Cultivating Immortality in a World of Chaos

Chapter 127: The Fiftieth Birthday

Six years later.

At Jade Cliff.

“Uncle!”

Wei Yixi entered the Little Cloudrain Array and gazed upon Fang Xi, still appearing as a youthful teenager. For some reason, a blush crept across her face.

“Hmm, how’s your Beast Control Art progressing?”

Fang Xi rose from his seated position, his tone indicating readiness to provide guidance.

Since Hua Chanjuan’s death, Wei Yixi had been unsupervised, freely moving about Western Twin Peak.

However, she preferred solitude, often spending time at Jade Cliff.

Today, Wei Yixi wore a delicately embroidered lotus-colored dress with a smooth jade circlet adorning her forehead, clearly showing effort in her attire.

Upon hearing Fang Xi inquire about her Beast Control Art, she couldn’t help but feel slightly disheartened and gently tapped her spirit beast bag.

The spirit beast bag resembled a fragrant pouch; with a light tap, numerous jade bees emerged, clustering around a queen bee.

“Uncle… look, I’ve already cultivated the queen bee to mid-rank first-tier. Not only that, my cultivation base also broke through last night - now I’m at the sixth level of Qi Refining…”

Wei Yixi proudly showcased her achievement with excitement.

Lu Guo, returning from plowing nearby fields, couldn’t help but feel slightly disheartened at this sight. Only a few years older than Wei Yixi, both possessed mid-grade spiritual roots. Yet now, this young girl had caught up to his cultivation level.

Due to a damaged foundation and facing the significant bottleneck between Middle and Late Qi Refinement stages, he hadn’t achieved a breakthrough for several years.

“Very impressive…” Fang Xi whistled, summoning a swarm of vivid green insects that revealed their leader: a high-rank first-tier Blue Flower Golden Beetle Insect King!

Upon seeing the White Jade Queen Bee, the Insect King immediately responded aggressively. The swarm of azure jade beetles formed a menacing ghostly face pattern, emitting a subtle threat.

“Uncle…your control over the insect swarm is remarkably precise. Have you fully contracted each individual bug?” Wei Yixi’s eyes lit up, recalling similar techniques from her Beast Control studies.

“No, it’s just a minor application of spiritual sense. Today, I’ll teach you how…” With a smile, Fang Xi guided Wei Yixi through the intricacies of Beast Control before they returned together to the courtyard under the peach tree.

Swish!

In the pond, the Great Azure Fish spat out a bubble containing a plump Turquoise Carp.

“Since you’re here today, Uncle will prepare sour cabbage fish for us.”

Fang Xi took out a small knife resembling ice jade, skillfully slicing the Turquoise Carp into thin pieces. Combined with the tangy cabbage broth, it exuded a tantalizing aroma.

After enjoying the fish, they had fresh spirit peaches to savor as well.

“Mmm… Uncle’s cooking is always so delicious…”

As Wei Yixi praised him, she stealthily reached for the jade pot on the table, only to be gently stopped by Fang Xi tapping her hand with his chopsticks: “Uncle… I really want to taste your homemade wine again! Yixi isn’t a child anymore.”

“Chuckles…”

Fang Xi merely savored his ten-year-aged Peach Blossom Wine without pouring any for Wei Yixi. She was quite the tippler; once she started drinking happily, his precious cellar collection would be at risk…

Moreover, her behavior while intoxicated wasn’t exactly commendable, often leading to wild antics…

Amidst their laughter and banter, Widow Wang, now appearing as an elderly woman, entered the courtyard. “Master, Miss…”

“Widow Aunt!” Wei Yixi politely nodded.

“Go ahead and tell us what’s on your mind…” Fang Xi held his wine cup, sensing that after seven peaceful years since the Silver-armored Demon incident, this tranquil life was about to be disrupted once again.

“The Alliance has issued another call for contributions,” Widow Wang began. “They require manpower and resources from all thirty-six islands, along with recruiting numerous rogue cultivators…”

She continued, “Little Hu reported back saying that representatives from Moraxi Island’s Mo Clan have already come here to plead their case with the Island Lord…”

Seven years ago, Ruan Xingling personally brought the body of the Kou Clan leader to the Alliance of Thirty-Six Islands to file a complaint.

The final outcome merely resulted in disciplining a few law enforcement cultivators, followed by distributing the bounty rewards for capturing the ‘Silver-armored Demon’ as compensation.

In recent years, tensions between the Alliance of Thirty-Six Islands and the Zhong Family had become increasingly apparent, with the threat of open conflict looming at any moment.

As for Black Sand Island’s Mo Clan?

Under the leadership of Peach Blossom Island’s Mo Qinghe, they rebuilt their main family and rallied various branch clans to return, successfully reestablishing the Mo Clan, albeit weakened significantly. Over time, they gradually became vassals of Peach Blossom Island.

With the addition of the closely allied Feng Clan, Peach Blossom Island now stood as a formidable faction within the Alliance of Thirty-Six Islands.

Unfortunately… with numerous responsibilities occupying her mind, Ruan Xingling’s cultivation base struggled to make any breakthroughs.

This situation likely suited various interests, resulting in a period of tranquility for Peach Blossom Island.

But now, things have changed significantly!

“Since we’re residing on Peach Blossom Island, we should at least contribute some resources, even if not our personal presence…” Fang Xi pondered for a moment before turning to Wei Yixi and saying, “You don’t need to contribute anything from your side; I’ll personally support the Island Lord with some assistance, and that should suffice…”

“You’re always so thoughtful, Uncle…” Wei Yixi smiled sweetly. “By the way, Uncle is about to celebrate his fiftieth birthday soon! What gift would you like? Let me prepare something special…”

Cultivators generally do not place much importance on birthdays, but reaching fifty years holds significant meaning. Especially as Fang Xi, now recognized as the second strongest cultivator on the island and a Late Stage Qi Refinement practitioner, those who once secretly envied or belittled him were eager to curry favor. With this milestone, he might even receive a substantial amount of spirit stones under the guise of celebrating his birthday!

“Can’t believe I’m already turning fifty…” Fang Xi gently touched his smooth, youthful-looking face - even making Wei Yixi envious - and suddenly chuckled, “It’s not a particularly special occasion, no need for grand celebrations or inviting many guests. When the time comes, I’ll open a few twenty-year-aged ‘Peach Blossom Wine’ jars and invite just a handful of close friends for a toast…”

---

Several months later.

Within the underground stone cave, Fang Xi opened his eyes, revealing twin beams of fluctuating azure light about an inch long.

“After twenty-seven years of nurturing trees, my physical body has reached fifty… Finally, Peak Qi Refining!”

The tenth layer of Qi Refinement was a distinctive milestone, marking the great circle of Qi Refining completion! From here on, it became possible to attempt Foundation Establishment!

Fang Xi sensed that his Everlasting Spring Art’s magical energy could no longer advance further, having reached a limit within the Qi Refinement stage. To break through again, he would need to fully activate his technique and challenge the Foundation Establishment bottleneck!

With his flawless fleshly body, abundant blood qi, and divine sense extending over thirty meters, even without consuming any Foundation Establishment spirit objects or pills, he estimated a chance of success between thirty to forty percent!

Such odds were beyond what many rogue cultivators could ever hope for.

Unfortunately, the dire consequences of failing Foundation Establishment—either death or severe injury—compelled Fang Xi to resist such impulsiveness.

“Foundation Establishment Pill! Once the Secondary Wood magical body is achieved, I must prioritize obtaining the Foundation Establishment Pill!”

Through introspection, Fang Xi observed that the silver runes forming the Secondary Wood magical body were already more than halfway completed; likely within another decade or so, it would be accomplished!

“Today marks a momentous occasion, deserving celebration!”

A hint of joy graced his lips as he emerged from the cultivation room.

Soon, Widow Wang, Wang Xiaohu, Hai Dagui, Lu Guo, and others arrived respectfully to offer their greetings: “Congratulations on your fiftieth birthday, Master! With Foundation Establishment within reach, may your path towards immortality flourish!”

“Ha ha, here are some rewards!” Fang Xi cheerfully handed out spirit stone red packets to each person.

“Giggles, Uncle, I’ve specially come to celebrate your fiftieth birthday!” At that moment, Wei Yixi arrived with a broad smile, carrying a large red gift box.

Fang Xi accepted it and opened to reveal a vibrant green mage robe, shimmering with radiant hues and embroidered with intricate bamboo patterns. As he unfolded it, a potent spiritual glow emanated from the garment.

Yixi grinned, “Uncle, these high-grade ‘Cyan Bamboo Magic Robes’ were carefully chosen just for you. They feature permanent enchantments for Dust Repellent, Protection, and Gathering Spirit formations, even providing autonomous self-defense in times of danger!”

“A high-grade mage robe costs around two hundred spirit stones at the market; Yixi, you truly thoughtfulness shines through.” Fang Xi, quite touched, gratefully accepted the robe.

Since receiving his guidance in Beast Control techniques, Wei Yixi had significantly improved her skills in managing jade bees. Additionally, with her private spiritual land, she no longer needed to purchase medicinal pills or rent an immortal’s cave… Over time, this frugal approach made her quite affluent.

“Quickly, Uncle, put them on!” Wei Yixi urged with a smile.

“All right!”

Seeing Widow Wang and others also urging him, Fang Xi entered the inner room, changed into the cyan bamboo mage robe, and emerged.

The crowd beheld a graceful youth, with sharp features and luminous eyes, exuding an ethereal aura that complemented his new attire perfectly. They couldn’t help but burst out in applause.

“Master, those clothes truly suit you; Miss Yixi has excellent taste,” Widow Wang said with a beaming smile.

“Yes… Yixi is indeed gifted and resourceful. The one who marries her someday will be truly fortunate,” Fang Xi chuckled heartily.

“On this joyous occasion, Uncle will make an exception and let you have an extra cup of twenty-year-aged peach blossom wine…”

“Really?” Wei Yixi’s eyes lit up brightly, but before she could respond further, a female voice echoed from outside:

“Ruan Dan from Mirror Moon Lake, on behalf of my master, offers heartfelt congratulations to Uncle Fang for boundless longevity and presents a special gift!”

“It’s actually her?!” Fang Xi was slightly taken aback, waving his hand to dispel the formation. A one-armed female cultivator gracefully approached—it was Ruan Dan!

Dressed in a long black robe, her expression cold, the right sleeve hung empty, fluttering in the wind. Surprisingly, her cultivation base had remarkably advanced to the seventh layer of Qi Refinement!

“Greetings, Daoist Friend Ruan! Congratulations on your breakthrough!” Fang Xi welcomed her warmly with a smile. Since losing her arm, Ruan Dan’s demeanor had become noticeably cooler and more reserved, less irritating than before.

It seemed that the previous assassination attempt, coupled with the recent setback caused by the Kou Clan leader severing her Dao path, had finally spurred Ruan Dan’s growth.

However, the price she paid was indeed steep!

On the other hand, seeing Ruan Dan break through after years of recovery ignited a renewed determination in Lu Guo’s eyes.

Despite having similar foundational damage, if Ruan Dan could overcome the bottleneck between Middle and Late Qi Refinement stages, why couldn’t he?

“Congratulations, Uncle Fang! Here is a gift from my master as a token of celebration!” Ruan Dan bowed respectfully and presented a long rectangular box.

Upon opening it, a sharp aura immediately wafted out. Inside lay a tranquil azure-colored longsword, resembling a slender blade of grain, its elongated shape somewhat familiar to Fang Xi. “This is…”

“It is the ‘Qinghe Sword’, re-crafted by my master and now elevated to high-grade quality!” Ruan Dan answered with reverence.

Since losing her arm, she had become much more reserved, even upon reaching the seventh layer of Qi Refinement, lacking her former arrogance.

“That’s the legendary Qinghe Sword, which made waves on Peach Blossom Island back then?” Wei Yixi’s eyes widened, as if gazing upon a myth come alive.

The legend surrounding this sword held deep connections to her own family, stirring complex emotions within her heart.

“Such thoughtful consideration from the Island Lord…”

Fang Xi visibly needed a high-grade magical artifact at this stage. Picking up the Qinghe Sword, he gently flicked it, eliciting a resonant sound akin to a dragon’s roar!

Given the significance of this moment, Ruan Xingling’s decision to reforge this sword held deep meaning.