LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 148: Three Transmigrations
Several days later.
Fang Xi gradually ceased his practice, a hint of helplessness crossing his brow.
As before, the Everlasting Spring Art had no effect on advancing his Foundation Establishment magical energy.
Currently, what he lacked most was a wood attribute Foundation Establishment cultivation technique.
Unfortunately, he hadn’t seen any during the last large auction!
“And… after the Song Clan incident, surprisingly, no other influential factions have invited me. Do I need to personally approach them and offer my services?”
Reflecting on this, Fang Xi felt that perhaps his appeal wasn’t strong enough.
Having a clean background was advantageous, but it seemed like his only edge.
For ordinary factions, offending the Song Clan over him wouldn’t be worth it! On the other hand, major powers with Core Formation patriarchs or Late Foundation Establishment cultivators didn’t find him particularly noteworthy, leading to this awkward situation.
“Perhaps… should I showcase some exceptional skills, like tier-2 pill concocting? To increase my value and raise my standing?”“If all else fails, I could still make a living by concocting pills for others in Bai Ze Immortal City, earning resources for cultivation…”
“For techniques and such, maybe posting a quest at a merchant guild could yield results…”
Initially, Fang Xi had hoped to freeload without any obligations.
However, it now seemed quite challenging.
“In any case, I must absolutely decline the Song Clan’s invitation.”
He decided to wait another month and observe the situation before making further decisions. After all, with his extended longevity, time was on his side.
“Once this commotion settles down, I’ll venture out and attempt to reach the second otherworld…”
Fang Xi sighed softly, once again composing his thoughts.
Although the Great Liang World’s benefits were diminishing for him, the prospect of exploring a new realm filled him with anticipation.
Who knows, the next otherworld might offer even more extraordinary cultivation techniques!
“Qianbei, there is a Foundation Establishment cultivator outside requesting an audience!” At that moment, another voice-transmission talisman arrived, carrying Jin Ling’s message.
“Oh?”
Fang Xi’s expression shifted as he stepped out of the immortal’s cave, spotting a young cultivator around thirty years old standing mid-air, smiling atop a six-winged spirit beast.
“Is this Daoist friend from Bai Feng Mountain?” Fang Xi bowed respectfully.
Only cultivators from Bai Feng Mountain lineage were permitted to fly within Bai Ze Immortal City.
“Yes, indeed,” Fang Xi replied with a laugh. “I am ‘Yuan Feihong,’ pleased to meet you, Daoist friend! Congratulations on achieving Foundation Establishment!”
The young cultivator was about to descend with his flying spirit pet when suddenly, as if sensing something, the six-winged serpent beneath him hesitated and refused to land, struggling mid-air.
Slightly taken aback, he promptly recalled the spirit beast into its bag. Then, step by step, almost as if walking down invisible stairs, he gracefully reached the ground.
“Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Yuan. Please come inside!” Fang Xi invited Yuan Feihong into the courtyard, instructing two maidservants to serve tea while engaging in polite conversation.
Within moments, Fang Xi learned that this individual was the thirty-second disciple of Patriarch Whitepeak. Ouyang Zhen, who presided over the large auction, was his Eighth Elder Brother.
“Fellow Daoist Fang achieving Foundation Establishment here in Bai Ze Immortal City seems quite fated…” Yuan Feihong sipped the spirit tea and sighed, “My teacher, deeply understanding the hardships faced by rogue cultivators, established this Immortal City, disseminated the Foundation Establishment Pill formula widely, and tasked several pill concocting grandmasters to accept external tasks…”
“True Person Bai Feng’s actions truly embody immeasurable merit…” Fang Xi concurred solemnly.
True Person Bai Feng’s actions indeed benefited many rogue cultivators across the three countries.
Even Fang Xi himself owed his successful Foundation Establishment to the widespread availability of the Foundation Establishment Pill formula.
Their conversation naturally became more amicable as they continued.
”…As far as I know, Fellow Daoist Fang is a rogue cultivator by origin and has not joined any significant force?” Yuan Feihong finally broached the main topic.
“That’s correct… To be honest, my cultivation relies solely on the widely known ‘Everlasting Spring Art’. Even after reaching Foundation Establishment, I’m still struggling with finding suitable techniques…” Fang Xi replied with a wry smile.
“Would you perhaps have interest in becoming an honorary guest of our Bai Ze Immortal City?” Yuan Feihong’s eyes sparkled. “To reveal the truth… that is precisely why I’ve come today. As an honorary guest of Bai Ze Immortal City, you would receive a free immortal’s cave within the Inner City, access to select cultivation techniques from Bai Feng Mountain’s Techniques Pavilion, and annual stipends of spirit stones. These benefits should greatly assist your path, Fellow Daoist!”
His choice of approaching Fang Xi was well-considered.
Fang Xi had a clean background, having achieved Foundation Establishment in Bai Ze Immortal City, which naturally elicited goodwill. However, the most important factor was Fang Xi’s mild temperament, indicating he was unlikely to cause trouble.
The cultivation world isn’t solely about conflict and violence. Even for Core Formation influences, disciples or honorary guests causing constant trouble, leaving death in their wake, can be immensely problematic.
Yuan Feihong had conducted background checks on Fang Xi; his ability to farm peacefully at Peach Blossom Island for thirty years while maintaining friendly relations with the Island Lord clearly indicated a commendable character.
Moreover, Fang Xi demonstrated both courage and wisdom - daring to risk everything in youth, yet content to cultivate land once stability was achieved. Such qualities were precisely what major powers seek as their backbone and foundation!
“Your gracious offer leaves me deeply indebted and overwhelmed!” Fang Xi expressed, feigning surprise and gratitude. “However, I’m uncertain about any constraints that come with being an honorary guest.”
“As an honorary guest of our city, you would periodically need to complete missions assigned by Bai Feng Mountain,” Yuan Feihong responded solemnly. “Of course, we wouldn’t ask for tasks overly dangerous. Upon completion, appropriate rewards are provided… Additionally, once becoming an honorary guest, if one wishes to leave, they must have served for at least fifty years…”
“This… please allow me some time to consider it. I’ll provide my response after half a month, is that acceptable?” Fang Xi asked thoughtfully. He didn’t particularly mind the fifty-year commitment, considering his extensive lifespan! His concern lay primarily with these mandatory missions, sensing potential risks involved.
Honestly, among nearby nations, there seemed no better place to acquire cultivation resources. The reason he needed time to ponder was merely for final confirmation.
“Hmm, naturally such matters require careful consideration. You may inquire around; our treatment of honorary guests remains consistent,” Yuan Feihong replied with a smile, appearing confident in her approach.
As Fang Xi watched Yuan Feihong depart, his eyes flickered thoughtfully.
Joining such a major influence would likely involve some form of scrutiny. However, even Core Formation patriarchs wouldn’t recklessly probe a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s sea of consciousness or vital energy centers like the dantian; doing so could easily escalate to a deadly confrontation. At most, they might examine one’s bone age and check for any disguises.
“As long as they don’t conduct a thorough investigation, my spiritual body and the Demon Tree should remain undetected…”
“If those two secrets stay hidden, there shouldn’t be any significant issues…”
Fang Xi realized that since reaching Foundation Establishment, not only had his divine sense greatly increased, but he could also utilize the Demon Tree more effectively to conceal additional aspects.
As for the Bronze Mirror, his golden finger? Even with careful examination, it remained elusive, truly adding an element of mystique…
“Congratulations, Qianbei! Heartfelt congratulations!”
The Grapevine Fairy entered, her face radiant with joy. “Qianbei, becoming an honorary guest of Bai Ze Immortal City truly promises boundless prospects…”
For an ordinary rogue cultivator, attaining Foundation Establishment within a Core Formation influence significantly elevated their status.
“Not yet confirmed, why jinx it?” Fang Xi rebuked casually, though internally, he leaned towards accepting Yuan Feihong’s invitation to become Bai Ze Immortal City’s honorary guest. After all, this was part of his original plan.
Following Yuan Feihong’s visit, news of Fang Xi potentially joining Bai Ze Immortal City somehow leaked out. Suddenly, numerous Foundation Establishment influences started arriving to offer their congratulations. Despite feeling overwhelmed, Fang Xi diligently hosted them, taking advantage to receive many gifts—a small windfall of spirit stones ensued.
As night fell,
Fang Xi was preparing to meditate when sudden commotion arose at his door.
“What’s happening?” With a frown, he rose and stepped outside the immortal’s cave, only to see the Grapevine Fairy engaged in an argument with an elderly woman.
Upon noticing Fang Xi emerge, she quickly shifted her expression to one of dismay, “Qianbei… this old woman insists she is your friend and tried to force her way in!”
Fang Xi glanced over, recognizing the elderly woman and the burly man supporting her in Late Stage Qi Refinement, and couldn’t help but sigh, “They indeed are my friends. Fellow Daoist Lu, please come in for a chat!”
Seeing these unremarkable individuals truly were Fang Xi’s friends, the Grapevine Fairy’s demeanor changed slightly, swiftly putting on a welcoming smile, “Please, both of you, make yourselves at home!”
The burly man in Late Stage Qi Refinement appeared visibly excited, never expecting that his mother had connections with a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Lu Zhi, however, looked stunned as they entered the courtyard, constantly observing Fang Xi.
“Fellow Daoist Lu…this time…”
Before Fang Xi could finish, Lu Zhi unexpectedly knelt down, causing him to change expression slightly, “What are you doing?”
“Qianbei, please save Chen Ping…” Lu Zhi remained kneeling, pleading with her head bowed.
“Sigh… Although I’ve reached Foundation Establishment, there are multiple Foundation Establishment cultivators within the Verdant Xue Clan…” Fang Xi hesitated, gently touching his spirit beast bag at the waist.
“I initially heard about a rogue cultivator named Fang Xi achieving Foundation Establishment but couldn’t be certain,” Lu Zhi began without pause, “Until today, I dared to visit you… Chen Ping was once your esteemed friend, and now he is near his end, holding no further value for the Xu Clan. Qianbei, not only have you achieved Foundation Establishment, but you’re also an honorary guest of Bai Ze Immortal City. I have already laid the groundwork; if Qianbei speaks up, Chen Ping can peacefully enjoy his remaining years…”
“Mother…” The burly man beside her looked uneasy, glancing around uncertainly, fearing that his mother might offend this powerful individual.
“You’ve brought it this far, leaving me with little choice in response.”
Fang Xi recalled how Chen Ping had indeed been helpful on Qingzhu Mountain, diligently introducing him to various connections. Now, having reached Foundation Establishment, he could certainly do more. Interceding on behalf of Chen Ping should pose no significant issues.
Three days later.
Fang Xi discreetly left Bai Ze Immortal City and ventured into the wilderness to carve out an underground immortal’s cave, quickly setting up protective formations around it.
“The time has come…”
He sat cross-legged, inspecting his spirit artifacts, puppets, and other possessions…
“Let’s begin, exploring a brand new world!”
“Perhaps here I can discover divine techniques, hidden secrets, and limitless resources, never needing to rely on others again…”
With anticipation gleaming in his eyes, Fang Xi focused his divine sense on the Bronze Mirror.
In the next instant!
His entire being…
remained exactly where he was!!!
“Hmm?”
Fang Xi abruptly opened his eyes, “What happened? Is the Bronze Mirror malfunctioning? No…wait…”
He sensed part of his divine sense entering what felt like a black hole, then ‘witnessed’ another world unfolding before him: “Has my divine sense traversed through?”