"Li Jinchán?"
The moment Xiao Chen saw who it was, his scalp went numb, and his entire body jolted violently.
What he feared most—
came knocking.
Earlier, he had sensed someone spying from the shadows. He had guessed that Li Jinchán was lurking nearby with ill intentions. Sure enough, the moment the battle ended, Li Jinchán appeared and "warmly" called him his disciple.
This time—
Li Jinchán was no longer young. His frame was withered and thin, his flesh dried up. The glossy black hair he had possessed when they first met was now streaked with snow-white. Deep, fine wrinkles had appeared around his eyes and brows, making him look thoroughly aged.
Although the Vajra Cicada could prolong one's life, before reaching its ultimate pinnacle, one had to endure the suffering of "Reincarnation Cycles" at regular intervals.
The so-called Reincarnation Cycle—
was the turning of youth.
One constantly shifted between youth and old age.
With every Reincarnation Cycle, a cultivator experienced the decline from flourishing vigor to decay, watching the years vanish away. The pain was extreme.
Nearly a hundred years ago, Li Jinchán had cultivated the Vajra Cicada to the Quasi-Metamorphic Realm. He only needed a single Supreme-Grade Human Pill to push his realm to its peak, permanently preserve his youth, and enjoy everlasting vigor alone.
Unfortunately, Supreme-Grade Human Pills were far too rare. Those who met the requirements were all peerless True Dragons, most of them heirs of Ancient Clans, bearing the weight of fate.
Targeting such people, leaving aside their tight protection, was extraordinarily difficult to succeed at.
Even if he succeeded, he would form a life-and-death blood feud with an Ancient Clan.
The price was too great.
Ordinary Heavenly Prodigy Rank cultivators lacked sufficient foundations, and their quality was inadequate as well.
One outstanding, perfect "Human