140: Searching everywhere for the perfect answer

“The Inner Pavilion isn't special; it's just about working for the Zhenwu Pavilion and responding promptly when the pavilion has needs.”

Old Liu continued, “However, I've only heard about this. If you’re interested, I can ask the Branch Pavilion Master to speak with you personally.”

Jiang Lan’s eyes flickered.

“When there are needs.”

What exactly constitutes “when there are needs”?

Isn't that entirely up to the Zhenwu Pavilion?

In other words, if he agreed, he would indeed get the Cultivation Technique, but it would be like putting a shackles on himself, and he would definitely face many more restrictions in the future.

In that case, it might not be worth the trouble.

He was used to being free-spirited and unwilling to be commanded by others.

After a brief period of thought, Jiang Lan decided to give up on it for now.

There would be a way when the time came; he would first go to his destination for this trip.

Perhaps, just like when he killed that Rabbit Demon some time ago, he might coincidentally obtain some Cultivation Technique or something similar.

If it really didn't work out, it wouldn't be too late to return after he had accumulated enough lifespan.

Thinking of this, Jiang Lan said:

“No need.”

But as soon as he finished speaking, the door behind him was pushed open from outside.

Jiang Lan turned his head and saw a middle-aged man in a black robe, exuding an air of authority without anger, entering the room with a powerful stride like a Dragon and a tiger.

On his face was a hideous scar, almost completely traversing his entire face from top to bottom, winding and knotting.

Old Liu also saw the newcomer, and the surprise on his face deepened.

“Pavilion Master? Why are you here?”

The scar-faced middle-aged man, referred to as the Pavilion Master, nodded slightly to Old Liu and then said, “You go out first; I have something to say to this Brother.”

Old Liu agreed repeatedly and then left directly.

He didn't explain the scar-faced middle-aged man's background to Jiang Lan, but Jiang Lan wasn't foolish; he naturally understood that this scar-faced middle-aged man should be the Pavilion Master of this branch.

Judging by his strength, Jiang Lan guessed he was probably somewhere between the Early Stage and Middle Stage of Mortal Shedding.

After Old Liu left, the Pavilion Master spoke first:

“Little Brother, I just arrived here for an inspection and happened to overhear your conversation. That's why I came up, presumptuously wanting to meet you. Please don't take offense.”

Jiang Lan waved his hand.

“No offense, no offense.”

“My surname is Liu, and my given name is Wei,” the Pavilion Master introduced himself.

Jiang Lan responded, “Jiang Lan.”

Liu Wei nodded, wasting no words, and went straight to the point: “Brother Jiang, from what you said earlier, you are about to Breakthrough to a new Realm but lack a suitable Cultivation Technique?”

He then added, “Don’t misunderstand, you and I are both Mortal Shedding cultivators. As you know, Brother, I didn't intentionally eavesdrop.”

Jiang Lan nodded.

Mortal Shedding powerhouses have extremely keen senses. To exaggerate, even if a fly flapped its wings a mile away, they could hear it clearly.

So, even though they were on different floors, the sound of his conversation with Old Liu earlier could clearly reach Liu Wei’s ears.

“I indeed do not have a Cultivation Technique for the Core Formation Realm.”

Although the Cultivation Technique he had learned could be upgraded and modified by consuming lifespan, due to the nature of the Cultivation Technique itself, this upgrade always had its limits.

Moreover, if he wanted to Fusion Cultivation Techniques, it would require a large amount of lifespan.

Most importantly, the effect after Fusion could not be guaranteed.

That's why Jiang Lan was so concerned about Cultivation Techniques.

“I do have an idea. Would Brother be interested in hearing it?”

Jiang Lan became somewhat interested.

“What is it?”

Liu Wei didn't beat around the bush and said directly:

“Normally, if you want to exchange for a Core Formation Realm Cultivation Technique, it would cost no less than 100,000 contribution points. Although the Zhenwu Pavilion provides Cultivation Techniques upon entering the Inner Pavilion, Brother, you seem somewhat reluctant to join the Inner Pavilion.”

Jiang Lan blinked.

Actually, he wasn't particularly reluctant; he just didn't want to be restricted.

When he was in the Demon Suppression Division before, he had no choice.

And even when he was in the Demon Suppression Division, later on, he mostly did his own thing.

It was still the same saying: he was used to being free and unrestrained. If he suddenly had a shackles, he would definitely feel unhappy.

So, Jiang Lan’s previous idea was to take things one step at a time.

If it really didn't work out, he would wait until he had accumulated enough lifespan and strive to Breakthrough to Nascent Soul in one go.

By then, even if he entered the Zhenwu Pavilion's Inner Pavilion, with his strength, he would quickly become a high-ranking member of the Zhenwu Pavilion.

Liu Wei continued, “However, I do have an idea. I wonder if Brother is interested.”

Jiang Lan’s eyes flickered.

“Tell me about it?”

“The Cultivation Technique I cultivate can lead directly to the Core Formation Realm, and I can teach it to you.”

Jiang Lan raised an eyebrow.

“What’s the price?”

He didn't believe anyone would be that kind-hearted.

Although Liu Wei already knew the Cultivation Technique, they were not related, so there was no reason for Liu Wei to actively teach it to him.

Liu Wei must have some ulterior motive regarding him.

However, Jiang Lan was also open-minded; others naturally had no such obligation.

But whether he would agree in the end still depended on what Liu Wei was after.

Seeing Jiang Lan being so direct, Liu Wei smiled and said:

“I do indeed want to ask Brother for a favor.”

He then candidly explained:

“Some time ago, I accidentally stumbled into an Immortal Cave. To be honest, from my observation, that Immortal Cave should have been left behind by a senior. But before I could even enter, I was forced back out by the demon guarding inside the Immortal Cave.”

“What I seek is for the two of us to work together to kill that demon. As for the senior's relics within the Immortal Cave, we will split them fifty-fifty.”

Thoughts raced through Jiang Lan’s mind.

A demon... Liu Wei’s strength isn't weak. What kind of Realm would a demon that could force him back be?

At the very least, it would have to be similar in strength to Liu Wei.

If it were too strong, Liu Wei wouldn't have been able to escape.

A Mortal Shedding demon.

Thinking of this, Jiang Lan’s eyes slightly lit up.

If he killed a Mortal Shedding demon, how much lifespan could it provide him?

This deal, he'd do it!

As for whether there were any treasures inside the Immortal Cave, Jiang Lan didn't hold much hope.

It would be best if there were, but if there was nothing, he wouldn't be surprised.

With this in mind, Jiang Lan asked:

“Where did you say that place is?”

“So, Brother, you agree?” Liu Wei looked very happy as well.

“Yes, I'll go with you,” Jiang Lan said. “But I have one condition.”

Liu Wei repeatedly said, “Brother Jiang, please speak freely.”

“Can you teach me that Cultivation Technique first?” Fearing Liu Wei’s distrust, Jiang Lan added, “Don't worry, I won't run away.”

Liu Wei pondered for a moment, then said:

“Brother Jiang, it's not that I don't trust you. I can teach you the Cultivation Technique in advance, but the two of us must make a zhenwu pact.”

“zhenwu pact?” Jiang Lan was a little confused.

From the sound of it, it should be some kind of contract, but Jiang Lan had never heard the name zhenwu pact before.

“Yes, the zhenwu pact is a contract made between Brothers in my pavilion. If it is violated, the entire Zhenwu Pavilion will hunt them down.”