213: Chapter 213 Soul-Nourishing Wood Acquired! The Art of Core Fusion! New Golden Intelligence!

Tianxing City market, western side.

A rather remote area, completely different from the bustling main streets of the city; it was slightly chaotic and deserted.

The streets were so narrow that only two or three people could walk side by side, and the shops on both sides were as crude as makeshift sheds.

The people active here were basically low-level Cultivators, mostly in the Qi Refinement Stage, and occasionally a few Loose Cultivators at the Early Foundation Establishment Stage would pass by, already considered big shots here.

Many Loose Cultivators gathered here to run small businesses, either setting up stalls by laying out a tattered cloth with a few Talismans, Medicinal Pills, or Magical Artifacts they had refined themselves, or by renting a crude storefront with a crooked sign to sell scattered Materials collected from various places.

Although there were many Cultivators coming and going, most were destitute people who would haggle for a long time over a single Spirit Stone, arguing until their faces turned red.

In front of a crude stall, Li Mu looked up at the various streaks of light flashing across the sky from time to time, his eyes filled with envy.

Those streaks of light were colorful—some crimson like fire, some azure like water, some golden like the sun—appearing exceptionally dazzling against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds.

They rose from the bustling areas of the city and flew in all directions, some heading straight out of the city, others landing in other areas within the city.

Among those streaks of light, several emitted powerful Spiritual Pressure, which, even from a distance, made him feel a palpitation, making it difficult for him to even breathe.

That was at least a Late Foundation Establishment Stage or even a Core Formation Cultivator, a master of high standing.

Their clothes fluttered as they traveled through the air, using flying boats or Spirit Beasts for transport; how carefree and majestic they were.

And what about himself?

He shook his head with a bitter smile.

As a Loose Cultivator, he had been stuck at Qi Refining Perfection for three whole years.

His daily life was like a programmed routine.

Waking up in the morning, meditating for an hour to feel the negligible progress, then starting to refine Talismans, one after another, until his fingers ached; in the afternoon, he would bring the refined Talismans to set up a stall here, sitting for an entire afternoon, haggling with other equally poor Cultivators; at dusk, he would close the stall, go home, and continue meditating.

Day after day, year after year.

He had saved for three years to accumulate only a portion of the Spirit Stones.

But the price of a foundation establishment pill was still something he could not afford.

Sometimes he would wonder, if he had been born into a cultivation Family or had joined a Sect, would he have already achieved Foundation Establishment?

Those Disciples of families had the Family providing resources and elders guiding their cultivation, with many achieving Foundation Establishment before the age of twenty.

Those Sect Disciples had the protection of their masters and fellow Disciples to spar with, making their path of cultivation incomparably smooth.

But there were no ifs in this world.

He was just a helpless Loose Cultivator; his parents had died early, he had no background, no backing, and could only rely on himself.

Fortunately, he had a good talent for Talisman making, and he did not know who he inherited it from, but his success rate was much higher than the average person.

While others would waste seven or eight out of ten, he could succeed with five or six.

The human traffic in Tianxing City was high, so even in this remote area, he could sell a few every day and earn some hard-earned money.

Accumulating over time, one day he would have enough Spirit Stones.

He comforted himself this way.

I want all of these Talismans.

A voice suddenly sounded in his ear.

Li Mu was startled and quickly looked up.

He saw that a person had appeared in front of the stall at some point.

It was a young man, looking to be in his twenties, with a handsome face and an elegant temperament, dressed in a green robe, standing with his hands behind his back.

He stood there quietly, yet gave people a feeling of being unfathomable, as if he were out of place with the surrounding noise, and yet as if he had merged with the heavens and earth.

Li Mu could not see the other person's cultivation level, but his intuition told him that the person in front of him was at least a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, perhaps even a Senior at the Core Formation Stage!

That kind of invisible pressure was something he had never felt before.

He hurriedly stood up, and because he got up too quickly, he almost knocked over the Talismans on the stall.

He steadied himself in a flurry and stammered: Senior, did you say you wanted all of them?

The man nodded, his gaze sweeping over the stall, his tone flat yet carrying unquestionable authority: Yes, I want them all.

Li Mu was overjoyed.

This stall of Talismans, at least a hundred or so, could sell for several hundred Spirit Stones at market price!

This was nearly half a month's income for him!

Thank you, Senior! Thank you, Senior! He thanked him repeatedly, his voice trembling slightly, and hurriedly bent down to pack up the Talismans on the stall.

However, the moment he lowered his head, he suddenly felt a blur before his eyes.

The surrounding scene seemed to distort, and a faint, multicolored light flashed in the corner of his eye, as beautiful as a dream.

Immediately after, his consciousness fell into Chaos.

What did he seem to see?

He saw himself successfully achieving Foundation Establishment, standing in front of an Immortal Cave, flying on a sword.

The Flying Sword under his feet was so light and swift, carrying him through the sea of clouds, overlooking the mountains and rivers below.

He also seemed to see himself becoming a Core Formation Cultivator, majestic and awe-inspiring.

His magical power surged, the Golden Core rotating slowly in his Dantian, and those Foundation Establishment Cultivators who were once high above him now had to bow and salute when they saw him.

He also seemed to see himself returning home in glory, surrounded by crowds.

Those who once looked down on him, those who once mocked him for being a Loose Cultivator, were now all kneeling before him, fawning over him with flattering expressions.

Li Mu stood there blankly, still wearing the smile from when he was packing the Talismans, but he was motionless, like a statue.

His eyes were open but unfocused, the corners of his mouth turned up, but there was no laughter.

It was not just him.

The dozen or so Cultivators setting up stalls in this area simultaneously fell into a stupor.

Some were still holding a few Spirit Stones; some were maintaining the posture of greeting customers, mouths open but unable to make a sound; some were organizing goods, hands still suspended in mid-air...

All were motionless, as if time had frozen at this moment.

The entire street fell into an eerie silence.

That multicolored light was the masterpiece of the Illusion Spirit Butterflies.

A thousand Illusion Spirit Butterflies releasing illusions simultaneously was enough to make all the low-level Cultivators in this area instantly fall into the deepest dream.

Lu Qiu stood with his hands behind his back, looking at Li Mu, who was trapped in the illusion, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

Who could have imagined that this Qi Refinement Loose Cultivator in front of him, wearing a tattered gray robe, covered in dust, and ecstatic over a few hundred Spirit Stones, actually had an ancestor who was a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator?

A Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator was an existence standing at the pinnacle of the Chaotic Star Sea.

Founding a Sect, shaking a region with prestige; with one anger, blood would flow like a river, and with one smile, the wind and clouds would change color.

Their names could spread for thousands of years; their Legacy could make countless people flock to them.

Yet, the descendant of a dignified Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator had been reduced to setting up a stall in the most remote corner of Tianxing City to sell Talismans, unable to even afford a foundation establishment pill, struggling hard for a meager income.

The world of cultivation was truly unpredictable.

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river.

Former glory and wealth, today's poverty and destitution.

Who could say for sure?

Lu Qiu shook his head and stopped thinking about it.

He reached out and gently removed the Storage Pouch from Li Mu's waist.

His Divine Sense probed inside; the space was small, only about a square zhang.

In the corner, there were some scattered Spirit Stones, totaling only a few hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stone; there were a few stacks of refined Talismans of average quality; and some simple Talisman-making Materials, low-quality Talisman paper, ordinary cinnabar, and a few cheap Talisman brushes.

And in the deepest part, a Jade Box lay quietly.

He took away Li Mu's Storage Pouch and took out another one, placing it gently on Li Mu's stall.

Then he turned and left.

His pace was not fast, but with every step he took, his figure faded by a fraction.

By the time he had walked a dozen steps, his entire person seemed to have merged into the Void Realm, disappearing without a trace, as if he had never appeared.

This was the marvelous use of the Void Concealment Technique.

After Lu Qiu left, the illusion receded like a tide.

Li Mu shuddered and suddenly came back to his senses. He blinked blankly and looked around, but the Senior from just now was nowhere to be seen.

The Talismans on the stall were still neatly arranged, not a single one missing.

Was... was I dreaming just now? He muttered to himself, somewhat dazed.

But the feeling was too real.

The voice and appearance of that Senior were clearly imprinted in his mind.

He remembered that handsome face, those deep eyes, that unfathomable aura.

It was not a dream.

He looked down at his waist, and his expression changed drastically!

The Storage Pouch!

The Storage Pouch was gone!

He subconsciously searched around, only to find an unfamiliar Storage Pouch on his stall.

That Storage Pouch was exquisite and beautiful, embroidered with cloud patterns, completely different from his own tattered gray bag.

He picked up the Storage Pouch with trembling hands and probed it with his Divine Sense.

Five round and full foundation establishment pills lay quietly in the bag, emitting an alluring medicinal fragrance.

Each one was crystal clear with clear pill patterns; they were High Grade foundation establishment pills!

Beside them were three jade bottles, labeled snow spirit water, heavenly fire liquid, and dust settling pill respectively.

The bottles were warm and moist, the Spirit Sealing Talisman was intact, and inside were priceless Core Formation treasures!

Li Mu widened his eyes, the whole person as if struck by lightning, standing frozen on the spot.

foundation establishment pill!

Core Formation treasures!

The value of these things was a wealth he could not earn in several lifetimes!

It was an Opportunity that countless Loose Cultivators dreamed of!

He suddenly looked up and looked around, but where was the figure of that Senior?

He suddenly realized something and turned to look at the surrounding vendors.

Those people had also just come back to their senses from their daze, looking around blankly, clearly having experienced the same thing as him.

Li Mu's heart shook violently.

Without a word, he hurriedly packed up his stall, stuffed the Talismans into his arms, picked up the Storage Pouch, and left without looking back.

He dared not make a sound, nor did he dare to stay long.

He knew he had encountered a huge Opportunity.

That Senior had not come to buy Talismans, but to give him an Opportunity.

He did not know why that Senior would do this, but he knew he must cherish this Opportunity.

He walked away quickly, disappearing into the crowd, never to return.

...

Top floor of Liulian Residence.

Sunlight spilled through the window lattice, casting mottled light and shadows on the floor, making the whole room look bright and warm.

Lu Qiu sat at the desk, holding a piece of strange wood about a foot long, examining it carefully.

soul nurturing wood.

The appearance of this wood was charred, rough, and pitted; it was truly ugly.

But looking closer, one could find faint fluorescent light circulating in those cracks and holes, like stars twinkling in the night sky.

Those fluorescent lights were extremely faint, so faint they were almost invisible, but once noticed, one would be attracted by them.

Smelling it up close, one could smell a faint fragrance; that scent was extremely subtle, yet went straight into the Sea of Consciousness, making one's mind clear and eliminating all stray thoughts.

It was as if all worries, all anxiety, and all stray thoughts were washed clean in this instant.

This was one of the three great divine woods, a wondrous wood that could be worn on the body to nourish the soul and Primordial Spirit, slowly strengthening the Divine Sense, and could calm the soul, resisting the Heart Demon during Nascent Soul formation!

A flash of joy crossed Lu Qiu's eyes.

He placed the soul nurturing wood against his forehead and closed his eyes to sense it.

A warm and cool aura slowly seeped from the soul nurturing wood into his Sea of Consciousness.

That aura was like a trickling stream, not fast or slow, but continuous, nourishing his Primordial Spirit.

He could clearly feel that his Divine Sense was being nourished by this aura.

It was a kind of comfort he had never felt before, as if his whole person was soaking in a hot spring, and as if he were basking in the spring sun.

The Great Evolution Art started to run on its own, absorbing this nourishing power.

Good stuff! Lu Qiu opened his eyes and exclaimed sincerely, his eyes full of joy.

With the help of this wood, the Bottleneck of the fourth level of the Great Evolution Art might be broken through soon.

The threshold that had stuck him for many years finally saw hope.

The Heart Demon during Nascent Soul formation could also have a few more points of certainty to resist.

Those Heart Demon illusions, those disturbances of the Divine Soul, with the protection of the soul nurturing wood, were nothing to fear.

He carefully put the soul nurturing wood into his bosom and wore it close to his body.

That warm and cool feeling accompanied him at all times, making him feel at ease.

Thinking of the scene where he used the Illusion Spirit Butterflies to create an illusion and quietly take away Li Mu's Storage Pouch just now, a smile curled on Lu Qiu's lips.

The Storage Pouch he gave to Li Mu contained five foundation establishment pills and a portion of Core Formation treasures.

Compared to the soul nurturing wood, this Loose Cultivator in the Qi Refinement Stage needed these resources more.

The foundation establishment pill could allow him to achieve Foundation Establishment and end this long Qi Refinement Stage; the Core Formation treasures could pave the way for him, giving him a chance to impact a higher Realm.

If he worked hard, with this Opportunity, maybe one day he could really succeed in Core Formation.

Of course, when Lu Qiu made his move, he had carefully sensed the surroundings with his Divine Sense to confirm there were no powerful Cultivators present.

That area was already remote, and those coming and going were all low-level Cultivators; no one noticed anything unusual at all.

Under the coverage of his Divine Sense, everything within a few miles could not escape his sight.

And Li Mu, having received the Storage Pouch he gave, would not go around talking about it.

A Loose Cultivator in the Qi Refinement Stage, suddenly obtaining foundation establishment pills and Core Formation treasures, would only hide and use them secretly, never bragging about it everywhere.

This was human nature, and it was also the way of survival.

If he spread the word, what awaited him would only be a fatal disaster.

Lu Qiu withdrew his thoughts and took out another Jade Slip.

The Jade Slip recorded a name and a string of gold intelligence.

Manager of the Spirit Pill Pavilion, Zhang Yun, Late Foundation Establishment Stage.

Although this person was only at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, he could occupy a shop in a place like Tianxing City where every inch of land was worth gold, opening the Spirit Pill Pavilion, all thanks to his superb Alchemy skills.

It is said that the Medicinal Pill he refines is 30% better in quality than similar ones on the market, so it is quite popular among low-level Cultivator, and business has always been good.

And the Opportunity pointed to by Lu Qiu's gold intelligence lies with this person—the Fusion technique.

A mysterious technique capable of increasing the success rate of Alchemy.

Lu Qiu thought that the Alchemy skills of this Lingdan Pavilion shopkeeper were so exquisite likely because they were bolstered by this Fusion technique.

Otherwise, how could a Loose Cultivator at the Late Stage Foundation Establishment Realm surpass those Alchemist at the Core Formation Stage in the way of Alchemy?

Those Alchemist, which one of them hasn't immersed themselves in this path for over a hundred years, and which one of them hasn't had the guidance of a famous master?

He pondered for a moment.

Unlike Li Mu, a Loose Cultivator with no one to rely on, Lingdan Pavilion is located in a relatively prosperous area, surrounded by people coming and going; there might even be high-level Cultivator from the Star Palace monitoring it in secret.

Rashly taking action to seize it is absolutely out of the question; that would be courting death.

If the hard approach won't work, then he can only use the soft approach.

...

A moment later.

At the entrance of Lingdan Pavilion.

This was a small two-story building located on a street that was neither too prosperous nor too remote. The storefront was not large but was kept clean and tidy. A plaque reading "Lingdan Pavilion" hung at the entrance, with elegant calligraphy that was clearly the work of a master.

There were also two pots of Spiritual Plant in front of the door, emitting a faint fragrance that attracted passing Cultivator.

Lu Qiu walked straight in.

The space inside the shop was not large, only about ten zhang square, but it was organized in an orderly fashion.

The shelves around the room were filled with various Medicinal Pill, from the most basic Bigu Pill and Yangqi Pill, to the peiyuan pill and Qi Gathering Pill used in the Foundation Establishment Stage, and then to some healing and detoxifying Medicinal Pill. The varieties were complete and arranged neatly.

Each Medicinal Pill bottle had a label attached, indicating the name, efficacy, and price, making it clear at a glance.

Several shop assistants at the Qi Refinement Stage were greeting customers with enthusiastic attitudes and attentive service, their faces always wearing just the right smile.

Seeing Lu Qiu enter, a sharp-eyed assistant hurried forward.

He could not discern Lu Qiu's cultivation, but his intuition told him that this guest was not simple, so his attitude became even more respectful: "Welcome, Senior. May I ask what you need? Our shop has a complete variety of Medicinal Pill, fair prices, and we do not cheat the old or the young. If you have any needs, Senior, please feel free to command."

Lu Qiu waved his hand, interrupting him: "I want to see your shopkeeper. I have a big business deal to discuss."

The assistant was slightly stunned, then quickly said: "Please wait a moment, Senior. This Junior will go and invite the shopkeeper."

He hurried upstairs with quick steps. A moment later, a middle-aged man came down from upstairs.

This person was about forty years old, with a thin face and three strands of long beard neatly trimmed. He wore a green shirt and exuded the aura of the Late Stage Foundation Establishment.

His gaze swept over Lu Qiu, and sensing the other's unfathomable cultivation, his expression immediately became respectful, though his eyes still held a trace of vigilance.

"Junior Zhang Yun, I do not know why Senior has graced my small shop with your presence. What instructions do you have?" He bowed with cupped hands, his attitude humble, keeping his posture very low.

Lu Qiu glanced at him and, without any nonsense, directly transmitted his voice saying four words:

"Fusion technique."

Zhang Yun's expression changed instantly!

His pupils suddenly contracted, his body trembled slightly, and he subconsciously took half a step back.

But quickly, he took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the shock in his heart.

He looked around; the assistants and customers were all busy with their own affairs, and no one noticed this side.

He whispered, his voice trembling slightly:

"Senior, please follow this Junior upstairs for a detailed discussion."

Lu Qiu nodded and followed him upstairs.

Upstairs was Zhang Yun's private Quiet Room, simply yet elegantly furnished.

There was a desk, a few prayer mats, and a portrait of the Ancestral Master of Alchemy hanging on the wall, who had white hair and a celestial, immortal-like demeanor.

On the desk were several books on the Dao of Alchemy, some of which had already turned yellow, evidently having been read countless times.

There was also an incense burner with curling blue smoke, emitting a faint scent of sandalwood.

The two sat down as host and guest, and Zhang Yun poured tea himself.

His movements were somewhat stiff, evidently unsettled.

The tea was poured full, almost overflowing.

The tea's fragrance curled, but it could not dilute the heavy atmosphere in the room.

After a moment of silence, Zhang Yun finally spoke.

He stared at Lu Qiu, his gaze filled with vigilance and inquiry, along with a trace of hard-to-hide worry:

"How did Senior come to know about the Fusion technique?"

Lu Qiu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said indifferently: "I have my own channels."

Zhang Yun was silent.

He certainly knew that anyone who could say the four words "Fusion technique" could absolutely not be an ordinary person.

This secret technique was obtained by his ancestors by chance and had always been kept secret, never mentioned to outsiders.

His ancestors had left a Legacy: this technique must not be passed on, or there would surely be disaster.

He had guarded it for over a hundred years and had never spoken of it to anyone.

The person in front of him being able to know about it must mean there were unknown channels.

Could his ancestors' secret have been discovered?

Or had someone been watching him in the dark all along?

"Then what does Senior intend?" he asked again, his voice tight, his fingers subconsciously gripping the teacup.

Lu Qiu looked at him and said indifferently: "Don't be so nervous. My trip here is to trade with you fairly."

Zhang Yun was stunned, then shook his head, his attitude firm: "Senior, please forgive me. The Fusion technique is a secret technique passed down by my ancestors and will never be passed on. My ancestors have a Legacy that this technique must not be shown to others; this Junior dare not disobey."

Lu Qiu smiled, not in a hurry. He took a list out of his Storage Pouch, placed it on the desk, and pushed it in front of Zhang Yun.

"Then what if it's an ancient Pill Formula?"

Zhang Yun looked down, his pupils suddenly dilating!

On that list, densely packed, were the names of over a dozen ancient Pill Formula—snow lotus pill, Azure Crystal Pill, Xuanyuan Pill, Qingling Pill, Pozhang Pill... After each Pill Formula, its function and value were noted, along with a brief refining method.

Every single Pill Formula was an ancient Pill Formula that had long been lost!

Every single one was something he dreamed of!

Some Pill Formula, he had only seen the names in ancient texts and had never seen their true form.

Some Pill Formula, he had not even heard of.

Zhang Yun's breathing quickened, and a scorching light flashed in his eyes, a light that seemed almost ready to burn.

As an Alchemist, his greatest desire was to obtain more Pill Formula, especially those ancient Pill Formula that had been lost for a long time. With these Pill Formula, his Alchemy skills would reach a higher level, and he might even break through to a higher Realm! Perhaps, one day he could also refine the Medicinal Pill needed by the Core Formation Stage or even the Nascent Soul Stage!

He raised his head and looked at Lu Qiu, his gaze full of struggle.

On one side was the ancestral Fusion technique, the blood and sweat of several generations of his Family, the Legacy of his ancestors, and a vow that could not be broken.

On the other side were over a dozen ancient Pill Formula he dreamed of, his greatest desire as an Alchemist, and the dream he had pursued his whole life.

How should he choose?

Silence for a long time.

His fingers gently rubbed against the list, the light in his eyes flickering uncertainly.

He thought of the teachings of his ancestors, the Family's Legacy, and his own persistence for over a hundred years.

He then thought of those ancient Pill Formula; if he could obtain them, his achievements in the Dao of Alchemy would be limitless.

Finally, he sighed long and hard, and said dejectedly: "Senior, this Junior... is willing to trade."

His voice carried a trace of unwillingness, a trace of helplessness, a trace of guilt, but more than that, it was a kind of resignation-like relief.

Choosing to trade was firstly because the desire for the ancient Pill Formula was truly irresistible; that was a temptation no Alchemist could refuse. Secondly, it was because he feared Lu Qiu's cultivation.

Being targeted by a Core Formation Cultivator was never a good thing.

It was better to exchange it for some tangible benefits.

At least this way, he could still get some compensation.

Lu Qiu nodded, not wasting any words. He took out a Jade Slip, probed it with his Divine Sense, and recorded the dozen or so ancient Pill Formula from the list one by one.

Each Pill Formula was recorded in extreme detail, including the required Materials, refining steps, precautions, and keys to success.

Then he handed it to Zhang Yun.

Zhang Yun took the Jade Slip, his hands trembling slightly.

He probed it with his Divine Sense and examined it carefully. A moment later, a satisfied smile appeared on his face, a smile that carried relief, joy, and a trace of gratitude.

These Pill Formula were not only real but also recorded in detail, far exceeding his expectations.

With these Pill Formula, his Alchemy skills would certainly be able to reach another level.

Perhaps, one day he could also become a Great Master of the Dao of Alchemy.

He took out an ancient Jade Box from his bosom and handed it to Lu Qiu with both hands.

The Jade Box was made of warm, smooth material and finely carved, clearly from a long time ago.

"Senior, this is the Fusion technique."

Lu Qiu took it and opened the Jade Box.

Inside was a roll of dark yellow animal skin; he did not know what kind of Yao Beast skin it was, but it felt soft and tough to the touch.

It was densely engraved with small characters, the handwriting ancient, clearly an object from the ancient times. He probed it with his Divine Sense and read it carefully.

The Fusion technique was an extremely profound auxiliary secret technique for Alchemy.

Its principle was to use special incantations and techniques to fuse, purify, and stabilize the efficacy of various medicinal herbs in advance, thereby greatly increasing the success rate of Alchemy.

Especially when refining those Medicinal Pill where the medicinal properties conflicted and Fusion was difficult, the effect was particularly significant.

For example, some Medicinal Pill required fusing fire-attribute and ice-attribute medicinal herbs at the same time; these two medicinal properties were naturally mutually exclusive, and Fusion was extremely difficult.

With the Fusion technique, one could purify them separately first, then use special techniques to harmonize them, allowing them to coexist stably.

Furthermore, for example, some Medicinal Pill required multiple medicinal herbs to be fused in a specific order; if the order was messed up, it would fail. The Fusion technique could stabilize the medicinal efficacy in advance, and then fuse them all at once, greatly reducing the failure rate.

A trace of joy flashed in Lu Qiu's eyes.

He had a large number of ancient Pill Formula on him, many of which had extremely difficult refining requirements, and the success rate was pitifully low.

Some Medicinal Pill, he had tried many times and failed, just because the conflict of medicinal properties was too serious. With this Fusion technique, he could finally try to refine one or two.

He closed the Jade Box, put it into his Storage Pouch, stood up, and said: "Many thanks."

Zhang Yun hurriedly stood up to see him off, his attitude respectful, escorting him all the way to the door: "Walk slowly, Senior. If Senior still has any needs, you can come to my small shop at any time. This Junior will certainly do my best."

Lu Qiu nodded and turned to leave.

...

Leaving Lingdan Pavilion, Lu Qiu strolled along the street.

soul nurturing wood, obtained.

Fusion technique, obtained.

Only the Soul Devouring Rod remained.

The Core Formation Cultivator Wei Long, pointed to by that Opportunity, was said to be in seclusion in an Immortal Cave somewhere on the Holy Mountain and had not come out, making it impossible to contact him.

The Holy Mountain was the core of Tianxing City, with powerful experts from the Star Palace guarding it; he could not force his way in.

That would be courting death.

He could only shelve it for now.

Lu Qiu asked Zhao Wen to keep an eye out for news about Wei Long and to notify him immediately once he came out of seclusion and appeared. With Zhao Wen's capability, there should be news soon.

Returning to the Liulian Residence, Xin Ruyin and Xiaomei were both not there.

They should be busy with the affairs of the Liulian Residence.

In order to focus on treasure hunting, Lu Qiu had included Zhao Wen, Xin Ruyin, and Xiaomei in the ranks of the stewards of the Liulian Residence, helping him handle the daily affairs of the Liulian Residence.

If there were no major events, he generally would not need to come forward.

This way, he could also focus on searching for Opportunity.

...

The next day.

The morning sunlight spilled onto the window lattice, casting golden spots of light on the floor.

On the street outside the window, faint sounds of hawking and footsteps had already begun to be heard; a new day had begun.

Lu Qiu woke up from Cultivate, opened his eyes, and the divine light in his eyes was restrained.

He habitually checked the gold intelligence on Opportunity.

The golden page slowly unfolded, and today's reorganized gold intelligence came into view—

[silver information]: In an abandoned courtyard in the western district of Tianxing City, a thousand-year-old Purple Jade Ginseng is hidden underground.

[gold intelligence]: Core Formation Loose Cultivator Zhou Yu possesses a profound escape technique called "Streamer Escape," which can travel a hundred miles in an instant when used with full power. It is an excellent secret technique for saving one's life and escaping. This technique requires Essence Blood to activate and consumes a great deal of energy, but it can save one's life at critical moments. This person currently resides in the Tianshui Cave on the twenty-sixth level of the Holy Mountain, is in seclusion all year round, and rarely goes out. It is said that he is preparing to impact the Late Core Formation Stage and will not easily come out of seclusion.

[gold intelligence]: There is a female Cultivator named Xia Xinyan in the Miaoyin Sect who possesses the "Duyuan Resonance Physique," which is an extremely rare Dual Cultivation holy Physique in the cultivation world. The higher this woman's cultivation, the greater the benefits obtained from the first Dual Cultivation, which can help her Dao Companion break through major Bottleneck. Women with this Physique contain a trace of Origin power in their Yuan Yin, and those who perform Dual Cultivation with them can use this to break through Bottleneck. This woman is currently an Inner Sect Disciple of the Miaoyin Sect, has a Middle Stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, is extremely beautiful, proficient in music, often performs at the Miaoyin Sect, and is quite sought after.

A sharp light flashed in Lu Qiu's eyes!

Two more gold intelligence!

And, one is more tempting than the other!

Streamer Escape!

An escape technique that can travel a hundred miles in an instant!

This is a divine skill for saving one's life!

With it, even if facing the pursuit of a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator, he would have some confidence in escaping!

Duyuan Resonance Physique!

Dual Cultivation holy Physique!

Can help break through major Bottleneck!

A smile curled on the corner of Lu Qiu's mouth.

Tianxing City is indeed a good place.

Not long after arriving, he has encountered such Opportunity one after another.

He stood up, walked to the window, and opened it.

Outside the window, the sun was bright, and people were coming and going.

The Holy Mountain in the distance stood towering, piercing straight into the clouds.

Above it lived countless high-level Cultivator, hiding countless Opportunity and secrets.

He took a deep breath, and a trace of expectation flashed in his eyes.

Zhou Yu is in seclusion and has not come out, so this Streamer Escape cannot be obtained for the time being.

It seems he can only start with this Xia Xinyan.