Jade Leaf Core Fire

---- Fearless Tower Cloud Horn Prefecture Branch Building Pingrong County

At dusk, the sun and moon shone together.

The wealthy family's mansion, nestled against the mountains and beside the water, was much more lively than usual.

This is because the youngest son of the local resident was found to have Spirit Root by the immortal master of the Lu Household of Quarry Mountain. He will soon go to the immortal mountain to cultivate, and from then on he will be free from illness and disaster, live a long Changsheng, and become a carefree immortal.

For ordinary people, what could be a greater joy than this?

The entire mansion was filled with a joyful atmosphere, except for the old stableman in the secluded courtyard, who still looked sleepy and listless.

The servants in the house all thought he was senile and had no time to pay him any attention. They all crowded into the front yard, where the gentlemen and ladies were the easiest to talk to, and those who got to the front could earn some tips.

As a result, the courtyard where the old groom lived became even quieter.

Although he was out of place in the harmonious atmosphere of the house, he was always busy and never took a break.

The old groom held a boar bristle brush in his hand, and although he was only washing a few horses and mules in the stable, his movements were much gentler than when he was interacting with the ladies in the inner quarters.

Apart from the old groom's washing sounds and the occasional snorting of the horses and mules in their comfort, the courtyard was completely silent.

But as the sun dipped slightly lower and the moonlight intensified, the old groom suddenly stopped what he was doing.

The skinny horse, who was enjoying himself immensely, paused for a moment, then affectionately moved closer to the old groom, rubbing against the corner of his white coat, which was now indistinguishable as yellow or black, in a somewhat coquettish manner.

At this moment, the old groom's smile was both anxious and warm. He coaxed the skinny horse away with great affection before raising his head slightly and saying in a calm voice, "Even if you came openly and honestly, how many people in the entire Pingrong County would notice? Why bother?"

"We disciples in Hemp Robe risk our lives at every moment, our heads are always on the line, so we're used to being careful. Unlike you white-robed deacons, you're living such a carefree life."

Yan Qingwei frowned, her words dripping with barbs. For such beautiful and charming words to come from her mouth was quite vulgar, demonstrating just how displeased she was.

Upon hearing Jiang Hongdao merely smiled and remained silent. Not only did the old cultivator not argue with Yan Qingwei, he even withdrew his gaze and began to soothe the thin horse, who felt greatly wronged.

Seeing that Jiang Hongdao remained silent for a long time, Yan Qingwei became even more annoyed. When she opened her full lips again, her tone carried a hint of sarcasm:

"You neglect your own flesh Spirit Root outside, yet you're inseparable from the horses and mules in this stable. Old Jiang, you really are as my mother said, a strange person."

"What's so strange about that? When it comes to genuine relationships, how can humans compare to these beasts?" Jiang Hongdao's words were no less sarcastic than Yan Qingwei's.

Seeing that the old cultivator truly had no intention of interfering, Yan Qingwei was even more surprised and couldn't help but ask again on the spot, "Old Jiang, those outside are still your flesh and blood, are you really not going to care?"

Jiang Hongdao shook his head and simply said:

"Although I haven't been able to break through the bottleneck in my Old Jiang over the years, I haven't been idle. I have at least eight or ten offspring like this, so I don't need to worry about them."

They are spread across several states, so even if there are major natural disasters or man-made calamities, I, Old Jiang, will not be without an heir. On the contrary, if you were to follow Old Jiang, you might not survive these next few years.

Furthermore, the Lu Household of Quarry Mountain has been quite close to the Chongming Sect for decades, and Lu Yunniang is even preparing resources for Foundation Establishment. Therefore, in Pingrong County, Quarry Mountain is definitely not a dangerous place. Let's go."

Yan Qingwei only mentioned it casually; she really didn't have time to care about the old man's trivial matters.

But upon hearing the latter mention the name "Chongming Sect," Yan Qingwei's expression immediately turned solemn. "Old Jiang, my mother received a message from a spirit goose some time ago, saying that the Daoist Black Shoes was going to the outer sea. Is this true or false?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Hongdao maintained his usual playful expression, his attention returning to washing the thin horse in the stable. He replied calmly, "You're not a newcomer to our Fearless Tower. How many times have you missed the messages from your mother, the deputy head of the tower?"

Upon hearing this, Yan Qingwei's face showed some resentment, and she said again, "Then won't we be able to get any news about him to the Master from now on?"

Upon hearing this, the old monk in white smiled even more broadly, his tone remaining indifferent as he said, "Yan girl, what you're saying is quite something. Kang Dabao has kept his secret about his illegitimate father a secret, yet you still can't bring yourself to drop everything and use your beauty to your advantage."

Therefore, let alone finding out any information about the Daoist Black Shoes, I, Old Jiang, haven't even seen Cloud Horn Prefecture Kang Dabao's face for quite some time.

If a few more days pass, I'm afraid I won't even remember what his round face looked like. Whether the Daoist Black Shoes leaves or not, what difference will it make to us?

Although Jiang Hongdao's words were harsh, they were all true. Yan Qingwei frowned deeply, unable to think of a single word to refute them. Furious, she gritted her teeth and angrily recited:

"That fellow surnamed Kang took advantage of our Fearless Tower and ran away. For years, he hasn't provided a single piece of valuable information, and he hasn't even fulfilled his duty as a disciple of the Hemp Robe Sect. He's truly a despicable person!"

Jiang Hongdao nodded in agreement, but his smile remained unchanged as he spoke.

"Yes, now that he's Golden Core cultivator's nephew-in-law, he's become even more arrogant. He'll likely be even less likely to take our Fearless Tower seriously in the future." Seeing Yan Qingwei's anger intensify, he spoke up again before she could reply, offering words of comfort:

"However, there's nothing we can do about it. Our Cloud Horn Branch of the Fearless Tower doesn't have many True Cultivator it. We couldn't do anything to the Daoist Black Shoes before, and even if the Daoist Black Shoes goes to the outer sea now, we still can't do anything to Kang Dabao."

He's quite shrewd now; even if your mother came, it would take her a lot of effort to deal with him. The Lord and Deputy Lords haven't come to help for a long time, nor have they issued any orders, so we can't really do much anyway. Just focus on doing your job well; why worry about those difficult things?"

Hearing Jiang Hongdao's words, Yan Qingwei was still unconvinced. "Old Jiang, you're mistaken. Our Fearless Tower has never been taken advantage of. This Kang Dabao is a lazy bum who owes a lot of Merit Points and hasn't paid them back yet. Are you just going to let him off so easily?"

"What else?" Jiang Hongdao's brow twitched, but seeing Yan Qingwei's astonishment, he sighed and said softly:

"Kang Dabao was just a casual pawn placed here by the leaders and deputy leaders. He didn't cost much in terms of resources, and his little bit of Merit Points was nothing to worry about. Even if he doesn't reveal any information about Kuang Liuting and the Daoist Black Shoes in the future, so what? Can't our Fearless Tower afford to lose money?"

Old Xiu explained this principle in great detail, and if Yan Qingwei still couldn't understand it, then she would be rather dull-witted.

Seeing that the latter had stopped speaking, Jiang Hongdao changed his tone and brought up the old matter again. "Look, if you were willing to lower yourself and pretend to be friendly with that kid Kang for a while, you might still be able to gain something."

After all, what Madam Qi provided to the host was merely simple information about Black Shoes' intentions. If you can now enter the Chongming Sect Leader's inner quarters and find a seat, you can at least find out important matters such as when Daoist Black Shoes will depart.

Then you can personally present it to the master of the building. Your mother's position as master of the building will then be very secure, and you will no longer have to worry about anyone coveting it."

Yan Qingwei's expression changed abruptly, clearly Jiang Hongdao had touched on something she cared about. She racked her brains for words to defend herself, but couldn't bring herself to speak, only managing a few stammered phrases, "What if..."

"Don't worry, although the information we've gathered about Kang Dabao is conflicting and contradictory, there's one thing we're sure about: he's definitely a womanizer! No doubt about it! As long as you're willing to put aside your pride, devise a plan, and try it a few times, he'll eventually take the bait."

Even if the Daoist Black Shoes is no longer around, Kuang Liuting will probably still be reluctant to reinstate him. If you can help your mother find out even a single word about Kuang Liuting, it will be of great benefit to our Fearless Tower!

Jiang Hongdao spoke with great certainty; in all his life, he had rarely been so resolute as he was today.

Yan Qingwei panicked for a moment, and was about to speak when a long string of firecrackers went off in the front yard. Laughter and cheerful voices mingled with the firecrackers, drawing the Divine Sense of the two of them.

Today's protagonist is a handsome young boy with rosy lips and white teeth. He wears peach blossoms in his temples and a red sash, looking like a groom attracting all the attention.

At such a young age, he was almost buried under the sweet words of those around him, his eyes filled with a sincere longing for enlightenment and immortality. That was something that cultivators who had already embarked on the path of cultivation could hardly find again.

A barely perceptible hint of reluctance flickered in Jiang Hongdao's eyes. A moment later, he regained his composure and heard a conflicted female voice behind him:

"Yiyi, what do you think we should do in terms of design?"

Yan Qingwei blushed, almost wanting to bury her head in the gap between her heavy breasts.

Jiang Hongdao felt instantly relieved, and thought to himself, "This can succeed!"

----Officer's Temple

Several days have passed since Lord Yin Shan attempted to guide the Core Fire. As the former had said, Sect Leader Kang Da's injuries were not serious, and he woke up after only one day. However, Lord Yin Shan himself fell into a deep sleep and did not wake up for several days, causing everyone great concern.

After waking up, Kang Dabao did not continue to sit idly. Instead, he made an excuse to borrow a quiet room from the landlord, Qin Sufu, to begin his secluded cultivation. As soon as he looked inward at his Dantian, a look of surprise immediately appeared on his face.

But now, the Jade Leaf Dao Foundation was surrounded by a large expanse of golden dew, which was nourishing and strengthening it.

On the originally empty Jade Leaf Dao Foundation, a faint Core Fire the size of a firefly was emerging. Whenever a large amount of Spiritual Qi passed through it, it was burned and purified by this silently leaping, demonic green Core Fire.

Before spiritual energy flows into the dantian and forms the Dao foundation, it can be described as a surging river, rolling in; after being tempered by the fire of the dantian, it becomes a babbling brook, gentle and tender.

Correspondingly, Sect Leader Kang Da felt that his previously perceived solid and pure spiritual power had reached a new level.

This is certainly not a good thing. At this rate, if this ball of Core Fire were to fully temper him, Kang Dabao's cultivation level would likely drop back to the Foundation Establishment Early Stage within a year or two.

This was something he found hard to accept, but at the same time, Sect Leader Kang Da was also greatly surprised.

"According to what Lord Shan said, he should have failed to guide the Core Fire this time. After all, when the Core Fire was in his body, it was always contained in the acupoints around his body and did not enter the Dantian. It could only be used externally for refining pills and weapons, fighting and driving away enemies, but it had no effect on refining spiritual power like True-Grade Golden Core elixir."

He was unaware that my Jade Leaf Dao Foundation possessed extraordinary abilities. Not only could it absorb all the Core Fire, but it could also completely absorb the Golden Core essence that he had separated, using it to strengthen the Dao Foundation Lotus Platform.

Once the essence of the Golden Core in Dao Foundation is completely refined, I will be able to nurture the Core Fire with the Lotus Platform. That will be very different from Lord Shan's situation, where he is limited by the amount of essence and his Dan Core Fire can only barely contend with False Core.

If I'm not mistaken, once I reach the Foundation Establishment Late Stage and unleash my Core Fire, ordinary False Core will find it difficult to withstand.

Not only is the fire of this Golden Core sharp, but also because the spiritual energy around me has been refined to a very high level, comparable to that of a Golden Core cultivator, even though its size is far inferior, it will not be at a disadvantage against a fake Golden Core cultivator.

"However," thinking of this, Kang Dabao's excitement subsided considerably after a brief moment of reflection on his cultivation speed, and a wry smile appeared on his face:

"It's just that my cultivation with Four Spirit Roots is already difficult enough, and with this added on, I'm afraid I really won't be able to Core Formation until the end of my life! Even if my spiritual power is as pure as a top cultivator's at that time, I'm afraid I'll still have a hard time getting past that hurdle."

Sect Leader Kang Da sighed. In his entire life, he had truly never encountered many genuinely good things.

Kang Dabao was in no hurry to leave and stayed in the quiet room for several more days before emerging from seclusion.

As soon as the door was opened, Sect Leader Kang Da learned from Kang Changyi, who had been standing outside, that Lord Shan had awakened. Just as the former was about to go and pay his respects, Qin Sufu, who was also waiting outside Lord Shan's door, stopped him.

"Uncle is inside talking with Lord Shan. He told me beforehand that no one else is allowed in. Please wait a little longer, brother."

"Neither you nor I can enter, fellow Daoist?" Kang Dabao's expression changed slightly. Seeing Qin Sufu's equally bewildered look, he didn't ask any further questions and instead spoke with the latter, who was concerned about his injuries.

The furnishings inside Lord Yin Shan's room were very simple, and it didn't look like the residence of a cultivator at all. Even the tattered futon that he was used to using seemed to have been found in some mortal temple.

In his words, he had been stuck at the Qi Refinement stage for over a hundred years, making no progress whatsoever. No matter what kind of cultivation or meditation he used, it was all just so-so. He thought it would be better to bestow good things upon his descendants as soon as possible, hoping that they could make progress in the future and protect the common people.

At this moment, the old man, covered in fine down, was leaning against the bed, his cloudy eyes lacking vitality and filled with exhaustion.

The imposing Daoist Black Shoes, who had been so imposing outside, was now standing by the bed, carefully testing the temperature of the soup before offering it to the Lord Shan. The latter smiled, not in a hurry to take it, but simply asked, "When are you leaving?"

The Daoist Black Shoes showed no surprise, clearly expecting the Lord Shan to inquire about this matter. Holding the soup, he respectfully replied, "In another two or three years."

He had barely finished speaking when he saw the weary old man leaning against the couch shake his head:

"Since you've made up your mind, then set off as soon as possible and don't procrastinate. Even Nascent Soul True Person can't say for sure when Kuang Liuting Core Formation, but even I, an old and useless person, know that if he Core Formation, the entire situation in Mountain South will change. If you want to leave then, many more variables may arise."

The Daoist Black Shoes pondered the Lord Shan's suggestion for a while, and after a long pause, he said, "Then the boy will leave in a year."

The latter shook his head, took the soup from the Daoist Black Shoes's hand, and before he could bring it to his lips, said, "It's still too late. You can leave after I die."

"Lord Shan!"

"No need for further words," Lord Shan's voice softened further, but a faint smile appeared on his face:

"You are indeed different from He. You are exceptionally talented and gifted, yet you cannot bear the constraints of high-ranking cultivators, Yixin pursuing the Dao Path and a carefree life. Therefore, staying in this small Cloud Horn Prefecture will only hinder and bury your potential."

"This young man is no match for his elder brother."

Lord Shan was still laughing, and said bluntly, "Let's not talk about that. Let's go, let's go quickly. Since you have no sect or relatives to hold you back, you should go out and make your own way in the world as soon as possible."

To be honest, I never imagined that you would take care of those disciples of that young man He for so long because of his dying wish. If things had gone as I expected, you should have set off on your journey after reaching the Foundation Establishment."

"Young man, I'm sorry, elder brother." The Daoist Black Shoes's face darkened, but Lord Shan chuckled and said, "When He was alive, he couldn't even establish a Foundation Establishment sect. What have you done to wrong him?"

Lord Shan's words did not improve the expression of the Daoist Black Shoes. After reading for a while, the former gradually suppressed the smile on his face.

The old man lowered his voice, sighed, and then said, "Although you and He have never told outsiders what happened back then, I think his willingness to put on this show with you must be for your own good."

You should go out and make your own way. Kang is almost seventy years old. Why should he need your protection anymore? Everyone has their own Dao Path. Go out and achieve enlightenment, become a master, or even a patriarch.

Even if the Chongming Sect is gone when I return in the future, it doesn't matter. He boy and I will still be honored because of you."

Just as the Daoist Black Shoes was about to answer, he noticed that the wisteria leaves beside the Lord Shan's ears had turned from withered yellow to falling off, and he looked nervous. At first, the latter was a little confused, but after turning his head to look in the direction of the Daoist Black Shoes, he understood the reason.

However, after seeing it, he did not show any unusual reaction like the Daoist Black Shoes. Even as the dried wisteria leaves, having released their moisture, rustled off his shoulders, Lord Yin Shan simply continued in a calm voice, "Let's go, it's time."

"Lord Shan, it's me."

Lord Yin Shan interrupted him again, and this time when he spoke, his tone had inadvertently become slightly hoarse. "Go, go. After you achieve the Core Formation, the Nascent Soul Stage, the Sect Master Stage, and the Ancestor Stage, you must never forget the people of the world. If the high-ranking cultivators in this world just think of them a little, or lend a little helping hand, they will be much better off, much better off."