So What If You're at Foundation Establishment Middle Stage?

The people in the courtyard immediately looked up.

The man stood in mid-air, his hands behind his back, dressed in a dark robe, his long hair flowing without wind.

The Pharmacist Lan almost thought she was seeing things.

Her gentle face, usually serene, was now filled with deep surprise as she blurted out, "You're Alchemist Zhou?"

A storm raged within her. How could this be!

How can Rogue Cultivator Foundation Establishment?

Moreover, Zhou Ning was a Qi Refining cultivator who had been exiled and persecuted by the Su Household, and was utterly hopeless.

Jia Tingwan's eyes still held the innocence of a young girl. She exclaimed joyfully, "Zhou Ning, it's you! I haven't seen you in so long!"

She initially thought Zhou Ning was only away for a short time, but she never expected so many things to happen afterward.

Upon hearing that sarcastic remark, Alchemist Tang was already furious. Lies may not hurt, but the truth is the sharpest weapon.

She was so enraged that she lost even the most basic judgment, screaming, "Aaaaah! Who are you calling a pig?"

Zhou Ning scoffed, stomping his foot and unleashing his Law Power to suppress the noise. "Shut up!"

The wooden chair beneath Alchemist Tang suddenly shattered, and she collapsed onto the ground.

She shuddered violently, her anger vanishing instantly, leaving only a bone-chilling fear.

Foundation Establishment cultivator! It's Foundation Establishment cultivator! We're doomed!

Zhou Ning glanced at the table. A group of Qi Refining cultivators, eating better than me?

"Snort!"

He slapped down from a distance, his powerful spiritual energy striking the table with tremendous force. Dishes and food flew everywhere, the stone table shattered, and the stone was forced into the ground.

A large handprint was clearly visible.

The entire courtyard fell silent instantly.

The elegant, white-robed alchemist Alchemist Xu, stood respectfully to the side, a humble smile on his face.

The Pharmacist Lan clenched his fingers. The power of Foundation Establishment —it was truly something to aspire to.

Who would have thought that Alchemist Zhou was only at the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining just a few years ago? How did he manage to cultivate?

Jia Tingwan's eyes widened. In her memory, Alchemist Zhou was a gentle person who rarely got angry unless she was so angry that she couldn't stand it.

Moreover, he had undergone a major Foundation Establishment repair.

Only when Grandpa is daydreaming will he dare to call himself a Foundation Establishment expert.

Zhou Ning glanced at Jia Tingwan. The young girl Qi Refining Sixth Layer Perfection, which was a bit slow. Logically, she should look like she was in her twenties, so why did she still have the face of a young girl?

He temporarily put the matter out of his mind, and slowly descended into the courtyard, his feet still suspended in the air.

"Wan'er, would you like to come with me?"

Remembering her grandfather's instructions, Jia Tingwan immediately said sweetly, "Alchemist Zhou, Wan'er have been wandering for many years, and today I pay my respects to you!"

Zhou Ning: "--"

He had already used his Divine Sense to explore the courtyard and knew of Alchemist Tang's sharp tongue.

Zhou Ning said calmly, "Alchemist Tang, over the years, Wan'er has helped you prepare medicines, but you've taken credit for her work and have been bossing her around and behaving abusing her. I see she's in a bad mood; she's probably seriously ill. You should pay her some money."

He tossed out an abacus-shaped magical Law Artifact, which he had found in Wang Guanhe's Storage Bag. The abacus glowed with pearly light and floated into the air.

A flurry of random calculations ensued.

"Ten Spirit Stone in total, do you have any objections?" he asked.

Alchemist Tang usually suppresses the medicine apprentices with domineering methods, but when faced with Foundation Establishment cultivator, he is terrified.

She quickly got up, took out her Storage Bag, and offered the Spirit Stone.

Zhou Ning nodded slightly, put the item into his Storage Bag, and was about to leave with Wan'er when he suddenly noticed two beams of light flying out from the grand mansion at the northernmost part of the market.

Zhao Ruoxue had made considerable gains in the Azure Ruins Secret Realm back then, and as the fifth-in-command of the Qilin Pavilion, she was not short of spiritual resources.

Having successfully established Foundation Establishment Foundation Establishment a year ago, she held a small celebration afterward and came to Fortune Star Market to discuss matters with the Sun Household. After all, the spiritual materials needed after Foundation Establishment have increased many times over, and who wouldn't want to cultivate by consuming True Essence Pill every day?

Halfway through the conversation, she suddenly noticed the commotion, so she came over with the Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Sun Household.

Then, she saw the Foundation Establishment cultivator dressed in black, with a sharp aura.

Her face, usually as cold as ice, suddenly froze, and her eyes widened in disbelief.

You 'Foundation Establishment?

She was watching this person refine pills back then, and whether intentionally or unintentionally, she was splattered with black ash all over her face.

--

She was furious and in a bad mood for several days. Then she met a dozen fishermen who made some sarcastic remarks, which finally calmed her anger.

After she Foundation Establishment, she had the idea of hanging around in front of Alchemist Zhou a couple of times to provoke him.

Later, considering that this person was ostracized by the Su Household, and that Zhao Ruoxue and Gu Xiangning had a decent relationship and that the other party was also Foundation Establishment prospect, she did not take any action.

After all, she was Foundation Establishment senior.

However, what she saw today completely overturned her expectations.

Could it be that Xiangning provided him with the spiritual materials Foundation Establishment, which he then collaborated with on alchemy, ultimately leading to his lucky breakthrough to Foundation Establishment?

That must be it, ha, what a gigolo.

Zhao Ruoxue was already certain.

Zhou Ning Ningdao gazed at Zhao Ruoxue, who wore a light pink silk dress and exuded a cold aura.

He chuckled and said, "I never imagined that Fellow Daoist Zhao would also Foundation Establishment."

Hearing his tone, Zhao Ruoxue felt inexplicably displeased. "Tch, you're just a rogue cultivator who clung to Xiangning's coattails and barely managed to Rogue Cultivator Foundation Establishment— "

"So you two know each other. I was overthinking it." A voice rang out.

Zhou Ning had already noticed this person. He was at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage stage, with a sallow complexion, neat hair and beard, and a scholarly air about him, yet also a sense of solemnity.

"My name is Zhou Ning. I came in a hurry, please forgive me," Zhou Ning said, bowing slightly.

Sun Gui heard Zhao Ruoxue's telepathic message: "He was a retainer of the Su Household, and later rose to the rank of guest minister, but he has a grudge against the Su Household."

The Sun Household is currently cooperating with the Su Household, but this person's relationship with the Su Household is not good.

Sun Gui's attitude was neither warm nor cold. Observing the commotion in the courtyard, he understood and said lightly, "It's alright, but you should be more careful in your actions in the future."

Rogue Cultivator are just spineless; once they break through to the Foundation Establishment, they think they have the world in their hands and swagger around like that.

While one is free to pursue one's foundation after Foundation Establishment, no longer bound by the Aristocratic Clan, in reality, in the current turbulent situation, Foundation Establishment is nothing special.

Not long ago, a False Core Formation cultivator from the Jade Countenance Sect was killed on the spot by the Lei Household.

After Zhou Ning established his Immortal Foundation, his five senses became incredibly sharp, allowing him to perceive the two's indifference.

Damn it, I was looked down upon when Qi Refining, and now I'm being looked down upon again when Foundation Establishment? Didn't I build my foundation for nothing?

Zhou Ning's heart stirred. He had heard that after Foundation Establishment, the difference between each minor realm was quite significant.

This person Foundation Establishment Middle Stage; he could be used to test some methods.

Zhou Ning smiled and said, "Fellow Daoist, I am now at the Foundation Establishment, but I have not yet fought against cultivators of the same level. May I ask—"

Sun Gui almost thought he had misheard.

"A friendly exchange?"

"Indeed, I hope you can offer some guidance, fellow Daoist." Zhou Ning was quite polite.

Zhao Ruoxue thought to herself, "Overestimating themselves."

At the same time, she felt a bit annoyed. Why wouldn't they challenge her, given that they were both at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage? Did they look down on her?

Otherwise, I might just teach him a lesson and show him the difference between a sect disciple and Rogue Cultivator!

Sun Gui chuckled inwardly; this Rogue Cultivator was far too arrogant.

Before he took charge of the market for the Sun Household, he had fought on the front lines for a long time and had even killed Foundation Establishment cultivator.

He had no intention of sparring, but he overheard Zhao Ruoxue's telepathic message.

The Sun Household was a vassal of the Zhao Household, so he couldn't refuse.

Well, it's been a while since I've stretched my muscles.

Sun Gui drew out a long spear; the blade alone was two feet long.

"Since that's the case, I, Sun, will play along with you, fellow Daoist. However, Fellow Daoist Zhou, you still need to prepare your protective measures. If you can't hold on, I hope you'll speak up soon, after all, swords have no eyes."

There's no room to maneuver in the courtyard.

The two rode the wind, gradually rising a hundred feet.

Zhou Ning didn't overestimate himself. He took out a small white shield, which, although only a high-grade Law Artifact, still provided some protection. His main asset was the Dark Scale Robe.

He took out the Fallen Red Sword, held it in his hand, and activated the [Que Flowing Fire] Immortal Foundation, instantly causing the sword to ignite with a layer of fiery light.

Sun Gui gripped the end of the long spear, and a black dagger flew out from his waist on its own, shrouded in a dark, shimmering light, and hovered beside him.

Just as he was about to throw out his long spear, he suddenly saw Zhou Ning's sword blaze with intense fire, and a quenched crescent moon shot out from the sword with a "whoosh," slashing through the wind.

"Fireblade?"

A blue token flew out of Sun Gui's Storage Bag, spraying water mist and creating waves in front of him.

Confident in his Law Power, he gripped his long spear and slashed at the rapidly approaching fire blade.

The fiery blade sliced through the water, hissing and emitting smoke, its power slightly diminished, before striking the long spear.

Sun Gui felt a sudden jolt in his hand and took a half step back.

"This fire has power!"

The dagger beside him flew out, transforming into a streak of black light, and shot towards Zhou Ning.

Zhou Ning flicked his finger, and a crimson fireball appeared. He then exhaled.

The fireball, like a dandelion seed, flew away with a breath, its slender flames extending through the air, precisely striking the dagger and greatly slowing its speed.

"An attack at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage? That's not all that impressive, is it?"

Zhou Ning flicked his wrist, and the Fallen Red Sword slashed seven or eight times in succession.

Just as Sun Gui deflected one of the fire blades, he saw seven or eight more fire blades crisscrossing and attacking him, their power seemingly intent on tearing him to pieces.

How could he dare to take it head-on?

A surge of spiritual light flowed beneath his feet, and he glided sideways, narrowly avoiding the incoming fire blades.

The token above his head splashed out a large stream of water, which drenched him and condensed into a thick water ball about ten feet in diameter, completely enveloping him.

Sun Gui stomped his foot, and the water ball rolled forward, disappearing into the waves like a fish entering the water, becoming increasingly erratic.

Zhou Ning's fire blades missed their mark several times in a row.

He couldn't help but sigh, wishing he were facing Qi Refining cultivator.

Qi Refining cultivators can't fly, and they're not fast runners, so they simply can't do that many dodging maneuvers; it's like swatting ants.

The curtain of water stretched out like a rising tide, and Sun Gui, hiding in the water, gripped his long spear tightly, waiting for an opportunity to launch a sneak attack.

"This is somewhat interesting." Zhou Ning figured his fire blade was going to miss.

However, if the faster Jade-Casting True Gold Talisman is used, it can still be killed.

Moreover, he possesses a Secret Method called "Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils of Truth," a Secret Method that can truly be described as enigmatic.

Zhou Ning didn't use any of that; he stepped into the void and retreated a short distance.

Just to be on the safe side, Zhou Ning also channeled some spiritual power into the Profound Fire Dharma Robe, causing the dark scales on its surface to emit a dim, eerie firelight.

Zhou Ning's hands continued moving, and he condensed another fireball before exhaling.

Like blowing bubbles, it blows out a semi-circular wall of fire, which sweeps out and covers the tide.

Upon contact, a large plume of water mist shot into the sky.

Sun Gui scoffed. "How much Law Power could you possibly have, at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage?"

His water was all collected from the river and mixed with some spiritual ingredients, so it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he could use it freely.

However, activating one's own movement Movement Method will consume some Law Power.

A few breaths later, Sun Gui realized something was wrong, and his expression turned serious.

"What kind of fire is this?"

As the raging fire intensified, water vapor continuously evaporated, and the space where he could unleash his Stream Ball technique burned ever hotter, while conversely, the flames showed no signs of diminishing!

Once the water in the token runs out and he loses his protection, he will have to rely on his own magical Law Artifact and Movement Method to face the incomparable fire blade head-on.

At that point, we'll have to rely on our trump cards.

Sun Gui was feeling heavy-hearted. He was hesitating whether to withdraw from the tide when he suddenly saw the flames gradually shrink, as if the supply of Law Power was insufficient, and they gradually went out.

Zhou Ning had already tested his abilities; killing this man was not difficult for him, so there was no need to fight anymore.

Zhou Ning, his face pale, put away his Law Artifact and said loudly, "Fellow Daoist Sun is extremely powerful. My Law Power power is exhausted, and I concede defeat."

After all, they are in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. Giving them face will make things easier for them in the future.

Sun Gui breathed a sigh of relief, "Where did this Foundation Establishment Early Stage person come from? Their methods are so sharp!"

He didn't gain the upper hand at all.

Sun Gui felt defeated, but forced a smile, his expression becoming noticeably more formal. "Fellow Daoist Zhou is too modest. Your combat skills are probably not much weaker than those of Foundation Establishment Middle Stage."

Once this person breaks through to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, Sun Gui believes he will be no match for him.

Zhao Ruoxue had witnessed the entire battle, her expression remaining aloof. She commented, "You don't understand combat at all!"

"Should Law Power be wasted like this? Do you know how much Law Power a large-scale fire spell consumes?"

She had sparred with Sun Gui before. He Movement Method, and his long spear attacks came from extremely tricky angles.

However, Zhao Ruoxue believed that she was not at a disadvantage at all, only that her Law Power was not as strong as her opponent's.

Seeing her offer such guidance, Sun Gui remained silent to himself.

I somewhat regret that I've been so lenient with her lately—I've turned her into a giant baby.

Zhou Ning rested for a while before leaving with Jia Tingwan.

Sun Gui escorted the guest to the entrance of the market and mysteriously presented him with a token, claiming that it would not only give him a 5% discount but also allow him to participate in some kind of multi-person trading fair.

Zhou Ning stood with his hands behind his back, walking above the clouds, while simultaneously sending out a ray of spiritual light to gently support Jia Tingwan.

Jia Tingwan stared wide-eyed and said in a clear voice, "So this is Foundation Establishment cultivator? How amazing!"

I really wanted to take a picture of this scene to broaden her grandfather's horizons, so that he would call me a senior repairman.

Zhou Ning chuckled at her pathetic state and asked, "Why are you still only at the Qi Refining Sixth Layer? Didn't Old Jia say he had saved up Spirit Stone to buy you Spirit Condensation Pill?"

Jia Tingwan said shyly, "Grandpa changed his mind and bought me a lot of beauty-enhancing pills. He said that instead of trying to break through to the Late Qi Refining, it's better to preserve my looks so I can marry a great cultivator in the future—"

As she spoke, she secretly glanced at Zhou Ning beside her, then quickly looked away.

Zhou Ning was speechless.

But it seems like it's not a bad option.

He paused for a moment, then flicked his finger, sending a pill flying to Jia Tingwan's face.

"Spirit Condensation Pill!" Jia Tingwan's eyes lit up. She remembered that when she was a child, she lived in Forget-Return Market and often heard her grandfather say that it would be great if there was a Spirit Condensation Pill.

She's heard it so many times she's practically grown calluses!

So he often ran around the city, staring at the pale white pills through the shop windows, thinking to himself, what's so special about them? You can eat eight of them in one bite.

Later, when she grew up, she realized what a Spirit Condensation Pill meant.

Zhou Ning said, "That guy surnamed Tang gave me ten Spirit Stone, I won't return them. Take this pill back and you'll break through to the Late Qi Refining."

Judging from the woman's cultivation level, she had already reached the peak of the Qi Refining Sixth Layer, only lacking the Spirit Condensation Pill.

Zhou Ning gazed into the far distance, towards Stream Mountain, the battlefield between the Su Household and Bai Household, where Su Lixia was located.

"But where can I go back to—" Jia Tingwan's voice rang out, tinged with confusion.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Ning paused, then asked, "Would you be willing to come back to Little Willow Marsh with me? There might be danger there, or should I leave you here—"

Before he could finish speaking, a girl's clear, bright voice rang out, "Wherever Master goes, I'll go!"

Zhou Ning chuckled softly, "Alright, alright."

After settling things with the Su Household, he would definitely need to find a sacred place to settle down properly.

Little Willow Marsh.

When Zhou Ning returned, he saw a figure guarding the edge of the island in the distance.

Chen Kexing forced a smile, but his skin felt cold. "Greetings, Alchemist Zhou!"

What is it?

Chen Kexing took out the spirit contract, handed it over, and said respectfully, "Alchemist Zhou, my ancestor heard that you have successfully Foundation Establishment and wishes to bestow upon you Little Willow Marsh, thus forging a century-long friendship between our two families!"

Zhou Ning was initially surprised, but then instantly understood the reason.

"The head of the Chen Household family is not a reckless man."

He accepted the spirit contract. "Please thank your ancestor for me."

Having said that, he stepped onto the island.

Chen Kexing was in so much pain that his forehead was covered in cold sweat. He gritted his teeth, knelt down again, and kowtowed, saying:

--

"I hope Alchemist Zhou can help me remove the true fire from my hands!"

Zhou Ning glanced at him, then with a flick of his sleeve, the scorching flames on Chen Kexing's severed wrist vanished.

The excruciating pain vanished, and Chen Kexing felt as if he had been reborn. Perhaps because he had been tortured so badly, his face showed an unusual expression of gratitude.

"Alchemist Zhou is so magnanimous, thank you for sparing my life!"

With a string of flattering words, Chen Kexing rode the wind and quickly left Little Willow Marsh.

Jia Tingwan then realized that the man with the mustache was actually a Foundation Establishment cultivator!

"Didn't Alchemist Zhou just break through to the Foundation Establishment?" She stared blankly, somewhat bewildered.

Zhou Ning stood on the island, looking out at the blue sky reflected in the marshland. Willow branches swayed, and spirit turtles and spirit fish eagerly devoured the remains of spirit eagles.

After twenty-two years of spiritual practice, I can finally call myself a home.

The Su Household should be wiped out.