Beast Taming Immortal Clan

In spiritual practice, time knows no bounds; one is unaware of the changing seasons.

In the blink of an eye, seven years have passed since Zhou Chun returned to the Qinglian Mountains to cultivate in seclusion.

After seven years of secluded cultivation, Zhou Chunxiu has made great progress in his cultivation and magical power, and is getting closer and closer to touching the barrier of the late stage of Golden Core.

He also successfully cultivated the first level of the [Taiyi Two-Part Divine Technique], successfully splitting off a wisp of his soul.

Speaking of which, among the inheritances Zhou Chun received along with the "Godslaying Technique," there was also a secret technique called the "Soul Splitting Technique," which could also allow a Golden Core cultivator to split into several souls.

However, the split souls created by the "Soul Splitting Technique" have no growth potential, and the more split souls there are, the weaker the main soul becomes. Once a split soul perishes, it will severely damage the main soul.

Therefore, even though he could have practiced this secret technique long ago, he always politely declined to try it.

In comparison, the [Taiyi Two-Part Divine Technique] is much more mysterious and profound.

Although this technique can only split off a single soul, the split soul not only has great growth potential, but also nourishes the main soul after it grows stronger.

If one were to successfully cultivate the third level of this technique and cultivate a second nascent soul, not only would one gain an extra life, but the main soul, under the nourishment of the other souls, would also completely replenish the soul essence consumed by the split soul, and even become stronger!

In terms of value, the [Taiyi Two-Part Divine Technique] is in no way inferior to the [Purple Flower Demon-Subduing Spiritual Light].

Unfortunately, although Zhou Chun successfully cultivated the first level of the [Taiyi Two-Part Divine Technique], his subsequent progress was not very smooth.

According to the secret method, to make rapid progress in the [Taiyi Two-Part Soul Technique], one needs to allow the divided soul to possess a physical body, and preferably a human body that can cultivate techniques.

But then another problem arises: once the divided soul enters a flesh and blood body and becomes a clone, then the clone must be carried with you at all times.

Furthermore, once the clone perishes, the [Taiyi Two-Digit Divine Technique] will be rendered useless, with no possibility of rebuilding it in the future, and it will also cause some damage to the main divine soul.

This is not a good thing for Zhou Chun right now.

So after thinking it over for a while, Zhou Chun decided not to rush into advancing the cultivation of this secret technique. He would wait until he had formed his core and nascent soul, and had enough strength to protect himself, before focusing on improving this secret technique.

Seven years have passed, and Zhou Chun's spirit pets that consumed the spirit apricot fruit have all reaped great rewards.

Among them, the Fiery Phoenix made the greatest progress, with its cultivation level significantly surpassing that of the other spirit pets.

Zhou Chun estimated that it was very likely that after he broke through to the late stage of the Golden Core realm, it would also be the first to advance to the fourth-tier high-grade demon beast.

Following closely behind were Wood Spirit, Thunder Dragon Bai Bai, and Golden Winged Tiger, while Golden Armor Mountain-Bearing Turtle Stone once again fell to the back.

However, this is not a problem, because when Zhou Chun was looking at those pill formulas before, he discovered that among the pill formulas left by [True Man Xuanfeng], there was a kind of elixir that could be taken by both human cultivators and demon beasts.

If Luo Qingni manages to refine that elixir, Zhou Chun will use it to train several spirit pets, striving to ensure they don't fall too far behind him.

In short, after so many years of getting along, Zhou Chun's main concern for these old friends who have accompanied him all the way is companionship, and he will not abandon any of them!

On this day, Zhou Chun, who had been in seclusion for seven years, finally emerged from his seclusion.

A few days ago, Zhou Daoyi sent word that Zhou Zhiying had successfully formed her core in Tianyuan Immortal City and was currently consolidating her cultivation.

Zhou Chun plans to go to Tianyuan Immortal City to meet his disciple in a while and continue to have his spirit pet escort him to the secret cave to retrieve treasures.

Before that, there are still some things to take care of on the family side.

Upon emerging from seclusion, Zhou Chun first received Zhou Yuanlian, his junior.

"Have you made up your mind? Are you sure you want to attempt to reach the Core Formation stage right now?"

Inside the cave, Zhou Chun looked at the gloomy-looking junior in front of him and asked in a low voice.

Faced with his question, Zhou Yuanlian nodded without the slightest hesitation and replied, "Yes, this junior is ready. Please grant my request, Clan Chief!"

Seeing this, Zhou Chun simply nodded noncommittally, then suddenly asked, "How is Wu Yuzhu now? Do you think she will be willing to stay in the Zhou family in the future?"

Zhou Yuanlian was slightly taken aback, then replied in a low voice, "Yuzhu's cultivation has already reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment for many years. She just lacks a spiritual object to help her open her Purple Mansion. With her aptitude, as long as she has a spiritual object to help her, opening her Purple Mansion should not be difficult."

She paused briefly to think before continuing, "As for whether she is willing to stay in the Zhou family, I cannot guarantee it. Perhaps it will require you, the clan leader, to speak with her personally."

"I understand. Well then, I wish you success!"

Zhou Chun gave this junior a deep look and immediately bestowed upon him the [Golden Dragon Fruit], a portion of [Extreme Yang Fire Spirit Liquid], and a portion of [Extreme Cold Ice Marrow Liquid] that he had promised.

Fortunately, he had previously exchanged some Core Formation spiritual items in the Great Zhou Kingdom, and he had also received the Core Formation spiritual items he had exchanged with his battle merits over the years. Otherwise, with Zhou Zhiying taking away a set of Core Formation spiritual items, he really wouldn't have been able to produce another set for Zhou Yuanlian to use in a short period of time.

However, this means he will have to find a way to collect Core Formation spiritual items next.

After all, since his apprentice Zhou Zhiying had helped him so much, he felt obligated to reciprocate by giving her biological parents a chance to form their core.

Fortunately, if it were just a Core Formation spiritual item like the [Extreme Yang Fire Spirit Liquid], it wouldn't be too difficult for him to collect it with his current cultivation level and wealth. He could simply use his connections in the Great Zhou Kingdom to get Luo Qingni to help him acquire it.

After dealing with Zhou Yuanlian's core formation, Zhou Chun thought for a moment and then called Wu Yuzhu to his cave for a talk.

Speaking of which, since bringing this woman back to the Zhou family, Zhou Chun had only paid attention to her before she reached the Foundation Establishment stage. After she successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he rarely saw her again for various reasons.

When the woman arrived, Zhou Chun took a good look at her.

Nearly a century has passed, and Wu Yuzhu, having completely resolved the hidden dangers of internal fire toxins, has undergone a dramatic transformation in both figure and complexion compared to her former frail appearance.

Now she looks like a beautiful woman with a shapely figure.

What surprised Zhou Chun even more was that, despite being a poison cultivator who had also practiced the "Ten Thousand Poisons True Scripture," she did not possess the same crazy and gloomy aura as Zhou Yuanlian. Apart from the coldness unique to some ice spirit root cultivators, she seemed to be no different from a normal cultivator.

Could it be that the difference in their upbringing is the reason for such a big difference?

Zhou Chun was secretly amazed, and his impression of Wu Yuzhu improved considerably.

He immediately looked at the woman in a gentle tone and said, "Yuzhu, have you been adapting well to the Zhou family these past few years? Is there anything you need help with?"

To be honest, he hadn't cared about anyone for decades, so his sudden show of concern and concern inevitably made people suspicious of his motives.

At least after hearing his words, Wu Yuzhu didn't show any outward reaction, but she still had some doubts in her heart.

But Zhou Chun was, after all, in a superior position. Superiors often only need to express their own attitude and do not need to care about what their subordinates might think.

Zhou Chun extended a gesture of goodwill, and regardless of Wu Yuzhu's thoughts, she had no choice but to accept his kindness.

He quickly replied respectfully, "Thanks to the care and guidance of Senior Zhou and the other elders of the Zhou family, Yuzhu is doing very well in the Zhou family and has not encountered any difficulties at the moment."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chun nodded and said, "That's good. You are someone I brought back. If anyone in the Zhou family dares to bully you, don't cover for them. I will stand up for you."

Then, changing the subject again, he suddenly said, "I see that your foundation is now fully developed, and you should be preparing to open your Purple Mansion, right? Would you like me to lend you a hand?"

Upon hearing his words, Wu Yuzhu's expression changed slightly, but after a moment of hesitation, she gently shook her head and said, "Isn't that inappropriate? Senior Zhou, you have already shown me great kindness by saving my life, and I have never had the chance to repay you. How can I now accept this favor without having done anything in return?"

"That's not quite right. When the Zhou family was attacked by a beast tide, you participated in the battle to protect the Zhou family and contributed your strength to the family."

At this point, Zhou Chun looked at Wu Yuzhu meaningfully and said, "If you are willing to stay and serve the Zhou family after you open your Purple Mansion, I don't think anyone in the family would dare to question you!"

After hearing his words, Wu Yuzhu finally understood the real reason why he had suddenly summoned her today.

For a moment, they couldn't help but fall silent.

Fortunately, Zhou Chun knew that she needed some time to weigh her options, so she didn't rush her to make a decision immediately.

After thinking silently for about fifteen minutes, she suddenly raised her head and looked at Zhou Chun, saying, "Senior Zhou, you are wise. You have saved my life and taught me the Dao. Logically speaking, even if I were to die for you, I would not dare to say a word."

"But I also promised my father that I would go to the family I was born into to clear his name and allow his memorial tablet to return to the Wu family ancestral hall!"

"Therefore, if I succeed in opening my Purple Mansion, I'm afraid I'll have to fulfill my late father's last wish first!"

After she finished speaking, she lowered her head deeply, looking as if she were ready to accept any punishment.

She originally thought that her words would definitely displease Zhou Chun, and even if he didn't scold her for being ungrateful on the spot, he would definitely kick her out!

Unexpectedly, Zhou Chun paused slightly upon hearing her answer, then nodded gently and said, "Fulfilling a father's vow is something a child should do, especially since your father took such good care of you during his lifetime, and even gave his life for you!"

As he spoke, he couldn't help but sigh, "If he knew how filial you were in the afterlife, he would surely be smiling in his grave!"

"Senior Zhou, you..."

Wu Yuzhu looked at Zhou Chun with surprise and slight excitement, hesitant to speak, completely unexpected that he would say such a thing.

Zhou Chun smiled faintly at her and said, "Yu Zhu, you underestimate me and the Zhou family. I admire those who are loyal, filial, benevolent, and righteous, and I despise those who use kindness for personal gain. How could I force you to work for me and the Zhou family just because of a momentary act of pity? My Zhou family is now a powerful and influential family in the country. How could it change because of the addition or subtraction of one or more Purple Mansion stage cultivators!"

"No, this junior would never have such an intention, I would never dare..."

Wu Yuzhu's expression changed drastically, and she hurriedly tried to explain.

But Zhou Chun waved his hand, stopping her from speaking, and said calmly, "You don't need to explain. I know you would never dare to disrespect me or the Zhou family. My words just now were merely to let you know what kind of person I am!"

"Since your heart is not here, neither I nor the Zhou family can force you to stay. I will give the order shortly, and no one in the Zhou family will be allowed to prevent you from leaving this place!"

After saying that, he waved his hand, indicating that the person could leave.

Upon seeing this, Wu Yuzhu immediately knelt down and kowtowed several times, saying, "Senior Zhou's kindness in saving my life and imparting knowledge to me is beyond my means. If I am able to fulfill my late father's last wish in the future, I will definitely return to the Zhou family and dedicate my life to serving Senior Zhou to repay your great kindness!"

After making this vow, she respectfully withdrew from Zhou Chun's cave.

Zhou Chun quickly forgot about the matter as soon as she turned her head.

On this day, Zhou Chun set off from the Qinglian Mountains and went directly to Jiufeng Ridge, located in Lanzhou.

After the Zhou family took control of the Qinglian Mountain Range, the importance of both Jiufeng Ridge and Tuyun Ridge was greatly reduced. Only some low-level cultivators from the family cultivated here and looked after the family property.

But several years ago, Zhou Zhengyong, feeling that his lifespan was coming to an end, came to Jiufengling to retire alone!

Zhou Chun is over 420 years old now, and Zhou Zhengyong is a few years older than him.

Even based on the normal lifespan of a cultivator in the Purple Mansion stage, Zhou Zhengyong only has fifty or sixty years left to live.

Not to mention that he went through various battles during his growth and suffered serious injuries many times. Over the years, it was impossible for him to live to a normal lifespan.

Many cultivators are like this: the serious injuries they suffer in their youth are difficult to detect due to limited conditions or insufficient cultivation at the time, leaving them with various hidden injuries and ailments.

As cultivators approach the end of their lifespan, these hidden injuries and ailments will flare up, making it difficult for them to truly live to their limit.

This is Zhou Zhengyong's current situation.

Because he has suffered serious injuries many times in the past, he simply cannot live to the age of 480.

He probably only has twenty or thirty years left to live!

In this situation, like many elderly monks, he simply wanted to quietly wait for that day to arrive in the place he knew best throughout his life.

For Zhou Zhengyong, Jiufengling, this sacred mountain, is undoubtedly the place he is most familiar with and most suitable for retirement.

"Brother Yong, if you're extremely bored, you can go out and travel around. After all, you still have several decades left, enough time to travel to various countries and see the sights and people of different places!"

On Jiufeng Ridge, after chatting with Zhou Zhengyong, Zhou Chun couldn't help but offer his advice to his cousin, whose hair was already gray.

To be honest, he didn't really approve of Zhou Zhengyong's behavior of quietly waiting to die.

If it were him, he would not hesitate to seize the opportunity to fight desperately and attempt to form his core.

Then, just as I said, I should use the rest of my life to see more of the scenery around the world.

Unfortunately, everyone has their own ambitions. Not everyone is like him, full of curiosity and thirst for knowledge about unknown countries and things. Many people just like to stay quietly in their familiar circles.

Zhou Zhengyong is undoubtedly that kind of person now.

After hearing Zhou Chun's words, he simply smiled faintly and said, "Eleventh Brother, I appreciate your kindness, but I have no regrets in my life now, and I'm tired of the life of constant travel. Now I just want to drink tea, walk my birds, and play with my monkeys every day to pass the time. That's enough for me!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chun was speechless.

Since Zhou Zhengyong has already come to terms with it, what else can he say?

He could only smile wryly and say, "Brother Yong, since you have such a good attitude, I naturally have nothing to worry about. But aren't you going to try to persuade Xinlan?"

At this point, Zhou Chun's expression turned serious, and he looked at Zhou Zhengyong earnestly, saying, "Given our relationship and the contributions you and your father have made to the family over the years, if you're interested, I will definitely get you a set of Core Formation spiritual treasures!"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhengyong nodded repeatedly and said, "Eleventh Brother, I believe what you say, and I don't think Xinlan would doubt it either."

Then he sighed softly again, "But since even Xinlan herself doesn't have that ambition, what can I, as her brother, do to persuade her?"

At this point, he couldn't help but laugh self-deprecatingly, saying, "In the end, my son and I both owe our success to you, Eleventh Brother. We were only able to open our Purple Mansions by sheer luck. Countless geniuses have fallen at the Golden Core stage throughout history. How could we, with our mediocre abilities, dare to presume to attempt the Golden Core path!"

In terms of Core Formation, Zhou Zhengyong and his son were undoubtedly rational.

Although the Zhou family had two cultivators, Zhou Mingde and Zhou Daoyi, who had successfully formed their cores through rapid advancement in their cultivation techniques, which provided considerable encouragement to other cultivators.

However, Zhou Zhengyong and his son, who knew the inside story, knew that such a thing was very difficult to replicate!

First of all, Zhou Mingde and Zhou Daoyi are definitely much stronger than their father and son in terms of personal talent, comprehension, and perseverance.

At the same time, Zhou Mingde's conditions for forming his core were exceptionally favorable.

Although Zhou Daoyi successfully formed his core, the situation was extremely dangerous, and it took him many years to fully recover.

Under such circumstances, even if Zhou Chun expressed his willingness to provide the father and son with Core Formation spiritual items, they would not have much confidence in replicating the successful achievements of their two predecessors.

After all, even a set of Core Formation spiritual items only increases the success rate by less than 30%.

Top-tier Core Formation spiritual items like the Five Elements Spiritual Fruit are rarely used by cultivators in the entire cultivation world when they form their Core. Zhou Chun simply couldn't possibly obtain such spiritual items for them.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Zhou Zhengyong and his son both gave up their plan to take a desperate gamble.

After all, if they failed, they would almost certainly die.

After hearing Zhou Zhengyong's words, Zhou Chun remained silent for a while before finally sighing softly, "Sigh! I understand. Then let's pretend I didn't say anything!"

Then, with mixed feelings, he left Jiufeng Ridge and headed to the Su family in Jiangzhou.

Upon arriving at the Su family's mountain gate, Zhou Chun quickly found the old man, who had already begun to lie in bed, inside the Su family's ancestral cave.

It turns out that the lifespan of the Su family patriarch is also coming to an end, and it's basically confirmed that it will be in the next few years!

As a result, Su Yuzhen returned to the Su family mountain gate more than ten years ago to prepare for the final handover with him.

Upon seeing Zhou Chun approach, the Su family patriarch immediately mustered his strength and sat up from the bed.

"You don't need to do that, Ancestor. It's the same even if you're lying down."

Zhou Chun quickly offered words of comfort, fearing that something might happen to him.

Upon hearing this, the Su family patriarch, undeterred, raised his head and said, "I am, after all, a Golden Core cultivator. Even if I don't have many years left to live, I'm not so weak that I can't stand up!"

Zhou Chun could only smile wryly, knowing that the old man was being stubborn again, and dared not say anything against his words.

Fortunately, although the Su family patriarch was old, his mind was still sharp.

After salvaging her own image, she looked at him with a gleam in her eyes and said, "Zhengchun, your cultivation seems to have improved quite a bit again. You should be very close to the late Golden Core stage now!"

"Ancestor, you have a good eye. I have recently had some fortuitous encounters, and my cultivation has indeed improved considerably."

Zhou Chun was slightly taken aback, then readily admitted it with a smile.

Upon seeing this, the Su family patriarch immediately asked again, "Then how confident are you about breaking through to the late Golden Core stage?"

Upon hearing his question, Zhou Chun hesitated for a moment, then glanced at his Daoist partner Su Yuzhen beside him, and nodded slightly, saying, "Ancestor, you are no outsider, so I will speak the truth!"

"To be honest, I've been planning to break through to the late stage of the Golden Core realm for some time now, and if nothing unexpected happens, I should be able to complete it within a hundred years!"

In fact, his statement was rather conservative.

If the Four Spirits Breakthrough Pill is truly as miraculous as the formula describes, he should have no problem breaking through to the late Golden Core stage.

However, it's certainly too early to say for sure about this matter.

Even so, the Su family patriarch was slightly surprised after hearing his answer, and even Su Yuzhen showed a look of surprise.

Then the Su family patriarch couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Good lad, it seems I underestimated you!"

After her initial surprise, Su Yuzhen looked at Zhou Chun with admiration and respect, her eyes filled with affection.

After his initial astonishment, the Su family patriarch suddenly sighed again, "It's a pity I won't live to see that day, the day you truly reign supreme in the cultivation world of Jing Kingdom!"

Upon seeing this, Zhou Chun immediately replied with a solemn expression, "I am deeply grateful for your high regard, Ancestor. If that day ever comes, I will certainly come to personally inform you!"

Upon hearing this, the Su family patriarch clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "Excellent! With your words, I can die without regrets!"

After laughing, he got off the bed, took Su Yuzhen's hand in one hand and Zhou Chun's hand in the other, then clasped their hands together and said, "I have no regrets in this life. From now on, I entrust Yuzhen and the Su family to you, Zhengchun. I hope you can be tolerant and help the Su family within your capabilities, so that the Su family will not decline in Yuzhen's generation!"

Although his actions were not an act of entrusting his child to someone else, they conveyed a similar meaning.

Since Zhou Chun had said several times in the past that she would take care of the Su family, she naturally wouldn't change the subject or have any ulterior motives.

He immediately replied solemnly, "Ancestor, please rest assured, this junior will definitely take good care of Yu Zhen and help her manage the Su family well. I will not let the Su family decline under her leadership!"

"Good! With Zheng Chun's promise, I, your ancestor, can now depart in peace!"

The Su family patriarch relaxed, and the last bit of worry in his heart dissipated.

I've recently adjusted my sleep schedule and will try to go to bed before 11 p.m. every day to maintain good mental health so I can consistently produce high-quality content!