Three Mountains and Nine Waters.

Kongling Gorge.

Amidst Yellow Bull Mountain, a streak of Xuan Light descended, revealing a figure akin to that of an immortal.

From within the grotto, Lu Qingfeng stepped out briskly and greeted the visitor with a polite bow, respectfully saying, "Senior Sister."

He then turned to Lu Changsheng beside him and said, "This is Han Immortal, a True Immortal of the Upper Realm. You should address her as 'Third Uncle.'"

Upon hearing this, Lu Changsheng hurriedly bowed to the visitor and called out "Third Uncle."

Lu Qingfeng looked at the visitor once more, smiling, "Senior Sister, this is my nephew, Changsheng."

Han Ling'er regarded the young junior brother and shook her head, "You really do spoil your nephew."

As she spoke,

With a casual sweep of her hand in the air, a piece of glittering and translucent Jade Paste fell before Lu Changsheng.

Lu Changsheng accepted it without recognizing its value.

Seeing this, Lu Qingfeng explained from the side, "This is Jade Paste. 'Dressed in biyu, a tree stands tall'; it's the most suitable material for refining the True Body. It can save you from hundreds of years of arduous cultivation and even imbues the perfected True Body with undying vitality. This is truly a fine treasure. Have you not yet thanked your Third Uncle?"

"Thank you, Third Uncle."

Lu Changsheng heeded and quickly expressed his gratitude.

Indeed, as his great uncle said, this was precious. He had just condensed a Void Core and advanced to True Man status. Although he did not need it at present, it would be extremely useful once he advanced to the Solid Pill Realm.

"Cultivate diligently, and do not disappoint your great uncle's expectations," Han Ling'er said, imparting some instruction.

"Yes."

Lu Changsheng nodded and responded earnestly.

"All right."

"You may go down now and focus on comprehending the True Man Realm."

Receiving a favor from this Third Senior Sister, Lu Qingfeng told Changsheng to go and cultivate, while he led Han Ling'er further inside the grotto.

...

"It's been some time since I've visited. How goes your cultivation recently?"

Once inside, Han Ling'er made herself comfortable and asked Lu Qingfeng without any formalities.

Having guarded the Mountain and Water Realm for over three hundred years, Han Ling'er would often visit Kongling Gorge to guide Lu Qingfeng's cultivation, and their relationship was quite warm. After several interactions, though Lu Qingfeng had not yet formally become a disciple of Ancestor Master Qin Feng, he had developed a meaningful friendship with Han Ling'er.

Therefore,

When Han Ling'er arrived, she skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the topic of cultivation.

"It goes well," Lu Qingfeng replied while presenting several cultivation mysteries he had prepared in advance, asking for Han Ling'er to resolve them.

Half an hour later,

Lu Qingfeng had 'grasped' it all.

Han Ling'er pursed her lips, "Junior brother, your comprehension is rare to find in this world."

She considered herself almost a teacher to the younger junior brother. Under her guidance, Lu Qingfeng's cultivation had soared rapidly. Han Ling'er was proud and also deeply acknowledged Lu Qingfeng's immense talent.

In just four hundred years,

He had advanced from the Primordial Spirit Nourishing Spirit Realm to the Primordial Spirit Emergence Realm, far surpassing her and her two Senior Brothers.

"All thanks to Senior Sister's teachings," Lu Qingfeng smiled.

"Good to know."

"When you prosper in the future, don't forget to lend a hand to your Senior Sister," Han Ling'er joked with Lu Qingfeng, and with a flash of light in her hand, three Immortal Crystals fell in front of him. "With your advancement in Dao ability, your mana may become a hindrance. With these Immortal Crystals, you should be able to ascend to the Mahayana Realm even faster."

"Thank you, Senior Sister!"

Lu Qingfeng reached out to accept them without any hesitation.

This was not the first time Han Ling'er had given him Immortal Crystals. When they first met four hundred years ago, she had given him three Immortal Crystals. Every hundred years since, she gifted him three Immortal Crystals.

Adding it up,

There were already twelve in total.

Even for a Mahayana True Immortal, twelve Immortal Crystals were a significant fortune. Not to mention a stranger; even among family, one might not be so generous.

From this, it was clear that Han Ling'er took good care of her nominal junior brother, which also reflected the atmosphere within Ancestor Master Qin Feng's following at Sky-reaching Gorge.

"Senior Sister may be brutally straightforward with outsiders, but she is incredibly generous with her own," Lu Qingfeng thought, accepting the three Immortal Crystals.

There was no denying it.

Han Ling'er, in her dealings with his other identity as Dutian Daoist, was cunning and deceitful, always calculating and taking advantage of any situation.

The fact that she was so generous to his public identity probably had something to do with the profits from their dealings, a substantial wealth.

Having wealth was one thing,

But being willing to give it to others was another.

Lu Qingfeng was clear about the distinction.

"In the future, if there are other enterprises where I can give better deals, then—"

"Huh?!"

Engrossed in thoughts of Han Ling'er's kindness and considering not to be too nitpicky with her as the 'Dutian Daoist' in the future, Lu Qingfeng was suddenly interrupted by his own other aspect concluding a conversation with Zhu Yang at Qingming Mountain. He absentmindedly inquired about the price of 'Mingqing Spirit Water' there.

Multitasking,

Before his contemplation here settled,

Zhu Yang's answer swept away all thoughts of a good deal in Lu Qingfeng's mind, leaving only one thought—

"You cunning Han Ling'er!"

...

"Mingqing Spirit Water?"

"So it's that. It's 'Han's Spirit Communication Liquid', said to be concocted by a True Immortal known as 'Han Immortal' of the One-Line Sky Passage, with no other place to purchase it. Even the lowest grade of 'Han's Spirit Communication Liquid' can sell for the high price of five hundred spirit stones, and the highest grade goes for an enormous price of a hundred and eighty thousand."

"Despite the high price, because its effects are indeed remarkable and it doesn't conflict with or overlap with other types of spiritual liquids and waters, combined with no other cultivators having figured out the refining formula yet, the price remains high. Still, 'Han's Spirit Communication Liquid' remains a bestseller in the Little Dragon Tiger Realm."

As Zhu Yang spoke, he also took out two jade bottles from his Mustard Space and said to Lu Qingfeng, whose face was slightly stiff, "This is the 'Han's Spirit Communication Liquid' of a ten thousand year grade, second-class, which Han purchased for seven thousand three hundred spirit stones from the 'Sky-reaching Square' market on Qingming Mountain. Then there's this lowest class, ineffective for anyone above Core Formation, but the price is more affordable, just five hundred spirit stones."

Han's Spirit Communication Liquid!

Lu Qingfeng suppressed his emotions and took the two jade bottles from Zhu Yang's hands.

A single glance was all it took.

Instantly, he recognized the lowest quality 'Han's Spirit Communication Liquid,' which Zhu Yang had bought for five hundred spirit stones, as the 'Thousand-Year Mingqing Spirit Water' he wholesaled to Han Ling'er in the Three Mountains and Nine Waters for one hundred and sixty spirit stones.

As for the second quality of 'Han's Spirit Communication Liquid' priced at seven thousand three hundred spirit stones, unsurprisingly, it was the 'Ten Thousand-Year Mingqing Spirit Water' sold wholesale in the Mountain and Water Realm —

Two thousand spirit stones!

And the highest quality mentioned by Zhu Yang, without much guessing, must be the 'Hundred Thousand-Year Mingqing Spirit Water'.

Wholesale price: forty thousand spirit stones.

…

"Forty thousand spirit stones cost, eighteen thousand spirit stones earned."

Lu Qingfeng took a deep breath, looking at the 'approachable and kind-hearted,' 'warm and generous' Han Ling'er before him, feeling for a moment as if the three Immortal Crystals in his hand were hot as magma and yet cold as ice penetrating to the bone.

"Three Immortal Crystals might hardly sustain your cultivation to the Primordial Spirit Peak."

Lu Qingfeng was good at concealing his feelings, Han Ling'er, with just a Divine Separation sent to the Lower Realm, did not notice anything odd and kept speaking, "In my opinion, Junior Brother, you might as well ascend to the Little Dragon Tiger Realm earlier. For one, you can listen to our Master's exposition of the Great Dao, which far surpasses mine. Secondly, the aura of Immortal Energy and the intense Spiritual Energy in Sky-reaching Gorge are most suitable for cultivation. If you go there, you will surely advance to the Mahayana Realm even faster."

Her words were sincere.

Seeing Lu Qingfeng's talent, Han Ling'er did not wish for him to waste time in the Three Mountains and Nine Waters. Looking at the situation, although advancing to True Immortal wasn't difficult, with such talent, he shouldn't just aim to be a True Immortal; he should set his sights even higher—

"With Junior Brother's talent, there will surely be a place for you amongst those who attain Immortal True Essence in the Little Dragon Tiger Realm in the future!"

To aim for enlightenment.

This should be the goal, even before reaching the achievement of a True Immortal; no time should be wasted carelessly.

Throughout these years.

Han Ling'er had urged Lu Qingfeng several times to ascend sooner, but he had always politely declined, which indeed made her feel helpless. Today she urged again, because that person had sent a clone to the Upper Realm, and if he were attentive enough, even if he changed names, it probably wouldn't take long to learn the prices of Mingqing Spirit Water and those other ten-odd types of Spiritual Wines.

"If that little Daoist doesn't remember old kindness, these three businesses might be at their end."

Han Ling'er shook her head secretly, almost regretting helping Dutian Daoist to escape back in the day, "It's just a pity for my Junior Brother; without Dutian Daoist's financial source, Senior Sister can't be so generous anymore."

Her feelings were complicated.

Han Ling'er glanced at the three Immortal Crystals in Lu Qingfeng's hand, almost with a twinge of pain but kept it from showing on her face.

"I understand Senior Sister's meaning."

"But Junior Brother still wants to reach Primordial Spirit Peak through cultivation in the Three Mountains and Nine Waters before ascending."

Lu Qingfeng was equally torn.

Holding back from looking at this 'Black Heart Han Immortal,' he moved and pocketed the three Immortal Crystals, lest he gets 'sorrowful upon seeing them,' but his voice firm in reply.

He could not find a perfect excuse without flaws not to ascend.

So, he simply didn't bother explaining.

Regardless of how earnestly Han Ling'er advised and urged, he wouldn't listen, focusing solely on achieving the Primordial Spirit Peak and even advancing to True Immortal in the Three Mountains and Nine Waters.

"Why are you so stubborn?!"

Seeing Lu Qingfeng as obstinate as ever, Han Ling'er couldn't help feeling exasperated and said irritably, "Suit yourself. I just hope you won't regret it later."

Having said that.

She no longer lingered, turning around and transforming into Xuan Light and fleeing.

"Senior Sister, take care."

Lu Qingfeng rose to send her off respectfully. As the Xuan Light disappeared, a crisp sound suddenly vibrated throughout the cave once more—

"This is the 'Three Thousand Dharma Manifestations,' a rare stone from beyond this domain, containing endless transformations of Dharma manifestations. Study it closely, for by understanding one you can understand the rest, and it will help you perfect your Dharma Image. Keep it with you always to strengthen your Divine Soul, aiding you in achieving the Perfection of Soul Emergence."

The voice dissipated.

From the sky, a piece of jade fell down.

The jade stone was oddly shaped, resembling a monk or a Daoist, only the size of a thumb, and once it landed in the palm, it radiated a warm sensation. The Divine Soul trembled, as if illuminated by the sun and moon, purging all impurities from within, and without realizing it, the Divine Soul began to robustly grow.

With just a slight focus, the true intent of Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire could be faintly felt emanating in layers.

Third Realm of Primordial Spirit—Soul Emergence, its purpose to strengthen the Divine Soul and refine the Dharma Image.

This treasure was equipped for both, with astonishingly effective results.

Without saying more, it was clear that its value was immense.

"This thing—"

Lu Qingfeng held the jade stone and looked up at the sky, unable to help but shake his head, "This really is a befuddled transaction!"

...

Little Dragon Tiger Realm.

It was uncertain whether it was ninety thousand zhang high in the sky or plunged ten thousand layers into the earth.

Suddenly, the sound of a spring was heard, rattling the ears like thunder.

Before one's eyes there was a cliff.

Beneath the cliff there was a long ravine, several zhang wide. In the middle of the flow, a stone peak abruptly rose up, covered with countless green pines and cypresses, and surrounded by various sized holes.

Looking around, there was a cave.

The cavern was vast and spacious, facing the midstream pillar. Vines and creepers hung over the entrance, with many strange flowers and exotic plants growing thickly, the plum blossoms being the most flourishing. On it were the three big characters "Meihua Cave."

Inside the cave were thousands of stone chambers, each with its own doorway, glittering with golden courts and jade pillars, magnificent and solemn, radiant and bright, everlastingly clear—a true Cave Heaven Immortal Mansion.

At the center there was a plum blossom courtyard.

A Daoist sat cross-legged, letting the plum blossoms fall around him, simply toying with a few copper coins on the ground.

It was unknown when.

The Daoist's palm, white as jade, began to collect the copper coins one by one.

Outside the courtyard, a white-haired youth dressed in a moon-white Magic Robe approached with deceptively quick steps. He entered the yard and lightly said, "Reporting to Master, we've received news that a Divine Separation of little uncle, controlling War City, has left the Mountain and Water Realm. Outside the Mountain and Water Realm, Hu Feng of the Demon Path and Zheng Tu from Fire God Palace intercepted him. With the help of Han Immortal from Sky-reaching Gorge, he fled into Meteorite Sea without a trace."

In a single breath.

He relayed the detailed circumstances of how Lu Qingfeng escaped from the Mountain and Water Realm as if he had personally witnessed the scene.

"A Divine Separation became a True Immortal and was actually able to break through the obstruction of two top-notch True Immortals."

"No wonder he received Master's inheritance."

The Daoist chuckled lightly, stood up from beside a tree, plucked a plum blossom, and handed it to the white-haired youth, saying, "Number Nine, your little uncle has many enemies; the Little Dragon Tiger Realm is hardly a place where he can settle. Go to Sky-reaching Gorge and protect him for a stretch, accompany him to the lands outside this domain. If you have time, you might also visit your Senior Brothers."

"Yes."

The white-haired youth took the branch of plum blossoms and respectfully withdrew.

The Daoist stood with his hands behind his back, looking into the southeast distance, the plum blossom Magic Robe fluttering in the wind, a smile lingering on his face as he muttered to himself, "Reaching the Little Dragon Tiger Realm and yet not stopping by my Meihua Cave for a visit, when we meet again, I must make him drink three glasses as penalty."

The voice ceased.

Plum blossoms drifted.

The Daoist faded away.