Chapter 49: Seventh Layer of Qi Refinement (Please Follow the Story)

Hearing these words, Li Guanxuan was completely stunned.

The manager before him, Miss Liu of the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion in Shanggu City, could actually hear his inner thoughts?

Mind reading?

A chill ran through Li Guanxuan’s heart. He was about to think something when he suddenly remembered that the person in front of him possessed mind-reading abilities and awkwardly smiled.

“Please don’t take offense, senior. I tend to speak frankly and act quickly. My apologies.”

With that, Li Guanxuan cupped his hands in a respectful bow, offering a sincere apology.

It was clear that Miss Liu was at least a powerful cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, and, moreover, an expert in mind reading. Before such a person, he truly was just a “youngster.”

Miss Liu wore a loose Daoist robe, but it still could not conceal her alluring, voluptuous figure. Her eyes were limpid and gentle, with golden brows, lashes, and irises. Her face, untouched by makeup, was of unmatched beauty, and her golden hair, cascading like a waterfall, lent her an exotic air.

Compared to the eighteen-year-old girls, Miss Liu was full of mature charm. Every smile, every glance, every turn of her head carried a seductive allure, as if she were a master at playing with people's hearts.

Li Guanxuan dared not look too much, nor entertain any stray thoughts. If those were read, it would truly spell trouble.

“Little Zheng said you’re clever, quick-witted, and cautious in your dealings. Seems he wasn’t wrong.”

Miss Liu studied Li Guanxuan for a few seconds, her bright red lips curling into a faint smile.

“What do you wish to sell? Show me.”

Li Guanxuan breathed a sigh of relief and brought out a number of pills and talismans.

Seeing the quantity, Miss Liu’s autumn-water eyes narrowed slightly.

“The talismans are of fine quality and craftsmanship, all first-rate. As for these pills… mediocre.”

She inspected everything carefully and said bluntly, “Altogether, these are worth two thousand seven hundred and thirty-six lower-grade spirit stones.”

“Deal.” Li Guanxuan nodded slightly; this matched his own estimate. The prices at the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion in Shanggu City were fair.

“Senior, what is the price for premium-grade Spirit Marrow Pills and Ascending Dragon Pills?” he asked.

Miss Liu sized him up and replied, “Each is fifteen hundred lower-grade spirit stones. With your aptitude, you’ll need eight, and even then, you may not break through to the seventh layer of Qi Refining.”

Eight pills—that would cost twelve thousand lower-grade spirit stones. I don’t even have… Li Guanxuan was halfway through the thought when he abruptly stopped himself, cupped his hands and smiled.

“Please prepare some materials for making talismans and refining pills for me, senior. Deduct the cost from the spirit stones just now.”

He handed over two sheets of paper detailing the required materials.

Miss Liu nodded slightly. The total value of the materials listed was exactly one thousand spirit stones.

Before Li Guanxuan left, Miss Liu smiled and said, “In Shanggu City, if you become a second-rank alchemist, you’ll be more sought after than a second-rank talisman master. You could even become a guest elder at the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion, enjoying its salary and privileges.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“One more thing: Don’t be fooled by the apparent peace in Shanggu City. Beneath the surface, there are undercurrents. Keep your wits about you… You’re a friend of Little Zheng; if you encounter trouble you cannot resolve, you may come to me.”

“Thank you for your guidance, senior.”

Li Guanxuan wore a grateful expression, though he still kept a measure of caution in his heart. Facing such a shrewd and beautiful proprietress, it was best to say little.

At least Miss Liu had warned him.

The good order within Shanggu City was only a façade.

That was understandable. Shanggu City bordered the three great immortal dynasties—Da Heng, Da Zhou, and Da Xuan. People coming and going were of complicated backgrounds.

The identity checks at the city gate seemed strict, but in reality, it was easy to slip in…

Leaving the Myriad Phenomena Pavilion, Li Guanxuan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It seemed that nowhere was truly peaceful or safe.

At least, though, there was no influence of Falling Moon Valley near Shanggu City.

…

In the days that followed, aside from accumulating immortal energy daily, Li Guanxuan focused on making talismans and refining pills to earn spirit stones for buying breakthrough medicines.

A year passed.

Li Guanxuan’s pill-refining skills advanced to the top tier of first rank.

But he still wasn’t confident he could craft premium Spirit Marrow Pills or Ascending Dragon Pills; instead, he did his best to improve the quality of Meridian Protection Pills and Blood Vitality Pills.

Moreover, his Metal Spiritual Root had reached high grade, and the spiritual energy within him had become abundant and ready.

To break through to the seventh layer of Qi Refining, it was safer to rely on the power of breakthrough pills.

Otherwise, should he fail, all the spiritual energy he had accumulated over the years would vanish, requiring him to start again.

Li Guanxuan dared not gamble.

Another year passed.

This year, Li Guanxuan turned fifty-two, marking ten years since his marriage to Wen Rongxin.

He had prepared all the necessary breakthrough pills—Meridian Protection Pill, Blood Vitality Pill, Spirit Marrow Pill, Ascending Dragon Pill.

After a night of passion, sharing intimate moments…

Within the cultivation chamber, Li Guanxuan absorbed immortal energy, feeling the spiritual force within him nearly overflowing. He took the Meridian Protection Pill and Blood Vitality Pill one after another.

Instantly, his blood surged, the surface of his skin visibly reddened and grew hot, wisps of steam rising.

At first, he felt discomfort, but after taking the Spirit Marrow Pill, he gradually improved.

Ten days later.

A powerful surge of magical energy emanated from the cultivation chamber, but soon faded like a gentle breeze, hidden away.

Li Guanxuan had consumed all four breakthrough pills, successfully advancing to the seventh layer of Qi Refining, entering the late stage.

Sensing the improvements in his body, a smile appeared on his face.

Ten years ago, he was merely a struggling itinerant cultivator at the second layer of Qi Refining.

Now, in ten years, he had reached the late stage of Qi Refining.

“I must succeed in establishing my Foundation before sixty, or I fear immortal energy will no longer improve my aptitude.”

After the joy, worry crept into Li Guanxuan’s heart.

He was now fifty-two, with at most eight years left to reach Foundation Establishment.

Once past sixty, not only would the success rate drop drastically, but even his aptitude would not be effectively improved.

This would hinder his path of cultivation.

Though he could live long, these breakthrough standards were the result of accumulated experience from predecessors. If he could follow them to reach Foundation Establishment, it would be best.

“The immortal energy of the Velvet Blossom Spirit Tree should improve aptitude—otherwise, why would my Metal and Fire Spiritual Roots have been enhanced?”

Li Guanxuan pondered deeply.

But it was clear that to improve his Wood and Earth Spiritual Roots, he would need to take two more concubines.

“I must find a way…”

Li Guanxuan made up his mind. Even if Qin Jiyue would hold it against him, he must, within the next eight years, enhance his Wood and Earth Spiritual Roots.

Foundation Establishment before sixty was at stake—he had to plan for the future.