Purely Uninterested

Li Guanxuan was not at all surprised by Sang Shaoxian’s imminent breakthrough to the Golden Core stage.

Having offended Cao Feng, the King of Connections, it was only natural that many Foundation Establishment cultivators, or even True Golden Core masters, would come after him. If Sang Shaoxian did not hasten to prepare for his Golden Core formation, he would inevitably meet death at the hands of others.

“Forming a True Core or Golden Core isn’t something done on a whim. If Sang Shaoxian is confident in doing so now, it likely means he has made ample preparations. It seems he has gained certain opportunities. I must prepare more means before crossing the Ten Thousand Mountains.”

Li Guanxuan narrowed his eyes.

Talismans and puppets were his most formidable killing techniques.

Yet the true weapon to bring death was the sword.

“First, I will craft the remaining nine third-grade talisman papers into talismans, then forge the third-grade Thunderfire Puppet of the Thunderfire Sect. I must also purchase a sword case—one designed specifically to nurture a treasured sword...”

Li Guanxuan rose and stepped outside.

He first went to the city lord’s mansion to deliver a healing elixir imbued with wood-element immortal energy to Cao Feng.

Unexpectedly, upon arriving, he encountered Xing Yuan, the master of Xingluo Valley.

“Greetings, Daoist Li,” Xing Yuan greeted with a smile.

“Daoist Xing,” Li Guanxuan replied respectfully, noticing Cao Feng tending to medicinal herbs in the garden. Curious, he asked, “Where is Senior Sui Lan?”

Since Cao Feng had been ambushed by Sang Shaoxian, Sui Lan had personally taken up residence in Silver Maple City.

On one hand, to prevent petty villains from striking Cao Feng in secret.

On the other, to notify the Cao family that although Cao Feng was gravely injured, his status and connections remained unshakable.

Cao Feng’s position in the family was as firm as ever.

However, Li Guanxuan had heard that since the family learned Cao Feng might never form the Golden Core, they had grown disappointed and even withheld certain resources.

“Senior had to leave for some matters. I am currently overseeing Silver Maple City and looking after Daoist Cao,” Xing Yuan explained with a smile, her eyes flickering coquettishly as she appraised Li Guanxuan. “Daoist Li, your renown has spread far, and your swordsmanship talent is increasingly evident—a true exemplar of steady and profound cultivation. You are indeed a model for us cultivators.”

“Not at all, I simply cultivate earnestly,” Li Guanxuan modestly replied.

Just as he was about to hand over the healing elixir, Xing Yuan smiled and asked bluntly, “I’ve heard you also practice the dual cultivation of yin and yang. Might we explore the mysteries of this path together?”

Li Guanxuan was momentarily speechless. Were demon cultivators always this direct?

He glanced at Xing Yuan, who wore a tight purple gown, exuding a seductive charm. Her waist and hips curved gracefully, accentuating her ample bosom.

When their eyes met, a purple radiance flickered, causing a tremor in his Mud Pellet Palace, alerting him instinctively.

He smiled and politely declined, “Perhaps another time.”

Xing Yuan was taken aback. Her beauty and seductive arts had no effect on this dual cultivation expert? Could he be a true gentleman?

Her expression grew strange, but her eyes clearly held keen interest.

Cao Feng observed the exchange for a moment. Seeing Li Guanxuan approach, he teased, “Dual cultivation can enhance one’s power. Daoist Xing is talented and strong, so, brother, don’t you find her appealing?”

In the cultivation world, dual cultivation was perfectly normal.

Moreover, Li Guanxuan practiced secret dual cultivation techniques and was undoubtedly more diligent than most.

*I’m not one to casually open the path...* he thought wryly.

“I have three beloved wives already; I really can’t complicate matters further. Please understand,” Li Guanxuan replied.

Cao Feng laughed heartily, “I understand, I understand.”

He knew well that Li Guanxuan cherished his wives deeply—a sentiment shaped by his own experiences.

Wen Rongxin had risen from humble beginnings alongside Li Guanxuan, improving their lives step by step. To him, she was his lucky star.

“Brother Cao, please drop your spiritual barriers so I can examine your condition,” Li Guanxuan requested.

Cao Feng nodded slightly.

Upon inspection, Li Guanxuan found Cao Feng’s internal injuries gradually healing, even the hidden wounds mending, and inwardly marveled at the power of wood-element immortal energy.

The wood-element immortal energy produced from dual cultivation with Song Zhiqiao, also called Longevity Immortal Energy, contained the richest vitality.

Li Guanxuan produced a small jade bottle and handed it over, advising, “Limit your consumption of heavenly herbs and other pills. Although their toxins can be neutralized, they may still affect your future Golden Core formation. Don’t lower your standards for core quality, as that will impact your mindset.”

Cao Feng sighed, “If I don’t form the core soon, it will be hard to explain to the family.”

The Cao family’s ancestor had formed a True Core and now possessed late-stage Golden Core cultivation. Without a great opportunity, a Nascent Soul would remain unattainable in this lifetime.

Thus, the entire Cao family hoped Cao Feng could form his Golden Core now.

Only with a Golden Core—considered a “seed for Nascent Soul”—could the family hope to become a household of true lords.

Moreover, in this era, the demon clan had acquired certain spirit veins and Daoist sites in the Immortal Ruins, land most likely to give rise to Nascent Soul lords.

If Cao Feng missed this opportunity, the family ancestor would be deeply disappointed.

After all, the family had invested significant resources and effort in Cao Feng.

Now, because of a “friend’s” promise, Cao Feng had severely injured himself and lost hope of forming the core. The ancestor must be both anxious and angry.

“Even if you wanted to form the core now, a mere false core would be useless,” Li Guanxuan said calmly. “Brother Cao, you know how I’ve lived these years—being patient, concealing my strength, and accumulating power. This is what cultivators must do.

Others’ opinions are just noise; there’s no need to take them too seriously. Your efforts are yours alone to harvest. Why should you adjust your path to satisfy others?

If you do, are you still truly yourself?

Good advice is worth heeding; malicious criticism should be laughed off.

Besides, you’re not without a chance at Golden Core formation. Just wait a few more years, steady your mindset, and you will naturally return to your peak. The Golden Core will be yours.”

Hearing this, Cao Feng fixed his gaze on Li Guanxuan, his eyes filled with indomitable spirit and magnanimity.

A cultivator should be so.

A demon cultivator, even more so, should be unrestrained.

A smile bloomed on Cao Feng’s face. “At my age, I didn’t expect to have to take your lecture... I’m enlightened.”

He accepted the jade bottle, took a healing pill, and then chuckled, “Liu Xiaoxian’s formation of the Purple-Gold Core shocked not only the Immortal Ruins but also the cultivation realms of the Seven Kingdoms. The Wanxiang Pavilion headquarters even regard her as their successor. Your sole beloved disciple will surely benefit greatly.”

“What’s gained by one’s own ability is the most genuine,” Li Guanxuan smiled. “My master’s success is her own merit. Without her terrifying talent and perseverance, plus Brother Cao’s protection, she wouldn’t have formed that Purple-Gold Core.”

“You really know how to flatter,” Cao Feng laughed heartily. “By the way, Meishuang Zhenren, the branch manager of the Wanxiang Pavilion in Liuli Immortal City, apologized to Liu Xiaoxian because of you and sent her disciple Yu Qin personally to Silver Maple City to apologize.

However, Liu Xiaoxian went to Huayue Immortal City a day early to avoid meeting Yu Qin. Now Meishuang Zhenren is very anxious but can’t go due to conflicts with the Wanxiang Pavilion branch in Huayue Immortal City.”

Li Guanxuan paused briefly, then smiled. He knew Liu Xiaoxian was venting on his behalf.

Still, Liu Xiaoxian would keep some measure—she couldn’t afford to fully offend Meishuang Zhenren, as sometimes she’d need support from Liuli Immortal City.

“Brother Cao, don’t worry too much about family matters. Spend your time tending flowers, weeding, watering medicinal herbs—stay at ease,” Li Guanxuan comforted. “Focus on healing. Master will remain in Silver Maple City these years; I will also mention your situation to her. The Cao family won’t cause trouble.”

“Thanks, brother,” Cao Feng sighed. “I guess my choices back then weren’t wrong.”

“If you hadn’t exhausted your Golden Core connections to protect us, my master and I wouldn’t be where we are today. No need for such politeness,” Li Guanxuan said warmly.

Cao Feng’s spirits brightened. Though betrayed and disappointed by family, he still had someone willing to help.

After Li Guanxuan left, Xing Yuan watched his retreating figure with shining eyes.

Cao Feng seemed to perceive her thoughts and smiled, “Don’t look. Such a man is beyond your reach.”

“Am I that bad?” Xing Yuan asked, then snorted defiantly. “Even if I can’t compare to Qin Jiyue, I’m at least on par with Wen Rongxin and Song Zhiqiao.”

“Think again. You can’t even compare to them,” Cao Feng said calmly. “Over the years, Wen Rongxin and Song Zhiqiao have lived quietly, managing Li Guanxuan’s household affairs and occasionally helping at Wanxiang Pavilion for study.

But their cultivation has never faltered.

When I first met Wen Rongxin, her internal energy was robust—proof of years of martial practice.

Though I’ve never seen her fight, the day she throws a punch, it will shake the world.”

Cao Feng paused, then added, “Song Zhiqiao’s cultivation talent is average, but she excels in array formation techniques with outstanding aptitude.

The small Ping’an Courtyard has been transformed by her and Li Guanxuan into something like a miniature fortress—impregnable even to False Core masters.”

He looked at Xing Yuan, smiling warmly. “Though you are a sect leader, to Li Guanxuan, those who have grown with him from nothing—his wives—are far more important.

Such a person is straightforward and loyal. If you harbor ill intentions toward him, you’ll be the one to suffer in the end.”

Xing Yuan narrowed her eyes, silent.

After a moment, she couldn’t help but ask, “Is he really a dual cultivation practitioner?”

To her, male cultivators who walked the dual cultivation path were typically lecherous, easily swayed by a flirtatious glance.

Li Guanxuan seemed… an exception.

“He is dual cultivation, but he probably has no interest in you,” Cao Feng said with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Xing Yuan’s expression darkened.

In the end, her charm had no effect on Li Guanxuan.

---

Li Guanxuan had planned to visit the Wanxiang Pavilion at Market District One to seek immortal knowledge, but upon hearing Liu Xiaoxian had gone to Huayue Immortal City, he returned home instead.

Unexpectedly, Yu Qin, Meishuang Zhenren’s disciple, came to Ping’an Courtyard bearing gifts.

Li Guanxuan smiled, “Senior Yu Qin, this gift is too precious. I cannot accept it.”

“It’s not precious at all, just a small token. Visiting without empty hands isn’t proper,” Yu Qin hurried to say. “Also, please don’t call me senior anymore. We’re both late Foundation Establishment cultivators now—just call me Daoist friend.”

Li Guanxuan nodded slightly and looked to Song Zhiqiao, “Zhiqiao, serve tea to our guest.”

“Yes, husband,” Song Zhiqiao replied with courtesy befitting a scholarly family, her elegant demeanor and tea art captivating.

Soon the fragrance of tea wafted gently through Ping’an Courtyard, even offering a subtle soothing effect.

“Please, Daoist friend, enjoy the tea,” Song Zhiqiao invited with a smile.

Yu Qin thanked them, sipped, and sighed appreciatively, “Excellent tea art.”

Song Zhiqiao smiled lightly, saying nothing further.

When Li Guanxuan remained silent, Yu Qin said, “Daoist Li, I apologize for any offenses before. This visit is to seek forgiveness.”

She then stood and bowed solemnly.

Li Guanxuan rose and smiled, “Daoist Yu, no need for such formality. This is normal, and I understand.”

He suspected Yu Qin’s apology was a prelude to a request.

Otherwise, with her temperament and Golden Core master backing, she wouldn’t personally come to apologize.

Yu Qin relaxed slightly and after some small talk, appeared troubled.

“There is a matter I hope to ask Xiaoxian for help, but since she is not in Silver Maple City, I hope you, for your master’s sake, might assist me.”

Li Guanxuan thought, as expected, and said, “I’m afraid I can’t help with matters involving Zhenren. Daoist Yu, perhaps wait until my master returns.”

“No, Daoist Li, you can help,” Yu Qin urged. “A friend of mine has run into trouble right here in the Daheng Li family market district…”

Before Yu Qin could finish, Li Guanxuan sighed helplessly, “Daoist Yu, I am an outsider to the Li family and have no authority over its affairs.

Besides, even I cannot meddle in the Li family headquarters’ matters, and Li Guanyuan certainly won’t help me. You should consider other options.”

Yu Qin was reluctant but her eyes pleaded, “Then please mention this to Li Guanyuan for me. Regardless of the outcome, I will reward you handsomely.”

“Maybe later,” Li Guanxuan’s expression turned neutral.

Sensing this, Yu Qin took her leave with grace.

She did not return to Liuli Immortal City but waited in Silver Maple City for Liu Xiaoxian’s return.

If Li Guanxuan could not solve it, Liu Xiaoxian’s assistance would surely be effective.

Half a month later, Liu Xiaoxian returned, bearing gifts for Li Guanxuan.

(The chapter ends)