Chapter 69: Rongyuan Returns Home, Carefully Speaking of Foundation Establishment

Wang Family Mountain — a wanderer who left home ten years ago has finally returned to his hometown.

Unlike the grey-backed falcon, as an elder of the Wang clan, Wang Rongyuan would not stoop to burrowing through some underground dark river — that would be far too undignified.

Piloting his flying magic artifact, before he even neared the Layered Cloud Formation, he began channeling the somewhat unfamiliar dharma art.

The dharma art activated the formation, the formation shifted, and the clouds in the sky slowly parted to open a cloud-path.

Looking at the familiar Silly Donkey Plain in the mountain hollow, a smile appeared on Wang Rongyuan's slightly weathered face.

Compared to the demon beasts running rampant and the utterly perilous Western Sea, Wang Family Mountain could simply be called a Peach Blossom immortal realm.

However, the clan head was not in the clan today; it was Tie Qinhe who, seeing him return, took the initiative to fly up and greet him.

"Rongyuan, you've had a hard time."

Surveying Wang Rongyuan's empty right arm and noting his cultivation that had dropped two layers, Tie Qinhe sighed with feeling — he and Wang Rongyuan were old acquaintances.

Unlike his imposing, overbearing name, Tie Qinhe was actually a wizened little old man, and when he reached Foundation Establishment, he was already over a hundred and thirty years old.

He had already been at Foundation Establishment for four years and currently remained at Wang Family Mountain, mainly because, as an outsider-surnamed Foundation Establishment cultivator, there were far too many gaps in his cultivation that needed filling.

The clan head had negotiated terms with him — the Wang clan would first help him fill in his missing dharma methods and secret transmissions, and in return he would, in the future, give the Wang clan greater recompense.

Wang Rongyuan paid no heed to Tie Qinhe's gaze; the demon beasts of the Western Sea were not vegetarians — they loved to eat meat, the meat of cultivators.

That great demon mongoose had only eaten half his shoulder, and that was already his good fortune.

Accompanied by Tie Qinhe, Wang Rongyuan landed before the gate of his own residence.

"Senior Qinhe, the clan head isn't here?"

Tie Qinhe shook his head and said,

"You know about the matters at Miaofeng Mountain and Gu Shen Zong as well — the Wang clan's holdings in Qing Xi Fang have been affected by the war, and the clan head needs to go there to take charge of the overall situation."

After Yulou got word from Zhou Friend Friend Yingxi, he sent a message to the clan head, but the clan head had not explained things to Tie Qinhe so clearly.

"But you needn't trouble yourself with these matters. With this Western Sea mission concluded, first rest up at home for a few years and make up for the lost cultivation."

Wang Rongyuan had had half a shoulder — along with his right arm — eaten by a great demon equivalent to Foundation Establishment, and his cultivation had plummeted directly from the peak of the tenth Qi Refining layer to the seventh Qi Refining layer.

The fact that he now had the cultivation of the eighth layer was already the result of two years of recuperation in the Western Sea.

After all, no matter how harsh the Xian Alliance's edicts were, they could not force a wounded cultivator to go off and die.

As the cultivator who had represented the Wang clan in receiving the edict, after Wang Rongyuan was injured, the Xian Alliance could not bully the Wang clan into immediately sending a new Qi Refining cultivator over.

Hence, he recuperated for two years at the Xian Alliance's Western Sea garrison, claimed the full rewards of his ten-year demon-hunting mission, and only then returned home.

"It's nothing — I exchanged for Yin-Yang Vessel-Renewing Elixir at the Xian Alliance's Merit Hall; both my cultivation and my injuries will slowly recover.

But Rongwen's letter to me mentioned that Yulou has been making quite a splash in Qing Xi Fang?"

Yin-Yang Vessel-Renewing Elixir?

Tie Qinhe's heart stirred — this stuff was certainly not cheap; its price rivaled a Foundation Establishment Pill, and that was the Foundation Establishment Pill after its price hike.

Matching its steep price, its effects were naturally powerful too — after a Qi Refining cultivator used it, the regrowth of severed limbs would not damage their Dao foundation.

It seemed the Wang clan would arrange for Wang Rongyuan to attempt Foundation Establishment in the future as well.

Thinking of this, Tie Qinhe's attitude grew even warmer, and he said with a smile,

"It's not as simple as 'making a splash.' The Hundred Treasures Pavilion is nothing special in itself — it's just that the goods are pricier, yet they still sell.

Yulou also set up a shop called the Great Goods Exchange — you never see him selling ready stock; he specializes in brokering other cultivators' transactions and order contracts through him.

Besides, he also took charge of our Wang clan's cooperation with the Yang clan and got the racecourse up and running.

These past years, this child has given our family no shortage of pleasant surprises."

Clearly Tie Qinhe was praising Wang Yulou, yet Wang Rongyuan frowned.

At present, Yulou's main task was to focus on cultivation, not on running shops.

Wang Rongyuan had not yet realized that the Wang clan was now in a critical period of transition — within such a transition there were positive aspects, but also enormous risks.

Specifically, what Wang Yulou was currently doing had actually been approved by the clan head.

"Pleasant surprises... very well then. Tonight I plan to hold a banquet at my residence — Senior Qinhe, you must come. After so many years apart, let's have a good few drinks together.

This time, coming back from the Western Sea, apart from these injuries all over my body, I did bring back a few jugs of fine wine."

"Ah, what 'senior' — just like before, call me Brother Tie.

But Rongwen isn't home, and Rongjiang is in closed-door cultivation; however, Uncle Wang Xian Zhou has returned."

Tie Qinhe was very modest — he was already at Foundation Establishment, yet still addressed Wang Xian Zhou, who was at the peak of Qi Refining, as Uncle Wang Xian Zhou.

At dusk, Wang Rongyuan's residence blazed with lamplight. He sat among the banquet, chatting with the clan's brothers, sisters, elders, and juniors about his experiences in the Western Sea.

"... That great mongoose demon was the most cunning of all. It disguised itself as a white fox, hiding among a group of white foxes whose cultivation was all merely that of lesser demons. When we approached, it erupted into action in an instant.

Beside me was a fellow Daoist from Great Tiantai Mountain — he didn't even have time to react before he was swallowed in one gulp. My half-shoulder and arm were only grazed by the mongoose's great maw as it bit and tore.

At the time, I was also too anxious — I activated my escape talisman too quickly. Its teeth were clamped on half my body, and I wanted to leave but couldn't pull free.

There was nothing for it — I could only channel my spiritual energy and blast my shoulder apart to escape from the great mongoose demon's jaws."

Wang Rongyuan's telling left the banquet guests somewhat silent.

To have a great demon's teeth clamped onto one's body, and to escape, one had to blast one's own shoulder apart — to blast apart one's own shoulder.

"Was that mongoose a beginner-stage great demon or mid-stage? Or did it have any special traits? Rongyuan, tell us in detail.

In the future, when the Wang clan's juniors go to the Western Sea, there may be a chance to avenge you."

Wang Xian Zhou set down his wine cup and asked solemnly.

He himself had no chance — over the years, Wang Xian Zhou's enemies were actually not few either.

If he went to the Western Sea, he would certainly die.

He could only muddle along under the Red Lantern, barely managing to bully those Qi Refining cultivators.

"No need for that. Come, drink — this is Moonlight Nectar given to me by a female immortal of the Moonlight Sect; you can't buy it even at the Red Lantern."

Wang Rongyuan, on the other hand, was remarkably open-hearted — he had no intention of seeking revenge at all, and instead urged everyone to drink.

Who do I seek revenge against?

It was the Immortal Alliance's decree that forced the Wang Shi Sect to send people to the Western Seas to hunt demons.

As for the consequences, the Immortal Alliance didn't care, and the Wang Shi Sect had no power to resist the rules.

On the other hand, the Wang Shi Sect could have hired others to accept the decree on behalf of the family, yet they directly sent Wang Rongyuan.

Many things can't be examined in detail; at least the clan's arrangements were sound.

Without enduring hardship, what right does Wang Rongyuan have to be the object of the clan's resource allocation?

Because of his high talent?

Impossible—if talent determined everything, those with low talent could justifiably lie down and do nothing, and the very foundation of the Wang Shi Sect would vanish.

Zhou Friend Friend Yingxi saw herself as a flower grown in a greenhouse, and Wang Yulou as a wild grass thriving with vitality; her viewpoint carried a kind of "why don't you eat meat?" elegance.

According to the Wang Shi Sect's standards, Wang Yulou had merely proven his talent in business management, but he still lacked the necessary hardship and required much further polishing in the future.

"Rongyuan, tell us more about the female immortals of the Yuehua Sect, hahaha." Tie Qinhe chuckled teasingly.

When the banquet ended and guests departed, Wang Xian Zhou, the last to stay, touched Wang Rongyuan's grotesque wound, his eyes filled with concern.

This Wang Shi prodigy, nearing the end of his life, showed nothing but care for the younger generation.

"Is the Yin-Yang Pulse Nourishing Brew sufficient? If not, I'll think of another way to help you."

Wang Xian Zhou's Dao foundation had completely collapsed after losing half his body; even the finest pills could not heal his shattered torso, and maintaining his Qi Condensation peak cultivation was already a miracle.

Wang Rongyuan's condition was unusual—he had lost half his shoulder and now existed in a liminal state, his future uncertain.

"Uncle Wang Xian Zhou, don't worry—the Immortal Alliance's Foundation Establishment elders have examined me. Even if it truly affects my Foundation Establishment, the impact won't be severe."

Wang Rongyuan said calmly.

The family needs sons who can shoulder responsibility to become pillars, so they are sent out to undergo constant trials.

Risk naturally exists; Wang Xianmao knew it, and Wang Rongyuan knew it too.

So he could accept this outcome—at least he was still alive, wasn't he?

Rewind time several hours earlier.

At noon, in the Baibao Pavilion, Yulou stood behind the counter, deeply absorbed in a book titled *Thirty-Six Tactics of Cultivator Combat*.

"Go, call your shopkeeper!"

A Qi Condensation peak cultivator with bristling white whiskers tapped the stone countertop, ordering Yulou around.

Yulou naturally wouldn't quarrel with a customer; he put down the book and smiled in reply.

"Fellow cultivator, I am the shopkeeper of the Baibao Pavilion—Wang Yulou of the Wang Shi from Anbei. May I ask your esteemed surname?"

The cultivator with bristling white whiskers eyed Yulou suspiciously, hesitated, then spoke.

"No need for formalities—I'm Luo Laosan. I heard the Baibao Pavilion sells Foundation Establishment auxiliary pills?"

Big fish!

Yulou tucked the book into his storage pouch and led this big fish upstairs.

After both sat down, a page brought them spirit tea.

"Fellow Luo, try some—it's not Gu Clan spirit tea, but it's carefully cultivated by our Wang Shi, nearly worthy of the rank."

"No tea—I want you to tell me about the Foundation Establishment auxiliary pills right away," Luo Laosan said impatiently.

Yulou smiled slightly and began his explanation.

"For fellow cultivators like you who wish to establish a Foundation, the Baibao Pavilion offers three related services.

First: Information on Foundation Establishment auxiliary pills—three hundred spirit stones. You'll receive information no less comprehensive than what Red Lantern Sect disciples can access.

Second: Customized Foundation Establishment auxiliary pills—we can refine over a dozen different types. The refining cost is high, but the quality is guaranteed.

Third: Full-process Guidance. If you're a lone cultivator, buying Foundation Establishment-related treasures and spirit herbs on your own risks being deceived—you'll inevitably suffer losses if you're not careful.

If you choose Full-process Guidance, our Wang Shi will impart all information related to Foundation Establishment, provide customized pill-refining services, and finally allow you to read the personal insights of our Wang Shi ancestors who successfully established Foundations.

Of course, if you haven't found a suitable place to meditate, our Wang Shi can also arrange a secluded meditation cave for you."

"How much does Full-process Guidance cost?" Luo Laosan asked eagerly.

"A fair price—starting at three thousand spirit stones. Customized pill refining and cave arrangement each require an additional three thousand spirit stones, depending on your own preferences.

It's expensive, yes, but the Baibao Pavilion has always been this way—we dare charge high prices because we deliver the best service."

Yulou lifted his teacup and replied gently.

Faced with the Wang Shi's masterful wealth-extraction method, Luo Laosan, who had originally been full of confidence, slunk away in disgrace.

He had spent years on the frontlines between the two sects, believing his savings were enough to support lavish spending.

Yet before Yulou's super-harvesting machine, he was still far behind.

Having failed to make a sale, Yulou returned to the counter, took out *Thirty-Six Tactics of Cultivator Combat* again, and resumed reading.

The book sounded dubious, but the content was still interesting.

Golden-liquid Sword Technique, lime-based battlefield control... lone cultivators had devised countless clever tricks just to survive.

"Big brother! Big brother!"

Wang Yuan ran in, calling out to Yulou.

"What's the yelling for? Say what you need!"

Yulou didn't look up, directly sending a voice transmission to rebuke his brother.

Customers and staff in the Baibao Pavilion turned to look at Yuan; Yuan, embarrassed, nodded, feigned calmness, and replied via voice transmission.

"Senior Wu—Wu Jinyan—has successfully established his Foundation!"

Yulou's pupils contracted slightly as he read.

That high-born bastard is finally going to crash!