Chapter 654 - 56: Sect Saintess

Xiaojiu was naive and curious about the emotional experiences of Ning Sujin and Li Ji’an.

Thus, she often hinted at it before, admiring their feelings greatly.

However, Ning Sujin’s apparent bone age was nearly ninety, and only then did she manage to establish her foundation, clearly due to special means of the Evergreen Talisman Master, who was a True Man.

This also indicated that Ning Sujin’s talent might be poor, and Core Formation was certainly a luxury.

At this rate, Ning Sujin would still not outlive Longevity True Man.

This pair of lifelong companions would ultimately be separated by lifespan.

Xiaojiu didn’t want to see this outcome.

"Hehe, Xiaojiu, being able to establish my foundation is already satisfying. In this life, being able to accompany the old man until now is a blessing for three lifetimes." Ning Sujin laughed, patting Xiaojiu’s hand.

"How is that okay? Xiaojiu wants to see you truly grow old together, truly never separated in old age." Xiaojiu squatted beside Ning Sujin, obediently resting her head on Ning Sujin’s lap.

At these words, Ning Sujin gave a forlorn smile.

Although she currently had double the lifespan of Li Ji’an, she knew of Li Ji’an’s limitless possibilities. If she couldn’t reach the pinnacle, she was destined not to accompany Li Ji’an to the end.

Sometimes she felt relieved, having already been content, considering accompanying him for a part of the journey a fortunate thing.

But more often, especially with Li Ji’an’s gentleness and doting, she wished she could accompany him forever, unwilling to leave Li Ji’an alone in this world.

However, that was not something a Lifespan Extension Pill could solve.

She needed to press onward indefinitely on the cultivation path.

"Does Xiaojiu have someone in mind?" Ning Sujin changed the topic.

Xiaojiu’s pretty face instantly turned red. She had been raised by Funiu Ascendant since she was young, living here.

With the Ascendant’s protection, she was regarded as the Sect Saintess, and all eight senior brothers doted on her, leading a peaceful and fulfilling life.

This living environment also created her differing thoughts from ordinary cultivators.

She could expend excessive energy pondering worldly matters, allowing her feelings to move as her heart desired.

"I do, but I have yet to encounter someone who makes my heart flutter." After a moment of hesitation, Xiaojiu said with a reddened face.

"Don’t tell anyone else." She hurriedly added afterward.

"Hehe, don’t worry, Grandma isn’t that kind of person." Ning Sujin said with a smile.

"Why do I only meet those who pursue cultivation unscrupulously, whose minds are fully occupied with spiritual talent? Is life only about these?" Xiaojiu pouted, feeling quite bored.

Hearing this, Ning Sujin couldn’t help but laugh, realizing how rare such a mindset was in the Cultivation Realm: "In this world, without powerful strength and superior cultivation, who is qualified to talk about love? Who has the ability to protect this love?"

Xiaojiu was slightly taken aback, embarrassed, before quietly glancing in the direction where Li Ji’an was cultivating, whispering, "Master also says the same, but... hasn’t Grandpa Changqing protected you very well?"

"..." Ning Sujin paused, suddenly understanding Xiaojiu’s point.

Your Grandpa Changqing doesn’t have high True Core cultivation?

In ordinary people’s eyes, a Core Formation True Man is already the peak of humanity, but in Xiaojiu’s eyes, it may not be regarded as remarkable.

After all, her master is the utmost pinnacle here, and all eight senior brothers are of the True Man level.

Moreover, with her Celestial Grade Spirit Root and her master’s affection, she lacked no resources, making the Core Formation Realm indeed within easy reach.

"Hehe, your Grandpa Changqing is different."

"By the way, why hasn’t Grandpa Changqing come out yet? I’ll talk to him." Xiaojiu suddenly realized that even if she were to fight for a Tier Three Lifespan Extension Pill for Ning Sujin, Grandpa Changqing had to decide.

"Xiaojiu, no need..." Ning Sujin was about to persuade her.

Li Ji’an had already emerged from the secret chamber.

His ash-grey magic robe was spotless, with his hair, streaked with silver, fluttering in the wind, a peaceful expression on his face.

"Grandpa Changqing." Xiaojiu immediately called out sweetly.

"Xiaojiu is here."

"Grandpa Changqing, I have a great piece of news for you." Xiaojiu promptly recounted what she had said before.

Li Ji’an nodded nonchalantly, "I appreciate your good intentions, Xiaojiu. However, I am not adept at attack and defense, nor do I wish to engage in magical combat with Tier Three Demon Beasts. This matter can only be forsaken."

This time, the secret message from Master Chunyuan was very targeted. First, it was limited to core area friends, second, it was about a Tier Three Grassland Earth Dragon Beast, which without special spirit talisman assistance, was impossible to even encounter, let alone capture for ordinary True Core cultivators.

Moreover, Tier Three Spirit Talismans were extremely rare here, and apart from him, a Tier Three Talisman Master, there were none others.

What’s more, the other Core Formation True Men in the Core Dao Field had generally acquired Tier Three Lifespan Extension Pills, since the old Pill Master had presided over Funiu Mountain for hundreds of years.

The remaining possible candidates needing a Tier Three Lifespan Extension Pill, their couple was among the top.

"It’s okay, Grandpa Changqing, you just need to nod, and Xiaojiu will help you get the blood of that Earth Dragon Beast." Xiaojiu patted her chest immediately.

"You?" Li Ji’an raised an eyebrow, smiling at her.

"What? Did Grandpa Changqing underestimate me?" Xiaojiu immediately raised her chin, somewhat disgruntled.

"Though I have not yet formed my core, I still have my master and senior brothers. As long as I want it, they will surely help me."

Li Ji’an burst into laughter, "Hahaha, yes, yes, I forgot that Xiaojiu is indeed the Saintess of Funiu Mountain, an apple of everyone’s eye."

"That’s more like it. So, Grandpa Changqing, do you want that Tier Three Lifespan Extension Pill or not?" Xiaojiu clapped her hands, finally satisfied.

Li Ji’an looked into Xiaojiu’s eyes, unable to sense any anomaly from her expression or aura.

"In that case, I’ll leave it to Xiaojiu." Whether she was working for the old rogue Chunyuan or not, as long as he didn’t leave the Immortal City, it would be fine.

"Rest assured, leave it to me. However, you must give me a Tier Three Spirit Trapping Talisman." Xiaojiu patted her chest, full of spirit.

Li Ji’an smiled slightly and agreed.

Xiaojiu’s initial appearances were not noticed by Li Ji’an, and as she provided some emotional value to Ning Sujin during a time when Ning Yutan passed away of old age and Ning Sujin was feeling down, her occasional visits weren’t stopped.

However, he had always held a degree of caution towards her.

This conduct was very suspicious, providing an opportunity to determine her intentions.

That day, Li Ji’an handed over a Tier Three Spirit Trapping Talisman to Xiaojiu.

Xiaojiu expressed her intention to depart soon.

After watching Xiaojiu leave, Li Ji’an candidly told Ning Sujin about his suspicions regarding Xiaojiu.

Whether she was working for the old rogue Chunyuan or not, whatever the purpose, this relationship needed to end in the future.

Though Ning Sujin was reluctant, she resolutely nodded.

Three days later, Ning Sujin sensed Xiaojiu’s departure from the core area through her Primordial Spirit sensing.

After that, there was no more news.

Until this day, a month later.

The otherwise peaceful core Dao Field of Funiu Mountain was suddenly disturbed by successive outbursts of magical power.

The disciples under Funiu Ascendant successively erupted with magical power, charging out of the Dao Field.

For a time, the entire Immortal City was in a state of panic.

It wasn’t until half an hour later, when the news of Xiaojiu being attacked on the western grasslands spread through the Immortal City, that everyone heaved a sigh of relief, and discussions ensued.