Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation-Chapter 259 - 117: First Journey Across Provinces
For Li Ji’an’s refusal, Yan Qingwan felt somewhat helpless. She knew his cautious nature, but now that he was already at the Middle Foundation Establishment Stage and had Biyun Sect as his backing, looking across the entire Celestial Cyan Domain, only the Core Formation True Men of various sects and the elder figures of various clans could pose a threat to him, yet he still seemed so...
"Fan’Er is right, the journey to Celestial River Immortal City in Celestial Origin Province is far, and we must pass through the complicated terrain of the Great Marsh Mountain Range. Moreover, the shadow of Demon Cultivators looms ever closer, so caution is indeed warranted." Though she disagreed, Yan Qingwan still concurred with Li Ji’an’s words and turned to explain to Liu Jiuqian.
"It was my oversight, then we shall await good news from Brother Li," Liu Jiuqian said with slight disappointment.
She knew the situation within Biyun Sect, almost all Inner Sect Disciples and True Disciples had been sent out, Li Ji’an likely couldn’t find assistance within the sect.
Yan Xiao watched from the side, frowning, unable to comprehend Li Ji’an’s caution.
The conversation soon returned to the topic of Master Qin’s banquet theme.
Being part of the Fake Pill Clan’s upper echelon, Liu Jiuqian had more insight into the banquet. He already knew Master Qin’s intention to share the Dao Field here.
The few people at the table were shocked upon learning this news.
A Tier Three Spirit Vein Dao Field naturally formed into an array; it truly was their dream of a clan founding Holy Land. If the Qin Clan dispatches some clansmen here, in one or two hundred years, they would certainly cultivate a second Core Formation True Man, placing the Qin Clan firmly in second place in all of Cangyun State.
"Master Qin indeed has great ambition!"
"I wonder how we can move into this Dao Field?"
"Do those of us with families have any hope?"
...
Everyone was tempted.
"Only open to Loose Cultivators, preference given to those skilled in the Hundred Arts of Cultivation, with permanent residence." Liu Jiuqian’s single sentence dashed their hopes.
"Of course, if one leaves their family, they may also." Liu Jiuqian said with a smile, glancing around at everyone.
Hope sparked briefly in Yan Xiao’s eyes but was soon extinguished.
Without the Yan Family’s support, he wouldn’t know where to earn cultivation resources. If he truly left the Yan Family, he could only resort to moonlighting as a Tribulation Cultivator.
"Alchemist Li, you are very suitable!"
"Yes, if Alchemist Li comes, there’s likely a great chance of securing a spot." Ultimately, everyone looked towards Li Ji’an.
Yan Qingwan’s beautiful eyes flashed repeatedly, she thought of the late Brother Li’s aspirations. If Li Fan could take root here and grow across generations, perhaps a cultivation clan could truly be established.
After all, the Honored Guest Elder status of Biyun Sect couldn’t guarantee the next generation would have the same support from the sect.
Liu Jiuqian also looked at Li Ji’an, uncertain if he would be tempted.
Li Ji’an waved with a smile, using the same excuse as when he refused Qin Henian.
People speculated that he was perhaps concerned about the competition, or possibly that he was uncertain about competing for the Tier Three Main Vein Dao Field.
Until the next day’s celebration began...
"Isn’t that Xiaoqiao?" Looking at the floating cloud platform above the Tier Three Ancestral Vein Dao Field from afar, amongst the eager anticipation of the crowd, Yan Qingwan suddenly exclaimed, turning to Li Ji’an.
"Isn’t that Alchemist Li’s adopted daughter?" The Old Ancestors from the other three clans of the Desert also looked at Li Ji’an incredulously.
Previously, at Yan Qingwan’s centenary birthday celebration, Li Ji’an brought Xiaoqiao along, where everyone had seen Xiaoqiao.
Li Ji’an bowed to everyone with a smile: "Master Qin has an eye for talent, Xiaoqiao has great fortune."
"This... Alchemist Li, you kept us in the dark!"
"Alchemist Li, in that case, Master Qin has a father-son relationship with you, congratulations!"
"Congratulations, Alchemist Li."
Everyone looked at Li Ji’an with even more reverence.
The status of Upper Sect Honored Guest Elder already made them look up to him, and now he even had such a relationship with Master Qin, the head of the Five Great Clans.
At the same time, the few people from the Desert understood why they were assigned seats so close to the front at the banquet. It was likely not because of the Falu Alliance, but due to Alchemist Li’s friendship with the Yan Family, prompting Master Qin to treat them favorably.
Moreover, if Alchemist Li truly wanted to come here, the Tier Three Spirit Vein Dao Field was likely within reach.
...
Throughout the banquet, Xiaoqiao stole the limelight, Qin Henian personally introducing her to upper echelon forces of Cangyun State, with the distinguished guests preparing gifts for her.
She was even bestowed the Qin surname by Qin Henian, henceforth known as Qin Xiaoqiao.
Towards the latter half of the banquet, Qin Henian announced the decision regarding Odd Stone Forest Dao Field, causing a stir among the assembly.
The final result was no suitable candidates for the time being, so Qin Xiaoqiao would temporarily reside in the core area of Odd Stone Forest Dao Field. Other spots within the field would open for self-recommendations, with a single condition─those her granddaughter liked.
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Seven days later, host and guests were equally delighted when Li Ji’an was invited into the bamboo grove where Liu Jingchun resided for a small gathering.
This time, Li Ji’an brought Yan Qingwan along.
The Desert is closest to Odd Stone Forest, now that it has been generously shared by Qin Henian, the place is bound to become a commercial hub in the region. Yan Qingwan will inevitably have interactions with it.
Across two lifetimes in the Cultivation Realm, Yan Qingwan was the closest person to Li Ji’an, so he didn’t mind doing her a favor.
After all, the Celestial Dao is unpredictable and ever-changing. Li Ji’an couldn’t be certain if each lifetime could proceed exactly as planned, but as long as Yan Qingwan is present, the Yan Family of the Desert is at least a reliable fallback.
"Xiaoli, Fairy Yan, feel free to visit this place often and bond with Xiaoqiao. Otherwise, with just a few of us old folks, Xiaoqiao might get bored," Qin Henian raised his cup.
Li Ji’an and Yan Qingwan responded graciously.
"Xiaoli, I have a favor to ask of you. May I trouble you to accompany me to the Celestial River Grand Assembly?" During the informal small gathering, Qin Henian asked directly.
Li Ji’an was pleased to hear this.
If accompanied by a Fake Pill True Man, the trip was almost guaranteed to be safe.
"What does Elder Qin need me to do?" Li Ji’an asked to clarify the reason.
Qin Henian said seriously: "Informed by an old friend in Celestial River Immortal City that several stalks of Celestial Heart Grass will be traded at an upcoming exchange, and you’re aware of the Celestial Heart Grass’s properties. I cannot ascertain its quality and must ask you to examine it."
"Several Celestial Heart Grass stalks?" Li Ji’an paused.
Celestial Heart Grass is a Tier Three Spirit Medicine, containing Five Elements Essence, beneficial for the Core Formation. Though it cannot compare with true Core Formation Spiritual Objects, it remains a rare Spirit Medicine in the barren Cultivation Realm like the Celestial Cyan Domain.
However, Celestial Heart Grass has a trait; due to the intrusion of Five Elements Essence, determining its age is difficult. Without rich experience, it’s easy to misjudge.
If misjudged, the consequence is not just about loss, but life-threatening.
Because only those roughly five hundred years old, where the Five Elements Essence balances, are beneficial. Exceeding this or falling short will cause imbalance, leading to Dantian Dharma Liquid imbalance, Dantian rupture, and one’s demise.
Simultaneously, Celestial Heart Grass is the primary herb in the Crystal Condensing Pill from the Ancient Pill Formulas acquired by Li Ji’an previously!
As the primary ingredient for the Crystal Condensing Pill, it has no age limit. The longer the age, the better the efficacy.
"Alright!" Li Ji’an agreed immediately.
Feeling Yan Qingwan’s expectant gaze beside him, Li Ji’an also suggested Yan Qingwan accompany him.
The journey to Celestial Origin Province is long; even if Qin Henian alone harnesses the Fake Pill Escape Light, it would take about four months. Moreover, accompanied by Foundation Establishment Stage companions, steering the superior Flying Boat would take six months.
Thus, Li Ji’an and Yan Qingwan temporarily settled in the Odd Stone Forest Dao Field.
After Qin Henian returned once to the Purple Bamboo Forest at the Qin Family’s ancestral land, he brought back a Qin Family’s current generation prodigy.
Subsequently, the four set off for Celestial Origin Province.
Originally, Liu Jingchun also recommended Xiaoqiao to go and see the world outside. However, Xiaoqiao saw Liu Jingchun was nearing her time and declined, wanting to accompany her more.
As the Flying Boat crossed the Great Marsh Mountain Range, Li Ji’an felt a bit of anticipation. Across two lifetimes in the Cultivation Realm, it was his first cross-province journey.
Compared to Cangyun State dominated by one sect, Celestial Origin Province, having many sects, was rumored to have a more relaxed cultivation environment and he wished to see the different scenery.
