However...


    Lu Yi glanced at Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong beside him. To be honest, he wasn’t nervous at all about facing a Foundation Establishment cultivator.


    Not to mention anything else, just his Purple Jade Bell and Spirit Jade Mirror alone would render this demonic cultivator unable to break through his defenses even if he attacked for eternity.


    He was already in an invincible position.


    Moreover, he also had the White Jade Boat and the Thousand Mile Talisman. Even if he couldn’t win, there was no way this demonic cultivator could stop him from escaping.


    The problem was Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong. It would be better not to reveal these trump cards in front of them, as it would be hard to explain later.


    After thinking for a moment, Lu Yi spoke, “Senior Brothers, I have a trump card given to me by the Peak Master that can hold off this cultivator. I’ll hold them off while you two retreat first.”


    Hearing this, Bai Yulong and Jiang Fan shook their heads simultaneously.


    “How could we do that?! Junior Brother Lu, how could we leave you here alone?”


    “Exactly! Junior Brother Lu, you’ve sparred with us and even made us tiger bone spirit ginseng soup. You’ve been so kind to us—how could we be so ungrateful?! No way! Absolutely not! I, Jiang Fan, am not that kind of person! I also have a few items that can hold this guy off for a while!”


    Their expressions were firm as they looked at Lu Yi.


    Lu Yi was stunned, his lips twitching.


    ‘Aren’t these two senior brothers a bit too loyal? But seriously, you guys leaving would be the most convenient thing for me...’


    Just as Lu Yi was about to speak, the middle-aged demonic cultivator sneered, “Leave? None of you are leaving!”


    With a wave of his hand, a blood-colored banner appeared. As it fell to the ground, a dense blood mist spread out, enveloping all four of them. Shrill screams echoed from the mist, making Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong feel dizzy and disoriented even within it.


    Their expressions changed dramatically.


    “We’re trapped!”


    “What do we do?!”


    The Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator snorted coldly, forming hand seals. Bloody streaks of light shot out from the mist toward the water barrier, causing it to tremble continuously with deafening booms.


    The water barrier shook violently, seemingly about to shatter soon.


    Seeing this, Lu Yi felt a bit helpless.


    It seemed that his senior brothers wouldn’t be able to leave now.


    He muttered to himself, “I need to kill this demonic cultivator.”


    [Quest]


    Kill the Foundation Establishment Level 10 Demonic Cultivator (0/1)


    Reward: Fundamentals of Array Formation


    Accept? Yes/No


    Lu Yi was stunned. He hadn’t expected another cultivation technique?


    Previously, he had obtained spiritual cooking and spiritual wine brewing techniques.


    However, those techniques were relatively niche. Array formations, on the other hand, were highly practical and widely used in cultivation.


    Crafting magical treasures required array formations, constructing grand formations required array formations, and even exploring ancient ruins often required knowledge of arrays to unlock treasures.


    This reward was excellent.


    Lu Yi cheerfully accepted the quest.


    “Junior Brother Lu, how can you still smile at a time like this?” Bai Yulong, looking pale, shouted upon seeing Lu Yi’s cheerful expression.


    The demonic cultivator glanced at Lu Yi and sneered, “Ignorant fool!”


    At the same time, he increased the power of his technique, causing the water barrier to dim visibly.


    Jiang Fan’s face turned icy. He took out a talisman and transmitted his voice, “I have a Dark Water Sword Talisman with power equivalent to a Foundation Establishment peak cultivator. When the barrier breaks, I’ll use this talisman, and we’ll run together!”


    Bai Yulong quickly added, “I also have a Foundation Establishment peak-level Storm Talisman that can trap this bastard for a short while! Let’s use them together and escape! Junior Brother Lu, you’re the fastest—don’t worry about us, just run first!”


    Jiang Fan nodded slightly and transmitted, “Bai Yulong is right!”


    Hearing this, Lu Yi chuckled, “Senior Brothers, no need to worry. You won’t need those talismans.”


    Both Bai Yulong and Jiang Fan were stunned, looking at Lu Yi in confusion.


    Lu Yi didn’t explain further.


    With a flip of his hand, the Azure Spirit Sword appeared in his grasp, and a terrifying spiritual energy began to radiate.


    Finally, he could test the full extent of his strength.


    He activated the White Cloud Qi Absorption Technique at its peak. The liquefied spiritual energy in his body surged like raging waves, and the spiritual pressure emanating from him made Bai Yulong and Jiang Fan’s faces change dramatically.


    They looked at Lu Yi in disbelief, their hair standing on end.


    “What is this aura?!”


    “Lu—Lu Junior Brother?!”


    They couldn''t believe it at all. The terrifying aura emanating from Lu Yi was simply unimaginable.


    This spiritual pressure, although not quite at the peak Foundation Establishment level like that demonic cultivator, was not far off.


    Lu Yi did not respond. He stepped forward and instantly appeared outside the water barrier. With his sword in hand, he slashed out. The sharp sword intent carried dense clouds, shredding the blood mist and slashing toward the demonic cultivator.


    The demonic cultivator''s eyes widened, filled with horror.


    ''A Qi Refining Stage cultivator at the tenth level—how could he possibly wield such terrifying swordsmanship?''


    He even felt the aura of death from that sword technique.


    The demonic cultivator quickly formed hand seals. The blood-colored flag transformed into a stream of light, returning to his hand. Dense blood energy flowed and surged, clashing against the cloud energy.


    Boom!!


    A deafening explosion echoed as terrifying spiritual energy ripples spread out, covering a range of several hundred meters.


    The cloud energy tore through the blood mist like a tempest and surged toward the demonic cultivator.


    The demonic cultivator''s expression changed drastically. His body turned into a streak of blood light, rising into the air and fleeing into the distance.


    ''What the hell is this Qi Refining cultivator?! Is that sword intent?! And the power of that technique—it doesn''t make any sense!''


    Fortunately, this Qi Refining cultivator couldn''t fly.


    The demonic cultivator felt a moment of relief, but then a crackling thunderclap sounded. From the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of lightning. Lu Yi was stepping on white clouds, surrounded by lightning, and chasing him at incredible speed.


    ''Impossible!!!''


    ''Lightning intent?! And why can this Qi Refining cultivator fly on clouds?!''


    ''A divine ability??''


    The demonic cultivator''s mind was full of questions. ''Is this guy even a Qi Refining cultivator?!''


    He deeply regretted coming here. If he had known, he would never have come.


    Seeing Lu Yi approaching rapidly, the demonic cultivator let out a low roar. He waved the blood-colored flag in his hand, channeling spiritual energy frantically to block Lu Yi.


    Lu Yi''s expression remained unchanged. Lightning flickered along the Azure Spirit Sword, and sharp sword intent surged.


    With lightning intent, sword intent, the peak-level White Cloud Sword Technique, and the fully unleashed upper-grade magical artifact Azure Spirit Sword, Lu Yi''s strike made the peak Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator''s scalp tingle and his body go cold.


    A hundred-meter-long white sword light streaked across the sky, crackling with traces of lightning, illuminating the night.


    The sword light tore through the blood mist, engulfing the demonic cultivator, then crashed to the ground, carving a hundred-meter-long crack. Arcs of lightning danced along the edges, and sharp sword intent lingered.


    The blood-soaked corpse of the middle-aged demonic cultivator fell slowly from the sky, and the blood-colored flag dropped beside it, its glow completely dimmed.


    Not far away, Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong stared blankly at the sword scar on the ground and the corpse of the demonic cultivator. They looked as if they had turned to stone.


    The two looked at the figure in the sky, stepping on white clouds and surrounded by lightning, then glanced at each other, their eyes filled with disbelief.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Is that... Junior Brother Lu? Is that really Junior Brother Lu?" Bai Yulong''s face was filled with existential doubt.


    Jiang Fan''s mouth twitched as he looked at Lu Yi''s back, somewhat uncertain. "...Probably?"


    The two couldn''t understand why Lu Yi was so strong—so strong it didn''t make any sense.


    Lu Yi descended to the demonic cultivator''s corpse, exhaled lightly, and felt a little excited.


    ''Looks like my strength is pretty decent. Even a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator couldn''t withstand a single strike from me.''


    However, Lu Yi quickly calmed down.


    This demonic cultivator was clearly just an ordinary one, not a genius. While he could kill an ordinary peak Foundation Establishment cultivator in one strike, he might not fare as well against geniuses.


    Moreover... encountering a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator this time was completely unexpected.


    If possible, Lu Yi really hoped his opponents would always be like that previous Qi Refining Stage demonic cultivator.


    He mustn''t get arrogant!


    ''If I get arrogant and end up facing a Golden Core cultivator someday, what then? Or someone even stronger? Wouldn''t that be the end of me?''


    ''I’m still very weak!''


    Lu Yi reminded himself.


    He then began searching the demonic cultivator''s corpse and quickly found his spatial ring.


    He also picked up the blood-colored flag.


    The flag was clearly a magical treasure, quite powerful, and probably not of a low grade. Of course, Lu Yi wouldn''t let it go.


    Lu Yi examined the spatial ring. It was slightly larger than his own and held quite a lot of items. After a quick look, he found a decent amount of low-grade spirit stones, a large pile of blood-colored crystals, and several bottles and jars—likely pills. In one corner, he also found a blood-colored token.


    Taking out the token, Lu Yi examined it. The words "Blood Spirit" were engraved on it.


    Lu Yi''s pupils shrank slightly.


    ''A Blood Spirit Sect token?''


    ''Is this demonic cultivator from the Blood Spirit Sect?! No wonder he had so many blood crystals.''


    The Blood Spirit Sect, like the White Cloud Sect, was a major sect in Green Province. Their territories were adjacent, and occasional conflicts were common.


    However, unlike the White Cloud Sect, the Blood Spirit Sect was a full-fledged demonic sect. Its cultivation techniques focused on absorbing blood essence.


    The Blood Spirit Sect''s cultivators were bloodthirsty and murderous. The two sects were constantly at odds.


    Lu Yi frowned, his expression darkening.


    For a Blood Spirit Sect cultivator to practice demonic techniques so close to the White Cloud Sect—did they not even fear the White Cloud Sect?


    Lu Yi took a deep breath, stored the blood-colored token, and decided to report the situation upon returning.


    While Lu Yi was lost in thought, Bai Yulong''s voice came from behind him.


    "Junior Brother Lu?"


    Lu Yi snapped out of his thoughts and turned around. Bai Yulong and Jiang Fan were staring at him in shock.


    Jiang Fan glanced at the corpse on the ground and asked in disbelief, "Junior Brother Lu, how are you... this strong?"


    Lu Yi felt helpless.


    ''And this is exactly what I was worried about.''


    Fortunately, he had a contingency plan.


    Lu Yi smiled slightly and activated the "Dust Forgetting Technique."


    Almost instantly, Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong felt a wave of drowsiness and fell asleep.


    Lu Yi picked them up, carried them back to the one-horned spirit horse, and mounted it himself, heading back toward the sect.


    Early the next morning, deep within the forested mountains—


    Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong slowly woke up on their unicorn spirit horses. Both of them immediately sat up alert, scanning their surroundings.


    Jiang Fan circulated his spiritual energy and frowned. "What''s going on? Where are we?"


    Lu Yi turned and smiled in surprise. "Senior brothers, you''re awake?"


    Seeing Lu Yi, Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong visibly relaxed.


    "Junior Brother Lu? What''s happening? Why did we pass out?" Bai Yulong asked with a confused expression.


    Lu Yi sighed and explained, "Last night, we encountered a peak Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator. The two of you were unfortunately knocked unconscious. Luckily, a powerful senior happened to pass by and killed the demonic cultivator, allowing us to escape unharmed. Afterward, I brought you both away from that dangerous place."


    Hearing this, Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong were momentarily stunned before fragments of their memories resurfaced.


    They recalled the scene of the middle-aged demonic cultivator from the Blood Spirit Sect blocking their path.


    Lu Yi hadn''t completely erased their memories, as it would have been difficult to explain why they suddenly fainted. A story that was half-truth and half-lie was often easier to believe.


    Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong''s expressions shifted. Jiang Fan asked, "That demonic cultivator is dead?!"


    Lu Yi nodded. "Yes."


    He then took out the spatial ring. "That senior was incredibly powerful. He killed the demonic cultivator with a single sword strike and left without taking anything. I retrieved this spatial ring."


    As he spoke, Lu Yi also showed them the blood-colored token and said, "I checked the contents of the spatial ring and found this."


    When they saw the two characters ''Blood Spirit'' engraved on the token, Bai Yulong and Jiang Fan''s faces changed.


    "That demonic cultivator was from the Blood Spirit Sect?!"


    Lu Yi nodded again. "Yes."


    "Hmph! Members of the Blood Spirit Sect deserve to die! To think they''d dare enter White Cloud Sect''s territory to cultivate evil techniques!" Bai Yulong frowned deeply.


    Jiang Fan''s expression was equally unpleasant.


    Lu Yi spoke up. "We should report this token to the Affairs Hall once we return to the inner sect."


    Bai Yulong snorted coldly. "Hmph, I can''t believe the demonic cultivators from the Mohe Kingdom are disciples of the Blood Spirit Sect. We''re lucky this time; otherwise, we would''ve been in serious trouble."


    Jiang Fan smiled bitterly. "The White Cloud Sect handles many demonic cultivators every year without major incidents. It seems we just had bad luck to run into something like this."


    Lu Yi and Bai Yulong fell silent. Their luck truly wasn''t great—choosing a random mission only to encounter a peak Foundation Establishment demonic cultivator.


    It was like stepping into a pit of disaster.


    "Forget it. Let''s stop thinking about it and head back." Lu Yi shook his head.


    Jiang Fan and Bai Yulong nodded in agreement.


    The three of them continued their journey back to the sect.


    —


    A week later, Lu Yi and his companions returned to the sect.


    At the outer sect gate, Lu Yi turned to Bai Yulong and Jiang Fan with a smile. "Senior brothers, I''m planning to visit home for a bit. You two go ahead and return to the inner sect."


    Hearing this, Bai Yulong sighed. "It''s almost New Year''s. I haven''t been home for the past few years."


    Jiang Fan''s gaze turned distant as if lost in thought. He said, "Junior Brother Lu is fortunate. His family is right here in the White Cloud Sect."


    After bidding farewell, the two seniors headed back to the inner sect while Lu Yi rode his unicorn spirit horse toward White Spirit Peak.


    Although New Year''s was approaching, cultivators viewed time differently from ordinary people. Constant cultivation made their personalities colder, and there was little festivity on the mountain. Only a few families hung red lanterns to mark the occasion.


    Lu Yi soon arrived at White Spirit Peak and stopped in front of his home.


    Red lanterns hung outside the door, but aside from that, everything looked the same as usual.


    Lu Yi dismounted, knocked on the door, and called out loudly, "Dad! Mom! Your son is back!"


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    Lu Yi heard hurried footsteps from inside. Moments later, the door opened to reveal Wang Siqi.


    Her face lit up with joy as she hugged Lu Yi. "Yi''er, you''re back?!"


    Feeling a bit awkward being hugged at his age, Lu Yi gently broke free and smiled. "I just finished my sect mission and thought it was perfect timing to come home for New Year''s."


    Wang Siqi''s face was full of happiness as she said, "You must be exhausted from your mission. Come inside and rest!"


    Lu Yi stepped into the courtyard, glanced around, and asked, "Where''s Dad?"


    "He''s busy with some affairs in the Affairs Hall but should be back soon."


    "Oh." Lu Yi nodded and didn''t ask further.


    Wang Siqi asked Bai Lingling to buy some ingredients, planning to prepare a big meal, while Lu Yi returned to his room.


    His room looked exactly the same as before, spotless and well-maintained, clearly cleaned regularly.


    After half a year away, Lu Yi still felt completely at home.


    He lay on the bed, relaxed, and waited for dinner.


    Before long, Lu Gaoyang''s voice echoed in the courtyard. "I''m back… Hmm? Wife, what’s the happy occasion today? Why do you look so cheerful?"


    Wang Siqi''s voice responded, "Yi''er is back."


    "That brat came back?" Lu Gaoyang’s voice rose, and soon, Lu Yi heard a knock on his door.


    Sighing, Lu Yi got up and opened it to find Lu Gaoyang standing outside.


    Lu Yi grinned. "Dad, long time no see."


    Lu Gaoyang’s face darkened. "You brat… What are you doing back here? Shouldn''t you be cultivating in the inner sect?"


    "I just finished a sect mission, and with New Year''s coming, I thought I''d spend it with you two."


    Lu Gaoyang smiled at that. "Since you''re back, you should stay through New Year''s before leaving."


    Just then, Wang Siqi walked over and glared at Lu Gaoyang. "Stop bothering Yi''er. He just returned and needs rest! If you’re free, go sort out those spiritual herbs."


    She then pulled Lu Gaoyang away.


    Watching his parents, Lu Yi felt warmth in his heart. Home was truly the most comfortable place.


    That evening, Wang Siqi prepared a table full of delicious dishes.


    Although Lu Yi could now cook spiritual meals himself—and at a fairly high level—he still thoroughly enjoyed the meal.


    Wang Siqi and Lu Gaoyang watched Lu Yi eat with smiles on their faces.


    Feeling uneasy under their gazes, Lu Yi finally asked, "Dad, Mom, why are you staring at me like that?"


    Wang Siqi beamed. "Your accomplishments have already spread throughout the outer sect."


    Lu Yi was a bit puzzled. "My matters? What matters do I have?"


    Lu Gaoyang widened his eyes and looked at Lu Yi. "You brat, you joined Lingluo Peak, became the registered disciple of the Peak Master, and even secured first place in the Qi Refining Trial Ranking. Such big news, and you''re asking us what matters?"


    Lu Yi suddenly understood. ''So, it’s about that…''


    To him, this wasn’t a big deal. After all, he was already used to such things.


    Lu Gaoyang was speechless. ''Is this kid showing off?''


    At this moment, Lu Yi smiled and said, "But I do actually have something to discuss."


    Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi became curious.


    "What is it?"


    Lu Yi circulated his spiritual energy, closed the door, and then used spiritual energy to seal the room for soundproofing.


    Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi watched as Lu Yi effortlessly manipulated spiritual energy. Their pupils shrank, and they looked shocked.


    This level of control over spiritual energy was already better than theirs!


    ''This is our son!''


    Their hearts were full of pride and satisfaction, but their curiosity grew even stronger.


    "Yi’er, what is so serious?"


    Lu Yi began, "I obtained some fortune during my trip this time."


    Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi exchanged glances.


    Lu Gaoyang’s expression turned serious. "What kind of fortune?"


    "Some hundred-year spiritual milk."


    Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi’s eyes widened instantly.


    "Hundred-year spiritual milk?!"


    Their faces were filled with excitement. Wang Siqi looked at Lu Yi and smiled. "Not bad, not bad! Yi’er, your cultivation talent isn’t particularly outstanding, yet you’ve reached this stage purely through comprehension. Now with the hundred-year spiritual milk, your talent can be further enhanced. Your future will definitely be extraordinary!"


    Lu Gaoyang also nodded repeatedly. "You’re quite fortunate to have obtained hundred-year spiritual milk. It’s perfect for you to use! But this treasure is precious, so don’t tell anyone else, lest you draw unwanted attention."


    As parents, they naturally hoped Lu Yi could have better resources.


    Seeing their assumptions, Lu Yi felt helpless. He spoke, "I actually obtained more than enough hundred-year spiritual milk this time. I can’t use it all by myself, so I plan to share some with you two."


    Hearing this, Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi were stunned.


    The two exchanged looks, and Lu Gaoyang frowned. "Nonsense! Such a precious item should be used by you first! Improving your cultivation talent is the priority!"


    ''No, the hundred-year spiritual milk can no longer enhance my cultivation talent…''


    Lu Yi silently retorted and then said, "I acquired about a small pool’s worth of hundred-year spiritual milk."


    Lu Gaoyang: "???"


    Wang Siqi: "???"


    The room fell silent. The two stared at him, dumbfounded.


    "How much did you say?" Lu Gaoyang asked, doubting his own ears.


    "A small pool. About several thousand drops?" Lu Yi replied.


    To be honest, if he was willing to spend time completing tasks, he could gather tens of thousands of drops without any problem.


    After Lu Yi confirmed it, Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi’s pupils contracted, and they both took a deep breath.


    "So much?!" Wang Siqi was utterly shocked.


    Lu Yi smiled and explained, "Even though hundred-year spiritual milk can enhance cultivation talent, it has its limits. Once the talent reaches the maximum enhancement, continuing to use it would be wasteful. As for cultivation resources, I’m not lacking any. The Lingluo Peak Master has given me unlimited cultivation resources. So, saving some of the spiritual milk for you two is the best option. You’re still young. With improved talent, reaching the Golden Core stage shouldn’t be a problem. Maybe with effort, you could even aim for the Nascent Soul Realm."


    Lu Yi’s words made Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi’s eyes flicker with desire.


    Who wouldn’t want to avoid wasting two hundred years at the Foundation Establishment stage, only to die of old age?


    Now that such an opportunity was in front of them, they were naturally tempted.


    Still somewhat uneasy, Wang Siqi asked, "Yi’er, did you really obtain that much hundred-year spiritual milk? You’re not joking, right?"


    Lu Yi looked serious. "Do I seem like someone who would lie about this? Mom, have I ever lied to you?"


    Wang Siqi thought carefully. Lu Yi had always been obedient and sensible since childhood. He’d never given them any trouble.


    After exchanging another look, Lu Gaoyang finally laughed. "In that case, we won’t stand on ceremony."


    Lu Yi grinned. "What’s there to be polite about between parents and their child?"


    Then, he took out the remaining hundred-year spiritual milk and handed it to Lu Gaoyang and Wang Siqi, reminding them not to let anyone know.


    Of course, even without Lu Yi’s reminder, the two understood the value of the treasure and would never let anyone find out.


    Seeing his parents accept the spiritual milk, Lu Yi felt happy as well.


    With his task panel, ascending to immortality in the future would be easy. He didn’t want to see his loved ones perish due to old age.


    ''What’s the point of being invincible and immortal if I’m all alone?''


    Lu Yi naturally wouldn’t abandon those dear to him.