Chapter 45: Meeting Akaiishi

After paying respects at Chen Zhaohu's grave, Li Ji'an quietly waited for the return of Loose Immortal Chishi.

During the interim, he took a stroll around the settlement. Many houses were now vacant, and there were no longer any lazy old men basking in the sun by the streets, nor any children frolicking and playing.

Aside from a few young and robust hunters who could not bear to part with the abundant demonic beast resources of the Fallen Dragon Ridge, the vast majority had long since departed.

Even the large courtyard of which Chen Zhaohu had once been quite proud had long fallen into ruin due to years of neglect, lacking inhabitants to maintain or repair it.

"Senior, this junior has the heart to join the clan. I wonder if Senior might offer some guidance?"

"Second Uncle Chen, Father once said that you were his guides to the path of immortality. When he first arrived in this place, had it not been for your guidance, it would have been difficult for him to step onto the immortal path. Therefore, please refrain from maintaining such a posture ever again." Despite having said this numerous times, Chen Qing灵 remained steadfast.

In the world of cultivation, where strength is paramount and the capable are revered, such ingrained concepts are difficult to alter, especially for lower-tier cultivators like Chen Qing灵 who had struggled bitterly to rise from the settlement.

"Big Brother Li knows how to repay kindness and possesses a noble character. My brother and I are endlessly grateful, but the rules cannot be broken," Chen Qing灵 said respectfully.

Li Ji'an smiled and shook his head, no longer dwelling on this entanglement. However, he felt somewhat puzzled by what had just been said: "What is Daoist Chishi's stance on this?"

When rogue cultivators in Cangyun Prefecture take on disciples, though some harbor the intention of finding a miscellaneous servant or errand runner, most still treat the role as a proper lineage inheritance. Barring major conflicts, they do not easily sever this relationship.

"Master has no objections to it; in fact, he supports me."

"Hmm? Then why are you doing this?" Li Ji'an had initially assumed that Chen Qing灵 and Loose Immortal Chishi had developed a rift or that he had been expelled from the sect. He had not expected, judging by these words, that their relationship seemed quite harmonious.

A trace of helplessness washed over Chen Qing灵's face. "Senior might not know, but Master is a man of integrity and a fine elder. Having promised my elder brother back then that he would take care of me, he has always honored that pledge, rescuing me from peril countless times. It's just that... regarding his temperament and actions, this junior simply cannot see any hope..."

Hearing this, Li Ji'an could not help but wryly smile.

Before leaving the Yan family in his previous life, he had already heard Chen Zhaohu complaining about this.

He had regretted entrusting Chen Qing灵 to Loose Immortal Chishi.

The man spent all his time either delving into deep mountains or exploring wild, hidden caves.

"Master has a fondness for exploring ancient ruins and visiting ancient tombs. Initially, this junior found that quite appealing, given the abundance of opportunities for fortuitous encounters... But as of today, this junior has finally come to realize that Master is different from ordinary cultivators. He does not seek these opportunities for the sake of cultivation.

"As for myself, I am now advanced in age, with little lifespan remaining, and all hope of making further progress has been severed. If I continue like this, the Chen family lineage will have its hopes on the immortal path extinguished entirely.

"Before witnessing Senior's achievements today, this junior still held some doubts, but at this moment, my mind is made up," Chen Qing灵 said with firm resolve.

Li Ji'an could understand his decision; he was seeking hope for the next generation through the example of others.

However, he caught another piece of information from the words: Loose Immortal Chishi visited ancient tombs and explored ruins, yet not for the sake of cultivation opportunities?

"If not for cultivation resources, then for what?" Li Ji'an asked with surprise.

Having been in this realm for over seventy years, he had already gained a clear understanding of the situation in the barren wastes.

The reason this region had not been seized by major upper-sect factions lay primarily in the results of the pioneering efforts from over five hundred years ago.

The area was dominated almost entirely by the burial sites of rogue cultivators, with only a small number of family ruins, and the spiritual veins were merely mediocre.

He surmised that in ancient times, this place was not a particularly favorable location either. Aside from sporadic rogue cultivator tombs, substantial gains were hard to come by, making the risks disproportionate to the rewards when weighed against the Tier 2 demonic beasts inhabiting the region.

"This junior does not know what Master is actually searching for, and Master is evidently distinct from normal cultivators. Perhaps, as the rumors suggest, having spent years deep within ancient tombs, his spiritual consciousness has been eroded by Yin malice, causing his mind to become impaired," Chen Qing灵 said without the slightest reservation.

This also reflected indirectly on the information Li Ji'an had gathered regarding Loose Immortal Chishi. Over the hundred-plus years he had been active in the public eye across the barren wastes, he had never once attacked anyone. Even when pursued by the Zheng family in those years, he had mostly just fled.

Aside from occasionally visiting the allied marketplace to purchase wilderness survival supplies, he spent most of his time deep within the Fallen Dragon Ridge.

He was amiable to everyone, even maintaining a genial and pleasant demeanor when encountering ordinary mortals in the settlement.

These were the pieces of information Li Ji'an had gathered bit by bit during his years with the Yan family in this lifetime.

It was precisely based on this foundation that he had made the decision this time to personally befriend Loose Immortal Chishi.

After a moment of silence, Li Ji'an bypassed the topic and advised Chen Qing灵: "If you wish to enter a clan and pass down a lineage, the current situation in the barren wastes makes it a poor choice."

Chen Qing灵 was currently stuck at the middle stage of Qi Refining, which could be considered a core backbone strength within a barren waste clan. Moreover, entering a clan with a foreign surname meant he could certainly not escape the fate of fighting on the front lines in times like these.

Given his age and his experiences following Loose Immortal Chishi over the years, survival would be extremely difficult.

However, Li Ji'an understood the underlying intent behind his questioning: he hoped to have a word put in with the Yan family on his behalf to avoid being sent to the front lines.

Yet, he could not do so.

The Yan family was not Yan Qingwan's family alone; if he were to make such a request, it would only put Yan Qingwan in a difficult position.

Furthermore, two years ago, Yan Qingwan had sent a message stating that the Foundation Establishment Pill had already been used.

She had also followed his advice, giving Yan Qing a chance to compete. Otherwise, as a collateral branch member or an incoming son-in-law, Yan Qing would not have been qualified to compete for a Foundation Establishment Pill in this generation.

Regrettably, Yan Qing failed to pass the clan's moral character assessment. When it came to swearing allegiance to the death to protect the clan's honor and striving for its glory and disgrace for a lifetime, Yan Qing's resolve was found wanting.

In the end, a late-stage Qi Refining junior from Yan Kongyi's lineage secured the opportunity.

Through countless perils, he successfully achieved Foundation Establishment two years ago.

During the critical period of Foundation Establishment, three Foundation Establishment figures from the Zheng family launched an attack. However, with the Yan family's grand defensive array in place, they did not expect to forcibly interrupt the process; their goal was merely to disrupt and destabilize the mental state of the person attempting Foundation Establishment.

The two ancestors of the Yan family intervened and sent messages to the other four families of the alliance for assistance.

As it turned out, the other four families arrived tardily, showing up only when Yan Xiao had nearly succeeded.

Had Yan Xiao not possessed a calm disposition, combined with the fact that the Foundation Establishment Pill and the opportunity had come so suddenly and easily that his mental pressure was minimal, he might genuinely have been disrupted by the Zheng family.

From then on, the Yan family of the barren wastes boasted a lineage of three Foundation Establishment cultivators, becoming a Foundation Establishment clan second only to the Zheng family across the entire region.

Compounding this, the ancestor of the Zheng family had been severely wounded by wandering bandits years ago and had been lingering on the brink of death ever since, putting the Yan family almost on par with the Zheng family in terms of top-tier combat strength.

However, having an additional Foundation Establishment cultivator increased the Yan family's pressure even further. Following the emergence of the Yan family's third Foundation Establishment cultivator, the remaining four families of the former alliance immediately established a new four-family alliance to prevent the Yan family from becoming a second Zheng family.

After all, the Yan family's spiritual vein ancestral grounds were inferior to those of the Zheng family. A household with three Foundation Establishment figures could not be sustained by such resources, and they would inevitably vie for other Tier 2 spiritual vein territories.

Thus, the tripartite standoff in the barren wastes transformed into the present "four powers under one roof." Furthermore, because the Yan family's three Foundation Establishment figures had just recently consolidated their positions, their foundation was somewhat lacking, leaving their overall clan strength at the absolute bottom compared to the other three factions.

"Could it be..." Chen Qing灵 looked somewhat disappointed.

However, Li Ji'an immediately added: "Once I first consult with Loose Immortal Chishi, if feasible, perhaps I can take you northward. Tens of thousands of li north of the barren wastes, the Liu family—one of the five great clans—holds dominion. There are quite a few neighboring clans there, and it is relatively more stable."

"Alright, many thanks, Senior!" Chen Qing灵 instantly brightened with delight.

When the notion of leaving had first crossed his mind, most rogue cultivators in the area had already departed. With wandering bandits now active throughout the barren wastes, he dared not travel alone, fearing he would be seized for forced labor.

Loose Immortal Chishi, on the other hand, was someone who would absolute refuse to leave the barren wastes, let alone escort him on a distant journey.

Hearing Li Ji'an's offer now, he was already thoroughly satisfied.

Half a month later, Loose Immortal Chishi returned from his procurement run.

Li Ji'an finally met this legendary rogue cultivator of the barren wastes.

"I have long admired Daoist Chishi's great reputation. Today, my wish is fulfilled. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Chen Qing灵 timely stepped forward to introduce the two of them.

Just as rumors suggested, Loose Immortal Chishi was very amiable.

"Daoist Li flatters me; this poor Daoist does not deserve such praise." Yet, his words were indeed few; he appeared somewhat unsuited for socialization.

Li Ji'an met with him under the pretext of paying respects to a deceased elder, and subsequently thanked Loose Immortal Chishi on behalf of Chen Zhaohu for taking care of Chen Qing灵 over the years. The introduction went smoothly without appearing abrupt in the slightest.

He then presented three Tier 2 restriction-breaking talismans to appeal to the man's interests, hoping he would assist in locating and hunting down a golden-armored beast.

For someone who spent year after year exploring ruins, nothing could be more heart-stirring than restriction-breaking talismans.

Whether ruins or ancient tombs, most were sealed with restrictive barriers, and the most arduous step was precisely breaking those barriers. Therefore, Li Ji'an had already prepared them when he decided to personally befriend Loose Immortal Chishi.

The moment Loose Immortal Chishi laid eyes on the restriction-breaking talismans, his eyes indeed lit up with a brilliant, yearning intensity.

Operating year-round in the barren wastes, due to the region's limited resources—even during the most prosperous years of the allied marketplace—acquiring Tier 2 restriction-breaking talismans was exceedingly difficult.

"Daoist Li, this poor Daoist frequently ventures into the Fallen Dragon Ridge and has indeed laid eyes upon a Tier 2 golden-armored beast. That region ought to be within its territory."

"Oh? As long as Daoist assists this Li in acquiring the golden-armored beast's demonic core, besides these three restriction-breaking talismans, this Li will add another bottle of Qi-Nurturing Pills." Li Ji'an was slightly surprised.

Mentioning the golden-armored beast had initially been merely a pretext to maintain a connection with him; he had not expected that the man actually knew the beast's whereabouts—a truly pleasant surprise.

Within the Great Swamp Mountain Range, he dared not put himself in harm's way, preferring to issue a bounty instead, given that countless Tier 2 demonic beasts teemed within while Tier 3 demonic kings also existed.

As for the Fallen Dragon Ridge, however, Tier 2 demonic beasts were few. With Guagua and his talisman trump cards, he possessed the confidence to retreat unscathed.

"This... this poor Daoist is unskilled in combat and lacks the certainty to slay a Tier 2 golden-armored beast..." Loose Immortal Chishi wore a troubled expression, while his eyes simultaneously refused to leave the restriction-breaking talismans.

"I do not expect Daoist to slay it alone. You and I shall join forces, and I can add two more restriction-breaking talismans!" Li Ji'an decided decisively.

Loose Immortal Chishi was clearly tempted. "However, would it be possible to exchange the medicinal pills as well for... two more restriction-breaking talismans?"

"Hmm?" Li Ji'an felt a flicker of surprise. Qi-Nurturing Pills were essential medicinal pills for the cultivation of early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, each valued at two hundred spiritual stones; a bottle of ten totaled two thousand spiritual stones.

Meanwhile, a Tier 2 restriction-breaking talisman was worth five hundred spiritual stones at the absolute most.

Could it be that he had already given up on his cultivation?

Subconsciously, Li Ji'an swept his spiritual sense—comparable to the late Foundation Establishment stage—across the man.

His perception was entirely accurate: early-stage Foundation Establishment, with an aura of magic power closely mirroring his own. There was no disguise, nor any hidden cultivation base.

This made him even more confident about entering the Fallen Dragon Ridge alongside Loose Immortal Chishi.

Having negotiated the remuneration, Loose Immortal Chishi was thoroughly satisfied, even appearing somewhat impatient.

However, Li Ji'an first spoke with him regarding the matter of Chen Qing灵.

Just as Chen Qing灵 had stated, Loose Immortal Chishi expressed his support for the idea of leaving.

It was ultimately agreed that Chen Qing灵 would wait here.

Once Li Ji'an and Loose Immortal Chishi concluded their transaction, Li Ji'an would return to take him along.

That very day, Loose Immortal Chishi could not wait to set off toward the Fallen Dragon Ridge in the company of Li Ji'an.

"Daoist Chishi, the spiritual qi here is chaotic. Consume this pill to sustain your magic power." Along the journey, Li Ji'an handed him a bottle of Tier 1 spirit-replenishing pills.

Loose Immortal Chishi declined once more: "Daoist Li need not stand on ceremony; this poor Daoist dislikes consuming medicinal pills."

Li Ji'an's expression shifted slightly.

Throughout their prolonged flight, the man's magic power had shown practically no fluctuation whatsoever—a highly unreasonable phenomenon.

Residing for extended periods in spiritually barren lands or areas of chaotic spiritual qi meant ordinary cultivators were incapable of absorbing spiritual qi to replenish their magic power.

If left unreplenished for prolonged periods, not only would one's strength decline, but there was even a risk of cultivation regression.

Based on his previous understanding, Li Ji'an had always assumed that Loose Immortal Chishi managed to stay within the Fallen Dragon Ridge year-round by relying on medicinal pills for sustenance.

Pondering for a moment, to avoid causing offense, Li Ji'an did not press further.

What rogue cultivator capable of reaching Foundation Establishment lacked some fortuitous opportunity or hidden secret?

Throughout the remainder of the journey, Loose Immortal Chishi remained consistent. Only when Li Ji'an initiated conversation would he respond, and he never asked any questions of his own.

Until ten days later,

"Daoist Li, on my previous excursions, I spotted that Tier 2 golden-armored beast in a mountain ravine twenty li ahead. That entire area should be its domain." Loose Immortal Chishi landed upon a reddish boulder and pointed ahead.

The Fallen Dragon Ridge was dominated by piles of reddish rubble, rumored to be the remnants of an ancient giant dragon slain upon this spot, its blood having seeped into the stones.

Loose Immortal Chishi's moniker was likewise derived from this legend.

"Can Daoist be certain whether it is a Tier 2 early-stage demonic beast?" Li Ji'an opened his spiritual sense wide; his late-stage Foundation Establishment spiritual sense could cover a radius of twenty li.

However, the golden-armored beast was temporarily undetectable.

Aside from a hide as hard as iron, golden-armored beasts excelled at tunneling through mountains and burrowing underground.

"This poor Daoist is certain."

"Very well. Since that is the case, let us split up and act separately. It would be best to encircle and slay it at the earliest opportunity," Li Ji'an proposed.

"Agreed!" Loose Immortal Chishi answered concisely, promptly taking off in flight toward a different direction after speaking.

Once he had flown far away, Li Ji'an released Guagua.

Upon returning to this location, Guagua was visibly excited.

It had spent eight years foraging here in the past and was thoroughly familiar with the ambient aura of this place.

Yet back then, it had merely been a Tier 1 demonic beast and had not ventured very deep.

Soon enough, Guagua burrowed into the underground, stealthily advancing ahead.

With Guagua's current stealth talent and the mutation of its divine soul masking its presence, almost no demonic beast of the same tier could detect it.

While sharing Guagua's field of vision, Li Ji'an kept his spiritual sense fixed upon Loose Immortal Chishi. Ever since this acquaintance began and through their close interactions, Loose Immortal Chishi had given him a thoroughly bizarre impression.

On the surface, he appeared amiable, sincere, and natural, yet he gave Li Ji'an an unreal sensation.

It was as if everything was merely a facade, devoid of genuine emotion.

Just as Li Ji'an and Loose Immortal Chishi were searching for the golden-armored beast, far off in the northwest of the barren wastes, along the obligatory route from Golden Brilliance Immortal City to the Yan family estate, Zheng Tianxiang's expression flickered with uncertainty.

"Judging by the timing, he should have arrived long ago. Could it be that he isn't coming to the barren wastes after all?"

"Hmph, could he have felt a guilty conscience and sneaked in from some other direction instead?"