Please be my partner.

This is already the lowest level. Mellen doesn't even dare to imagine how long it would take to cultivate to the Void Refinement Realm. At this rate, it would probably take a year and a half!

More importantly, the [Wave-Treading Technique] only covers the Foundation Establishment stage. To create the later stages, Mellen would need to start by analyzing the rules of the Azure Moon Realm, which would take an unknown amount of time.

The best way to save time is naturally to obtain a large amount of resources and higher-level local techniques for Mellen to refer to.

Naturally, Mellen focused his attention on the nearest lamb... no, it was the immortal cultivation sect, the Jade Purity Sect.

Yuqing Sect is the strongest immortal sect in the vicinity. It is said that it was once extremely prosperous in ancient times, and there is even a legend that its ancestor ascended to the immortal realm. Even now, there is a Nascent Soul True Monarch in charge.

Once he can join the Yuqing Sect, most of Mellen's problems will be solved.

As an outstanding working family of the Yuqing Sect, the Mei family has been diligent and hardworking for hundreds of years, which gives them the face and channels to have their disciples join the sect.

The only problem now is that Mellen needs to convince his family to give him this 'back door'.

This is naturally no challenge for Mellen.

After sorting through the information in his mind, Mellen made up his mind.

Mellen got up and stretched. He glanced at the mirror in the room. It was a very primitive bronze mirror, and the reflection of a person was not clear at all. Even so, this bronze mirror was a very precious thing, and ordinary families could not afford it.

Shaking his head, Mellen waved his hand and summoned a water mirror, in which his reflection was exactly the same as his original appearance.

Suddenly, streaks of blood-red light appeared between Mellen's brows, instantly forming a blood lotus the size of a thumb. An eerie aura slowly emanated from it, but under Mellen's control, it only circulated within a very small area.

When Mellen first obtained the authority over the Blood Sea, even if he left the Blood Sea, he could still absorb the power of the Blood Sea as long as he was within the Immortal Realm. However, he would be affected by the power of the Blood Sea to varying degrees depending on the distance.

After suppressing the Styx River and becoming the Lord of the Blood Sea, the scope and scale of his absorption also expanded. Now, because Melon carries a portion of the origin of the Twelfth Grade Karmic Fire Red Lotus, it is equivalent to opening a two-way channel, further enhancing his connection with the Blood Sea.

If Mellen wanted, he could continuously draw power from the sea of ​​blood to replenish himself.

Of course, doing so would prevent Mellen from perfectly digesting the power of the Blood Sea, inevitably making him appear sinister and hindering his subsequent actions.

At the very least, we should wait until Melen obtains the top-tier cultivation techniques native to the Azure Moon Realm before making any decisions.

With a thought, the blood lotus between his brows naturally disappeared, and the eerie aura that had been emanating from it was completely concealed.

As I pushed open the door and left the room, the hustle and bustle of the outside world rushed into my ears.

The identity of 'Mei Lun' is ultimately fictional. Although he belongs to the Mei family lineage, he is actually an orphan because his parents died during a sea voyage when he was young.

Over the years, although 'Mei Lun' has become marginalized, he has received all the treatment that a direct descendant of the Mei family should have, and there have been no instances of such absurd things as a servant bullying his master.

That makes sense, since the Azure Moon Realm is a proper cultivation world, not a fantasy world full of action.

Cultivating immortality is not something everyone can do; at the very least, one must have spiritual roots.

Although 'Merlen' did not have the protection of his elders, he still possessed spiritual roots to some extent, so even mortals would not dare to act recklessly.

Of course, that's all; don't even think about getting any more family resources.

Logically, after cultivating for a certain number of years, 'Meren' should participate in the family business and become a hardworking cog in the machine, either drawing talismans or farming. Most of the income should be handed over to the family, while a small portion should belong to him, used to painstakingly improve his cultivation or to save up and leave hope for the next generation.

As for joining the Yuqing Sect, that's absolutely not something 'Mei Lun' could do.

Although the Mei family has some channels and connections, each use requires a large amount of "favors," which, when converted into resources, are equivalent to the entire Mei family working hard for several years.

It should only be used on talented family disciples. Let alone 'Mellen', even if he did have that talent, it would be very difficult for him given his circumstances.

In this situation, even if Mellen shows some talent, he probably won't get what he wants.

Now that Mellen needs to race against time, he naturally has no time to play house with the Mel family. Fortunately, he only needs to take some 'shortcuts'. By the time someone notices that something is wrong with him and investigates and deals with him, he will have already soared to the top.

So, the next goal is...

Chapter 723 Speedrun, Speedrun, Join the Jade Purity Sect

Taoyuanfang is one of the two largest markets within a hundred miles of Yuqingmen, and it is also the main business area of ​​the Mei family. In Taoyuanfang, the Mei family has four shops covering various aspects such as magical artifacts, talismans, elixirs, and spiritual plants.

It is said that more than 500 years ago, the Mei family produced an ancestor who had condensed a false elixir. At that time, the Mei family was very prosperous in Taoyuanfang and was appointed by Yuqingmen as one of the three major families in charge of Taoyuanfang.

Unfortunately, although False Core cultivators live much longer than Foundation Establishment cultivators, their lifespans are ultimately limited and cannot withstand the passage of time. Two hundred years ago, they entered their family's secret realm for secluded cultivation and have most likely passed away by now.

Because the [Wave-Treading Technique] is a water-attribute cultivation method, the Mei family's cultivation of spiritual plants is quite famous throughout the entire Peach Blossom Village. As a result, the spiritual plant shop has become the Mei family's true trademark.

The only spell that Melon currently knows is the [Minor Cloud Rain Spell], which is specifically used to cultivate spiritual plants. Clearly, due to the historical inertia, the Melon family had long been training Melon as a laborer.

However, this is understandable. 'Merlen' should thank others for enabling him to acquire a skill!

Getting back to the main point, the spirit plant shop is currently controlled by the Mei family patriarch's lineage, specifically managed by Mei Zhihong, the younger brother of the current patriarch.

The head of the family, Mei Zhiru, usually focuses on cultivation and only appears when the family encounters major events.

Mei Zhihong is a very shrewd and resourceful person. Because he manages the spiritual plant shop, he is also the person who deals most between the Mei family and the Yuqing Sect. In addition, he is trusted by the family head, so he has a great deal of authority and the right to make decisions on many matters with a single word.

In other words, if Mellen wanted to use the "back door," he only needed to get Mei Zhihong on his side. As long as Mei Zhihong could withstand the pressure, even if the matter was questioned and the Mei family wanted to settle accounts, it would probably take at least a month or two. If the "reason" was well-founded, it could even delay the process for longer.

Although, this 'more time' is probably not going to be of much use anyway.

'Mei Family Spiritual Plant Shop' is a very simple and unpretentious name.

As soon as Mellen entered the spirit plant shop, he was immediately recognized by the shop assistant. After all, Mellen was a member of the main family and often came here.

Looking at the enthusiastic young man, Mellen casually asked, "Xiao Dong, is Uncle Zhihong here?"

Xiao Dong bowed and scraped, saying, "The manager is upstairs right now."

Mellen nodded slightly and waved his hand, saying, "I have something to see Uncle Zhihong. You go ahead with your business and don't worry about me."

Upon arriving at Mei Zhihong's room upstairs, Mei Lun knocked on the door and waited a moment before a somewhat hoarse voice came from inside: "Come in."

When Mellen pushed open the door, she saw Mei Zhihong holding a booklet and reading it carefully, without paying any attention to Mellen.

Mellen naturally wouldn't stand on ceremony with this mere Qi Refining Level 7 cultivator, and directly said, "Hello!"

Mei Zhihong frowned, looking at Mei Lun with obvious displeasure, and said, "Xiao Lun, you..."

Before Mei Zhihong could finish speaking, he met a pair of eerie eyes that gleamed with bloodlust.

After a short while, Mellen closed his eyes, rubbed his temples, and muttered to himself, "I'm really weak right now. I have to make eye contact with him to cast a spell, and it takes far more mental energy than I expected."

Fortunately, things didn't go wrong.

Looking at Mei Zhihong, who was standing respectfully to the side, Mei Lun casually sat down in a chair and said, "Uncle, I need your help with something."

Mei Zhihong bowed and scraped, saying, "Young Master Lun, no, Young Master Lun, please speak! Please speak!! As long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost!"

Mellen said directly, "I want to join the Jade Purity Sect."

"Join the Yuqing Sect? This..." Mei Zhihong hesitated.

Mellen raised his eyebrows and asked, "What, is this so difficult that even you can't do it?"

Mei Zhihong said with a wry smile, "Given my relationship with Steward Yuan, it wouldn't be difficult to arrange for you to join the Yuqing Sect. The difficult part is what happens afterward."

"After Young Master Lun enters the Jade Purity Sect, it will probably be long before his family finds out and begins a thorough investigation. This matter cannot be hidden for long, nor can it be concealed."

The steward Yuan mentioned by Mei Zhihong refers to Yuan Chunlu, who is the steward in charge of procurement at Yuqing Sect. Because she often profits from Mei Zhihong, she has developed a good relationship with the Mei family over time.

Positions like these, which involve going out to purchase goods, are generally lucrative jobs, and those who can get such lucrative jobs naturally have powerful connections.

Although Yuan Chunlu's cultivation and talent were mediocre, he came from a good family. His grandfather was a Golden Core Elder of the Jade Purity Sect, and his father was the only son of a Golden Core Elder. Therefore, even though Yuan Chunlu had five or six brothers, the resources he could receive were still beyond the imagination of those from small families.

As long as you can get a sect token from Yuan Chunlu, you can skip the entrance test and outer sect training and directly enter the inner sect.

However, obtaining a sect token is both difficult and easy; it all boils down to two words: spending money!

As long as the money is right, Yuan Chunlu can get the sect's token from his father.

In the past, it would take the Mei family ten or twenty years to purchase a sect token from Yuan Chunlu to send their outstanding disciples into the inner sect of Yuqing Sect.

At this time, only five or six years had passed since the Mei family last purchased a sect token, so it was clearly not the right time.

but……

Mellen said calmly, "It's alright. I just need to get into the inner sect of Yuqing Sect and buy as much time as possible. You don't need to worry about anything else."

A hint of bloodlust flashed in Mei Zhihong's eyes as he respectfully replied, "Yes, Young Master Lun!"

The next day, Qinya Tower.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Yuan Chunlu asked with a smile, "Brother Mei, what brings you here to Qinyalou for drinks today? If there's anything you need, just say so. I'll definitely help if I can!"

Although Yuan Chunlu thumped his chest loudly, Mei Zhihong, who already knew his character, didn't take it seriously. Instead, he smiled and said, "Speaking of which, I did call you here because I need your help with something. But this might actually be a good thing for you."

"Oh?" Yuan Chunlu took a leisurely sip of wine, her tone becoming somewhat indifferent, and asked, "Tell me about it."

Mei Zhihong filled Yuan Chunlu's wine cup and said with a smile, "Ah, it's all because of those troublesome juniors in the family. I, your elder brother, would like to obtain a sect token from you, my worthy brother. I wonder..."

"Well?" Yuan Chunlu looked at Mei Zhihong with some curiosity and asked, "Hasn't the Mei family already allocated their quota for the past ten years?"

Mei Zhihong laughed and said, "To be honest, I made this decision on my own. I owe that child's parents a huge favor."

“I see.” Yuan Chunlu thought for a moment and then said, “Well, since it’s Brother Mei’s request, I should give him this face. I can spare a portion of the sect’s token, but the price will be 30% higher than before.”

Mei Zhihong's expression stiffened, and he hesitated before saying, "Brother Yuan, this is actually my own business, so it's not appropriate for me to ask my family for help. Could you perhaps..."

Yuan Chunlu suddenly smiled and said, "Given our relationship, everything is easy to discuss. As long as Brother Mei says the word, I would even offer you a sect warrant directly!"

Mei Zhihong paused for a moment and asked, "Please speak frankly, my worthy brother."

Yuan Chunlu toyed with the wine cup in her hand and said with a smile, "It's nothing, it's just that I have a batch of goods that I hope to sell through Brother Mei's channels, and the profit sharing afterward is also negotiable. I wonder what Brother Mei thinks?"

Mei Zhihong seemed to grasp the key point immediately, and his expression became uncertain. After a long while, he gave a wry smile and said, "Brother, you... well, please allow me to think about it."

Yuan Chunlu's smile slowly faded. He swirled the half-empty glass of wine in his hand and said calmly, "Brother Mei, what's there to consider? If there's money to be made, why not?!"

Mei Zhihong gritted his teeth and asked, "Is the cargo you mentioned, my brother, safe?"

Yuan Chunlu was slightly taken aback, not expecting Mei Zhihong to agree so easily. She quickly patted her chest and assured him, "Brother Mei, when have I ever lied to you? These goods are absolutely clean!"

After seeing Yuan Chunlu off, Mei Zhihong regained his composure. Mei Lun came out from the side door and asked in confusion, "What's going on? He helped us with something and even gave us money?"

Mei Zhihong shook his head and said, "Of course it's not that simple. There's definitely something wrong with these goods. If I'm not mistaken, they must have come from an illegitimate source."

Mei Lun had always been involved in big business and had never dealt with such trivial matters, so he hadn't thought of it at first. But after being reminded by Mei Zhihong, he immediately realized: "You mean... a calamity cultivator?"

Mei Zhihong nodded and said, "Most likely! Yuan Chunlu has probably colluded with some cultivators who have undergone tribulations, and she wants to drag the Mei family down with her."

"I didn't originally intend to agree to him so quickly. I wanted to at least negotiate a bit more, otherwise, things that are too easy to get will definitely make people suspicious. But since Young Master Lun is in a hurry, there's nothing I can do about it."

"Tsk!" Mellen didn't expect that in such a short time, he would bring trouble to Mei Zhihong on both sides. But who told him to be in a hurry? As long as he could get through the first few days safely, these trivial matters could be easily resolved.

As for why not use a mind-controlling technique to control Yuan Chunlu?

Firstly, Yuan Chunlu is at the peak of Qi Refining, making it more difficult for her to use the Bewitching Technique; secondly, Yuan Chunlu's main activity area is within the Jade Purity Sect, and if she were to encounter a Golden Core cultivator, there is a risk that her Bewitching Technique would be seen through.

There's no need for Mellen to take this risk.

Things went smoothly. Three days later, Mellen took the sect's token and went up to Yuqing Mountain, where an inner sect senior brother was already waiting for him outside.

Under the guidance of this senior brother named Wan Yanming, Mei Lun entered the inner sect of Yuqing Sect. Along the way, Senior Brother Wan told Mei Lun many rules of Yuqing Sect.

Most importantly, the inner sect of Yuqing Sect is divided into seven peaks, known as the Seven Peaks of Yuqing: Guizhen, Jiyue, Ziyun, Aoyun, Zhiheng, Ningyu, and Lixin.

Among them, Guizhen is the main lineage in the contemporary era. In addition to the Nascent Soul Ancestor, there is also a Golden Core True Person. Jiyue, Ziyun, and Aoyun each have a Golden Core True Person. Although Zhiheng, Ningyu, and Lixin do not have Golden Core True Persons now, they all have profound foundations and their inherited cultivation methods can reach the Nascent Soul realm directly.

Although Mellen has now entered the inner sect, he has not yet joined a particular lineage and can only be considered an ordinary inner sect disciple.

To join one of the Seven Families requires a two-way selection process, not something that can be done overnight. The Seven Families will conduct assessments of their inner disciples at fixed times.

Ordinary inner disciples also enjoy many benefits, such as the most basic one: the ability to cultivate the fundamental technique of the Jade Purity Sect... [Jade Light Circulation Technique].

The Jade Light Circulation Method is the most balanced and peaceful, and the magical power cultivated from it is profound and vast. As long as one does not become too greedy for quick results or act rashly, there is almost no risk of going astray or becoming possessed by evil spirits.

In addition, some low- to mid-grade spells can be freely viewed and learned.

There is a mission hall in the inner sect where you can take on sect missions to earn contribution points. Among the best rewards, there are even Foundation Establishment Pills.

It should be noted that in the Azure Moon Realm, Foundation Establishment Pills are almost an essential elixir for Foundation Establishment. Taking them during Foundation Establishment not only greatly increases the probability of success, but even if Foundation Establishment fails, the pills' effects can protect the user from serious injury.

However, according to a rough calculation, even if an ordinary inner disciple kept taking on missions, it would probably take at least twenty years to accumulate enough contribution points to exchange for a Foundation Establishment Pill.

Moreover, during this process, one cannot use these accumulated contributions to exchange for pills that increase cultivation, heal injuries, or restore mana, nor can one exchange them for various talismans and magical artifacts.

That's right, I'm just saving it up!

Soon, Mellen obtained the [Jade Light Circulation Technique], but only the Qi Refining stage portion.

This [Jade Light Circulation Technique] can absorb the power of the stars in the heavens to increase magical power, and can also condense a wisp of Jade Purity Divine Light. This Jade Purity Divine Light is both offensive and defensive, with endless uses, and is much more useful than many low- to mid-level spells.

After reading it only once, Mellen completely grasped the Qi cultivation chapter of the Jade Light Circulation Technique. It must be said that this technique is indeed much more advanced than his family's Treading Waves Technique.

Mellen guessed that this [Jade Light Circulation Technique] must have been passed down from the Immortal Realm and was a specially adapted technique for the local market.

As a subordinate world of the Immortal Realm, Mellen believed that some of the True Immortals must have come to the Cangyue Realm beforehand. In other words, they didn't need to go to great lengths to find local cultivation methods to study and practice. In fact, some of them might have already raised their strength to the peak of this realm in just a few days.