30: Chapter 30: Making a Deal with Hong Fu!

"Now that you are both Disciples of the School, whether you can achieve Foundation Establishment depends on your own ability. To achieve Foundation Establishment, you must first obtain a foundation establishment pill. There are three ways to get this pill. The first is the Immortal Ascension Assembly, but this method is no longer suitable for you. Since this is a way to join the Sect, you can no longer use it to get a foundation establishment pill, and with your strength, you wouldn't be able to get it anyway."

"The second is similar to the Immortal Ascension Assembly, but it is an internal competition within the Sect. It is held roughly every ten years, and the top ten finishers can receive a foundation establishment pill. Of course, if one's performance is outstanding and their Aptitude is sufficient, it can also be obtained. But the possibility is too low, and your Aptitude is completely insufficient. This Aptitude must be either a Heavenly Spiritual Root, a Variant Spiritual Root, or a Dual-attribute Spiritual Root with a special Physique. In any case, it won't be your turn. After all, you both know your Spiritual Root Aptitudes."

These blunt, discouraging words were easier for Han Li to take, but Zhang Tie's expression turned a bit unsightly.

However, he didn't feel any resentment in his heart; he had always been obedient to Zhao Changsheng and never complained.

"As for the third method, it's the Blood-Colored Forbidden Land. This place is where the Seven Sects jointly obtain the Spirit Medicine for refining foundation establishment pills, meaning it is a place you must go. However, the number of people entering each time is fixed, with a limit on quantity, and it is extremely dangerous; otherwise, it wouldn't be called the Blood-Colored Forbidden Land. There is an opportunity every five years, but entering with your strength is basically seeking death. Yet, this might also be the only chance. Therefore, you must seize the time to Cultivate. Remember, do not cause trouble within the Sect, and do not provoke anyone. Of course, if someone provokes you, you don't need to be polite—fight if you can win, and run if you can't. If there's truly no other way, use my name; I believe no one will trouble you then."

Zhao Changsheng patiently explained the internal affairs of the Sect to Han Li and Zhang Tie. Although he had already mentioned a lot on the way, the specific details still needed to be discussed.

After the explanation, he took the two of them on a tour of the Sect to give the brothers a general understanding of the entire School, while also arranging a job for each of them.

Han Li, as in the original plot, was responsible for helping Old Man Ma manage the Hundred Herbs Garden.

As for Zhang Tie, Zhao Changsheng arranged for him to be in the Artifact Refining Room and had one of the Artifact Refiners teach Zhang Tie how to refine Magical Artifacts.

To put it plainly, he wanted Zhang Tie to become an Artifact Refiner—because on the way, Zhao Changsheng discovered that Zhang Tie had quite a bit of talent for Artifact Refining, so he naturally wanted to help. Moreover, having an Artifact Refiner by his side would make refining things much easier in the future.

Regarding Zhao Changsheng's requests, almost no one in Yellow Maple Valley would refuse.

After all, everyone knew that Zhao Changsheng would most likely become a Core Formation Stage Cultivator in the future, and he had the backing of Yellow Maple Valley's number one Core Formation Cultivator. Who would dare provoke him?

Countless Disciples were extremely envious of Zhang Tie and Han Li for being able to associate with Zhao Changsheng. Although there was envy and jealousy, no one dared to provoke them—unless their heads were stuck in a door, they would never go looking for trouble over such matters, as the consequences would be severe.

After handling Zhang Tie and Han Li's affairs, Zhao Changsheng returned to his Immortal Cave and began researching how to eliminate the Black Fiend Cult in the State of Yue's imperial palace as quickly as possible. To him, this was the most important matter at hand.

Zhao Changsheng's Realm had now reached Foundation Establishment Mid-stage. He had more than five top-grade magic tools, talisman treasures for protection, several sets of Formations mastered, and quite a few Puppets obtained from Senior Martial Brother Lin, all of which he could now control proficiently.

In terms of strength alone, even against a Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator, he could easily kill them.

However, the Sect Master of the Black Fiend Cult was no ordinary Late Stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator; calling him a Half-step Core Formation Stage wouldn't be an exaggeration. Thus, he knew that the success rate of wiping out the cult wasn't yet at 98%, and the risk remained significant—even with a powerful weapon like the heavenly thunder seed, the situation hadn't improved much.

"It seems I need to find a way to get more good items, otherwise I really won't be certain. Treasures like the heavenly thunder seed are rare and hard to come by; getting another one won't be easy... Should I ask Revered Master?"

In the Immortal Cave, Zhao Changsheng muttered to himself and finally decided to risk seeing his Revered Master—Hong Fu, the number one Core Formation Cultivator in Yellow Maple Valley.

Although Hong Fu didn't much like handsome and elegant men like him, he was not a man ordinary men could compare to.

As a Heavenly Spiritual Root Cultivator, he should naturally be valued, and no one would neglect or look down on him—after all, offending a future Core Formation Cultivator was a foolish act Hong Fu would never do... "Disciple Zhao Changsheng is here to request an audience with Revered Master!"

Half a day later, Zhao Changsheng stood outside Hong Fu's Immortal Cave, bowing with hands clasped toward the gate and clearly stating his intention.

As soon as he finished speaking, the light screen restriction outside the Immortal Cave's gate disappeared directly.

Immediately after, a familiar and graceful figure flew out from within—it was a beautiful Girl in Green Dress, looking charming and cute. However, her appearance was due to her Cultivation Technique; her true Realm had already reached Late Stage Foundation Establishment.

"Junior Brother greets Second Senior Sister!" Zhao Changsheng hurriedly paid his respects.

"Alright, don't be so formal. Hurry and come in with me."

The Girl in Green Dress smiled sweetly and directly urged him to enter the Immortal Cave.

"Yes, thank you, Second Senior Sister."

Hearing this, Zhao Changsheng bowed again and followed the Girl in Green Dress into the very familiar Immortal Cave.

Not long after, the two passed through a passage that wasn't particularly long and arrived at the Immortal Cave's main hall.

At this moment, there was only one figure in the hall, which was Hong Fu. Without a doubt, besides him and Second Senior Sister, there were only the Revered Master and Disciple, Hong Fu, in the Immortal Cave.

"Disciple pays respects to Revered Master." Upon seeing Hong Fu sitting solemnly in a chair, Zhao Changsheng immediately bowed with hands clasped, his movements practiced and natural.

The Second Senior Sister beside him followed suit, performing a graceful bow.

After the bow, Second Senior Sister walked behind Hong Fu, serving her obediently while also quietly winking at Zhao Changsheng.

Zhao Changsheng could only nod slightly in response, turning his gaze to Hong Fu, who had yet to speak, his heart unable to help but feel nervous—he really couldn't guess his Revered Master's current thoughts.

It wasn't until Hong Fu spoke, asking, "Speak, what is the matter?" that Zhao Changsheng breathed a sigh of relief and hurriedly stated the purpose of his visit: "Disciple has come this time primarily to make a deal with Revered Master."