Chapter 395

"Who is he?"

"Don't know."

"Seems to be called Li... Rui?"

"Li Laoge?"

Then they saw Li Rui walk out from among the eleven people.

Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong exchanged a glance, both showing excitement.

They were most optimistic about Li Rui.

If there was still one person among those present who could lift this Qi-Eating Spirit Iron, it must be Li Rui.

Who told them that Li Rui is the number one Primordial they both recognized.

Zhou Dinghai showed a surprised expression.

He looked Li Rui up and down curiously.

Li Rui stepped forward, first bowing to Zhou Dinghai, and then looked at the Qi-Eating Spirit Iron.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

In the shocked gazes of the crowd.

Li Rui took a deep breath, and he saw wisps of white smoke appear from his hands.

These wisps of white smoke slowly wrapped around the Qi-Eating Spirit Iron, which looked like a small mountain.

Only a low shout was heard:

"Rise!"

Then the Qi-Eating Spirit Iron began to tremble slightly.

Suddenly—

It was yanked up violently.

One inch, two inches...

One foot!

One zhang!

The Qi-Eating Spirit Iron, looking like a small mountain, was lifted a full zhang into the air by Li Rui from a distance, and then fell with a boom.

For a time, dust flew, covering Li Rui's figure.

This scene made everyone widen their eyes.

"This..."

"Impossible, simply impossible!"

A young man said in a lost voice.

Many people had already tried.

They couldn't even touch the Qi-Eating Spirit Iron, but Li Rui... lifted it a full zhang!

They couldn't imagine how Li Rui had mastered spiritual energy while still in the Primordial realm.

How could they be calm?!

Zhou Dinghai, Xue Gui, and the other few Top Three Rankers all narrowed their eyes slightly.

They could see more than the others.

Li Rui had clearly already practiced immortal arts!

Zhou Dinghai suddenly realized, laughing and scolding: "Good for you, Gu Changsheng."

In his view.

Li Rui's immortal arts must have been taught by Gu Changsheng or Jiang Linxian.

Given the relationship between Li Rui and those two as rumored in the outside world.

It is highly possible!

No, not possible, it is certain.

Zhou Dinghai realized.

So the candidate for this competition had been determined from the very beginning; no wonder Gu Changsheng was so certain that he could select someone.

It's not that he could select someone.

He had even personally cultivated one.

Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong exchanged a glance; their thoughts were much the same as Zhou Dinghai's.

Hmm.

A connection!

The dust and smoke dissipated.

Li Rui's figure slowly appeared, and he smiled at Zhou Dinghai: "I've troubled you, my lord."

Zhou Dinghai smiled and waved his hand: "No matter."

At this time.

Nie Siming's voice also sounded.

"Li Rui, passed!"

In the envious gazes of the crowd, Li Rui returned to the crowd as before, hiding well, only now, even if he hid underground, he would still be dug out to be looked at.

With Li Rui's appearance.

The others also had the thought of trying.

But without exception, the final result was failure.

Originally, this examination had three rounds.

The third round was martial arts combat.

But now, because only Li Rui passed, the third round became a mere formality, locking in the candidate in advance.

Zhou Dinghai said a few words of encouragement to Li Rui.

Then he turned and left.

Li Rui understood that Zhou Dinghai was treating him as Gu Changsheng's connection.

He really hadn't coordinated with Gu Changsheng at all.

But saying he was a connection wasn't half wrong.

Calling this competition a "radish pit" wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Jiang Linxian knew he practiced immortal arts; Jiang Linxian knowing meant Gu Changsheng knew; today's competition was completely designed for him, just short of writing "must be over eighty years old to participate."

Having gained the advantage, just accept it well.

There's no need to insist on explaining that it was all his own effort.

Childish.

The crowd dispersed.

Nie Siming and Yuan Xiong then walked up with smiles.

Looking at their appearance, they had the same thought as Zhou Dinghai.

"Li Laoge, congratulations, congratulations."

As Yuan Dingting's adopted sons, they knew more about immortal arts, and there were even two books in the mansion.

It's just that no one below the Third Rank can practice them.

So they could see that Li Rui had practiced immortal arts.

This matter is not a secret at the highest level.

Some things are kept deep, but that's for ordinary people; Yuan Dingting is naturally not an ordinary person, and he would sometimes talk about it with his few adopted sons.

They were just surprised that Li Rui could actually practice immortal arts while still in the Primordial realm.

Such a situation is unheard of.

Born for immortal cultivation, perhaps?

They used to think that Li Rui started practicing martial arts at seventy, and his martial arts talent was buried; now they understand that his immortal cultivation talent was buried even more miserably.

Little did they know.

If it were about his original spiritual root, Li Rui would probably be low grade, maybe not even that.

Everything today was earned by himself.

Nie Siming: "Let's go, Li Laoge, I've already arranged a spot on the top floor of the East Treasure Pavilion; we must celebrate for you tonight."

Li Rui couldn't help but find it funny: "Younger Brother Nie is so certain I would succeed?"

"That's right."

Nie Siming patted his chest: "Who is Li Laoge."

Then he lowered his voice and chuckled: "The boss of this place owes me a meal, it's free."

Li Rui laughed out loud.

"Younger Brother Nie is still the one who knows how to handle things."

The three of them drank three cups in a row immediately.

Nie Siming said: "Li Laoge, after you go to the Qingwei Sect, you can stay in the sect more. I heard from those two Daoists that places with abundant spiritual energy can improve spiritual roots."

"The spiritual energy of heaven and earth in this world has dissipated, and spiritual roots are covered in dust; if nourished by spiritual energy, they might regain their brilliance."

"Li Laoge might originally have a superior spiritual root, and his future will naturally be boundless."

Li Rui drank his wine in small sips.

His expression was a bit strange.

Spiritual roots covered in dust?

For others, perhaps, but for him, it's definitely not. If it weren't for the nourishment of the Immortal Form, he wouldn't even be a medium-grade spiritual root.

He knows this body of his too well.

Those with excellent spiritual roots must have extraordinary aspects.

If his spiritual root were truly excellent, he wouldn't have wasted decades.

But what Nie Siming said was true.

The deeper he understands the immortal cultivation world, the more Li Rui knows that spiritual roots are heaven-determined, and there are too few methods in the world to reverse them.

Those who have that ability are almost all great cultivators.

But why would great cultivators need to improve their spiritual roots?

He could have his current superior spiritual root because he managed it with care, and even more so because of coincidental opportunities.

Li Rui couldn't help but be curious: "Two younger brothers, why doesn't Marquis Yuan teach you brothers to practice immortal arts?"

Yuan Dingting is the world's top, the Great Yu's Saint of War, and one of the seven guest ministers of the Secret Guard.

He doesn't believe Yuan Dingting has no immortal techniques.

Nie Siming smiled slightly: "Li Laoge, I have also asked my foster father this question."

Upon hearing this.

Li Rui immediately became spirited.

The Saint of War Yuan Dingting had also discussed it!

Nie Siming continued: "At first, Eighth Brother and I knew there were immortal arts and were so excited that we ran to find foster father, wanting to learn. Foster father just looked at us and said one sentence."

"How do you know immortals don't practice martial arts?"

Li Rui blinked.

Yuan Xiong also remembered the scene at that time:

"Foster father also said, how do you know we don't practice immortal cultivation?"

"There are three thousand Great Daos, all leading to the same destination."

"In the end, it's all the same; the key lies in the person."

Li Rui was silent.

Wu De had also said that there is a group of cultivators in the immortal cultivation world who have also practiced to the Great Primordial, which has the same effect as his current state.

Nie Siming chuckled: "Later, Eighth Brother and I were still unwilling and went to ask Mr. Liu."

"Mr. Liu told us that the current Top Three Rank method is actually passed down from the upper realm."

Li Rui narrowed his eyes.

He thought of what Jiang Linxian had once said.

The Secret Guard had imprisoned an Exiled Immortal.

Perhaps five hundred years ago, those big shots in the Yu Kingdom court were already secretly planning, but the world didn't know.

What a grand plan!

The higher the status, the more one comes into contact with, and the more one knows the greatness of that Lord Zhang.

"Not a loss for being the Great Yu's mender."

The world thinks that Lord Zhang Shoufu mends the court, but little do they know, he is actually mending the sky!

Clearly.

The things the Yu Kingdom did broke out during the time of the previous emperor, which is why the immortal disaster appeared.

It almost caused the Great Yu to fall apart directly.

It was that Zhang Shoufu and the National Preceptor who joined forces to save the falling sky.

Extending the Great Yu for five hundred years is not just talk.

Of course.

These big shots' affairs are too far from Li Rui.

As far as he is concerned.

All methods beneficial to longevity are worth practicing.

Just as Yuan Dingting said, the key lies in the person; man proposes, God disposes.

"Daoist Chun Xuzi, Daoist Zi Yang, he is the person selected to be stationed at the Qingwei Sect this time."

Xue Gui brought Li Rui and Nie Siming to find Chun Xuzi and Daoist Zi Yang.

"Greetings, two Daoists."

Li Rui bowed.

The old Daoist, Daoist Zi Yang, laughed and returned the salute to Li Rui: "Lord Li, we have met before; it is truly fate."

"It is truly fate."

Li Rui also laughed out loud.

At this time.

The young Chun Xuzi also spoke: "Lord Li."

"Daoist Chun Xuzi."

Li Rui responded.

Compared to their last meeting, Chun Xuzi's attitude was clearly more relaxed.

Although Li Rui's strength is not as good as theirs, once he represents the Yu Kingdom to be stationed at the Qingwei Sect, his status is equal to theirs.

Naturally, it is not good to put on a face anymore.

Otherwise, if Li Rui were stubborn and insisted on reporting him, he wouldn't be able to handle it.

Xue Gui then continued: "Two Daoists, after Li Rui goes to the Qingwei Sect, I hope you can advance and retreat together."

Then he looked at Li Rui:

"Li Rui, after going to the Qingwei Sect, you must perform your duties faithfully and not cause trouble, understand?"

"Yes."

Li Rui replied.

Don't look at Xue Gui saying this as if he is deliberately giving him a hard time; actually, it is all said for those two Daoists to hear.

What is said on the surface is not important.

What is important is what is said and done in private.

"Very good."

Seeing Li Rui's obedient appearance, Xue Gui nodded with satisfaction.

"General Nie, I still have official business to attend to; I will trouble you to take care of other matters."

"Naturally."

Nie Siming nodded.

Xue Gui strode away in a hurry.

After Xue Gui walked far away, Chun Xuzi spoke this time: "I heard that you can practice immortal arts without stepping out of the Top Three Ranks?"

Li Rui nodded:

"Thanks to the care of the Building Master, who improved the immortal arts, I was able to practice."

He said the excuse he had long prepared in his heart.

Upon hearing this.

Nie Siming and the two Daoists all showed realization in their eyes.

If it were Gu Changsheng, then there would be no problem.

In the world, if one talks about understanding immortal cultivation, perhaps only the National Preceptor and the Great Shaman can exceed Gu Changsheng.

And that is only because those two have lived a hundred years longer than Gu Changsheng.

"Building Master Gu has great ability."

Mentioning Gu Changsheng, Chun Xuzi's attitude improved a bit more.

His master, the Great True Person Qing Ding, is on equal footing with Gu Changsheng.

Naturally, he dared not be rude.

With Gu Changsheng's face, the subsequent communication went much more smoothly.

Li Rui originally wanted to invite the two to sit at his mansion.

But was refused by Chun Xuzi on the grounds of being busy with homework, so Li Rui didn't persuade them further.

Grand Void Dao Palace, before the Bai Yu Steps.

Li Rui sat cross-legged.

He was using Immortal Profound Qi to lead the Five Elements Qi to nourish the stone embryo in the Dantian Immortal Court.

This is the prototype of the Dao Embryo.

Until the stone embryo takes shape, it is considered complete.

Immortal Profound Qi and Five Elements spiritual energy are the fire, and his body is the furnace.

He Qiannian's method of deduction is correct; to conceive a Dao Embryo, the body is extremely important. If the fire is small, it just takes more time, but if the furnace is no good, then there is no hope at all.

With the Great Henglian technique added to the tempering of the Divine Dao Scripture.

Li Rui's body is terrifyingly strong.

That's why he dared to nourish the Dao Embryo so easily.

This nourishment lasted for three hours.

Wu De did not appear.

Li Rui's gaze fell on the Bai Yu Steps before him; Wu De once said that only by climbing the Bai Yu Steps is it possible to obtain the inheritance of the Immortal Court.

He took a deep breath.

And then slowly stepped onto the Bai Yu Steps.

Although he walked very slowly, he also walked very steadily.

After an hour.

Li Rui had already walked more than a hundred steps.

But from the top, he had only walked thirty percent; there was still a long distance to go.

His gaze condensed.

Li Rui resolutely took a step.

The next instant.

A terrifying spiritual sense storm instantly blew his figure into a sway.

Li Rui still wanted to rely on his perseverance to hold on.

But in just an instant, he lost consciousness.

When he woke up, opening his eyes, he saw the familiar room.

At this time, the daylight was already slightly bright.

As usual, Li Rui, served by the maid, put on his clothes.

But this time he didn't go out.

Instead, he called for the steward in the mansion.

"Master."

A middle-aged man named Ma Xi stood respectfully before Li Rui.

Li Rui's eyelids lifted slightly, looking at Ma Xi: "Little Ma, how many years have you been with me?"

Ma Xi's heart was shocked, and he hurriedly answered: "I have been with Master for three years; it is all because of Master's kindness that I have been rewarded with a meal."

Li Rui nodded:

"Three years, not short."

"I am going out for a period of time; I guess I won't be back for a short while, of course, this matter is not certain."

"You must take good care of Master Yang in the mansion."

"Understand?"

Usually, Li Rui was gentle and soft, but today he revealed his official prestige, and Ma Xi couldn't handle it, kneeling on the ground in fear and trembling, kowtowing constantly.

"Master, this old servant will definitely do his best."

Li Rui then withdrew his momentum: "That's good, go."

Ma Xi's legs were shaking, and he limped out of the room.

Not long after walking.

Liang He stepped into the room.

"Master."

He bowed to Li Rui: "Little He, from today on, you move into the Assistant Regional Commander's Mansion to live; don't worry, it won't delay your work, it's just that the journey is a bit far."

Liang He smiled slightly: "It is all what the disciple should do."

Li Rui is going to be stationed at the Qingwei Sect, although he has resigned from the position of Assistant Regional Commander of Annan Town, he has been given the title of General of the Mountain Town.

Still an officer of Annan Town.

It's just that he has to go to the Qingwei Sect on business often.

The world doesn't know the meaning of these two words, "Mountain Town," but as a Secret Guard, he knows it all too well.

The Holy Emperor is using these two words to remind him not to forget his identity.

Going to the Qingwei Sect is actually no different from being a spy.

He is going, but there is still Yang Yong in the Assistant Regional Commander's Mansion, so naturally, he has to settle things well, which is why he called Liang He.

"I took your second younger brother and didn't take you; will you resent Master?"

Liang He shook his head: "Master leaving me to guard the home is trust in me, and the Heaven and Earth Alliance is such a big business that it cannot be left without me. My realm is still shallow, and I wouldn't be able to cultivate immortality even if I went."

Li Rui nodded with gratification: "Little He, it's been hard on you."

That's right.

This time he is prepared to take Liu Tiezhu with him to the Qingwei Sect.

That's why he called Liang He.

On one hand, the Heaven and Earth Alliance cannot be left without Liang He, and on the other hand, Liang He has a steady temperament, and with him guarding, he is indeed more at ease.

Isn't it often the case that the most sensible eldest child has to suffer at home?

Liang He is the eldest disciple; there is no other way.

Li Rui finished his instructions.

Walking out the door, he saw Liu Tiezhu already carrying bags and bundles, ready.

"Tiezhu, you are quite diligent."

Liu Tiezhu kept grinning.

He looked at Liang He: "Senior Brother, when I get good treasures at the Qingwei Sect in a few days, I will definitely send them to you; it's not far, I can rush back in a day."

Liang He was shocked, fearing that Liu Tiezhu would do something out of line, and hurriedly waved his hands:

"Tao Shidi, don't mess around; Senior Brother doesn't lack anything."

Then.

He couldn't help but smile again.

With Master Li Rui there, nothing will go wrong.

He was worrying for nothing.

Li Rui looked at the two disciples and smiled knowingly.

These three disciples of his, although their martial arts might not be top-tier, at least their hearts are not bad, which is very important.

For him, having ability is best, but what's more important is being trustworthy.

Li Rui took Liu Tiezhu out of the gate of the Assistant Regional Commander's Mansion.

Just as he walked out.

He saw Ning Zhongtian waiting at the door with Tan Hu, Ge Hong, Wei Ming, and several old men from the Running Tiger Battalion.

"Li Laoge, everything is ready."

Ning Zhongtian grinned and said with a smile.

That's right, these fifteen people will also go to the Qingwei Sect with Li Rui.

Li Rui is representing the imperial court to supervise; if there isn't a single soldier or attendant, being a lone commander is not convenient for doing things, and it also damages the court's face.

So the imperial court had long since agreed with the Qingwei Sect that the stationed official could bring sixteen attendants.

Li Rui naturally didn't stand on ceremony and took his own trusted aides.

Although their status is attendants and they can't enjoy the treatment of elders, at least they are living inside the Qingwei Sect, and there is definitely no lack of spiritual energy.

Wealth, companion, method, location—the "location" requirement is satisfied, so the possibility of immortal cultivation is much greater.

The one with the most courage is Ning Zhongtian.

Ge Hong and Tan Hu have low official ranks, so coming is just coming, but Ning Zhongtian is already a military advisor; willing to give up his official status to follow Li Rui to fight for the ethereal immortal cultivation requires great courage.

But this also fits Ning Zhongtian's personality.

If he sought stability, he wouldn't have built such a big family business as the Heaven and Earth Alliance back then, and he wouldn't have followed Lei Yong to lick blood on the battlefield even after becoming the Alliance Leader.

So Li Rui was not surprised at all that Ning Zhongtian would come.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Li Rui laughed and said:

"Let's go, let us brothers see what the style of that Immortal Sect is really like."

(End of chapter)