Cultivation Starts from Farming-Chapter 447 - 253: Choice (3)

...

In the midst of everyone’s peaceful waiting, a gigantic ling ship from Wind Country slowly docked at Yellow Sand City.

Inside the room.

"Fellow Daoist Li, have you decided which faction to join?" Fang Yunzi asked Xu Ping with a smile on his face, seemingly casually inquiring.

His smile remained gentle, but there was a faint trace of anticipation in his eyes.

"I apologize to Daoist Fang, I have already decided to join the Purple Mountain Association!" Xu Ping said calmly, naturally expressing his inner thoughts.

"The Purple Mountain Association?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Yunzi frowned and quickly tried to persuade him,

"Fellow Daoist Li, you must be cautious! The situation of the Purple Mountain Association is truly not optimistic at the moment!"

He slightly shook his head, emphasizing his tone, "Many industries under the name of their business have been strongly suppressed by rivals recently, with their scale reduced by more than half."

"In my opinion, this is really not a wise choice!"

"Fellow Daoist Li, I hope you consider it carefully once more!"

"Suppressed?"

Hearing these words, Xu Ping raised his eyebrows slightly.

It seems the other party is quite well-informed, knowing even this.

But upon careful thought, it makes sense; after all, the other party is likely a ’decoy’ sent by the Star Pavilion exclusively for recruitment.

However, for him, being suppressed is just being suppressed.

After all, he doesn’t truly want to join the Purple Mountain Association.

If things go awry, he can simply slip away, as anyway, the Purple Mountain Association doesn’t have anything that can stop him.

Thinking of this, Xu Ping said firmly: "My decision is made, no need for further changes."

Upon hearing Xu Ping’s resolute tone, Fang Yunzi’s brow furrowed deeper, and an imperceptible displeasure flashed across his face.

He stared straight at Xu Ping, gazing for a moment, his lips slightly moved as if wanting to say more persuading words, but ultimately he held back, coldly turned around, and swiftly left.

"Changing face rather quickly!"

Watching Fang Yunzi leave, Xu Ping felt no surprise at all.

After all, since he didn’t join the Star Pavilion, the other’s KPI might be slightly less.

Thinking of this, he shook his head slightly, a faint smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of his mouth, and he then calmly exited the room.

....

An incense stick time later,

in a guest room of this residence.

A beautiful young female cultivator and a gaunt old man received Xu Ping.

The female cultivator had a graceful figure and was exceptionally beautiful, her skin fairer than snow, two bright eyes like stars shining in the night sky.

What’s more eye-catching was her astonishing size in front.

By the standards of the previous life, it was at least a ’F’ or even ’G’.

One wonders how her slender waist supports such size.

This female cultivator was none other than Miao Sijia, the young master of the Purple Mountain Association.

Standing beside her, the gaunt old man, despite his hunched figure and slightly curved back, exuded a mighty and majestic aura, which remarkably reached the level of Foundation Establishment Perfection.

"Welcome, Fellow Daoist Li, to join our Purple Mountain Association, and we look forward to your support in the future."

Miao Sijia spoke with a bright, cheerful smile, her voice crisp and pleasant.

The gaunt old man also nodded slightly, showing a hint of smile, as a greeting.

For Xu Ping, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator and a Second-stage Upper Grade alchemist, choosing to join their association was evidently a source of great joy for both.

"Daoist Miao is too kind, I still must rely on your continued guidance within your esteemed association."

Xu Ping responded humbly and politely, bowing his hands with great courtesy.

After a few polite exchanges, Miao Sijia suddenly smiled charmingly:

"Fellow Daoist Li, would you be willing to open your furnace and refine some pills for this humble maiden to witness?"

"That is naturally no problem."

Xu Ping readily agreed without hesitation.

He knew the so-called "witness" was merely a facade; the real purpose was to validate his pill refining abilities.

But he was not afraid of validation, his prowess in alchemy more than sufficient to meet such a test.

Four days quickly passed.

"Daoist Miao, behold!"

Xu Ping successfully opened the furnace, presenting a round, plump Second-stage Upper Grade Nourishing Spirit Pill with a gentle luster before everyone.

The Nourishing Spirit Pill rapidly restores the Divine Sense consumed by Foundation Establishment cultivators; its value is extremely high, useful even for those at the level of Foundation Establishment Perfection.

Miao Sijia checked the pill’s quality, then handed it to the gaunt old man at her side.

The gaunt old man received the pill and carefully appraised it, first visually examining its color and shape, then sniffing to feel the fragrance it exuded.

Moments later, he smiled and nodded:

"Fellow Daoist Li’s mastery in alchemy is indeed extraordinary. This pill is truly a genuine Second-stage Upper Grade pill, impeccable both in color and potency."

Upon hearing the elder’s affirmative answer, Miao Sijia’s already radiant smile became even more dazzling, her eyes filled with excitement and joy:

"With a Second-stage Upper Grade alchemist like Fellow Daoist Li joining, our Purple Mountain Association’s foundation will undoubtedly become more robust."

Xu Ping smiled lightly and humbly responded: "The young master praises me too much, I merely understand alchemy to some degree.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the guest room was harmonious and friendly.

Yet amid their conversation, Miao Sijia subtly probed Xu Ping’s background.

Although they were truly delighted to have such a skilled Second-stage Upper Grade Pill Master join their Purple Mountain Association, they inevitably harbored some skepticism.

After all, given Xu Ping’s skills, he could have prospered in any other faction, why did he choose their Purple Mountain Association specifically?

Regarding Miao Sijia’s probing, Xu Ping was naturally aware.

He responded sincerely and openly:

"To be frank, I originally was a loose cultivator from Yue Country, accustomed to living an unrestrained life; joining a strictly regulated major faction is exceedingly uncomfortable for me."

"Your esteemed association is not akin to those major sects, so I imagine it won’t impose too many constraints on me."

"Moreover, although my skills are decent, they are unremarkable in major powers; by coming to your association, I hope to receive a bit more appreciation."

After speaking, Xu Ping gave a slight wry smile; his tone sounded extremely earnest.

Listening to Xu Ping’s ’heartfelt’ words, Miao Sijia and the gaunt elder’s last shred of doubts dissipated.

Miao Sijia collected her smile, speaking solemnly: "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Li, our association certainly will not impose excessive restrictions on you, and in fact will provide you with the status and treatment of a patron."

’Patron?’

Upon hearing the young master speak this word, the gaunt old man’s brow slightly, almost imperceptibly, furrowed.