Cultivation Starts with Rejuvenation-Chapter 176 - 61: Feigning Reserve

(In the previous chapter, the protagonist's attitude towards Qin Henian was slightly modified.)

After organizing the acquisitions from the auction, Li Ji'an finally took out Liu Jingchun's Lifespan Extension Pill materials.

Having prepared all the ingredients according to the proportions, he closed his eyes and quietly sorted through the matter of the Immortal Dynasty's blood slaves.

Seventy-six years have passed since he first entered the Cultivation Realm.

Seventy-six years ago in the Storm Desert, the Guiding Immortal Master piloting the Flying Boat was ambushed by four fellow tribesmen.

The words spoken by those four fellow tribesmen at that time were remembered by Li Ji'an, word for word, in his mind.

It was clear that by then, he knew that within this family that reared blood slaves, there was already a fierce disagreement over the matter, as intense as water and fire, resulting in life-or-death confrontation, yet they dared not openly defy it, and ultimately it was all for the family legacy to last for ten thousand generations.

Moreover, that year, the Guiding Immortal Master kept mentioning the Ancestor, with the ambushing clansmen repeatedly exclaiming over the treasures bestowed by the Ancestor on the Guiding Immortal Master.

This clearly showed that the true mastermind behind the rearing of blood slaves was that Ancestor.

Later, Zhao Shuyao received information that narrowed the suspect to the Five Great Clans.

Subsequently, twenty years ago, Granny You inadvertently revealed the internal strife within the Liu Family more than fifty years ago, which coincidentally aligned with the ambush in the Storm Desert.

She further inadvertently revealed that an Honored Alchemist of the Liu Family was adept at refining the Bone Marrow Cleansing Pill, which had a marrow-cleansing effect only on those body cultivators from the Desolate Lands of the Immortal Dynasty.

This basically locked down the culprit to the Array Formation Liu Family.

And this time, he unexpectedly learned about Liu Jingchun's past.

Twelve hundred years ago, he was the most promising Foundation Establishment cultivator in Cangyun State, with superior talent and heart nature, and family heritage. Under normal circumstances, even if he did not achieve True Pill, he should have at least secured a Fake Pill.

Yet, the current situation is clearly worse than expected.

Moreover, the first arrival of Immortal Masters from the Immortal Dynasty was also two hundred years ago, coinciding with the time Liu Jingchun suddenly disappeared.

At that time, the Fake Pill Ancestor of the Liu Family had almost reached the pinnacle of Fake Pill cultivation, with no further progress possible on his path, and the remaining lifespan of over two hundred years was clearly visible.

Li Ji'an, in his sixth life, especially during his first life on Earth, had read and watched much literature and films; along with his personal experiences over the five subsequent lifetimes, he understood there is nothing new under the sun. As long as people are entangled with emotions and desires, many things are interconnected, so when he compiled all fragmented information, a vague causal relationship formed in his mind.

However, due to his current strength and the goal of becoming an Immortal of Ten Thousand Worlds, he has not directly investigated this matter, relying only on time to passively understand, with fragmented information, making it impossible to determine the specific cause and effect.

Yet, it did not stop him from satisfying Liu Jingchun as an outsider, who is likely to share conflicts with the mastermind.

But that's all. He still does not intend to get involved until he is strong enough.

This merely counts as a casual chess move following the current.

After reanalyzing, Li Ji'an calmed his mind, driving out the slight negative emotions stirred by the blood slave issue from his mind.

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As night fell, there came the sound of Duanmu Qin's voice at the door.

Li Ji'an was not surprised.

Since they opened up to each other last month, Duanmu Qin often visits.

Apart from occasional massages, they also confide, chat, and exchange cultivation experiences.

Li Ji'an understands that her purpose is still to deepen their mutual understanding, to build more trust, laying the groundwork for the opportunity she mentioned.

"Fellow Daoist Li's generous spirit today must have enchanted many a female cultivator." Duanmu Qin teased as soon as she entered.

"Peach Blossom Fairy, are you teasing me as well? I, Li, have no family or force to support. Keeping Spirit Stones that don't benefit cultivation, it's better to exchange them for practical resources." Li Ji'an replied with a prepared excuse.

Duanmu Qin nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Fellow Daoist Li lives freely, self-sufficient, content, and possesses a refined skill to rely on. Besides, in this Cangyun State, what good are more Spirit Stones? Even so much can't buy resources for Core Formation."

"To know me is to know Peach Blossom Fairy." Li Ji'an laughed heartily and invited Duanmu Qin into his bedroom.

"Fellow Daoist Li, try this today." As she entered the bedroom, Duanmu Qin waved her slender jade hand, placing a jade table on the ground, assorted with various spiritual foods on top.

"On my return from Spring Full House, I specifically had the Spirit Chef prepare a table, not sure if it suits Fellow Daoist Li's taste."

"This pot of Spring Gaze Intoxication is my long-kept treasure, and today I invite Fellow Daoist Li to enjoy it."

Seeing the wine and food laid out, Li Ji'an smiled, "Peach Blossom Fairy came prepared?"

Duanmu Qin covered her face with a light laugh and held up the wine pot, pouring a full glass for Li Ji'an.

She then held the wine cup, swayed her waist, and with a light step, sat on Li Ji'an's lap, while an arm looped over Li Ji'an's neck.

"Fellow Daoist Li, please drink this cup dry."

The wine cup was brought to his lips, Duanmu Qin's red lips also drew near.

Between them, there was only a small wine cup.

Li Ji'an's Divine Sense had already scanned all the food, including the spirit wine, finding nothing unusual.

A rich and sweet aroma of spirit wine, mixed with Duanmu Qin's fresh orchid scent, had a unique flavor.

Li Ji'an smiled slightly, opened his mouth to touch the wine cup, and sipped the spirit wine inside.

At the same time, Duanmu Qin opened her plump red lips, sipping the spirit wine as well.

Li Ji'an's eyes sparkled with amusement, seeing nothing surprising about this.

Since their frank discussion a month ago, the woman has made many temptations since then.

Even during normal massages, she applied some special techniques.

Li Ji'an reckoned that despite his heart nature from six lifetimes, he felt it was somewhat overwhelming.

The light touches, the teasing retreats yet enticing pursuit, seemingly serious but incredibly alluring, truly stirred one's blood.

However, he knew Duanmu Qin wanted him to speak first, to discuss cooperation terms.

Whether it was their relationship breakthrough or the thirst for the opportunity, whoever showed eagerness first would be at a disadvantage.

Lips met as the cup emptied.

Li Ji'an slightly tilted his head away from the wine cup without lingering.

Duanmu Qin's peach blossom eyes flickered with disappointment.

"Fellow Daoist Li, your composure is truly remarkable! Qin'er admits defeat." Duanmu Qin mused momentarily before smiling freely.

"Oh? What does Peach Blossom Fairy mean by this?" Li Ji'an feigned confusion.

Duanmu Qin glared at him ruefully, "Hmph, Fellow Daoist Li knows Qin'er's ulterior motives, yet continues to play coy."

"Hahaha! Can Peach Blossom Fairy let me behold a glimpse of her beauty today?" Seeing her lay her cards on the table, Li Ji'an stopped joking, holding her by the waist.

After years of acquaintance, backed by the Immortal City, she also has ties with Spring Breeze Building. Especially with the contact over the past two years, Li Ji'an holds Duanmu Qin in high regard.

A loose cultivator achieving Foundation Establishment and living and working peacefully in the Immortal City shows her self-reliance.

Moreover, being able to adopt orphans and provide a livelihood is even more precious in this cultivation realm.

Some mortal realm brothels harbor orphans to train for service, but that's unlikely in the cultivation realm.

The cultivation realm's brothels aren't merely for carnal enjoyment but for Dual Cultivation Secret Techniques, those orphans lack advantages here.

Furthermore, female cultivators in cultivation realm brothels aren't forced; they're voluntary, seeking to enhance their cultivation this way.

The main reason is Duanmu Qin's pursuit of the Dao aligns with Li Ji'an's, although a loose cultivator in Cangyun State, she never gave up hope of progressing further in her Dao path.

Of course, her enchanting figure and intelligent grace also meet Li Ji'an's aesthetic.

"Fellow Daoist Li, Qin'er believes you're a person of deep emotions, but Qin'er has stated before, unless the Dao path breaks, there shall be no offspring. And without merging with Fellow Daoist Li wholly, I'm unsure of sharing the opportunity entirely, can Fellow Daoist Li accept Qin'er's intent?" Duanmu Qin hooked her arms around Li Ji'an's neck, exhaling a breath of orchid fragrance, sincerely touching Li Ji'an.

Li Ji'an gently stroked her silk-like waist, nodding solemnly, "Peach Blossom Fairy, rest assured, I intend the same."

"However, since Peach Blossom Fairy is so forthright, I must clarify: if the opportunity's danger exceeds my expectations, I can only regretfully abandon it, by then, I hope Peach Blossom Fairy won't make things difficult."

"Hehe~ hearing Li Lang speak like this, Qin'er feels more at ease." Duanmu Qin smiled gently, her waist twisting slightly, easily slipping away from Li Ji'an's embrace.

She then spun gracefully to a place about three feet away from Li Ji'an, with a thin veil fluttering, accompanied by a delicate melody, she began to dance gracefully.

As her elegant dance unfolded, the light veil on her face slowly slipped off.

Finally, after nine years of acquaintance, it was the first time Li Ji'an saw Duanmu Qin's true appearance.

It was also the first time in fifty years that Duanmu Qin revealed her true appearance in front of anyone since coming to the Immortal City.