Foundation Establishment Without Regret

With his cultivation progressing, Lan Chang'an consolidated his strength and also nurtured the Treasure Talisman on a daily basis.

Thirteen Treasure Talisman were spread out on the spirit table.

Two years ago, he participated in a private trading fair for the Foundation Establishment Realm near Wuqi Mountain and was fortunate enough to buy a piece of Second-Order High-Grade spirit wood, which he then crafted into four Treasure Talisman.

The earliest three Treasure Talisman were nurtured for nearly twenty years.

These three Treasure Talisman subtly surpass the category of Second-Order High-Grade, comparable to the lowest quality Talisman Treasure.

A good Talisman Treasure can be up to 30% more powerful than a regular Law Treasure.

If Law Treasure at the Late Core Formation is used as its prototype, its power can pose a threat to False Core cultivator.

The cost of crafting Talisman Treasure is high, as it weakens the power of the Law Treasure for a period of time, so very few Core Formation True Person are willing to do it.

For Lan Chang'an, Foundation Establishment cultivator, it takes about twenty years to cultivate Treasure Talisman basic-level Talisman Treasure, which is very cost-effective.

"However, the materials used in these Treasure Talisman are only of the Second-Order High-Grade. Due to their limited potential, their enhancement speed will gradually decrease in the future."

Several days later, Lan Chang'an emerged from the pass.

The Mystic Water Turtle behind them followed, inhaling the remaining aura.

As Lan Chang'an's cultivation level improved, the growth rate of the Mystic Water Turtle also increased slightly.

Stepping out of its cave, the Mystic Water Turtle dashed towards the Lotus Pond.

It looked around but didn't see the familiar Guan Qiaozhi.

On the other side, Mu Bingyun controlled the Puppet, used the Lesser Cloud Rain Technique, and worked with the Earth Rock Rat to tend the Medicine Field.

Over the past three years, Guan Qiaozhi has diligently practiced and occasionally secluded herself to prepare for Foundation Establishment.

Mu Bingyun shared some of the work of managing the mountain peaks.

Mu Bingyun remained silent. Due to her refined Divine Sense resulting from drawing talismans, she could control the Puppet more easily.

Lan Chang'an sat in the pavilion by the Lotus Pond, contentedly watching the scenery on the mountain and the golden Spirit Grain in the distance.

"Uncle Lu."

After sitting for a while, a young woman in a light blue dress with a fair complexion like snow brought tea and said softly.

Lan Chang'an nodded and accepted the spirit tea.

The Mu Bingyun of the past was never this considerate.

She was exceptionally talented, possessed mastery of talismans, and her master was Second-Order Talisman Master, making her a favored daughter of the clan.

In addition, he has a rather aloof personality and is not used to serving others.

This change was not only due to his dependence on others, but also because of the Guan Qiaozhi.

Half a day later.

Guan Qiaozhi finished her cultivation and came to see Lan Chang'an.

"How are the preparations for Foundation Establishment going?"

Under Lan Chang'an's gaze, Guan Qiaozhi appeared slightly flustered and lowered her head guiltily.

"Brother Lu, I'm still quite a distance from the peak of the Qi Refining Ninth Layer."

"To break through to the Foundation Establishment, you don't necessarily have to reach the Qi Refining Peak. Your mental state and physical age are very important."

Lan Chang'an could tell that Guan Qiaozhi lacked confidence.

"If I prepare for another year, my chances will be even greater."

Guan Qiaozhi mustered her courage and lightly clenched her fists.

"To break through to the Foundation Establishment, one must have a firm Dao heart and forge ahead without hesitation."

Lan Chang'an encouraged him.

If we wait another year, Guan Qiaozhi be fifty-nine years old, which is within an acceptable range.

Since following Lan Chang'an, Guan Qiaozhi's cultivation has been stable, and her health has remained excellent. She has not suffered any hidden ailments or damage to her foundation.

Moon Empress.

Shi Manrong returned from outside and sent Sound Transmission Talisman, inviting Lan Chang'an to her residence for a chat.

After their transaction three years ago and subsequent in-depth communication, the two became more familiar with each other.

"The Restriction on this woman will be triggered in two years at most."

Lan Chang'an saw this and did not refuse, so he went to the cave on Small Plate Peak.

When we met today, Shi Manrong looked haggard, her makeup was not as exquisite as usual, and her hair was slightly disheveled, giving her a more languid and beautiful appearance.

"Daoist Lu, please keep me company for a few minutes."

Inside the tea room, Shi Manrong in a gentle voice, forcing a smile as she picked up the wine pot.

The two drank a few cups of wine and chatted leisurely.

Shi Manrong nestled in his arms, her dress neat and tidy, devoid of her usual allure.

Lan Chang'an knew that this woman was just looking for a temporary haven to confide in.

Or perhaps they feign weakness to evoke sympathy from others.

"I've tried every possible method... Even False Core Formation cultivator would find it difficult to break this kind of Restriction connecting the Sea of Consciousness."

Shi Manrong's eyes dimmed, and she said bitterly.

To ask someone to break the taboo, one must open Sea of Consciousness, essentially revealing all one's secrets and unconditionally trusting that person.

"Fairy Shi, your cultivation has reached the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. With your mastery of Second-Order High-Grade formations, and your ability to study Restriction within the Sea of Consciousness of consciousness, you should have a glimmer of hope."

Lan Chang'an comforted him.

"Does Daoist Lu have any insights?" Shi Manrong buried her face in his chest, her clear eyes turning slightly.

"In the Cultivation World, there are many ways to break restrictions, such as certain special Law Artifact and Talisman. There are also mutual restraints between Restriction..."

Lan Chang'an offered some appropriate insights.

"The systems of Restriction and formations are the same. Fairy Shi might consider what methods exist for breaking formations; Restriction work in the same way."

Without the Second Life of the Nine Imprint Tablet Stele, Lan Chang'an would not have been able to break this Restriction.

However, it wouldn't hurt for him to offer some ideas and suggestions.

At least he knew which methods were not feasible and which were hopeful.

Shi Manrong listened attentively, occasionally revealing a thoughtful expression.

Lan Chang'an's insights couldn't directly help her, but they could spark some inspiration.

"Lu Lang, if there's really no other way, could you please help me leave behind a child?"

Suddenly, Shi Manrong chuckled and said, half-jokingly.

"If this matter succeeds, I am willing to bestow upon you my entire life's estate and my legacy."

Lan Chang'an's face twitched slightly, and he waved his hand, saying, "I have no interest in having children."

"If Fairy Shi were to offer a large reward for a child, I believe many cultivators would flock to her."

"Hmph! You heartless bastard."

Shi Manrong glanced at him sideways with her pretty eyes, seemingly somewhat annoyed.

"Mr. Lu has left first, lest your ex-husband come knocking on your door again."

Lan Chang'an stood up and said.

Before parting, Shi Manrong gently hugged him from behind.

"Young Master Lu, I have heard of a rare Restriction-Breaking Talisman most Restriction. Are you familiar with it?"

"Such Restriction-Breaking Talisman do exist, but they only apply to regular Restriction, not Restriction connected to the Sea of Consciousness. Unless it's a custom-made Restriction-Breaking Talisman targeting the soul, it needs to be at least level three to be reliable."

Lan Chang'an answered.

Shi Manrong soft "hmm," her expression slightly disappointed.

She released her grip, preparing to escort Lan Chang'an out of the cave.

"Manrong, I have something important to discuss with you!"

An urgent male voice came from outside Small Plate Peak.

"The Chen Family is in crisis and needs your intervention..."

"Ignore him." Shi Manrong's clear eyes turned cold.

"Shi Manrong! How can you be so ungrateful, turning your back on the Lineage that raised and nurtured you?"

Chen Sheng shouted outside for a long time.

Lan Chang'an couldn't just go out directly.

Out of boredom, I spent over an hour cuddling with the Fairy Shi to pass the time.

Outside.

Chen Sheng's throat was almost hoarse from shouting.

Seeing that Shi Manrong did not respond, he went to Small Turtle Peak, several miles away, to call out.

Lan Chang'an wasn't at Small Turtle Peak, so he naturally didn't respond.

"Lan Chang'an! Did you go to Manrong's residence? I trusted you so much!"

Chen Sheng roared angrily, his face full of suspicion.

Lan Chang'an remained unmoved by this, taking it as a common occurrence.

Chen Sheng was very suspicious.

Several Peak Master on Wuqi Mountain, as long as they were male Foundation Establishment, including some male Qi Refining Realm cultivators, were suspected of wrongdoing.

Lan Chang'an was not spared; he had been listed as a suspect several years ago.

It was getting late.

"You'll have to go through the back door."

Shi Manrong wiped the sweat from her forehead and said to Lan Chang'an.

"Good."

Lan Chang'an knew the flaws and hidden openings in the Mountain Protection Array of Small Plate Peak.

He left through a hidden door in the back of the mountain.

Then, we went around in another direction and flew towards Small Turtle Peak.

"Lan Chang'an! Come out here!"

Chen Sheng was speaking when someone patted him on the shoulder.

"Brother Chen, were you looking for me?"

A calm male voice came from behind.

Chen Sheng staggered.

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. A dignified Foundation Establishment cultivator had been silently sneaked up behind him.

"Brother Lu."

"This is a misunderstanding. I thought you went to Manrong's residence."

Looking at the white-clad man in front of him, Chen Sheng steadied himself, forced a smile, and all traces of his previous arrogance had vanished.

Lan Chang'an was able to approach silently because this person's cultivation had been neglected, his Law Power was impure and mottled, and he had lost his vigilance.

"Brother Chen, I observe that your steps are unsteady and your vital energy is depleted. Has it been... lately?"

Lan Chang'an said with a half-smile.

"That's not true! Brother Lu, please don't spread rumors."

Chen Sheng reacted rather strongly, quickly interrupting Lu Chang'an and glancing at Small Plate Peak.

"Brother Lu, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll head back now..."

With his words evasive, Chen Sheng slunk away.

Lan Chang'an was not surprised; this man was notoriously shameless and a bully who preyed on the weak.

More than half a year later.

The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi above Small Turtle Peak is showing unusual activity.

A dozen days later, the outline of a vortex of Spiritual Qi appeared, trembling slightly.

"Someone Foundation Establishment?"

The other two main peaks, along with the Qi Refining cultivators attached to them, all looked towards Small Turtle Peak.

Breaking through to the Foundation Establishment Realm is not uncommon in the Second-Order Spiritual Vein throughout the Liang Kingdom.

Ordinary cultivators can't afford Foundation Establishment, but they can buy "Pulse Protecting Pill," which are much cheaper. They should try to buy them before they get old.

The Pulse Protecting Pill can only protect the meridians in the dantian and reduce the risk of death, but it does not increase the success rate.

Only a lucky few can succeed.

Call!

In the sky, the outline of that vortex of Spiritual Qi suddenly dissipated.

"It failed."

Lin Ye and Shi Manrong were both secretly keeping an eye on the other two main peaks.

They knew that the person attempting to reach the Foundation Establishment was Guan Qiaozhi.

It's not certain whether it was Pulse Protecting Pill or Foundation Establishment that was used.

For a concubine, receiving even one Pulse Protecting Pill would be considered quite good.

Secret Chamber of the cave.

"Brother Lu, I'm sorry! It was my fault for wasting the Foundation Establishment."

Guan Qiaozhi's face was pale, revealing disappointment and shame.

"Don't blame yourself. With your abilities, at this age, and having taken Inferior Foundation Establishment Pill, failure is normal."

Lan Chang'an placed one palm on Guan Qiaozhi's back.

Guan Qiaozhi's attack failed, and she suffered a backlash. He intervened in time to protect her and help heal her.

Lan Chang'an used the Evergreen Secret Technique, consuming a very small amount of his lifespan, to conduct a certain test.

"It worked! The backlash injuries were healed and soothed in time, preventing damage to the foundation and severe loss of vital energy."

Lan Chang'an thought to himself.

In other words, if one is protected by the Evergreen Secret Technique, failing to break through to the Foundation Establishment will have almost no impact on one's foundation.

After a few months of rest and recovery, you can regain your energy and continue to make breakthroughs.

Can this situation be applied to the Golden Core Realm?

"Brother Lu, I have no regrets about getting this far. If I had stayed in Yellow Dragon Immortal City, I wouldn't even have had this opportunity, and I wouldn't even have been able to advance to the Qi Refining Late-Stage."

Guan Qiaozhi's eyes were glistening with tears.

"Take this bottle of secret medicine and rest well for a while."

Lan Chang'an didn't say much, took out a medicine bottle, and gave instructions.

He had seen it a year ago: Guan Qiaozhi's belief in breaking through to the Foundation Establishment was not strong enough.

The inferior Foundation Establishment was indeed less effective.

Moreover, Guan Qiaozhi had taken Breakthrough Pill to advance to the seventh level of the Qi Refining Realm.

"Brother Lu, I've heard that failing to break through to the Foundation Establishment severely depletes one's vital energy and causes rapid aging..."

Guan Qiaozhi suddenly covered her face and wept sadly, not daring to look at Lan Chang'an.

"The backlash from a failed Foundation Establishment varies in severity, depending on the individual."

Lan Chang'an comforted him.

"Your symptoms are relatively mild, and you're not at an advanced age to attempt Foundation Establishment. With my protection and secret medicine, you won't experience rapid aging."

"It seems so?"

Guan Qiaozhi took out a mirror and looked at herself for a while. Her appearance remained the same, and she smiled through her tears.

(End of this chapter)