Chapter 89: Trouble Ahead (Please Subscribe)

Li Guanxuan was engrossed in books on formations.

His mastery of alchemy, talismans, and mechanical arts had already reached the second tier, so he was eager to elevate his skills in formations as well. If he could become a second-tier formation master, he would truly have the means to protect himself. At the very least, the threat posed by the Lord of Shanggu City would diminish.

“Alas, it’s unfortunate that Zhichao is only a small cultivator at the fourth stage of Qi Refining. Though she gives everything during dual cultivation, the wood-type spiritual energy she provides is still limited. If only she could repay in abundance like Jiyue…”

Li Guanxuan read and pondered. Zhichao lacked the silk blossom, and with her lower-grade four-element spiritual root, her cultivation would be slow. Still, Zhichao was his legitimate wife, and after spending time together, he found her gentle and sensible, getting along well with both Rongxin and Jiyue.

If he gained enough strength, he should take her back to Qing’an City someday…

After careful consideration, Li Guanxuan realized that to help Song Zhichao obtain the silk blossom, he himself would need to reach the late Foundation Establishment stage. Only then could he use the excuse of revisiting old places to take Zhichao to the Joy Mountain east of Qing’an City.

“Now my wife has reached a bottleneck as well; Meridian Protection Pills and Blood Vitality Pills are essential. To be safe, I’ll refine two top-grade Body Tempering Pills for her…”

Body Tempering Pills were first-tier, posing no difficulty for Li Guanxuan. Moreover, Wen Rongxin could improve her spiritual roots and followed a body cultivation path—sometimes requiring attention, but not too much.

Thus, the priority was helping Song Zhichao improve her cultivation, since it related to wood spiritual roots and formation skills. Furthermore, once Li Guanxuan reached the mid Foundation Establishment stage and dual cultivated with Song Zhichao, the wood-type spiritual energy she provided would hardly satisfy him.

Just then, Li Guanxuan frowned slightly, tapped his finger, and his mana formed a barrier to block a wave of spiritual pressure.

Someone dared to act in the Wanxiang Pavilion?

“Oh? It’s you? You actually succeeded in Foundation Establishment?”

Li Guanxuan looked up and saw the newcomer was Murong Li, whom he had met once before—a second-tier, middle-grade alchemist with early Foundation Establishment cultivation. If memory served, Murong Li was now a guest of the Lingbao Pavilion.

Li Guanxuan rose slowly, cupped his hands with polite composure, and said, “Alchemist Murong, it has been a while.”

At the same time, Li Guanxuan shielded the first-tier talisman masters from Murong Li’s spiritual pressure, making them feel much better.

Murong Li sneered, still dismissive of Li Guanxuan. In his view, Li Guanxuan’s Foundation Establishment was probably a stroke of luck; after all, the Wanxiang Pavilion would never let a mere second-tier talisman master use a pill with only a thirty percent chance of success.

A cultivator who barely managed Foundation Establishment could hardly rival an established Foundation Establishment cultivator like himself. Besides, he had come to the Wanxiang Pavilion today with the express purpose of causing trouble...

His manner was arrogant and overbearing.

“Enough nonsense. I’m here to see Manager Zheng. Take me to him.”

Murong Li commanded in a cold tone, glancing at the Wanxiang Pavilion’s guards and scoffing, “If I suffer any harm here, Lingbao Pavilion will not let it go.”

He had already burned his bridges with Wanxiang Pavilion, so courtesy was unnecessary.

Seeing Murong Li’s rudeness, Li Guanxuan straightened his back. Murong Li was an early Foundation Establishment cultivator—so was he. Murong Li was a second-tier, middle-grade alchemist—so was he.

Moreover, he could produce two premium Life Crossing Pills in one batch; Murong Li could only make one, and his success rate was low. Li Guanxuan’s alchemy skills surpassed Murong Li’s by far.

“Manager Zheng is out on business. Alchemist Murong, you may wait here; Manager Li should be out to see you soon,” Li Guanxuan replied with a slight smile.

“Anyone will do—make him hurry up,” Murong Li said impatiently.

Li Guanxuan narrowed his eyes. Something felt off. Murong Li’s arrogance was typical of alchemists, so that was nothing new. He also enjoyed belittling those weaker than himself—a bully at heart, who would never act so tough in front of a major power, let alone so disdainful.

But today, Murong Li was clearly here to stir up trouble…

Li Guanxuan thought for a moment, then told the first-tier talisman masters, “Everyone, please go rest for now. If you’re feeling unwell, ask Fugui for a healing pill—put it on my tab.”

“Yes.”

“Thank you, Senior Li.”

The talisman masters looked grateful.

“Please, follow me,” Fugui said, hurrying over at Li Guanxuan’s signal and leading the talisman masters away.

“Why hasn’t Manager Li come yet?” Murong Li grumbled after waiting a while. “Tell him to hurry—I have important business!”

“Perhaps Manager Li is handling important matters as well. Alchemist Murong, please wait patiently. If you’re in a rush, you can leave and I’ll inform him when he’s available,” Li Guanxuan said, reclining in his chair and reading his formation book, not bothering to look up.

Courtesy should be mutual. Since Murong Li showed no respect, Li Guanxuan was under no obligation to return it.

“If this gets delayed, neither you nor Manager Li can bear the consequences!” Murong Li barked.

“What does it have to do with me?” Li Guanxuan glanced at him and laughed. “I’m not a guest of Wanxiang Pavilion, just here to guide the talisman masters.”

“You…”

Murong Li was momentarily speechless.

At that moment, Manager Li came over, his sharp gaze fixed on Murong Li as he asked calmly, “Alchemist Murong, what is it?”

Though he was at the peak of Qi Refining, he showed no fear facing Murong Li. For him, Wanxiang Pavilion was his greatest backing. Besides, Wanxiang Pavilion had guest cultivators at Foundation Establishment as well.

“Is the person who refined the Life Crossing Pill and Poison Dissolving Pill in Wanxiang Pavilion?” Murong Li asked directly.

“What’s it to you?” Manager Li replied coldly.

---

Murong Li sneered, “That person and I studied under the same master, but he murdered our teacher and fled. Now, I see the Life Crossing Pills produced by your pavilion resemble my own techniques, so I conclude that he is the murderer! Manager Li, surely you don’t want to ruin Wanxiang Pavilion’s hard-earned reputation by harboring a teacher-killer?”

“Alchemist Murong, your methods are crude and clumsy. Our pavilion’s alchemist has never apprenticed under any master; he trained himself diligently from the very beginning,” Manager Li said, glaring at Murong Li with a look of disgust and disdain. “Alchemist Murong, let me advise you: The path of immortality is long—don’t let petty gains cloud your vision. Cultivation in all arts values diligence… Enough said. See yourself out!”

Manager Li had no desire to argue further, turning away.

“Feeling guilty?!” Murong Li laughed loudly. “If news spreads that Wanxiang Pavilion harbors a teacher-killer, let’s see if your branch can survive!”

With that, Murong Li strode out of Wanxiang Pavilion, not waiting to be escorted.

Li Guanxuan narrowed his eyes, realizing why Murong Li had acted so brainlessly today.

He was bait, helping someone fish…

The premium Life Crossing Pills and Poison Dissolving Pills Li Guanxuan had refined saved Wanxiang Pavilion in Silver Maple City from great losses, while Lingbao Pavilion became the unwitting provider. This inevitably led people to wonder about the mysterious alchemist at Wanxiang Pavilion.

Who most urgently wanted to find this mysterious alchemist?

The Lord of Shanggu City!

Having learned that Silver Maple City’s Wanxiang Pavilion branch was offering premium pills, the Lord probably had someone investigate, eventually contacting Murong Li to cause trouble.

If they could force the mysterious alchemist to reveal himself, so much the better. If not, they’d fabricate rumors to tarnish Wanxiang Pavilion’s image.

What matters most in business?

Reputation, credibility!

Pills made by a teacher-killer might be fine now, but who can guarantee the future? Such matters threaten one’s path to immortality—no cultivator takes them lightly.

In the end, Wanxiang Pavilion would be forced to have the mysterious alchemist appear to dispel rumors and misunderstandings…

But then, the Lord of Shanggu City would learn his identity.

A Foundation Establishment peak-stage cultivator with little time left—if he went mad, it would take at least three or four peak Foundation Establishment cultivators to subdue him.

After some thought, Li Guanxuan saw that this scenario explained Murong Li’s mindless troublemaking.

If Wanxiang Pavilion’s reputation suffered, Lingbao Pavilion would gain.

“So this is the intrigue of the cultivation world…” Li Guanxuan sighed inwardly. He only wanted to cultivate in peace, but now he’d caught someone’s eye.

Still, he understood much more now.

When he was still in Qi Refining, his weak cultivation meant no reputation. But at Foundation Establishment, with greater ability, every action became fodder for gossip.

At the Golden Core stage…

It was impossible not to be famous.

Which of the Golden Core elders around could keep a low profile?

In short, if one wished to cultivate and achieve the Dao, one could not avoid messy, complex relationships.

---

Zheng Huangjin hurried back, weary from travel.

He had already received Manager Li’s message and understood the situation.

“What do you think?” Zheng Huangjin asked Li Guanxuan, brows furrowed.

If he couldn’t resolve this, the headquarters would reassess his competence—and he might lose his position.

“What can I think?” Li Guanxuan shrugged helplessly. “Put out a notice to prove the mysterious alchemist has no ties to Murong Li—it’s just slander from a rival. The reason for not revealing his identity is simply a wish for a low profile, avoiding trouble…”

“But we’ll still be affected,” Manager Li said.

“Impact is inevitable, but if we don’t act, Brother Li’s life will be in danger.”

Zheng Huangjin said gravely, “All we can do now is stall—until the Lord of Shanggu City dies, Brother Li’s identity can’t be kept hidden.”

“That’s fine,” Li Guanxuan smiled. “Once the Lord dies, the threat of a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator vanishes. Then I can deal with Ge Wen at leisure.”

“This Murong Li—first he tried to poach my people, and now he dares target me!”

Zheng Huangjin’s eyes flashed with killing intent. He had never liked Murong Li, a greedy, unscrupulous man.

But his alchemy was good, so he couldn’t ignore him.

“Don’t get upset, brother,” Li Guanxuan said cheerfully. “With Murong Li’s temperament, how long do you think Lingbao Pavilion can tolerate him? His lack of character will get him kicked out eventually, left to fend for himself.

Besides, Murong Li is just a pawn for the Lord of Shanggu City and Lingbao Pavilion. Aside from being an annoyance, he serves no other purpose.

If we retaliate against Murong Li, it would only confirm Wanxiang Pavilion’s alleged image problem—benefiting Lingbao Pavilion.”

Manager Li nodded, agreeing with Li Guanxuan’s assessment. “The Lord of Shanggu City has about eight years left. Once we get through that, everything will be resolved.”

“Ah, to be targeted by a dying mad dog for no reason—what a wretched feeling,” Zheng Huangjin sighed, turning to Li Guanxuan. “Rest assured, even if I lose my position, I won’t betray you…”

He glanced at Manager Li.

Manager Li said expressionlessly, “If you’re dismissed, I’ll take your place.”

Li Guanxuan and Zheng Huangjin were speechless.

Still, they knew Manager Li was only lightening the mood.

---

Having spent so much time together, everyone knew each other’s character well.

“By the way, brother, I have news for you,” Zheng Huangjin said seriously. “A demonic cultivator has appeared in the north of Immortal Ruins—named Chen Yinshan.”

Li Guanxuan’s heart jolted. “Is it true?”

Zheng Huangjin nodded. “It’s said he came out of the Ten-Thousand Mountains, went astray practicing demonic arts, killed many Qi Refining cultivators, and ultimately established Foundation with blood.”

Old Chen practiced demonic arts?

Li Guanxuan’s expression grew heavy.

Had he encountered something in the Ten-Thousand Mountains?

“Is he alone?” Li Guanxuan asked.

“Yes.”

Zheng Huangjin continued, “He’s extremely powerful. Ordinary early Foundation Establishment cultivators can’t handle him. If a mid-stage Foundation Establishment appears, he can use escape techniques to get away—very hard to catch.

But oddly, Demonic Cultivator Chen Yinshan only takes natural treasures and pills, ignoring all magical tools.”

“Old Chen wouldn’t turn to the demonic path without cause—something must have happened,” Li Guanxuan said seriously. “He’d only be concerned for Gui Li… If he’s still alive and frantically gathering treasures, perhaps he found Gui Li in the mountains, but her situation isn’t good…”

Having analyzed this, Li Guanxuan asked, “Where is he now?”

“He’s been seen around the Ten-Thousand Mountains,” Zheng Huangjin said. “I know you two are like brothers, but you have enough trouble right now. Better not go looking for him—if…”

If Li Guanxuan’s connection to Chen Yinshan was exposed, he’d be branded a teacher-killer, whether he was or not.

In the cultivation world, reputation is vital for both factions and cultivators.

“I understand,” Li Guanxuan nodded, then smiled. “As long as Old Chen isn’t dead, he won’t let himself die, which means Gui Li is still alive… No matter if he’s a demonic or bandit cultivator, to me, he’s still my brother.”

“Chen Yinshan should still have some sanity,” Zheng Huangjin said. “Otherwise, he’d be causing trouble in Huajing Immortal City, targeting the Yu Family.”

“Yes, Yu Family’s patriarch and Yu Shaoneng’s deaths are news he can learn. The only person willing to help him is me—no one else.”

Li Guanxuan smiled, “Those two died five hundred miles west of Shanggu City. Old Chen should deduce my location—if he doesn’t come, maybe he’s got urgent business. I’ll just wait here.”

Zheng Huangjin and Manager Li relaxed.

“I was worried you’d rush out to find him…” Zheng Huangjin shook his head with a wry smile.

“He’s never rash. No matter what happens, even if the sky falls, he remains calm,” Manager Li said.

Indeed, whatever difficulties arose, Li Guanxuan always thought calmly, trying to find solutions, never losing his composure.

If you could live forever like me, you’d be this calm too… Li Guanxuan grumbled inwardly.

Then, Li Guanxuan analyzed, “The Lord of Silver Maple City probably needs my help refining Golden Essence Pills—such trivial matters, he might assist with. Also, he covets Shanggu City as a prize. If the Lord of Shanggu City tries to cause trouble for me in Silver Maple City, the local lord will block him.

Yes, I can cooperate with the Lord of Silver Maple City. With his help, there may be ways to resolve the rumors.”

Zheng Huangjin’s eyes lit up, slapping his thigh. “Right! The Lord of Silver Maple City knows your identity. If he steps forward, it’ll naturally prove you’re not a teacher-killer!”

“The question is, will he?” Li Guanxuan chuckled. “Now the pressure’s on you—the debt for the Poison Dissolving and Life Crossing Pills hasn’t been settled. Why should he help you?”

“Getting materials is tough!” Zheng Huangjin complained. “I’ve asked my boss for help, but even he has no way. Lingbao Pavilion has two sets, but you know they won’t sell to me! Even if they did, the price is outrageous.”

“You figure it out. I just refine pills—I don’t hunt for herbs. That’s too dangerous,” Li Guanxuan said, spreading his hands. Then he looked at Manager Li. “Relax. Establish Foundation soon, or else next time Murong Li comes, he’ll look down on you.”

“He’s just a clown,” Manager Li said indifferently.

“When I was at Qi Refining stage four, you were at peak. When I reached stage six, you were still at peak…”

Li Guanxuan said slowly, “Now I’ve established Foundation, and you’re still at peak Qi Refining.”

Manager Li gritted his teeth. “Tomorrow, I’ll enter seclusion for Foundation Establishment!”

“I still have a pill with a 35% success rate—only fifteen thousand low-grade spirit stones,” Li Guanxuan laughed, taking out a small porcelain bottle. “We’re all friends. If you’re short on funds, you can owe me.”

Zheng Huangjin’s eyes brightened.

Manager Li hesitated, then rummaged in his bag and tossed out a pouch. “Fifteen thousand spirit stones—I have them!”

Li Guanxuan took the pouch, smiling. “Brother, in the coming years, you’ll need to help Manager Li out, or he won’t even have enough for meals.”

He’d noticed that the fifteen thousand spirit stones were nearly all Manager Li possessed.

Zheng Huangjin laughed, “Just focus on your seclusion, Manager Li. I can handle the pavilion’s affairs.”

“Fugui’s business skills are good,” Manager Li reminded.

Zheng Huangjin nodded. He’d seen Fugui’s diligence and would consider promoting him if possible.

---

After discussing everything, Li Guanxuan headed home.

Yet on the way, he sensed someone watching him.

This chapter contains 5,400 words; another chapter will follow tonight! Before midnight, the ten-thousand-word update will definitely be completed, with extra added at dawn~

Thanks to “Liuliu Meat Du Du Ya” for the reward of 100 Qidian coins!

(End of chapter)