Two Accounts

Tengwen Prefecture, Two Instruments Sect

"Fei Nanying Core Formation?" Upon receiving the news, Li Yun, the Two Instruments Sect, first frowned, then showed some relief. "Not surprising, he should Core Formation long ago."

The former sect leader Qiu Yunsheng, was sitting opposite Li Yun, with the same expression as the latter.

Now that Qiu Yunsheng has relinquished his responsibilities and has been content to be a leisurely elder, he unusually spoke to Li Yun about serious matters today, "It's not surprising that the Fei Household Core Formation, but to achieve a mid-grade core is truly remarkable."

"That is indeed rare." Li Yun nodded in agreement, then said softly, "Our sect was founded on Rosy Lake Mountain by our founding patriarch in the previous dynasty, and it has been thousands of years since then. Although no True Person has emerged during this time, True-Grade Golden Core has been produced in every generation, which ensures the sect's lineage is secure."

However, among all our ancestors, there were fewer than a handful who had attained the Middle-Grade Golden Core. Our generation is even less capable; if we exclude that one person, we don't even have a single one."

"Indeed, the Ying Prefecture Fei Household is a powerful clan in the Immortal Dynasty, renowned throughout the land. Compared to us cultivators from the border states, they have certainly gained a considerable advantage," Qiu Yunsheng echoed.

"I previously sent people to Capital Circuit to inquire about it. What Fei Nanying is practicing is the 'Immortal Wei Thirteen-Story Ascension Method,' a method exclusively for outstanding direct descendants of the Ying Prefecture Fei Household. Legend has it that this ancient cultivation method was taught to the Fei Household after the disappearance of the founding emperor, when their loyalty remained undiminished and they gained the favor of the Holy Ancestor."

Upon hearing this, Li Yun's face also showed some admiration. "The children of powerful families are different. The 'Immortal Wei Thirteen-Story Ascension Method' is a top-grade Cultivation Method of the Zhou Grade Supreme-Grade, prepared by the Great Wei Immortal Dynasty to lay the foundation for the true royal family and nobles."

This method is extraordinary from the very beginning of Qi Refinement. In addition to the nine levels of Qi cultivation, it also adds the realms of the Three Treasures: Essence, Qi, and Spirit. To ensure the smooth Foundation Establishment, after the nine levels of Qi cultivation, the navel aperture is opened to replenish the Qi Sea, the physical aperture is opened to strengthen the meridians, and the mind aperture is opened to enhance Divine Sense.

However, all of this requires a large number of rare and precious treasures and cultivation resources to promote it.

This method Spirit Root, resources, and comprehension, Foundation Establishment extremely difficult. However, once Foundation Establishment, there is a very high probability of attaining the Ice Leaf Dao Foundation.

Thus, some outsiders have said, "The Great Wei's Immortal Pavilion has thirteen courtyards, where one can stroll along the green hills, pick ice, and gaze upon the purple-gold pavilion."

Attaining the Dao Foundation is merely an appetizer. This Cultivation Method further refines the Foundation Establishment into thirteen layers, each layer representing a challenge that is far more difficult than conventional cultivation methods, yet offers a chance to improve the quality of one's elixir.

Even within the Ying Prefecture Fei Household, those who can cultivate the "Immortal Wei Thirteen-Story Ascension Method Middle-Grade Golden Core have probably not emerged for many years.

"Yes, wealth, land, Dharma, and companions are all indispensable. But the most crucial element of cultivation is the cultivator himself, isn't it?" Qiu Yunsheng closed his teacup, making a crisp sound that silenced the two people sitting opposite him.

"It seems their She Mountain Hall is about to rise in the Fei Household's power, and Fei Nanying will gain even more favor from Fei Ye Shui." Li Yun started the conversation again, mentioning the name "Fei Ye Shui."

The look of envy on Qiu Yunsheng's face gradually faded, and he only said softly:

"So what if he's up? Fei Ye Shui can be considered a first-rate figure below the True Person level. He fought alongside others against Fourth Tier great demon in Liangxi Circuit, but so what? No matter how strong he is, can he compare to the old master of the Master of the Star-Picking Pavilion?"

"What if Kuang Liuting really forms Upper-Grade Golden Core in the future?" Li Yun asked coldly. A hint of fear flashed in Qiu Yunsheng's eyes. "That's not something we need to worry about. The True Person will have their own plans then. Just obey their orders."

"Senior Brother Qiu, this matter is of utmost importance. If we make even one wrong move, we will be doomed." Li Yun was still worried and asked.

"Thirty-three Nascent Soul forces across the land have all planted their eyes in this tiny Cloud Horn Prefecture. No matter what we do, we'll only earn the laughter of Master Zhang and the scolding of Master Li. How can we possibly be safe? What can we possibly do to be safe?!"

Qiu Yunsheng's tone became low. As a Golden Core cultivator who had been famous for over a hundred years, he felt somewhat powerless at this moment.

Outsiders only see that the Two Instruments Sect has several high-level cultivators in life, dominates several states, and is extremely prosperous. But how many people know how precarious the situation is beneath this glamorous facade?

"Senior Brother Qiu," Li Yun wanted to persuade him further, but then he heard Qiu Yunsheng's tone turn cold, and he said in a deep voice:

"Now that you are the sect leader, Junior Brother Li, you can command with absolute authority and your words are law. In addition, there are some things that I, as a mere figurehead, should not say too much about, lest my fellow disciples think I am a power-hungry person who clings to power."

However, I must remind Junior Brother Li of something: the Kuang Household clan is too far away, while the Star-Picking Pavilion is right next door. Therefore, there are some things that, even if they are wrong, we must continue to do. Otherwise, the irreversible consequences may come sooner than we expect!

After making his remarks, the latter returned to his cave abode and secluded himself for quiet cultivation.

Li Yun closed his eyes and murmured a few times, still feeling unsettled. He wasn't murmuring about Fei Nanying, this formidable opponent, Core Formation his core, but rather thinking, "Kuang Liuting, when will you finally Core Formation?"

--- Capital Circuit, Ying Prefecture, Fei Lineage Territory

Fei Ye Shui opened an old register and looked at it for a long time.

Nearly five hundred years have not left any indelible marks on his face; the titles of Grand Pillar of State, Golden Core Peak, and Head of the Fei Household, however, make him vigorous and strong even in old age.

It's unclear how much time passed, Fei Ye Shui picked up a blue fox spirit brush and, after a list of renowned names, neatly and precisely inscribed the three large characters "Fei Nanying" in cloud seal script.

Having just slain a Third Tier evil viper on the King Yu Circuit, Fei Dongwen had already shed his fierce aura and now stood respectfully behind Fei Ye Shui, appearing extremely obedient. Only after seeing Fei Ye Shui close the register did he speak up in praise:

"Nanying is only 140 years old, yet he has already attained the Middle-Grade Golden Core, which is truly remarkable. Congratulations, Ancestor, our Fei Household has rarely seen such a prosperous era since the previous dynasty, with seventeen top cultivators present at the same time."

Upon hearing this, Fei Ye Shui's face showed a hint of relief. He skipped over the second half of Fei Dongwen's redundant statement and simply said with satisfaction, "Nanying is indeed a promising young man."

The old cultivator's tone became even more somber at this point. "What a pity. If only I could have Core Formation a full sixty years earlier, or even half a sixty years earlier."

Upon hearing this, Fei Dongwen's joy faded considerably. Fei Ye Shui, noticing the change in his expression, smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, I still have many days left before my time comes, and I can still accomplish many things."

"Ancestor" Fei Dongwen spoke hastily, but was interrupted by Fei Ye Shui halfway through his sentence. The latter smiled wryly, "We know our own business. I wouldn't stoop to having a little brat like you say nice things to make me happy."

He waved his hand, carefully placed the old register into a luxurious box, and then spoke to Fei Dongwen, saying, "Let's not talk about that anymore. Nanying has now attained the Middle-Grade Golden Core, truly a model for the Fei Household! Before he comes to the clan's territory to see me, we must send someone to congratulate him."

Make a big fuss when you go, act arrogantly, and put on a grand show.

You must know that the cultivators of the borderlands are often influenced by barbarian customs, are extremely rude, most afraid of authority and lacking in virtue, and most intolerant of a kind face. The more powerful you are, the less you respect them, the more they will admire you.

Fei Dongwen responded, "I suggest that Nanxi go to Cloud Horn Prefecture. Since she Core Formation, she hasn't left her clan's territory in Ying Prefecture. It would be a good opportunity for her to see the scenery of this border prefecture."

Fei Ye Shui pondered for a moment before asking, "What are your thoughts?"

Fei Dongwen spoke more cautiously, only saying softly, "Regarding the matter in Cloud Horn Prefecture last time, the Qiu River Hall did a poor job, and we should try to make amends."

What if Nanxi doesn't want to?

"Then let's wait until his Qiu River Hall produces a Middle-Grade Golden Core before we complain and grumble."

"Heh, what you said makes some sense," Fei Ye Shui laughed, seemingly not finding anything wrong with Fei Dongwen's biased stance.

After laughing, he asked again, "What was the reason that Nanying sent that minor branch of the Qiu River Hall back from Cloud Horn Prefecture last time?"

Fei Dongwen didn't embellish the story, simply stating. "It's because of the matter of marrying off a daughter from that minor branch of the family."

"Yes, I have some recollection." Ancestor Ye Shui's smile remained unchanged, and he even showed a rare hint of interest when the matter was mentioned. "It seems that because of the chaos at the Qiu River Hall, a legitimate daughter of the She Mountain Hall was married off, right? It seems she was an orphan left behind by Nanwei, a descendant of the Jiang Household of Phoenix Forest, named Shuhe, right?"

"The ancestor remembers it perfectly." Fei Dongwen, not wanting to miss any opportunity to flatter, hurriedly praised him.

Fei Ye Shui waved her hand again, her face beaming with even more joy:

"Haha, as people get older, they enjoy hearing stories about the younger generation. I remember when you came back from Cloud Horn Prefecture last time, you mentioned meeting a promising son-in-law who won the She Mountain Hall Junior Competition, named Kang Dabao, isn't that right?"

Fei Dongwen replied, "Reporting to the Ancestor, this young man named Kang Dabao does indeed possess some talent, and he is indeed the husband of Shuhe."

"Oh, I really don't remember that. Haha, the two Nanying brothers, one married a Han Household, and the other married a young lady from the Jiang Household. Because of these two marriages, even the status of the direct line of the She Mountain Hall has been stabilized quite a bit. Who would have thought that their own daughter would be taken away by a penniless peasant? How interesting."

Fei Ye Shui stroked his long beard, his eyes narrowed to slits, and continued speaking. Only after noticing the change in Fei Dongwen's expression did he realize that speaking in his position was inappropriate. He forced a smile, coughed lightly a few times, and said:

"There's no need to specifically ask Nanxi to go. Let's just have the Qiu River Hall send a Golden Core cultivator on behalf of the Lineage to Cloud Horn Prefecture to Nanying. Instruct them to bring a battalion of the Ying Mountain Army with them, just to make a good impression. Also, that girl Wanqing has been cultivating at home for quite some time now, so she can go along to see her parents and relatives as well."

After explaining this much, Fei Ye Shui seemed to remember something and continued, "If Nan Ying thinks that young man surnamed Kang is worth cultivating when Nanying ancestral home, he can bring him here for me to see."

(The Lao Bai starts its holiday tomorrow, and my wife and I will be driving home. It's a 20-hour drive, and it's the Spring Festival travel rush, so please forgive me if I can't update regularly. Thank you!)