"Going out? Junior Brother, why did you choose to travel at this time?"

Du Huaiyuan was puzzled. In his eyes, with abundant resources, there was no need for the other person to travel. He could attempt to breakthrough to the Golden Core before going out.

Ji An scratched his head and explained:

"After breaking through to the Chao Origin Stage, simply accumulating magical power can’t improve one’s realm. It’s also necessary to open up the Five Elements Divine Mansion and consume the corresponding Five Elements Qi.

In the sect, consuming Earth Eating Qi is not allowed as it would affect the Earth Vein, so I need to travel.

Not only must I travel to consume Earth Eating Qi, but also when I need to consume Water Eating Qi in the future."

For a force aiming for long-term development, nurturing a Spiritual Vein is essential, unless the vein is nearing exhaustion, then it would resort to fishing the pond dry.

Li Lingyu asked:

"How long will it take before you return to the sect?"

"It’s estimated to be about ten years," Ji An couldn’t give a precise answer.

Earth Element Qi requires a blend of Earth Qi of Wu and Qi of Ji Earth to be absorbed by the core of the Divine Mansion, and it’s relatively scattered, which makes it the most time-consuming Five Elements Qi.

This estimated time is already due to the results of using pills over the years; otherwise, it would take even longer.

He paused and continued, "Senior Brother Liu should also be preparing to travel; I wonder where and when he intends to leave?"

He already knew about the other person’s Fire Dao Body. Although he didn’t receive many pills, with the support of Fire Element Spirit Fruit from Red Flame Peak, the other person could quickly enhance the core of the Divine Mansion and improve cultivation.

"The core of my Earth Element Divine Mansion has been opened for half a year, and I can travel anytime. I decided to leave in a few days, the ancestor suggests I head to the Southern Continent."

The place he most wanted to go was deep into the Ten Thousand Mountains, but now it is teeming with Demon Kings and is not a good place to go.

The ancestor also suggested traveling with fellow sect members, but not wanting to affect his cultivation progress, he politely refused.

Upon hearing his words, Mu Qingwan lowered her head, a fleeting look of disappointment in her eyes.

She had long had feelings for Liu Yu, but there had been no substantial progress between them.

Now she was merely a Seventh-Layer Foundation Establishment Cultivator, and as the gap in cultivation between them continued to widen, maybe her feelings were destined to end without a result.

"Junior Brother, you’ve opened your Earth Element Divine Mansion for many years, when are you preparing to go out?"

Liu Yu knew that the reason the other person hadn’t gone out to travel was because he wanted to accompany his master through the last moments of life.

"I should wait another year or two; the flying ship of the Central Continent Business Alliance is about to arrive, and I want to visit."

Ji An handed over most of the resources he didn’t need to the sect, at which time he had spoken to Brother Jia Yu and exchanged the small merits in the Jade Token for pills.

Additionally, he had some resources on hand, planning to see if there’s anything worth getting.

"Senior Brother, since you’re preparing to leave, in three days, I happen not to have duty at the Agricultural Hall; by then, I’ll invite everyone to Red Flame Peak for a gathering to see you off."

Liu Yu smiled warmly and said, "Great, let’s all go together and get thoroughly drunk."

Thoroughly relaxing once before leaving the sect would be good.

"Good, I’ll go early to help!"

Du Huaiyuan was very supportive, knowing Junior Brother Ji’s personality, he would definitely invite everyone for a drink of Tier Two High-Grade Spirit Wine, a rare treat in daily life.

Everyone chatted for a long time until the sunset reflected, and then they dispersed.

...

Tian Jin stayed at the mouth of the Grotto Mansion, and after everyone left, he took out a Talisman Card:

"Elder Ji, this is the Dharma Prohibition Jade Token from Ningcui Cliff, returning it to you."

Essentially, she was a disciple hired by Ge Ying, and now that the employer had passed, it was time for her to leave.

Ji An took the Talisman Card, nodded slightly, and asked, "What are your plans for the future?"

Tian Jin looked up at the ancestor, then quickly lowered her head and softly said:

"Over the years, I’ve learned alchemy from being around the master.

Although not a disciple, the master never hesitated to teach me, and I’ve been able to refine several Qi Refining Stage pills.

I’m planning to go to Dan Ding Institute to see if I qualify as an apprentice."

"You’re already in the Eighth-Layer Qi Refining, and you’ll soon be facing Foundation Establishment.

The master once mentioned rewarding you with a Foundation Establishment Pill, and she has exchanged pills from the sect, which you can get in days to come.

Just as you’re going to Dan Ding Institute, you can directly get the Foundation Establishment Pill then."

Ji An understood why the master wanted to reward the other person with a Foundation Establishment Pill, because in the master’s last years, it was this disciple who stayed by her side.

In terms of past life terminology, it was end-of-life care, providing a great deal of emotional value.

In the past life on Earth, one might sometimes see elderly people leaving their inheritance to those who took care of them without blood ties.

Why? In the final moments, blood relatives, due to various ties, cannot be close to fulfill filial duties, and the sense of loneliness and loss is very strong.

Having someone to care for and accompany to talk fills a great emotional void; deep affection cannot compare to long companionship in this sense.

Tian Jin suddenly looked up, her mouth slightly open, having lost hope in the Foundation Establishment Pill promised by the master these past few days.

"Th...thank you, ancestor."

Ji An, looking at the disciple’s expression, took out a Communication Talisman Sword and said warmly:

"You should thank my master; she did all this.

The Talisman Sword has my magical mark; once you get the Foundation Establishment Pill, remember to let me know.

Also, give me your magical mark."

The master’s promise would surely be fulfilled until the other person received the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Tian Jin accepted the Talisman Sword and then exchanged the Magical Mark.

Ji An further said:

"Tomorrow, you can head to the Dan Ding Institute. Rest assured, you will certainly become an apprentice alchemist."

Master mentioned before that the other party is a promising candidate, quite talented in alchemy. If it weren’t for her limited time, she would have been willing to accept an apprentice.

"Thank you, Elder!"

After giving endless thanks, Tian Jin departed on the Talisman Bird, only feeling the sky was exceptionally blue.

Ji An took out the Communication Golden Sword and briefly introduced the disciple’s situation before sending it out. This is the ’Introduction Letter’, and the recipient of the Golden Sword is Senior Sister Han Yan.

...

Three days later, at noon.

The guest hall of Red Flame Peak was packed with esteemed guests. The splendid spiritual food emitted an enticing aroma, stirring everyone’s appetite.

Ji An raised his cup, saying solemnly:

"May everything go smoothly for Senior Brother Liu, and may your immortal fortune flourish!"

Everyone raised their glasses, each offering their own blessings, and Mu Qingwan added softly:

"Senior Brother, be cautious while traveling."

"Thank you, Junior Sister."

Liu Yu nodded slightly and then smiled, saying:

"Thank you, everyone. I also wish you all a long and prosperous path on the Immortal Path."

Everyone drank heartily, and the sorrow of parting gradually dissipated as the atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Du Huaiyuan wielded his chopsticks swiftly, the roasted fish and pastries coated with Tier Two Upper Grade Honey nearly causing him to bite his tongue.

Ji An put down his cup and said:

"My destination for the journey is also the Southern Continent. Perhaps we might encounter each other there, Senior Brother!"

"Haha, if we meet in foreign lands, it must be quite a unique experience."

Everyone continued to drink and chat merrily, until night fell and stars filled the sky, before retiring to their guest rooms to rest.

Zhang Cuihua felt quite joyful inside. Although today was busy, she felt very happy. The more such banquets she hosted, the more fulfilled she felt.

Ji An rode the clouds, weaving through several ’S’ shaped paths, stumbling back to his grotto mansion.

The Tier Two High-Grade Spirit Wine had a strong aftereffect, leaving everyone extremely drunk.

He entered the Quiet Chamber, sat cross-legged on the pudun, and began to operate the Wood Element Chapter of the Five Elements Reincarnation Scripture. This Chapter was most suitable for refining Spirit Wine.

Moments later, Ji An opened his eyes, the spiritual power within the spirit wine and food refined completely, restoring clarity to his gaze.

He added Clear Spirit Bamboo Charcoal into the Beehive Furnace to ignite it, poured Spirit Spring Water, and brewed a pot of Jade Dew Golden Bud Tea.

After drinking the tea, he swallowed the tea leaves, and sat down cross-legged again, activating the method to open the Water Element Divine Mansion.

Magical power gushed from the dantian, causing the kidney to turn jet black, with vein patterns like white clouds.

The two Water Element Dao Seeds in the acupoints flickered with black light, spreading a nourishing and vast divine intent.

After half an hour, Ji An felt his kidneys tremble suddenly, and all the vein patterns were opened up.

Fortunately, while operating the method, the vein patterns in both kidneys opened simultaneously, saving the trouble of doing it twice.

He immediately propelled the method, as magical power surged rapidly through the Immortal Vein.

Wave after wave of magical power poured into the kidneys, causing the vein patterns to gleam like moonlit water.

Ji An seemed to hear the sound of flowing water, at first like a trickling stream weaving through mountains, then gradually growing into a mighty roar, akin to a grand torrent rushing through a narrow canyon, thundering like a barrage of resonant drums.

After an indeterminate period, he only felt his whole body tremble, all sounds vanished, and the world plunged into a brief silence.

The core of the Divine Mansion formed in each kidney, and Ji An felt as if his body had cast off some kind of shackle, experiencing a wave of lightness.

Moreover, immeasurable power surged within his body, bones crackling rhythmically.

His body instinctively operated the Inner Refining Method of the Glaze-Gold Jade Bone Body, as if his organs were breathing.

The heartbeat grew stronger, resonating like a grand drum.

A hot stream burst from the coccyx and heart, one like a soaring dragon spiraling up the spine, the other like an explosive shockwave swiftly spreading throughout the entire body.

His skin radiated a gentle silver glow, which swiftly faded.

Ji An was momentarily stunned, then smiled softly.

It was truly an unexpected surprise. While opening the Water Element Divine Mansion, his body refining technique reached the Late-Stage Foundation Establishment tier.

From now on, his skin, muscles, organs, and bones had greater defensive capabilities, enhancing his physical attributes comprehensively.

...

The next day.

Ji An arrived at the Agricultural Hall, saying:

"Hall Master Kong, today I have matters to attend to at Sunrise Peak to meet with the Ancestor. If anything arises, please handle it, and if the situation is complicated, wait for my return tomorrow.

If it’s urgent, send a Communication Golden Sword to me."

Although Lin Mao had taken a Lifespan Extension Pill, he was already declining in age, so Ji An would increasingly rely on Kong Yunyi in the future.

He instructed them so they wouldn’t be at a loss if they needed him.

"Understood," Kong Yunyi agreed cheerfully, feeling pleased at his elevated status, as the Hall Master now entrusted matters to him rather than Lin Mao.

Ji An nodded slightly and asked:

"Has the list for distributing Foundation Establishment Pills been finalized? The Spirit Medicines in the Medicinal Garden will mature soon."

"Reporting to the Hall Master, it has been confirmed."