Ippon Seishi

Xiao Menglan and Zhao Yunlu chatted idly about some trivial matters for about half an hour before finally getting to the main topic.

“I have long heard that Peak Master Zhao loves collecting rare treasures, many of which are kept in this Fire Refining Palace.

Among them are said to be some innate spiritual materials.

I wonder if what I’ve heard is correct?”

Zhao Yunlu smiled cheerfully and said, “Ah, so that’s why Peak Master Xiao has been circling around the topic.

Yes, years ago I accidentally obtained a handwritten manual.

It contains many lost pill recipes, but the materials required for these pills are treasures rare even in the cultivation world.

In order to bring these lost pills back into existence, I did indeed collect quite a few innate spiritual objects.”

Xiao Menglan continued, “So I wonder if Peak Master Zhao might be willing to part with some of them?

Rest assured, I will not take them for free.

The compensation will certainly satisfy you.”

Zhao Yunlu thought for a moment, then glanced at Cao Xueyan, who was surrounded by his disciples.

He couldn’t help but say, “Peak Master Xiao wants these innate materials—could it be for your disciple?”

“Indeed.” Xiao Menglan did not hide anything.

When asking others for help, honesty came first.

“My disciple has reached the ninth level of Qi Training, and she may soon attempt Foundation Establishment.”

“It seems Peak Master Xiao wants to forge an Innate Dao Foundation for her?”

“This is not something one can force.

I can only say I will do my best.

But Peak Master Zhao, you are also a master yourself.

You should understand how I feel.”

Zhao Yunlu sighed softly.

“When my own disappointing disciple attempted Foundation Establishment back then, I also hoped to give him an Innate Dao Foundation.

That way, his chances of forming a Golden Core would be greater.

Unfortunately, the boy himself lacked fortune.

He came so close—just one step away.

But ultimately, he failed to cross that threshold.”

At this point, Zhao Yunlu couldn’t help but sigh again.

“I am already at this age.

Immortality, the Great Dao… I no longer hold much hope.

My only wish is to see my disciple successfully form a core before I die, so that he may personally send me off.

But now… it seems unlikely.”

The calm and carefree look on Zhao Yunlu’s face vanished, replaced by a trace of sorrow.

But soon he relaxed again.

At this age, what is there to cling to?

“To form a Golden Core, the greatest barrier is not cultivation, but the Heavenly Tribulation.”

Xiao Menglan also sighed with deep understanding.

“Yes… the Heavenly Tribulation.” Zhao Yunlu recited softly:

“When Heaven does not grant it, one cannot take it.

When Heaven grants it, yet one refuses, one will instead suffer calamity.

No one can explain such things.

No matter how deep one’s Dao, before heavenly might, all are but ants.

Sigh.”

“The later generations have their own fate.

We need only act without regret.”

Hearing this, Zhao Yunlu grinned.

“Hah! ‘Act without regret.’

Peak Master Xiao, if you want the innate spiritual materials I have—take them.

As long as I have them, you may have them.”

Xiao Menglan did not stand on ceremony.

“Then I shall respectfully accept.”

“Hmph! When your disciple establishes her foundation, remember to invite me to the Foundation Establishment Feast.

I will bring a generous gift.

Think of it as a token of goodwill.”

“Of course.

I thank Peak Master Zhao in advance, on behalf of my disciple.”

Meanwhile, Cao Xueyan finally began to adjust to the pace of conversation among Zhao Yunlu’s disciples when she suddenly received a sound transmission from Xiao Menglan.

“Yan’er, I will be leaving briefly with Peak Master Zhao.

Stay here and do not wander.

Wait for my return.”

When she looked again, only two empty teacups remained under the tree.

The two had already disappeared.

“My master and your master both seem to have important matters to discuss.

We should not disturb them.

So, about what I mentioned earlier—has Junior Sister Cao considered it?”

Cao Xueyan looked at the tall middle-aged man before her, feeling conflicted.

This man was named Dan Ye, Zhao Yunlu’s direct disciple.

The younger ones nearby were his children.

The “proposal” he referred to was, in fact, a business arrangement.

Dan Ye owned an establishment near the Azure Cloud Sword Sect’s city called Yuzheng Pavilion.

Similar to the “Treasure Pavilions” in typical cultivation stories, but more upscale, and involved in a wider range of goods.

Yuzheng Pavilion sold everything—techniques, pills, artifacts, talismans, rare treasures.

He wanted Cao Xueyan to act as its representative—at least, that was how she understood it.

There was brand value in the cultivation world.

A swordsman from Azure Cloud Sword Sect was automatically seen as superior, regardless of whether the sect still produced geniuses.

Dan Ye, being both an alchemist and a merchant, had long benefited from his identity as Zhao Yunlu’s disciple.

Now, seeing Cao Xueyan—young, newly famous, and easy to persuade—he wanted to expand business into talismans, the third-largest consumption category after spirit stones and pills.

He believed that if this cooperation succeeded, resources would flow toward him.

Perhaps even giving him hope of forming a Golden Core.

However, reality was not so simple.

After careful thought, Cao Xueyan responded politely, “Senior Brother’s proposal is indeed appealing.

But without my master’s permission, I cannot make such decisions on my own.”

“Junior Sister Cao, this is beneficial to you as well.

If you agree, you will receive yearly dividends, and you’ll get discounts at Yuzheng Pavilion.

It is entirely to your advantage.

Please consider it carefully.”

Dan Ye did not speak too forcefully.

A merchant valued harmony.

“Senior Brother’s goodwill I understand.

After I consult my master, I will give you a definite answer,” Cao Xueyan said, using Xiao Menglan’s name as a shield—very effectively.

The words Dan Ye had yet to say were swallowed back down.

The conversation shifted to trivial topics.

Cao Xueyan soon grew drowsy, but perked up when the Cat Demon Tournament was mentioned.

“Junior Sister Cao is participating in the Cat Demon Tournament in three days, yes?”

“Yes,” Cao Xueyan answered honestly.

“My master wishes me to gain experience.”

Dan Ye laughed.

“My daughter has also registered.

You’re both young women—you can look after each other.”

He brought Dan Yao forward.

“I’ve met Senior Sister Dan Yao before,” Cao Xueyan said, smiling slightly.

“Oh? You already know each other?”

Dan Ye was delighted.

Dan Yao had been standing quietly the whole time.

Caught off guard, she awkwardly greeted, “Cao… Junior Sister.

At the tournament in three days, please take care of me.”

Cao Xueyan replied, “Senior Sister is too polite.

I am the one who will need your guidance.”

Dan Yao felt uncomfortable.

She wanted nothing more than to return to her alchemy room as soon as possible.