Chapter 780: Journey to the Immortal City

Upon hearing that True Monarch Qingxiao was going to take him to the Celestial Essence Immortal City, Li Ji’an’s heart instantly stirred, and a barely noticeable gleam flashed in his downcast eyes.

Ten years ago, while fleeing north from Yuan Province, he had passed by that Immortal City situated in the center of the Ancestral Source State mining district from afar.

Even from a distant glance, the prosperous scene of that Immortal City was deeply etched in his mind.

The city walls were built of millennia-old white jade, towering into the clouds, with the carvings of the City Defense Array runes circulating on the city heads, radiating brilliant lights; within the city, Spiritual Qi was like mist, pavilions stretched endlessly, and cultivators came and went in an endless stream, among them not lacking powerful figures at the Late-stage Golden Core or even the Nascent Soul Stage.

That was indeed one of the premier flourishing Immortal Cities within One Realm.

In terms of Spirit Vein grade, Celestial Essence Immortal City might not compare to the cores of the three Holy Lands or the two ancient clans, but because it was located in the center of the Ancestral Source State mining district, it was the hub for transportation and commerce in the entire region, with countless cultivators and caravans coming and going, making its commercial prosperity far exceed that of ordinary Immortal Cities.

More importantly, it gathered the Celestial and Earthly Treasures from the Dao Source State mining district and even the surrounding states, with a flourishing level of spiritual resources vaguely surpassing those of the affiliated Immortal Cities of the five top-tier forces.

Back then, while passing by, he had the thought of entering to search for resources, but ultimately restrained himself.

Celestial Essence Immortal City’s influence was deeply entrenched and mixed, not only with local major clans and sects stationed there but even the Cangyuan Holy Land supported forces within the city.

At that time, he was still at the Mid-stage Golden Core and bore the accusation of being pursued by the Cangyuan Holy Land; once he entered the city, any slight carelessness could expose his whereabouts, tantamount to delivering himself into a trap.

But today is not like the past.

He had already advanced to the Late-stage Golden Core, and with the support of his cultivation, the Cyan Wood Magic Sword within him could exert about thirty percent of its power;

Coupled with the Primordial Spirit of the Nascent Soul Stage that emerged upon his breakthrough and his Tier Three Late Period body cultivation strength, even when facing an Early Period True Monarch, he wouldn’t be completely powerless to resist, at least more than capable of protecting himself.

More importantly, there had always been an agreement within Ancestral Source State that “Celestial Monarchs do not appear.”

With his current Nascent Soul Stage Primordial Spirit employing the “Deceiving Heaven” Disguise Technique, besides the few True Monarchs at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage within Ancestral Source State, others simply have no means to discern his true identity.

Having calculated this, Li Ji’an finally let go of his concerns, quickly raised his head, bowed, and replied, “Junior thanks True Monarch for the support, willing to follow True Monarch to the Celestial Essence Immortal City.”

His tone was sincere, with genuine gratitude evident in his eyes.

In fact, although the ten years of secluded cultivation had consumed a large amount of Spiritual Materials, the Pill Medicine he inherited from Master Chunyuan, exchanged with his life, was also running low and urgently needed replenishment;

Besides, his Life-saving Talisman was also depleted, urgently requiring high-tier Talisman Materials for support, making Celestial Essence Immortal City undoubtedly the best place for replenishment.

“It’s just that junior has just advanced to the Late-stage Golden Core, with cultivation not yet stabilized, fearing mishaps on the journey that might burden True Monarch.” Li Ji’an shifted the topic, with a cautious tone, “Could True Monarch allow junior to stabilize his cultivation for another half year before departing together?”

True Monarch Qingxiao, upon hearing this, nodded slightly, with a composed expression: “It’s no matter; the path of cultivation emphasizes stability. We shall leave as you suggest, in half a year.”

After speaking, she transformed into a streak of white light and left.

In the following half-year, Li Ji’an calmed down, stabilizing his Late-stage Golden Core cultivation while organizing his own skills.

He extracted the few remaining high-tier Talisman Materials from his Storage Pouch, spending three months to successfully create two Tier Three High-Level Spirit Talismans, one “Nine Heavens True Flame Talisman,” and one “Great Shifting Talisman.”

Looking at the two Spirit Talismans in his hand, Li Ji’an sighed softly, with a trace of regret in his eyes.

The inheritance of the Ancient Talisman Master he accidentally obtained in Cangyun State only reached Tier Three, and now that his Talisman Art had reached the peak of Tier Three, there was no way to advance further.

In the Ancient Times, Tier Four Talisman Art inheritance was already extremely rare, let alone in today’s One Realm where the lineages are fragmented, making it as difficult as ascending to the heavens to find one.

As a result, his future potential for further development and enhancing combat power was only down the path of Puppetry Skill.

Thinking of this, a passionate light rekindled in his eyes.

The True Spirit Puppet is his greatest hope at this moment.

The Ancient Puppet inheritance he had acquired recorded that once a True Spirit Puppet was successfully crafted, it was equivalent to an additional Nascent Soul-level combat power that required no control; the puppet could autonomously protect its master, with formidable combat strength and devoid of any complex thoughts, making it the most reliable support.

However, this was far too distant for him now.

He set a silent goal: first successfully create a Tier Four Quasi-Puppet to solidify his foundation, then plan for the future.

Half a year passed in the blink of an eye.

Li Ji’an’s cultivation was thoroughly stabilized, his aura as condensed as an abyss; he immediately sent a message to True Monarch Qingxiao, informing her that he was ready to depart.

True Monarch Qingxiao, upon receiving the message, did not come immediately but first went to Tianxuan Peak to report the matter face-to-face to her master, True Monarch Xuanji.

Within the Dao Field of Tianxuan Peak, mist lingered; True Monarch Xuanji sat cross-legged on a mat, his face gaunt, though the fatigue between his brows seemed somewhat softened.

Upon hearing that Qingxiao intended to take Li Ji’an to the Celestial Essence Immortal City, he slowly opened his eyes, a trace of gravity flashing in his murky eyes, his tone tinged with some concern: “You intend to take that friend from Chang’an to the Celestial Essence Immortal City?”

“Indeed, Master.” True Monarch Qingxiao bowed and replied frankly, “The sect lacks high-tier spiritual materials for puppet refinement; Celestial Essence Immortal City’s commercial prosperity makes it fitting to take him there to procure such materials, and let him refine another Tier Three High-Level Puppet to enhance the sect’s strength.”