An opportunity? This was clearly a disaster.
A True Lord was at least a Core Formation stage cultivator. He was merely a minor Qi Refining cultivator with little lifespan left—how could he possibly dare covet a Core Formation inheritance?
Gongyang Zi was also a high-level Qi Refining cultivator, already at the ninth level of Qi Refining, just one step away from Foundation Establishment. Yet he had been hunted all the way here over this chance at an inheritance.
It was clear just how dangerous this matter was.
And it was only a possible opportunity, nothing more.
Wei Zhong turned his attention to the Jade Slip.
"Cultivate the Blood Body Technique... Those who reach great mastery may proceed to Yunjiang Prefecture..."
The Jade Slip described an Extracorporeal Incarnation cultivation method known as the "Blood Body Technique." It formed a set with the blood-red little sword.
As for Yunjiang Prefecture, it bordered Mangyuan Prefecture, where Wei Zhong was located, and lay at least ten thousand li away.
The journey was one of high mountains and distant waters; even Foundation Establishment cultivators would find it somewhat difficult, let alone Wei Zhong, who was still only at Qi Refining.
And what kind of inheritance came with an instruction manual?
It looked exactly like bait deliberately cast by someone. Wei Zhong caught a strong whiff of conspiracy.
Of course, it was also possible that Wei Zhong was overthinking things. Still, this method was ultimately not meant for him. Cultivating it required at least Foundation Establishment cultivation in order to withstand the pain of a torn soul.
Soul tearing... It looked painful just reading about it. I'm only at the eighth level of Qi Refining. Better bury this thing away for now.
After pondering for a moment, Wei Zhong made his decision.
On the Immortal Path, the most important thing was stability. Wei Zhong would not casually step into an inheritance that so obviously concealed a pitfall.
Finding a deserted hilltop, Wei Zhong chose a hidden spot, dug a hole, and buried both the blood-red little sword and the Jade Slip within.
If someone finds it, then it was never meant for me. If no one does, then I'll consider it after I successfully reach Foundation Establishment—no... at the very least, after reaching the Golden Core realm.
Wei Zhong understood his own advantage perfectly. He possessed the means to pay for levels in exchange for life. As long as the cultivation world remained stable enough, he could keep leveling up, paying for levels, and trading for life. What followed would be an almost inexhaustible lifespan.
For that reason, it was best to avoid extremely risky matters whenever possible.
After thoroughly consoling himself, Wei Zhong finally put the matter aside. Returning to his small courtyard and confirming that he had cleaned up fairly thoroughly, he took out the "Nourishing Body Art" he had just won and began studying it carefully.
"Where is he?"
"W-We lost him."
Slap!
It seemed to be the sound of a palm striking a face. A man in a blood-colored robe was sent sprawling to the ground.
Yet he did not dare show the slightest dissatisfaction. He did not even dare struggle on the ground for an extra breath. Enduring the pain, he climbed back up and knelt prostrate.
"Useless trash. You let a heavily injured Qi Refining cultivator escape."
A low voice emerged from beneath a broad hood. The figure wore a thick red-and-black Daoist robe, concealing any clear outline. The voice was deep, making it impossible to tell whether the speaker was male or female.
"Please forgive me, Cult Leader!"
The blood-robed man lowered his head even further.
The Cult Leader did not answer. Instead, the figure closed their eyes for a moment.
I can no longer sense the direction of the Yin Blood. The Yin Blood is linked to his heart meridian; only a cultivation method of the same origin can remove it. Or has he already died?
Forget it. It doesn't matter. The purpose of this trip has already been achieved.
A blood-red little sword and a Jade Slip appeared in the Cult Leader's hand. They looked exactly identical to the ones Wei Zhong had obtained.
Had Wei Zhong been here, he would surely have sighed: it truly was bait cast by someone.
Who would have thought that Wang Linpeng, who styled himself a righteous cultivator, possessed such a demonic inheritance method? I cultivate the Yin Blood Art, a subordinate method of the Blood Sea Art. We share the same origin. Even if this inheritance is a trap, I must fight for it.
The Immortal Path was difficult. Those seeking the Dao would not let even the slightest opportunity for improvement slip away.
The two items vanished in a flash. The Cult Leader rose and swept their right arm. The man who had just begged for mercy immediately had his flesh stripped away, turning into bloody bones.
"Pass down my order. The followers are to relocate to Yunjiang Prefecture..."
"We obey the Cult Leader's command!"
Four years later, Wei Zhong looked at his Status Panel and frowned slightly.
Name: Wei Zhong Cultivation: Eighth Level Qi Refining (97%) Cultivation Arts: Azure Wave Art · Proficient (79%); Life Nurturing Art · Beginner (49%) Lifespan: 136/137
The Life Nurturing Art was indeed difficult to cultivate. Over these four years, he had spent an unknown amount of time on it, yet he had only reached half the requirement for Beginner level. It would take at least another four years to reach Proficient.
Moreover, the Beginner-level Life Nurturing Art had not repaired his injuries in the slightest.
Was his proficiency still insufficient?
Wei Zhong felt somewhat helpless.
In the blink of an eye, another four years had passed. His lifespan was nearing its end again, yet he was only a sliver away from the ninth level of Qi Refining.
"Pay for a level in exchange for ten years of life."
In an instant, Wei Zhong felt his aged body regain its vitality.
Name: Wei Zhong Cultivation: Seventh Level Qi Refining (97%) Cultivation Arts: Azure Wave Art · Proficient (79%); Life Nurturing Art · Beginner (49%) Lifespan: 126/137
He had another ten years and one day to live. Now this was what cultivating immortality was supposed to feel like.
Counting it carefully, the original Wei Zhong's years plus his own ten years meant he had already lived to be 147, right?
Ordinary Qi Refining cultivators only had a lifespan of around 150 years. Even those who lived long only reached 180. He was already approaching an ordinary lifespan.
If he remained with the Yan family any longer, he would likely draw the attention of people with ulterior motives.
"Ah, I can't stay with the Yan family much longer."
Wei Zhong planned to raise his cultivation to the ninth level of Qi Refining before leaving the Yan family. At that time, he would use his dwindling lifespan and longing for his Lineage as his reason for departure.
Although cultivators were mostly cold-hearted and unfeeling, quite a few would still return to the mortal world when nearing the end of their lifespan, leaving behind an inheritance for their descendants.
Then, when someone with an immortal root emerged in the Lineage, they could walk the Immortal Path once more.
As spring went and autumn came, seven years slipped by. Wei Zhong, carrying the air of old age about him, bid Yan Wenbo farewell.
"Brother Wei, are you truly leaving?"
Wei Zhong nodded.
"My lifespan is running short, and Foundation Establishment is no longer possible for me. With my end drawing near, I have begun to miss the descendants of my family. I wish to return and leave them an inheritance..."
Wei Zhong looked at Yan Wenbo before him. They were of similar age, but Yan Wenbo cultivated a wood-element cultivation art, which had some effect in preserving his appearance and extending his life.
That was why Yan Wenbo did not appear so aged. Yet Wei Zhong guessed that he had no more than ten years of lifespan remaining.
"Once I leave this time, I fear we will never meet again."
Yan Wenbo shook his head. Their friendship of several decades had already made them close friends.
"Brother Yan, since you embarked upon the Immortal Path, you should know that parting in life and death is a common occurrence..."
The two exchanged pleasantries for a while, properly handing over the matters of the Spirit Fields. Wei Zhong left behind a pouch of Yellow Spirit Sprouts and departed.
Looking back at the Yan family's mountain, Wei Zhong's eyes held a trace of emotion.
Seventeen years had passed since he crossed into this world. The Yan family had given Wei Zhong an immense sense of safety. If not for avoiding notice, he could have cultivated here until Foundation Establishment.
"What a pity, what a pity!"
Wei Zhong did not know what exactly he regretted. But as he glimpsed several streaks of escaping light chasing in his direction, a sense of melancholy rose within him.
"I intended to leave quietly. Why must you force my hand?"
His figure flashed, heading toward the wilderness.
Seeing this, the people behind him sped up even more.
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