Foundation Establishment and Foundation Establishment

"Fellow Daoist Duan, how have you been?" Lu Yunniang had been waiting for Duan Anle in the side hall for almost half an hour before he finally arrived. It wasn't that Duan Anle was intentionally being negligent, but rather that he had just returned from Double Brightness Trade Market.

Now that Jin Shilun has taken over the position of garrison commander of Chongming City, and Chongming Small Pavilion's business is now much better than before due to the rise in the prestige of the Chongming Sect.

Mo'er and Zhou Xinran were simply unable to cope, so Zhou Xinran, who was in charge of managing the goods, submitted a memorial requesting the sect to send someone to help manage the situation.

However, the younger generation of the Chongming Sect are currently focused on cultivation and all have their own duties, making it difficult to select a suitable candidate. Even Duan Anle was only recently able to take charge because he was stuck at a bottleneck in his cultivation.

Since no suitable candidate could be found among the younger generation, Duan Anle preferred to send Sun Fu, a senior martial uncle, to Zhou Xinran's request.

However, the latter had recently been promoted to the position of steward of general affairs and had selected a suitable disciple to keep by his side for training, so he might not be willing to take on this job.

Since his master was a hands-off leader, Duan Anle needed to discuss this matter with Zhou Yixiu, who was devoted to farming, before making a decision.

Although the latter's cultivation level was low, he was still a sect elder with a higher status, and his words carried more weight than those of Duan Anle, a junior who was merely acting as a disciple of the Beast Garden in charge of sect affairs.

Duan Anle put aside his worries for the moment and greeted Lu Yunniang politely, "I apologize for keeping you waiting, Lu Household. It was my fault, and I hope you will forgive me."

Lu Yunniang feigned fear; how could she dare to resent the disciple who was the head of the Chongming Sect? Back then, the Lu Household of Fangshi Mountain had timely assessed the situation and handed over their clan land to the Chongming Sect before relocating to Quarry Mountain.

Aside from participating more in the Chongming Sect's conquests and losing a bunch of Lu Lineage members, including the two family heads Lu Xun and Lu Zhen, all they gained were benefits.

Unlike Sect Leader Kang Da, who always cherished the lives of every disciple in his sect, for many heads of small families, the death of some people for their master was not their fear, but their fear of people dying in vain without any Spirit Stone to be gained.

When someone in the Lu Household dies, the Chongming Sect will distribute benefits. In the eyes of most Lu Household cultivators, this is a fair deal, and they haven't lost out. Moreover, the Chongming Sect will distribute more than other families, making it a profitable deal.

By closely following the footsteps of the Chongming Sect, twenty years later, it was Lu Yunniang's turn to take charge of the family. Now, regardless of whether they are from the same or different surnames, the Lu Household has nearly fifty Qi Refinement cultivators and even owns one or two First-Tier Lower-Grade spirit mines. They can be considered a number one force in Pingrong County.

Back then, Lu Yunniang, the female cultivator with less-than-ideal looks, was the most shrewd in the entire Lu Household. Now that she has become the head of the family, she knows even better how to cling to the Chongming Sect.

Therefore, she always kept a very humble attitude. Even when she saw an outer disciple of the Chongming Sect, she would politely call him "fellow Daoist" without putting on any airs of a senior.

Upon hearing Duan Anle's words, Lu Yunniang simply said earnestly, "Not at all. Fellow Daoist is now Chongming Sect and entrusted with great responsibilities. It is I who am troubling you."

"I wonder what brings you here, my friend?" Duan Anle replied with a faint smile, completely disregarding Lu Yunniang's flattery.

"The mercury fulminate mine in West Wind Valley, Hong County, is about to open, and they are recruiting some people to guard it. I have already inquired and found out that the person in charge of this matter is Senior Ji Yunsheng of the Four Friends of Cold Mountain, therefore," Lu Yunniang bowed, "I would also like to ask Fellow Daoist Duan to write a letter, so that I can use it to request an audience with you in West Wind Valley."

"The news of Kuai En's method of recruiting a son-in-law and taking wages spread quite quickly; even the honest and upright Lu Yunniang couldn't resist it." Duan Anle sighed inwardly, then continued:

"Unfortunately, if Fellow Daoist Lu had come ten days ago, Senior Ji Yunsheng would have been a guest at my home, seeking a drink with my third uncle. Fellow Daoist could have paid his respects in person."

"Oh dear, what a pity!" Lu Yunniang said with a face full of regret, then continued, "Fellow Daoist Duan, about this souvenir..."

"Fellow Daoist Lu's news is a bit late. After Senior Ji Yunsheng visited my third master uncle, the two elders went out together. He is no longer in charge of West Wind Valley. The one in charge of the mercury thiophanate mine is Uncle Degong, the head of the He Household family."

Duan Anle succinctly conveyed the news to Lu Yunniang, who immediately understood. "This isn't the He Household's mercury fulminate mine; it's clearly the Chongming Sect's mercury fulminate mine!"

"I wonder if He Household is still short of manpower? The Lu Household is willing to lend a hand." Lu Yunniang did not reveal the answer but continued to ask.

"He Household has many old friends, so there's no shortage of manpower at the mercury thiosulfate mine. However, there's also a First-Tier Superior-Grade spirit lake in Hong County Brocade Scale Lake, which is also temporarily lacking management. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Lu would be willing to send some people over to help."

After Duan Anle finished speaking, he sighed inwardly.

Xu Liuxian was indeed a generous person. After seizing most of Lang Yi's assets, he returned fertile lands to the Chongming Sect. Unless absolutely necessary, Duan Anle would not have entrusted them to these vassals for temporary management.

Unfortunately, the Chongming Sect's foundation was too shallow, making it difficult to send out enough people. Therefore, it could only benefit relatively close Qi Refinement forces such as the He Household and the Lu Household.

"Brocade Scale Lake?" Lu Yunniang had some recollection of it; that waterway was indeed quite good for a small Lineage like the Lu Household. The only thing to consider was whether Chongming Sect's asking price was too high.

It should be understood that the vast Brocade Scale Lake ahead is not a simple task like Lu Yunniang's previous plan, which involved sending people to guard the mines without having to think too much.

If they want to produce anything, they need to first build formations, manage water veins, test fish species, drive away ferocious beasts, hire beast masters, and purchase Law Artifact. The Lu Household may not be able to afford this initial investment of Spirit Stone.

Not to mention, there's no reason to get this Spirit Lake for free. If Chongming Sect asks for too high a price, the Lu Household might have to accept it, work hard for several years, and end up with a mountain of debt.

This is a considerable risk; the Lu Household, which has only just begun to show signs of prosperity, may very well repeat the same mistakes.

Lu Yunniang instinctively wanted to give up, but she was truly reluctant. A hint of hesitation flashed across her face before she asked, "Then, Fellow Daoist Duan, what do you think is an appropriate amount?"

Duan Anle secretly praised her, thinking that although Lu Yunniang was a woman, she made decisions much faster than Kuai En.

After hearing Lu Yunniang's question, he smiled and made a gesture, "Fellow Daoist Lu, rest assured, our families have been friends for many years, and this is always a matter that can be easily resolved."

Lu Yunniang pondered for a moment, thinking to herself, "The Duan Anle asked for isn't high; he's much more generous than his stingy master. He's an honest man; let's see if we can negotiate a lower price."

Duan Anle was a man of few words and deep thoughts. He could tell at a glance that Lu Yunniang was already interested in him, and he knew that his plan had worked.

He was not unaware that his asking price was slightly low, but because the previous owner of Brocade Scale Lake had resisted fiercely when the Four Friends of Cold Mountain took over from Lang Yi, it was in extremely poor condition.

It would probably take a lot of effort to sort and organize it.

Chongming Sect naturally doesn't have the energy to do this in the short term. Rather than letting this water vein continue to be abandoned, it would be better to offer a lower price and find a more reliable vassal like the Lu Household to lease it out.

In ten or twenty years, if the Lu Household manages this waterway well, whether or not to change the price or take it back will be Chongming Sect.

Of course, Duan Anle dared to act in this way because these ideas had already been presented to Sect Leader Kang Da for review and approval.

"This is certainly a wonderful thing, but Fellow Daoist Duan also knows that my Lu Household is poor and lacks the resources. Could the price be adjusted?" Lu Yunniang feigned reluctance.

"Ha, Fellow Daoist Lu is dishonest, always pretending to be poor. My price is definitely not high, the Lu Household can afford it!" Duan Anle interrupted, seeing that Lu Yunniang was about to haggle again.

"Fellow Daoist Lu, please don't say any more. Anyway, this matter isn't urgent. Since you can't make a decision right now, let's put it aside for now. But when the time comes, it might just be my master who's negotiating the price with you."

"How can this be allowed?!"

Lu Yunniang's pupils dilated, and she was so anxious that her heart skipped a beat. Just as she was about to speak, she saw Han Xundao, who was on duty at the archway today, enter the hall with a letter talisman.

Duan Anle smiled apologetically at Lu Yunniang, took the letter from Han Xundao, and said with a mixture of reproach and indulgence, "Why are you in such a hurry? Can't you see that I'm talking to an honored guest?"

"Fellow Daoist Lu, please forgive me. This talisman was sent by my sect leader, which is why I was so abrupt." Han Xundao bowed slightly, not even turning his head towards Lu Yunniang, as an apology.

The latter stared at the arrogance in the young man's eyes, feeling somewhat uneasy, but quickly understood. "The Chongming Sect is now a major sect; it's time for some outstanding talents to emerge. If every generation produces exceptional individuals, what a mess that would be!"

Although she was displeased, Lu Yunniang could only smile faintly and reply, "Fellow Daoist, you flatter me. The message from Sect Leader Kang is certainly important."

"Xundao, inform all the elders and fellow disciples who have duties to come to the council hall. Such an important matter should be shared with everyone." After reading the letter, Duan Anle's displeasure at Han Xundao's previous rudeness was instantly dispelled by the surge of joy.

"Fellow Daoist Duan, I have been impolite and presumptuous. May I ask what joyous occasion has occurred in your sect?" Lu Yunniang thought for a moment before asking.

"Fellow Daoist, you are too kind. It is indeed a good thing. My master's letter said that my master's wife has already established her Dao Foundation after receiving instruction from Fei Household!" Duan Anle said frankly, without any intention of hiding anything.

"The sect leader's wife Foundation Establishment!!" Han Xundao clearly lacked Duan Anle's composure. Upon hearing the news, he didn't even bother to bow and say goodbye to the two of them before rushing out to announce it to everyone.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Duan! It is truly a joyous occasion that Senior Fei of your sect has made another step forward and attained the Dao Foundation!" Lu Yunniang immediately cupped her hands in congratulations.

"Congratulations! By the way, what were you trying to say earlier, fellow Daoist?" Duan Anle asked, feigning curiosity.

Lu Yunniang pondered the words "Elder of the Fei Household" for a long time, gritting her teeth and thinking, "Even if I lose money, I have to take this on! But that might not be enough. If we don't produce another Foundation Establishment in a few years, I might not even get a chance to speak with Kang Dabao anymore!"

"Nothing much. I simply find your words quite fair. The Lu Household will take over Brocade Scale Lake! We will certainly not let you down!"

"Of course, of course. Even my master has praised Fellow Daoist Lu's housekeeping skills. How could he not do well? Come, come, I've already written the spirit contract. Let's affix the seal here, that's all."

---- Hong County, on the edge of the Cold Crow Mountain Range

Ji Yunsheng looked curiously at Jiang Qing, who was traveling with him, and asked in a questioning voice, "Younger Brother Jiang, what good news do you have?"

The latter smiled faintly as he carefully put away the talisman in his hand before replying, "My sister-in-law recently completed her Dao Foundation; that's what my senior brother mentioned in his letter."

"Is it that noble lady from the Fei Household?" Ji Yunsheng knew Sect Leader Kang Da's style of doing things, and Jiang Qing had many sisters-in-law, so he asked with concern.

After the latter nodded, Ji Yunsheng offered his congratulations repeatedly. "This is indeed a joyous occasion!"

At the same time, he sighed inwardly, "I wonder what kind of good fortune Chongming Sect has given out. Ever since Jiang Qing Foundation Establishment, it seems that his Kang Dabao has also become Ice Leaf Dao Foundation."

I've heard that this method is quite remarkable, even unfathomable. Even my elder brother Xu Liuxian said it was unfathomable. Now, with the addition of Fei Shuhe, their strength has increased even further.

I've heard that Jiang Qing has several fellow disciples of the same generation who are also preparing for Foundation Establishment. If they all succeed, what will happen?! Won't they be the envy of everyone else?!

"Brother Ji, let's go. The Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey you mentioned is quite rare; we shouldn't let it get away!" Jiang Qing suggested.

"Younger Brother Jiang is absolutely right, I'll lead the way!" Ji Yunsheng also put away his envious mood, changed to a serious demeanor, and stepped forward solemnly.

The two arrived at a valley with clear, cool water and lush trees, where they could see groups of ugly, black-furred monkeys living carefree lives.

Most of these demonic monkeys were only at the lower-middle level of the First Tier, with only the three particularly robust leaders standing out.

The blood from the heart of this Second Tier Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey can be used in medicine and is one of the main ingredients required for Second Tier Beauty Pill, so it's quite expensive. Ji Yunsheng actually found three of them at once; he was truly lucky!

"There are at least one or two hundred First Tier demon monkeys, one Second-Tier Middle-Grade and two Second-Tier Lower-Grade." Jiang Qing narrowed his eyes. They wouldn't be easy to take down. No wonder Ji Yunsheng invited him to come and eat this piece of fat meat.

The latter is no pushover.

Xu Liuxian was the first to learn of Lang Yi's death, which is why the four brothers acted swiftly and were the first to seize Crane Spirit Mountain. However, other fertile territories under Lang Yi's name were also coveted by others.

The benefits Chongming Sect were all earned by Xu Liuxian through life-and-death battles with those Foundation Establishment forces to repay favors! Sect Leader Kang Da smiled faintly, knowing that countless lives had been taken and bloodshed involved in the benefits to come!

Despite his large belly and kind face, Ji Yunsheng is the most ruthless among the Four Friends of Cold Mountain. During the turmoil in Hong County, he has killed as many as three Foundation Establishment True Cultivator the spot!

He even single-handedly stormed into a poorly guarded and sparsely populated Foundation Establishment clan, and in front of everyone in the clan, he used Thunder Method to blast their Foundation Establishment leader's body into charred remains.

Although Ji Yunsheng always led the charge in every battle, he was quite lucky.

Of the Four Friends of Cold Mountain who have gone through so many fierce battles, he is the only one who is still unharmed. Otherwise, he would not have gone to such lengths to hunt this Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey with Jiang Qing.

"Younger Brother Jiang, that Second-Tier Middle-Grade Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey is yours to..."

"Don't worry, Brother Ji, leave it to me. It won't escape!" Jiang Qing gripped the Sword-Sharpening Stone tightly in his hand, grabbed a low-grade Spirit Artifact flying sword for temporary use, and charged out.

Chongming Sect Third Master Jiang had taken in so many homeless Storage Bag, he could still take out one or two Spirit Artifacts of decent quality.

The two massive tusks of the Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey are excellent materials for forging flying swords! If Ji Yunsheng takes them, how could Jiang Qing, with his proud nature, possibly ask for them back?!

"Younger Brother Jiang is still as brave as ever!" Ji Yunsheng praised. His temperament was quite similar to Jiang Qing's, so even though the latter had stolen his prey, he was not angry. He formed the Wuji Seal with his hands, and in an instant, wind and thunder came from above the mountains and forests, startling the originally quiet and peaceful valley into a noisy scene.

"We need to finish this quickly. Younger Brother Jiang is only at the Foundation Establishment. Even if his Swordsmanship is superb and he's not afraid of the mountain monkey leader, he'll still find it difficult to win quickly. I need to deal with these two makeshift ones as soon as possible and go help him!"

The moment the thought crossed Ji Yunsheng's mind, he clenched his fist and waved it, and a barrage of thunderclaps crashed down from the clouds.

How could an ordinary First Tier mountain monkey withstand such a fierce Thunder Method? The miserable howls and cries shook the two low-grade Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey in front of Ji Yunsheng, causing their eyes to turn crimson, their four giant teeth, each as wide as a palm, to gleam, and their black fur to become as hard as steel needles. They pounced on Ji Yunsheng!

"Well done!" Ji Yunsheng laughed wildly, his large belly trembling slightly. He silently chanted Mnemonic and shouted, "Order!"

Two Golden Light lightning spears appeared in his hands, and he immediately released them, rushing towards the two ferocious beasts.

With a crackling sound, the thunderous energy turned into flames, scorching the already charred fur of the two Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey, making it even darker.

Just as Ji Yunsheng's smug expression appeared, he saw that the two badly injured beasts did not retreat but instead advanced. The spiritual light on their four pale white giant teeth intensified, and they continued to attack Ji Yunsheng's vital points.

Meanwhile, the monkey demons who had not yet perished under the lightning were concerned for their leader, and a large number of them gathered around him!

"You beast!" Ji Yunsheng cursed angrily, thinking to himself that this beast was truly arrogant and didn't know that he should just offer his neck for execution and get some relief!

He shouted again, and the ten gold rings on his fingers suddenly lit up at the same time, the dazzling Golden Light blinding all the monkeys in the arena.

With a "whoosh," ten lightning-scythe-like streaks of light pierced through the monkey horde, reaping with abandon. Severed limbs and broken arms littered the ground, pooling into streams of blood that stained the once clear and pure stream pink.

"A swift victory is necessary!" This time, Ji Yunsheng showed no sign of triumph. He knew there were still too many monkeys in the troop, and these two Second Tier had to be killed first, otherwise, things might not go smoothly!

However, he underestimated the ferocity of these two beasts.

Ji Yunsheng's thunder spear flew out again, but this time one of the two beasts stepped forward and caught it all! One spear pierced through its internal organs, burning them to a crisp; the other pierced its skull, causing the beast's flesh and blood to fly everywhere, killing it instantly! Only a pair of white teeth remained.

"Oh no, that beast!" Ji Yunsheng exclaimed, and then saw the Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey, which had been covered by its companion and was no longer injured, rushing towards him.

With a "bang," Ji Yunsheng was sent flying by two giant teeth, accompanied by a foul-smelling gust of wind. If it weren't for the protective robes on his body, his entire body would probably have been torn into pieces.

"Tsk, I was just one step off!" Ji Yunsheng had never encountered a Second Tier Demon Beast that would sacrifice itself for its companions, which is why he suffered a great loss due to his carelessness.

The Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey, its chest charred black, would not let such a perfect opportunity to beat a drowning dog slip by, and led a group of demon monkeys to rush over.

Despite suffering considerable injuries, Ji Yunsheng showed no sign of fear, only sighing inwardly, "This is troublesome; a swift victory is not an option."

He formed the Tai Chi seal again, lightning crackling between his ten fingers, creating a lightning net in front of him, which blasted away all the First Tier demon monkeys who were trying to take advantage of him. The Second-Tier Lower-Grade Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey was immediately enraged and charged forward again.

"It seems our plans are going to fall through this time! Sigh, let's call Younger Brother Jiang and try again next time!"

Just as Ji Yunsheng was thinking this, he heard terrified cries from the monkey troop on the other side of the battlefield. Immediately afterward, a sharp sword light appeared in the air, and a large amount of blood shot into the sky.

Seeing tears welling in the eyes of the fierce, Second-Tier Lower-Grade Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey before him, Ji Yunsheng turned and walked away. The monkeys responded without hesitation, and they all knew what had happened!

With a clang, several Sword Qi swept across, and the Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey with its back turned was naturally the primary target of the sword's owner.

As the sword flashed, the Hardness outer skin naturally split open, dripping blood and oil, revealing the internal organs and bone marrow. The beast cried out in agony, but the sword light couldn't understand it, easily slicing it into several pieces.

The monkeys, leaderless, scattered like tiny black dots.

Jiang Qing had no time to chase after him. His flying sword landed in mid-air on a section of the corpse of Second-Tier Lower-Grade Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey. He removed the giant teeth, cut out the heart, and picked it all back into Jiang Qing's hand.

"Brother Ji, are you alright?!" Jiang Qing asked with concern after washing his hands.

"Younger Brother Jiang's Swordsmanship has improved again." Ji Yunsheng's eyes were full of surprise. Judging from Jiang Qing's performance today, not to mention him, even Xu Liuxian, the eldest of the Four Friends of Cold Mountain, might not dare to say that he was sure of winning.

But how old is Xu Liuxian? And how long has Jiang Qing been cultivating?!

"Brother, you flatter me. I've only had a few good fortunes," Jiang Qing said. He wouldn't tell Ji Yunsheng about the Sword-Sharpening Stone in his pocket, but instead handed over all the spiritual materials from the two low-grade giant-toothed demon monkeys to Ji Yunsheng.

"Younger Brother Jiang, this..." Ji Yunsheng looked somewhat embarrassed. This time he hadn't contributed much and felt ashamed to accept the gift.

"Brother, you're too kind. Please accept it!" Jiang Qing was a generous person. After all, without Ji Yunsheng, he wouldn't have been able to obtain this Second-Tier Middle-Grade Giant-Toothed Mountain Monkey material.

"Then I will be ashamed to accept your offer, in the future..."

Ji Yunsheng and Jiang Qing were overjoyed when they returned to their lodgings. The latter then received another letter, and his joy grew even more.

"What good news is it this time, Younger Brother Jiang?!"

"Haha, this is indeed good news! My Senior Brother Ye emerged from seclusion yesterday and has already Foundation Establishment!"

Ji Yunsheng looked surprised, and this time he couldn't even utter his words of congratulations for a long time, wondering to himself, "How did it become another one?!"