Chapter 272

How can a golden scale be a thing of the pond; once it meets the wind and clouds, it turns into a dragon.

Jiang Linxian has achieved Earth Immortal status.

It is no longer possible for him to be trapped in the small region of Qinghe; promotion is only a matter of time.

It won't be too long.

Xue Gui is trying to pull him into his camp.

As long as he agrees, from now on, Li Rui will be under Xue Gui's protection.

"I will certainly not fail your expectations, my lord."

Li Rui clasped his fists with a solemn expression.

He made his choice with almost no hesitation.

At this time, there is no need to be humble or say stupid things like "my ability is insufficient." One must be direct so that Xue Gui understands his determination to defect; otherwise, why would the man help him?

Since Xue Gui is the Regional Commander of Annan Town and he is an official of Annan Town, of course, he needs almost no mental preparation to bow down.

If he were to hesitate to show loyalty in front of his superior's superior, then Li Rui's years of being an official would have been in vain.

Moreover, as far as he knows, Xue Gui's reputation has always been quite good.

"Not bad, very good."

Xue Gui nodded with a smile, very satisfied with Li Rui's performance, and then turned to Jiang Linxian:

"Jiang Xiao, you have truly found a good helper for this old man."

Jiang Linxian: "Lord Li is first-rate in both civil and martial arts; since he is a man of virtue and ability, naturally I must tell Elder Xue, so that such a talent is not buried."

Li Rui realized.

Clearly, the fact that Xue Gui looked upon him with favor today was largely due to Jiang Linxian's efforts.

If not for Jiang Linxian's recommendation, Xue Gui would not have offered to promote him so heavily right away.

Xue Gui gained a capable general, so this trip was a complete success.

"Alright, this old man has stayed in Qinghe long enough; it is time to leave."

This Regional Commander Xue is truly decisive and swift.

After saying this.

He really didn't even eat a meal, but led over a thousand Black Armor troops north, heading toward Yunzhou City.

"Lord Xue is truly unconstrained by small matters."

Li Rui watched the Regional Commander Xue, who was riding far ahead, and finally made the above judgment.

Jiang Linxian chuckled:

"Brother Li, Lord Xue left in a hurry; please don't blame me for acting first and reporting later."

He was naturally referring to the matter of Li Rui killing Yuan Gao and Qi Rui.

Li Rui: "How could I? I'm too grateful to even think of that."

If not for Jiang Linxian acting as a bridge, Xue Gui wouldn't have even glanced at him; it wouldn't have been so easy to get promoted to Fifth-Rank.

In officialdom, it is often said that the Fifth-Rank is a hurdle.

Especially for children of humble families; this is true for civil officials, and it is much the same for military officers.

Those who can sit in a Fifth-Rank position must have some reliance; otherwise, there is absolutely no possibility. This reliance is either a good background or having someone behind them.

Therefore, if Li Rui wants to be an Assistant Regional Commander of the Anning Guard, he must have a Third-Rank official speak in his support to make it possible.

Jiang Linxian has given him a massive favor.

Of course, he did this also to make his own future actions more convenient.

He has the merit of recommendation and has deepened his relationship with Xue Gui, and Li Rui has also gained benefits; it is a win-win situation.

Moreover, after some time, he will certainly have to leave Yunzhou.

But the Huaqing Sect is still in Anning Prefecture, and that cannot be moved. Although the Huaqing Sect itself is already very strong, he still needs to choose a reliable person in Annan Town to help the Huaqing Sect a little.

Li Rui is undoubtedly the best option.

Li Rui chuckled: "Brother Jiang, I have several jars of aged wine at home; we should open them before you get promoted. There is no time like the present; how about tonight?"

When Jiang Linxian heard this, he was suddenly happy:

"Today won't work; let's change the day."

After setting a time.

Li Rui then took his leave.

Just as he stepped out of the Military Commandant's Prefecture, a line of small characters appeared before his eyes.

【Congratulations to the host for completing the beginner plot of "Rising to Power" — Building Good Connections.】

【To rise to power, besides one's own talent, building good connections is also a required course. Congratulations, you have made the acquaintance of a high-ranking powerhouse on the rise; your official career will surely be smooth, and your future is limitless.】

【Task "Building Good Connections" completed, rewards being calculated...】

【Task rating: A.】

【Obtained 40 achievement points!】

【Achievement points reached 100, rewards being obtained...】

【You have made the acquaintance of a high-level person and received their favor; the high-level person has decided to pass on their techniques to you.】

【Obtained one opportunity for marrow cleansing!】

【Young hero, please begin your perfect journey through the Jianghu!】

【Name: Li Rui】

【Age: 10】

【Talents: Martial Bone, Superb Comprehension, Wisdom Eye, Great Dream Immortal Travel, Demon-Slaying Victory】

【Techniques: Long Chun Gong, Dragon Roaming Nine Heavens Map, Dragon-Elephant True Origin Strength】

【Achievement: 10/100】

【'Primordial Body, marrow cleansing!'】

Li Rui's pupils contracted slightly.

The so-called marrow cleansing is a technique where an Earth Immortal powerhouse uses their own supreme true qi to help others temper their bodies. Marrow cleansing is only effective when performed on martial artists below the Primordial Realm. After marrow cleansing, a martial artist's sinews and bones will be strengthened, their potential will be improved, and their path in the Martial Path will be smoother.

It is a superior technique for elders to help juniors solidify their foundations.

Generally speaking, it is a treatment only available to the head disciples of certain major sects.

This is only because marrow cleansing is also a huge burden on the Earth Immortal powerhouse themselves, delaying at least three to five years of cultivation.

Therefore, even ordinary direct disciples do not have this treatment; one must be a formal apprentice.

Otherwise, ten direct disciples would waste at least thirty years of cultivation, which even an Earth Immortal cannot afford.

Those who can be marrow-cleansed are all geniuses in whom the sect places high hopes.

He, coming from a humble background.

Originally, there was absolutely no possibility of having this opportunity; who would have thought the system would deliver it directly to his door.

First, he received the transmission from Old Daoist Xu, and now it's marrow cleansing; this treatment is something even a head disciple of a major sect would be jealous of.

Just as Li Rui was pondering, a few more lines of small characters appeared.

【Reward enhancement detected.】

【Enhancing...】

【Marrow Cleansing —> Foundation Establishment】

Seeing the two words "Foundation Establishment."

Li Rui could no longer remain calm.

Friends who have cultivated immortality all know that this Foundation Establishment is an essential link for those who cultivate immortality; only after Foundation Establishment can one dare to call oneself a cultivator.

Now, the system has actually sent Foundation Establishment directly to him.

【Do you wish to perform Foundation Establishment now?】

Seeing the prompt on the panel, Li Rui took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart.

He did not choose "Yes" immediately.

He hadn't eaten pork, but he had seen pigs run.

Ancient books always mention the Foundation Establishment of ancient cultivators, and it is always two words — dangerous.

Of course, he must find a safe environment.

Li Rui returned home as if nothing had happened, gave a few instructions to Wang Zhao and Yang Yong, saying he was going into seclusion, and that they shouldn't bother him during this time, nor did they need to send food.

For the first Foundation Establishment, he really couldn't figure out how long it would take.

After giving instructions, Li Rui then returned to his room.

"Yes."

The moment the word "Yes" was spoken.

The Long Chun Gong in his body began to circulate on its own, and the true qi that had already liquefied in his dantian began to boil; in an instant, a burst of vibrant true qi exploded within Li Rui's body.

Huang Ting Qi!

Li Rui was surprised.

The Huang Ting Qi that Xu Xuan had left in his body was pulled by the power of Foundation Establishment and actually exploded automatically.

Huang Ting Qi and the power of Foundation Establishment superimposed.

The quality of the Immortal Xuan Qi in his body improved rapidly, emitting a life force like ancient wood meeting spring, and a wonderful fragrance wafted out.

A full three days and three nights passed.

Li Rui then slowly opened his eyes.

"Foundation Establishment..." After experiencing it, he understood that the so-called Foundation Establishment certainly couldn't be like the ancient cultivators who truly established a foundation; this world didn't have that kind of spiritual energy. Instead, it was similar to obtaining the medicinal power of a Foundation Establishment Pill; although he couldn't truly reach the realm of Foundation Establishment, it was of great benefit to his cultivation.

Not only that, the power of Foundation Establishment also helped him absorb all the Huang Ting Qi left by Old Daoist Xu.

The benefit was.

Now the grade of the Immortal Xuan Qi in his body is frighteningly high, almost no different from the Immortal Qi he had obtained.

Others fight to the death for a wisp of Immortal Qi, while he has a full dantian of it!

With a high grade of true qi, even when he reaches the Earth Immortal realm, it will still be of great use.

Whether it is external attack, internal cultivation, or qi form, the power will increase significantly.

Not only that.

Relying on these two forces, he expanded his internal qi sea by more than ten times in one breath; at this time, the qi sea already had the appearance of a sea.

It saved at least ten years of hard work.

As long as he is willing, he can stir up waves at any time and step into the second stage of Sea-Observing.

Please... you... bookmark_(!)

However, because of his previous experience, he did not break through immediately, but planned to observe for a few days before breaking through.

Tiekuang's Blazing Heaven-Burning Hammer had already been returned to the Divine Weapon Villa, and there was no second chance.

So he must be steady and solid.

Li Rui walked out of the room.

He happened to see Yang Yong cooling off in the courtyard.

"Old Yang, how many days have I been in?"

Seeing Li Rui come out, Yang Yong grinned and chuckled: "Three days."

He was already used to Li Rui going into seclusion for days without eating or drinking.

"Good thing I didn't miss it."

Li Rui breathed a sigh of relief.

He had an appointment with Jiang Linxian to drink in four days.

Yang Yong looked at Li Rui with a smile: "Li Lao, have you made progress again?"

With nothing to do.

Li Rui simply sat down on the recliner next to Yang Yong: "Indeed, I've improved a bit."

Yang Yong didn't believe it: "Just a bit?"

Li Rui chuckled: "Alright."

Then he used both hands to gesture a distance of one foot.

"About this much."

Yang Yong was happy: "One foot, that's not a small amount."

"Hmm, not small."

Facing this old brother, Li Rui neither hid it nor exaggerated; the two had decades of friendship, so there was no need.

Yang Yong narrowed his eyes: "Li Lao, are you getting promoted again?"

Although he was just a rough old man who didn't understand martial arts, he had heard from Wang Zhao that Li Rui had not only broken through to the Fifth-Rank but had also killed two Fifth-Rank experts.

This merit was incredible.

Maybe he could become a Fifth-Rank high official.

Fifth-Rank, in the eyes of people in the capital, is already considered a significant official.

Li Rui rarely showed a proud expression: "Old Yang, you say if Hongmei knew I could become a high official, would she choose me?"

Hearing Hongmei.

Yang Yong was suddenly angered into laughter: "Still thinking about her."

"Hongmei died twenty years ago; you and I even went to burn paper for her. I remember her husband also died a few years ago; how about I help you inquire about her granddaughter's situation?"

Li Rui chuckled:

"I'm just saying; actually, Hongmei's legs were too thin, and I didn't like her that much."

Yang Yong rolled his eyes.

"Forget it, just you, I know."

"I know what you ate today just by looking at your butt."

Li Rui: "Old Yang, don't ruin my reputation."

Outside Qinghe City.

Deep in the mountains, in a thatched cottage.

"My lady, the people have already been sent to Nanman City."

A lean man said.

"Very good."

Lady Lingluo nodded: "You did well; go back and tell the clan elders that I won't be going back for the time being."

The lean man was stunned: "Then where is my lady going?"

"That is not something you should be asking."

"Yes."

The lean man left.

The burly man, who was like a small tower in the room, then spoke in a muffled voice: "My lady, are we really giving up on Manggu City?"

Since that night, Lady Lingluo had been staying in the mountains outside Qinghe City.

Manggu City was breached.

The core clansmen of the Qi family in the city had already been transferred away.

Those who died were just insignificant people; at least in Lady Lingluo's eyes, that was the case — if they died, they died.

When she decided to attack the city, she had actually already thought of this.

So she had made preparations early on.

Disgust flashed in Lady Lingluo's eyes, as if she were thinking of some unpleasant memory, or rather, an unpleasant person.

"A filthy city; if I don't want it, I don't want it."

The burly man no longer continued to mention Manggu City:

"Then where are we going next?"

Only then did a smile appear on Lady Lingluo's face:

"Of course, to the capital."

She couldn't wait to meet that Immortal Venerable; as long as the Immortal Venerable was a man, she would definitely have a way.

Regarding the identity of the Immortal Venerable, she already had vague guesses.

What is the point of being a small city lord of the Qi family?

If I'm going to be something, I'll be the Immortal Venerable's wife!

Dong, dong, dong.

A knock on the door sounded.

Not hurried, not slow, just right.

"Coming."

Li Rui chuckled and pushed open the door, seeing Jiang Linxian standing at the entrance. Today was the day he and Jiang Linxian had agreed to drink. Besides Jiang Linxian, there were two others: Jiang Yan and Tiekuang.

Tiekuang's appearance truly surprised Li Rui.

According to his understanding, without urgent business, Tiekuang would never leave the blacksmith shop.

"Come in quickly; the wine is already warmed."

Li Rui greeted them to sit down.

There were seven or eight dishes, most of which were ordered from Zui Xian Lou, and Li Rui personally cooked two small dishes.

The few sat down.

Only then did Jiang Linxian speak: "I went to deliver the blade to Senior Tie today, so we came together; Brother Li, please don't mind."

Li Rui: "How could I? Senior Tie is my good teacher."

He knew about Jiang Linxian borrowing the Immortal Blade.

Tiekuang snorted coldly:

"You two stinky brats, let's skip these words."

Although he said that, Li Rui could clearly feel that Old Man Tie was in a very good mood.

Probably because Jiang Linxian had proven that his blade could truly kill an Earth Immortal.

Today, Tiekuang also rarely drank a few extra cups:

"Little Li, after drinking this meal today, I will be heading north with Jiang Xiao. I'm afraid there won't be many opportunities to meet in the future. That honest fellow Tiezhu is a good child, but he needs more attention to become a talent."

Li Rui was surprised:

"Is Brother Jiang's appointment confirmed so quickly?"

He knew Jiang Linxian was going to be promoted and certainly wouldn't stay in Qinghe, but he didn't expect the Ministry of Personnel, which is notorious for fast demotions and turtle-speed promotions, to be so efficient this time.

Jiang Linxian shook his head: "Not so, but it's coming soon. This time, His Majesty summoned me back to the capital to participate in the World Martial Evaluation. Senior Tie heard that the Blood Shadow Old Ancestor had recently appeared near the capital, so he is going with me."

World Martial Evaluation.

Hearing these four words, Li Rui's pupils widened slightly.

At this time, Tiekuang spoke:

"Jiang Xiao, in this Martial Evaluation, I'm afraid you can enter the top hundred."

(End of chapter)