Chapter 252: Old Acquaintance

Guoshan County had come to a full stop for Chen Luo, but that didn’t mean it had ceased to exist.

The place still harbored many secrets, and his master Void Sage had some connection to it. During their time at Wu Dao Peak, Void Sage had clearly stated that he had once visited Guoshan County and brought Elder Sister Bai Su from there.

Later, Guoshan County caused a major demonic disturbance. Based on the strength Chen Luo had witnessed so far, Guoshan County shouldn’t have been capable of threatening Core Formation cultivators. So how exactly had this place forced the three great sects to their knees, ultimately leaving them with no choice but to settle for a crude Seal?

Several days later, the flying boat crossed the Luxury Nation and reappeared within the territory of the God Lake Immortal Sect.

As soon as Chen Luo landed, he felt an unparalleled sense of prosperity. The market outside the sect had expanded significantly. With a Core Formation Ancestor overseeing the God Lake Immortal Sect, it was considered a sacred land of cultivation by cultivators across the seven nations - the safest place for transactions. The land surrounding the market had become so valuable that it couldn’t be obtained for thousands of gold. The God Lake Immortal Sect’s influence had reached its peak.

The hidden dangers beneath this prosperity had been deliberately erased by the God Lake Immortal Sect’s leadership.

The bustling market generated massive daily transactions, which in turn brought in enormous spirit stone revenues for the God Lake Immortal Sect. The sect’s peak lords spent their days doing nothing but remaining on the mountain, yet they still received unimaginable income.

“Delicious butter chicken, enjoy your meal.”

A waiter carried a wooden tray and lifted its lid, releasing fragrant aromas into the air.

Though the table was laden with colorful dishes, none of the diners paid attention to the food.

They were seated in a private room on the second floor.

Huang Ying, dressed in a long apricot-yellow skirt, sat by the window, her gaze fixed outside as if lost in thought. Across from her sat a middle-aged man and a young girl. The man was Fu An, who had entered the sect alongside Huang Ying and Chen Luo years ago.

Due to his poor aptitude, Fu An had abandoned his pursuit of the immortal path to inherit the throne of Changnan Kingdom. He was now the reigning Marquis of the North. The young girl beside him was Fu An’s daughter, Fu Xiaoru. Over the past two decades, Fu An had transformed from an impetuous youth into a powerful noble. Most of his time was now devoted to political maneuvering and nurturing the next generation.

To this day, Fu An’s cultivation remained at the third layer of Qi Refining, with no progress whatsoever.

The further one advanced in cultivation, the greater the disparities became.

With his inherently poor aptitude and having abandoned cultivation for political power, it was remarkable that Fu An’s foundation had not deteriorated over the years.

Not everyone can persist on the immortal path. It’s akin to academic pursuits—though many share the same scholarly journey, only a few reach the pinnacle. The rest fall behind not from lack of desire, but because they’ve chosen to halt their progress.

“Senior Sister, about Xiaoru’s matter…”

Fu An lifted his wine cup with restrained formality, his smile carefully measured.

Over two decades had eroded their former camaraderie. In the mortal realm, he was a powerful prince, but such status meant nothing within the God Lake Immortal Sect.

Originally, Fu An had sought Chen Luo’s assistance. When he’d left the sect years ago, they’d struck a deal: he’d gifted Chen Luo a Monster bone. Fu An had later heard Chen Luo achieved true disciple status, and their family had weathered hardships solely on Chen Luo’s reputation. Yet their connection had never been renewed—first due to his family’s affairs, second because losing his sect disciple status barred him from returning.

This visit concerned his daughter.

Upon arrival, he discovered Chen Luo had already departed the sect. Though still recognized as a member, Chen Luo’s influence had waned. In contrast, Huang Ying—a Qi Refining Perfection senior sister—had become a new sect official, managing crucial affairs.

Fu An had spent a fortune and pulled every string he could to send his message to the mountain, securing a connection through Senior Sister Huang Ying.

“As long as the child’s aptitude is satisfactory, there’s no doubt they’ll be accepted on the mountain.”

Huang Ying glanced at Fu An. The former junior brother had transformed completely. The subservient look in his eyes, the pleading demeanor he displayed for his daughter’s sake, left her somewhat disheartened.

In recent years, she’d encountered similar situations many times. Just two months ago, Senior Brother Huang Tong’s descendants had sought her influence, and Senior Brother Hu Qiudao had also written to her.

“Many thanks, Senior Sister! This cup is for you.” Fu An’s face lit up with relief as he drained his wine cup in one gulp.

“Thank you, Aunt Huang Ying,” Fu Xiaoru added, rising from her seat. Her father had warned her before the banquet - this was no ordinary gathering, but a critical step in securing her future on the mountain.

“No need for such formality. We… Senior Brother?” Huang Ying’s gaze froze mid-sentence as she spotted movement outside. At the street’s end, Chen Luo descended from a flying vessel in his customary azure robes.

Sensing her attention, Chen Luo turned to meet her gaze. A faint smile appeared on his face as their eyes locked.

“It’s been a long time, Senior Sister Huang Ying.”

Even from such a great distance, Huang Ying clearly heard Chen Luo’s voice. Beside her, Fu An was equally stunned, having also spotted Chen Luo outside.

He looked exactly as he did in her memories, without any change whatsoever.

“I never expected to encounter an old friend upon my return.”

The voice echoed through the restaurant. Huang Ying, Fu An, and Fu Xiaoru all turned simultaneously to find Chen Luo had materialized beside their table.

“When did you…”

Fu Xiaoru covered her mouth, utterly baffled by how Chen Luo had appeared. Just moments ago, he’d been walking down the street hundreds of meters away, yet now he stood upstairs with them.

“Senior Brother, you’ve broken through again? Mid Foundation Establishment?!”

Unlike the shock on Fu An and his daughter’s faces, Huang Ying already knew of Chen Luo’s breakthrough. She’d spent these years diligently cultivating, her greatest dream being to catch up to her senior brother and stand at his level. But after twenty years apart, Chen Luo had advanced far along the immortal path, while she remained stuck in the Qi Refining realm.

“I encountered some interesting experiences during my journey,” Chen Luo replied with a smile. He took a seat among them, his eyes falling on the wine and dishes on the table. Suddenly, he felt a surge of appetite.

He tasted the wine.

It was sweet and fragrant.

So it wasn’t the food that was lacking, but the company.

A sense of joy welled up in Chen Luo’s heart, accompanied by a dawning realization.

Foundation Establishment?!

Beside him, Fu An and his daughter wore expressions of shock. They never imagined they’d encounter a legendary Foundation Establishment cultivator during this visit. Such a figure could easily become an elder even within an immortal sect. What stunned Fu Xiaoru most was that this Foundation Establishment cultivator actually had ties to her father.

“Why are you still here? I remember warning you before I left.”

Chen Luo took another bite of chicken, savoring its tender, fragrant taste.

“I left the sect for a while,” Fu An explained, “but my cultivation suffered after descending the mountain. Without the sect’s channels, I couldn’t obtain many spiritual materials.”

“My oversight,” Chen Luo realized. Not everyone could draw talismans or refine pills like him. While his spirit meridians were affected, it wasn’t to the extent he’d feared.

He could cultivate anywhere if he wished. But Huang Ying and others were different. Without the God Lake Immortal Sect’s support, their cultivation would stagnate, possibly preventing them from ever reaching Foundation Establishment.

Compared to the chance at Foundation Establishment, the dangers seemed trivial.

“Your Qi Refining realm is at the peak stage. Good progress,” Chen Luo remarked after sensing Huang Ying’s cultivation level.

“I haven’t stopped cultivating these years,” Huang Ying replied.

Huang Ying smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with renewed vitality. Seeing her senior brother again transported her back to the early days of her cultivation, over two decades ago.

Back then, she had just joined the sect and relied on Senior Sister Shen’s connections to obtain cultivation resources. By chance, she discovered her senior brother’s secret talent for drawing talismans. Through clever trading between their families, she accumulated substantial resources. These early relationships had smoothed her path during the critical early years.

“Senior Brother Chen.”

After their initial exchange, Fu An nervously greeted the elder. His daughter Fu Xiaoru stood beside him, her face brimming with curiosity. She couldn’t believe her father’s senior brother was actually a Foundation Establishment elder - a figure of such immense status within the sect.

A Foundation Establishment elder!

If she could establish connections with such a person, wouldn’t she be able to walk through the sect with her head held high?

Noticing Chen Luo’s questioning gaze, Huang Ying offered an explanation: “Fu An’s daughter has exceptional aptitude - mid-grade Water, Fire, and Metal spirit roots. I intend to recruit her for Wu Dao Peak.”

“Hm.”

Chen Luo didn’t press further. Having left the God Lake Immortal Sect long ago, he knew many of the sect’s current practices differed from his time. As the current sect steward, Huang Ying was best suited to handle such matters. However, seeing Fu An reminded him of their past transaction. He’d forgotten about the cultivator after obtaining the monster bone. It seemed Fu An had managed well enough on his own. With this thought, Chen Luo extended his hand, and a small emerald-green box materialized in his palm.

“This is a Spirit Gathering Pill I refined. Take it when you’re breaking through to increase your success rate.”

A pill flew from his hand into Fu Xiaoru’s palm.

Though just a first-tier spirit pill, it was the perfect gift for Fu An and his daughter. Anything more precious might exceed their social standing and invite fatal consequences.

“Many thanks, Senior Brother Chen!”

“Thank you, Uncle Chen.”

Fu Xiaoru’s eyes sparkled. This was no ordinary pill—it bore the rarest of patterns, marking it as supreme-grade! Even in the royal palace, she’d never seen such a precious spirit medicine.

After the meal, Fu An led his daughter away, likely to prepare cultivation resources.

Huang Ying guided Chen Luo to a mountain-foot residence.

“This is my abode,” she said. “Though I’ve returned to the sect, I’ve never forgotten your words, Senior Brother. Living here lets me avoid the mountain’s vortex and escape danger swiftly.”

The door opened to reveal an ancient courtyard, its decor exuding refined elegance. Colorful flowers bloomed across the grounds, with a clear pond housing two koi fish. Chen Luo extended his spiritual senses, scanning the area until he discovered a simple spirit gathering array hidden in a corner.