Tenth-Grade Foundation Establishment Part 1

Just as expected, after that loud sound, the purple flames surrounding Lu Guijiu gradually transformed into the shape of a giant dragon.

The giant dragon circled around Lu Guijiu, roaring from its mouth. As Lu Guijiu absorbed more spiritual energy, the dragon's form grew larger and more immense, almost filling the entire cave in just a moment.

After protecting his body with spiritual energy, Zhang Jingmo discovered that the dragon-shaped flames were extremely domineering, actually beginning to devour the protective spiritual energy on his body at an extremely fast speed.

Zhang Jingmo had never heard of anyone experiencing such an anomaly when forming their foundation. He figured this situation must be related to the "Blood Hell Heaven Scripture".

The dragon shape gradually transformed from flames into a physical entity, leaving Lu Guijiu's body and swimming and galloping in the spacious cave, as if it had gained its own life.

This marvelous scene lasted for about half an incense stick's time. The dragon formed from the flames began to scorch and melt the surrounding rocks, looking as if it would turn this spiritual vein into lava.

Fortunately, after half an incense stick's time, the speed at which Lu Guijiu absorbed spiritual energy slowed down. The swimming dragon also became less active, and its materialized form gradually faded away.

At this time, Zhang Jingmo saw Lu Guijiu slightly open his mouth, emitting a sharp, long howl that shook the heavens, even making Zhang Jingmo's chest feel stuffy.

Now Lu Guijiu finally opened his eyes. His eyes had no focus, but one could see a hazy purple within them. After a moment, that purple became increasingly dense, eventually turning as black as ink.

Then, light returned to Lu Guijiu's eyes as he saw Zhang Jingmo sitting to the side, guarding him.

Zhang Jingmo asked, "How is it?"

Lu Guijiu nodded and said, "Tenth grade."

Hearing these two words, Zhang Jingmo's originally tense mood finally relaxed. He sensed the auras of cultivators approaching nearby, knowing that Lu Guijiu's anomalous foundation establishment had already attracted the attention of others. Zhang Jingmo surveyed the surrounding ravaged spiritual vein and stood up with a smile, "Let's leave here first."

Lu Guijiu nodded and followed Zhang Jingmo in flying out of the cave.

After the two left the cave, they discovered that the pink mist above the Dead Sea had already dispersed. Fortunately, no cultivators had discovered this entrance yet.

However, it was only a matter of time before others found this place. Zhang Jingmo had already utilized this spiritual vein to a sufficient degree. Even if it was abandoned, he didn't feel the slightest heartache.

He cast a concealment technique on himself and Lu Guijiu, and the two headed off into the distance.

The two had only left for a short while when the cultivators from the White Moon Pavilion arrived. They quickly found the location of the black reef, but upon descending to investigate, they discovered that beneath these reef rocks was actually hidden a spiritual vein that had been largely absorbed.

Seeing this scene, all the cultivators revealed expressions of shock and fear. However, although most of this spiritual vein was already gone, it was still very precious and a resource worth fighting over.

It was just unknown why this spiritual vein had been absorbed to such an extent, and which great expert had absorbed it.

After Zhang Jingmo and Lu Guijiu flew for a few days, they randomly found a mountain valley and began consolidating their cultivation. With Zhang Jingmo by his side, Lu Guijiu naturally had no fear. After half a year of closed-door cultivation, he completely solidified his Tenth-grade foundation.

Upon opening his eyes, the first thing Lu Guijiu called out was, "Master."

Zhang Jingmo said, "Very good." Knowing that Lu Guijiu could form a Tenth-grade foundation, he was naturally overjoyed. But beneath that joy was a hint of curiosity. He asked, "What exactly is the appearance of your foundation?"

Actually, everyone's foundation is different. But if the rank is about the same, even if there are differences in the details, the scale should be roughly similar.

Zhang Jingmo's foundation was very ordinary, only about the size of a country. In this cultivation world full of talented individuals, it could only be considered mediocre.

In his first life, Lu Guijiu had publicly claimed his foundation was only sixth-rank. Thinking about it now, Zhang Jingmo completely disbelieved it. He knew better than anyone else how far a sixth-rank foundation could go...

Hearing Zhang Jingmo's question, Lu Guijiu pondered briefly before uttering four words: "Cosmos and Vastness."

Zhang Jingmo sighed, "You truly did not disappoint your master."

Lu Guijiu laughed, "Master has done so much for me, how could I possibly disappoint you again."

Zhang Jingmo smiled faintly at those words.

With the foundation established, next they should return to Lingxu Sect. Zhang Jingmo still had other matters to attend to.

But over eighty years ago, Zhang Jingmo's good friend Yu Fen had already sent him a message, saying that Kuchan Valley had gone crazy looking for him and telling him not to come back.

Before Lu Guijiu's foundation establishment, Zhang Jingmo had also communicated with Yu Fen. Yu Fen said that the outside world was currently spreading rumors that Zhang Jingmo had already died. Not knowing Zhang Jingmo's intentions, he didn't dare deny the rumors. He asked if Zhang Jingmo was still returning and when he would return.

Zhang Jingmo said he would return soon. Yu Fen then told him to be more careful.

No one was clearer than Zhang Jingmo about how persistent and vengeful Tianlu of Kuchan Valley could be. But he still had no choice but to provoke him. Because if Tianlu was allowed to develop naturally, then by the time the demon race invaded, Zhang Jingmo would have to face powerful enemies on two fronts.

Lu Guijiu asked Zhang Jingmo about their next steps.

Zhang Jingmo said, "Naturally, we're going back."

Lu Guijiu didn't know about Tianfeng's death. After eighty years, the world had changed. He said, "Wherever Master goes, I will follow."

Zhang Jingmo nodded and said, "Do you still remember what you promised me a hundred years ago?"

Lu Guijiu was puzzled, "What?"

Zhang Jingmo said, "You promised me that if you successfully established your foundation, you would study formations with Shuying for ten years."

Only then did Lu Guijiu recall the words he had promised Zhang Jingmo. Having already given his word, he couldn't go back on it. But thinking that he had only reunited with Zhang Jingmo for a short while and would have to part again, his heart sank a little.

Zhang Jingmo calmly said, "You're unwilling?"

Lu Guijiu said, "This disciple is willing."

Zhang Jingmo said, "The road ahead will only get more and more difficult. If you learn an additional skill now, it will give you one more life-saving means in the future."

Lu Guijiu knew that Zhang Jingmo was doing this for his own good. His master had already sacrificed too much for him, making it impossible for him to refuse.

So, just like when he was young and learning swordsmanship from Bai Lingxiao, even though he had a thousand reluctances in his heart, Lu Guijiu still agreed.

Zhang Jingmo added, "Your tenth-grade foundation is too shocking. I will help you set up a concealment seal for it. You must also be careful not to expose any flaws." Right now, he was not strong enough to protect Lu Guijiu, which was precisely why Lu Guijiu had to hide his abilities.

Lu Guijiu nodded in agreement.

After some thought, Zhang Jingmo decided to tell Lu Guijiu about Tianfeng's death and the grudge between him and Kuchan Valley. Lu Guijiu would find out about this sooner or later, so it was better for him to know earlier and be more vigilant.

However, Zhang Jingmo did not know that Lu Guijiu had long ago memorized the names of Tianlu, Tianfeng, and Tianwan, and had made up his mind to eliminate their sect once he became stronger.

Now, hearing from Zhang Jingmo that Tianfeng was already dead, a hint of disappointment flashed in Lu Guijiu's eyes.

Zhang Jingmo did not notice these subtle details in Lu Guijiu. He said, "Now the sect is spreading rumors that I am dead. When you return, be careful in all matters."

Lu Guijiu nodded and agreed.

After pondering for a moment, Zhang Jingmo smiled carefreely and said, "The tenth-grade foundation cannot be mentioned, but the ninth-grade can. I want to let them see just how outstanding my disciple truly is." As he spoke, a look of pride appeared on his face.

Seeing this, Lu Guijiu felt a sweetness in his heart, like he had just eaten honey.

With preparations made, Zhang Jingmo communicated with the sect master and Yu Fen, then flew towards the sect together with Lu Guijiu.

The two flew for several dozen days before reaching the territory of Lingxu Sect. When Zhang Jingmo arrived at the mountain gate, he saw the sect master and several elders already waiting at the entrance.

Seeing Zhang Jingmo's return, the sect master was about to smile, but his smile froze on his face. This was because he discovered that Zhang Jingmo's cultivation level had fallen drastically. His face was not only pale, but also very fatigued, clearly not in a good state.

It was no wonder. After consuming the Luo'e Pill, entering the Cold Mirror Wall, and then helping his disciple build a foundation, being able to return alive seemed to already be a kind of heavenly blessing.

The sect master forced a smile and said, "Qingyuan, you've returned."

Unlike the high-spirited demeanor he had when he was with Lu Guijiu before, the Zhang Jingmo standing at the mountain gate now looked exceptionally frail. His face was deathly pale, and he coughed from time to time. Hearing the sect master's words, he gave a bitter smile and said, "Yes, I'm back."

Yu Fen, standing beside the sect master, also showed a look of sympathy on his face.

The sect master also looked at Lu Guijiu's cultivation level and was somewhat surprised. He was not surprised that Lu Guijiu had already built a foundation, but rather that the vast spiritual energy on Lu Guijiu's body was clearly not possible without a ninth-grade Foundation.