Daily Divination From Market Rogue Cultivator To Immortal Venerable - Chapter 190

Chapter 190: Old Friends Shocked, Old Place in Rain (Two-in-One, 10,000 Words, Please Subscribe)

The call of “fellow Daoist” silenced the entire Qinghe Market for a moment.

Almost all the cultivators stopped what they were doing.

They naturally recognized the voice.

The aged voice belonged to Zheng Yuandao, the patriarch of the Zheng family. The one

Zheng Yuandao could address as “fellow Daoist” must be another Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But…

what did he mean by “return”?

Could it be that this Foundation Establishment cultivator had once lived in Qinghe Market?

Everyone looked toward the horizon, their eyes filled with confusion and awe, eager to catch a glimpse of this Foundation Establishment master.

A few had complicated expressions.

“Could it be that person?”

“Who?”

“Li Chang’an!”

“News of his Foundation Establishment just came back from Yellow Crane Immortal City not long ago.”

“Is that really him? Could it be someone with the same name?”

“…”

Many people in the market knew Li Chang’an.

Such as Luo Kun, Wang Hu, Chen Yuanshan, and so many others…

Back then.

When Li Chang’an left, for safety’s sake, he didn’t tell anyone.

He vanished overnight, as if he had evaporated from the face of the earth, never to be seen again.

Later, news trickled back that he had gone to Yellow Crane Immortal City and thrived there.

However,

over a decade passed, and

he never returned.

The name Li Chang’an gradually faded into oblivion, lost in the intervening years.

Until recently, news of a wandering cultivator achieving foundation cultivation suddenly arrived from Yellow Crane Immortal City, bringing back memories of Li Chang’an.

“Could it really be that kid Li Chang’an? His talent is even worse than mine, yet he’s achieved foundation cultivation?”

Luo Kun still lived next door to Li Chang’an’s former residence.

He looked much older than he had over a decade ago, his hair and beard white. He gazed at the horizon, muttering softly.

Suddenly,

two familiar figures appeared in his sight.

One of them

was Li Chang’an!

“It’s him! It’s really him!”

…

Returning to Qinghe,

Li Chang’an gazed upon the familiar market town, a flood of emotion welling up in his heart.

It was in this market town that he completed his transformation from mortal to cultivator, embarking on the long journey of immortal cultivation and experiencing his most vulnerable times.

The hardships and struggles of those years were vivid in his mind, as if they happened only yesterday.

Now, he finally no longer needed to live under someone else’s roof, possessing his own dojo and becoming the Foundation Establishment Patriarch admired by countless wandering cultivators.

“I’m back.”

“Yes, I’m back.”

Zheng Qingqing’s eyes were bright and gentle, and she wore a long, turquoise dress, just as she had back then.

In the market town, an elderly figure rose, radiating the magical power of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

It was Zheng Yuandao.

With a beaming smile, he flew outside the market town and offered to greet him.

“Fellow Daoist Li, I’ve heard of your renown for a long time, and today I finally get to meet you in person.”

“Senior Zheng,”

Li Changan smiled.

He had heard of the Zheng family patriarch’s fame since his first visit to the market town.

Once, he was a mere Qi Refiner, unable to withstand even the faintest aura of a Foundation Establishment expert.

Today,

he could converse with Zheng Yuandao with ease.

Zheng Yuandao bowed and said, “Fellow Daoist Li, please come into the main hall for a chat.”

“Okay!”

The three of them entered the market together and landed at the Zheng family mansion in the center of the market.

Outside the hall,

numerous Zheng family members lined up on either side, each with a look of respect and a hint of nervousness, welcoming Li Changan, a Foundation Establishment expert from a different family.

Li Changan glanced around and saw many familiar faces.

For example, Zheng Yunting, Zheng Songfeng, and others…

Over a decade had passed, and these old friends had aged somewhat.

Zheng Ling’er stood in the corner with a complicated expression.

She was no longer the girl she had once been, but had acquired a certain maturity. Looking at the still-youthful Li Chang’an, she felt a mixture of emotions.

“He’s already at the Foundation Establishment stage…”

Back then, Zheng Qingqing had tried to match her with Li Chang’an.

But she was too arrogant at the time, looking down on Li Chang’an as a casual cultivator, believing he would never achieve the Foundation Establishment stage. She only wanted a Daoist partner with a hope of achieving the same.

Now, Li Chang’an had returned from the Foundation Establishment stage.

The powerful aura of foundation building passed by her, as if mocking her short-sightedness.

Zheng Ling’er felt regretful and slowly lowered her head.

Now, she wasn’t even qualified to talk to Li Chang’an, let alone become his Taoist partner.

What was missed could never be undone.

At this moment.

Zheng Qingqing’s voice echoed in her ears.

“Ling’er, it was Fellow Daoist Li who saved you and your grandfather back then.”

“What?”

Zheng Ling’er suddenly looked up, stunned at Li Chang’an’s back as he entered the hall.

She had originally thought that Li Chang’an had received an opportunity in Yellow Crane Immortal City, allowing him to leap forward and become a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

But now it seemed that

even back in Qinghe Market, Li Chang’an’s strength had far surpassed her imagination!

Ridiculously, she hadn’t noticed at the time, having assumed he was some elder with friendly relations with the Zheng family.

“Li Chang’an…”

Zheng Ling’er’s eyes flushed, her heart aching, her entire body consumed by regret and anguish.

If she could turn back time and do it all over again,

she would definitely make different choices.

…

In the main hall,

Li Chang’an took his seat.

Calm and composed, he and Zheng Yuandao discussed the path of cultivation after Foundation Establishment.

Zheng Yuandao was, after all, an elder with a high level of cultivation and extensive experience. His insights into his own cultivation were very helpful to Li Chang’an.

Finally,

He solemnly invited Li Chang’an to join the Zheng family.

But Li Chang’an politely declined, stating that he only wanted to be a free and easy cultivator.

“Fellow Daoist Li, for people like you and me, reaching the Foundation Establishment stage is already quite a feat. Further advancement is as difficult as ascending to heaven. Why not focus on managing the family and nurturing future generations?”

Zheng Yuandao explained his philosophy

of cultivation. The path of future generations to immortality is a continuation of his own.

Although he himself could not achieve the Golden Core stage, that did not mean his descendants could not.

As long as the family survived, one day, a descendant sufficiently extraordinary would appear, achieving the legendary level of defying time. They would be resurrected and helped to embark on their journey to immortality!

Li Chang’an had heard of this cultivation philosophy before, but he did not subscribe to it.

He distrusted outsiders, believing only in himself.

Their philosophies clashed.

Zheng Yuandao could only sigh.

“Fellow Daoist Li, don’t you want to leave behind descendants?”

“Not yet,”

Li Chang’an said in a steady voice, not directly answering.

Zheng Yuandao suddenly asked, “What do you think of Qingqing?”

“Hmm?”

Li Chang’an was startled. The question was too direct.

Zheng Qingqing, sitting on the other side, was also stunned for a moment.

She pursed her lips slightly, not interrupting, her gaze drifting outwards into the hall, as if she hadn’t heard Zheng Yuandao’s words. However, her delicate hand, gripping the teacup, trembled slightly, clearly indicating a deep sense of unease.

After a moment,

Li Changan said in a deep voice, “I understand what Senior Zheng means, but…”

He glanced at Zheng Qingqing.

“The world of immortal cultivation is ever-changing. Foundation Establishment cultivators may seem powerful, but they are still like duckweed floating in the water, forced to follow the tide of events and often unable to control their own destiny. Only after achieving Golden Core can one dare to consider starting a family.”

Zheng Yuandao’s words resonated with him .

He felt the same way.

Even as a Foundation Establishment ancestor, he often felt powerless.

He often wondered if he could achieve Golden Core True Immortal status, perhaps things wouldn’t be like this.

“Alas, Fellow Daoist Li, you’re right. I was inconsiderate and embarrassed you,”

Zheng Yuandao sighed and apologized.

Li Changan said it was alright.

Then,

he mentioned the purpose of his visit.

“Back in Qinghe, Zheng Lingfeng often targeted me, giving me near-death experiences several times. I intend to kill him!”

“Fellow Daoist Li, Zheng Lingfeng is within the clan’s territory. If you wish to kill him, I have no objection, but you’ll need to get past Zheng Feihong.”

“Okay!”

At this point, Zheng Qingqing and Zheng Yuandao had both agreed.

Only Zheng Feihong remained!

Li Changan didn’t need their consent; he could still eliminate Zheng Lingfeng in secret, as he had before.

But…

times had changed. He was no longer the humble cultivator he once was.

To deal with Zheng Lingfeng, there was no need for scheming or calculation; just a fair and square victory!

“Fellow Daoist Li, when are you planning on leaving for the clan’s territory?”

“Senior, please wait a moment. I need to see some old friends.”

With that, Li Changan stood up and in a flash, he was outside the Zheng family mansion.

He had already sensed a familiar presence.

Sure enough,

many familiar faces had arrived outside the mansion.

Such as Luo Kun, Wang Hu, Chen Yuanshan and his daughter Chen Qianya, etc.

“Sorry to have waited for you all.”

Li Changan appeared with a smile on his face.

Upon seeing him, Luo Kun smiled and wanted to call him “Little Li” or “Fellow Daoist Li” as he did in the past.

But he suddenly felt the powerful aura of the foundation-building spirit, and he was stunned for a moment. Many words on his lips remained unsaid, because he realized that there was an insurmountable wall between him and Li Changan.

His expression became respectful, and he slowly bowed.

“Li… Senior Li.”

Everyone around him bowed, their faces filled with awe.

“Greetings, Senior Li!”

“No need for formalities, we’re old friends.”

Li Chang’an smiled, then channeled some of his magical power, lifting them up.

Feeling his immense Foundation Establishment power firsthand, the crowd was once again stunned.

Even then,

many of them still found it incredible, as if they were dreaming.

In terms of talent, Li Chang’an was only average among them.

Many here had better talents than him.

But now,

Li Chang’an had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, while many of them couldn’t even make it past the late Qi Refining stage!

Luo Kun, his face aged, asked cautiously, “Senior Li, could you tell us about the path to Foundation Establishment?”

He was too old to reach the Foundation Establishment stage in his lifetime, but he still yearned for this realm, wondering what its mysteries held.

“Okay!”

Li Chang’an smiled and nodded.

“Since Senior Luo asked, I’ll tell you.”

Hearing the word “Senior,” Luo Kun’s entire body trembled, his eyes widening. He clutched his chest, then suddenly convulsed several times and fainted on the spot.

Everyone was shocked and hurried to help him up.

Li Changan was surprised at first, but then he remembered how Luo Kun had always loved flattery.

Now, a master cultivator in the Foundation Establishment stage actually addressed him as “Senior.” This was far more than the flattery of the younger cultivators, and it was too much for him to handle, causing him to faint.

“This is truly…”

Li Changan was speechless.

He had called him “Senior” unintentionally, simply because he was used to it.

Many cultivators struggled with addressing others, but he didn’t mind. He

simply called him whatever came to his mind.

Then,

he unleashed a stream of Evergreen magic power, reawakening Luo Kun.

Shame washed over Luo Kun as he explained, “Alas, I was so excited that I lost control.”

“Nothing,”

Li Changan said dismissively.

He looked at the crowd, his voice calm, as he slowly explained the path of Foundation Establishment.

As time passed,

word spread, and more and more casual cultivators from the market gathered.

This was a sermon delivered in person by a great Foundation Establishment cultivator. If you missed this opportunity, you might never have another like it again!

Even many of the Zheng family members gathered around, listening quietly.

Gradually,

everyone became entranced, standing or sitting, mesmerized, oblivious to the passage of time.

A long moment passed, and when they regained their composure,

Li Changan had already departed.

At that moment,

everyone felt a sense of disappointment,

but even more gratitude.

Luo Kun, facing where Li Changan had stood, solemnly thanked him.

“Thank you, Senior Li, for your teachings!”

everyone began, their voices booming.

“Thank you, Senior Li, for your teachings!”

“Thank you, Senior Li…”

“…”

That day,

the cries of gratitude echoed throughout the Qinghe market, echoing for a long time.

…

At this moment,

Li Changan, Zheng Qingqing, and Zheng Yuandao were rushing towards the Zheng family’s territory.

The Zheng family’s land wasn’t far from Qinghe Market. At their speed, they arrived in less than an hour.

From afar,

countless buildings stood side by side, surrounding a vast lake.

The three men didn’t restrain their aura.

Upon arrival,

Zheng Feihong, the guardian of the clan’s land, soared into the air and announced, “Zheng Feihong of the Zheng family, respectfully welcomes Fellow Daoist Li!”

“Fellow Daoist Zheng, you’re welcome,”

Li Chang’an said with a cold, even tone.

His attitude towards Zheng Feihong was completely different. He didn’t address him as “senior,” simply as “fellow Daoist.

” Below,

within the Zheng family’s land,

countless Zheng family members raised their heads.

Zheng Lingfeng was among them.

Shocked and incredulous, he stared intently at the familiar figure.

“Li Chang’an! How could it be Li Chang’an?!”

Feeling the overwhelming aura of foundation-building, Zheng Lingfeng was struck by lightning.

He had long heard of Li Chang’an’s foundation-building efforts, but he had always insisted that it was someone with the same name, not the Li Chang’an he knew.

But today…

Li Changan, with his immense power of foundation building, overwhelmed the Zheng family, completely shattering Zheng Lingfeng’s pitiful fantasy.

His eyes were bloodshot, and his expression gradually became distorted.

“No! No! Why him? Why not me? Why did I fail in foundation building?”

“God is so unfair!”

Zheng Lingfeng’s voice was hoarse as he muttered softly.

He clutched at his hair, hoping this was just a nightmare, wanting to wake up quickly.

During his time in Qinghe, he had always looked down on Li Changan, simply because he was the prodigy of a Foundation Establishment family, while Li Changan was just a casual cultivator of inferior talent.

But now, their identities were different.

Li Changan didn’t need any family background.

He could establish a new Foundation Establishment family at any time if he chose!

On the clan land.

Zheng Feihong’s expression was solemn, sensing Li Changan’s murderous intent.

“Fellow Daoist Li, I wonder what brings you here today?”

“Kill Zheng Lingfeng!”

Li Changan spoke bluntly, without even a hint of concealment.

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Below, on the Zheng family land.

Many of the Zheng family members were shocked and terrified.

Seeing Li Changan arrive with the other two ancestors, they thought they were guests, but they never imagined they were here to kill!

“Lingfeng, why did you provoke this Foundation Establishment expert?”

Numerous elders and senior members of Zheng Lingfeng’s lineage began to speak.

Their voices were filled with anxiety, as they demanded,

“This matter hasn’t reached its most serious stage yet. Explain the entire situation.”

“As long as you pay a certain price, your life should be saved!”

Urgent voices echoed repeatedly in Zheng Lingfeng’s ears.

But he ignored them all, not responding.

At that moment, the immense pressure of death, the shock and resentment within him, seemed like a nightmare, consuming him like a mad nightmare.

The next moment,

he suddenly roared hysterically, “Li Changan, this is Zheng family territory. I have the protection of my ancestors and the formation. You can’t kill me!”

Upon hearing this frantic cry,

countless members of the Zheng family’s expressions dropped.

How could a mere Qi Refining cultivator dare to provoke a Foundation Establishment master like this?

The atmosphere throughout the clan grew increasingly tense, as if a violent storm was about to break out.

Above the clan territory,

Li Changan remained calm.

He glanced at Zheng Feihong in front of him, his tone neutral.

“Fellow Daoist Zheng, are you trying to stop me?”

“Fellow Daoist Li…”

Zheng Feihong took a deep breath.

Suddenly, he retreated explosively, waving his hand.

Then

, a surge of magical energy surrounded the clan’s territory, and a fiery red light curtain suddenly rose, like a giant upside-down bowl, protecting the entire Zheng family’s territory.

Zheng Feihong shouted coldly, “Li Changan, Lingfeng is right! If I let you kill a member of the Zheng family in my family’s territory, where will the Zheng family’s reputation be?”

“Face?”

Li Changan couldn’t help but laugh.

This guy had secretly harmed several Zheng family disciples, and he still had the nerve to talk about face.

“Zheng Feihong, do you think these second-level formations can stop me?”

“Whether it works or not, you can give it a try!”

Zheng Feihong was firm, refusing to give in.

Below.

Zheng Lingfeng’s eyes were bloodshot, and his fists were clenched tightly.

“A second-tier formation! If Li Chang’an forces his way through, he’ll surely die!”

His face twisted, his voice hoarse. He’d already mentally torn Li Chang’an to pieces countless times.

However, things didn’t go as he wished.

Li Chang’an, clutching the Eye of Delusion, instantly discerned the details of the formations.

Two second-tier, mid-grade formations, and one second-

tier, low-grade formation. Formations within formations,

each interlocking. An ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator would likely be helpless and forced to retreat. The clan territory,

cultivated for years by a Foundation Establishment family, wasn’t easily attacked.

But Li Chang’an was no ordinary cultivator.

With a flash, he entered the formation, the Soul-Forbidden Chessboard appearing in his hand.

“Forbid!”

The black piece suddenly dropped.

A soft snapping sound was heard, and the entire Zheng family territory seemed to stand still for a moment.

The three second-tier formations enveloping the clan territory all simultaneously displayed abnormalities.

“Not good!”

Zheng Feihong’s face suddenly changed.

He desperately tried to control the formations, attempting to kill Li Chang’an or severely injure him, thus ending the day’s affairs.

But in the next instant,

a second-tier puppet appeared, temporarily blocking all attacks for Li Changan.

Li Changan’s expression remained unchanged as his second array-breaking artifact, the Wind-Fixing Stick, appeared in his hand!

This artifact, which Cao Shaolong had painstakingly snatched from the secret realm, was just as effective as the Forbidden Spirit Chessboard.

“Fix!”

Li Changan shouted coldly, throwing it.

An instant later, the Wind-Fixing Stick struck a weak point in the array, causing it to freeze once again.

This wasn’t the end.

Li Changan once again deployed his third array-breaking artifact, the Soul-Severing Bowl!

The simultaneous appearance of three treasures completely rendered the Zheng family’s protective formation ineffective, stagnating the flow of spiritual energy within it.

Zheng Feihong, the controller of the formation, looked particularly grim.

With a powerful wave of his hand, a flaming spear appeared in his hand, his entire body bursting with his foundational mana.

“Li Chang’an, it seems you insist on fighting me!”

The formation had failed.

Zheng Feihong had no choice but to take action himself.

Having cultivated his foundation for many years, his mana was even deeper than Li Chang’an’s, and he believed he could suppress him.

“Come and fight!”

he roared, his spear ablaze, his fighting spirit surging.

Li Chang’an’s expression remained calm.

At this moment,

Zheng Qingqing and Zheng Yuandao had retreated to a distance.

Both watched Li Chang’an’s back, pondering how he could win this battle.

Combining a second-level puppet might temporarily suppress Zheng Feihong, but Li Chang’an’s own mana would be depleted rapidly, and he wouldn’t be able to hold out for long.

Unless he used poison!

Zheng Qingqing thought of Miao Qianshui’s death.

Miao Qianshui was a master of the sect, extremely powerful, yet he was helpless against Li Changan’s poison.

“It must have been poison…”

Zheng Qingqing pondered the matter, solidifying her decision.

However,

the course of this battle far exceeded her expectations.

Li Chang’an stood quietly in mid-air, no spiritual weapon appearing in his hand, nor did he command the Myriad Poison Gu to release its poisonous mist.

“Green Wood Divine Light, condense!”

With a thought, a ray of green divine light instantly appeared in his hand.

He had cultivated this spell to the entry level,

its power comparable to that of ordinary celestial-grade spells!

“Go!”

He casually waved his hand.

In an instant,

green light streaked across the sky, like a bolt of green lightning, carrying unparalleled and terrifying power, instantly reaching Zheng Feihong.

Zheng Feihong’s face fell, and he hurriedly blocked it with his spear.

“Boom!”

A loud noise, like thunder, shook the ears of countless Zheng family members.

Then,

they all witnessed a scene they would never forget.

Zheng Feihong, the dignified ancestor of the Zheng family, was struck by this casual blow, vomiting blood and flying backwards, crashing heavily to the ground behind him!

His flaming spear shattered, transforming into countless blazing rains of fire that plummeted to the earth.

He himself was severely wounded by the blow, his breath weakened, his body covered in blood, a large portion of his chest collapsed, and he struggled to rise from the depths of the earth.

“How could this be…”

Zheng Feihong’s face paled in disbelief at his horrific defeat.

A single blow!

He was completely powerless to fight back.

Another fight would surely be fatal!

Li Changan, however, remained calm and composed, his expression as if he had casually swatted away an ant, his breath unwavering.

“Zheng Feihong, do you still want to fight?”

“I…”

Zheng Feihong’s face was grim, and he spat out a mouthful of blood just as he was about to speak.

He no longer had the courage to fight, so he slowly lowered his head and dissipated his magical power.

“I lose.”

These three words, though light,

sounded like thunder to the ears of the Zheng family members, numbing them all.

The ancestor they had always revered had been defeated!

And so completely.

It was truly unbearable.

At that moment, like Zheng Lingfeng, they wished they were dreaming and just wanted to wake up.

In the back,

Zheng Qingqing and Zheng Yuandao were also shocked.

Even Zheng Yuandao, a mid-stage Foundation Establishment expert, couldn’t have crushed Zheng Feihong so easily!

“Qingqing, what kind of spell is that cyan immortal light?”

Zheng Yuandao’s expression was solemn, and he secretly transmitted a message to Zheng Qingqing.

But Zheng Qingqing didn’t know either.

Her beautiful eyes were like water as she looked at Li Changan in front of her and sighed softly.

“I thought I knew him well enough, but he always surprises me. How much strength does he have hidden?”

Even she couldn’t catch that cyan immortal light!

Even

the Foundation Establishment geniuses of the major sects and great families might not be able to catch it.

This crushing power was terrifying just by looking at it from afar.

“One man broke the formation, one strike defeated a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Now, he possesses the power to destroy a Foundation Establishment family.”

An ordinary Foundation Establishment family would have only one ancestor in the early stages of Foundation Establishment.

He was no match for Li Changan!

The many Zheng family members below shared this thought.

Many of them had participated in the battle that destroyed the Wu family, witnessing firsthand the destruction of the Wu family formation and the gravely wounded ancestor’s escape.

At the time, they could never have imagined

that one day, the Zheng family would face the same fate.

Zheng Lingfeng’s face paled as he stared blankly at the severely injured Zheng Feihong, feeling as if he were sinking into an abyss.

“No, no, how could the ancestor be defeated…”

That terrifying blow

not only defeated Zheng Feihong but also shattered his madness, bringing him back to full consciousness.

And with that clarity came endless fear!

Zheng Lingfeng’s face paled. He hurriedly turned, his legs trembling as he desperately ran deeper into the family’s territory, trying to avoid Li Changan’s gaze and hide somewhere where no one could find him.

But then,

Zheng Feihong suddenly looked at him.

“Lingfeng, since you’ve offended Fellow Daoist Li, then go and make amends to him.”

With a wave of his hand, a rope-shaped magical artifact flew out of his storage bag.

In the blink of an eye,

Zheng Lingfeng was trapped, completely powerless to resist.

Panic-stricken and utterly terrified, he cried out, “Ancestor, save me! I don’t want to die! I want to live!”

“Ah…”

Zheng Feihong felt a little reluctant, but he still escorted him to Li Changan.

In reality,

he already knew about the matter between Zheng Lingfeng and Li Changan.

“Back then, Fellow Daoist Li was still weak, constantly targeted by you. He didn’t want to die, he wanted to live.”

Zheng Lingfeng sighed deeply.

The karma he’d sown back then could only be repaid with his life.

Hearing this,

Zheng Lingfeng felt a wave of despair.

He stared at Li Changan before him, terrified, and desperately forced tears.

“Senior Li, I was wrong. I was young and ignorant, and I accidentally offended you. Can you please forgive me?”

“Young and ignorant?”

Li Changan’s expression was indifferent, unmoved.

If youth and ignorance meant no price to pay, the world of immortal cultivation would have been in chaos long ago.

The next moment,

Zheng Lingfeng’s body suddenly exploded, transforming into a bloody rain.

Beneath the earth, Da Huang waved the Zunhun Banner, collecting his terrified soul.

Thus,

the first reckoning after Li Changan’s foundation building was officially concluded.

He had a list in his mind, with several more names on it, and he would attack them one by one in the future.

…

a quarter of an hour later.

Deep within the Zheng family compound, within the main hall, the aroma of tea wafted through the air.

Li Changan sat in the guest seat, savoring it carefully.

Perhaps due to his earlier display of strength, the Zheng family treated him with even greater respect, offering their best second-grade spiritual tea.

Zheng Feihong sat on the other side.

His injuries hadn’t fully healed, and his face remained pale.

“Fellow Daoist Li, Ling Feng is dead. Is this matter settled?”

“Yes,”

Li Changan nodded slightly.

Zheng Feihong breathed a sigh of relief at the affirmative.

Next,

the Zheng family and Li Changan began discussing a deal.

Before Li Changan established his foundation, he had promised Zheng Qingqing

that if he had any extra Foundation Establishment Pills after successfully building his foundation, he would sell one to the Zheng family.   He had exactly one remaining.

However   , Foundation Establishment Pills were valuable.   If the Zheng family wanted them, they would naturally demonstrate sincerity.   After some discussion,   Zheng Yuandao agreed, allowing Li Changan access to the Zheng family’s treasury and free selection of its treasures.   Not long after, the discussion ended.   Li Chang’an reached the deepest part of the Zheng family’s territory and saw where their treasures were hidden.   ”This is the Zheng family’s treasure vault,”   he said calmly, his gaze radiating from a small, dark room.   The ceiling was studded with luminous pearls, like stars, gleaming brightly and dazzlingly.   Numerous treasures, both first- and second-tier, were displayed within, most of them extremely valuable, like the main ingredient for the Foundation Establishment Pill.   ”Fellow Daoist Li, please choose.”   ”Okay!”   Li Chang’an stepped into the vault, his gaze scanning each treasure.   He had longed to enter the Zheng family’s vault even during his Qi Refining days, but back then, he wasn’t qualified.   Now, finally within, he   no longer felt the same eagerness.   Over his years in Yellow Crane Immortal City, he had seen countless treasures, and his vision had expanded far beyond what he had before.   While the treasures in the Zheng family’s vault were valuable, in his eyes, most were mediocre and unimpressive.   After more than ten breaths, Li Chang’an finally selected one.   ”The second-level Purple Cloud Lion’s blood essence will benefit me in my physical cultivation.”   With a casual gesture, he took a portion of the purple mist-filled blood essence.   A moment later,   he took another portion of the second-level Blue Flower Python’s blood essence.   During this half hour, Li Chang’an toured the entire treasure vault, taking away ten valuable second-level treasures.   He either had no use for the remaining treasures or simply disdained them.   The Zheng family was, after all, only a Foundation Establishment family.   They couldn’t compare to the mighty Golden Core families like the Jin family.   Zheng Yuandao had been watching from the sidelines.   He smiled and asked, “Fellow Daoist Li, are these treasures enough?”   ”Not yet. Add some more spirit stones.”   Further negotiations ensued.   Ultimately,   the Zheng family exchanged these second-level treasures, plus twenty thousand spirit stones,   for the Foundation Establishment Pill from Li Chang’an.   Overall,   Li Chang’an made a small profit, but the Zheng family also made a good profit.   If they could use this Foundation Establishment Pill to cultivate a Foundation Establishment ancestor, it would be a huge win!   Many members of the Zheng family currently meet the requirements for foundation building.   Even Zheng Lingfeng, before his death, met the requirements.   He had already reached the ninth level of Qi Refining, possessing considerable experience. Furthermore, he had failed once, and his experience made success more likely.   However, he had been killed by Li Changan.   The person who could use the foundation building pill   could only be chosen from the few remaining members.   …

For the next few days,

Li Changan remained at the Zheng family estate.

He barely rested, perusing the various tomes in the Zheng family library.

Among them were a wealth of insights into alchemy,

yielding considerable benefits.

“My alchemy skills should be close to breaking through to the second level,”

Li Changan said with satisfaction. This trip to the Zheng family had yielded much.

His understanding of alchemy was advancing rapidly, accumulating a profound depth.

“With the approaching beast tide, the demand for elixirs will undoubtedly increase dramatically. After I become a second-level alchemist, there’s no need to hide my status. After all, the origins of my alchemy heritage are quite legitimate,”

Li Changan decided.

After his breakthrough in alchemy, he would publicly announce his status as a second-level alchemist.

This way,

he could sell both second-level talismans and elixirs.

As he was thinking this

, Li Changan suddenly sensed a slight shift in the spiritual energy within the Zheng family estate.

“Is someone building a foundation?”

He flashed outside the library.

Countless spiritual energies surged frantically above the Zheng family estate, forming a vortex of spiritual energy nearly a hundred feet in diameter.

Someone had indeed reached the Foundation Establishment stage, and had already reached the Mana Power Stage!

“Without Zheng Feihong’s covert interference, and with the unwavering support of the entire Zheng family, perhaps this Foundation Establishment stage will succeed,”

Li Chang’an mused.

Several hours passed quietly, and the spiritual energy vortex steadily dissipated, indicating that the Mana Power Stage had also been successfully passed.

Just as Li Chang’an had suspected.

Soon,

a Foundation Establishment aura emerged, instantly permeating the entire Zheng family territory.

Then, Zheng Yuandao’s delighted laughter rang out.

“Great! Our Zheng family finally has another Foundation Establishment member!”

Upon hearing this,

countless Zheng family members were overjoyed and cheered.

With this, the Zheng family had reached an unprecedented height: four Foundation Establishments from one family!

In the Qinghe region, such strength was considered absolute dominance.

The entire family was a scene of prosperity.

After a while,

Li Chang’an learned from Zheng Qingqing about the Foundation Establishment member.

The man’s name was Zheng Shoucheng, and he had just turned forty. He was in the prime of his life, strong enough to support the Zheng family for two hundred years of glory!

Moreover, unlike Zheng Qingqing, he was content with merely establishing his foundation and had no aspirations for further advancement.

For this reason,

he was willing to take charge of the Qinghe Market in Zheng Qingqing’s place.

Li Changan smiled, “Congratulations, Miss. From now on, you are truly free.”

“Yes, Changan, all this is thanks to you.”

Zheng Qingqing’s eyes were bright and kind, her smile gentle, and she was in a very good mood.

From today on,

a new chapter in her life could begin.

…

More than a month later,

the Zheng family held a foundation-building ceremony, and congratulations came from all sides.

This ceremony was far more lively than Li Changan’s, with almost all the surrounding forces in attendance.

After all, this was not Huanghe Immortal City.

The birth of a foundation-building master was enough to influence the entire region.

In the following days,

numerous Qi-refining families and sects arrived, and their gifts piled up like a small mountain.

The reason Li Changan hadn’t left was to see if there were any treasures among these gifts that he could find.

That night,

a hexagram appeared, reminding him that there was indeed a chance for a treasure.

The next day, Li Chang’an unearthed a plain little alchemy furnace amidst the mountain of gifts.

“According to the hexagram, this furnace contains the alchemy secrets of a great alchemist, which will be of great benefit to my own practice.”

Li Chang’an gave the furnace a gentle shake, and it instantly shattered.

A jade slip fell from it.

Quick-witted, he immediately grabbed it, refined it, and channeled a wisp of his spiritual consciousness into it.

Instantly ,

a look of surprise crossed Li Chang’an’s face.

“Dan Chengzi’s Notes!”

He had long heard of this great alchemist named Dan Chengzi.

Records of him were found in the Zheng family’s alchemy tradition.

Legend has it that

Dan Chengzi had reached the pinnacle of alchemy, achieving “one thought to create an elixir.”

With a single thought, he could instantly complete all the steps of alchemy, transforming all the raw materials into elixir in an instant!

Such a state of mind

was beyond Li Chang’an’s comprehension.

“It’s actually the notes of this great figure!”

His face lit up with joy, and he carefully read the contents of the jade slip in hand.

The contents of this notebook weren’t extensive; seemingly just some disorganized daily records.

But gradually,

Li Changan became absorbed in it.

Unconsciously, he once again fell into a state of oblivion.

Through the chaotic records, he vaguely caught sight of a kindly-looking old man.

He sat before a massive alchemy furnace, thousands of alchemy materials swirling around him, seemingly preparing to forge some extremely high-grade elixir.

…

Just then,

Zheng Yuandao suddenly noticed something unusual about Li Changan.

He was about to approach, but was stopped by the second-level puppet beside Li Changan.

“Is this state, Fellow Daoist Li, of sudden enlightenment?”

“Probably!”

Zheng Qingqing approached, a flicker of surprise and envy in her beautiful eyes.

Sudden enlightenment is a rare occurrence, rarely sought after. Most cultivators rarely experience it in their lifetimes.

She had never experienced one, either.

Zheng Yuandao had never experienced one before, and was therefore somewhat skeptical.

“Fellow Daoist Li truly has some extraordinary qualities. No wonder he was able to establish his foundation as a casual cultivator,”

he sighed, then ordered everyone to remain silent and not disturb Li Changan.

And just like that,

the Zheng family’s foundation-building ceremony was inexplicably overshadowed by Li Changan.

About two hours later.

Li Chang’an opened his eyes, a glint flashing in them.

He immediately stood up and said to Zheng Qingqing, “Miss, I need an alchemy room!”

“Okay, follow me!”

This was the Zheng family’s territory, and the last thing they lacked was an alchemy room.

Soon,

Li Chang’an arrived at a separate, secret room.

This was where the Zheng family’s second-level alchemists refined their elixirs. There was superb earth fire and a furnace of the highest grade, second-level, upper-grade!

At that moment,

Li Chang’an’s thoughts raced, his mind racing with insights. A sudden

inspiration struck him, a premonition that today would be the day he became a second-level alchemist!

“Alchemy fire, start!”

Li Chang’an immediately began refining the furnace, attempting a second-level elixir he had never refined before.

He took out the ingredients one by one, refined them into a liquid, and manipulated the mixture. The entire process went flawlessly, with not a single mistake.

Before long,

several perfectly round pills emerged from the furnace.

“Second-level, lower-grade, Wood Yuan Pill!”

Li Chang’an beamed.

His premonition was right!

From today on, he officially became a second-level alchemist!

He did not hide this news and quickly informed Zheng Qingqing and others.

Zheng Qingqing had expected it and was not too surprised.

“Chang’an, congratulations.”

But Zheng Yuandao and others were astonished.

Possessing two second-level skills at the same time, and they are both extremely difficult, alchemy and talisman drawing, is simply incredible.

It is extremely difficult to reach the second level of either of these two skills!

They did not know.

Li Chang’an’s puppetry skills had also reached the second level a long time ago.

If they knew about this, they would probably regard Li Chang’an as a monster.

…

A few days later.

Li Chang’an and Zheng Qingqing left the Zheng family land and returned to Qinghe Market.

He had completely achieved the purpose of this trip and unexpectedly broke through the second-level alchemy skills. He was in a very good mood.

Zheng Qingqing was also in a good mood, because she had gained true freedom.

The two walked side by side on the familiar streets of the market.

“Chang’an, are you planning to live in Changqing Mountain permanently?”

“Well, Miss, what are your plans?”

“I’d rather continue to be a guest at the Jin family. The Jin family is a family of merchants, and they have many treasures…”

The two chatted as they walked.

Before they knew it,

they arrived in front of a small house.

This house was Li Chang’an’s original residence. It had no yard and looked very simple.

The Zheng family had kept it for him.

No one else had lived in this house over the years.

Looking at this familiar house, Li Chang’an felt a sense of emotion and pushed the door open to enter.

Everything in the house was exactly the same as when he moved out.

Not a single change.

…

That night.

In this room.

Li Chang’an and Zheng Qingqing sat opposite each other and drank.

Perhaps because they were in a good mood, they both relaxed for a rare time and did not restrain themselves.

The night gradually deepened.

Zheng Qingqing was already slightly tipsy, her pretty face flushed, and her eyes became a little more blurred.

“Chang’an, you can hold your liquor quite well…”

She smiled, her smile bright and charming. She dropped the empty bottle and reached out, as if to grab another.

But her drunken eyes blurred her vision, and she seemed to have lost sight. Her fair, delicate hand didn’t grasp the bottle, but instead grasped Li Chang’an’s.

Li Chang’an was startled.

He was about to withdraw his hand.

But then he heard Zheng Qingqing say, “Chang’an, you and I have known each other for many years, you should understand my feelings.”

Li Chang’an naturally understood.

After all, he had lived two lives, so it was not impossible for him to not see the other person’s thoughts.

But he really did not want to get married, did not want to be dragged down by his family, and yearned for the path of immortality.

“Miss, the world of immortal cultivation is ever-changing. Building a foundation is just…”

Before he could finish his words, he was blocked by her fiery red lips.

Li Chang’an was stunned for a moment, a little passive, but he did not resist and quickly accepted the reality.

The night wind howled, and the drizzle dripped.

A sleepless night…

…

(End of this chapter)