Chapter 141: Chen Lan’s Foundation Establishment

Li Meng scanned the jade palaces and towering structures atop the peak.

I wonder which pavilion Junior Sister Qi Wei is secluded in, he mused.

His gaze settled on a structure to the north. A faint aura radiated from it—the unmistakable signature of a Divine Firmament Talisman.

A Second-Grade [Divine Firmament Spirit Gathering Talisman]. That had to be it.

For the next two hours, Li Meng remained with Xue Ruyu, sipping tea and discussing the Dao. When the time came to leave, he bid her farewell with a warm, lingering smile.

The mist outside the peak stirred as he flew out, riding the wind.

[System Notification: Affection +10] [Sub-profession Experience +50]

A faint smile curved Li Meng’s lips.

Because of her harsh upbringing, Junior Sister Xue trusted no one. She had developed a selfish, mercenary personality where everyone else was merely a tool to be used. Li Meng couldn’t say she was wrong; everyone had their own way of surviving. But such a path was destined to be lonely. She would become a lone wolf.

Li Meng had no intention of changing her nature. He simply wanted her to know one thing: In this world, there is someone who will be unconditionally good to you, without asking for anything in return.

This was the only way to crack her defenses. Xue Ruyu was hypersensitive to emotions. Unconditional kindness would leave an indelible mark on her soul, leading her from suspicion to confusion, and finally, to absolute trust.

True, there was a significant risk of nurturing a yandere who might cause trouble later. But first impressions were paramount. Even if he treated her like a younger sister, Li Meng refused to let her walk the path of immortality alone.

…

Moon Gaze Peak.

Li Meng descended from the sky, his robes fluttering gently as he landed in the courtyard before the pavilion.

The atmosphere was lively today. Yao Ning was rigorously practicing her fist forms, moving between stances with fluid power. Senior Leng lay on a reclining chair, basking in the sun, while Senior Sister Leng sat at the tea table, savoring a cup of tea.

“Senior Brother!” Yao Ning called out, not stopping her movements. “Give me a Second-Grade Superior [Lightning Attraction Talisman]!”

Li Meng chuckled. With a flick of his sleeve, a golden talisman shot into the sky, transforming into a streak of light that pierced the heavens.

Dark clouds instantly rolled in, blotting out the sun.

CRACK!

A thick bolt of purple lightning split the sky, slamming directly into Yao Ning.

Her figure swayed under the impact, but she didn’t fall. Instead, her aura surged, visible waves of fierce energy erupting from her body as she absorbed the strike.

Leng Yixue watched with a smile, a flicker of envy in her eyes. Their tacit understanding is remarkable, she thought. Just a word, and he knows exactly what she needs.

Li Meng walked over and sat beside her.

“Senior Sister,” he said gently. “If you have urgent matters, please attend to them. This Junior Brother will take good care of Senior Leng.”

Leng Yixue glanced at her unconscious master’s wife. She did have pressing matters—a cultivator’s time was precious, and falling behind by a single step could mean losing the race entirely.

“Junior Brother… thank you.” Her face was filled with gratitude. He was truly a considerate man.

Li Meng stroked his beard. “Take Senior Leng back to the medicinal bath. She shouldn’t be away from it for too long.”

Leng Yixue nodded, lifted the unconscious woman with ease, and carried her back into the pavilion.

Li Meng watched her go, his gaze lingering on the elegant curve of her back until she disappeared.

Thunder rumbled overhead. Li Meng squinted, watching Yao Ning’s heroic figure as she battled the lightning. He sipped his tea leisurely, enjoying the view of her spirited training.

Half an hour later, he rose and entered the pavilion. Refining a Third-Grade pill was no small task, and with his current cultivation, it would take time.

Inside the Alchemy Room, Li Meng sat cross-legged on a cushion. He focused his spirit, forming hand seals. Five-colored spiritual light erupted from his body, igniting a raging [True Essence Fire] within the furnace.

Seven thousand-year-old spiritual plants flew from his [Sword Nurturing Gourd] into the flames.

Li Meng exhaled a turbid breath, placed his hands on his knees, and closed his eyes to regulate the fire.

…

Joyous Union Sect. Main Peak.

On a cliffside stone platform halfway up the mountain, a pavilion stood overlooking the clouds. Inside, two figures sat facing each other, their Yin and Yang energies converging in a mutual exchange of Dao insights.

It was Lü Meng and Chen Lan.

A faint spiritual light surrounded them, growing brighter and more intense with each passing second.

Suddenly, a brilliant, two-colored pillar of light erupted from Chen Lan’s body, shooting into the sky.

“Look! Someone has established their Foundation!”

Disciples on the main plaza below looked up in awe at the phenomenon. The light lasted for ten breaths before fading away.

In the pavilion, Chen Lan opened her eyes.

Having successfully reached Foundation Establishment, her beauty had transcended. She radiated an ethereal, otherworldly grace, her skin glowing with the effects of the [Ageless Pill]. Even among the elite Inner Disciples, she was now exceptionally stunning.

She looked at Senior Brother Lü, who was still in meditation.

A moment later, Lü Meng opened his eyes.

“Congratulations, Senior, on your successful Foundation Establishment!”

Chen Lan smiled gracefully, her heart swelling with joy. Foundation Establishment was merely the starting line, but it was a dream every cultivator coveted. Now, the Great Dao was finally within her reach.

She blinked playfully. “Senior Brother, please. You are not far from it yourself.”

Lü Meng smiled bitterly. He had expected to break through first. He hadn’t anticipated his Junior Sister surpassing him.

Looking at her now, more beautiful than ever, his gaze grew fervent.

“Junior Sister,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Let us go to the [Ascension Pavilion] to cultivate.”

The Ascension Pavilion at the summit offered private cultivation chambers built atop a spiritual spring. It was the perfect place for intimate, dual cultivation.

A flicker of shyness passed through Chen Lan’s eyes. She knew exactly what he wanted—a “Harmonious Union.” His Pure Yang energy could help stabilize her new realm.

Before meeting Li Meng, she might not have refused. It was practical. It was expected.

But she was no longer the same person.

Chen Lan’s cheeks flushed slightly. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, a hint of charm flashing in her eyes.

“Senior Brother is just one step away from Foundation Establishment. There is no need to waste your precious Pure Yang on this Junior Sister.”

Lü Meng froze. Surprise and confusion washed over him.

What is wrong with her?

She had succeeded. He was on the brink. He had assumed their union would be the natural next step, a celebration of their progress.

But now, looking at her distant smile, Lü Meng realized he had been thinking too simply.

“Senior Brother,” she said softly, “don’t let your mind wander. This Junior Sister will help you establish your Foundation… but not in that way.”