Cultivating To Immortality

Chapter 761: The Agreement

For the Loose Cultivators living in the Loose Cultivator territory, whose owner achieved the Golden Core Realm and offered them protection, it was indeed a shared honor.

With such a prominent figure emerging from their own ranks, it was no wonder the entire market town was immersed in a joyful and festive atmosphere.

This was not only a symbol of strength but also meant that Lanxi Cave’s future status and stability would greatly improve; even major powers like the Six Major Sects would not dare covet it easily.

"So that’s how it is, truly a fortunate event." Song Yan responded indifferently, his tone calm. Although he felt surprised by this, it was only to that extent.

The Golden Core Dao... Jiang Chaosheng’s Core Formation was a step further on the path of a powerful being, but for Song Yan, the most important thing at present was to return to the Sect for Foundation Establishment. The distant festivities had little to do with him.

He had no intention of immersing himself in this sea of celebration, nor did he intend to visit Liang Feng and his wife, who must be incredibly busy and undoubtedly in high spirits at the moment.

He simply handed over the Jade Key of the Red Dust Dipper according to the rules, completing the return procedures easily.

Then he turned and, with Xiao Ju and Xiao He, walked steadily along the mountain path leading out of the market town, their figures quickly blending into the forest.

Behind them, the clamor and festivity of Lanxi Cave continued, the sounds of music drifting from afar, a celebration that belonged to them.

Outside Lanxi Cave.

Song Yan did not set off immediately. His gaze swept across the mountains and rivers, looking at the flowing sea of clouds.

At a certain moment, he seemed to have made a decision.

He turned around, his gaze falling upon Xiao Ju in front of him.

His clear eyes rested on Xiao Ju’s slightly nervous face, his voice not loud, but very powerful: "Xiao Ju."

Perhaps because it was the first time he had called her name so formally, the girl trembled slightly.

She hurriedly looked up: "Senior Song? What are your instructions?"

Her heart inexplicably skipped a beat, a faint premonition telling her this was no ordinary summons.

Song Yan did not speak immediately, but simply watched her quietly for a moment longer, as if choosing his words.

A moment later, he spoke again.

"This journey, having gone through various matters, has now come to an end. I should return to the Sect."

He paused, then continued: "For you, this journey has also ended."

Xiao Ju’s heart sank sharply, a thought that somewhat terrified her instantly seizing her.

Senior Song said the journey was over... Her head drooped slightly, not daring to look into Song Yan’s eyes again, her voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz: "Yes, Senior. Xiao Ju understands."

An inexplicable bitterness welled up in her heart. After more than a year of companionship, those wonderful experiences, the vast world, the careful guidance—was it all truly going to end here?

Indeed, her Realm was too low, and her Aptitude was terribly poor.

Staying by Senior’s side was truly a hindrance.

It didn’t matter. The sights and experiences of these days were already precious memories that she would cherish for a lifetime.

One should be content.

"Therefore, now, you may choose your own path forward."

"If you still have aspirations in your heart, wishing to continue traveling alone through Chu Kingdom, or other places, to experience this Mortal World, the myriad aspects of immortals and mortals..."

Song Yan’s tone revealed no emotion: "Then we shall part ways here."

The four words "part ways" struck Xiao Ju’s heart like a heavy hammer.

However, "choose your own" sparked a hint of doubt in her chaotic mind.

What other choice did she have?

The girl was speechless for a moment, just staring blankly at Song Yan.

Song Yan, however, continued to look at Xiao Ju calmly, waiting for her answer.

Xiao Ju took a deep breath, as if using all her strength to fight against the deep inferiority and the innate feeling of "unworthiness."

She did not think deeply, almost following her most instinctive desire, her voice trembling slightly, but exceptionally clear and firm: "No, Senior Song."

Her body leaned forward somewhat eagerly, for the first time boldly meeting Song Yan’s gaze.

"I want to continue following you."

"Staying by your side, even if it’s just being a little tailor to mend your Daoist robes and clothes."

After saying these words, she seemed to have used up all her courage.

Suddenly, her face flushed, and she lowered her head somewhat shyly.

After speaking, she began to worry that she had said too much and would displease Song Yan.

Hearing this, Song Yan’s eyes showed no impatience or surprise; instead, a hint of understanding flashed within them.

He was silent for a moment, a brief period that felt incredibly long to Xiao Ju.

Finally, he slowly nodded.

"Good."

This single word instantly dispelled all the anxiety and shadows in Xiao Ju’s heart!

But Song Yan’s subsequent words made her feel even more like she was dreaming.

"Since you are willing to travel together," Song Yan’s tone remained unruffled, as if stating something very natural, "then you can also return to Cave Abyss Sect with me."

"This time returning to the Sect, if I can successfully establish my Dao Foundation..."

He paused slightly, his gaze rising to meet Xiao Ju’s wide, astonished eyes.

"Then I shall take you as my Disciple, how about it?"

"Take... take me as a Disciple?!"

Xiao Ju suspected her ears were playing tricks on her.

She looked up sharply, immense joy almost drowning her. In her clear eyes, there was first disbelief, then an unspeakable surprise and trepidation.

"Senior, how can someone like me, with such low Aptitude, possibly... possibly be your Disciple..."

Song Yan looked at her flustered yet joyful expression and chuckled: "Naturally, all this comes with a prerequisite."

Xiao Ju’s heart tightened again.

But she only heard him say: "The prerequisite is that I must successfully establish my Foundation."

"If I fail and perish, or become a cripple, then this matter of taking a Master can only be dropped."

This was the first time Song Yan had so directly mentioned the possibility of Foundation Establishment failure.

Xiao Ju was slightly stunned, then completely relaxed.

An unprecedented sense of security and anticipation grew and spread within her heart.

She was no longer a burden taken in out of pity, nor an dispensable companion.

She might even become the Disciple of the powerful and reliable Senior Song.

As for the talk of Foundation Establishment failure, she had never considered it.

In her eyes, how could Senior Song possibly fail at Foundation Establishment?

He was like an immortal, someone who would definitely, absolutely succeed.

Although she hadn’t truly become his Disciple yet, only received this agreement.

But in the interim, anticipating that day’s arrival, this was the happiest time.

Regarding Xiao Ju, Song Yan had his own decision.

He had always admired Xiao Ju, sensing a certain resilience in her.

While her Heart-Nature had the flaw of being too soft, this was not unchangeable.

And in fact, it couldn’t really be considered taking her as his own Disciple; at most, it was taking an Outer Sect Disciple on behalf of the Sword Sect.

However, she was not his maid, nor his servant.

This person was not even a Disciple of Cave Abyss Sect.

Moreover, frankly speaking, he was currently just a Level 9 Qi Refining Cultivator, not some great immortal power, and he didn’t have such a big face to assume everyone wanted to become his Disciple.

That’s why he needed to ask for her personal opinion.

Since that was the case, it also completed the last matter in Song Yan’s heart. He immediately stopped delaying and headed towards Cave Abyss Sect together.

In fact, one didn’t necessarily have to return to the Sect to Breakthrough Foundation Establishment.

For example, Lanxi Cave was actually a good Cultivation spot, and it happened that Jiang Chaosheng, the founder of Lanxi Cave, had achieved Golden Core, making the place very safe.

Now, possessing a wondrous item like the Mirage Sword Pill, which had solved the critical Spiritual Qi issue needed for secluded Foundation Establishment, this was even more so.

However, that subtle sense of belonging in their hearts would ultimately lead most Disciples back to the Sect.

When facing such an important matter as a major Realm Breakthrough, the ancient mountain gate and ancestral land, with its long-standing Legacy and deep Dao rhyme, seemed to offer a silent protection and sense of security.

This was a state of mind that, even with fortuitous encounters while wandering outside, was difficult to fully replace.

After bidding farewell to the bustle of Lanxi Cave, their journey was swift, though not entirely uneventful.

During a brief stop at a Loose Cultivator market town, they happened upon a moderately sized auction.

Song Yan pondered that if he succeeded in Foundation Establishment this time, he would need to consider the main Cultivation Technique for the subsequent Foundation Establishment Stage.

Although Cave Abyss Sect’s Scripture Pavilion contained countless Cultivation Techniques, finding a Cultivation Technique at an auction that suited him or his future development would also be an Opportunity.

With this thought, Song Yan attended the auction.

The atmosphere in the venue was lively, with Spiritual Artifacts shimmering with light, Medicinal Pills exuding exotic fragrances, Talismans glowing with brilliance, and even some rare spiritual plant Materials appearing one after another, drawing continuous bids from the Cultivators below.

Song Yan, however, remained composed, his masked eyes calmly scanning each item.

There were indeed a few Cultivation Techniques, but unfortunately, they were either incompatible in attribute, limited in grade, or incomplete.

None of them made him feel that sense of perfect fit, that "this is it."

He shook his head slightly, and finally, with a hint of imperceptible regret, signaled Xiao Ju and Xiao He to leave early.

Though there were many items, none were truly what he needed.

This small interlude caused no ripples; instead, it strengthened his resolve to return to the Sect as soon as possible.

After this, Song Yan made no further stops on his journey.

Overlapping mountains, shrouded in Spiritual Qi.

Half a month later, when the familiar outline of the mountain range came into view, and the majestic and solemn mountain gate gradually became clear amidst the clouds, Song Yan’s last trace of restlessness finally settled.

The gate was still guarded by two Qi Refinement Stage Disciples wearing the standard Sect Daoist robes.

Seeing a Sect Disciple return, their gaze immediately fell upon him, with routine scrutiny and curiosity for a fellow Disciple returning from an outing.

Song Yan, with Xiao Ju, walked steadily towards the mountain gate.

He did not deliberately display his Aura, but the growth in his Heart-Nature from this journey and the profound Qi approaching Qi Refining Perfection, with a Dao Foundation about to form, coupled with his already exceptionally outstanding appearance, gave him an ethereal demeanor.

The two guard Disciples, a man and a woman, the male Cultivator stepped forward with clasped fists.

Before he could speak, he found that the other party had already handed over the jade token symbolizing Disciple status.

The younger female Disciple among them secretly scrutinized him for a moment, surprised in her heart.

She felt that this person had a tall and straight posture, and his eyes seemed to contain an inner sharpness. Most importantly, his unique temperament was too striking, making him unforgettable.

Her eyes suddenly lit up, her tone carrying a hint of surprise and excitement: "Ah! You are..."

"You are Senior Brother Song? The Senior Brother Song from the last Sect Sword Wipe event, position B?"

Song Yan’s steps paused slightly, he showed no particular emotion, but simply nodded calmly, his voice coming through the mask, clear and steady: "Indeed."

It wasn’t surprising that she recognized him.

The previous Sect Sword Wipe had made Song Yan’s name, along with his extraordinary demeanor, widely known among Qi Refining Disciples.

In fact, he had even become the dream lover of many female Disciples on Lianyou Peak.

Yet, at this moment, this Senior Brother stood right before her eyes.

At this time, the Cultivator checking the Disciple token also recognized his identity, his expression showing more admiration.

Demon Subduing Peak, Song Yan.

He was one of the three Disciples specially recruited by Demon Subduing Peak before.

There was still about a year and a half until the Dragon Pool Mountain Nine Pulses Grand Competition, so why had this Senior Brother returned to the Sect early?

Could it be that he was going to undergo Foundation Establishment?

Both had their own thoughts.

Song Yan, out of politeness, thanked the two and then entered the mountain gate.

After more than a year, returning to Immortal Cave No. 21 of the Earth Character, the familiar bamboo courtyard finally settled the last trace of restlessness in Song Yan’s heart.

Everything in the Immortal Cave was as it was.

He did not immediately enter seclusion but temporarily had Xiao Ju wait there.

He himself went to the banks of Lingyuan Marsh, arriving at the incredibly familiar "Relief Grocery Store."

It was still the same dilapidated small shop.

"Master, are you in?" He gently knocked on the wooden door.

"Your Disciple has returned from his journey and specially comes to pay his respects to Master."

No one responded.

It seemed she wasn’t here today.

Just as he was about to leave, he heard Qin Xijun’s voice from inside the house: "Come in."

Qin Xijun was still the same, and seeing him, a smile appeared on her face: "You’re back?"

Song Yan nodded.

He generally reported the itinerary of his journey and shared some interesting observations.

Then he also explained his progress in Cultivation, omitting some fortuitous encounters, only saying that he was ready to enter seclusion to attempt Foundation Establishment.

When she heard the words "Foundation Establishment," Qin Xijun’s originally smiling, almost childlike gaze paused slightly, and she couldn’t help but linger on Song Yan for a moment.

With a sweep of her Divine Sense, she clearly perceived the Aura of Level 9 Qi Refining on him.

Qin Xijun couldn’t help but sigh, her precious Disciple was truly progressing at an astonishing speed.

Time passed so quickly.

Back then, he was just an ordinary Qi Refining Disciple who was almost unable to get by in the Sect... "On the path of Cultivation, breaking through a major Realm is like a fish leaping over the Dragon Gate, full of unpredictable dangers."

Qin Xijun’s voice was no longer playful, taking on a more serious tone.

"Your Aptitude is decent, but the difficulty of Foundation Establishment is extraordinary, and the Foundation is especially important."

She gently stroked with her jade-like finger, spiritual light flickering in her palm, and an object appeared, which she handed to Song Yan.

It was an exquisite porcelain bottle, as white as jade and palm-sized, with a warm, cool sensation emanating from its body.

Song Yan subconsciously reached out to take the porcelain bottle.

It felt cool to the touch, and the pure medicinal power emanating from the Spirit Pill inside almost seeped through the bottle.

With a sweep of his Divine Sense, it turned out to be five Foundation Establishment Pills!

Qin Xijun said concisely: "There are five in total, leftovers from when I prepared for Foundation Establishment years ago. Take them. Don’t... be impatient."

A warm current quietly flowed through Song Yan’s heart.

Qin Xijun naturally didn’t know about his Spirit Seed Sword Slaying, nor his various Opportunities in refining Wu Xiang Pill and improving Foundation Establishment Pills.

In her view, although her Disciple had shone brightly at the Sect Sword Wipe and possessed astonishing Comprehension Ability in the Dao of the sword, his Spiritual Root was ultimately only a three-Spiritual Root, considered barely average.

Attempting Foundation Establishment with such a Foundation carried a considerable risk of failure.

Quantity, to some extent, could compensate for deficiencies in Aptitude, at least increasing the probability of success.

Song Yan tightly gripped the porcelain bottle, offering no explanation, nor refusing this gesture from his Master.

Qin Xijun said they were leftovers from before, but with her two-Spiritual Root Aptitude, why would she need so many Foundation Establishment Pills?

He bowed deeply: "Disciple, thanks Master for the generous gift! I will not fail Master’s expectations and will strive to establish my Foundation."

Qin Xijun waved her hand: "Alright, alright, no need for sentimentality here. Go establish your Foundation early, so I can also have some face."

"Yes, Master!"

After Song Yan left, Qin Xijun watched his retreating back and stretched lazily.

"Sigh... With my Disciple progressing so rapidly, I, as the Master, should also Cultivate diligently."

A smile played on her lips: "Otherwise, it wouldn’t be good if my Disciple catches up later."

Qin Xijun nodded slightly, then closed her eyes again, as if all the ripples from just now had never occurred.

Subsequently, she also left the place.