Chapter 161: Mingjiang Foundation Establishment

His surprise wasn't at encountering the middle-aged man, but at the man's background.

White Cloud Temple was one of the four major sects in Chu, a righteous sect. So why did Wang Qingze say he was afraid of the middle-aged man? Did cultivation sects' disciples enjoy bullying lower-level cultivators? Or was the middle-aged man simply overbearing, or perhaps practiced a unique cultivation technique?

At that moment, the middle-aged man walked over. His gaze quickly swept over Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan before he cupped his hands and said, "I am Li Tianzheng. It's a pleasure to meet you two fellow Daoists."

"I am Wang Ruyan, a junior. It's a pleasure to meet you, Fellow Daoist Li.""I am Wang Changsheng. It's a pleasure to meet you, Fellow Daoist Li."Wang Ruyan and Wang Changsheng did not dare to be negligent and quickly returned the greeting.

The scholar in white looked at Wang Changsheng and smiled faintly. "Fairy Wang, why have I never heard you mention Fellow Daoist Wang? If I had known of his presence, I should have invited him last night. By the way, I am Song Yihang, from the Sword Palace. May I ask where Fellow Daoist Wang is from, and which sect he belongs to?"

"I come from a small family in Han. It's not worth mentioning."

Wang Ruyan glanced at Wang Changsheng with a hint of surprise upon hearing his reply but didn't expose him.

"Fellow Daoist Li, Fellow Daoist Song, please enjoy your meal. Fellow Daoist Wang and I have some matters to attend to, so we'll take our leave."Wang Ruyan seemed disinclined to speak further with Song Yihang and used this as an excuse.

"Fairy Wang, please take care. I'll host a gathering another day, and we can catch up properly."Song Yihang watched Wang Ruyan's receding figure, a look of reluctance on his face.

"Fellow Daoist Song, they've gone quite far now. Speaking of which, what's the background of this Fairy Wang? What makes you so captivated?"Li Tianzheng patted Song Yihang's shoulder, asking casually.

"A fair maiden is a worthy pursuit for a gentleman. Fairy Wang is a member of the Wang family from Blue Moon Lake in Song. Fellow Daoist Song, you aren't interested in Fairy Wang yourself, are you?"Li Tianzheng smiled faintly and said, "I pursue the immortal Dao; I have little interest in romantic affairs. However, the relationship between that Fellow Daoist Wang and Fairy Wang seems unusual. You'd better not let him get ahead of you.""You're right. It seems I need to step up my efforts."

After leaving Hundred Fragrances Pavilion, Wang Changsheng and Wang Ruyan parted ways, each returning to their own residence.

Back at his lodging, Wang Changsheng took out the Dark Yin Cold Water and began to cultivate.Soon after, numerous blue light spots appeared in the room, and Wang Changsheng's body was enveloped in a dazzling blue light.

The next morning, Wang Changsheng brought Wang Qingze to the Spirit Armament Pavilion.He greeted Wang Ruyan, then entered the artifact forging room to refine artifacts.

After activating the sound-insulating formation, he took out the golden knife model, opened his mouth, and sprayed out a blue flame, enveloping the knife.After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the golden knife turned crimson.Wang Changsheng formed a hand seal, and the golden knife landed steadily on a large black stone. He took out a golden hammer and an anvil, gripped one end of the knife with tongs, raised the golden hammer, and brought it down heavily.

Refining blade and sword-type artifacts was relatively difficult. It required repeated hammering to remove impurities. If it cooled slightly and the iron hardened, it needed to be reheated to a glowing red with innate true flame, then forged repeatedly, followed by cold forging, and finally processes such as quenching, tempering, and inscribing spiritual patterns. Only then would an artifact be considered complete.

According to the agreement, Wang Ruyan provided two sets of materials, and he had to refine one artifact. If he failed to create an artifact from two sets of materials, he would have to purchase additional materials himself. The spiritual stones obtained from selling the artifact would first cover the cost of two sets of materials, and the remaining profit would then be split 60/40.With his current artifact refining skill, sometimes he could create an artifact with just one set of materials, but at other times it required three or even four sets. Initially, he was sure to incur losses, but as his refining skill improved, his profits would gradually increase.

In a quiet courtyard on Green Lotus Mountain, Wang Mingyuan's family of four was having a meal, but Wang Changyue seemed to have little appetite.

"Changyue, what's wrong? Aren't these all your favorite dishes? Were you disobedient at the academy and got scolded by Uncle Eight?" Liu Qinger asked with concern.

"No, I wasn't naughty! I just miss my brother a bit. Mom, when is big brother coming back? Why can't he ever stay home for more than a few days?" Wang Changyue pouted and asked.

"Changyue, you want to eat spiritual honey, don't you? Grandpa will buy it for you another day." Wang Yaozu looked at Wang Changyue with doting affection.

Liu Qinger chuckled upon hearing this and said, "I knew it! Why would you suddenly miss your brother? You're just craving something and want him to buy you snacks!"

"No, I'm not! I just miss my brother," Wang Changyue said, blushing, her voice barely a whisper.

"Your brother has important responsibilities and won't be back anytime soon. How is your learning of formations with Uncle Twenty? Are formations difficult?"

Hearing this, Wang Changyue said with a hint of pride, "Grandpa, Dad, Mom, I can now set up a low-grade first-tier formation! Uncle Twenty keeps praising me!"

"What? You can set up a low-grade first-tier formation? You're not lying, are you? You haven't even reached the third level of Qi Refining yet, how can you set up a low-grade first-tier formation?" Wang Mingyuan asked, puzzled.Wang Yaozu and Liu Qinger also found it hard to believe. Given Wang Changyue's age and cultivation level, it seemed impossible for her to set up a low-grade first-tier formation so quickly.

"Why would I lie to you? Uncle Twenty said I'm very talented in formations and keeps praising me! Grandpa, you just promised me you'd take me to buy spiritual honey, let's go quickly!"Wang Changyue put down her bowl and chopsticks and pulled Wang Yaozu towards the door.Wang Yaozu, with a doting expression, took Wang Changyue and left.

"Husband, if Changyue is lying, we can just ask Uncle Twenty, can't we? If she truly has talent in formations, it would be good to cultivate her to be a formation master. It's a pity, though, that her aptitude is ordinary; she's still only at the second level of Qi Refining."

Wang Mingyuan nodded. "Yes, I'll go ask Uncle Twenty after dinner. I also wonder how Sheng'er is doing in Chu. It's been so long, and there's been no news from him."

"Sheng'er can refine artifacts and puppet beasts, so he should be able to establish himself. The four major sects have opened their doors for disciples early; should we send clan members to participate in the Immortal Ascension Assembly?"

"No, Changxue warned us to stay away from the four major sects of Great Song. It seems Wei has a good chance of winning, so sending clan members to join Song's sects would be akin to seeking our own demise."

"Oh, you're truly muddled! The four major sects opened their doors for disciples early and lowered their requirements, and you don't even send anyone to participate? If the four major sects investigate, they'll surely suspect our Wang family. I suggest we send people to the Immortal Ascension Assembly, even if it's just to go through the motions."

"You're right, but this matter is significant. I need to discuss it with Second Uncle and the others. Also, by my reckoning, Seventh Brother and Twenty-First Brother should be out of seclusion soon. I wonder if they've successfully advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage."

White Cloud Ridge, underground cave.Wang Mingjiang sat cross-legged on a green meditation mat, his body covered in a layer of dark, foul-smelling grime.

"Finally, I've reached Foundation Establishment! Haha, I've established my foundation!"Wang Mingjiang was overjoyed, speaking with excitement.More than half a year ago, the clan sent him a Foundation Establishment Pill for him to consume and attempt to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

"Mingjiang, you succeeded in Foundation Establishment? That's wonderful!"Wang Yaohuan pushed open a side door, entered from behind a partition, and said joyfully.

Wang Mingjiang nodded excitedly, stood up, and cupped his hands to Wang Yaohuan, "Thank you, Uncle Twelve."

"Why thank me? You should thank the clan. This Foundation Establishment Pill was earned by Minghao and the others with their lives."

Wang Mingjiang nodded solemnly and asked, "Uncle Twelve, now that I've reached Foundation Establishment, I can help ease the clan's worries. What should I do next?"

"According to the clan's arrangements, you are to continue cultivating here. After some time, several clan members who cultivate water-attribute techniques will be dispatched here. A great war is about to begin, so you must conserve your strength and not reveal yourselves easily, understand?"

"Yes, I understand. I wonder if Seventh Brother has also advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage."

"Mingzhong attempted Foundation Establishment even earlier than you, so I expect there's already been a result. Cultivate here with peace of mind. I'll return to the clan first to report this good news to Second Brother and Mingyuan and see if they have any other plans. Do not leave this place easily before I return.""Yes, Uncle Twelve."Wang Yaohuan gave a few more instructions, then left the cave.