Chapter 564: Chapter 564

If a Golden Core Stage cultivator were to enter another Immortal City, it might attract a few glances and the attention of the city’s guardians.

But in a place like Liuyun Immortal City, Golden Core Stage cultivators are commonly seen. Other cultivators, upon seeing a Golden Core Stage cultivator flying on clouds, might cast a look of envy at most, but won’t pay much more attention.

After Zhouyang left the cave mansion of his Dao Companion, Xiao Ying, he quickly arrived at the official cave mansion rental agency of Liuyun Immortal City. For an annual rent of seven thousand low-grade spirit stones, he rented a Tier Five cave mansion in the Immortal City, and temporarily settled down there.

A few days after moving into the cave mansion, Lu Xuewei, Zhou Tongxuan, and others who received the news hurried over to pay their respects.

After forty-five years of not seeing each other, these younger generations had made significant progress in their cultivation.

Among them, Lu Xuewei, benefiting from the "Ice Crystal Snow Lotus" seeds and other spiritual objects Zhouyang had bestowed upon her, advanced rapidly in her cultivation, progressing from the First Layer of the Purple Mansion to the Fourth Layer within just forty-five years, almost catching up to Zhouyang’s past level.

Meanwhile, Zhou Tongxuan and the other three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the Zhou Family also made notable progress in their cultivation.

Zhou Tongxuan advanced from the Fourth-Layer Foundation Establishment to the Seventh Layer, Zhou Zehong went from the First-Layer Foundation Establishment to the Fourth Layer, and Zhou Fujin rose from the Second-Layer Foundation Establishment to the Fifth Layer.

Given their spiritual root talent, to advance one layer every ten years on average, besides their own diligent cultivation, another critical reason was, of course, never lacking various spirit elixirs to consume.

As younger generations valued by Zhouyang, brought out specifically to broaden their horizons and for training, they were entitled to more favorable treatment than other Zhou Family cultivators.

And through these years of training, these younger ones indeed showed significant progress.

The most straightforward point was that, when facing him, their family ancestor, they were still respectful but no longer as uneasy and timid as before, lacking composure.

This made Zhouyang feel quite gratified.

The environment can influence a person’s character and manner. In a place where cultivation civilization flourishes like Liuyun Immortal City, where even a Qi Cultivation Stage cultivator frequently sees Purple Mansion and even Golden Core cultivators, over time, their awe towards these high-tier cultivators naturally diminishes.

This can be both a good and a bad thing, depending on how it’s perceived and treated.

If Zhou Tongxuan and the other two had grown up in a place like Liuyun Immortal City, their so-called composure would be described by Zhouyang with the words "all about appearances."

Such flowers grown in a greenhouse might look well-shaped normally, but once removed from the safety and comfort of Liuyun Immortal City, to the outside world...

Just placing a blade to their neck and drawing a bit of blood would be enough to strip them of any demeanor, not begging for mercy would be the best one could hope for.

But Zhou Tongxuan and the others are different; they came from a poor and backward place like the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm, understanding the harshness of the outside cultivation world from the Zhou Family’s school since childhood. They’ve left the clan to train, experienced life-and-death struggles, and have a profound understanding of the words "respect for the strong" in the cultivation world.

Now they are training and living in Liuyun Immortal City, influenced and changed by the environment, broadening their horizons and minds, establishing self-confidence and composure that truly deserve the praise "real inside and out."

"Very good, it seems all three of you have gained some experience. At least on the surface, you are much stronger than before, but I, your ancestor, hope you’re not just appearance without substance."

"The Zhou Family’s future relies on you young ones to take charge. What I, as your family ancestor, can do is to intimidate those with ill intentions, not to take care of you like children in all aspects."

"I hope you keep this in mind, and do not develop the complacency of believing you can enjoy a carefree life just because there is an ancestor present!"

Zhouyang looked at the calm demeanor of the three juniors, a flash of satisfaction on his face, encouraging and admonishing them earnestly.

Even though he knew that his admonition might not reach all Zhou Clan members, as long as most could hear it, as long as the leaders of the Zhou Family heard it, it would be enough.

And with this experience in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, Zhou Tongxuan and the others would likely return to become influential figures in the Zhou Family.

On hearing his words, the three of them immediately straightened their expressions, bowed, and said, "Grandson and others will certainly remember the ancestor’s teachings and dare not forget them!"

"Alright, you three may go back for now. We will still be staying in Liuyun Immortal City for a while. When it’s time to return to the family, I will let you know!"

Zhouyang waved his hand, dismissing the three clan juniors, then turned his gaze to his disciple, Lu Xuewei.

"Your master-wife mentioned that in recent years you seldom cultivate in her cave mansion, often leaving for years at a time, frequently returning injured. She asked what happened but you wouldn’t say. Now I am asking you, do you also not intend to speak?"

Zhouyang gazed deeply at his female disciple. As her cultivation deepened, influenced by her Ice Spirit Root and the cultivation technique she practiced, her chilling aura of ice and snow became more distinct.

Although cultivators are often more or less influenced by their cultivation techniques, with the aura leaning towards the attribute of their technique, for example, fire element cultivators being more dominant and fiery, gold element cultivators being sharper and more intense, and wood element cultivators being calm and natural.

However, if one’s temperament is too deeply influenced by cultivation techniques, it is not a good thing. If not handled properly, it could become a major misfortune.

Like cultivators of the Fire Element technique, if influenced too deeply by the technique, their temperament can become irritable and prone to anger, often making enemies over trivial matters.

If this continues, it may even lead to Qi deviation, where one is unable to control the fiery Qi within and self-destructs.

Similarly, for cultivators like Lu Xuewei who practice the Ice Element technique, if their temperament is deeply influenced, they slowly become as cold as a block of ice, indifferent to emotions and unable to communicate, also risking Qi deviation and turning into an eternal ice sculpture.

Of course, with Lu Xuewei’s level of cultivation, it hasn’t come to that yet; otherwise, Zhouyang would not have been simply having a conversation with her. Check latest chapters at NovєlFіre.net

At this moment, after listening to Zhouyang’s words, Lu Xuewei suddenly knelt down, bowed deeply, and said, "Master, forgive my faults. I didn’t want to talk to my teacher’s wife, not only because I was afraid she would worry but also because I knew she couldn’t help me. Therefore, why trouble her with my issues unnecessarily?"

"Now that Master has returned, I naturally must confess everything and ask Master to seek justice for me!"

Zhouyang’s expression shifted slightly; he hadn’t expected there would be such a story behind it.

He looked at Lu Xuewei with a grave expression and said solemnly, "Tell me what happened. If indeed someone bullied you, I will seek justice for you!"

With his promise, Lu Xuewei immediately recounted the entire incident from start to finish.

It turns out that over ten years ago, when she formed a team with three other cultivators from the Purple Mansion Stage to hunt Demon Beasts, they unexpectedly discovered a rare Tier Five spiritual object, the "Water Soul Profound Essence Stone," in the underwater cave of a Tier Four high-grade Demon Beast.

Originally, before hunting the Demon Beasts, everyone had agreed that all treasures acquired would be shared equally.

However, the appearance of the rare Tier Five spiritual object, the "Water Soul Profound Essence Stone," made this agreement invalid.

One should know that the "Water Soul Profound Essence Stone" is an exceptionally precious artifact refining material, one of the best materials a Golden Core Stage cultivator practicing Water Element techniques can find to refine a Lifebound Spiritual Artifact. Even a fist-sized piece can fetch a sky-high price of twenty to thirty thousand low-grade Spirit Stones.

Nonetheless, the piece discovered in the underwater Demon Beast cave was as large as a basin, worth at least a million low-grade Spirit Stones!

In the face of such an invaluable treasure, a verbal agreement is meaningless.

Thus, for the possession of this large "Water Soul Profound Essence Stone," the previously aligned cultivators split into two opposing factions, swords drawn against each other.

Lu Xuewei relied on the various treasures bestowed upon her by Zhouyang, originally confident of acquiring the treasure without difficulty.

However, she didn’t expect to be betrayed by a fellow cultivator at the moment of victory, sustaining serious injury during a sneak attack and, with regret, missing out on the treasure and fleeing while wounded.

When she returned to Liuyun Immortal City, healed her injuries, and sought revenge, the traitor had already offered the "Water Soul Profound Essence Stone" to a Golden Core family’s Golden Core Ancestor, thereby climbing the ranks within that family and becoming a favored son-in-law.

There’s no need to elaborate; naturally, Lu Xuewei couldn’t accept this and quietly bided her time, seeking revenge.

However, her enemy was much more cunning, having anticipated she wouldn’t let things lie, cleverly staging a counter-ambush.

If it weren’t for the numerous Spirit Talismans given to her by Zhouyang and the Healing Spirit Pill prepared by Xiao Ying that saved her, she might not have survived then and there.

Over these ten-plus years, Lu Xuewei has made several attempts but gained nothing and, relying on family strength, has been injured multiple times by her opponent, depleting all the Spirit Talismans given to her by Zhouyang.

"Master, you have always taught us cultivators to repay kindness and seek revenge; I cannot cultivate with peace knowing my grievances remain unresolved."

Lu Xuewei spoke these words with a cold expression, an intense resentment bottled within her heart with nowhere to release, her brows shadowed with evil Qi.

Seeing this, Zhouyang frowned, not expecting his disciple to have such a vengeance-driven, action-oriented nature.

This nature isn’t necessarily bad, but it certainly contrasts with his belief that "a gentleman’s revenge is never too late," representing two extremes.

If it were him facing Lu Xuewei’s situation, he would surely focus on cultivating and enhancing his strength first, then crush the enemy with superior cultivation.

In fact, Lu Xuewei has the capability; her talent is excellent; as long as she applies herself in cultivation, reaching the eighth or ninth layer of the Purple Mansion within a century is very possible.

By then, her enemy would certainly have relaxed his guard, and without interference from Golden Core cultivators, her cultivation would allow her to easily kill the adversary.

"Alright, I understand the situation now. When I’m ready to leave Liuyun Immortal City, I’ll take you to that Guo Family to settle this feud personally!"

"But before that, focus on your cultivation honestly and don’t dwell on this matter anymore."

Zhouyang frowned and pondered for a while, then suddenly waved his hand and made his decision.

He generally does not make decisions lightly, but once he does, he always sticks to them.

Lu Xuewei, as his disciple, who grew up following him from childhood, naturally understands this.

Therefore, she did not say more, only responding, "Disciple, I solemnly obey the master’s orders."

"Go now; sincerely apologize to your mistress, she has always been soft-hearted and will surely forgive you."

Zhouyang waved his hand and sent this disciple away as well.

After meeting several juniors, Zhouyang began to attend to his own matters.

He went straight to the largest shops on Liuyun Immortal Mountain to select the spiritual objects he needed.

Zhouyang planned to choose spiritual objects to refine a new set of flying swords, and of course, it would be Tier Five flying swords.

To refine such a set, lacking sufficient materials is impossible.

He now had some materials in hand, but still lacked others.

These materials might be difficult to find elsewhere, but in Liuyun Immortal City, Zhouyang spent nearly 700,000 lower-grade spirit stones, successfully acquiring the materials he wanted.

Fortunately, Xiao Ying had been helping Liu’s Pill Workshop with alchemy over the years, accumulating 200,000 to 300,000 lower-grade spirit stones. Otherwise, Zhouyang’s lavish spending might not suffice for buying those supporting core formation spiritual objects.

Of course, spending a woman’s money always made Zhouyang somewhat embarrassed, so he sold off the poisonous flood dragon materials he had collaborated with Jiang Fengxian in the Kunxu Realm to kill, bringing back over 500,000 lower-grade spirit stones.

Not long after, he participated in an auction in Liuyun Immortal City and purchased three portions of "Purple Heart Jade Marrow" at a price of 200,000 lower-grade spirit stones per portion.

Soon, good news came from Xiao Ying. The Liu Family, behind Liu’s Pill Workshop, found two kinds of supporting core formation spiritual objects in another place upon her commission, being swiftly transported through the Liuyun Commerce Alliance.

These two spiritual objects were a drop of "Supreme Wood Spirit Liquid," and the "Golden Juice Fruit" once used by Zhouyang.

In this way, including the "Ice and Fire Spirit Liquid" Zhouyang had never used before, Xiao Ying even without using the "Jade Liquid Golden Pill," possessed three supporting core formation spiritual objects.

To purchase these two spiritual objects, Zhouyang paid out a total of 760,000 lower-grade spirit stones, nearly emptying his and Xiao Ying’s savings.

Once the items were obtained, Xiao Ying moved into Zhouyang’s cave mansion to close-door cultivate for core formation, while Zhouyang guarded for her and continued cultivating the "Silent Extinction Soul-Burning Divine Light" divine technique.

Five years later, there was still no news about Xiao Ying’s closed-door core formation, yet Zhouyang successfully attained entry-level mastery of the "Silent Extinction Soul-Burning Divine Light," and as long as he continues to cultivate it regularly, it would achieve minor achievement within a century.

Meanwhile, Zhouyang received news about the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, which he had been closely monitoring.

After years of negotiation, Profound Sun Immortal Sect chose to compromise, proactively relinquishing control over two large spirit stone ore veins, and more than ten rare ore veins including a medium "Void Stone" mine, handing them over to various sects that greatly contributed and were severely damaged in the battle against the Heaven-Sundering True Demon.

Furthermore, the Profound Sun Immortal Sect was forced to abandon over a hundred spirit mountains outside Daoxuan Country, including seven Tier Five spirit mountains.

But these costs weren’t the hardest to bear; the greatest price Profound Sun Immortal Sect paid to quell the turmoil was Lu Xuanji, a Ninth-Layer Nascent Soul "Half-Step True Immortal," who vowed in front of numerous peers to spend the rest of his life seeking out and hunting the fleeing Heaven-Sundering True Demon, effectively severing ties with Profound Sun Immortal Sect.

Moreover, Master Yunxiao of the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, who had vowed to sweep away all demon cultivators in Liuyun Continent’s cultivation realm, also could not manage sect matters anymore.

Thus, the remaining Nascent Soul Stage cultivators who could uphold Profound Sun Immortal Sect were reduced to just four: Master Cyan Yang, Master Huayang, and two others.

With four Nascent Soul Stage cultivators, Profound Sun Immortal Sect could still maintain the reputation of a top major sect, but it pales in comparison to the previous glory of having nine Zhenren (masters) in one sect.

And relinquishing so many resource points and spirit mountain territories now, in future generations, the nurturing of Profound Sun Immortal Sect’s disciples will likely fall short compared to before.

In summary, this time, Profound Sun Immortal Sect was truly weakened, and recovering their former glory in a short time is almost impossible.

When Zhouyang received this news, a letter was also delivered to him.

The letter was sent by Master Cyan Yang, detailing the plan he discussed in secret with Lu Xuanji.

According to the description, if Zhouyang is willing to work secretly for Profound Sun Immortal Sect, they will not only confer upon him the title of Honored Guest Elder, but also arrange a Tier Five Top-Grade Spirit Mountain for him to reside, through their ally Yuqing Daoist Sect.

Moreover, if he wanted to establish his own force, the Profound Sun Immortal Sect could provide him with three Foundation Establishment Pills at market price every ten years, and a portion of "Purple Heart Jade Marrow" every fifty years. Furthermore, if he helped the Profound Sun Immortal Sect solve certain major issues, he could even earn the qualification to purchase the "Jade Liquid Golden Pill."

These benefits are undeniably generous.

Even the vassal Golden Core clans under the Profound Sun Immortal Sect receive just about the same treatment.

At the end of the letter, Master Cyan Yang mentioned another matter, stating that in two years, Lu Xuanji would be heading to the Westernmost Cultivation Realm with Yin Hanguang to help him contend for the position of the Palace Master of the Great Brightness Immortal Palace. If Zhouyang were interested, Lu Xuanji would be willing to take him along.

After reading the letter, Zhouyang fell into silence.

In recent years, he had calmed his mind and considered matters seriously, understanding the intention of Lu Xuanji and Master Cyan Yang in exerting efforts to win him over.

Clearly, during the "Dome Heaven Immortal Realm" venture, where he exposed his trump cards such as the "Qianyang Treasure Pearl" and "Nirvana" divine power, he transformed in the eyes of the Nascent Soul cultivators like Lu Xuanji and Master Cyan Yang, from a mere disposable tool into an important piece that could be utilized long-term.

Especially now that he has grown and can be employed at any time, the resources invested in him would not have to wait for a long time to yield returns, but would instead show immediate results.

What’s more intriguing is that he holds great potential, with considerable chances in the future to advance to the Nascent Soul stage.

The Profound Sun Immortal Sect suffered significant losses among top-tier cultivators this time and urgently needs to fill this gap. However, they do not currently have many disciples within their sect who are promising candidates for the Nascent Soul stage.

Even if they start now, selecting talented disciples from the youngest generation without considering resource depletion, it would still take hundreds or thousands of years to cultivate a Nascent Soul Stage cultivator.

In such times, Zhouyang, who already has a close and trustworthy relationship with the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, naturally becomes an alternative to fill the void.

If Zhouyang could form a Nascent Soul in the future, the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, having established an affiliation with him before his Nascent Soul formation, could effortlessly bring him into the sect as an honored guest Supreme Elder.

Even though he has not yet formed a Nascent Soul, the resources invested by the Profound Sun Immortal Sect in him could yield sufficient returns in other aspects due to his combat power, which far exceeds that of his peers.

Understanding this, Zhouyang did not get angry about being used. Instead, he felt pleased.

In the past, when he received favors from Master Cyan Yang, he was anxious about how to reciprocate them, and thinking of such matters always left him unsettled and insecure.

Later events proved his concerns were justified, as he constantly faced the dilemma of repaying the kindness of Master Cyan Yang and Lu Xuanji, ultimately risking his life by accompanying them to the "Dome Heaven Immortal Realm" to slay demons.

Now, if he agreed to Master Cyan Yang’s terms, both parties would form a mutually beneficial relationship, with the Profound Sun Immortal Sect offering him rewards in exchange for his efforts, neither owing anything to each other, yet without diminishing their relationship or burdening him with any ethical obligations.

Thus, Zhouyang did not hesitate for long and sent a reply to Master Cyan Yang, expressing his decision to work for the Profound Sun Immortal Sect, which was conveyed through the sect’s intelligence personnel in Liuyun Immortal City.

Soon after, Master Cyan Yang’s response arrived, indicating that Zhouyang could receive the Tier Five Top-Grade Spirit Mountain at any time.

However, Zhouyang planned to return to the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm after his Dao Companion Xiao Ying completed her seclusion, so he temporarily set aside this matter without rushing to act.

A year and a half later, Xiao Ying had results in her Core Formation attempt, having failed despite using three auxiliary spiritual objects.

With the help of three spiritual objects, she advanced to the second step of core formation, "He Pill" step, during her first attempt. With another try, as long as she finds a spiritual object that enhances the divine soul better than the "Golden Juice Fruit," and with the support of "Jade Liquid Golden Pill," she is bound to succeed.

"A single failure is nothing. I also failed twice before succeeding!"

"Next, Ying’Er, take good care and recover in Liuyun Immortal City. I need to return to the clan with Tongxuan to attend some matters. Once they are settled, I’ll return to be with you."

"Also, you can continue seeking the Liu Family’s assistance in finding divine soul-enhancing spiritual objects. Don’t worry about the cost; I’ll surely bring back enough spirit stones from the clan."

In the cave mansion, Zhouyang, feeling heartbroken, comforted his Dao Companion, whose face appeared a bit pale due to her injured dantian from the failed core formation, while revealing his plan to follow Lu Xuanji and return to the Boundless Sea of Sand Cultivation Realm.

Naturally, he did not hide his collaboration with the Profound Sun Immortal Sect to remain in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm for development.

His honesty gave Xiao Ying peace of mind, and she quickly smiled gently, saying: "I understand, husband. Your important matters take precedence. I will recover well and wait for your return."

Thus, after chatting with his Dao Companion for a while, Zhouyang refrained from disturbing Xiao Ying further. He withdrew from the cave mansion and summoned his disciple, Lu Xuewei.

Seizing the opportunity to leave Liuyun Immortal City, he planned to help this disciple avenge the feud. Otherwise, the lingering resentment in his disciple’s heart would be detrimental to her future cultivation.

Of course, he would not take revenge with his current appearance, as that would expose his relationship with his Dao Companion Xiao Ying, causing unwanted trouble for Xiao Ying’s life in Liuyun Immortal City.