this Junior Brother Li's background when they got back.

To be able to secure a job guarding a mine during a major war between the two countries, this relatively unknown junior brother Li must have some connections.

The other Qi Refining cultivators were quite in awe. To gain the recognition of a Golden Core True Person's disciple, Junior Brother Li had truly risen to the top in one step!

They were truly envious.

Li Xiuyuan quickly took his seat, and then four or five late-stage Qi Refining cultivators came over to him and chatted with him very enthusiastically.

He subtly inquired about Li Xiuyuan's background, but out of politeness, Li Xiuyuan gave vague and ambiguous answers.

……

The music ended and the audience dispersed.

Sunset.

The cultivators who came to participate in the "Foundation Building Ceremony" either left in twos and threes or apologized to Du Wuxin and left alone.

Towards the end of the banquet, Li Xiuyuan couldn't resist the enthusiastic urging of his fellow disciples to drink, and he got completely drunk. It wasn't until Du Wuxin spoke up that they gave up their idea of ​​forcing him to drink.

……

The side hall of Du Wuxin's cave.

"Xiuyuan congratulates his senior uncle on his further progress on the path to immortality. He hopes that his senior uncle's achievements will reach the pinnacle of creation and that he will be ranked among the immortals!"

Li Xiuyuan bowed very respectfully, keeping his posture extremely low.

Although he had a past relationship with the person before him, there was an insurmountable gap between them in their Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment stages.

The humble attitude he's adopting now is also a test, to see if this senior brother who once cared for and mentored younger generations has changed his mind.

"Alright, Junior Brother Li, there's no need for such formalities between us. Now that it's just the two of us in private, please continue to call me Senior Brother. Please sit down."

Du Wuxin chuckled to himself; he could easily see through Li Xiuyuan's little tricks.

"Although you've been stationed in that harsh, cold mining area all these years, you haven't neglected your cultivation. Seventh level of Qi Refining... Hmm, if you complete your cultivation before forty, you might very well be able to establish your foundation!"

Li Xiuyuan did not deliberately conceal his cultivation level; in fact, he seemed to be intentionally showing it off.

After all, since this Senior Brother Du has already reached the Foundation Establishment stage, if his strength is too low, their friendship will probably gradually fade away.

Li Xiuyuan knew that the ability to translate cultivation into real power was the eternal bond between cultivators!

Du Wuxin glanced at Li Xiuyuan briefly and immediately understood his cultivation level.

He nodded slightly, quite satisfied.

He didn't care how Li Xiuyuan had rapidly improved his cultivation; everyone has their own opportunities and chances.

Then, Du Wuxin seemed to be testing Li Xiuyuan, asking him a series of questions about alchemy.

Li Xiuyuan answered fluently and skillfully.

This pleased Du Wuxin greatly, and a stirring within him arose in his heart.

"This Junior Brother Li is indeed quite talented in alchemy. Given time, I'm afraid even I will have to concede to him."

Li Xiuyuan seized the opportunity to ask Du Wuxin about the key points of late-stage Qi Refining cultivation.

He was in a good mood today and had a good impression of Li Xiuyuan.

He also admired Li Xiuyuan's talent, so he gave him detailed instructions on several key points of late-stage Qi Refining cultivation.

After receiving insightful guidance from Du Wuxin, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Li Xiuyuan found that many of the problems he had encountered in the past were easily solved.

I immediately felt a heavy burden lifted from my heart, and my whole body became light and free.

As they chatted, they came to talk about the war situation between the Qin and Chu states.

Du Wuxin's face was full of worry when he mentioned this.

He hesitated several times before finally speaking in a low, thoughtful tone: "Junior Brother Li, the situation at the mining area is peaceful. I hope you will continue your efforts and safeguard the interests of the sect. Do not let the foreign demonic forces take advantage of any loopholes."

Li Xiuyuan bowed and said humbly, "Thank you for your praise, Senior Brother. I was just doing my duty."

Before leaving, Du Wuxin seemed to remember something, took out a piece of animal hide and a jade slip from his storage ring, and handed them to Li Xiuyuan.

"This is an ancient elixir formula that I obtained by chance during my travels in the State of Chu in my early years. Now that I have reached the Foundation Establishment stage, this item is of no use to me, so I am giving it to you."

Du Wuxin seemed to be thinking about something, then smiled.

"Back then, I went to great lengths to complete this pill formula, almost missing the Foundation Establishment stage in the process. In my opinion, this formula must have originated from the cave dwellings of ancient cultivators. Now that the era is too long and the world has undergone great changes, many spiritual herbs and immortal plants have long since disappeared, so this pill formula is no longer of much use."

"You are blessed with good fortune and have an exceptional talent for alchemy. I hope you can complete this formula and fulfill my wish."

"This jade slip contains a detailed map of the Chu Kingdom. You can take it and use it."

"Furthermore, cultivation is fundamental. Do not waste your energy on alchemy. Only by establishing your foundation can you truly embark on the path to immortality. Remember this well!"

After saying that, Du Wuxin seemed to remember something, filled with regret and pity.

Li Xiuyuan accepted the pill formula and jade slip respectfully, cupping his hands in thanks and saying, "Thank you for your generous gift, Senior Brother. I am deeply grateful."

……

Outside the gate of the Fiery Sect.

Li Xiuyuan bid farewell to Du Wuxin and prepared to return home.

After all, his participation in the congratulatory gift ceremony was considered dereliction of duty, and in wartime, the situation was urgent and could not be delayed.

He planned to go to Yannan Market to exchange his possessions for spirit stones, purchase some elixirs to enhance his cultivation, and then return immediately.

Li Xiuyuan looked at the document in his hand, which included the distribution of major forces below the Nascent Soul stage in the Chu Kingdom, as well as dangerous places in the market.

Even the Black Wind Market is marked on it.

As seen on the map, the Blazing Fire Sect, the most powerful cultivation sect in the Chu Kingdom, is located in the center.

The other four major cultivation sects, namely Biyue Sect, Houtu Sect, Qingmu Sect, and Jinjian Valley, are scattered throughout the four directions of Chu Kingdom.

……

Yannan Market is located fifty li outside the gate of Liehuo Sect.

It is situated on a mid-grade second-tier spiritual vein.

Spanning dozens of miles, the entire market town was shrouded in a mid-grade second-tier array, enveloped in white mist and blazing flames.

This massive array, which covers the entire market, is more than ten times larger than other arrays of the same level, and the resources it consumes daily also increase proportionally.

The sound of air being torn apart continued to echo in the sky. Magical artifacts, flying boats, birds, and streaks of light dazzled Li Xiuyuan, making him feel as if he had truly entered a celestial realm.

From time to time, Foundation Establishment cultivators would break through the air and arrive. The other cultivators would consciously give way, but they were not surprised, as they were used to it.

Yan Nan Market is located near the entrance of the Blazing Fire Sect. It is a large market with a constant stream of cultivators coming and going every day.

Following the flow of people, Li Xiuyuan arrived at the entrance of the market to register his information, pay spirit stones, and obtain an identity token.

He did not use the Blazing Fire Sect disciple token; he came here privately to sell stolen goods, so the more discreet he was, the better.

……

According to the rules of the Immortal City, people should flow into the city.

Before you could even get your bearings, a shifty-eyed young man rushed up to you enthusiastically. "Senior, is this your first time visiting Yannan Market? I, Song, would be happy to guide you, show you the way, and introduce you to the various areas of the Immortal City. All I ask for is half a spirit stone."

"Sure, show me around!"

Li Xiuyuan had no interest in pretending to be a big spender, so he paid half a spirit stone.

"Thank you, senior." The young man smiled and bowed in thanks.

"Yan Nan Market belongs to the Blazing Fire Sect. There is a mid-grade second-tier spiritual vein underground. The core area is open for renting out cave dwellings. The spiritual energy concentration in the outer area is comparable to that of a first-tier spiritual vein. The western area is home to a large number of shops with high-quality products and affordable prices. The eastern area is a gathering place for independent cultivators who set up stalls freely..."

What's that building for?

Li Xiuyuan pointed to a five-story pavilion with antique eaves and bracket sets not far away.

"Those are the fairy maids and beautiful servants in the 'Wonderful Sound Pavilion'. They are all cultivators, extremely skilled in music and dance, and each of them has outstanding appearance and refined temperament."

"If you possess exceptional strength, the fairies here can also open the gates of your heart."

The boy grinned sheepishly, revealing an expression that any guy who's ever carried a gun would understand.

"However, the fee is a bit high, with a minimum entrance fee of six spirit stones. For top-tier fairies, the appearance fee is no less than that of a low-grade magic weapon."

Li Xiuyuan smiled faintly and remained silent.

He's not the kind of person who fights bloody battles.

After walking around the market, Li Xiuyuan asked many questions indirectly, most of which were just to stir up trouble.

"The Yannan Chamber of Commerce is said to have been founded by a True Person from the Blazing Fire Sect. It has all kinds of treasures and accepts all kinds of things, regardless of their origin."

In addition to finding shops that could sell the stolen goods, Li Xiuyuan also found three legitimate shops that dealt in spiritual herbs and elixirs.

The first-tier fire-type spiritual items he needs to cultivate the [Golden Flame Burning Heaven Technique] are also sold in many shops in the market.

……

Having gathered the intelligence, Li Xiuyuan did not rush to take action.

He stayed at the "Celestial Cultivation" inn for three nights, and then randomly purchased some common cultivation resources to avoid being targeted by others as a newcomer.

On the fourth day, he rented a first-tier spiritual vein cave for a month.

They would go out from time to time, disguise themselves in different forms, and sell spiritual items in market shops or in the stalls of independent cultivators.

Some inconspicuous little gadgets, such as the miscellaneous items used by Ma Tou and the others in their cultivation techniques, were extremely fast to use.

He would sell off the Qi-Nourishing Pills and the like in batches, since he didn't need them.

The three people's magical artifacts were not very distinctive unless they encountered an "acquaintance" from the Heaven and Earth Society.

Otherwise, there's not much risk.

For seven consecutive days, Li Xiuyuan secretly sold the stolen goods in batches, using multiple identities.

The total profit was 1,200 spirit stones.

It has also sold out of all the Qi-Nourishing Pills it carries.

I earned three hundred spirit stones.

Things didn't go as planned, even with his carefulness.

It was on the last day that the hidden mark was discovered on the spirit stone.

The spirit stone was sprayed with tracking powder. If he hadn't been an alchemist with a fully refined spiritual sense, he would have been able to track the stone.

If it were a disciple of the Blazing Fire Sect who was also at the seventh level of Qi Refining, they definitely wouldn't have been able to detect it.