Chapter 28: Only a Foundation for Immortality Can Be Built

Nangong Ruoxi looked at Qin Changsheng, speechless. She found that this guy could sometimes be truly dense.

However, she patiently explained, "I am not lying to you. You really are refining Immortal Qi. Furthermore, your level of Qi refinement has reached an unprecedented height. This is likely the reason why you are able to fight opponents above your level."

"Immortal Qi..."

Qin Changsheng muttered to himself, a flash of confusion in his eyes. He had always assumed he was refining spiritual energy, never once suspecting it was actually Immortal Qi. It sounded absurd. Yet, reflecting on his recent experiences, he felt Nangong Ruoxi’s words held some truth. His effortless slaying of Long Chen, who was at the peak of the Golden Core stage, and his ability to extinguish Chen An’s Soul-Devouring technique with a single glance—these were not feats an ordinary Qi Refinement practitioner could achieve. Moreover, his Longevity Stele was unique, capable of absorbing the life force of heaven and earth to cultivate; this might also be linked to his refining of Immortal Qi.

"Then, how should I proceed to Foundation Establishment?" Qin Changsheng asked, looking at Nangong Ruoxi with anticipation. Since she identified his cultivation as Immortal Qi, perhaps she knew the method.

"You can only build an Immortal Foundation..." Nangong Ruoxi frowned, lost in thought. Building an Immortal Foundation was entirely different from a spiritual one; it required special techniques and materials, and the risks were immense. One slight mistake could result in the total destruction of his body and soul. However, if Qin Changsheng could succeed, his future would be limitless.

"An Immortal Foundation? How is that achieved?"

"Your situation is unprecedented, so I do not know how to help you," she admitted. "But many methods can be considered. For instance, 'Grand Dao Foundation Establishment' involves using a powerful Law to anchor your foundation, a method often used by the monstrous talents of ancient clans. Others use top-tier materials like the hearts of divine beasts or rare natural gems. Some even use divine swords. Ultimately, it depends on you. After all, not everyone has cultivated Immortal Qi while still in the Qi Refinement stage."

Nangong Ruoxi shared what she knew. Qin Changsheng listened with fascination, though his head began to ache. Every method she mentioned seemed as difficult as ascending to heaven. It seemed he would need to plan his approach to the Immortal Foundation carefully.

"Thank you for telling me this. Otherwise, I would have been blindly cultivating with no sense of direction," Qin Changsheng said gratefully.

"No need to thank me. Your growth benefits me as well," Nangong Ruoxi replied. If Qin Changsheng could successfully build an Immortal Foundation, she might be able to leverage his power to open that forbidden land and seize the fortune within. After all, a constitution like the Immortal Pupils was perfect for exploring forbidden zones.

Qin Changsheng, his expression complex, sat on the ground to recover his strength before standing up. "We shouldn't stay here long. Let's go. If that bizarre fellow realizes what happened and turns back, we’ll be finished."

He sheathed his heavy sword and signaled for Nangong Ruoxi to summon her flying sword. He had truly come to enjoy the convenience of flight. As for his path to Foundation Establishment, he hadn't decided yet; perhaps finding a place saturated with Laws to enter a deep slumber might hold some hope.

"Agreed," Nangong Ruoxi nodded. Her flying sword expanded, and Qin Changsheng hopped on, wrapping his arms around her waist as they resumed their journey. They had already escaped the forest, and the constant pursuit by the robed youth had forced them to travel with such speed that they had significantly shortened the distance to Zhou City.

Now, they were only a day’s flight from the city. As a massive cultivation hub, it offered enough resources and opportunities that might finally help him succeed in his Foundation Establishment.

Due to the constant battles, his cultivation had been steadily rising, and Qin Changsheng knew his time for slumber was approaching. Having finally shaken off the dangers, he knew he needed to prepare.

As they flew, neither spoke, each lost in their own thoughts. Nangong Ruoxi pondered how to persuade Qin Changsheng to help her open the forbidden land, while Qin Changsheng considered how to build his foundation and where to sleep for the next century. Even though the Longevity Stele could make him invincible while he slept, finding a secluded place where he wouldn't be disturbed was vital. He didn't want his slumber interrupted.

The little fox was tucked into the basket on his back. Nangong Ruoxi had repeatedly asked to carry it herself, but the fox refused to leave Qin Changsheng’s side. Eventually, she stopped asking. With no sign of the robed youth for an entire day, they both understood he had been frightened off, giving them a moment of peace.

After a day of flight, a vast, boundless city appeared before them. They had finally arrived at Zhou City. Because the city was protected by an anti-flight formation, they were forced to land and enter on foot.

The streets were filled with practitioners, most of whom had high cultivation levels. Golden Core and Nascent Soul experts were as common as hair, and there were even ancient monsters at the Spirit Severing or Saint realms acting as bodyguards.

"Be careful in Zhou City," Nangong Ruoxi warned earnestly. "You never know if some minor figure you offend is the relative of someone powerful who will bring an army to cause you trouble. For people like us without backing, to survive in such a place, we must keep our heads down."

Qin Changsheng nodded. "I understand. Back at the Mountain-Reliance Sect, it was my lack of caution that got me noticed by you, leading to this life of constant flight."

Nangong Ruoxi smiled awkwardly. "That was my own youthful ignorance. Let the past be the past. Now that we are companions who have shared life and death, let us turn the page and look to the future."

She understood that if she hadn't needed a scapegoat, Qin Changsheng would still be quietly cultivating in the herb gardens of the Mountain-Reliance Sect. Everything had changed. After being pursued together, their relationship had shifted from mere mutual utilization to something closer to a genuine, albeit fragile, friendship.