Fellow Daoist Entrusts His Child: Immortality Begins with Nurturing a Demoness

Chapter 70 Attending the Banquet, Unpleasant Guests (1 & 2 Updates, Please Subscribe~)

"Qing Beixuan, an inner disciple of the Qinghe Sect, is twenty years old, at the seventh level of Qi Refining, and ranks twentieth?"

Luo Fanchen frowned slightly. He looked at the view from back to front and couldn't keep his composure at first glance.

Cultivating a superior technique, the Cloud and Water Heavenly Origin Technique, such a genius is only ranked twentieth? Mo Xue is only at the second level of Qi Refining now. Even with outstanding talent, it would be difficult for her to catch up in three years.

The Qingyun Ranking calculates Immortal Affinity monthly, and the rewards for the top twenty are significantly increased.

"The top twenty are all direct descendants of vassal states and powerful clans, with the top five being dominated by powerful clans of the Luoshen Pavilion."

Luo Fanchen pursed his lips. When the Luo Shen Pavilion was first established, it shared the governance of the Great Domain with the Ten Great Families. Times have changed, and now the Luo Shen Pavilion sects have an absolute advantage. Of the original Ten Great Families, only four remain.

The four major surnames, Zhen, Luo, Luo, and Gong, each have a Core Formation Ancestor presiding over them. Every hundred years, they can obtain a spot that grants them direct access to the outer gate of the Luoshen Pavilion. However, they are often not satisfied with this and are determined to participate in the Ascension Assembly.

Nowadays, each of the four major families has an inner disciple in the Luoshen Pavilion, and even the affiliated sects dare not provoke them.

"Zhen Yuan, ninth level of Qi Refining, eighteen years old, Ice Crystal Water Phoenix Technique, ranked first."

Luo Fanchen rubbed his chin, watching the entire thing with a frown on his face.

The first five cultivators are all at the ninth level of Qi Refining, while those from the sixth to the tenth level are at the eighth level. Not to mention Mo Xue, even he himself three years later would probably not be able to defeat them.

In just a short while, Mo Xue's position on the Immortal Fate Ranking was pushed down to third.

Who knows how many spirit stones those damned powerful clans spent to acquire immortal opportunities?

"The task is arduous and the road ahead is long."

Luo Fanchen was not discouraged. The number of immortal resources available for circulation was limited, and the purchase price would become increasingly expensive as the ascension to immortality approached.

Furthermore, for cultivators with even a little skill, the resources offered by the great clans are far less valuable than those in the treasure vault of the Luo Shen Pavilion. For example, the great clans cannot provide Foundation Establishment spiritual items and Foundation Establishment Pills, as well as precious second-grade magic treasures.

If he works harder and goes to great lengths in the future, and works together with Mo Xue, there is still a good chance.

The top ten on the Immortal Affinity Ranking can directly advance to the Heavenly Battle rank. The remaining eleventh to fiftieth still have a chance to advance. These forty geniuses can participate in a small-scale competition under the witness of the Luoshen Pavilion, and the top ten can also advance to the Heavenly Battle rank.

The remaining slots will be allocated to the local fighting competition.

"Water Dragon Wood, 1,800 Immortal Fates; Foundation Establishment Pill, 2,500 Immortal Fates; High-Grade Magic Scroll; Azure Wood Technique, 5,000 Immortal Fates."

Luo Fanchen glanced at the golden book, which included the Luohe Pill that Fairy Ming Ruoxue had given him, which required twenty Immortal Fates to exchange for.

The Luoshen Pavilion has a clever plan. Those on the list cannot consume their Immortal Essence in order to maintain their ranking. Moreover, once the list is settled, their Immortal Essence will be directly invalidated, which is almost equivalent to giving up the Foundation Establishment opportunity in exchange for a spot in the Grand Tournament.

The top fifty on the Immortal Affinity Ranking are mostly aristocratic families and vassal sects with a strong foundation.

This move essentially forced them to spend their own money and work tirelessly for the Luoshen Pavilion for several years.

Luo Fanchen quickly arrived at the inner ring. The roads near Jubaoge were already completely blocked. As one of the few Foundation Establishment cultivators in the area, Pavilion Master Li Miaoyun was a remarkable figure among the rogue cultivators.

Now that he is holding a banquet to accept disciples, all cultivators of some status come to the banquet, hoping to catch a glimpse of his personally taught disciples.

The air was filled with noise, and the road to the pavilion was completely blocked. Li Miaoyun was beautiful and had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage at a young age. She was in charge of the Treasure Pavilion and was extremely popular among the independent cultivators. She was the fairy that many people dreamed of.

Most of them are low-level cultivators, crowding in front of the building, hoping to catch a glimpse of it and dreaming of climbing the social ladder.

Luo Fanchen frowned slightly. He couldn't squeeze into the Treasure Pavilion at all. It wasn't until Yun Mo, who had been waiting for a long time, noticed him that he and Yun Biaotou stepped forward with smiles and led him in from the familiar back, which aroused the envy of many rogue cultivators.

"I am also at the sixth level of Qi Refining, why am I not allowed to take a seat?"

“You’re almost seventy, you’re practically buried up to your neck, how can you compare to that young master? Don’t even think about mooching off some spiritual food.”

Surrounded by the envious voices of the rogue cultivators, Luo Fanchen followed Yun Mo without showing any emotion, feeling somewhat dazed for a moment.

It was only at this moment that he truly realized Li Miaoyun's terrifying influence. According to his cultivation level and status, he was not much better than the rogue cultivators who squeezed outside the pavilion to take advantage of others, yet he was able to gain the favor of this Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Thinking of Li Miaoyun serving him, her gentle and submissive demeanor, he felt slightly flattered.

"Lord Luo, the sect leader said that the apprenticeship ceremony doesn't need to be too expensive; just going through the motions is fine?"

"I understand. Please thank your master for me."

Luo Fanchen nodded slightly and took out a brocade box from his storage bag.

Since it was a formal apprenticeship ceremony, a gift was naturally required. Given the many favors he had received from this sect leader, after careful consideration, he decided to reciprocate and maintain the mystique of the Xuanmen disciple in the other party's mind.

The Sha Dan would be even better, as it could offset all the resources received at once, and might even surpass them.

Even if it's just a nascent elixir.

He possesses the Water Dragon Wood, which cannot coexist with the Evil Pill. Mo Xue has entered the Daoist sect and will have the opportunity to establish her foundation. She has no need for such a sinister item as the Evil Pill. It would be better to do her a favor and repay her kindness.

He was always in debt to several hundred spirit stones, which made him feel uneasy.

"My lord, the Pavilion Master knows that you dislike showing your face in public, so he specially arranged this position for you. If you don't like it, I can help you move to the main seat."

Yunmo led Luo Fanchen to the elegant hall on the third floor, where they sat on an inconspicuous jade seat in a corner, with a thoughtful attendant standing by their side.

"She has a heart."

A faint fragrance lingered around Luo Fanchen's nose. He had arrived late, and the jade tables around him were already filled with all sorts of cultivators, all dressed in robes and with magic swords at their waists. They possessed profound true essence, and the least advanced among them was at the sixth level of Qi Refining. Clearly, they were all disciples of sects and great clans.

Although he was ranked last, he was the only cultivator who had a steward from the Treasure Pavilion to serve him.

It doesn't draw too much attention, nor does it make him feel neglected.

"Among those who came this time were disciples from the Qinghe Sect and the inner sect of the Immortal Water Abode, as well as well-known rogue cultivators. They are all fellow Daoists who have a relationship with the Pavilion Master. In the future, they will be able to do a good job for Mo Xue and take good care of her."

Yunmo introduced the guests one by one in a soft voice, and then gave special attention to the inner disciples of the Qinghe Sect.

This man had a handsome face, fair skin, and a scholarly air. He wore a cloud-blue robe and looked elegant and composed. He was Qing Beixuan, the genius ranked twentieth on the Qingyun Ranking, and was currently at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

"The branch pavilions from other jurisdictions, I don't know where they got wind of it, came to attend the banquet."

"They are at odds with the Pavilion Master and probably have ill intentions. But don't worry, sir. With the Pavilion Master here, these people can't cause any trouble. Don't be impatient and give him a handle to use against you."

After Yunmo finished speaking, she realized she had misspoke and stuck out her tongue with a smile, saying, "I misspoke. They dare to find fault with you, sir? You just don't want to deal with these guys."

Luo Fanchen returned a polite smile.

He glanced briefly in the direction Yunmo pointed. There were three kind-looking cultivators, two men and one woman, all wearing cloud-shaped incense burner robes and exuding an air of otherworldly elegance. All of them were at the Foundation Establishment stage, and each had a young disciple beside them, whose cultivation was around the sixth level of Qi Refining.

Judging from his true energy and attire, he should be their personal disciple if nothing unexpected happens.

LOL, he has no ability to be impatient with a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"There are quite a few traitors in your department."

Luo Fanchen shook his head and scoffed. Although setting up a spiritual banquet takes time, only insiders can know about it in advance and notify the three pavilion masters of other jurisdictions to come to the banquet or to cause trouble.

It seems the higher-ups were right; Li Miaoyun's situation is not good.

The young Foundation Establishment cultivator from a prominent family was demoted to Feiyun Workshop, which must have been an act of avoiding trouble by offending some powerful figure. Judging from the attitudes of the other three pavilion masters, it is clear that this trouble in Feiyun Workshop is not the end of the matter.

“Yuan Qing, the master of the Chongyun Sect’s branch pavilion, is in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment; Tu He, the master of the Hou Tu Pavilion’s branch pavilion, is in the early stage of Burning Blood; Hai Yuan, the master of the Zodiac Tower’s branch pavilion, is in the early stage of Foundation Establishment.” Yun Mo introduced them one by one, and Luo Fanchen quickly noticed the clues.

The Qingyuan Domain has a total of thirty-two vassal sects. These three pavilion masters all opened their branch pavilions in the core of the vassal sects with a foundation far stronger than that of the Qinghe Sect. However, Li Miaoyun's branch pavilion was opened in Feiyunfang, which was relatively weak in the Qinghe Sect.

Customer traffic and nearby resources are completely disproportionate; Feiyunfang branch might even lose money.

The location should not have been chosen in Feiyunfang.
"Does your Jubaoge have a performance evaluation, cough cough, ranking system?"

Luo Fanchen frowned slightly, but quickly figured out the key point.

The location selection issue was probably deliberately orchestrated by someone, and could not be changed by Li Miaoyun's will.

"Your Excellency is meticulous to the point of being unparalleled; our Treasure Pavilion truly deserves this rating."

"The Treasure Pavilion uses three main evaluation criteria: the benefits received, the rarity of the treasures collected, and the potential of the cultivators it discovers."

“The levels are divided into A, B, C, and D, and the results are calculated annually. If a branch manager obtains three D-level positions in five years and five C-level positions in ten years, he will be dismissed and recalled to the main branch.”

"How many C-grade items has your sect leader received?"

Luo Fanchen sipped his spiritual tea and quickly discerned the intentions of the person behind it all. The other party was unwilling to let Li Miaoyun go, and even though she had hidden in this desolate place to avoid trouble, they would try every means to force her back to the main pavilion.

This person must possess immense power, easily suppressing Li Miaoyun's clan and wielding considerable influence within the Treasure Pavilion. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for him to defy Li Miaoyun's will and force her to build a pavilion in Feiyunfang.

"For two consecutive years, it's been a 'D' (top rank); the previous three years, it was a 'C' (bottom rank)."

Yunmo scratched his head in embarrassment, while Luo Fanchen pursed his lips and stroked the jade cup with his fingertips without saying a word.

Li Miaoyun's situation was more dangerous than he had imagined.
No wonder he was desperate and tried anything, clinging to his high position. If he could recruit a true master of the Xuanmen sect, he would surely be able to resolve the crisis.

Unfortunately, there was nothing he could do.

"Don't worry, my lord. My master and Fairy Ruoxue have a past relationship. They can't drive him away."

"Yes, I'm not worried. I trust your sect leader."

Luo Fanchen nodded with a smile, his already empty heart now hanging even higher.

Finding someone who cultivates the path of detachment to be their backer is truly something else.
Even if Li Miaoyun switched to another sect, she would be safe and sound. But Ming Ruoxue is different. This fairy is exceptionally talented and has an excellent temperament. She will definitely try to comprehend the profound chapters and has a considerable success rate.

Even he knew that the Xuanzhang of the Luoshen Pavilion was related to forgetting emotions. If one truly cultivated the Xuanzhang...
That old affection has probably come to an end. Li Miaoyun has lost her backer and will inevitably be squeezed out. Her loss of power is a foregone conclusion.

"My lord, Mo Xue is out."

Yunmo poured Luo Fanchen a cup of fragrant tea, and then celestial music began to play. Several graceful stewards came slowly, carrying fragrant and delicious-looking beast meat delicacies. They went up to the cultivators and then returned to the platform, smiling and dancing.

The cultivators marveled. A moment later, the women who had been flaunting themselves with their clothes gone were replaced by Li Miaoyun, who was dressed in a palace gown that reached the ground and had her hair piled high. She walked gracefully with light steps.

Her fox-like eyes were bright, her eyebrows were like painted strokes, and her full lips were adorned with a touch of rouge, making them delicate and lustrous, charming yet elegant.

Beside her, Mo Xue, dressed in a light blue robe with a sword at her waist, followed behind Li Miaoyun with a slightly reserved demeanor. The girl's long, black hair was tied into a ponytail, her pretty face was charming and innocent, and her sword-like eyebrows were sharp and heroic, giving her a kind of charming and innocent heroine's spirit.

"That one is also the Pavilion Master's personal disciple, Li Yunxiang, at the sixth level of Qi Refining, a disciple brought by the Pavilion Master's main clan."

"Not bad, your true essence is abundant."

Luo Fanchen's gaze was mostly focused on Mo Xue, his eyes filled with satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment as the girl grew into adulthood.

Hearing Yunmo's introduction, I noticed another girl standing on the left. She had two braids sticking up, a dull face, and was unremarkable.

Luo Fanchen wanted to say a few words of praise, but after thinking it over, he could only say that his true essence was worthy of praise.

Li Miaoyun, this disciple, seems to have a slightly pointed head.
On the stage, Mo Xue looked around with her almond-shaped eyes and quickly locked onto Master Luo's figure, then winked at him playfully.

She hadn't seen Master Luo for many days and missed him terribly.

"Thank you all for your support. This is my new disciple, Ling Moxue. It is a joyous occasion for me to have such a gem. I hope you will all take good care of my daughter in the future. I am extremely grateful."

Li Miaoyun placed her delicate hands on her lower abdomen and sincerely performed a curtsy.

Everyone took a keen look at Mo Xue and quickly sensed her cultivation level.

"Hmm? Qi Refining Level 3?"

The group looked at each other, momentarily thinking that they had sensed something was wrong.

Judging from this woman's aura and appearance, she should be close to twenty years old, right? How come she's only at the third level of Qi Refining? With such poor cultivation, how could she be accepted as a disciple by Fairy Miaoyun? Could it be that she has some powerful background?

"My disciple is a hidden gem, and his cultivation started a little late. I still need all of you fellow Daoists to take good care of him."

"May I ask which clan your esteemed disciple belongs to?"

The three branch leaders exchanged glances, their eyebrows slightly raised. They seemed surprised that Mo Xue's cultivation was so low, and for a moment they became wary, not immediately launching an attack.

"I have no clan, no sect, no faction; I am a rogue cultivator."

Mo Xue sensed the hostility, her almond-shaped eyes narrowed immediately, and her attitude became assertive.

She dared to draw her sword against cultivators when she was a mortal, and now that she has Li Miaoyun's protection, she naturally dares to breathe on Foundation Establishment cultivators.

"A rogue cultivator? Qi Refining Stage 3, pfft."

Yuan Qing stroked his beard and sneered. He leaned on his dragon-headed cane, his back hunched, and although he looked kind and gentle, he gave off a sinister feeling.

It is said that in the Chongyun Sect's branch pavilions, there are occasional cases of people being murdered and robbed while trading valuable treasures, but it is unknown whether the rumors are true.

“Junior Sister Miaoyun, if you have such leisure time, you should spend your time studying ways to make money. Otherwise, your Feiyunfang branch will not be at the bottom of the rankings year after year, and you will not be losing money from my Jubaoge.”

"No need for you to trouble yourself, Senior Brother. My Feiyunfang branch has always treated customers with integrity and would never do anything like a demonic cultivator for the sake of performance."

Li Miaoyun narrowed her fox-like eyes; she hadn't expected these three old scoundrels to dare cause trouble today.

Is her network of connections here just for show?
Sure enough, the next moment, several hostile gazes locked onto the three pavilion masters. The three, confident in their cultivation, were not afraid of being attacked by the group.

"Hehe, guests from afar are welcome, and we are from the same sect. Is this how you treat your guests, Junior Sister?"

"Mo Xue is my disciple. If you ladies wish to celebrate, Miao Yun will naturally welcome you."

"Born into a prominent family? Ha! Even a wild girl at the third level of Qi Refining is treated like a treasure. Such lowly trash is not even qualified to be my servant."

Hai Yuan's voice was sinister, as was her face. She had a pointed chin and delicate, charming features. When she smiled, it was like a gentle breeze, but when she squinted, the beauty mark at the corner of her lips made her seem mean and vicious.

The three of them came to cause trouble, so they wouldn't show any mercy.

The pressure from above is intensifying; the Ascension Ceremony is fast approaching, and delays could lead to unforeseen circumstances. We must expel them as soon as possible.

The instructions given above are to disregard costs.

Li Miaoyun was born into a powerful family and has many tricks up her sleeve. She is also protected by Fairy Ruoxue. The internal strife has affected the reputation of Jubaoge.

They didn't want to be enemies with her, but this woman's clan had to offend someone of all people, specifically the true disciples of the Daoist sect. How could they possibly escape the danger of their downfall?

(End of this chapter)