Rebirth of a Reincarnated Immortal Cultivator

"Of course, you can refuse, but if you do that, it will probably take you ten or twenty years to learn your so-called peerless martial arts and avenge your family," Han Li added with a smirk.

Upon hearing this, Hao Le was utterly speechless. He never expected Han Li to present him with such a difficult problem; it was practically an impossible task for him. However, to avenge his parents and family, he was willing to risk everything. He believed Han Li had his reasons for doing this.

"Han Li, Hao Le, Elder Gongsun needs to see you. You should go to the main hall right away." Just as Hao Le was lost in thought, a voice came from outside the door.

Upon opening the door, a young Taoist priest dressed in a blue satin robe, carrying an ironwood sword on his back, and with a purplish-red gourd hanging from his waist, stood at the entrance, smiling as he sized up the two of them.

"Han Li, let me introduce you. This is Mu Tie, a disciple of Feng Qingyang, the senior disciple of the Xuanjian Sect. Mu Tie, this is my good buddy who grew up with me, Han Li," Hao Le said, introducing the two.

"You must be Han Li. I've long admired your name. I heard it was you who saved Elder Li. To have such superb medical skills at such a young age is truly remarkable. You are a force to be reckoned with." Mu Tie looked the young man up and down and spoke words of praise.

"Brother Mu, you jest. I know nothing of medicine; I just happened to obtain a few pills that can help with detoxification." Han Li shook his head, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. The Mu Tie before him moved with light steps and possessed profound inner strength, clearly not an ordinary disciple.

"Hehe, Brother Han is too modest. I have never seen my master praise someone like this before. For my strict master to say such a thing, he must be quite capable. We should exchange ideas more often when we have time."

Han Li readily agreed, but secretly began to make his own plans.

As the saying goes, "The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind." Although he was cautious enough, his reputation within the Xuanjian Sect had become far too great. While this wasn't his intention, it was the reality. Moreover, even Mu Tie, whom he had little interaction with in his previous life, had personally come to visit him. This was not a good thing; it seemed necessary to go out and lay low for a while.

As Han Li walked along the road, he pondered the matter and then began to inquire about Elder Gongsun.

It turns out that this Elder Gongsun's full name is Gongsun Ji. He is a disciple who joined the sect in the last year or two. Because of his outstanding martial arts skills and his familiarity with the elders in the sect, he has become a first-class master at a young age. In particular, his butterfly fan technique is so skillful that it is almost indistinguishable from the older generation.

However, when the name Gongsun was mentioned, Han Li couldn't help but think of Yunxi City, which was far in the northwest corner of Ningzhou. If he remembered correctly, the famous Gongsun family in the cultivation world was located there. He wondered if the two were related.

As Han Li was thinking, outside the council hall in the distance, a handsome young man with flowing long hair stood with his hands behind his back, his folding fan open, revealing the two characters "Gongsun".

"This is Elder Gongsun. Elder Gongsun, I have brought the person here, so I will take my leave now." Mu Tie clasped his hands in greeting, introduced him, and then withdrew.

"This must be the recently renowned junior disciple Han Li, right? He is indeed a promising young man. Please take a seat." Gongsun Ji put away his folding fan and greeted them, gesturing for the two to sit on the stone bench to the side.

"The main reason I called you here today is to introduce you to the main business of the Xuanjian Sect and the corresponding tasks of outer disciples. Originally, these things were to be introduced to you by the people at the initiation ceremony held when you joined the Xuanjian Sect, but unfortunately, it was postponed until now because of the Haiya Gang."

"The Xuanjian Sect was founded three hundred years ago by a martial artist who called himself the Xuanjian Master. The positions in the Xuanjian Sect, from highest to lowest, are Sect Leader, Elder, Steward, Inner Disciple, and Outer Disciple. The sect missions that people in different positions can take on are also very different..." As he spoke, Gongsun Ji introduced everything about the Xuanjian Sect to Han Li and the others.

Xuanjian Sect is a renowned martial arts sect in Linzhou, with more than 5,000 members and over 30 branches throughout the region. Its business encompasses a wide range of activities, including commerce, trade, and escort services, as well as agriculture, medicinal herb cultivation, and many other aspects.

In addition to their monthly salary, outer disciples must perform certain tasks each month in order to receive their pay. Due to limitations in their martial arts abilities, they mostly perform simple tasks such as chopping wood and fetching water. Although these tasks are somewhat tedious, at least their lives are not in danger.

"I currently have thirty-eight tasks of varying sizes in my hands. This is a list I've compiled. Take a look and see if any of them are suitable."

"If you can pass the annual outer sect competition, you can become an inner sect disciple. In addition to a higher salary, you can also learn some advanced martial arts. So you must not be too ambitious now. You must know that being down-to-earth is the right path." Gongsun Ji said, and then handed the task list he had compiled to Han Li.

Han Li took the list of materials and looked it over. Just as Gongsun Ji had said, these tasks were not dangerous, but they were quite physically demanding, and most people would find it difficult to persevere.

His original plan was to choose the water-carrying task, which would be a good way to train Hao Le. However, upon further reflection, he realized that the water-carrying standards he had previously agreed upon would definitely not meet the sect's requirements, which made Han Li hesitate.

"Well, have you made up your mind?" Gongsun Ji picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then slowly asked.

"We've decided, this is the one." Han Li and Hao Le discussed for a moment and gave their answer.

Following the direction the two pointed, a line of small characters slowly appeared in front of them.

"Are you sure you want to choose to plant and cultivate the Qingling Grass and take care of the medicinal garden inside the gate?" Gongsun Ji looked surprised.

"I have some knowledge of herbs and am quite familiar with this Qingling Grass, so I don't think there will be any major problems," Han Li nodded and said.

The reason he chose this task was twofold. Firstly, looking after the mortal medicine garden was no big deal for him; it was just a small favor. Secondly, the medicine garden was more secluded, which wouldn't interfere with his previous agreement with Hao Le, and it would save him a lot of time for cultivation. He could also take this opportunity to avoid the limelight, so why not?

"Well, since you've made your decision, I won't say anything more. This is your identity jade token for the Hundred Herbs Garden. With this token, you can enter the Hundred Herbs Garden without any hindrance. However, you must remember that if you fail to hand over the Azure Spirit Grass on time, or if there are any problems with the herbs you are looking after, you will be subject to extremely severe punishment." Gongsun Ji changed the subject, his words full of warning.

"Yes!" The two nodded, took the token from the other's hand, and got up to take their leave.

"Han Li..."

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Gongsun Ji smiled and muttered to himself. Then, as if he had thought of something, his eyes suddenly sharpened, a faint purple light flashing within them.

......

Having accepted the mission from within the sect, Han Li and Hao Le first returned to their respective residences. After tidying up briefly, they arrived at a lush, vibrant green valley at the foot of the mountain on the north side of Xuanjian Sect, led by the sect's executor.

To the west of the valley lies a vast field exuding the fragrance of herbs, dotted with patches of grass of varying sizes and colors. To the right are rows of buildings, most of which are warehouses, guarded by dedicated personnel with strict security, presumably used to store mature herbs. Only a very small number of these buildings are for the use of the herbalists.

Han Li looked around carefully and found that apart from the entrance he had just come in through, there were no other exits connecting to the outside world.

"This is the Hundred Herbs Garden. Apart from the disciples who guard the warehouse in the valley, ordinary people don't usually come here. You two will be living here from now on. Here are the seeds of the Azure Spirit Grass and the Hundred Herbs Manual. You can take a look at them when you have time."

"The warehouse on your left contains some farming tools, including fertilizer and such. You are free to come and use these tools. As for the other warehouses, they contain mature herbs from within the sect. Don't wander around aimlessly, or you might be arrested by the patrolling guards as a spy for the Haiya Gang. The middle room is where you will stay." The middle-aged man stood in front of several connected houses, pointed to one of the smaller rooms, and began to speak.

Upon receiving the instructions, Han Li and the others immediately bowed in gratitude and then strode straight into the house. The house was small, containing only a dilapidated wooden table and a few chairs, with a bed and some common toiletries placed on either side.

After packing their luggage, the two couldn't wait to head to the herb garden on the west side, and also to familiarize themselves with the valley environment.

Looking at the barren land in front of him, he figured this was a place specifically for growing Qingling Grass. Looking at the slightly gloomy surroundings, Han Li nodded.

The Azure Spirit Grass, with its yin-like medicinal properties, typically grows in damp environments. Aged Azure Spirit Grass, besides being used to treat illnesses, can also be used to refine elixirs. The elixir refined here is none other than the renowned Foundation Establishment Pill. As one of the key ingredients in the Foundation Establishment Pill, the Azure Spirit Grass must not only be at least fifty years old but also possess a trace of wood spirit energy.

This kind of wood spirit energy can only be found in places with abundant wood attributes, satisfying both of the above conditions simultaneously. In addition, refining the Foundation Establishment Pill requires three main ingredients: the Mystic Ice Flower, the Heavenly Spirit Fruit, and the Illusionary Heart Grass. These three main ingredients are extremely difficult to find in the mortal world; they can only grow in a few secret realms, and these secret realms are usually controlled by major cultivation sects. For ordinary rogue cultivators to obtain them is practically impossible.

Of course, in addition to refining pills, Foundation Establishment Pills can also be obtained through the Ascension Ceremony.

The Ascension Ceremony is jointly organized by the five major sects, and is open to Qi Refining stage cultivators under the age of 40. The main purpose of this ceremony is to quell the discontent of independent cultivators who resent the five major sects' monopoly on secret realms. Of course, the five major sects wouldn't normally take these Qi Refining stage cultivators seriously; their relationships are often complex, and some even have connections to powerful cultivation families. In such cases, even the five major sects have to take it seriously!

The Ascension Tournament is held every five years, and the top three winners each time receive one to three Foundation Establishment Pills. Because it is open to all Qi Refining stage cultivators, the top Qi Refining stage disciples of the five major sects all participate. On the surface, it seems to be giving these rogue cultivators an opportunity, but in reality, the top three winners of each Ascension Tournament are basically from the five major sects.

After all, the resources and background of independent cultivators are nowhere near those of sect heirs who enjoy top-tier resources, and the Foundation Establishment Pills that actually fall into the hands of independent cultivators are pitifully few. This leads to more people wanting to join the five major sects.

In his previous life, Han Li joined the Golden Phoenix Sword Sect. It was through his magical abilities that he managed to obtain several Foundation Establishment Pills during the Ascension Conference. With the addition of several Foundation Establishment Pills refined from spiritual herbs in the secret realm, he was able to successfully establish his foundation.

Thinking about these things, Han Li couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile, staring blankly at the spirit herb seeds in his hand.

"Han Li, what are you standing there for? Didn't you say you know how to grow Qingling Grass? Hurry up and come teach me!" Hao Le shouted from the side.

At this moment, he rolled up his trouser legs, holding a hoe in his hand, and stood there panting. In front of him were rows of small mounds of earth. Because he couldn't control his strength, the mounds were uneven and irregular.

Seeing the other party's disheveled appearance, Han Li's lips curled up slightly, and he responded with a smile before joining the "army" of planting Qingling Grass.

Soon, night fell, and the two returned to their lodgings, exhausted. They took a cold shower with spring water and then went into the kitchen to cook. That night, however, Han Li couldn't fall asleep, lying on the bed.

Hao Le, on the other hand, was snoring loudly, sleeping soundly.

Seeing this, Han Li tiptoed to his feet, went outside to a moonlit pile of stones, sat cross-legged, and began to cultivate the Longevity Technique, a fundamental cultivation method.

As dawn broke, Han Li slowly opened his eyes, quietly returned to the hut, lay down, and fell into a deep sleep.

Perhaps it was because he had practiced the Longevity Technique, or perhaps it was because of the true energy within his body, but Han Li, who had only slept for a little over two hours, did not feel sleepy at all. On the contrary, he looked energetic.

Several days have passed, and they have planted all the Qingling Grass and applied all the necessary fertilizers. Now they only need to wait quietly and take care of the other medicinal herbs.

The two seemed to have become familiar with this peaceful and tranquil environment, especially Hao Le. He had gone from a spoiled young master who knew nothing to someone who could now farm normally, a world of difference from before. His temperament had also gradually settled down in the daily farming.

With the matter of the medicinal herb field mostly settled, Han Li began taking Hao Le around to fetch water. During this time, the two traveled around sightseeing and had a great time!