Immortality and Cultivation: This old man seeks enlightenment through mere survival.

Changli Mountain Range was indeed a good choice, and Lu Zaian was quite tempted.

However, he did not show it on his face, but instead looked at Chief Xu, who was hesitant and stammering.

"Do you have anything else to say?"

Upon hearing this, Chief Xu trembled, knowing that the moment that would determine the fate of the Xu clan was about to begin.

"I dare to ask Master Lu to bring our Xu clan members along!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he bowed deeply, not daring to raise his head.

“Chief, you…”

Xu Yan'er, standing to the side, looked somewhat apprehensive.

If she were to delay the Pavilion Master's grand plan because of her own family's affairs, she would truly deserve to die a thousand deaths.

So even if Xu Yan'er had this thought in her heart, she didn't dare to say it.

But Chief Xu couldn't care less about all that.

After this battle, the Xu family's population dwindled drastically, leaving them powerless to protect this scarce spiritual vein.

In this chaotic world, small Qi-refining families like the Xu family might truly disappear from the cultivation world if they didn't seize this last lifeline.

"...I only saved you because of Xu Yan'er, and did it as a favor."

But if I bring you along, what can you bring to this old man?

"I won't raise a useless person for nothing, creating unnecessary burdens."

Lu Zaian said calmly.

He sought refuge from the world to avoid trouble, not to create a paradise. If even a single relative or acquaintance came seeking his protection, what would be the point of his seclusion?

Upon hearing this, Chief Xu's lowered eyes revealed a hint of joy.

He wasn't afraid of Lu Zaian asking questions; if he did, it meant he was being given an opportunity.

What he fears most is a direct rejection.

Chief Xu quickly replied:

"My Xu clan members are skilled in cultivating some low-level spirit rice and spirit plants, especially fire-based ones."

Moreover, I am quite familiar with the Changli Mountains... Master Lu, you may not know this, but my Xu clan migrated from a mortal village in the Changli Mountains two hundred years ago.

In addition, Master Lu, since you are cultivating the Great Dao, you will need some servants to manage the miscellaneous tasks.

Every member of my Xu clan is an extremely hardworking and capable individual; I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

.........

Cultivating spiritual plants... a spiritual plant master?

That's not bad.

Lu Zaian recalled the medicinal herb field in Lingyao Valley.

I am also an alchemist, and I will definitely be practicing alchemy in the future.

Obtaining spiritual materials from the outside world to refine pills is risky, in case something unexpected happens one day.

For example, closing the mountain gate;

For example, urgently needing something;

Or perhaps there's a disruption in external supply chains, etc...

Since I possess a body that allows me to live forever, and some precious thousand-year-old or ten-thousand-year-old spiritual materials are hard to find in the outside world, it is most worthwhile for me to start cultivating them myself now.

Previously, I always lived under someone else's roof, and many secrets were difficult to expose, so I couldn't fully utilize my abilities.

Now, we can cultivate our own medicinal herb field, just like in the Valley of Spiritual Herbs.

Lu Zaian's gaze swept over the remaining members of the Xu clan.

These people were able to hold out until the end in the war of extermination, eliminating most of the old, weak, sick, and disabled.

There are also some children who can work.

Bringing them along also relieved Xu Yan'er of her worries, allowing her to focus wholeheartedly on doing things for him.

Thinking of this, Lu Zaian slowly said:

"I can take you along, but I'll make this clear beforehand."

I will reward you, but you shouldn't expect me to spare any resources just because I'm a Foundation Establishment cultivator.

I am fair in rewarding and punishing, and everything depends on ability.

Furthermore, once you follow me, you will lose your freedom.

"No one may leave the mountain range without my order..."

Upon hearing this, Chief Xu was overjoyed and nodded in response.

"Yes, yes, Master Lu, we are overjoyed that you are willing to protect us. How could we dare to ask for more!"

The Xu clan members behind him also shouted out Lu Zaian's kindness, their eyes filled with undisguised joy.

"Thank you, Master Lu!"

"Great! Now the Xu family is saved!"

"We will definitely work hard to cultivate the spiritual plants and repay Master Lu's kindness!"

"Sect Master..."

Xu Yan'er pursed her red lips slightly, her pretty face unable to hide her secret joy.

She never imagined that her decision to become Lu Zaian's maid in the desolate marshland would bring her such a wonderful surprise.

The fate of the Xu family lineage began to be rewritten from her perspective...

Lu Zaian flicked his sleeve and immediately announced:

"Let's pack up and set off."

"Yes!!"

.........

Two days later.

At the edge of a cliff in the Changli Mountains.

Lu Zaian stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance.

As far as the eye can see, the mountains are majestic, with undulating peaks, steep and ancient, shrouded in clouds and mist.

Strangely, the northern part of the mountain, near the barren marshes, is covered with lush vegetation...

The southern part of the mountain, near the Liushi Domain, is desolate, with withered and yellow trees everywhere, and jagged rocks... resembling the Flaming Mountains.

"One mountain with two colors, clearly distinguished by its ridge, this Changli mountain range is quite peculiar."

Xu Ming (the clan chief's real name) respectfully echoed from the side:

"This mountain is called Yunli Cliff, named for the clouds that surround its summit, which resemble a bamboo hat."

I've heard that this type of landform is quite common in the Liushi region, seemingly because it contains some kind of fire-poison mineral underground.

"Yunli Cliff, a nice name."

Fire-poison minerals? No wonder... the fire elemental energy in the southern part of the mountain is much more volatile.

Lu Zaian nodded.

Seeing that Lu Zaian was interested, Xu Ming quickly added a few more words.

"However, I once heard from cultivators in the Liushi Domain that they seem to have some peculiar method to refine this mineral and transform it into cultivation resources..."

"Oh? You've met cultivators from the Liushi Domain?" Lu Zaian raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, occasionally cultivators from the Liushi Domain will cross the Changli Mountains and come to our Northern Sky Domain."

My family lives at the foot of the mountain, so I've met him once or twice.

However, Master Lu need not worry, the Liushi Domain is even more barren than the Northern Sky Domain...

Even if most of the cultivators who have been overthrown are only at the Qi Refining stage, they would still be no match for you.

Lu Zaian nodded slightly, ignoring Xu Ming's flattery.

While he appeared to be admiring the scenery, he was actually calculating the best feng shui for the formation.

In the art of formations, even a single flower, leaf, or grain of sand can be used to create an array.

On a grand scale, mountains, rivers, heaven and earth, spiritual veins, and feng shui can all be used to form formations.

"Since we're using it as our base, we can't be careless."

It would be best to set up multiple combined formations to make this place impregnable.

Lu Zaian scanned the mountains, his gaze sometimes lingering on a strange rock, sometimes on a pool of water, and sometimes on an ordinary patch of grass...

"What is Master Lu doing?"

"Am I supposed to stay here? But the spiritual energy here is so thin, I doubt there are even any spiritual veins."

"Shh, don't ask any questions, just wait."

"..."

The Xu family members were naturally unaware that Lu Zaian possessed the Seven Treasures Tree, nor were they aware of Lu Zaian's identity as a formation master.

All I know is that I followed Lu Zaian through mountains and rivers, stopping and starting along the Changli Mountains, just like an ordinary person appreciating the scenery.

until now.

"This is the place. Within a radius of several hundred miles, there are thousands of positions that meet the criteria for array eyes, making it the most suitable place to set up a combined array!"

Lu Zaian stroked his chin, his white stubble in thought.

"As for what kind of formation to use..."

This place has two colors on one mountain, which subtly corresponds to the principles of Yin and Yang, so let's use the previous [Minor Yin-Yang Creation Array].

However, this formation is only a mid-grade second-tier formation, and it is mainly for offensive and killing purposes, so it is still somewhat weak as a mountain-protecting formation.

It needs some improvements to enhance its defensive capabilities.

Additionally, the seeds of the Seven Treasures Tree can be used as the core of the formation.

Furthermore, the power of the formation will dynamically increase as the treasure tree grows!

Lu Zaian punched his left fist into his right palm, and the more he thought about it, the more promising it seemed.

As long as the precious tree, which serves as the core of the formation, can grow to the second tier, this formation will be so strong that even a Core Formation cultivator would find it difficult to break through!

Having made up his mind, Lu Zaian looked at everyone and immediately gave the order:

"I have decided on this place. I have scouted the area for hundreds of miles around, and there are no high-level demonic beasts here. You shall clear the land and build your dwellings here..."

"This……"

But there aren't even any spiritual veins here? The Xu clan members looked at each other, hesitant.

The scenery was nice, but they didn't seem to mind.

But if Master Lu, as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, doesn't cultivate on a second-tier spiritual vein, wouldn't he be unable to make progress?

Lu Zaian knew what they were worried about, and since he had already taken them in as subordinates, it wouldn't hurt to reveal a little bit.

My current strength is enough to keep many secrets.

"Don't worry, I have my own way of dealing with spiritual energy. You just need to do your own jobs."

"Yes!"

Xu Yan'er was the first to respond, and immediately led her people to begin building a new home...