It turns out that in the Kingdom of Qian, there exists a secret realm known as the Southern Dipper Mountain, which opens once every twenty years. This place was sealed by hundreds of great cultivators from the Kingdom of Qian over ten thousand years ago, solely to ensure the continuation of the immortal cultivation world in Qian. Inside, there are countless spiritual herbs, among which the foundation-building elixir is the most precious, but it has already been divided and guarded by various great sects, with limited quotas. Moreover, there are strict restrictions on cultivation levels for entering the secret realm; only Qi Refinement stage cultivators are allowed. The competition every twenty years is so fierce that only one in ten survives. Aside from the ten great sects that possess methods to cultivate the foundation-building elixir, no other sects have such capabilities, which highlights the fundamental disparity between the immortal sects. Relying on nature to build a foundation not only wastes time but also risks falling into madness. Qi Refinement stage cultivators have a lifespan of only a hundred years, and reaching the tenth layer consumes a significant amount of time; even gaining an extra year can lead to bloodshed. The foundation-building elixirs outside the Kingdom of Qian have long been harvested to extinction, and there are too many Qi Refinement stage cultivators, leading to a supply-demand imbalance.
"I see," Chen Xun understood after hearing this; they were being asked to act as pawns, or even cannon fodder. "Of course, if you manage to collect three main spiritual herbs, the sect's elder will refine a batch of foundation-building elixirs, and naturally, those who contributed will receive their share," Yin Jun added, then shifted the topic, "Our Wuyun Sect never forces disciples to participate; you need not worry, fellow cultivator." Chen Xun chuckled lightly without responding, but inwardly he scoffed: What is there to force? Those with poor aptitude will realize that building a foundation is hopeless and will seek it out desperately.
"Once you join the Wuyun Sect, you can choose your own steward, and as long as you meet the contribution requirements each year, you will be fine," Yin Jun said, hands clasped behind his back, speaking neither hurriedly nor slowly. "For example, I am an outer sect steward; contributions can be exchanged for techniques, spells, and so on." "There is also a grand sect competition each year. If you catch the eye of any elder, you could soar to great heights and become an inner sect disciple." "What if one fails to meet the contribution requirements?" "You can make it up the following year. However, if you fail to meet the standards for three consecutive years, you will be expelled from the sect," Yin Jun said, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes at the mention of expulsion, which would mean the loss of one's cultivation. "Outer sect disciples must adhere to this, but inner sect disciples do not have such requirements, of course, nor do those in the foundation-building stage."
"Thank you for clarifying, fellow cultivator." "However, about this cow," Yin Jun glanced at the big black cow, his brow slightly furrowing, "the sect only accepts spiritual beasts." "That's even better," Chen Xun patted the big black cow. "Moo moo!" The big black cow stepped forward, a surge of spiritual power emanating from within, startling Yin Jun, who had not noticed it until now, despite being at the second layer of Qi Refinement. "Then there's no problem," Yin Jun stepped back, saying, as spiritual beasts are a significant force for cultivators. One of the ten great sects, the Beast Taming Sect, specializes in spiritual beasts and possesses formidable strength among low-level cultivators.
"Good, then I, Chen Xun, am willing to join the Wuyun Sect," Chen Xun said solemnly, cupping his hands in respect, locking eyes with Yin Jun. "Please accept this token of the sect," Yin Jun's eyes sparkled with joy, another contribution secured. "You have not officially joined yet, so we cannot refer to each other as brothers." "Thank you." Chen Xun accepted a green token, smaller than the previous one, feeling a bit excited inside. "On the day the valley closes, the elder will activate the token, and you will know where to meet." "Alright, then I won't disturb you further." Chen Xun smiled and left with the big black cow. Yin Jun nodded, then looked towards the trial grounds of the Ziyun Sect, where he also held a token similar to those of the three women.
On the street, the big black cow was visibly excited, occasionally nudging Chen Xun. "Old cow, we're leaving this place," Chen Xun said with a smile, feeling a bit rushed, as if he had grasped much yet lost a lot like sand slipping through his fingers. However, joining the Wuyun Sect had long been part of Chen Xun's plan; he had inquired about the sect's strength in the valley, finding it adequate, meeting their psychological expectations. The disciples of the Wuyun Sect lingered each year by the high platform of the Ziyun Sect; although he did not know their connection, as long as they could attract attention, it would suffice. By showcasing extraordinary strength in the first trial of the Ziyun Sect and failing in the second, the people from the Wuyun Sect would naturally approach them; they had brought all their possessions this time.
Dingling. A crisp sound rang out as the big black cow shifted its body, looking at Chen Xun. Chen Xun paused, walking to the side of the big black cow, noticing their pots and pans had become yellowed and rusted from use. "We'll polish these well when the time comes; they are treasures." "Moo moo~~" Chen Xun and the big black cow strolled slowly through the Jiuxing Valley, their steps no longer hurried. They gradually walked out of the valley's mouth, their bodies suddenly accelerating.
At the waist of a great peak, a solitary grave stood tall. They arrived at Sun Kaile's tomb, clearing the weeds and lighting a few incense sticks. "Old Sun, we are leaving for a faraway place; I don't know when we will return," Chen Xun spoke softly, one hand still pulling weeds. "Hehe, we have never been to such a distant place." "Moo~~" The big black cow murmured beside him, expressing its thoughts. The mountain wind blew, and the big black cow's body rang with jingling sounds. The two figures had already departed, a faint sigh carried away by the mountain breeze.
Half a day later, Chen Xun arrived at Ning Si's tomb, beside which stood the gravestone of Ning Si's wife. "Master, Mistress," Chen Xun's voice trembled slightly as he bowed, their faces and smiles seeming to be just yesterday. "Though you are not the most gifted, I believe you will become the greatest in medicine." "This child is indeed remarkable, with good character and an excellent disposition." The two seemed to sit before the grave, still watching Chen Xun with smiles, their eyes filled with pride. "We are leaving, to bid farewell to Master and Mistress." Chen Xun's expression turned solemn as he bowed deeply, the big black cow following suit, its movements cautious. He patted the big black cow, turning to leave, when suddenly his foot slipped as if pushed by someone. Chen Xun's pupils constricted violently, his eyes trembling. "Moo?" "Old cow, it's nothing; let's go," Chen Xun smiled faintly, not turning back, leading the big black cow away. At that moment, a gentle breeze blew, and countless floating seeds suddenly soared into the sky, without confusion or hesitation, the two figures walked further and further away.
... A massive full moon hung high in the sky, the early winter moon, clear and cold, casting icy silver light from the west. Outside Jiuxing Valley, many wandering cultivators had begun to leave, as the valley would close tomorrow, and they had lost all hope. From a distance, angry roars and cries echoed across a patch of grass, blood dripping onto the grass, with seven or eight figures standing around, smirking coldly. The cold wind howled, the grass swayed left and right, like waves rising in the sea, one after another, creating a spectacular scene. "Daring to provoke our Liao family, this is your fate." The middle-aged man who had sold Chen Xun the spiritual herb seeds crushed a wandering cultivator's skull underfoot, his eyes filled with coldness, surrounded by flying swords. "Fellow cultivator, that hooded fool has appeared," a round-faced man sneered, never forgetting the grudge from that punch, "I didn't expect him to come again." The Liao family had been doing business in Jiuxing Valley for years, with many cultivators in their clan; although they lacked foundation-building cultivators, they were not to be trifled with by wandering cultivators.
"Hmph, he has hidden for so long; this time, he won't escape," the middle-aged man said darkly, the surrounding flying swords becoming much sharper. Suddenly, a wave of heart-pounding sensation surged, causing the Liao family members to tremble, looking towards the high grass, their eyes filled with horror. Under the full moon, a hooded figure and a big black cow stood atop a rise, their robes billowing in the wind, three mountain axes and the black cow's horns rendered even more chilling by the silver light. "Liao family, it's been a while," the hooded figure tilted his head slightly, a cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth as he looked down at the crowd, "I hear you've been looking for me."