Qi Refining Ninth Layer

For Mu Ershun, Lan Chang'an was not only his Uncle Lu, but also his talisman master.

This relationship is second only to that with one's biological father.

Mu Ershun thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old, nearing forty.

With Qi Refining Seventh Layer and a senior first-tier mid-grade Talisman Master, his achievements today are inseparable from Lan Chang'an's guidance.

"Er Shun, it's been so many years, you look more and more like your father."

Lan Chang'an smiled as he noticed Mu Ershun's slightly protruding belly.

He beckoned for Mu Ershun and Lin Lu to come in and sit down.

"Uncle Lu, this is a gift my father asked me to bring."

Mu Ershun handed over a Storage Bag.

Lan Chang'an opened the Storage Bag, glanced at it briefly, and was slightly moved.

The Storage Bag was full of materials for Foundation Establishment, worth several hundred Spirit Stone.

None of these materials were the same as the one Zhao Siyao had given her back then.

I appreciate your father's kindness.

Lan Chang'an accepted the document without hesitation.

Even if these materials largely overlap with what he has collected.

But one of the mutton fat bottles...

The clear liquid inside was precisely the auxiliary medicine "February Tear" that Lan Chang'an was currently lacking.

February Tear itself has no outstanding value or efficacy; it only forms in specific environments and is something that cannot be obtained by chance.

In this way, Lan Chang'an only lacked the Mystic Spirit Fruit for the Foundation Establishment Pill.

"Given Erqing's status, he could at most work part-time as Spirit Plant grower. Could he easily come up with these resources? Moreover, he also intends to establish his Foundation Establishment."

Lan Chang'an noticed something amiss.

He immediately inquired about Mu Ershun Mu Jiuan.

"Jiu'an was taken in as a disciple by a Foundation Establishment senior and left Jade Moon Lake a year ago."

Mu Ershun replied.

This statement differs from what was mentioned in the letter.

Li Erqing is no longer the simple farm boy he once was. With his rich life experience, it's normal for him to be shrewd and calculating.

Lan Chang'an speculated that there were probably hidden details in this matter that were not mentioned in the letter.

Mu Ershun came to Yellow Dragon Immortal City mainly to convey his father's greetings and offer his filial piety.

He stayed for two days, received guidance on talisman techniques from Lan Chang'an, and then left Yellow Dragon Immortal City.

Two years later.

Lan Chang'an is sixty-one years old, and his cultivation level is approaching the Qi Refining Ninth Layer.

On this day, news of Daoist Guan's death arrived.

He died suddenly, earlier than Lan Chang'an had expected.

Guan Qiaozhi cried her heart out, blaming herself for being distracted and not taking good care of her master.

Lan Chang'an examined the body and confirmed that it was a natural death.

In the months before his death, Daoist Guan secretly purchased longevity tonics.

At first, taking it made me feel much more energetic, but in reality, it pushed my body's functions to their limits, turning it into a deadly poison.

Daoist Guan is Lan Chang'an's guide to cultivation in this life.

Out of respect, he and Guan Qiaozhi arranged the funeral together.

In accordance with Daoist Guan's last will and testament, everything was kept simple, and his ashes were scattered in the mountains surrounding Yellow Dragon Immortal City.

As a disciple, Guan Qiaozhi observed a hundred days of mourning.

After that, she officially moved to Water Moon Residence to take care of Lan Chang'an's daily life.

When Guan Qiaozhi entered the house, Lan Chang'an did not hold a banquet or a wedding ceremony.

Guan Qiaozhi couldn't help but feel somewhat disappointed by this.

If a monk is taking a concubine, he will, out of respect, inform his relatives and friends and hold a banquet.

Lan Chang'an ignored her, clearly preferring to treat her as a maid rather than a concubine.

Lan Chang'an noticed Guan Qiaozhi's slight mood and specifically sought out a talk with her.

"Qiaozhi, you still have a chance to regret your two choices back then."

Out of Daoist Guan, Lan Chang'an agreed to take the girl in.

Guan Qiaozhi was indeed somewhat useful; she managed the household chores, cared for the pets, made Talisman Paper, and warmed the bed, among other things, which Lan Chang'an did not find objectionable.

But it is by no means a necessity.

"Senior Brother Lu, I don't regret my decision back then. Even if I have to be a maid, Qiaozhi is willing to serve you forever."

Guan Qiaozhi's eyes were bright and clear, and her tone was firm.

Her willingness to serve Lan Chang'an was the result of careful consideration.

First, Lan Chang'an has connections and powerful backers; as a senior High-Grade Talisman Master, his future is stable.

Secondly, Lan Chang'an was a reliable person, and his appearance and demeanor made her like him.

Although Lan Chang'an was several decades older than her, such an age difference was nothing in the Cultivation World.

Of course, besides the two points mentioned above, Guan Qiaozhi's willingness to do so may not be without selfish motives.

If Lan Chang'an is fortunate enough to Foundation Establishment, her status will rise accordingly.

Common sense told her:

"A 61-year-old man is more likely to fail at Foundation Establishment."

Lan Chang'an had no biological children.

When she passes away a hundred years later, Guan Qiaozhi will be able to rightfully inherit the rich legacy she has accumulated throughout her life as a first-class High-Grade Talisman Master.

After Guan Qiaozhi officially moved in, she managed Water Moon Residence very well.

Everyday chores, gourmet meals, pet care, and preparation of materials for drawing talismans are all impeccable.

Lan Chang'an was relieved of a lot of trouble and enjoyed the same treatment as Daoist Guan back then, as if he had an extra warm coat.

He devoted more of his energy to spiritual cultivation, honing his skills, or making friends.

More than half a year later.

Water Moon Residence, Secret Chamber.

A surge of magical Law Power emanated from the area, bringing with it a subtle spiritual pressure.

"At the age of sixty, Qi Refining Ninth Layer."

Lan Chang'an opened his eyes, which seemed to hold the weight of time and the cycle of seasons.

His internal Law Power increased by 20-30%, and he vaguely sensed the upper limit of the Qi Refining Realm.

As expected, it took nine years to go from the Qi Refining Eighth Layer.

In this life, he is sixty-two years old, a proper sixty-year cycle.

As a concubine, it wouldn't be too much for Guan Qiaozhi to call him "Master".

The longevity-enhancing effects of Evergreen Art made Lan Chang'an look around twenty years old.

With a face like jade, handsome and refined, dressed in a white robe, serene and indifferent.

This youthfulness is not an outward appearance, but a quality that comes from within.

Lan Chang'an usually has to restrain his aura, otherwise his temperament will be too outstanding.

"At sixty, one should be at the Qi Refining Ninth Layer; at seventy, one should be able to Foundation Establishment."

Lan Chang'an had anticipated this.

It takes quite a few years to go from the Qi Refining Ninth Layer to the Qi Refining Peak, no less than the Qi Refining Eighth Layer.

In theory, Qi Refining Ninth Layer can also attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment.

Most cultivators choose to attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment at the peak of the Qi Refining Ninth Layer in order to deepen their foundation.

At Lan Chang'an's feet, the Mystic Water Turtle was greedily absorbing the remaining aura of the Evergreen Art.

The Mystic Water Turtle's true cultivation level is not too far from the First-Order Mid-Stage.

This tortoise is adept at concealing its aura and is telepathically connected to Lan Chang'an, never displaying its Law Technique talents in front of anyone other than him.

Guan Qiaozhi was not skilled in beast taming, and even though she frequently came into contact with them, she could not discern any clues.

"Congratulations, Brother Lu, on advancing to the Qi Refining Ninth Layer."

Two days later, Lan Chang'an emerged from the pass, Guan Qiaozhi was waiting for him outside.

Guan Qiaozhi has a pure and beautiful face. She is wearing a beige ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and her figure is light and graceful, making her charming and lovely.

That day, Guan Qiaozhi prepared a table of Spirit Cuisine delicacies for a small celebration, which greatly satisfied Lan Chang'an's appetite.

With his cultivation level improving, Lan Chang'an was in a very good mood.

Guan Qiaozhi's pretty eyes darted around, her pink lips pursed slightly, and her face suddenly flushed red.

After clearing away the dishes, I left.

It was the middle of the night.

Lan Chang'an drew several Talisman and walked out of the talisman room.

"Brother Lu, let me serve you during your bath."

A melodious, captivating voice came from outside the door.

Guan Qiaozhi was only wrapped in a piece of white gauze, almost transparent, which made her exquisite and curvaceous figure appear and disappear.

Beyond the sheer fabric, smooth, jade-like shoulders and long, slender, snow-white legs were revealed, a feast for the eyes.