Memories of the Old Warning
Fang Jin Yu could say with absolute certainty that what he remembered from long ago was not mere rumor. In fact, he recalled clearly the peculiar legend circulating around the tranquil pond of the female lead, Su Yi'er. The tale went that in her modest pond swam not a common old fish but—if one stretched the metaphor—a venerable old ancestor of the Yuan‐Ying realm. In a manner as eye‐catching as "an old bull feasting on tender grass," this legendary being had been present in Su Yi'er's life long before she reached a critical stage of her cultivation. The ancient master, whose level was far beyond that of ordinary cultivators, had repeatedly cautioned her before the perilous "Pill-Smashing to Form an Infant" (碎丹成嬰) process began.
It was said that if the process of breaking a pill went awry, the repercussions could vary. A mild error might cause the nascent Yuan Ying to escape—splintering the spirit from its physical vessel—while a more catastrophic mistake could force the cultivator into reincarnation altogether. Although any failure at the "smashing" stage would bar one from entering the full Yuan Ying realm, it nevertheless meant that the aspirant had once touched that mystic level. In recognition of such proximity to the ultimate state, Heaven would grant the unlucky soul not one but three chances in the form of subsequent reincarnations.
Fang Jin Yu observed that the little girl—whom fate had interwoven with his own path in recent months—bore a striking resemblance to one who had experienced a grievous mishap during the Pill-Smashing process. Some signs hinted that she might be a soul returning from an earlier near-success, burdened by the consequences of a shattered elixir that, even if flawed, had momentarily allowed her to graze the outskirts of the Yuan Ying realm.
For Fang Jin Yu, there was little need for extended explanations. He took the girl with him back to the modest sanctuary of Xiahe Peak. There, after ensuring her safety and teaching her how to control the defensive array that circumscribed every respectable Inner-Domain, he felt confident leaving her in capable hands. Soon after, he himself began a period of closed-door seclusion. Although his physical presence had departed Xiahe Peak, he remained rooted to his personal cave—a sanctum he had carefully prepared and maintained.
To safeguard his retreat, Fang Jin Yu had spent several thousand spirit stones meticulously arranging a formation known as the "Mountain Formation" (山勢陣). This array borrowed the natural bulwark of the surrounding mountains, rendering it nearly impervious to attacks from even Foundation-stage cultivators. Its secret was that it required no constant reinforcement by magical power; once laid out with sufficient spirit stone energy, even ordinary mortals could—for a time—deploy it. It was no wonder, then, that many high-ranking officials and influential families in the mortal court had similar formations protecting their manors.
Seclusion and the Elixir of Progress
Thus began his retreat. For the first time, Fang Jin Yu engaged in what many in the cultivation world refer to as "pilling" his way to enlightenment. Up until now, he had scarcely had the opportunity to experience the heady elation of rapidly advancing his cultivation by consuming one spirit pill after another. Now, with a steady supply of elixirs streaming into his system, he finally understood the true joy of cultivation—each pill a spark, each breakthrough a step toward higher realms.
It also dawned upon him why these elixirs carried such a high price tag. The soaring costs were not simply due to an imbalance between supply and demand, though that did play its part. Fundamentally, the steep price reflected the unassailable truth that a cultivator's true asset was his cultivation level. Even if one were to own the best spirit weapons—those wondrous magical devices with dazzling display of power—they ultimately amounted to little unless they contributed directly to boosting one's inner strength. In a realm where immortality was the long, arduous road ahead, rapidly increasing one's cultivation in a short time was the key to survival and success.
After a half-month of intense seclusion, Fang Jin Yu emerged with astonishing news: his cultivation had broken through to the Second Layer of the Foundation Establishment stage—far earlier than he had anticipated. Although this level might be deemed modest in the eyes of seasoned Foundation cultivators, for a "nobody" with no influential background it was nothing short of a miracle. He recalled stories of other background-less Foundation cultivators who, even in their seventies, only managed to reach this very stage.
To consolidate his gains, Fang Jin Yu decided to monetize a portion of his alchemical production. The small-entry Tao Mystical Pills he had been refining for the Foundation first layer—though not as spectacular as the renowned Summoning Spirit Pills of the Qi stage—were nonetheless extremely valuable. He divided his stock: one portion was sold for spirit stones to shore up his dwindling funds, while another portion was dedicated to Tian Ling Sect, to be exchanged for merit points.
In the world of cultivation, the right to access and exchange Foundation-stage pill recipes and their corresponding herbs was strictly regulated, granted in batches and dependent on one's merit and status in the sect. Fang Jin Yu had initially been given only the most basic permissions. This fact, as he knew all too well, was why he had chosen not to produce the far more effective Summoning Spirit Pills at that time. Instead, he focused on refining a type of pill suitable only for the first layer of Foundation—thus ensuring that his overall pill success rate, which he'd painstakingly increased toward a reliable thirty percent, would ultimately qualify him as a competent Foundation alchemist.
In the long run, Tian Ling Sect was eager to encourage the art of alchemy among its disciples, offering plentiful conveniences and valuable resources. For instance, many of the rare medicinal herbs required to produce elite pills—such as the Summoning Spirit Pills—could only be obtained in exchange for merit. Moreover, the famed "Ten Directions Xun Zhen Sutra" contained the secrets of a potent divine technique which, owing to its enormous potential, could only be practiced once a cultivator had reached the Second Layer of the Foundation stage. Most of the exotic spiritual objects needed for the cultivation of that technique could also be acquired via merit points. As for the few that eluded such exchanges, Fang Jin Yu planned to search for them within the mystical depths of the Lingdu Secret Realm.
A New Dawn in the Lingdu Secret Realm
Time passed quickly, and soon the long-awaited day arrived—the day the Lingdu Secret Realm would open its hidden gates. Fang Jin Yu felt a rush of conflicting emotions. He vividly remembered the time when that very realm had nearly claimed his life. Back then, a misunderstanding had almost forced him into fatal confrontation with a love-obsessed Golden Core cultivator. But now, protected by the unfaltering rules of the Yuan Ying realm old ancestor, he faced his challenges with calm assurance. The old ancestor's edicts were absolute; none dared to defy them, and thus Fang Jin Yu found temporary safety under their unyielding weight.
When the sect leader had summoned him earlier, Fang Jin Yu had seized the opportunity to ask about the mysterious old warning. In response, he received an answer that was as expected as it was cryptic. The leader had hinted—albeit with deliberate understatement—that while the venerable old ancestor rarely interfered in daily matters and maintained an affable, unassuming demeanor, he nonetheless had set down certain inalterable rules during his youth. These regulations, the sect leader explained in hushed undertones, were not to be violated under any circumstances. Whether the leader truly knew the full story or not was unclear, but one thing was certain: the old ancestor's decree was absolute.
Since the Lingdu Secret Realm would remain open for only one day, there was little need for elaborate preparations. Fang Jin Yu arrived early, with no need to hide his cultivation level. Instead, he simply activated his "Discipline Pearl" (戒律珠) as a sign of his readiness. The Lingdu Secret Realm lay nestled between two mountain peaks—a place that, under ordinary circumstances, might appear unremarkable. Yet legend had it that the old ancestor had once chanced upon a mysterious object and, in a fit of ingenuity and benevolence, had fashioned this very realm to serve his purposes.
At the time of its opening, very few were present—only three souls roamed its quiet corridors. Fate, it seemed, was playing its usual subtle games, for two of those individuals were people Fang Jin Yu recognized well from his previous life. They, like him, had once been closely connected to Tian Ling Sect, with relatives who had made the ultimate sacrifice. However, unlike the protagonist of his past, these two now boasted the support of influential backgrounds. One had married into a prestigious cultivation family, and the other had secured a union with a lady from a similarly eminent house. Both families were noteworthy in their own right, each with a Golden Core practitioner stationed at its helm.
"Brother Zhang, Sister Xu," Fang Jin Yu greeted them warmly, extending his fists in a customary salute as he approached. "Greetings, Uncle Fang," they replied in surprise, hastily showing their respect. Despite their familial connections and cultivating backgrounds, both were only at the ninth level of Qi Condensation. Their respect showed that none dared to act too boldly in the presence of a Foundation cultivator unless they themselves were direct heirs of their families.
"From now on, let us call you Brother Fang, and you may refer to us as your junior brothers and sisters," Sister Xu, whose given name was Xu Tingyu, said in a soft, amiable tone.
"That sounds acceptable," Fang Jin Yu responded indifferently—his tone casual, for he cared little about formalities at this point.
Upon hearing his assent, Xu Tingyu's eyes shone with delight as she continued, "Brother Fang, I heard that you've truly comprehended the essence of the Wind and Thunder Technique, accumulating spiritual power to break through to the next level?"
It was no small matter—everyone in the sect was aware of the miraculous superior techniques bestowed in days past. When one practiced an advanced technique, the difference in the level of spiritual power achieved was stark and, quite frankly, astonishing. Superior methods produced power that could decimate results borne of inferior practices in a matter of moments.
Beside her, Brother Zhang—whose given name was Zhang Wenye—listened intently, his eyes filled with quiet curiosity as they measured Fang Jin Yu. "Exactly," Fang Jin Yu declared with a hint of proud modesty, "when it comes to the Wind and Thunder Technique at the Qi Condensation stage, I dare say none in this sect have delved as deeply into its mysteries as I have." His words, though delivered in a tone of playful arrogance, were meant both to impress and to test the waters. Rumors of such breakthroughs were common fodder for gossip, yet they remained just that—rumor.
More than anything else, Fang Jin Yu's self-assured pronouncement was a calculated attempt to seize upon a potential opportunity. He had no intention of involving Su Yi'er in this particular matter, but he was well aware that the current turn of events was closely linked with the obsessive tendencies of her strict—and somewhat eccentric—master. Open conflict was not an option. At the Foundation Second Layer, he would not dare to recklessly provoke Golden Core cultivators in broad daylight. Yet, by making a subtle move—one that was small in scope but daring enough—he was, in his mind, positioning himself to intercept a certain opportunity that might very well alter the balances of power. It was a small, mischievous act, but one that he was prepared to carry out with a boldness that even surpassed the audacity of his earlier feats.
The Crucible of Fate and Financial Reckoning
As the day slipped away into evening, Fang Jin Yu's triumphant breakthrough was accompanied by the bittersweet sting of financial loss. The earlier catastrophic blast of his alchemy furnace—a spectacular but costly accident—had drained nearly half of his accumulated spirit stones. "I've only got twenty thousand left now," he murmured to himself, a tone laden with the nostalgic pain of having to start over. It was as though he'd been thrust back to square one, stripped of the wealth he'd painstakingly amassed.
Yet, in the tumultuous world of cultivation, every setback served as a lesson on the arduous path to greatness. The sale of his Foundation elixirs—though modest in scale compared to the legendary miracles of Qi-stage Summoning Spirit Pills—had not been in vain. His latest batch of small-entry Tao Mystical Pills, priced at three hundred spirit stones apiece, had even brought him a tidy sum when he sold seventy of them. Such transactions served not only as a vital injection of funds but also as a public testament to his rising reputation as a Foundation alchemist of note.
It was this delicate balance—managing both the financial constraints of mortal existence and the relentless pursuit of cultivation that truly defined the life of a cultivator. Spirit stones, mined from the mountains near potent spiritual veins, were the lifeblood of everyday transactions among cultivators and the ruling powers alike. In contrast, spirit pearls—the five elemental varieties said to capture the very essence of heaven and earth—were far rarer, their spiritual energy so pristine that almost all such pearls eventually came under the dominion of Golden Core masters. Fang Jin Yu even recalled reading about a fabled Thunder Spirit Pearl that was rumored to be in the hands of a low-level cultivator on another mystical cultivation continent. Such grandiose exchanges, however, belonged to a future realm of possibility that was yet distant from his own immediate battles.
For now, though, his tender focus remained on preparing for his upcoming closed-door seclusion. With his cultivation now boosted to the Second Layer of the Foundation stage—an achievement that was remarkable for an unbacked soul in his age—he was eager to lock himself away in meditation and study. This retreat, he hoped, would further accelerate his breakthroughs and help him gradually climb toward even loftier goals.
During this period, he made a calculated decision regarding his alchemical production. The leftover supply of small-entry Tao Mystical Pills was split into two parts. One portion was sold to regain some of the lost spirit stones, while the other portion was devoted to Tian Ling Sect as an offering in exchange for merit points. Such merit was essential; in the competitive world of Foundation alchemy, the rights to borrow superior pill formulas and to secure access to the necessary medicinal herbs were granted in carefully managed batches. Fang Jin Yu had initially only been given the most foundational privileges. This was precisely why he had refrained from concocting the far more effective Summoning Spirit Pills—he needed to first polish the success rate of the simpler Tao Pills (which had now reached the pivotal thirty percent success threshold) before venturing further. In doing so, he ensured that he would eventually be recognized as a standard Foundation alchemist—a status that Tian Ling Sect championed with all the conveniences and support that came with it.
Moreover, many of the rare herbs necessary for the production of elite pills were available only in exchange for merit points. According to the ancient "Ten Directions Xun Zhen Sutra," there was even a divine technique—one that could only be practiced by those who had attained the Second Layer of the Foundation stage—whose materials could mostly be acquired through such merit. For the few crucial items that were not so easily exchanged, Fang Jin Yu planned to search the mysterious Lingdu Secret Realm for them.
New Encounters and the Lingdu Secret Realm's Opening
After another half-month passed, the long-awaited day finally arrived: the Lingdu Secret Realm opened its hidden gates. Fang Jin Yu was overcome with a surge of complex emotions. Once, that very realm had nearly been the death knell of his life; now, though he had indirectly incurred the wrath of a certain love-obsessed Golden Core cultivator, he felt relatively secure. After all, being sheltered within the walls of Tian Ling Sect offered an impenetrable defense—especially against those governed by the ironclad edicts of the ancient Yuan Ying realm old ancestor. No one dared to risk defying those rules.
When the sect leader had earlier summoned him, Fang Jin Yu had seized the brief moment to quietly ask about the old ancestor's traditions. In response, he had received an answer that was both expected and curt. The leader even hinted that, though the old ancestor rarely involved himself in day-to-day affairs—and when he did, he was affable and without airs—he was known to change things on a whim and even bestow small opportunities on Qi Condensation disciples. Yet these gifts came with a strict condition: the rules the old ancestor had long established must never be violated. The leader did not go into detail, perhaps because he was either unaware or simply reluctant to speak of events long past.
Given that the Lingdu Secret Realm was open for only a single day, there was no need for elaborate preparation. Fang Jin Yu arrived early, openly displaying his cultivation level without hide or disguise. Instead, he calmly activated his "Discipline Pearl," a subtle signal that spoke of both readiness and respect for the kingdom's rigid code. The realm itself lay between two looming mountain peaks—a location that might seem nondescript at first glance, but which, according to lore, had been carved out by the old ancestor after acquiring a miraculous object.
At this moment, the realm was sparsely populated; only three individuals set foot within its borders. In an intriguing twist of fate, two of these souls were acquaintances from his previous life—people he knew well and had shared the bittersweet memory of having lost close kin during sacrifices made to Tian Ling Sect. However, unlike his former self, these two now enjoy positions of some influence; one had married into a renowned cultivation family, and the other had secured a union with a family of similar repute. Both families boasted the support of established Golden Core cultivators, a fact that gave them an undeserved air of confidence in their station.
"Brother Zhang, Sister Xu," Fang Jin Yu greeted them warmly as he approached, extending his fists in a respectful salute. "Greetings, Uncle Fang," they responded in surprise, quickly bowing in deference. Being only at the ninth level of Qi Condensation and despite their noble backgrounds, they dared not be too forward in the presence of a Foundation cultivator—unless they themselves were the direct heirs of their families.
"From now on, you may call me Brother Fang, and you can address us as your junior brothers and sisters," said Xu Tingyu in a gentle, affectionate tone.
"That is agreeable," replied Fang Jin Yu, with a wave of nonchalance that belied his inner ambitions.
Encouraged by this familiar exchange, Xu Tingyu's eyes shone with a spark of delight as she inquired, "Brother Fang, I heard that you have truly mastered the essence of the Wind and Thunder Technique and have harnessed tremendous spiritual power in your breakthrough?"
The question was not trivial. Everyone in the sect recalled his earlier achievement, when the superior method was awarded to him. In peer circles, even a slight difference in cultivated power was glaringly apparent—superior techniques could produce results that made inferior practices seem laughably feeble. Beside her, Brother Zhang Wenye's eyes flickered with curiosity as he silently awaited Fang Jin Yu's reply.
"Indeed," Fang Jin Yu said, a small note of pride in his voice. "In matters of the Qi Condensation Wind and Thunder Technique, I dare say that no one in our sect delves as deeply or with as much insight as I do." He made sure his statement was both a declaration and a calculated reminder of his progress. It was also a subtle maneuver—an attempt, perhaps, to capture a little extra opportunity for himself. Although this had little to do with Su Yi'er directly, it was inextricably linked to her strict, perhaps even neurotic, master—a man whose influence still rippled across the corridors of the sect.
At the present moment, openly exacting revenge was unthinkable. At the Second Layer of the Foundation stage, Fang Jin Yu simply could not afford to confront a Golden Core cultivator overtly. It wasn't merely a matter of boldness—no, even if one possessed considerable courage, the situation required a far more delicate, calculated move. And so he decided to act not with brash insistence but with an audacious subtlety—an approach that was, if nothing else, unexpectedly daring.
The Aftermath, Exchanges, and New Opportunities
With his cultivation breakthrough secure, Fang Jin Yu found himself facing the inevitable next phase: consolidating his gains while preparing for the future. He knew that in the competitive world of cultivation, even modest success was not enough; one had to continually supply both the means and the merit for further breakthroughs. And so, he set about his work with a renewed sense of purpose.
He divided his remaining stock of small-entry Tao Mystical Pills into two portions. One portion was sold to recover lost spirit stones from previous setbacks, and the other portion he dedicated to Tian Ling Sect, exchanging it for hard-earned merit points. These merit points, as everyone in the sect well understood, were crucial. The privileged right to borrow the advanced formulas for Foundation pills—and thereby to exchange for the corresponding medicinal herbs—was distributed in stages. Previously, Fang Jin Yu had only been granted access to the most rudimentary tier. This was precisely why he had refrained from producing the more effectual Summoning Spirit Pills and instead had focused on the simpler, Foundation first-layer Tao Pills. In refining their success rate to a critical thirty percent, he ensured that he would be considered a legitimate Foundation alchemist—a status that Tian Ling Sect actively encouraged by offering a host of conveniences and benefits.
Further, many of the rare herbs required to produce higher-grade pills could only be acquired through merit. According to the revered "Ten Directions Xun Zhen Sutra," one divine technique—practiced only after reaching the Second Layer of the Foundation realm—required several spiritual objects. Most of them could be procured via merit points, while any that were missing, Fang Jin Yu planned to seek out within the mysterious confines of the Lingdu Secret Realm.
Then, with half a month of seclusion complete, Fang Jin Yu's long-planned closed-door retreat ended. Now, radiant with the newfound strength of having broken through to the Second Layer of Foundation, he returned with a mix of satisfaction and practical ambition. Although his cultivated level might not be considered top-ranking among Foundation practitioners as a whole, for a young cultivator with no influential background, his progress was nothing short of extraordinary. Many unbacked cultivators at the Foundation stage struggled for decades—sometimes only reaching the Second Layer in their seventies. Fang Jin Yu, however, had achieved it in a fraction of that time.
With his breakthrough secured, he turned his attention to further capitalizing on his success. He sold the remaining portion of his small-entry Tao Pills not only to bolster his spirit stone reserves but also to convert them into merit value—a currency that would prove indispensable in the coming trials. This meticulous exchange was in line with the sect's requirements: Foundation alchemy specialists needed to acquire the right to exchange and borrow advanced medicinal herbs, and such privileges were granted in measured batches. Fang Jin Yu's earlier decision to focus on the simpler pills allowed him to raise his formation success rate to the necessary threshold, officially marking him as a standard Foundation alchemist.
Tian Ling Sect itself had been deliberately pushing for internal cultivation of alchemy skills. Its generous policies in providing resources and easing restrictions were the main reasons behind the sect's flourishing alchemy tradition. One example was that many of the higher-level pills—like the Summoning Spirit Pills—could only be exchanged using merit points, no matter how good their efficacy was. Further, within the venerable "Ten Directions Xun Zhen Sutra" was included a powerful divine technique which only those who had reached the Second Layer of Foundation could begin to train. Most of the exotic spiritual items necessary for that technique could be obtained in exchange for merit value, a fact that further motivated Fang Jin Yu to secure every possible advantage.
Meeting Old Acquaintances in the Secret Realm
As the Lingdu Secret Realm's single day of accessibility arrived, Fang Jin Yu, filled with mixed emotions, made his way to the designated meeting point. He recalled how, not too long ago, that very realm had nearly cost him his life. Now, though he had incurred the ire of a love-obsessed Golden Core cultivator in a previous incident, he felt relatively well-protected behind the impervious walls of his sect. The ancient edicts of the Yuan Ying realm old ancestor were not to be trifled with—no one dared to transgress them.
Having been summoned earlier by the sect leader, Fang Jin Yu had used that brief moment to ask about the mysterious circumstances surrounding the old ancestor. The leader's response was predictably vague—a reminder that the old ancestor, though rarely interfering and refreshingly casual when he chose to, had once set down strict rules during his youthful days. These rules were sacrosanct and not to be violated under any circumstance. Whether the sect leader fully comprehended the intricacies of those events or simply feared the repercussions was unclear, but the message was obvious: the old ancestor's decree was absolute.
Fang Jin Yu arrived at the Lingdu Secret Realm well ahead of schedule. He didn't hide his cultivation level; rather, he activated his "Jie Lv Zhu" (Discipline Pearl) so that everyone would know he was prepared for the encounter. The Lingdu Secret Realm was hidden in the thin space between two mountain peaks—a location that, in ordinary times, appeared completely nondescript. Yet legend recounted that this realm had been carved out by the old ancestor when, by chance, he had obtained a miraculous object.
Inside, there were only a few people. By a noteworthy coincidence, two of those present were individuals whom Fang Jin Yu recognized from his previous life—people with whom he had shared the bittersweet bonds of kinship, both having lost close family members in sacrificial rituals for Tian Ling Sect. However, unlike in his former life, these two now carried influential backgrounds—one had married into a prominent cultivation family, and the other had allied herself by marrying a member of another such lineage. Their families were far from ordinary; they boasted the presence of Golden Core masters, and this lent them an air of caution in the presence of a Foundation cultivator.
"Brother Zhang, Sister Xu," Fang Jin Yu greeted them warmly, bowing with cupped fists in the traditional manner. "Greetings, Uncle Fang," the two responded in startled unison, hastily showing their respect. Despite their noble lineage and established cultivation, they were still only at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, and their deference in the face of a Foundation cultivator was both natural and expected.
"Let us then call you Brother Fang, and you may refer to us as your junior siblings," Xu Tingyu said in a gentle, comforting tone.
"That works for me," Fang Jin Yu replied casually.
Encouraged by the exchange, Xu Tingyu's eyes gleamed as she leaned in and inquired, "Brother Fang, is it true that you have grasped the true essence of the Wind and Thunder Technique and have pushed your spiritual power to break through accordingly?"
The inquiry did not come as a surprise—everyone inside the sect was aware of his past achievement of mastering a superior technique. When one cultivated a refined method, the disparity in power between superior and inferior techniques was immediately evident; the heightened power produced by an advanced technique was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Beside her, Brother Zhang Wenye's eyes shone with silent curiosity as he watched Fang Jin Yu closely, awaiting his response. "Indeed," Fang Jin Yu replied with a quiet arrogance that was both playful and calculated. "I daresay that on matters of the Qi Condensation Wind and Thunder Technique, no one in the sect has delved as deeply as I have."
His statement was not only meant to project confidence but also to test whether the opportunity for further advancement might fall into his lap. Notably, this opportunity had nothing to do with Su Yi'er directly but was inextricably linked to her rather eccentric master—whose obsession with romantic entanglements often led to unpredictable challenges.
At the moment, openly retaliating against the Golden Core cultivators was out of the question. Although reaching the Second Layer of Foundation was commendable in itself, vocally challenging those above him might prove disastrous. Instead, Fang Jin Yu opted for a subtle maneuver—a minor provocative act that, while small in scope, was daring enough to signal his readiness to seize advantage. In doing so, he was confident that even as he maintained an outward veneer of calm, he was positioning himself in a way that could yield rewards when the next opportunity arose.
The Weight of Rivalries and Hidden Ambitions
As the Lingdu Secret Realm day unfolded, the atmosphere was a mixture of awe, tension, and camaraderie—the intricate interplay of fate at its best. Fang Jin Yu's eyes, however, did not stray far from the little girl whose destiny he sensed was peculiar from the beginning. He had recalled the ominous warning about Su Yi'er's pond, where, according to legend, an "old fish" swam—a metaphor for the aged Yuan Ying realm master who, in his prime, indulged in youthful exploits. That ancient warning had once been repeated to Su Yi'er on the eve of her own candidate breakthrough, cautioning her about the perils of the Pill-Smashing ritual. In that warning, it was said that if something went wrong during the process, a minor error could simply fragment the nascent Yuan Ying from the body, while a serious misstep might force a total reincarnation. In other words, even if the practitioner failed to secure entry into the Yuan Ying realm, their attempt still indicated that they had reached close enough to that stage for Heaven to grant them three additional chances at life.
Fang Jin Yu, possessing all this recollection and insight—and certain that the little girl before him was one such individual who had narrowly experienced a mishap during the Pill-Smashing process—felt no need for long explanations. He had already taken her, under his careful guidance, to Xiahe Peak, where he had instructed her in the delicate art of controlling the array that surrounded a proper Inner-Domain. Afterwards, he had promptly entered his own long-awaited seclusion. Although his body left the communal area of Xiahe Peak, he had ensured that his personal cave—a well-fortified retreat he had painstakingly prepared—remained his home.
To further protect his retreat during seclusion, Fang Jin Yu had invested several thousand spirit stones into erecting a defensive formation known as the "Mountain Formation." This clever construct employed the natural strength of the local terrain, rendering it nearly impenetrable to any would-be intruder at the Foundation stage. Because this defensive array required merely an ample supply of spirit stone energy rather than the constant upkeep of spiritual power, it even allowed non-cultivators to appreciate its formidable appearance. It was common, for example, in the residences of high-ranking officials and established families in the mortal court, to see similar arrangements designed to ward off adversaries.
With his defenses in order and his resolve steeled, Fang Jin Yu began his period of closed-door meditation. For the first time in his life, he indulged in the intoxicating joy of "pilling" cultivation—swallowing one spirit elixir after another. As each pill coursed through his body, he experienced a rush of vitality that affirmed the fundamental truth of all cultivation: that swift, internal progress was the only sure way to extend one's fleeting mortal life. It was not the outward appearance of powerful spirit weapons or magical artifacts that determined success but the inner cultivation that root and dictated a cultivator's true potential.
Half a month passed in rapid succession, and when the time came for him to emerge, Fang Jin Yu found that his breakthrough had indeed arrived sooner than expected. His cultivation had leapt to the Second Layer of the Foundation stage—a milestone which, although not considered extraordinary among the highest echelons, was a testament to his prodigious talent considering his humble origins. In contrast to many fellow Foundation cultivators with influential backgrounds who often took decades to reach this stage, Fang Jin Yu's achievement was a beacon of hope and a harbinger of future glory.
Not one to simply rest on his laurels, he quickly took steps to consolidate his resources. The remaining batch of small-entry Tao Mystical Pills was divided between selling for spirit stones and offering them to Tian Ling Sect in exchange for merit points. As per the sect's policies, the potion exchange system for Foundation-stage formulas was allocated in batches, and the permission to access higher-grade herbs was closely guarded. This system was designed to encourage cultivation in alchemy, and Tian Ling Sect actively promoted such practices as part of its grand strategy to maintain a stable core of Foundation-level cultivators.
After all was settled, Fang Jin Yu thought back to his earlier musings about the value of cultivation. He had finally come to fully understand why these elixirs were so expensive. It was not simply that their demand exceeded supply, but because they were the very cornerstone of a cultivator's progress—priceless investments in one's longevity and ultimate transcendence. While spirit weapons or mystical artifacts might dazzle with their raw power, they did little to improve a cultivator's inner strength. In the long, treacherous journey toward immortality, rapid internal cultivation was the only true asset.
Reunion and Rivalry in the Lingdu Secret Realm
On the day that the Lingdu Secret Realm opened to the outside world, Fang Jin Yu was filled with a stirring blend of anticipation and nostalgia. Arriving at the realm's threshold, he had no qualms in revealing his full cultivation level. With the discipline pearl activated, he welcomed any inquiries from those gathered within. Unbeknownst to him, fate had already arranged a subtle reunion with the little girl whose destiny had once again cast its shadow over his path.
As he moved through the quiet corridors of the realm, he occurred upon a scene in an open courtyard. There, a small group of Qi Condensation disciples had gathered around the little girl, who was clearly in high spirits—laughing and running freely under the benign watch of the ancient peaks. But as soon as Fang Jin Yu approached, the disciples immediately shifted their demeanor, bowing respectfully and drawing back to make way for the renowned Foundation cultivator.
"Still the center of attention, aren't you?" he teased gently, his tone light yet imbued with a touch of amusement.
The girl's retort came swiftly, edged with the frank boldness that had become her trademark: "Are you stupid? It isn't that they fancy me—they're all trying to please you by flattering you indirectly!" Her words, though playful, carried an unmistakable sting of truth. The candidness of her speech and the unfiltered nature of the banter that had grown between them over time touched Fang Jin Yu's heart. Over the course of their repeated encounters, he had come to accept, even cherish, her forthright manner. It was said that when angry, this little one could sometimes unleash a flicker of formidable energy—an echo of a power that, on previous occasions, had briefly attracted the attention of three Golden Core cultivators during a fracas at a shady market.
Indeed, that incident still lingered in his memory as proof that even a seemingly innocent child might harbor the potential for extraordinary strength. Although the surge of energy from her had been ephemeral, it confirmed that fate had bestowed upon her a spark of something beyond the ordinary—a possibility that she might someday mature into a formidable Golden Core cultivator.
In that moment, Fang Jin Yu's heart skipped a beat. If this little girl were indeed someone who had experienced the bitter aftermath of a failed Pill-Smashing ritual—only to be granted three reincarnations as a second chance—then her potential value as an ally was immense. Even if, in the near term, she reverted to the level of a mere Qi practitioner, the prospect of her eventually stabilizing and blossoming into a true Golden Core presence excited him. Such an eventuality would render her not only a loyal friend but also a strategic asset—a "ready-made thigh" upon which he could lean should turbulent times arise.
Yet, even as these thoughts churned in his mind, the realities of the sect's social order and his own ambitions kept him firmly grounded. Already well aware of the financial pressures he faced after his earlier mishap with the alchemical furnace, Fang Jin Yu knew that every connection, every alliance, had to be weighed carefully in the light of future opportunities. His current position was one of both promise and vulnerability—a delicate balance maintained by strategic actions and calculated daring.
As the Lingdu Secret Realm's day slowly drew to a close, and the crowd dwindled to only a few scattered souls, Fang Jin Yu prepared himself for the next phase of his journey. It was time to return to his private quarters and once again commence his long period of seclusion—a period during which he would intensively refine his inner cultivation by "pilling" his way closer to higher realms. This self-imposed isolation was not only a chance to consolidate his breakthroughs but also an opportunity to search for and secure the more elusive spiritual objects he needed, particularly those that might be traded in for merit if they could not be found by conventional means.
Looking to the Future Amid Old Alliances
In the calm that followed his return to the secret haven within his cave, Fang Jin Yu's thoughts turned to yet another matter—the lingering connections from his past life, the ones that still mattered despite the rapid changes of fortune that the life of a cultivator always entailed. Among these was the relationship with two individuals from his former circle: acquaintances whose paths had diverged for a time but who now reappeared, each buoyed by newfound social capital. One had wed into an established cultivation family, and the other had married into another similarly powerful clan. Both families, respected in their own right with Golden Core masters at the helm, lent credibility to these erstwhile friends.
When Fang Jin Yu had met them at the Lingdu Secret Realm, they had been quick to show their respect, bowing as if in deference to a man whose talent was already evident. Their status—even at just the ninth level of Qi Condensation—was such that they dared not appear too brazen in front of someone who had reached the Foundation stage. Their exchange was one navigated with both affection and cautious prudence; an informal greeting that evoked the remnants of a shared past while respecting the profound progress each had achieved individually.
"Brother Fang, from now on, let us be known as friends, not merely childhood playmates," Xu Tingyu had said softly, with the warmth of someone who had cherished millions of small moments over the years.
"Very well," Fang Jin Yu had agreed, his reply resonating as much with quiet indifference as with an acknowledgement of growing bonds.
And then came the probing question: "Brother Fang, is it true that you've truly grasped the essence of the Wind and Thunder Technique, and that you've accumulated enough spiritual power to break through with it?"
It was a question of both pride and challenge—one that both tested his own resolve and served as a benchmark for his continued progress. As he responded with a mix of playful arrogance and measured truth ("There is none in the sect who knows it as deeply as I do"), Fang Jin Yu realized that he was not only involved in the pursuit of personal power but also in the subtle interplay of alliances and rivalries that defined the world of cultivation. His deliberate display was intended, in part, to signal that he was ready to intercept any opportunity that might otherwise fall into the hands of those who would seek to challenge or, worse, undermine him.
For while he maintained an outward calm and a façade of modest indulgence, internally he was devising a plan—a small, yet daring strategy—that might, in time, disrupt the established order. This move, he knew, was not aimed directly at Su Yi'er but was inexorably linked with her irascible master's ambitions. Even now, though he dared not provoke open confrontation with Golden Core cultivators (for such a move would be both reckless and premature), Fang Jin Yu was more than willing to lay subtle traps—pawns in a game that he intended to win with quiet, ruthless determination.
In Summation: Ambition, Fate, and the Unyielding Path Ahead
As the Lingdu Secret Realm's day ended and twilight gave way to a star-strewn night, Fang Jin Yu withdrew to his private sanctuary with a heavy yet determined heart. Every experience—the stern warnings of the old Yuan Ying master from Su Yi'er's pond, the explosive setback in his alchemy chamber, the successful sale of his modest elixirs, and even the measured banter with long-lost acquaintances—had all coalesced into a tapestry of fate from which he continued to draw strength and insight.
His mind was filled with the realization that even the greatest setbacks could be transformed into opportunities. The austere lessons of the Pill-Smashing process—where a minor error could lead to the splitting of one's spiritual and physical selves, and a major one could force reincarnation—had become a distant echo in his own journey. Yet they served as a constant reminder that reaching even the threshold of the Yuan Ying realm came with its own risks and chances. In fact, Heaven itself granted a cultivator three opportunities to face the consequences of such near misses—a thought that now made him view the little girl, with all her inexplicable misfortunes and latent power, with both tenderness and cautious excitement.
Though he still had much to learn and many challenges ahead, Fang Jin Yu's breakthrough in the Foundation realms marked only the beginning. With every spirit stone earned and every merit point acquired, he was steadily building both his inner strength and his position within Tian Ling Sect. Now, as he prepared to reenter the world outside his cave—with plans to search the Lingdu Secret Realm for rare spiritual objects and to consolidate further alliances with friends old and new—he knew that his journey was far from over.
The price of progress in cultivation was steep. Financial setbacks, explosive accidents, and the ever-looming specter of fate's caprice were all part of the tapestry of a cultivator's life. Yet, through it all, Fang Jin Yu's resolve had crystallized into something unyielding: the fierce determination to overcome every obstacle and to seize every precious opportunity, no matter how small or subtle. His bold, sometimes audacious moves, his willingness to risk a minimal act of provocation, and his unspoken readiness to intercept hidden chances were all part of the grand design—a design in which fate, ambition, and destiny were inextricably interwoven.
For him, there was no turning back. The path of cultivation was long and arduous, and every broken pill, every meticulously refined elixir, every measured conversation, and every carefully planted formation was a step toward that elusive goal of immortality. As the first hints of dawn crept over the horizon, promising another day of challenges and opportunities, Fang Jin Yu took a deep, steadying breath. He knew that while the journey ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, it was also illuminated by the faint, guiding light of destiny—a light that, once followed with true purpose, would eventually lead him to the pinnacle of his power.
Thus, with renewed determination and a keen eye on both the hidden mysteries of alchemy and the subtle currents of fate, Fang Jin Yu's saga continued. Here, in the delicate balance of ambition and humility, of intricate alliances and covert rivalries, he forged his destiny. His life was a testament to the unwavering belief that, regardless of the formidable setbacks and unpredictable turns that lay ahead, every challenge was an opportunity—each a necessary stepping stone on the unyielding path toward legendary greatness.
Epilogue: The Promise of a Bold Future
In the silent hours following his return, as the Lingdu Secret Realm's gates slowly closed behind him, Fang Jin Yu found a quiet moment to reflect. His success in reaching the Second Layer of the Foundation stage, while still modest in the grand scope of immortal cultivation, was a beacon of hope for a young man with no influential backing. The alliances he had reestablished, the lessons learned from past mishaps, and the ever-persistent pulse of fate resonating in his heart all combined to fuel an unquenchable ambition.
He knew that there were still rivals to outmaneuver, secrets to uncover, and opportunities to seize. And though he had deliberately refrained from any overt confrontation—especially against the formidable Golden Core cultivators whose might and pride filled the halls of Tian Ling Sect—he was already planning small, incisive moves. Moves that might, in time, shift the balance of power in his favor while leaving his enemies none the wiser. It was not a revenge openly declared, nor a challenge thrust down into broad daylight. Rather, it was a surreptitious maneuver, one that hinted at his willingness to be as bold as he was discreet. A move so audacious that even his casual remarks about the Wind and Thunder Technique in front of his newfound acquaintances served as a subtle warning to those who might otherwise take him lightly.
For Fang Jin Yu, every moment of introspection, every memory of ancient warnings and familial legacies, strengthened his resolve. Even the seemingly trivial reminders of Su Yi'er's legendary pond—with its "old fish" that turned out not to be a fish at all but the embodiment of a bygone era's power—were constant signifiers that the path of cultivation was never linear. Instead, it was a winding, unpredictable journey where the ghost of past mistakes and the promise of future redemption coexisted in a delicate balance.
And so, as the new day beckoned, Fang Jin Yu stepped forward into a future fraught with potential—a future where, with every new heartbeat and every consumed elixir, he inched ever closer to the ultimate goal of transcending mortal limitations. In that future, his name would be spoken with reverence among the ranks of those who had mastered both the art of alchemy and the capricious dance of fate.
In conclusion, Fang Jin Yu's journey—marked by the remembrance of old cautions, the calculated risks in alchemy, the nurturing of unexpected alliances, and the relentless pursuit of internal strength—stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit even in a world where cultivation meets fate at every turn. As he continues to walk the treacherous path toward immortal glory, every choice he makes, every ounce of spiritual power he accumulates, and every quiet moment of seclusion shapes not only his destiny but also the intricate tapestry of the immortal realms.
May this richly woven translation offer you a window into a world where every shattered pill, every small array of spirit stones, and every encounter—no matter how fleeting—carries the promise of a brighter, bolder future. If you wish to explore further nuances of Fang Jin Yu's internal struggles, his subtle interactions with fate, or the deeper mysteries behind the ancient edicts and the role of the old ancestor's rules, there remains much more to unravel in this epic saga of cultivation.