Chapter 346: Taking root
Two years later.
Qingluan Peak Cave Mansion, beside the lotus pond.
On the back of Xuan Shui Turtle, Lu Changan sat cross-legged and meditated, lingering in the air of tranquility accumulated over time. The big turtle swallowed water vapor and absorbed the invisible breath, and its violent and depressed emotions were relieved.
“Elder Xiang, Master Yumei is here to visit.”
A stooped white-haired old servant stood in the outer house of the cave, and a voice came from across the invisible barrier.
Lu Changan divided Qingluan Peak Cave into outer and inner mansions.
The inner palace is the place where he and his spiritual pets practice, including specializing in the cultivation of immortal arts. No outsiders are allowed and no unauthorized entry is allowed.
There is a fourth-order phantom formation hidden here, and it is difficult for the True Lord to spy on it.
The outer palace is used to receive guests, and for servants to live and work, continuing the original third-level formation of the cave mansion.
“Well, a certain family already knows about it.”
Lu Changan slowly finished his work and came to the main hall of the outer mansion of the cave.
Zhenren Yumei was the Taoist companion whom Sect Master Hu arranged for him some time ago.
She is a rare female cultivator in the middle stage of pill formation in Yunxia Sect.
“I’ve kept Master Yumei waiting for a long time.”
In the hall, there is a female alchemy cultivator who is about forty or fifty years old. She has a slender figure, a thin face, and colorful hair on her temples.
Although he is not young, he has beautiful facial features, clear and deep eyes, and a temperament like the breeze and the bright moon.
“I have just arrived.”
Yumei Zhenren has a smile on his face and a soft and honest voice.
Having met him before, Lu Changan vaguely expressed his intention not to become a Taoist couple.
However, Master Yumei was somewhat interested in him as a major cultivator of alchemy, and maintained normal communication within the sect.
After chatting for a while, Master Yumei explained his purpose and took out a storage bag containing materials.
"The materials provided by fellow Taoist Yumei are not enough to refine a third-level mid-level puppet. Moreover, Xiang himself has a sect mission and needs to practice, so his energy is limited. A normal third-level puppet commission can take at least one year, and more Then two or three years.”
Lu Changan looked embarrassed and shook his head slightly.
In the past two years, he has built many puppets for the Yunxia Sect, including a third-level puppet, which has won praise at the mountain gate.
Although normal monks cannot exert the full power of puppets, they are still a rare means of protecting the road.
For example, if a fake elixir master obtains a third-level puppet, he will have the capital to compete with the real elixir.
However, puppet refining has obvious constraints.
First, the cost is high and the skills are not popular.
Second, the output is low, and it takes a lot of time and energy to refine a puppet.
“Then entrust Master Xiang to build a high-quality third-level low-grade puppet. As for the reward, I have finally collected the materials, and my money is very tight. I can’t afford 20% of the fee for the time being..."
Yumei Zhenren pursed her lips and smiled, her face blurred and changed, and her temperament changed drastically.
Suddenly, she transformed into a young woman with a rosy face, mature beauty and plump figure.
Lu Changan was stunned for a moment.
Her face changed again into a pure and shy girl.
“Zhenren Xiang should know that I am one of the most skilled female cultivators in the Yunxia Sect’s yin and yang cultivation, and she has slightly contributed to the major cultivation of alchemy.”
Zhenren Yumei smiled sweetly and suggested.
The meaning of a transaction is self-evident.
Lu Changan secretly thought that Yunxia Sect was indeed a sect that favored side sects for cultivating immortals. It cultivated both yin and yang, and its atmosphere was relatively open.
“Xiang pursues the great road, is not fond of women, and has no interest in dual cultivation.”
Lu Changan's tone was decisive and he refused righteously.
Due to the age limit of the Evergreen Skill, there is a cap on the daily and monthly progress of cultivation.
The Yin and Yang dual cultivation method is of little significance to Lu Changan.
The ancient secret method "Dragon and Phoenix Double Cauldron Method" obtained from the ancestor of Tianluo cannot be used by Lu Changan in this life.
“That’s all, I can only wait for a few more years of hard work.”
Yumei Zhenren returned to her simple and refreshing appearance and put away the storage bags on the desk without any reluctance.
If the deal fails, although there is no enmity, there will be some gaps.
Sent Master Yumei outside the cave, Lu Changan secretly laughed:
“You want to make a third-level high-quality puppet with this little material? Do you want to use the craftsmanship fee of this real person in vain?”
…
Master Yumei walked out of the cave so that Lu Changan didn't have to send him off again.
At this moment, she caught a glimpse of a familiar young foundation-building monk from the corner of her eye.
The young man is handsome and tall. He is directing the servants to repair the garden on the mountain.
“Xiao Qingshan?”
Zhenren Yumei was a little surprised, but didn’t take it to heart.
She has an impression of Xiao Qingshan, not because the latter comes from the Xiao family, one of the four great aristocratic families.
Because, Xiao Qingshan was engaged to one of her female disciples "Yi Shuzhen" in their early years.
The marriage was arranged by Xiao Qingshan’s mother for her son during her lifetime.
At that time, the Jiedan family where Xiao's mother belonged did not encounter any disasters and was still in good times.
Yi Shuzhen's family of cultivators is a middle-class False Pill family. This girl has been known as a natural beauty since she was a child.
Yi Shuzhen met Xiao Qingshan in private during her Qi refining period. The two had a good impression of each other and formed a relationship.
Back then, one of the reasons why Xiao Qingshan chose to join the Yunxia Sect was because of Yi Shuzhen.
But later, Xiao's mother's family suffered a disaster and fell into the Jiji family.
On the other hand, Yi Shuzhen became more and more outstanding after arriving at Yunxia Sect. She became a disciple of "Yumei Zhenren", a veteran alchemy monk, and gained a strong backer.
For the down-and-out Xiao Qingshan, the Yi family wanted to regret their marriage.
If they become a Taoist couple, Xiao Qingshan will hinder Yi Shuzhen's practice.
Since he was wary of the Xiao family, one of the four major aristocratic families, he negotiated privately with Xiao Qingshan to give him a compensation.
In order to persuade Xiao Qingshan, Yi Shuzhen even asked Yi Shuzhen to come forward in person to impress him.
Xiao Qingshan was disheartened, and finally agreed to divorce Yi Shuzhen peacefully.
“Meet Elder Yumei.”
Xiao Qingshan noticed Master Yumei’s gaze, took a deep breath, and bowed.
Mr. Yumei didn't respond, didn't even look at him a second time, and flew away from Qingluan Peak.
Xiao Qingshan felt bitter and became the steward of Xiang Zhenren's cave. His status and salary were improved, but there was an insurmountable gap between him and the senior elders of Yunxia Sect.
Whether Yi Shuzhen can take a look at her is still unknown.
Unless you can become a confidant of Danjie Daxiu, you can be considered to be outstanding in the sect.
Xiao Qingshan has no hope in this.
Six months ago, he was spotted by Xiang Zhenren, but it was just due to an encounter outside the mountain gate, and the other party asked him to run errands.
Zhenren Xiang saw that he was doing his job down-to-earth, so he sent him to Qingluan Peak.
Not only him, but also several other servants on the mountain were all strong men that Xiang Zhenren caught at will when he went out.
external interpretation is that Xiang Zhenren came to Yunxia Sect for the first time, lacked trust, and was wary of the list in the sect newspaper, so he behaved like this.
“Strange! There are only male servants in charge of the huge Qingluan Peak, but not a single female nun or maid.”
Zhenren Yumei flew some distance away and suddenly noticed an anomaly.
Lu Changan's main peak cave, the servants selected include young people, young adults, and old people, all of whom are male cultivators.
"Xiang Zhenren is really not close to women, is it possible..."
Zhenren Yumei thought of something, and a chill ran down his spine. No wonder Zhenren Xiang refused to practice dual cultivation so decisively.
Thinking of the handsome Xiao Qingshan, who thought she had found a supporter, there was a trace of pity in her eyes.
…
In the cave, Lu Changan saw Xiao Qingshan's lonely expression.
Due to various reasons, Li Erqing in this life was obviously better qualified and had better background, but he was not doing well in his life.
In those days, Li Erqing married a wife, had children, multiplied his descendants, and eventually became the originator of the Li family. He was much more prosperous than in this life.
Lu Changan did not promote Xiao Qingshan rashly and sent him to Qingluan Peak, but did not give him special care.
Even so, Xiao Qingshan's situation within the sect has improved, and his welfare benefits are better. At least he will not be discriminated against and wear small shoes.
half a month later.
Lu Changan’s powerful senses allowed him to hear some discussions about himself in the Yunxia Sect.
“Isn’t it a good womanizer Xiang Zhenren?”
Lu Changan looked strange and had no objection to this evaluation. After all, it was not a bad reputation.
The reason for the incident was that Lu Changan rejected the real Yumei whom Sect Leader Hu had arranged to bring together.
Furthermore, there is no maid or maid in Qingluan Peak Cave Mansion.
This is incompatible with the open dual cultivation atmosphere of Yunxia Sect.
On this day.
The main peak of the fourth-order spiritual veins in the center of Yunxia Sect is surging with wind and clouds, condensing a boiling and rising mana fluctuation.
After several breaths, the Nascent Soul-level mana aura and powerful spiritual pressure suddenly dissipated.
The sky briefly darkened, making the surrounding formation clouds look oppressive and gloomy.
“Failed to be promoted to the middle stage of Nascent Soul?”
Lu Changan looked at the weather in the distance and came to a conclusion.
Master Lihuo in the fourth life had many such experiences.
“That True Lord Yunlan is finally coming out of seclusion.”
Lu Changan thought of something and frowned slightly.
In the past two years, he has been waiting to meet with Yunxia Sect's other Yuanying True Lord to confirm his attitude and truly settle down in Yunxia Sect.
After all, the Yunxia Sect is not decided by Zixia Zhenjun alone.
Zhenjun Yunlan has senior qualifications and a higher strength and status. If he doesn't like Lu Changan, there is a theoretical variable in this matter.
Lu Changan is still making corresponding preparations.
For this reason, he did not let Xuantian Gourd Vine take root and connect to the earth's energy.
Theoretically speaking, Xuantian Gourd Vine's slight luck blessing, if it lasts long enough, will have a weak impact on Zhenjun Yunlan's breakthrough just now. The gains that luck brings to the overall power will also affect individuals in a shared way, but it is not obvious.
Suppose a certain cultivating force could have given birth to a hundred foundation-building monks and four or five alchemy-building monks in a hundred years.
Subject to the collective influence of luck gain, in the past hundred years, several more foundation-building monks may be born, and even one more alchemy-forming master may be born.
The impact on individuals is small, but the benefits to the collective are pretty good.
By analogy, the continuous blessing of this kind of luck will also have a weak bonus to the success rate of promotion to Yuanying, including the breakthrough of the small realm of Yuanying True Monarch.
“Zhenjun Yunlan just failed to break through and is in a bad mood. I’ll visit you at another time.”
Lu Changan’s eyes flickered and he decided to postpone the visit.
According to the original plan, he should wait for True Lord Yunlan to come out of seclusion and visit him as soon as possible to show respect.
However, sometimes, the more you want to avoid something, it will happen.
The next day.
A strange Nascent Soul consciousness swept across Qingluan Peak, followed by a light sigh.
Shortly after.
Yun Lanfeng, who has the fourth level of spiritual veins, sent a master Jiedan to convey the words of the Supreme Elder to Lu Changan.
“Master Xiang, my master invites you to visit Yunlan Peak.”
Zhenren Jiedan who conveyed the message was one of the disciples of Zhenjun Yunlan.
Lu Changan sighed secretly and had no choice but to get up and follow him to Yunlan Peak.
…
Yunlan Peak, the main hall of the cave.
Lu Changan immediately met the rumored True Lord Yunlan.
Zhenjun Yunlan wears a high crown and a loose feather robe and a large cloak. He has a handsome appearance, his hands are folded calmly, and he has a majestic and majestic demeanor.
If it were not for the slight graying on the temples, his face would look like he is only in his thirties or forties.
“The late Xiang Dalong met the Supreme Elder.”
Lu Changan bowed his hand.
Zhenjun Yunlan is obviously higher than him in terms of cultivation level and age.
As the Yunxia Sect’s most senior Yuanying monk, he is more than a hundred years older than Zixia Zhenjun.
Fairy Zixia has Tianlinggen, and her cultivation progress is very fast. Although she is the Nascent Soul Lord, her actual age is not much older than Lu Changan.
“Master Xiang, you are already a guest elder of our sect, so you don’t need to be more polite.”
Zhenjun Yunlan showed no emotion or anger on his face, and his voice was magnetic. He raised his hand and asked Lu Changan to sit down together.
Lu Changan was sitting upright and found that the consciousness of True Lord Yunlan was secretly observing.
In addition to basic detection, it also controls Lu Changan's heartbeat, emotions, and even mental fluctuations.
Fortunately, Lu Changan had the experience and knowledge of the Yuanying old monster, so he kept a slightly reserved state and chatted with True Lord Yunlan for a long time.
Since Zhenjun Zixia had passed the test before, Zhenjun Yunlan used conversations this time to find out the gaps and make up for them, so as to get to know more about this guest minister in the late stage of pill formation.
Lu Changan was vaguely aware that the True Lord Yun Lan, who had just failed to break through, was in a bad mood. The mana in his body was ups and downs and had not yet completely calmed down.
But this person is indifferent to emotions and anger, quotes scriptures in his speech, and is calm and composed.
“Master Xiang, if you pay more than twice the loss, can you be sure to refine a third-level high-grade puppet?”
Zhenjun Yunlan's pale silver eyes looked directly at Lu Changan.
From previous information, he knew that Lu Changan had refined a third-level puppet.
“It’s difficult.”
Lu Changan shook his head, his mood calm.
A trace of disappointment flashed across Zhenjun Yunlan's eyes, knowing that his expectations were too high.
The conversation that followed was much less interesting.
“Xiang Zhenren practices wood-based skills, and this piece of third-level high-grade sky oak can be regarded as a greeting gift to Ben Zhenjun.”
Finally, True Lord Yunlan took out a piece of spiritual wood, gave it to Lu Changan, and sent him away.
Celestial Oak is suitable for making magic weapons such as flying boats. It is also valuable to Danjie monks.
When they met for the first time, Lu Changan had a fair impression of True Lord Yunlan.
…
After Lu Changan left Yunlan Peak.
Zhenjun Yunlan's face turned gloomy, he took out a white jade pendant and conveyed the message.
A moment of time.
A cloud of dense purple clouds, like a blooming lotus, appeared in the main hall of Yunlan Peak.
The purple clouds fade away, revealing the graceful and celestial appearance of the True Monarch Zixia.
This Fairy Zixia arrived at Yunlan Peak quietly without alerting the outside world.
“How is it? Is there any problem with the guests I recruited?”
Zhenjun Zixia said calmly.
“Zi Yan, recruiting a late-stage pill-forming major cultivator is no small matter. If you and I are not here at the mountain gate, this person is still a high-level puppet master. If he is bribed by other forces, there is a threat to subvert the foundation of the mountain gate..."
"Moreover, that person comes from a backward state, and the treatment you gave him was too liberal and the restrictions were too few."
Zhenjun Yunlan looked unhappy and spoke seriously.
If Zixia Zhenjun is stable, and you can negotiate with him to make decisions instead of making arbitrary decisions, you can strive for greater benefits.
“In the late stage of pill formation, a third-level puppet master, such a talent, all the four major families in Dayu Kingdom are willing to treat him as an honored guest. Moreover, the number of master Jiedan of Yunxia Sect is insufficient, and they are thirsty for talents, so the arrival of Master Xiang is perfect.”
“The treatment Zi Yan gives is slightly above the ordinary, so that she can stay and be willing to pay for the Yunxia Sect...”
Zhenjun Zixia didn’t feel that she had done anything wrong.
Two years ago, under the scrutiny of the mind mirror, she felt that Xiang Zhenren should be a proper monk.
Among other things, Xiang Zhenren is firm in his Taoism, not close to women, and strict in self-discipline, which makes Zhenjun Zixia admire him.
Zhenjun Zixia is actually not happy with the overly open atmosphere of the Yunxia Sect.
“It’s not a panacea to judge the state of one’s mind, people’s hearts are changeable…”
“That’s all, this matter will be decided by Zi Yan. If anything goes wrong in the future, you can handle it yourself.”
Seeing that Fairy Zixia frowned slightly and her expression was cold while she was preaching, Zhenjun Yunlan put aside this topic for the time being.
“In half a year, I will go out to find the music master.”
“Alchemist Le? The bottleneck in the middle stage of Nascent Soul, Senior Brother Lan, don’t be too hasty. The elixir that breaks the level should not be taken repeatedly within a hundred years.”
Zhenjun Zixia spoke soothingly and comforted her.
She knew that Senior Brother Yun Lan had great ambitions in this life, to bring the Yunxia Sect into glory and prosperity.
To achieve this, Zhenjun Yunlan's promotion to the middle Nascent Soul stage is an important factor.
The sect’s spiritual veins are close to the fourth-level mid-level, and a lot of resources must be invested in cultivating them.
“Senior brother went to Master Le Dan because he wanted to speed up the planning of infant formation resources for ‘Yun Qing’. If I am unable to advance to the middle stage of Yuan Ying in my lifetime, it would be a blessing for our sect to have another Yuan Ying and a third Yuan Ying.”
Zhenjun Yunlan revealed his plan.
“Master Le Dan is a fourth-level alchemist, and he also possesses the main medicine and several auxiliary medicines of Huaying Dan. There are many Nascent Soul monks who want to win over him. Are senior brothers confident that they can impress him?”
Zhenjun Zixia looked worried because Master Le Alchemy had a big appetite.
“Well, that old guy’s conditions are harsh and his words are changeable. One moment he wants a fourth-level spiritual talisman, a tribulation shield and other protective objects, and the next he wants a fourth-level longevity fruit, the spirit elixir of the demon king in the transformation stage.”
Zhenjun Yunlan said with a gloomy look.
Winning over Master Le was not something that could happen in a short time. He was ready for a tug-of-war.
“Senior brother, be careful, don’t let him deceive you of your resources.”
Zhenjun Zixia nodded.
After talking about business matters, the atmosphere between the two became tense again.
“Zi Yan, tonight…”
“Senior brother has just failed to break through, so he needs to rest and recuperate.”
Zhenjun Zixia's star-like lavender eyes flashed with a hint of coldness. She interrupted her senior brother's words and drifted away.
“It’s been so many years and you still refuse to forgive me, senior brother.”
Gazing at the disappearing elegant figure of Fairy Zixia, a trace of warmth appeared in Zhenjun Yunlan's eyes, mixed with a look of shame.
…
Lu Changan returned to Qingluan Peak with a heavy heart settled.
Yunxia Sect's two Nascent Soul Lords both recognized his identity and could practice with peace of mind in the future.
Zhenjun Yunlan may be a little unhappy, but he has no hostility towards him. Giving him a third-level high-grade spiritual tree is a way to win people's hearts.
As far as Lu Changan knew, this True Lord Yun Lan was not only engaged in cultivation, but also engaged in career. He worked hard to restore the glory of the sect.
Yunlan and Zixia are quite different in age. They became Taoist couples in their early years and were brought together by the previous Supreme Elder.
The master of both of them is the same Nascent Soul monk.
Zhenjun Yunlan is still a descendant of his master for several generations.
It is said that when Fairy Zixia was young, the person she liked was not Yunlan, but another senior brother.
That senior brother unfortunately died in the demonic rebellion that year.
Later, with the help of their masters, the two of them formed a Taoist couple in order to maximize the interests of the sect.
Fairy Zixia, after becoming a Taoist couple, received the greatest resource support from the Yunxia Sect and was successfully promoted to Nascent Soul.
Thus, a good story about the Yuanying Taoist couple was created.
However, decades after she was promoted to Yuanying, Fairy Zixia suddenly separated from Zhenjun Yunlan for some unknown reason.
Of course, the two of them have just become a little indifferent. The hundreds of years of friendship between them is still there, and they are working together for the development of the Yunlan Sect.
Late that night.
The secret room of the underground palace under the Qingluan Peak Cave.
Accompanied by rock rats and black water turtles.
Lu Changan allowed the Xuantian Gourd Vine to officially take root, and he began to have a subtle connection with the fate of this group of fourth-order spiritual veins.
Lu Changan had made some calculations before.
Yunxia Sect's luck fluctuates, with neither great prosperity nor great decline.
I don’t know what impact his arrival will have on the Yunxia Sect’s fortunes.
(End of this chapter)