Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi-Chapter 135 - 124: Haihe Association

"Better not..."

Zhang Yao shook his head and completely dismissed the idea of joining Celestial Treasure Tower.

Although Celestial Treasure Tower offers more benefits and resources, a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall. He would rather be overly cautious than suffer a misstep.

The Earth Divine Embryo can allow him to be reborn but cannot compensate for his other losses, serving only as a last resort.

"Haihe Association isn’t bad either."

After rejecting Celestial Treasure Tower, Zhang Yao began seriously considering the feasibility of joining Haihe Association.

Within the secondary powers of the Da Li Cultivation Realm, more than half have intricate connections with the four major Golden Core powers, and Haihe Association is no exception.

Just by its name, it’s clear that this organization is closely related to Fuhai Sect, which is almost a public secret.

"Haihe Association’s strength is not weak; among a dozen or so second-tier sects, noble families, and organizations, it ranks in the top five."

"It’s essentially just a loose alliance, not very restrictive on its members."

"Haihe Association also has strong backing. With connections to Fuhai Sect, it means there’s a chance to obtain the subsequent cultivation techniques of the Scripture of All Transformations and True Nature..."

Zhang Yao’s thoughts flickered as he continuously calculated.

The Scripture of All Transformations and True Nature he obtained back then was only the basic part, lacking content beyond Foundation Establishment, which has left him without a path forward—it’s a pressing issue that must be resolved.

Celestial Treasure Tower certainly has the subsequent parts, but this path is already blocked, so he can only try to find a way from Haihe Association.

"I must not rush into this."

Zhang Yao pondered silently, thinking:

"So many years have passed, logically Celestial Treasure Tower’s plan should have been on track long ago, unlikely to continue targeting Cultivators with Five Spirit Roots."

"But for safety’s sake, after joining Haihe Association, I should seek an opportunity to test things out or come up with an excuse that wouldn’t arouse suspicion..."

......

The next day.

At the invitation of Elder Gao, six Foundation Establishment Cultivators gathered together once more for a small ceremony.

After three rounds of wine, Elder Gao laughed and asked:

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu."

"How have you considered?"

Zhang Yao first pondered for a moment, then showed a hint of apology before speaking:

"Elder Gao, Fellow Daoist Ge, I sincerely apologize."

"I plan to accept Fairy Lichen’s invitation and join Haihe Association."

Upon hearing his words, the Foundation Establishment Cultivators were taken aback, clearly not anticipating his choice.

"...Good, with Fellow Daoist Qingxu joining our Haihe Association, it’s truly a match made in heaven!"

Fairy Li Chen reacted quickly, immediately beaming with joy.

Elder Gao, seated in the main position, along with the other two, after overcoming their surprise, were still smiling as they congratulated Zhang Yao and Fairy Li Chen.

"This..."

The elder surnamed Ge turned somewhat curious, unable to hold back his inquiry:

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu, may I boldly ask, why did you choose Haihe Association?"

This remark attracted everyone’s attention back to Zhang Yao, all with a touch of curiosity in their expressions.

"The reason is simple."

Zhang Yao remained calm and replied:

"My nature is rather free-spirited, accustomed to being independent, and truly cannot bear constraints."

"The conditions at Celestial Treasure Tower are indeed excellent, but the rules are slightly too strict for me, hence I’ve had to regretfully decline."

"I see..."

Upon hearing his words, the Foundation Establishment Cultivators immediately displayed expressions of realization, nodding slightly, accepting his explanation.

Loose Cultivators who rise with difficulty often have various quirks, such as being overly cautious, paranoid, reclusive, and anti-social... All too common indeed.

As for whether behind this excuse lurks any secrets or indiscretions, no one wished to delve deeper.

"Such a pity."

The elder surnamed Ge still felt a bit of regret in his heart.

In earlier years, Celestial Treasure Tower was actually much like Haihe Association.

However, over the past century or two, as Celestial Treasure Tower rose and expanded, its personnel grew increasingly abundant, coupled with the high-level changes, the organizational structure began to lean towards the four major Golden Core powers.

In such circumstances, it’s inevitable that the rules would become more stringent, though still slightly better compared to the Golden Core influences like Lingyang Sect and the Gudu family.

Half an hour later.

"Elder Gao, please remain."

"Fellow Daoists, Ge Mou bids farewell."

"Fellow Daoist Ge, safe travels."

The Foundation Establishment Cultivators bid farewell outside Lingyang Pavilion.

The elder surnamed Ge from Celestial Treasure Tower left, and Zhang Yao and Fairy Li Chen also said goodbye to the three resident elders on the island.

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu, let’s go."

After Elder Gao and the others left, Fairy Li Chen looked at Zhang Yao, smiling:

"I initially came to Immortal Gate Island to purchase a suitable backup Spiritual Artifact, and after completing my business yesterday, I should have left."

"However, meeting Fellow Daoist Qingxu upon achieving Foundation Establishment was indeed my fortune..."

"Fairy, you’re too kind."

Zhang Yao responded politely:

"The immortal path is long; we must look out for each other in the future."

"Haha..."

Fairy Li Chen smiled:

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu speaks the truth."

"Let’s go, I’ll take you to our Haihe Association’s main headquarters."

"Alright."

Zhang Yao nodded gladly.

The two rose into the air, transforming into two streaks of escape light, one green and one purple, flying away from Immortal Gate Island, swiftly heading southwest.

A few short hours later, under the guidance of Fairy Lichen, Zhang Yao crossed the long distance of several thousand miles and arrived at the Fang Continent in the southwest of Da Li.

"Rumble..."

The mighty river flowed endlessly and relentlessly forward, with a width of several hundred zhang, stirring up waves upon waves of Jingtao.

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu, we’ve arrived!"

Fairy Lichen slowed her Escape Light, hovering above the great river, and said with a smile.

"Arrived?"

Zhang Yao paused for a moment, then suddenly realized, looking at the great river before him:

"Could it be... the headquarters of the Haihe Association is not on the land, but within this river?"

"Indeed."

Fairy Lichen clapped her hands and laughed:

"This is the famous ’Cang River’ of Da Li, stretching for vast miles, flowing east to the inner sea, nurturing the lands of five continents and countless common people."

"And this section is the most perilous part of the Cang River, containing a Water Spirit Vein, upon which our Haihe Association’s headquarters is built."

"I see."

Hearing this, Zhang Yao immediately showed a look of realization.

Spirit Vein formations come in many shapes, but mountain and river veins are the most common; this was his first time seeing a Water Spirit Vein.

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu, please."

Fairy Lichen extended her hand with a smile, gesturing:

"After you, Fairy."

Zhang Yao modestly replied.

"Boom!" "Boom!"

The Escape Light of the two descended one after another, instantly breaking through the river’s surface, diving into the waters.

In the moment they submerged: Invisible Magical Power surged, transforming into a round shield, protecting Zhang Yao’s figure.

Rich Spiritual Qi came rushing from all directions, even denser than on Immortal Gate Island, prompting Zhang Yao to reveal a look of surprise.

"Appearances can be deceiving."

The river’s surface seemed unremarkable, but upon diving in, the extraordinary nature of the Water Spirit Vein was revealed.

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu, isn’t this environment nice?"

As Fairy Lichen flew, she introduced:

"This Cangjiang Spiritual Vein ranks in the top ten across the entire Da Li Cultivation Realm."

"It is indeed very impressive."

Zhang Yao nodded in agreement, following her Escape Light.

Among small Spirit Veins, this Cangjiang Spiritual Vein was the largest and most abundant in Spiritual Qi he had ever seen.

Moments after traversing the riverbed:

A bright light suddenly rose from the dark river heart ahead, illuminating a radius of several miles.

Raising his eyes, Zhang Yao saw a brilliantly lit area, bright as day, where a majestic Crystal Palace stood amidst the vast waters, shimmering like a dream.

A semi-circular shield glimmering with a hazy luster encompassed the grand Crystal Palace, isolating the water flow, making it appear ethereal and illusory, as if separated by clouds, blurring the distinction between reflection and reality.

"What a magnificent River Heart Water Mansion!"

Zhang Yao exclaimed involuntarily, a trace of awe rising in his heart.

By his side, Fairy Lichen covered her mouth and chuckled:

"Fellow Daoist Qingxu, your reaction is just the same as mine was the first time I came here." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

She leaned closer, whispering:

"I’ll let you in on a little secret."

"When the Association Leader built this Crystal Palace, he received assistance from a Golden Core Ancestor..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yao understood immediately.

The relentless force of billions of tons of river water could erode even a small mountain over the years; how could it be withstood by human power?

Perhaps only a Great Cultivator of the Golden Core Stage could set up a protective array and construct such a massive palace in the depths of the river, a hundred zhang deep.

"Let’s proceed."

Fairy Lichen beckoned, leading Zhang Yao, as they flew toward the Crystal Palace.

A few breaths later, they reached the invisible barrier, where Fairy Lichen performed a Spell, causing the semi-circular shield to ’dissolve,’ forming an opening about one zhang wide.

Amazingly, even with such a large opening in the shield, no water seeped inside.

"The array here is indeed extraordinary..."

Zhang Yao observed carefully, forming a judgment in his mind.

Their Escape Light passed through the opening, landing before the Crystal Palace.

From this vantage point, the Crystal Palace appeared even more majestic, occupying an area of several miles, with a plaque bearing the four characters ’Cangjiang Water Mansion.’

"Greetings, Fairy Lichen!"

The two Qi Refining Cultivators guarding the gate of the Haihe Association stepped forward in respect, their attitude extremely reverent.

"Hmm."

Fairy Lichen nodded slightly, leading Zhang Yao up the steps into the Cangjiang Water Mansion.

"Our Haihe Association was founded by Lord Haihe and has over a hundred years of history, with nine Foundation Establishment Cultivators developed over time."

As she led the way, she introduced:

"Currently, besides myself, there are five Foundation Establishment Cultivators cultivating in the Water Mansion, while the remaining three are out on tasks and handling private matters."

"In this Water Mansion..."

She had barely begun when a powerful Divine Thought swept through, with a voice filled with authority:

"Lichen, who is the friend you’ve brought?"

"Association Leader."

Fairy Lichen slightly bowed to the emptiness, smiling as she spoke:

"This is Fellow Daoist Qingxu, just recently advanced to Foundation Establishment."

"Coincidentally, while I was on business at Immortal Gate Island, I happened to witness Fellow Daoist Qingxu’s advancement to Foundation Establishment, and Fellow Daoist Qingxu is interested in joining our Haihe Association."