Long Time No See

Guan Qiaozhi's failure to Foundation Establishment did not cause much of a stir on Wuqi Mountain.

After a while, no one discussed it anymore.

In the vast Cultivation World, failing to advance to a higher realm is the norm.

Behind every success story lies the epitaph of countless failures.

Thanks to Lan Chang'an's protection, Guan Qiaozhi was not seriously injured, nor did her appearance age prematurely.

Guan Qiaozhi's initial expectations weren't that high, and she gradually adjusted her mindset.

Her petite and graceful figure busied herself in every corner of Small Turtle Peak, returning to her usual routine.

Over the next period of time, Guan Qiaozhi quietly underwent some changes.

The most obvious point.

Her attitude towards Mu Bingyun changed; she was no longer outwardly warm but secretly wary.

Guan Qiaozhi began to genuinely accept this Mu Family girl who was much younger, prettier, and more talented than herself.

After failing to Foundation Establishment, she truly understood how great Mu Bingyun's advantages were.

Mu Bingyun possesses Mid-Grade Spiritual Root and came to Small Turtle Peak to cultivate and nurture it at the age of twenty-eight.

At that time, she had already reached the Qi Refining Seventh Layer.

After seven or eight years of gentle recuperation and conditioning, Mu Bingyun's cultivation speed returned to what it was before her injury.

Each time Lan Chang'an performed the warming treatment, he used the Evergreen Mana to nourish his dantian, combined with medicinal soup.

The real effect is a fleeting, momentary Evergreen Secret Technique.

The entire process cost roughly the same as the cost of saving Mu Xiuyun back then.

Because the treatment process is lengthy, even if there are effects, they won't be immediately noticeable.

Currently, two-thirds of the treatment course has been completed.

Wait until the warming process is complete.

Out of consideration for past feelings and to make up for some regrets, Lan Chang'an's care for Mu Bingyun will end here.

At that time, they will be treated the same as nephews like Lin Lu and Mu Ershun.

"Bingyun, if I grow old in the future, you must take good care of Brother Lu."

By the Lotus Pond, Guan Qiaozhi held Mu Bingyun's hand and whispered secrets to each other.

Mu Bingyun lowered her head, her pretty face flushed, unsure how to respond.

Having spent so many years at Small Turtle Peak, she sensed Uncle Lu's extraordinary nature and knew that following him in cultivation would bring greater opportunities for her future.

Actually, Mu Bingyun missed Jade Moon Lake and her master.

He often sent letters back home, telling them about his current situation.

However.

The master replied to her letter two years ago, telling her not to reply if she could avoid it.

If you absolutely must return, you must be either Foundation Establishment Realm or Second-Order Talisman Master.

After whispering her secret, Guan Qiaozhi played and frolicked with the Mystic Water Turtle, her eyes filled with doting affection.

After failing to Foundation Establishment, Guan Qiaozhi spent more time each day with the Mystic Water Turtle.

Nowadays, the Mystic Water Turtle is four feet wide, allowing it to carry her quickly through the pool.

Six months later.

Lan Chang'an received an unexpected letter from Chen Fuhai of the Green Bamboo Sect.

In his letter, Chen Fuhai said that he would come to Yellow Dragon Immortal City in Moon Empress to bring Lan Chang'an two Second-Order High-Grade Spirit Bamboo.

This is undoubtedly good news.

Two more Second-Order High-Grade Spirit Bamboo would basically satisfy Lan Chang'an's needs at this level.

In the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, the maximum number of Treasure Talisman he could nurture simultaneously was only about thirty.

We still need to leave some space for the Treasure Talisman made of third-tier spirit wood bark.

"Moon Empress, it will be the grand auction in Yellow Dragon Immortal City."

Lan Chang'an kept this in mind and decided to go there when the time came.

If this transaction goes smoothly, it's not impossible to buy third-tier Spirit Bamboo from the Green Bamboo Sect in the future.

The day after Lan Chang'an received the letter.

Shi Manrong rushed back to Wuqi Mountain from outside, her expression calm and revealing neither joy nor anger.

That evening, she came to visit, saying she had something important to say.

Lan Chang'an could easily see that the Restriction in Shi Manrong's Sea of Consciousness would collapse within a few months at most.

Inside the study, Lan Chang'an set up Restriction.

"I'm prepared to break through the Restriction with all my might!"

Shi Manrong said resolutely.

"How confident are you?" Lan Chang'an asked.

"Thirty percent."

Upon hearing this, Lan Chang'an showed a look of surprise.

Shi Manrong's confidence in breaking the restriction was much higher than he had expected, indicating that she had found another breakthrough.

How do you plan to break the ban?

"I'd like to have Fellow Daoist Lu review my method for breaking the restrictions."

Shi Manrong expression, handed over a Jade Cylinder.

After reading the information in the Jade Cylinder, Lan Chang'an was slightly moved and his face showed a thoughtful expression.

Shi Manrong's method of breaking the restriction was a convergence of three ideas.

First, break the barrier with an array.

She improved a soul-path formation, using the formation to activate a method of breaking restrictions that contains the power of the divine soul.

The Restriction methods and ideas provided by Lan Chang'an played a significant role in improving the formation.

Second, special Law Artifact can break the restrictions.

She was fortunate enough to acquire a special magical Law Artifact that could suppress and imprison Divine Sense.

This special Law Artifact will also be integrated into that formation, serving as a powerful tool for breaking the restrictions.

Third, several precious pills have the effect of amplifying and strengthening the Sea of Consciousness, which can be used to counteract the Restriction False Core.

"Truly a genius of formations, adept at adaptability."

Lan Chang'an secretly praised him.

I'm 30% certain; this is not an exaggeration.

If it were an ordinary Pseudo-Core True Person, returning to the same cultivation level, it would be difficult for them to do better than Shi Manrong if they were not proficient in formations and Restriction.

Lan Chang'an then inquired about the details of breaking the ban and offered some suggestions.

"Fairy Shi, my abilities are limited. This ' Clear Heart Steady Spirit Talisman ' can help you maintain your clarity and concentration even in extreme situations."

Lan Chang'an took out a Talisman and handed it to Shi Manrong.

The Clear Heart Steady Spirit Talisman is a relatively uncommon second-tier Talisman, with unique requirements for its crafting techniques and materials.

"Thank you, Daoist Lu."

Shi Manrong's heart stirred; this talisman might be useful to her at a crucial moment.

She smiled again and asked, "How many Spirit Stone are you willing to sell me for this talisman, Daoist Lu?"

"This is not a deal," Lan Chang'an said after a few moments of silence.

"That's a personal relationship, I suppose."

Shi Manrong chuckled, her tone light and cheerful.

Lan Chang'an didn't say much and saw Shi Manrong out of the cave.

"Daoist Lu, I left a will under the Meditation Cushion in my cultivation room in my cave."

Shi Manrong transmitted an important message telepathically and flew towards Small Plate Peak.

"With a 30% or higher chance of success, it's definitely worth the gamble."

Lan Chang'an thought to himself.

If successful, Shi Manrong will have complete control over her life and will also have the opportunity to excavate an Ancient Ruins.

Seven days later.

Lan Chang'an was in seclusion in his cave when he suddenly sensed a subtle fluctuation of Divine Sense coming from Small Plate Peak.

The subtle fluctuations of Divine Sense lasted only a few breaths before abruptly ceasing.

What was the result?

Lan Chang'an's mind merged with the Second Life of the Nine Imprint Tablet. His powerful Divine Sense directly penetrated the formation and cave of Small Plate Peak, allowing him to see the specific situation.

Inside the Secret Chamber of Small Plate Peak Cave.

Shi Manrong lay quietly on the ground, her face pale, her legs curled up, motionless.

On her forehead was Talisman with charred edges, the very one Lan Chang'an had given her to Clear Heart Steady Spirit Talisman.

Lan Chang'an quietly left Small Turtle Peak and arrived at Small Plate Peak, entering through a hidden door in the formation.

Upon arriving at the Secret Chamber, he used a Second-Order Restriction Breaking Talisman to easily break through the barrier and enter.

Lan Chang'an helped Shi Manrong up and found that she still had body temperature and a faint breath.

Lan Chang'an fed her two Spirit Nourishing pills.

A moment later, Shi Manrong woke up and found herself being held in the arms of a man in white.

"Who are you?"

Shi Manrong broke free from Lan Chang'an, her usually calm eyes now filled with wariness.

"Huh? You don't recognize me?"

Lan Chang'an's expression froze, realizing something.

The Sea of Consciousness is the source of a cultivator's awareness and memories.

Although Shi Manrong broke the Restriction in her Sea of Consciousness, the process was not perfect, and it seems that she was left with some aftereffects.

It was already a stroke of luck that I managed to break through the False Core's Restriction and save my life.

It's not hard for Lan Chang'an to understand why he lost some memories.

"I am Lan Chang'an, don't you remember me?"

Shi Manrong frowned slightly and shook her head, saying:

"I don't remember, but it sounds familiar."

Do you know Chen Sheng?

That scoundrel!

Shi Manrong's face turned cold, and she clenched her teeth.

Lan Chang'an understood; this Fairy Shi had partial amnesia, perhaps leaning more towards her memories from recent years.

He then asked Alchemist Lin Ye, Shi Manrong remembered it as well.

My impression of Guan Qiaozhi is also very vague.

Fortunately, this Fairy Shi did not undergo a drastic change in temperament; she remained dignified and serene overall.

After exchanging words for a while, Shi Manrong skeptical of his words.

"Daoist Lu, this is my cave dwelling. You seem to have intruded without permission."

Shi Manrong spoke coldly, issuing an order to leave.

"Alright, I'll be leaving now."

Lan Chang'an, being well-informed and knowledgeable, didn't take it to heart.

"Fairy Shi, you might want to try to recall this in private, or perhaps discuss it with Fellow Lin Ye."

He left behind a piece of advice and departed from Shi Manrong's cave.

The Cultivation World is full of wonders.

Lan Chang'an didn't take Shi Manrong's partial amnesia to heart.

Moon Empress, Shi Manrong took the initiative to visit, as if she were meeting a new neighbor.

This amnesiac Fairy Shi is elegant and noble, as gentle as a chrysanthemum, no longer possessing the gentleness and allure of the past.

"Daoist Lu, I have verified that I have indeed lost a portion of my memory. May I ask what our relationship was like before?"

Shi Manrong asked with a gentle voice and a smile.

"Our relationship? It's similar to that of Fellow Lin Ye."

Lan Chang'an thought for a moment and decided not to bring up the deeper relationship, otherwise it might cause discomfort and resentment in the other party.

Theoretically speaking, the two are now essentially getting to know each other anew, with no trace of their previous relationship.

"Oh, really?"

Shi Manrong elegant demeanor and a smile that never revealed her teeth, chatted with Lan Chang'an for a while before rising to take her leave.

"Brother Lu, my senior sister seems like a different person. She didn't even greet me when we met this time."

Guan Qiaozhi muttered to herself.

Lan Chang'an smiled and told Guan Qiaozhi Shi Manrong's partial amnesia.

Moon Empress, Lan Chang'an piloted Flying Boat to Yellow Dragon Immortal City.

This time, he brought Guan Qiaozhi and Mu Bingyun out so they could relax and buy some things.

Lan Chang'an went to the Green Bamboo Sect's headquarters in the inner city by himself.

"Please wait a moment, senior."

When Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator arrived, the cultivators stationed at the Green Bamboo Sect dared not neglect him and immediately went in to report the news.

"Haha! It's been many years, Daoist Lu hasn't changed at all."

Before long, a well-to-do middle-aged man wearing a cloak strode over from the camp.

Each step he took covered five or six zhang (approximately 10-15 meters), his demeanor calm and composed, as steady as a mountain.

"Foundation Establishment Late Stage?"

Lan Chang'an stepped forward with a solemn expression to pay his respects.

The Foundation Establishment Late Stage is a hurdle that stops most Foundation Establishment cultivators.

However, the last time I saw Chen Fuhai was more than 20 years ago, so this progress is not surprising.

"When I first heard the inspiring story of someone Foundation Establishment at seventy, I thought of Fellow Daoist Lu. I never imagined it would actually be the same person."

As always, Chen Fuhai was amiable, chatting as they walked, and led Lan Chang'an to a pavilion in the camp.

The cultivators stationed at the Green Bamboo Sect looked surprised.

Chen Fuhai, who was in the Foundation Establishment Late Stage and held a certain position in the sect, actually personally greeted a Rogue Cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage stage.

Inside the pavilion.

Chen Fuhai and Lan Chang'an sat facing each other, drinking tea and chatting about everything under the sun.

It's inevitable that the experience in the Black Mist Mountain Range will be mentioned.

Lan Chang'an recalled the other party's wife, Xiao Yingxue, who had died from the mysterious and eerie Heavenly Moon Wolf.

Chen Fuhai looked grief-stricken, saying that in recent years he had wanted to find the Heavenly Moon Wolf to take revenge, but had lost track of it.

"Oh, right, this is something I brought for Daoist Lu."

Chen Fuhai took out two Second-Order High-Grade Spirit Bamboo, one green and one purple, from his Storage Bag.

Last day of double monthly votes! I've been updating nearly 7000 words a day, please give me some monthly votes! This type of book is hard to write; I've already abandoned several and ruined them. Stability is key; I can't compare myself to those books that update tens of thousands of words a day.

(End of this chapter)