Foundation Establishment Cultivator, Lüo Family's Trouble

Rogue Cultivator Gathering Place.

Inside a multi-story building in the Golden Character Workshop, Xu Ning frowned as he released the communication jade slip in his hand, his expression instantly turning grim.

He Sun, standing beside him, saw his expression and tentatively asked, "Brother Xu, what did the superior say?"

Xu Ning shook his head, took a deep breath, and said with a frown, "It seems that brat got very lucky. Two months have passed, and he's still at the Lüo Family's place and hasn't come out. The superior says the brat was probably successful, and the eldest young lady still has tasks to assign him."

He Sun hesitated, "Then..."

Xu Ning said in a deep voice, "What about the market for those dozen bags of Gu poison? How's the research on the alchemist's side?"

He Sun replied, "The market is very good, demand exceeds supply. Now even forces like Hutong Street, Yulin Workshop, and the Merchant Alliance have noticed. Some merchants from the Merchant Alliance are offering high prices to acquire the Gu poison formula, and finished Gu poison can also be negotiated. I think if we expand the market scale, it'll be a business with a thousandfold profit, a way to make big money.

But after all, the method of refining Gu isn't in our hands. As for the research..."

He Sun shook his head helplessly, "Not only our alchemists, but even the other skilled alchemists in the Gathering Place can't figure anything out."

Xu Ning frowned, pacing with his hands behind his back, "The eldest young lady needs to continue using this person. I think the superior's intention is not to offend the eldest young lady over such a minor figure. It seems the eldest young lady is currently angry about something and in a bad mood.

Also, the superior reminded us to keep a low profile recently and pay special attention to the Zhu Family's movements. It looks like something big is about to happen.

Currently, the market for this Gu poison hasn't taken off yet, and the superior doesn't take it seriously. I can only cooperate with this person for now. Once the market grows..."

He Sun frowned, "So, the superior side knows some information.

The Zhu Family has indeed been acting strangely lately, otherwise, the Iron Forest Hall they support wouldn't have started forcibly snatching things in the market. I really can't figure it out. It seems we can't push that brat too hard either. Many merchants are now offering large sums for the Gu refining techniques."

"Hmph--"

Xu Ning shook his head, "If he's smart, he'll stay honestly in the Golden Character Workshop, on Lüo Family territory. Once he tries to break free, we won't have so many scruples, and it'll be easier to explain to the eldest young lady."

Though he said this, another more adventurous idea had already formed in Xu Ning's mind.

But this idea involved another powerful cultivator and force.

Currently, his cooperation with that cultivator's force was limited to transactions involving some women and did not infringe upon the Lüo Family's interests. But what if he pushed the person the eldest young lady valued towards them?

"This guy took away the Innate I selected from him. That Innate is what that side wants. Perhaps I'll have to wait and see in the future."

Xu Ning shook his head inwardly and flicked his sleeve, leaving.

He was unhappy that Chen Dengming had embarrassed him, and subconsciously, he also sensed danger due to the latter being highly regarded by the eldest young lady, worrying that another Qian Yuan might emerge.

Additionally, he selfishly wanted to seize the latter's Gu poison technology for himself and gain more profit.

However, cooperating with that force might not be a good thing either; he might be swallowed whole, leaving no bones behind.

In the Cultivation World, big fish eat small fish, and small fish eat shrimp. He wanted to swallow Chen Dengming himself, not be swallowed by someone else.

In a blink of an eye.

The second round of Gu refining time passed in a flash, a month going by.

The atmosphere at the Lüo Family had also become increasingly tense.

Even cultivators with powerful auras frequently entered and exited the Lüo Family, giving Chen Dengming a bad premonition.

And recently, he hadn't seen Fairy Lüo at all.

He tried to probe Xi'er multiple times, but she impatiently brushed him off, as if something major had happened at the Lüo Family.

Chen Dengming, with the mentality of "better safe than sorry," didn't pry further.

But after a few days, several unfamiliar powerful auras entered the inner depths of the Lüo Family's main residence. During this time, there seemed to have been arguments and confrontations. A powerful and heart-pounding Spiritual Might emanated from within the Lüo Family's main residence, instantly silencing the entire Lüo Family.

"Foundation Establishment... Foundation Establishment cultivator?!"

Chen Dengming, who was eating fried dough sticks at the time, was swept by the oppressive force and almost choked on his bite of fried dough stick.

After that incident, rumors gradually began to spread within the Lüo Family.

While cultivating, Chen Dengming focused his hearing and caught snippets of conversation. It seemed to be related to Lüo Bing's engagement.

However, he didn't hear the specifics before the gossiping servant was apprehended.

In the following days, no one dared to spread rumors again.

Chen Dengming observed the situation and felt a sense of foreboding.

Even Foundation Establishment cultivators had appeared; the Lüo Family was likely facing a major issue this time.

During this period, people often loitered outside his courtyard. When they occasionally met his gaze, their eyes were filled with indifference and rejection.

Chen Dengming felt that he couldn't stay at the Lüo Family for much longer. After all, if Lüo Bing got into trouble, people she brought in might not be well-received.

The Lüo Family was such a large clan, and resource competition was fierce.

If Lüo Bing were fine, no one would dare to comment.

Now that Lüo Bing was in trouble, those who had objections before, even if they dared not do anything to Lüo Bing, might seize upon her associates to cause trouble.

After refining the Golden Silkworm Gu, he had to leave as soon as possible.

Soon, another ten-plus days passed, and the day for the successful completion of the second round of Gu refining finally arrived.

In the Lüo Family's courtyard, faint sounds of fighting could be heard.

"Hurry, hurry, your casting is too slow. Keep up with your footwork, too."

"Why do you stop moving the moment you cast? Your hands and feet should move, your whole body should move. Keep moving at all times. Faster, faster! Attack me!"

In the courtyard, Xu Wei was sweating profusely, but she ran with all her might, continuously forming hand seals and casting spells, doing her best to keep up with Chen Dengming's rhythm, ensuring her eyes, hands, feet, and body were all in sync.

Whoosh--

Whoosh--

Two golden spears formed from condensed spiritual energy came one after another, narrowly missing Xu Wei's body by a hair's breadth before striking the ground with a fierce impact, leaving two craters.

"This guy is too ruthless. Xu Wei just broke through."

Xi'er, watching from not far away, frowned. However, she couldn't deny that Chen Dengming's agile and mobile combat style was very much to her liking.

This was truly the essence of a cultivator's battle, not just standing still and outputting damage.

The tense combat situation was, of course, intentionally created by Chen Dengming. His goal was to train Xu Wei's combat awareness through practical combat while also fulfilling her request to learn martial arts.

A week prior, Xu Wei had also successfully broken through, entering the first level of Qi Cultivation.

She had always received resources and cultivation from the Golden Character Workshop within Zanhua Tower, so her foundation was already good. Moreover, she had stayed in a place as rich in spiritual energy as the Lüo Family for so long, so her breakthrough was only natural.

After Xu Wei's breakthrough, Chen Dengming considered that the Lüo Family might not be doing well either and asked if she was willing to stay.

Ultimately, Xu Wei still wished to stay and develop within the Lüo Family, and she hoped to use her connections there to help him in the future.

After understanding her intentions, Chen Dengming could only respect her decision.

After all, even if Xu Wei left the Lüo Family and went with him to the Gathering Place, she would still face hardship and the threat of Xu Ning.

Since Xu Wei had a water-attribute Spiritual Root, Chen Dengming asked Xi'er to teach her the Water Arrow Technique. He began training Xu Wei in practical combat, hoping she would have the ability to protect herself. Of course, the resources for the Water Arrow Technique would be deducted from Xu Wei's future wages from her work at the Lüo Family.

"Whoosh!!--"

Seizing the opening when Chen Dengming was recovering after casting the Golden Spear Technique multiple times, Xu Wei also completed her hand seals. Spiritual Might erupted from her body, and water-attribute spiritual energy quickly condensed into a water arrow. It spun at high speed, tearing through the air as it shot out with a whoosh.

Chen Dengming, however, performed a backward somersault, suddenly colliding with a tree behind him. He released his Spiritual Might and completed his hand seals.

Wood Escape Technique!

His figure instantly vanished into the tree and then emerged from the other side.

Thud--

The water arrow deeply embedded itself into the tree trunk, nearly piercing the five-inch-thick wood before dissolving into a puddle of water with a splash.

"Not bad! Your accuracy has improved, but your casting speed still needs to be increased. You need to practice more."

Chen Dengming walked out from behind the tree with a smile. As his robes fluttered, his Spiritual Might gradually receded. Two strands of white hair at his temples danced along with his high-bridged, straight nose and his bright, lightning-like eyes, giving him a mature and unique charm.

"This guy, after shaving his beard, looks quite presentable. His strength is a bit lacking, but his looks are passable."

Xi'er muttered inwardly. Sensing Chen Dengming's gaze, she puffed out her chest, which was just beginning to reveal its shape, and snorted. She walked out with her hands behind her back and said, "Do you think everyone has your talent for cultivating Daoist Magic and fighting? I think Miss Xu's performance is already quite good."

Chen Dengming smiled upon hearing this and said, "I didn't expect a junior like myself to receive such praise from an elder like Xi'er. Actually, my talent is nothing special; it's just the result of diligent practice."

Xi'er shot Chen Dengming a sidelong glance. "Your talent is indeed nothing special. I'm only talking about your talent for cultivating Daoist Magic and fighting, not your cultivation talent. With incompatible Spiritual Roots and a limited lifespan, your future achievements are limited. Why do you work so hard every day?"

Xu Wei felt a pang in her chest, displeased that Xi'er spoke of her Chen Langjun that way. However, she dared not offend or retort, so she could only lower her head, suppressing her discomfort.

Chen Dengming, however, didn't seem to care. His lifespan was still long, and it could continue to grow, unlike some people whose lifespans couldn't extend. He chuckled freely.

"A person has to live a fulfilling life to have hope!"

Xi'er waved her hand. "Alright, I'm not arguing with you anymore. Today is the day the Gu will be formed. After this batch of Golden Silkworm Gu is successful, you can leave the Lüo Family."

Chen Dengming cupped his fists and smiled. "Thank you for your care during this time, Elder Xi'er. Little Chen has gained a lot recently. However, traveling at night is dangerous. I hope to depart tomorrow morning."

A day of cultivation at the Lüo Family was equivalent to four days of cultivation at the Gathering Place.

Moreover, the Lüo Family ate Spirit Rice and Spirit Vegetables. Although he had to pay for it himself, it was much more comfortable than at the Gathering Place.

Because he had no money, he had been living on credit for these hundred days.

After such a long time together, both sides had become familiar with each other.

He knew that although Xi'er's attitude was annoying, her heart was not bad, so he dared to boldly seek opportunities.

As expected, after enduring a few of Xi'er's perfunctory taunts and digs, she grudgingly agreed.

As dusk fell, Chen Dengming performed the Gu Refining Art, awakening the Gu worms.

Buzz buzz buzz--

Ten Golden Silkworm Gu officially awoke from their respective incense burners and took flight. They traced dazzling golden lines in the air, complementing the streaks of red clouds in the distant sky, like brilliant lace edging adorning the heavens.

Finally, ten golden threads circled around Lüo Bing.

"Good!"

The cold and aloof Fairy Lüo actually showed a rare hint of a smile. Her ethereal, otherworldly temperament, combined with her delicate and beautiful facial features like the gentle rain in a secluded mountain valley, created a stunning scene.