Lu Yi did not immediately use the opportunity to upgrade a designated technique level. Instead, he planned to wait until he reached a bottleneck in cultivating the Immortal Sword Scripture before using it, hoping for better results.


    Aside from the rewards for breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, Lu Yi’s biggest gain was the self-created body-refining technique, Heavenly Thunder Jade Body Technique.


    This technique, based on the Jade Body Technique, used the power of thunder to temper the body and was a Golden Core stage body-refining technique. However, Lu Yi felt this was not the true limit of the Heavenly Thunder Jade Body Technique. How could a thunder-tempering technique be so simple?


    He lacked sufficient foundation and insight at his current Foundation Establishment stage to comprehend higher levels of the technique. Lu Yi wasn’t in a rush—he knew he would continue to break through in the future. Once he advanced to the Golden Core stage and faced another lightning tribulation, he could further refine the Heavenly Thunder Jade Body Technique.


    Apart from enhancing the physical body, the Heavenly Thunder Jade Body Technique also contained a powerful burst secret art. The technique, Thunder Patterns Coiling the Body, could unleash power far exceeding one’s limits. This made the technique stand out even more.


    To Lu Yi, however, the most valuable aspect was the insights gained from creating the technique. It gave him tremendous confidence. Even though he was only at the Foundation Establishment stage, he could already create a Golden Core-level body-refining technique. The Great Dao was now within his reach.


    With the aid of thunder, Lu Yi had cultivated the Heavenly Thunder Jade Body Technique to level 3. At this stage, his physical body had become exceptionally strong, surpassing the Jade Body Technique at its previous limit. This was no small achievement.


    After summarizing his gains, Lu Yi calmed his mind. As his master had said, Foundation Establishment was only the beginning of the immortal path—he had to keep pushing forward. He still considered himself a beginner.


    Lu Yi took out the leather-bound book and began reading the Immortal Sword Scripture. This was the technique he would be focusing on for a long time.


    He carefully reviewed the Immortal Sword Scripture, gaining a general understanding of its contents. The Scripture focused on condensing an Immortal Sword Seed in the dantian. This seed nurtured Immortal Sword Qi, resulting in sword energy that was exceptionally resilient and powerful, possessing unimaginable destructive potential.


    Unfortunately, this technique only extended to the Nascent Soul Realm.


    As Lu Yi studied the Scripture, the multicolored light swirling in his spiritual energy vortex shimmered faintly, and Daoist sounds echoed in his mind. Lu Yi vaguely grasped the profound mysteries of the Immortal Sword Scripture and began to develop some insights, which greatly surprised him.


    Back during his lightning tribulation, he had already noticed that his spiritual energy vortex behaved unusually, seemingly enhancing his comprehension of Daoist techniques.


    Is this the effect of the Grand Dao Qi? Lu Yi wondered.


    He recalled the description of the Grand Dao Qi, which stated it could enhance affinity with the Dao and improve comprehension of techniques. Given that he had used eight strands of Grand Dao Qi to build his foundation, the effects were astonishing.


    Lu Yi felt delighted. With such a foundation, if his comprehension improved further, even immortal-level techniques wouldn’t be too difficult to master.


    Thinking of this, Lu Yi took out a leaf of Dao Comprehension Tea and brewed a pot.


    The tea leaf floated in the water, releasing a rich fragrance, and a faint Dao Essene seemed to emerge with the rising mist. Lu Yi took a sip, immediately feeling his mind clear and his thoughts sharpen.


    Savoring the tea while reading, Lu Yi began meticulously studying the Immortal Sword Scripture.


    <hr>


    A week later, Lu Yi sat cross-legged, with a golden sword-shaped mark faintly appearing between his brows. His body emitted a sharp sword intent.


    Inside him, a small golden sword floated above his multicolored spiritual energy vortex. This was the Immortal Sword Seed!


    After obtaining the Immortal Sword Scripture, Lu Yi had devoted himself to studying it day and night. Finally, today, he had condensed the Immortal Sword Seed, officially entering the foundation stage of the Immortal Sword Scripture.


    It was a shocking achievement—this was an immortal-level technique, and he had cultivated it to the introductory stage in just seven days.


    After condensing the Immortal Sword Seed, Lu Yi noticed something unusual. Normally, condensing the Immortal Sword Seed would convert all spiritual energy into Immortal Sword Qi. However, his dantian didn’t undergo this transformation.


    The multicolored vortex still existed, radiant as ever, while the Immortal Sword Seed could only hover outside and couldn’t merge with it.


    Lu Yi’s expression turned slightly strange. It seems the spiritual energy vortex infused with Grand Dao Qi is far stronger than the Sword Seed.


    Despite this, Lu Yi found that channeling his spiritual energy through the Immortal Sword Seed could still transform it into Immortal Sword Qi. This sword energy was incredibly destructive and domineering, especially when combined with sword techniques, amplifying their power even further.


    Lu Yi was quite satisfied with the results.


    After stabilizing his foundation, Lu Yi discovered that his vortex absorbed spiritual energy like a black hole. Even thousand-year spiritual milk wasn’t enough to sustain it for long. Fortunately, he had acquired a new task that rewarded more spiritual milk. Otherwise, he would soon run out.


    Still, this wasn’t a sustainable approach. He needed more reliable ways to gather resources.


    Additionally, he wanted to help Donggong Mingyue increase her strength. Higher cultivation would lead to better rewards from missions. If she reached the Foundation Establishment stage, the rewards might even include ten-thousand-year spiritual milk!


    Unfortunately, despite providing Donggong Mingyue with resources far beyond her previous levels, she had only recently reached the twelfth layer of Qi Refining. She was still some distance away from Foundation Establishment.


    <hr>


    One day, while Lu Yi was cultivating, Donggong Mingyue came to find him, saying their master needed to see them.


    Curious about the reason, Lu Yi followed her to the peak of Lingluo Mountain. The door to the bamboo house was open, and the peak master of Lingluo Mountain reclined lazily on a deck chair, looking as laid-back as ever. However, what surprised Lu Yi was that Liu Ningshuang had returned and was sitting nearby.


    Lu Yi greeted her with some surprise, “Senior Sister Liu Ningshuang, you’re back?”


    Liu Ningshuang’s cold expression softened slightly as a faint smile appeared. She nodded. “Mm, I just returned. Congratulations on reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, Junior Brother Lu Yi. I heard you even attracted a lightning tribulation. That’s impressive.”


    Liu Ningshuang had just returned to the sect when she heard the disciples discussing Lu Yi''s breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage. Her junior brother not only triggered a tribulation during his breakthrough but also created his own cultivation technique.


    This left Liu Ningshuang extremely shocked. Even she had not been this strong during the Qi Refining stage, and she certainly did not trigger a tribulation when advancing to the Foundation Establishment stage.


    Lu Yi smiled sheepishly. "Senior Sister, you flatter me."


    Donggong Mingyue, standing beside him, patted Lu Yi''s shoulder with a grin. "Senior Brother, you''re too humble. You''re just incredibly talented."If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    At that moment, the head of Ling Luo Peak yawned and said, "Whatever you need to talk about, do it later. I have something to discuss with the two of you."


    Lu Yi and Donggong Mingyue looked at the Ling Luo Peak Master with curiosity.


    The Peak Master spoke, "The ancient ruins of Eastern Forest, which open once every hundred years, will be accessible in a year. Our White Cloud Sect has twenty slots available. Before the ruins open, the sect will hold a small competition. Only Foundation Establishment disciples who pass the competition can enter. Lu Yi, you’ve already reached the Foundation Establishment stage. With your talent and combat strength, there shouldn’t be any issues. I’m just informing you; whether you choose to participate is up to you. As for you, Mingyue..."


    She turned to Donggong Mingyue and said, "Your cultivation speed has improved quite a bit recently. You’re already at the twelfth level of Qi Refining. Within the next year, you can decide whether to push for the thirteenth level or break through entirely."


    Hearing this, Donggong Mingyue''s expression turned serious, and she nodded. "Understood, Master."


    Lu Yi, upon hearing the Peak Master’s words, suddenly realized, So it’s almost time for the Eastern Forest ruins to open?


    The Eastern Forest ruins were something Lu Yi had heard about multiple times within the White Cloud Sect.


    These ancient ruins were famous throughout Green Province. Long ago, they were the battleground between humans and demons. Battles between ancient cultivators caused spiritual energy to surge and space to collapse, forming a small world with different rules from the Tianming Continent. Only cultivators below the Foundation Establishment stage could enter.


    The ruins contained rare herbs, heavenly materials, and treasures that could fortify one''s foundation or enhance the patterns of Golden Cores.


    Furthermore, as the site of battles between humans and demons, it might hold relics left behind by powerful cultivators—such as magical artifacts and inheritances. If one were lucky enough to find such inheritances, achieving meteoric success wouldn’t be impossible.


    Every time the ruins opened; countless cultivators flocked to them.


    However, the ruins were located in an area controlled jointly by the White Cloud Sect, Blood Spirit Sect, Winter Valley, Myriad Flower Sect, and Sky Serpent Sect. These five sects cleared the area beforehand and sent their elite disciples to reap the rewards.


    Naturally, this created fierce competition among the disciples.


    Lu Yi felt a surge of anticipation. Based on his experience, opportunities like this were bound to provide tasks—and generous rewards.


    Currently, his resources were still sufficient, but as he advanced further and aimed to break through the heavenly limits of the Foundation Establishment stage, his resources might no longer suffice.


    Yes, the Foundation Establishment stage also had three layers of heavenly limits. Lu Yi’s goal was to break through all three, which would require an enormous number of resources.


    I need to participate in the Foundation Establishment competition, Lu Yi thought.


    [Task]


    Participate in the Foundation Establishment competition and earn rewards based on ranking.


    Accept: Yes/No


    Lu Yi continued thinking, I want to enter the Eastern Forest ruins.


    [Task]


    Enter the Eastern Forest ruins.


    Reward: 30 drops of Thousand-Year Spirit Milk.


    Accept: Yes/No


    Seeing the reward, Lu Yi was immediately tempted. After breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage, his cultivation resources had become a bit scarce. This was the perfect opportunity to replenish them.


    Without hesitation, Lu Yi accepted the mission.


    And this was only for entering the ruins. Imagine the rewards for completing tasks inside! Lu Yi’s heart was filled with anticipation.


    He smiled and said, "Master, I plan to go to the Eastern Forest ruins."


    The Ling Luo Peak Master nodded slightly. "In that case, prepare well. The ruins are full of dangers. Even with your talent, you must be careful."


    Lu Yi nodded seriously. "I understand, Master."


    "Good." The Peak Master nodded again and then asked, "How is your cultivation of the Immortal Sword Scripture going? If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Although I haven’t practiced it myself, I can still offer some guidance."


    Lu Yi smiled. "It’s going well. I just finished condensing the Immortal Sword Seed."


    The Peak Master: "..."


    Her expression froze for a moment before she waved her hand dismissively. "Alright, alright, get out of here."


    Damn genius… she muttered inwardly. Having such a disciple takes all the fun out of being a master.


    Lu Yi paused and then asked, "Master, is there anything you need help with? Running errands? Buying wine? Cleaning the bamboo house?"


    Since he was already there, it felt wrong not to pick up a few more tasks.


    However, the Peak Master gave him a long look upon hearing "cleaning the bamboo house." With a wave of her hand, Lu Yi was promptly thrown out of the house.


    "Focus on your cultivation."


    Donggong Mingyue and Liu Ningshuang both looked at the master of Lingluo Peak with some confusion, unable to understand why she suddenly lost her temper.


    The master of Lingluo Peak noticed their expressions and said slowly, “You two should also go back and focus on your cultivation.”


    Liu Ningshuang cupped her hands and said, “Disciple takes her leave.”


    Donggong Mingyue also smiled mischievously and said, “Master, this disciple is leaving too.”


    After the two of them left the bamboo house, they saw Lu Yi emerging from the bamboo forest with a dusty and disheveled appearance.


    Lu Yi was secretly annoyed, thinking, ''I completely forgot about cleaning Master’s room last time... I better not bring up cleaning the bamboo house again next time, or I might not even get any tasks anymore...''


    Donggong Mingyue walked over with some curiosity and asked, “Senior Brother, what did you do to make Master so angry?”


    Her small face showed surprise. “This is the first time I’ve ever seen Master get angry.”


    Even Liu Ningshuang, who was standing beside her, slightly nodded and glanced at the now-closed bamboo house door. “Me too.”


    Before Lu Yi could respond, he felt a faint, almost imperceptible pressure gathering around him. His mouth twitched, and he forced a dry laugh. “Maybe Master didn’t rest well. Let’s head down quickly.”


    Donggong Mingyue still felt that things weren’t so simple. Her big eyes darted around as she looked at Lu Yi, but she didn’t press further. “Alright, let’s go then! Oh, by the way, since Senior Sister Ningshuang rarely comes back, how about we have a gathering at Senior Brother’s place? What do you think?”


    Lu Yi glanced at Donggong Mingyue and saw her swallowing her saliva repeatedly. He was speechless and said, “You just want to eat spiritual food, don’t you?”


    Donggong Mingyue grinned and giggled.


    Liu Ningshuang was a bit puzzled. “Spiritual food? What spiritual food?”


    Lu Yi smiled and explained, “Senior Sister has been out on missions for a while. During that time, I learned some recipes for spiritual food and spiritual wine.”


    Liu Ningshuang’s cold and elegant face showed a trace of surprise as she glanced at Lu Yi and said with a light smile, “Can I have a taste?”


    “Of course, if Senior Sister is interested.”


    “That’s great! Let’s go! Gathering time!” Donggong Mingyue cheered, clearly the most excited.


    The three of them went to Lu Yi’s cave dwelling, where Lu Yi brought out several spiritual dishes, including Tiger Bone Ginseng Soup, grilled meat ribs, and two dishes he had received as rewards from the trial tower: Crystal Dumplings and Jade Bamboo Roast Chicken.


    The Crystal Dumplings could temporarily enhance spiritual energy cultivation, although the effect would fade as the spiritual energy was depleted. While it wasn’t as effective as explosive-type pills, its gentle effects and lack of side effects made it highly appealing.


    The Jade Bamboo Roast Chicken was a rare dish that could detoxify and even boost resistance to poisons if consumed regularly, making it quite valuable.


    Both dishes were suitable for Foundation Establishment cultivators, so Donggong Mingyue could eat them as well.


    As for spiritual wine, Lu Yi only had Spirit Nurturing Dew, which had a minor effect on enhancing spiritual power. However, its impact had grown weaker for him since his spiritual power was already on the verge of transformation. Unfortunately, he hadn’t acquired any other spiritual wine recipes yet.


    Lu Yi felt a bit helpless but wasn’t too worried. There was still plenty of time.


    Once the spiritual dishes and wine were served, their rich aroma filled the air. Liu Ningshuang’s pretty face showed a hint of amazement as she looked at Lu Yi in disbelief. “Did you really cook all these dishes?”


    Donggong Mingyue proudly put her hands on her hips and said, “Yep! Senior Brother made them. He’s a great cook!”


    Looking at her proud expression, one might think she was the one who cooked the food.


    Lu Yi smiled and nodded. “I practiced during my free time. Senior Sister, try some.”


    Liu Ningshuang took a spoonful of the creamy Tiger Bone Ginseng Soup and felt a warm current flowing through her body. She softly praised, “Such a powerful effect.”


    Given that she was already at the Nascent Soul Realm and could still feel the slight spiritual energy effect, it spoke volumes about how potent this spiritual food was, even though it was only suitable for the Qi Refining Stage.


    “Junior Brother, your talent is truly impressive. Not only do you excel in cultivation, but you also have a remarkable gift for spiritual food.”


    Lu Yi smiled modestly. “With Senior Sister’s level of cultivation, this food is mostly for enjoyment rather than utility. If you like it, eat more.”


    Liu Ningshuang nodded lightly. “Alright.”


    The three of them, being the closest disciples of the Lingluo Peak Master, ate and chatted comfortably.


    Donggong Mingyue, the weakest among them, found the spiritual energy in the food overwhelming. Her face turned red, and she started sweating profusely, clearly having consumed too much.


    She quickly ran into Lu Yi’s cultivation room to refine and absorb the energy.


    Meanwhile, Lu Yi and Liu Ningshuang continued eating.


    Lu Yi waved his hand, causing the wine jug to float up and pour Spirit Nurturing Dew into Liu Ningshuang’s cup.


    After taking a sip, Liu Ningshuang sighed, “This Spirit Nurturing Dew is quite good. If I had it during the Qi Refining Stage, I probably could have reached Foundation Establishment even sooner. Little Mingyue is lucky.”


    Lu Yi smiled. “Senior Sister flatters me. If I manage to find higher-level recipes in the future, I’ll be sure to make something more suitable for you.”


    Liu Ningshuang glanced at Lu Yi and smiled slightly. “Then I’ll thank you in advance.”


    Lu Yi poured her another cup and asked, “By the way, Senior Sister, what task took you so long this time?”


    Liu Ningshuang replied calmly, “A Nascent Soul Realm serpent demon was causing trouble within the White Cloud Sect’s territory. It was extremely cunning, and I had to chase it for a long time. It almost escaped to the Eastern Region border before I finally managed to kill it.”


    Lu Yi: “…”


    ''Wow, that poor serpent demon. The Eastern Region is vast, stretching millions of miles, yet it was hunted down over such a distance.''


    Still, the relationship between demons and humans was never great. History had seen many wars between the two races. For a serpent demon to stir trouble in human territory instead of hiding properly, it really had a death wish.