The Great Sect's Promise

After Zhou Ning to the Immortal Foundation, his Divine Sense greatly increased, reaching a distance of thirty miles, comparable to Core Formation Cultivator in this world.

His Divine Sense had already covered the entire Little Willow Marsh, so Guo Changying could not escape his detection.

On the shimmering water, a figure in leather armor soared into the sky, the Canglang Spear cutting through the water as it aimed directly at him.

Zhou Ning knew that Guo Changying was already a disciple of Qingxuan.

He recalled Sun Gui's reminder and roughly confirmed one thing: if the Azure Mystic Sect wanted to kill him to silence him, they would never send a mere Foundation Establishment Early Stage cultivator knowing his outstanding combat strength.

Could it be that she has a trump card that can kill in one strike, or that a high-level cultivator is hiding nearby?

Zhou Ning carefully probed with his Divine Sense but found nothing unusual.

So he threw out a canopy, which rose above his head, and a golden light descended, protecting him completely.

This is a top-grade defensive magic Law Artifact seized from Su Baoqing; its effects are remarkable.

At the same time, Zhou Ning activated his Profound Fire Dharma Robe, and dark scales faintly appeared.

Guo Changying thrust out with her spear, its momentum like a soaring dragon, striking the spiritual light of the treasure canopy.

The spearhead seemed to pierce into mud, its movement momentarily halted.

Unwilling to give up, she gripped the spear tightly with both hands and swung it out horizontally.

Layers of gunfire blocked Zhou Ning's path.

Zhou Ning's Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils couldn't neutralize this type of close-quarters combat, since it only targeted Divine Sense.

However, the Secret Method's inherent ability to perceive profound mysteries allowed it to take in her movements and patterns.

Zhou Ning put his hands behind his back and stepped back.

Guo Changying, thinking he was avoiding her sharp edge, became arrogant and pursued him to kill him.

Thinking to himself that the cultivators outside the sect were indeed very weak, the three Foundation Establishment cultivators that Zhou Ning killed were probably the lowest level.

Give him a good talking-to first, then we can talk business!

Guo Changying made up her mind. Her spear emitted a spiritual light, and when the tip pointed out, it was like a sky full of stars, dense and impenetrable.

The more they fought, the more imposing they became, completely overwhelming Zhou Ning.

Inside the formation, Jia Tingwan looked up, clenching her hands to encourage Zhou Ning.

At one moment, Zhou Ning's hand, which had been behind his back, suddenly reached out.

With his hands wrapped in fire magic, he grabbed the Canglang Spear in one swift motion.

Guo Changying immediately realized that the other end of the gun seemed to have pierced into a mountain, and the shaft could not be moved at all.

The wonder of the Immortal Foundation lies in the fact that one's Law Power, Divine Sense, and physical body are all baptized. Zhou Ning's physique is in no way inferior to that of a body cultivator of the same level. Even if he stands still and lets Qi Refining cultivator fight him, it will take them a long time to finish the fight.

Zhou Ning gripped her gun, staring into the fiery eyes of the irritable girl, and chuckled, "Changying, your bloodlust is too strong; it's not good for your cultivation."

Guo Changying listened to these words and looked at his indifferent expression, just like that scene many years ago.

A lump formed in her throat, and a sense of powerlessness rose within her.

This person was just a minor Qi Refining back then. If it weren't for the formation, she would have pierced through him long ago.

Now, ten years later, she thought that this person had become a stray dog on the roadside, someone she could easily stab to death.

Who would have thought--

"Let go!" Guo Changying shouted angrily, gripping the gun.

Zhou Ning didn't know where her confidence came from; oh, it was from the Azure Mystic Sect.

He chuckled, released the gun, ignored the woman, and flew towards the island.

If he were to use his full strength, he could kill this woman within ten breaths.

There's nothing to worry about.

He then added, "If there's nothing else, you may leave."

Guo Changying stared at his retreating figure, glaring at him fiercely, before remembering what her master had instructed her to do. She called out, "Something's wrong!"

"Then please come and sit on the island."

Fifteen minutes later.

The setting sun cast its rays upon the mansion.

The Snow Cherry Fruit, having endured the elements, has seen the light of day again and sprouted new buds.

The young apprentice Jia Tingwan presented fruit and snacks. She was now a master cultivator at the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining, and on Bamboo Creek Island, she could be considered the leader of all the disciples.

After Zhou Ning saw the fruit platter clearly, he gasped. He looked at Jia Tingwan, "You're quite generous; these are Snow Cherry Fruit."

He doesn't even have enough to eat for himself!

Jia Tingwan quickly and shamelessly removed the fruit plate.

Guo Changying reached out halfway, only to find nothing, and felt annoyed.

Zhou Ning was convinced.

However, he agreed with Wan'er in his heart and decided to teach her a new skill that night: the skill of processing medicinal herbs for the Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators.

Guo Changying, having received no food, said with a stern face, "Zhou Ning, you've committed a grave offense!"

Zhou Ning wasn't frightened. He said, "What is it? Let's get straight to the point."

When discussing serious matters, Guo Changying did not let personal emotions get in the way. Instead, she listed Zhou Ning's actions that had damaged the reputation of the Azure Mystic Sect, explained the consequences, and finally ordered Zhou Ning to correct his behavior.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ning glanced at the spherical magical Law Artifact that Guo Changying had revealed, which seemed to be able to record the conversation.

He immediately declared with righteous indignation, "No matter how powerful the Azure Mystic Sect's background is, it cannot surpass the integrity of us cultivators. I, Zhou, joined the Azure Mystic Sect with a sincere heart, never expecting to be harmed by treacherous people."

Guo Changying was a direct descendant of the Guo Household and had worked tirelessly for the Lineage business. Although she was a bit hot-tempered, how could she not see through Zhou Ning's little scheme?

"What do you want?" she asked suddenly.

"Of course, Su Yanghao should be punished, so that we cultivators can have a clear and bright future." Zhou Ning himself didn't have much hope when he said this.

Guo Changying sarcastically said, "Su Yanghao is a second-tier Alchemist in the sect, and he participated in refining Foundation Establishment Pill. His cultivation level is also higher than yours. Now, he has been confined for twenty years, which is the maximum punishment. Don't think too much about it."

"To be honest, the sect has ordered you not to speak nonsense and to salvage your reputation."

Zhou Ning frowned. "If the Azure Mystic Sect doesn't even have this much sincerity, then there's no need to talk."

At worst, I can abandon the Ceramic Crystal Sand from Little Willow Marsh and flee far away. Anyway, with the Flowing Light Concealing Shadow Technique and my alchemy skills, I can make a living anywhere.

Although the food might not be as good as in Little Willow Marsh, and the risks are just as significant in an unfamiliar environment.

Seeing Zhou Ning's resolute attitude, Guo Changying took out a cyan jade talisman and said, "This is a jade talisman of the Azure Mystic Sect. If you are willing to speak out as proof, the Azure Mystic Sect can hire you as a nominal guest elder. Once you reach the Foundation Establishment Perfection, you can exchange it for a Core Formation spiritual item other than the Crystal Transformation Pill."

Zhou Ning's expression changed slightly. The Azure Mystic Sect was so malicious, actually trying to bribe him with such sweet talk?

Zhou Ning was shamefully bribed.

This is Core Formation spiritual item! Even if it's not Crystal Transformation Pill!

It truly lives up to its reputation as a superior sect; its foundation is incredibly profound.

He tentatively asked, "Can I exchange it for Snow Spirit Fire or Heavenly Fire Liquid?"

"Can."

Although these two types of Core Formation Elixir items do not increase the Core Formation probability by 20% as much as the Crystal Transformation Pill, they each increase it by 10%.

Even if Zhou Ning doesn't cultivate the Core Formation Dao of Alchemy Cultivation Method, obtaining a rare spiritual item and exchanging it for other spiritual items would still be a good thing.

Zhou Ning pondered for a moment, "As a guest elder, do I need to take up a post at the Azure Mystic Sect?"

If he issues a statement and then still goes to take up a position at the Azure Mystic Sect, wouldn't he be at the mercy of others?

"Ha, you're dreaming!" Guo Changying found it somewhat amusing.

You want to try and freeload off the Spirit Vein of the Azure Mystic Sect? Who do you think you are?

"You're just a nominal guest elder; the sect won't protect you." Guo Changying said.

Zhou Ning thought for a moment and said, "The compensation from the Azure Mystic Sect is over, but what about the Su Household? The Su Household has repeatedly suppressed me, putting me in danger several times—"

"Didn't you also kill members of the Su Household?" Guo Changying retorted.

Zhou Ning immediately waved. "Wan'er, come here, bring a fruit platter for Lady Guo!"

Another fifteen minutes later, the two had largely completed their negotiation.

Guo Changying made the decision to cease hostilities between the Suzhou and Zhou sides.

Because Zhou Ning had spent half his life wandering and had no fixed abode, it was proposed that the Su Household allocate Little Willow Marsh to Zhou Ning.

They will then provide spiritual resources related to the earth's veins, such as Spirit Embryo Stone, Spirit Paste, and Earth Mystic Soil Essence, to help nurture the Little Willow Marsh's Spirit Vein and elevate them to a level suitable for a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Finally, they will help set up a second-tier defensive formation.

Zhou Ning was already satisfied with this condition; he no longer needed to risk a life-or-death struggle with the Su Household.

He killed three Foundation Establishment from the Su Household, which temporarily eased the hatred in his heart.

Continuing to fight is pointless. If things get heated, the Su Household will get angry and resort to any means to deal with him, forcing him to go into hiding.

Those were difficult days, and it was hard to concentrate on cultivation and trading elixirs.

It would be better to wait until you've reached a higher level of understanding before seeking revenge.

As for whether Su Changshuo will be able to break through to the Core Formation in the future, and whether he will come to Little Willow Marsh to kill Zhou Ning after breaking through to the Core Formation.

First, the Core Formation is a significant event that cannot be concealed, and Zhou Ning has a teleportation talisman, so he can escape immediately should the situation change.

Moreover, once he breaks through to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, even Core Formation Cultivator might not be able to kill him.

If it's the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, and everyone's using their trump cards, it's hard to say who will kill whom.

Moreover, does the Core Formation Cultivator has emerged in the Su Household give them the right to act with impunity?

Even with Nascent Soul puppets, the Azure Mystic Sect couldn't act with impunity.

Once you reach a certain level, you will be matched with the corresponding enemies.

After Su Changshuo's breakthrough, his third-tier Spirit Vein were fully exposed, which would inevitably cause the Su Household a lot of trouble.

Zhou Ning didn't consider anything further ahead. As a junior cultivator, he had no reliable sources of information and limited inside knowledge, so he wasn't thinking about strategizing or making plans.

When someone lowers their perspective and starts to think, someone higher their perspective and starts to laugh.

The plans for further cultivation cannot keep up with the changing situation in the cultivation world; making some simple plans is enough.

Zhou Ning's primary task is to install the Spring of the Spirit Eye, refine the Great Replenishment True Pill, then refine a Breakthrough Pill to break through to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, and condense seven Jade-Casting True Gold Talisman to cope with the treacherous world of cultivation.

Once I break through to the Purple Mansion, I'll settle accounts with all my enemies slowly.

After finishing the fruit, Guo Changying said, "We'll set off for Cuiwei Lake tomorrow to sign the spiritual contract."

Zhou Ning: "If the Su Household doesn't agree—"

Guo Changying sneered, "A lowly beggar Aristocratic Clan under the Azure Mystic Sect, daring to disobey?"

Zhou Ning: "--"

He thought to himself, "Your former Guo Household wasn't any better than the Su Household. Weren't you both just beggars?"

Sure enough, different positions lead to different stances.

Guo Changying was able to offer such conditions probably because it wasn't about taking away Azure Mystic Sect's resources; it was about taking away Su Household's resources, so she didn't care at all.

"In that case, Miss Guo, why don't you stay tonight and try Zhou Ning's cooking?"

"Can."

"Someone, bring out my treasured giant chicken!"

Jia Tingwan accepted the order.