After a short while, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion disciple returned. With a respectful expression, he said to Xu Yang, "Senior, please follow me. Elder Ren is waiting inside."
Xu Yang nodded and followed him deeper into the second floor. A moment later, they stopped outside a side hall. The disciple turned and said, "Elder Ren is inside. Please go in by yourself, Senior. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
Xu Yang waved him off, signaling that he could go, then stepped into the side hall. Looking up, he saw Elder Ren sitting in a chair. Xu Yang hurried forward and bowed. "Xu Yang pays his respects to Elder Ren. It's been several years. I hope you've been well."
Elder Ren studied Xu Yang closely for a while, then looked at him in shock. "I never imagined that in a mere few years, you'd already reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, young friend Xu. You've truly put this old man to shame. My cultivation hasn't advanced a single inch all these years."
Xu Yang offered him some comfort. "That's only to be expected, Elder Ren. Cultivation in the Qi Refining Realm isn't too difficult. As long as one's aptitude isn't too poor and one has enough resources, reaching the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining is possible. The hard part is getting enough Foundation Establishment Pills."
"But once you reach the Foundation Establishment Realm, cultivation becomes much more difficult. I don't know how many years it'll take me to break through to the middle stage. You're already a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivator, Elder Ren, and it looks like you're not far from the late stage. With your remaining lifespan, I imagine you have enough time to attempt the Golden Core Realm."
Elder Ren shook his head