Cultivating Immortality Begins with Rejuvenation.

Chapter 186 Sect Assessment
The Biyun Sect has been the overlord of Cangyun Province for thousands of years, and its dominance over the province is unparalleled.

As vassal states of the sect, the five major families, whose clans were established because of their ancestors' status in the sect, are even more in awe of the Biyun Sect.

They understand the various rules and unspoken rules of the Biyun Sect better than ordinary cultivators.

The Biyun Sect's invitation to Li Ji'an not only reflected its plan to close the sect for a hundred years, but also indicated its recognition of Li Ji'an's alchemy skills.

Previously, Li Ji'an became a second-level alchemist and had a great reputation in the Immortal City, but in the eyes of the five major families, he was only in the second echelon. After all, the alchemists of the sect were the well-deserved first echelon.

And now, in Liu Jiuchan's eyes, Li Ji'an's alchemy skills are undoubtedly in the top tier.

"Congratulations to Master Li Dan, congratulations to Master Li Dan. Now that you have entered the Biyun Sect, your alchemy skills will surely improve by leaps and bounds and reach a higher level." Liu Jiuchan did not show any disappointment. Instead, his attitude changed very quickly, and he became even more approachable than before.

Li Ji'an nodded slightly. "Thank you for your kind words, Fellow Daoist Liu. However, the result is still uncertain. Perhaps my alchemy skills may not be able to pass the sect's assessment."

He was no longer surprised by this woman's scheming and utilitarianism. He looked down on and disdainful of those who were of lower status than her, but once he met someone of higher status than her, he would immediately flatter and get close to them.

However, she was right about one thing, that is, once Li Ji'an entered the sect, his alchemy skills might really improve. After all, the amount of spiritual medicines and precious plants that Biyun Sect had harvested in the ruins was innumerable, and there must be many medicinal materials and alchemy recipes that were not available outside.

"Master Li, since the High Sect has already sent an invitation, Jiu Chan dare not invite you again. However, Jiu Chan would like to make a deal with Master Li. I wonder if Master Li is willing?"

Knowing that it was impossible to recruit him as a family worshipper, Liu Jiuchan settled for the second best option, which could be considered a backup plan.

"What kind of deal?" Li Ji'an asked calmly.

Liu Jiuchan took a step forward and said through his telepathic consciousness, "To be honest, this matter is extremely important to our clan. Originally, the clan elders requested that this information be revealed only after we had signed a tribute contract with Master Li Dan. However, since Master Li Dan is about to become a guest official of the upper sect, we are now family.

After decades of tracking, our clan finally discovered a special earth-grade bloodline monster beast with pure bloodline on the outskirts of Flame Mountain.

Using the demon core of this demon beast as the main ingredient, supplemented by the essence and blood of several kinds of demon beasts that our clan has meticulously researched for a hundred years, we hope to refine a magic pill that can transform the bloodline of spiritual pets.

However, once the core of this kind of monster leaves the body, the essence of its bloodline will quickly disappear. We are not sure if we can capture it alive, so we hope to refine the elixir on the spot once we obtain the core.

This kind of pill requires the joint efforts of the alchemist and the beast pill master of our tribe to refine it.

The alchemist in our clan is old and frail and can barely sustain the intensity of alchemy. Furthermore... the alchemist we know well has been ordered not to leave the clan easily."

"Transformation of the spirit beast's bloodline?" Li Ji'an's heart moved slightly.

Based on his current knowledge of beast taming, a spirit beast's future achievements are mainly affected by the level of its bloodline, similar to the spiritual roots of human cultivators.

Guagua has low-grade bloodline and very poor aptitude.

His ability to break through to the second level was entirely due to the help of Fire Spirit and Xiao Qiao.

But his potential has been completely exhausted. Not to mention advancing to a higher realm, even reaching the middle stage of the second stage is almost hopeless.

Liu Jiuchan's words at this moment undoubtedly gave Li Ji'an a glimmer of hope.

"Master Li Dan, our clan is sincere this time and is willing to reward you with the essence blood or skin of a late-stage second-order spirit beast." Seeing that Li Ji'an looked calm and showed no intention, Liu Jiuchan hurriedly took the initiative to mention the reward.

"Second-stage late-stage animal skin!" This once again made Li Ji'an's heart move.

The hides of late-stage second-level animals can be used as materials for talismans. The late-stage second-level talismans of general quality are equivalent to the overhaul of the late-stage foundation-building stage.

If he could make a high-quality second-stage late-stage talisman, it would be a threat to fake pills and would become his biggest trump card to protect himself.

"I already know what Fellow Daoist Liu is thinking, but let's wait and see after the sect's assessment." Li Ji'an didn't refuse directly, nor did he agree readily. After all, he was about to take part in the sect's assessment. This period of time could also allow the Liu family to overcome themselves, and maybe even add more chips.

The Liu family must attach great importance to this kind of elixir that can enhance bloodline. They certainly don't trust outside alchemists. As for the alchemists from within the state, it is impossible for the alchemists of Biyun Sect to go out with them. As for the others, Li Ji'an is confident that they are not as trustworthy as him.

"Master Li Dan is right. It's Jiuchan who is a little impatient. Let's wait until Master Li Dan becomes the guest alchemist of the upper sect." Liu Jiuchan quickly agreed.

Li Ji'an did not refuse directly. She was already very satisfied. She was very tolerant of those who were superior to her or stronger than her.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Liu Jiuchan reluctantly said goodbye when Li Ji'an used the excuse of honing his alchemy skills to prepare for the sect's assessment, and agreed to come back to visit after the sect's assessment was over.

After seeing Liu Jiuchan off, Li Ji'an came to the pond in the backyard.

"You can't give up anymore. From today on, practice hard." He patted his belly that was basking in the sun and warned seriously.

He had already given up hope on Gua Gua, and even thought that he might not live to see his next life, but today Liu Jiuchan brought him hope.

As long as there is a way to transform his bloodline, he will try his best to fight for Gua Gua. Having been together for two lifetimes, Gua Gua makes him feel more at ease than any other old friend.

"Quack~" Quaq turned over and stared with big eyes like copper bells.

"Strive to be promoted to the rank of third-order monster!" Li Ji'an encouraged.

"Quack!" Guagua looked at Li Ji'an even more incredulously.

……

Half a month passed quickly.

Biyun Sect, Danding Peak.

"Elder Yin, this is all the information about Master Li Dan." An inner sect deacon handed over a jade slip with both hands.

Yin Yanbo, the Jade Pill Master with his hair and beard all charred black, had just come out of the alchemy room and was still racking his brains to think about the reason for the furnace explosion.

After being reminded twice, he finally came to his senses and impatiently probed his spiritual sense into the jade slip.

"Hmm? You took part in the entrance examination and passed it thirty-six years ago, but gave it up voluntarily? Interesting. What kind of background did you have to give up joining the Biyun Sect?" Master Yudan raised his head, and there was a lot of curiosity in his bloodshot eyes.

"Reporting to Elder Yin, Master Li Dan's origins and background were clearly investigated back then. His father was a wandering cultivator in the secular area of the wilderness, and he was taken in by the Yan family when he was young... After investigating many aspects of the reason why he voluntarily gave up, it seems that he lacked the courage and determination to make progress, the courage to fight, and the unwillingness to face risks." The deacon reported truthfully.

Yudan Zhenren was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Hahaha, isn't it just fear of death?"

"It should be." The deacon smiled awkwardly.

Master Yudan continued to read on, becoming more and more curious.

"Tsk tsk, a first-level alchemist actually refined a top-grade Ningbi Pill? He's incredibly lucky, isn't he? I suspect it's a Foundation Establishment Pill given by the Jiuding Chamber of Commerce? He's the first-second-level alchemist in the Immortal City, specializing in beauty pills and has an excellent reputation... Ha, well, I'll go and see for myself."

After he finished speaking, his magical power surged, his hair and beard returned to normal, and he had the dignity of an elder.

This was Li Ji'an's third visit to Biyun Sect. Looking at the lush green mountains and the quiet valley, he still felt that this kind of environment was closest to the word "immortal".

"Brother Li!" As soon as he arrived at the mountain gate, Xiao Changfeng came out to greet him. It was obvious that he was waiting for him here in advance.

"Changfeng!" Li Ji'an stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder, wanting to get some of his luck.

Over the past six months, they communicated frequently and finally learned about Xiao Changfeng's opportunity.

It turned out that when the Biyun Sect was developing the ruins, Xiao Changfeng discovered a magic weapon by chance, and was rewarded by the sect with a foundation-building elixir and an enlightenment pill that would help him advance to the middle stage of foundation-building.

Later, by chance, he rescued a Zhendan elder who was protecting the sect in the ruins and became a famous figure in his sect. After the elder was promoted to the middle stage of foundation building, he was promoted to deputy head of the External Affairs Hall.

Li Ji'an absolutely didn't believe that he had no luck. However, thinking back to when Xiao Changfeng accompanied him to the Flame Mountain to capture the Fire Spirit, and how he had lost his qualification to enter the Wuji Secret Realm after returning, Li Ji'an felt more and more that he had borrowed Xiao Changfeng's luck that time, which led to the accident.

This also proves that Xiao Changfeng's luck can be "borrowed".

"Brother Li, I can finally take the pills you refine all the time in the future." Xiao Changfeng was in a good mood. Ever since he took the Soul-Boosting Pill given by Li Ji'an on the way to the Flame Mountain, Xiao Changfeng was deeply impressed by its medicinal properties and efficacy. So far, even the equally high-quality Soul-Boosting Pills refined by the sect's inner alchemy master could not achieve the effect of Li Ji'an's pill.

Li Ji'an smiled and shook his head. During the summons a few days ago, Xiao Changfeng admitted to the recommendation.

However, he also stated righteously that this move was entirely for the sect.

As the saying goes, one should promote talented people regardless of their relationship with the sect. If Li Ji'an can become the sect's guest alchemist, it will be a good thing for the sect.

On the way to Danding Peak, Xiao Changfeng took Li Ji'an and told him the information about Yudan Zhenren in detail.

"Brother Li, since Master Yudan started studying alchemy, it seems like a new world has opened up for him. He is so obsessed with it that he often laments that spiritual practice is not as interesting as alchemy.

Apart from alchemy, there is almost nothing else in his eyes, so you don't have to worry too much about worldly affairs.

As long as your Dan skills satisfy him, there will be no problem."

Li Ji'an secretly sighed that a full man does not know the hunger of a hungry man. He was only qualified to say such words because he was extremely talented and had practiced all the way to the level of fake elixir.

Otherwise, which ordinary cultivator who practices his skills is not forced by life?
If there were no pressure to survive, everyone would definitely prioritize practicing Taoism.

When the two passed by the main peak, three beams of light came down from the main peak and met them head-on.

"Junior Brother Xiao, are you going to look for Elder Fang again?" The leader was none other than their current class's true disciple, Jiang Yunzhou.

"Senior Brother Jiang, I will take Brother Li to Danding Peak for the assessment." Xiao Changfeng said calmly.

Jiang Yunzhou then looked at Li Ji'an beside him.

He was quite surprised to see Li Ji'an appear in the sect again.

Especially when he heard what Xiao Changfeng said, he subconsciously frowned.

Thirty-six years ago, they took the entrance trial at the same time. Li Ji'an performed the best in the first stage of the formal trial. Later, he passed the trial and successfully entered the inner gate, but he gave up on his own.

At that moment, he thought he would never have any contact with her again in this life.

As a result, when dealing with the bandits who were slaughtering the small Qi training families in the state, they met unexpectedly. However, he had already established his foundation at that time. He looked down at Li Ji'an as a senior master and taught him a word.

He thought that was the final intersection. After all, he didn't think it was very likely that Li Ji'an, as a casual cultivator, would be able to establish a foundation.

However, a few years ago, when he represented the sect to intimidate the wandering cultivators in the Immortal City, he unexpectedly met him again.

At that time, he had already established his foundation.

He also became a master living in the Xiancheng Temple.

This really surprised him.

Fortunately, he was already in the middle stage of foundation building at that time, and had become the head of the sect's law enforcement hall. He had a higher status and position, but he was still high above him and still looked down on him.

This time, he actually entered the sect again and was going to take part in the sect's alchemist assessment.

"Master Li Dan will not voluntarily withdraw again this time, right?" Jiang Yunzhou teased with a wry smile.

Li Ji'an sensed a sense of hostility and immediately clasped his fists in fear, saying, "I was ignorant when I was young, and I regret that. To be honest, I've often felt regret over the years, and that's why I've always had this obsession, wanting to make up for the regrets of my youth."

Jiang Yunzhou's expression brightened considerably upon hearing this. He swallowed the words he had been preparing to say and instead said encouragingly, "Well, that's good. I wish Master Li Dan can achieve his wish and make up for his regrets."

"Thank you, Brother Jiang!" Li Ji'an expressed his gratitude.

Jiang Yunzhou and the other two then drifted away.

After they flew a distance, the two people beside Jiang Yunzhou turned around and looked at the backs of Li Ji'an and Xiao Changfeng: "Humph, the Xiao guy has been favored by Elder Fang, but he doesn't take us seriously anymore and doesn't even want to call us senior brothers."

"Exactly. I didn't even greet Senior Brother Jiang before meeting him, and he even had to speak first."

"Shut up! Have you forgotten the iron rule of our sect? Fellow disciples should unite and help each other and not slander each other privately!" Jiang Yunzhou snorted coldly.

The two men looked at Jiang Yunzhou's expression and apologized.

However, a sinister glint also flashed in Jiang Yunzhou's eyes. In the competition among the disciples of the ruins sect, the Biyun Sect sent three people to compete, but only Xiao Changfeng won.

Although both the teachers and fellow disciples in the sect comforted Jiang Yunzhou, saying that Xiao Changfeng's opponent was the weakest and that the opponent had deliberately let him win in order to win two games in a row, Jiang Yunzhou's strength was undoubtedly the strongest.

He often thought that if his opponent that day had not been that monster Fu Hanxing, he should have won.

But he just happened to meet such a monster.

In his eyes, Fu Hanxing's fighting experience and attack secrets were so powerful that no one in the Biyun Sect could defeat him in the next hundred years.

But, life cannot be repeated, and his defeat is an established fact.

In fact, Jiang Yunzhou's true identity and status have been affected.

I have heard many rumors privately that he inherited the skills from his late grandfather, otherwise it might not have been possible to become a true successor.

"So Li Fan is just saying it's nice to make up for the regrets? Pah! Isn't he just jealous of the vast resources that we disciples fought so hard for?"

"He's afraid of death, unwilling to risk his life, and only wants to enjoy himself. I curse him to fail the test!"

The two men didn't dare to say anything about Xiao Changfeng anymore and instead began to slander Li Ji'an.
-
On Danding Peak, Li Ji'an bowed to Yudan Zhenren.

"Meet Master Yudan."

"Well, stop talking nonsense and speak with your alchemy skills. Let me see how far you, a mere casual cultivator who has to practice and make a living, can research into elixirs?" Yudan Zhenren waved his hand. He didn't like meaningless nonsense and took him directly to the alchemy room.

"Yes!"

"What kind of elixir are you best at?" asked Master Yudan on the way to the alchemy room.

"Nine Yuan Pill!" Li Ji'an replied.

"Huh? A mid-stage second-level elixir? And it's related to the soul! Are you sure?" True Man Yudan was slightly surprised.

Li Ji'an nodded confidently.

A hint of color instantly appeared on Master Yudan's face, because the elixir he was refining that caused the furnace to explode today was also a elixir related to the soul.

Of course, he was refining a mid-stage third-order product, and he was pursuing top-grade products, so he failed to control the step of enhancing the spiritual pressure with the elixir fire while integrating the soul. It just so happened that there were still some things he had not fully figured out.

(End of this chapter)