Gateway of Immortality

The Xuanming Tortoise Shell Array, with its dual capabilities of concealment and defense, perfectly matched Qin Sang's requirements. After expressing his gratitude to Sect Leader Yu, Qin Sang carefully put away the array flags of the Xuanming Tortoise Shell Array.

Sect Leader Yu then stood up, returned to the inner hall, and took out the disciples' jade records. He recorded Qin Sang's name under the Foundation Building Realm disciples.

The moment his name was written, a faint light flashed across the records, forming a jade waist token.

With the replacement of his waist token for a Foundation Building disciple, Qin Sang could now enjoy the benefits exclusive to those at this realm. The most exciting privilege for Qin Sang was that new Foundation Building disciples could, within their first month, freely browse the cultivation arts stored on Treasure Tower Peak with their waist token and select one free of charge for their own cultivation.

"These five middle-grade spirit stones are a one-time reward from the sect for reaching the Foundation Building Realm. However, every year, there will be annual offerings, where you can choose from spirit stones, spirit herbs, and other valuable items. Their value is up to you. Normally, the sect would also reward a cave dwelling, but since Junior Brother Qin has chosen to establish your own outside, you can go directly to the Spirit Beast Hall. According to the sect’s rules, Foundation Building disciples are no longer required to perform any menial tasks. However, there are always various duties in the sect that Qi Refining disciples cannot handle, and the rewards are quite generous, especially those involving the Ancient Immortal Battlefield. Junior Brother Qin, if you’re interested, you can take on some tasks. But, if the sect issues a direct decree, you must fulfill the assignment with utmost dedication. Refusal for any reason will be treated as betrayal of the sect, so be cautious…"

Sect Leader Yu's lengthy explanation outlined the rights and responsibilities of Foundation Building disciples.

Compared to Qi Refining disciples, Shaohua Mountain offered considerable leniency to those at the Foundation Building Realm. Apart from the rare mandatory decrees, Foundation Building disciples enjoyed considerable freedom.

If they were low on resources, they could find work at Sect Leader Peak. Nôv(el)B\\jnn

If they wished to focus on cultivation, they could close off their cave dwelling, and no one would disturb them.

The stark difference between the two realms in terms of status made Qin Sang sigh in admiration.

After chatting for a while longer, Qin Sang had gathered enough information. Since Sect Leader Yu already knew him well, Qin Sang decided to drop his pretense and cupped his hands, saying, "I didn’t mean to keep bothering you, Senior Brother, but I lack experience and know very little about cultivation after the Foundation Building Realm. I am unsure which cultivation art to choose. I humbly ask for your guidance."

Sect Leader Yu asked in return, "Junior Brother Qin, do you have any ideas of your own?"

Qin Sang had naturally thought about it already. The Jade Buddha protected his primordial spirit, and although the energy extraction technique had damaged his foundation, restoring it was something he had to do. Otherwise, he could forget about ever reaching the Core Formation Realm.

"I was wondering if there is a cultivation art that can help restore my vital energy and repair my foundation."

Sect Leader Yu gave Qin Sang a deep look, as if he had already anticipated this request, and said, "Treasure Tower Peak indeed has several arts that can help repair one’s foundation…"

Before Qin Sang could show any excitement, Sect Leader Yu abruptly changed the subject. "However, your case is different from others. The loss you’ve suffered is of your most essential vital energy. Only natural treasures born of heaven and earth can restore it. These arts would be less effective than the Nine-Yang Pill. Junior Brother Qin, it’s best not to waste time on them."

Hearing this, Qin Sang’s expression faltered, and he shook his head with a bitter smile. He had expected this, but the disappointment still stung.

"Senior Brother, you’re well aware of my aptitude. But I’m not willing to give up. Is there an art that could at least help me reach the threshold of the Core Formation Realm in my lifetime?"

Sect Leader Yu offered some comforting words and then said, "Since you have this desire, you should choose an art that allows for relatively fast progress. However, most of these arts lack defensive techniques. Without other means to defeat enemies, you’ll inevitably suffer during duels and be forced to avoid opponents of the same realm. While this might not be a problem during regular times, if you’re out on an expedition and find yourself competing for opportunities, only to be outmatched due to lack of strength, you will regret it. If you can accept this, Treasure Tower Peak has arts like Vital Core Art and Thoughtless Art that would suit you."

Upon hearing this, Qin Sang frowned slightly. He already had a damaged foundation, with his Qihai shrunk by a tenth compared to other cultivators at his realm. If he chose such an art, how could he ever hope to fight on equal footing with others?

The world of immortal cultivation wasn’t just about secluded cultivation—battles were often unavoidable.

For instance, when it came to forming a core, aside from the exceptional prodigies with Heavenly Spiritual Roots, most cultivators ventured out for years, fighting for rare opportunities to improve their chances of success.

Am I supposed to be a coward in the face of challenges, letting valuable opportunities slip away?

However, Qin Sang wasn’t naive. He understood that arts with powerful defensive techniques and advantages in battle came with high cultivation difficulty and likely weren’t suitable for him.

Qin Sang suddenly had a thought and asked, "Senior Brother, ever since my first day at Shaohua Mountain, I’ve often heard legends about Senior Qingzhu. It’s said that Senior Qingzhu didn’t have the most exceptional talent, yet not only was his cultivation speed remarkably fast, but his strength was also on par with others. Do you know which cultivation art Senior Qingzhu practiced?"

"You’re referring to that art!"

To Qin Sang’s surprise, Sect Leader Yu, like Senior Brother Wen before, showed a hint of apprehension when mentioning Senior Qingzhu’s cultivation art.

"That art is called Primordial Spirit Sword Nourishment. Other than Senior Qingzhu, no one else at Shaohua Mountain has successfully cultivated it. This isn’t just because the art is incomplete, but mainly due to its terrifying requirements for the cultivator—requirements no ordinary person could meet. Junior Brother Qin, if you visit Treasure Tower Peak, you’ll understand why."

Hearing this, Qin Sang became even more intrigued.

Especially with the words "primordial spirit" in the art’s name, his heart raced with excitement and imagination.

After spending a long time talking with Sect Leader Yu at Sect Leader Peak, the jade records on the table remained still without any sign of activity.

Sect Leader Yu glanced at Qin Sang with a strange expression, then said in an awkward tone, "No Core Formation masters are willing to accept you as their disciple, and Senior Aunt Mawu hasn’t responded either... But Junior Brother Qin, don’t be discouraged. There are many fellow disciples who cultivate on their own. As long as you work hard and persevere, you’ll eventually stand out, and the masters will take notice."

Every Core Formation master’s cave dwelling had one of these jade records.

When a Foundation Building disciple’s name was written on the jade records, other records would also receive the information. If a Core Formation master happened to see it and thought the disciple had promising potential, they might take them under their wing.

Although the disciple might not receive meticulous guidance from the master, it was still far better than cultivating blindly on their own.

Qin Sang had already expected this outcome, so he wasn’t disappointed. However, sensing a slight coolness in Sect Leader Yu’s attitude, he sighed inwardly. After bidding farewell to Sect Leader Yu, he returned to Treasure Tower Peak.

Upon arriving at the hall where the cultivation arts and spells were stored, Qin Sang encountered an acquaintance—the Gong-surnamed cultivator who had refused to become a furnace cauldron.