Cultivating Immortality in a World of Chaos

After leaving the auction, Fang Xi took several detours.

He stealthily exited the market, ensuring no one was tailing him, before reverting to his original appearance and returning to Immortal’s Cave C37.

“What a wonderful place… Unfortunately, I can’t stay much longer.”

Gazing at every plant and detail within the cave, sensing the pure first-stage spiritual energy around him, Fang Xi couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

He had already completed the checkout procedures and would have to leave by the end of this month.

After all, it was time to focus on cultivating trees!

“Anyone obstructing my tree cultivation will die!”

A cold glint flashed in Fang Xi’s eyes. Knowing that preparation is key, he began inspecting his equipment.

For defense, he had the mid-tier first-stage ‘Green Turtle Shield’, along with the Talisman of Indestructibility for critical moments. Combined with his own steel-like physique and true astral energy, he felt reasonably secure.

In terms of offense, the Qinghe Sword was inadequate; he could replace it with the newly acquired extraterrestrial meteoric iron sword. Lastly, the Golden Flood Dragon Sword and his martial arts cultivation served as his trump cards.

The only concern was mobility, as the Black Cloud Pocket seemed somewhat slow.

‘Hmm… tomorrow, I can borrow twenty spirit stones from Old Daoist Xiu Mu and purchase a flight talisman as backup…’

It wasn’t that Fang Xi lacked spirit stones; if he did, a trip to Great Liang would suffice, with abundant mythical beasts awaiting him there.

Especially the Eight Great Monster Kings, whose locations were well-known - they possessed limited intelligence and no mastery over monster techniques, practically making them free for the taking.

Fang Xi aimed to foster a good relationship with Old Daoist Xiu Mu.

At least, after borrowing these twenty spirit stones, the old Daoist would likely not wish for his death, fearing nobody would repay him!

‘We’re brothers in the same trench, so is it too much to ask for a loan of twenty spirit stones?’

‘Worst case scenario, once my farming succeeds, I’ll repay him with spirit grains…’

After some contemplation, Fang Xi retrieved the box containing the ‘Little Cloud Rain Array’ and took out the jade slip to study it carefully.

An hour later, feeling slightly weary, he opened his eyes, “I understand… but still can’t use it!”

If the female array master was considered a top scholar, then without a doubt, Fang Xi was unquestionably a bottom-tier novice when it came to formations!

A false underachiever: After a genius explains the problem-solving approach and demonstrates the formula, you think, “Hmm… I got it now!”

A true underachiever: Despite a genius explaining the problem-solving approach, you still damn well don’t understand!

Fang Xi was currently the epitome of a true underachiever!

Fortunately, within this jade slip, not only did it provide the solution method for the ‘Little Cloud Rain Array’, but also the complete answer!

Even for a genuine underachiever, simply copying down the solution wouldn’t be too challenging!

‘I feel like all my previous efforts were wasted… How foolish of me, truly. I shouldn’t have even tried learning formations!’

‘Next time I have the chance, maybe I should focus on studying paper talismans instead!’

‘Before, there were no other legacies of the hundred skills of cultivation available. But now, even if I starve to death, I won’t…’ Ah forget it, best not to tempt fate.

‘Compared to grappling with formations, perhaps I should just go kill a few more mythical beasts.’

Fang Xi retrieved the extraterrestrial meteoric iron sword from his bag of holding. As soon as he held it, he felt its considerable weight straining his arm.

The sword had a simple, ancient design, yet its blade was incredibly sharp. Surprisingly, when touched, it didn’t feel cold at all; instead, it emitted a slight warmth.

Unfortunately, this meteoric iron truly could not hold any magical energy; otherwise, it would have been exceptional material for crafting magical artifacts!

The resulting sword couldn’t be used for aerial control or flight; it was only suitable for slashing and thrusting with one’s hands, lacking the elegance typically associated with cultivators. However, Fang Xi didn’t mind at all.

Whoosh!

Capitalizing on his strength, he casually swung the sword a few times.

Within the immortal’s cave, a fierce gust of wind immediately swept through!

Crack!

As the tip of the sword sliced through, a limestone block effortlessly split into two equal halves.

“Excellent sword! With its weight alone, it could crush someone to death.”

“A heavy yet sharp blade, ingeniously crafted… I shall call you Black Iron Sword!”

Fang Xi waved the Black Iron Sword several more times, finding it quite comfortable to handle.

After some thought, excitement surged within him. With a soft exclamation, he channeled his true astral energy into the Black Iron Sword!

A remarkable scene unfolded!

Threads of astral energy enveloped the massive black sword, infusing it with a subtle dark red hue!

With a flick of his finger, the sword resonated deeply, emitting an ancient and robust sound.

At the tip, a three-inch-long crimson aura emerged, resembling a sword glow!

It seemed that this particular sword did not conflict with astral energy.

“Not bad, not bad… When the time comes, I’ll first circulate my qi throughout my body, then wield the Black Iron Sword infused with astral energy. Ideally, coupled with full high-grade armor, I’ll be an unstoppable humanoid beast! One sword strike per foe!”

---

Several days later.

On a hidden reef several miles away from Peach Blossom Island, several figures sat cross-legged, concealed by a veil of mist.

“Ruan Daoist’s ‘Misty Concealment Talisman’ is truly remarkable. Today, that thief Lu will surely meet his end!” praised the old Daoist Xiu Mu, gently manipulating strands of water vapor with his fingers.

Wei Yixin and Hua Chanjuan remained silent, diligently inspecting their paper talismans and polishing their magical artifacts. For them, this was a do-or-die battle, leaving no room for error!

Fang Xi pretended to wipe the Green Turtle Shield while glancing up at the sky, “Will our enemies really take this route?”

He genuinely disliked such uncertain waiting. If Lu Jingqing were on the island, Fang Xi would have preferred attempting a stealthy infiltration followed by an ambush kill.

No!

Grand displays of prowess and stealing the limelight weren’t Fang Xi’s style. Instead, he’d rather disguise himself, secretly inflict severe injuries on Lu Jingqing, and then let his companions effortlessly reap the rewards…

However, Ruan Xingling expressed unwavering confidence, and neither Xiu Mu nor the others were keen on launching a direct assault on the formation, opting for an ambush instead.

Ruan Xingling, who had been resting with her eyes closed, opened them and spoke, “The thief Lu is escorting a batch of valuable spirit objects to the Treasure Ship Market for sale, followed by attending an auction. Currently, he’s on his way back… I have kept close tabs on his movements.”

“Could he have received advance warning?” Fang Xi cautiously asked.

“No, very few know of my return, and those informed have sworn secrecy,” Ruan Xingling replied confidently.

Seeing this, Fang Xi felt it best not to press further; otherwise, her cultivation partners might grow suspicious again.

‘Isn’t she just at the fifth layer of Qi Refinement? Who knows, I might break through myself in a few days…’

Fang Xi drew the Qinghe Sword and meticulously polished it.

Although the sword was only a low-grade magical item, somewhat damaged, it encapsulated the life’s work of a spirit farmer—much like Jia Feicai’s spirit farming legacy.

Sadly, most rogue cultivators in the cultivation world die as inconspicuously as stray dogs.

As Ruan Xingling observed the Qinghe Sword, she seemed several times on the verge of speaking but restrained herself each instance.

She desperately wanted to ask why, after borrowing twenty spirit stones from Old Daoist Xiu Mu, Fang Xi didn’t purchase a better magical artifact instead opting for a ‘flight talisman’!

However, akin to cultivation techniques and secret arts, magical artifacts and paper talismans also constituted a cultivator’s overall strength - considered private matters. Thus, Ruan Xingling found it difficult to broach the topic.

Whoosh!

Suddenly, a sound pierced the air as a voice-transmission talisman arrived!

Ruan Xingling caught it, her face brightening with joy. “That Lu scoundrel is almost here, accompanied by four others. One at Late Stage Qi Refinement, three at Mid-Stage, and among them, there’s someone loyal to me!”

‘No wonder she has such detailed knowledge of the Lu Clan’s movements; she must have planted an insider,’ thought Wei Yixin, his wife, and Old Daoist Xiu Mu, their expressions revealing comprehension.

Instantly, all five individuals braced themselves, gripping their magical artifacts tightly.

As expected, moments later, a small flying boat emerged from the distance. With just a swift flash, it covered considerable ground, arriving overhead near the rocky outcrop.

“Attack!” Ruan Xingling commanded sharply, taking the lead as pink light shimmered around her, launching a streak of sword glow skyward.

Within the sword glow, a blade engraved with numerous runes became visible, devoid of a hilt, its body gleaming coldly - unmistakably a high-grade magical artifact!

Simultaneously, as Ruan Xingling initiated her strike, Old Daoist Xiu Mu, Wei Yixin, his wife, and Fang Xi sprang into action.

Two flying daggers, a whisk, and the Qinghe Sword soared simultaneously into the air.

These five streaks of light swiftly intercepted the flying boat.

“Hmph, audacious! How dare you obstruct the Lu Clan?” Amidst a cold snort, the flying boat vanished, revealing five cultivators. Leading them was a burly middle-aged man with a face emanating a purplish aura, exuding authority even without displaying anger.

Behind the middle-aged man stood a seductive female cultivator in her thirties or forties, accompanied by three Mid-Stage Qi Refinement cultivators.

“Lu Jingqing!” Ruan Xingling, standing on her floral basket, ascended into the sky and sternly declared, “Today marks your final hour!”

Snap!

As if Ruan Xingling’s words were a signal, just as she finished speaking, the female cultivor behind Lu Jingqing suddenly struck him with a palm to his vulnerable back!

On her fingers, five striking black rings resembled some peculiar magical artifacts.

“Pff!”

Caught off guard, Lu Jingqing violently coughed up a mouthful of blood, his face turning crimson. He stared at the rapidly fleeing female cultivor, gasping, “Bitch… how dare you?!”

“Hmph! You slaughtered my Ruan family’s cultivators and forced me into marriage; I’ve longed for your death!”

The Ruan female cultivator swiftly slapped a paper talisman onto herself, summoning a golden protective shield.

Withstanding the onslaught of her three companions, she cursed while flying towards Ruan Xingling, “Sister, save me!”

A sudden twist unfolded before their eyes!

Seeing this, Wei Yixin and his wife wore expressions filled with delight.

Lu Jingqing’s wife had turned traitor - victory was now assured!

Fang Xi and Old Daoist Xiu Mu exchanged glances and subtly took a step back, sensing that things seemed too straightforward.

In the next instant, another unexpected event occurred!

As the Ruan woman approached Ruan Xingling, her right hand adorned with rings suddenly lunged at Xingling’s chest!

Ruan Xingling’s expressive eyes flickered, and without warning, she parted her cherry-red lips, releasing a small white dart!

Puff!

This white dart was a one-time mid-grade magical artifact, exploding violently and shattering the golden protective shield.

Struck by the dart in her chest, the Ruan woman’s face twisted into an incredibly menacing expression. “Bitch… how did you discover my true intentions?”

“You’re from a collateral branch; I never trusted you… Moreover, marrying that man elevated your status from collateral to direct lineage, granting control over the entire Peach Blossom Island. Why would you betray everything for mere personal grudges? I merely used you as leverage to gather intelligence on Lu’s whereabouts…” Ruan Xingling replied indifferently, her plain features suddenly revealing a shrewd expression.

“Peachie?”

Upon hearing this, the pallor vanished from Lu Jingqing’s face, and his aura surged back to its peak at the eighth layer of Qi Refinement as he fiercely charged forward!

It was clear now - his earlier injuries were feigned all along!

Moreover, with a prolonged whistle, another concealed streak of light emerged, transforming into a grim-faced cultivator clad in black robes, boasting a cultivation base at the seventh layer of Qi Refining.

The black-robed cultivator wielded a small black banner, exuding an unscrupulous aura. He addressed Lu Jingqing, who was holding Peachie tightly while wailing, “We should have followed my advice and killed the girl outright. This complication cost us dearly, even losing our asset…”

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