A Loose Cultivator's Path to Longevity

Before he knew it, another year had passed.

Lü Zhong had spent this entire time in secluded cultivation. The pace of his cultivation progress was as slow as ever. However, his Barbarian Ancestor Heaven-Swallowing Mantra had broken through another layer, and he had successfully opened his twenty-third Acupoint. His qi and blood were as vast as the sea, and his physique had strengthened slightly as a result.

In addition to the Barbarian Ancestor Heaven-Swallowing Mantra, his Star Mirror, after a long period of nurturing, had reached the power of a Tenth-Layer Prohibition. Its might was the same as before: more than enough for those below his level, but not nearly enough for those above. It could easily handle cultivators of the same tier, but if used against a Nascent Soul True Monarch, it would be just as easily destroyed.

Lü Zhong realized his Late Sun Sword Skill and Magic Sword Skill could no longer keep up with his progress.

He therefore chose a suitable Rapid Release Magic from the Flying Star Inheritance. It followed in the same vein as the Magic Sword Skill but was much stronger, a superior Tier Three Secret Technique.

Spirit Sword Skill.

As the name suggested, it allowed one to condense Magical Power into a Spirit Sword.

The greatest difference from the Magic Sword Skill was that the Spirit Sword could be controlled just like a Magical Treasure.

Where the mind went, the sword followed.

Since it was forged entirely from Magical Power, its might was considerably greater than a Magic Sword’s. This would prevent the embarrassing scenario of striking an opponent dozens, or even hundreds, of times without so much as breaking through their Gang Qi.

Lü Zhong formed a hand seal and began to silently circulate his Magical Power.

In the span of a single breath, a Spirit Sword coalesced in his palm.

The Spirit Sword was about the size of a normal Flying Sword and shimmered with the deep, stellar blue unique to Lü Zhong’s Magical Power. Due to his lack of proficiency, it didn’t appear as a solid blade but rather like the sharp-edged half of a broken sword. Just gazing upon it sent a faint stinging sensation to his eyes.

At Lü Zhong’s command, the Spirit Sword began to whirl, slash, and thrust through the air, performing all the maneuvers of a Flying Sword without the slightest hint of sluggishness. At first glance, it looked just like a Magical Treasure Flying Sword.

He made a Sword Gesture, pointing at the Trial Sword Stone.

With a sharp CRACK, the Spirit Sword slammed into it, leaving behind a small crater.

’A depth of only seven chi and six fen... Its power can’t compare to a single beam of Mirror Light from the Star Mirror. Still, for a Rapid Release Magic, the Spirit Sword Skill is quite impressive. If I can use it in the right situation, it should produce the desired effect,’ Lü Zhong thought to himself.

...

The days passed one by one. Changchun Valley did not increase its pressure; on the contrary, its restrictions loosened considerably.

Lü Zhong knew the reason why. According to information from Shuini, Wanmu True Monarch had recently been ambushed by the Daoist Sect. He had reportedly suffered a minor injury and was forced to recuperate for some time.

This was definitely good news.

He seized the opportunity to sell off the large stash of supplies he had accumulated.

The bulk of these, of course, were the various Spiritual Objects obtained through trade with the Western Border Alliance. From exceedingly rare ores to unique materials found only deep underground, all were treasures nearly impossible to find on the open market. The moment they appeared, they sparked a buying frenzy.

Thanks to this, True Spirit Immortal City became quite a bit more popular.

Lü Zhong also had his Incarnation purchase Pills to cover his ever-growing shortfall.

The largest hub for High-tier Pills in the Southern Barbarian region was Changchun Immortal City. Since he couldn’t openly participate in the official auctions, his only real option for acquiring suitable Pills was to attend various underground auctions. Not only was getting ripped off unavoidable, but the quality of the Pills also couldn’t be guaranteed.

Fortunately, he could make do with them.

As the days passed, the situation in the Southern Barbarian region grew increasingly unpredictable.

Then, in the third month, an unexpected visitor arrived.

Lü Zhong was quite surprised by his visitor. The man leading the group was none other than Master Xuming of Huayi Temple. Recalling that they had clashed before, establishing a sort of enmity between them, the atmosphere of the meeting immediately grew tense.

They relocated to Bihai Hall, where host and guests took their seats.

Before long, serving girls brought out Spirit Tea for everyone.

Lü Zhong took a sip but found that even his usual favorite, Dragon’s Roar Fragrance, was tasteless at the moment. He calmly set down his cup, looked at Master Xuming sipping tea across from him, and said coolly:

"Fellow Daoist Xuming, you’ve traveled a great distance to visit me. I doubt you came all this way just to sample my Spirit Tea. If you have a purpose for this visit, please be direct."

He had no fondness for the Daoist Sect and couldn’t be bothered with feigning civility. As for Xuming’s intentions, he could already make a few educated guesses.

"Since you ask for directness, Fellow Daoist, I will not be coy. I wonder, Fellow Daoist Lü, would you be willing to ally with my Daoist Sect to deal with Changchun Valley? From what I know... Changchun Valley has already caused your sect considerable losses. Do you truly have no desire for payback?" Master Xuming spoke with a placid expression, as if mentioning some trivial matter.

"...An alliance." ’Just as I thought,’ Lü Zhong mused. His expression didn’t change in the slightest, though his eyes flickered as if he were seriously considering the matter.

Inwardly, he began analyzing the true motive behind this proposal.

’Huayi Temple says they’ve come to ally with me, but their true target must be the True Spirit Sect. That’s who the Daoist Sect really wants as an ally. They chose to visit me, a disciple, most likely hoping to use me as an opening to influence Shuini’s judgment and achieve their goal of a three-sect alliance.’

As if to sweeten the deal, a sharp glint flashed in Xuming’s eyes as he added, "I trust you’re a wise man, Fellow Daoist, one who can tell the difference between an old grudge and the importance of your future path. Our two sides both stand to gain from cooperation. Only by joining forces against Changchun Valley can we prevent them from regaining their power in the Southern Barbarian region! If you are willing to accept this alliance, I will present you with a generous gift—a dose of Hidden Dragon Powder!"

"Hidden Dragon Powder?" Lü Zhong couldn’t help but laugh to himself.

’They’re really pulling out all the stops!’

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